He lost the ball 17x: Ange got it wrong by giving Spurs star 90 minutes

Tottenham Hotspur failed to bounce back to winning ways on Sunday as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Fulham at home in the Premier League.

Spurs were looking to get all three points after they were pegged back in the 91st minute to draw 2-2 with Roma in the Europa League on Sunday night.

Ange Postecoglou’s team have only won three of their last seven games in all competitions, with two of those coming against Manchester City.

Despite the disappointing draw with the Cottagers, there were still some players who put in strong performances for the Lilywhites in North London this weekend.

Tottenham's top performers against Fulham

Between the sticks, Fraser Forster continued to deputise for the injured Guglielmo Vicario and ended the match with five saves and 0.47 xG prevented, which shows that he helped to keep the team in the game at times.

Centre-back Radu Dragusin also provided a strong presence at the heart of the defence for Spurs, as he won ten of his 13 duels and was not dribbled past a single time.

The two wingers, Brennan Johnson and Timo Werner, combined for the goal that put Tottenham ahead in the match, with Werner crossing for the Wales international to find the back of the net, and they both took their chance to impress out wide.

However, there is no getting away from it being two points dropped for Spurs, who had several players who underperformed on the pitch against the Cottagers.

Performance in Numbers

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One of those players was right-back Pedro Porro. The Spanish defender struggled badly and Postecoglou got it all wrong with the former Sporting star.

Postecoglou got it all wrong with Pedro Porro

The impressive full-back, who had assisted two goals and scored one in his previous four matches coming into the game against Fulham, was nowhere near his best.

Porro appeared to be struggling with a knock throughout the clash and it seemingly affected his performance, as the 25-year-old ace was consistently beaten far too easily by opposition players.

In fact, he lost a whopping six of his first seven duels and ended the match with six duels lost out of ten, a success rate of just 40% against the Cottagers.

Vs Fulham

Pedro Porro

Minutes

90

Duels won

4/10

Tackles won

2

Dribbled past

5

Possession lost

17x

Clearances

3

Tackles

2

Key passes

1

Crosses

1/4

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Porro was, astonishingly, dribbled past five times and only made two tackles, which illustrates just how easy it was for Fulham’s players to get past him.

He has only been dribbled past 1.2 times per game on average in the Premier League this season, and this shows that something was not right in the clash on Sunday for the Spain international.

Therefore, Postecoglou got it all wrong by keeping him on the pitch for the full 90 minutes, despite having Djed Spence on the bench as an option.

The manager allowed Porro, despite appearing to be carrying an injury issue, to continually get taken out of the game by opposition forwards, and it may be a decision that the Australian looks back on with regret when he reflects on the game.

Perhaps Spence should have been brought on both to rest the Spaniard and to provide the team with fresh energy and enthusiasm, as the ex-Manchester City man’s performance was not helping the side.

Ange must finally sell £20m Spurs flop who Conte didn't want to sign

Spurs could look to sell him in January

1

By
Joe Nuttall

Nov 30, 2024

Imagine him & Cunha: Wolves can land perfect Mourinho signing in £16m star

The pressure is rising for Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Gary O’Neil. The bad results continued into this week for the Old Gold, after West Ham United got a crucial 2-0 win over their relegation rivals. That leaves the Midlands club in 19th place in the Premier League with nine points to their name.

The Old Gold are rumoured to be targeting Jose Mourinho as an ambitious £5m replacement according to reports. Well, the legendary manager is good but not a magician and would need his entire squad to pull together as they look to keep the club afloat in the Premier League.

Matheus Cunha would no doubt be a crucial player under Mourinho, as he looks to continue his fine form this season.

Cunha’s stats in 2024/25

Despite the Old Gold being the second-worst side in the Premier League, according to the table, Cunha is actually having a phenomenal season. He has played all 15 games for the club in the top flight so far, scoring seven goals and grabbing three assists.

Cunha

Impressively, the Brazilian forward has scored or assisted multiple goals in a single game twice this season. Unsurprisingly, they have both been matchwinning contributions, against Southampton and Fulham.

Against the Cottagers, he scored twice and grabbed an assist to help his side win 4-1 away from home.

He is actually on track to exceed his goals and assists total from the 2023/24 campaign, where he was impressive, too. The Brazilian forward scored 12 goals and had seven assists in 32 games last term, an average of 0.59 goal involvements per game. At his current rate of 0.66 goals and assists per game, he will beat that.

Not only does Cunha look Wolves’ best player by watching him, as games such as the 4-1 win over Fulham show, but he leads the way in many different stats this season, as per Sofascore. That includes the most big chances created with nine and the most combined goals and assists with ten.

Cunha stat ranking for Wolves in 2024/25 PL

Stat

Number

Rank

Goals

7

1

Assists

3

=1

Goals and assists

10

1

Big chances created

9

1

Key passes per game

1.9

1

Dribbles completed per game

1.8

=1

Stats from Sofascore

It is fantastic that Wolves have such a deadly player in attack, but they do not have many players who can profit from his creativity, aside from the in-form Jorgen Strand Larsen, who has six top-flight goals.

To give themselves the best chance of survival, the Old Gold have been linked with someone who could also form a great partnership with Cunha, potentially under Mourinho.

Wolves' search for a striker

The player in question here is Cunha’s fellow Brazil international Igor Jesus. According to a report from Brazilian news outlet UOL last week, Wolves are interested in signing the £16m striker in the January transfer window. However, they will face competition from Everton for his signature.

Jesus currently plies his trade in his homeland for Botafogo, after leaving UAE outfit Shabab Al-Ahli earlier in 2024. He has impressed so far for Fogo, scoring eight goals and grabbing five assists in 31 games for the club.

The 23-year-old scored on his debut for his national team, for whom he has featured in the same squad as Wolves midfielder Andre but not Cunha. The goal will certainly pique the interest of the Molineux faithful, making a late run across goal to meet a cross and direct it home with his head.

This signing could be the perfect one to link up with Cunha. Jesus could be the man to convert all the chances his compatriot creates. To have three assists despite having created nine big chances is not a good reflection of Wolves’ attackers.

However, bringing in a clinical machine like Jesus could be the player Cunha needs to put away his chances, and they could develop a formidable partnership together. This could certainly go a long way to pulling Wolves out of the relegation zone, particularly should that man Mourinho take charge in the near future.

The Portuguese coach enjoyed notable Premier League success in the past when deploying his own Brazilian marksman, with Diego Costa – who was also briefly on the books at Molineux – having scored 25 goals in just 57 games under the serial winner at Chelsea.

Signing Jesus, then, makes a lot of sense for Wolves. They would be showing intent by backing rumoured new manager Mourinho early, whilst £16m doesn’t blow all the budget and leaves some for other investments.

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However, the Old Gold board would be signing the striker they, and Cunha, need, to help survive relegation from the Premier League.

Wolves must now sell £90k-p/w flop who Shi was “delighted” to sign

Wolverhampton Wanderers could be due a clear out this January.

1

By
Kelan Sarson

Dec 12, 2024

'Comeback kids!' – Jude Bellingham fires message after playing key role in Real Madrid turnaround against Leganes alongside Kylian Mbappe

Jude Bellingham declared Real Madrid the "comeback kids" after they came from behind to beat Leganes 3-2 in La Liga.

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  • Real came from behind to beat Leganes 3-2
  • Bellingham scored the equaliser
  • England star sends message on Instagram
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Carlo Ancelotti's side had led 1-0 through Kylian Mbappe before trailing 2-1 at the break. Bellingham's equaliser was followed by an Mbappe winner and the England star was in bullish mood on Instagram after the game.

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  • WHAT BELLINGHAM SAID

    Bellingham wrote on Instagram: "The comeback kids. #Hala Madrid"

  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    A defeat would have been hugely damaging in Real's bid to retain their La Liga title, with Barcelona already clear at the top of the table. The gap between the two rivals is now three points, with the sides set to meet in a potentially pivotal fixture in May.

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    WHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID?

    Real's tilt at a treble is still alive ahead of this week's Copa del Rey semi-final second leg against Real Sociedad, which they already lead 1-0 on aggregate. They then host Valencia in La Liga, before a trip to the Emirates in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final against Arsenal.

Premier League Primer: Bukayo Saka back for Arsenal, City's Pep Guardiola faces fight in Manchester Derby, Marcus Rashford proves doubters wrong with Aston Villa

GOAL US looks at Saka's return, fireworks in the Manchester Derby and Rashford's renaissance at Aston Villa

The Premier League season is sorted at the top and bottom. But all of the bits in between are intriguing. The fact that there are five Champions League spots up for grabs this year – combined with struggles from some of the usual top tier sides – has made the middle of the pack more interesting than ever.

Suddenly, teams that would be so far removed from the European conversation are in with a shout. Meanwhile, Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham find themselves well off where they might expect to be. Piece it all together, and this isn't necessarily the slump to the end of the season that the table might suggest.

This weekend will, no doubt, revolve around the Manchester Derby. Ruben Amorim has failed spectacularly for Manchester United, but won his first iteration of this fabled fixture a few months back. His eyes will undoubtedly be on his side's Europa League clash next Thursday. Still, this is always a big game.

Meanwhile, it's an important weekend for a couple of players. Bukayo Saka is returning back to fitness, and made an immediate impact in his first appearance since undergoing hamstring surgery. Marcus Rashford, too, has been in the headlines. After two poor years at United, he has recaptured some of his old magic at Aston Villa – and could be crucial if they are to get a Champions League push-boosting win against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

GOAL US looks at all of those plot points and more in Premier League Primer, a weekly rundown of what to watch from an American perspective in England's top flight.

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    Superstar Saka back in the fold

    Bukayo Saka didn't need long. There were fears around Christmas that the Arsenal star could be out for the year. Repeated hamstring injuries had caught up with him. Surgery was needed. But he went through his rehab quickly, and showed, in six minutes and 36 seconds, how valuable he is.

    Named to the matchday squad for the first time in three months, the winger finished off a lovely flowing move with a back-post header – and swiftly ran to celebrate with the Gunners' fitness coach.

    There are some in North London that might argue that a fit Saka could have Arsenal at the top of the Premier League right now. Regardless of how accurate that is, the Englishman is back now, and at the right time.

    The title is gone, but with a massive Champions League clash against Real Madrid lined up next Wednesday, he will need to be fit and firing. That all starts with a big game against Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday at 7:30 a.m. ET.

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    Pep Guardiola faces fight for Champions League football

    Zoom out, take a deep breath, remove the speculation, ignore the hearsay, and think about football and you might realize that it's fairly improbable that Man City won't be playing in the Champions League next year. There are a few reasons for this.

    The first is the mathematics of it all. Five Premier League teams will make it to the competition next year. Man City are in fourth. The second reason is that they have the big-game experience to navigate the last eight fixtures and make sure there are no slip ups. The third, and most important one, is the man in the dugout.

    But Guardiola does find himself in a unique situation here. Usually, at this time of the campaign, City are battling for the title, steamrolling the league and pipping whichever plucky challenger decides they will push them until the end of the season for the honor they should really always win.

    Instead, City are in a scrap for a Champions League spot. And that's what makes Sunday's Manchester derby so intriguing. On paper – even without the injured Erling Haaland, City should walk it. Man United are very bad. Man City aren't , but they are at least good.

    However, United won the first iteration of this fixture just a few months back. Ruben Amorim has shown that he can piece together a tactical plan for a big game. It's not the ideal matchup when everything is "must win." Old Trafford will be rocking on Sunday at 11:30 a.m. ET.

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    Marcus Rashford's loan renaissance

    Is Marcus Rashford good at football? In abstract, the answer is a resounding "yes." He scored 30 goals in the 2022-23 season. He has always shown up for England. As much as Man United are easy to criticize these days, it is difficult to stumble into a side of their caliber.

    But the Red Devils have done a resoundingly good job of making him look average over the last 18 months. A loan move to Aston Villa made sense for all parties.

    What United perhaps weren't counting on, though, was Rashford rediscovering some of his best football. The Englishman has improved game-by-game for the Birmingham-based club, and scored his first Premier League goal since signing for Villa, bagging the first in a 3-0 win over Brighton on Wednesday.

    He will need to show more of that for his new club, especially this weekend. Aston Villa face a massive clash against high-flying Nottingham Forest Saturday at 12:30 p.m. ET. A win could catapult them back into the Champions League picture for next season.

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    American ties

    It has been a pretty miserable week for Antonee Robinson and Fulham, who were thoroughly beaten by Cyrstal Palace in the FA Cup quarterfinals last weekend, before losing 2-1 at the Emirates on Tuesday. Things don't get easier, though, as they take on champions-elect Liverpool at Craven Cottage at 9 a.m. ET on Sunday.

    Palace's Chris Richards seems set for a less daunting fixture Saturday at 10 a.m. ET when they take on Brighton. Win, and they could dampen the Champions League hopes of one of their biggest rivals.

"Keep an eye" on Arsenal signing £60m Premier League forward in January

Arsenal are in contention for the signing of a Premier League forward when the transfer window reopens next month, with manager Mikel Arteta and the Gunners recruitment team prepared for the possibility of new January additions.

Mikel Arteta hints at potential January signings for Arsenal

Speaking in his latest pre-match press conference, Arteta hinted at the distinct possibility that Arsenal could bring in fresh faces for the second half of 2024/2025.

Arsenal in "positive" talks with £46m Barcelona forward's reps ahead of January

The Gunners are in dire need of a new attacking option.

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By
Emilio Galantini

Dec 24, 2024

Injuries to Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling, who are expected to be out for several weeks, have prompted reports that Arsenal are looking at signing a “versatile” wide player who can bolster their attacking options and help Arteta keep chase with Liverpool at the top of the Premier League table.

They’ve also been repeatedly linked with a new number nine in the last few weeks, with Arteta refusing to rule out the notion of Arsenal spending money in the winter.

Arsenal’s next five Premier League games

Date

Ipswich Town (home)

December 27

Brentford (away)

January 1

Brighton (away)

January 4

Tottenham (home)

January 15

Aston Villa (home)

January 18

“Yes, the preparation is done. We are ready if something happens,” said Arteta on Arsenal’s potential January activity.

“Obviously we didn’t predict the situation with Bukayo and Raheem at the same time. We predicted more if something has happened, for example, in the defensive line. But the job is done. Then, okay, if something has to happen we will be open. But the main focus is now how we should strive to distil the potential that there is in this squad.”

In terms of which players could become available for Arteta and interim director Jason Ayto, Brighton striker Evan Ferguson is reportedly up for grabs on loan.

The Republic of Ireland international, who is valued at around £60 million by Fabian Hurzeler’s side if clubs wish to strike a permanent deal, is struggling for consistent starting opportunities ahead of Joao Pedro and Danny Welbeck right now.

Brighton & Hove Albion'sEvanFergusonlooks dejected after Wolverhampton Wanderers' Matheus Cunha scores their second goal.

Brighton are prepared to sanction a temporary exit for Ferguson in January as a result, and it is believed Arsenal could take advantage of this opportunity.

Arsenal could look to sign Evan Ferguson on loan in January

Speaking to GiveMeSport, reliable journalist Ben Jacobs has told supporters to “keep an eye” on Arsenal signing Ferguson on loan from Brighton, suggesting it is a very real possibility when asked about their transfer plans.

“I would keep an eye on Evan Ferguson,” said Jacobs.

“A player that, when he was playing regularly for Brighton sort of 18 months or so ago, was very much on Arsenal’s radar.

“But of course, at that point, everyone was speaking like he would have a £80million to £100million price tag. Now I think suitors are waiting to see whether Brighton are prepared to loan or sell Evan Ferguson. I think a loan is probably more likely than a permanent sale.”

Interestingly, Arsenal legend Ian Wright has previously heaped praise on Ferguson for his fearlessness, composure and intelligence at such a young age.

The next Ancelotti: TFG could axe Dyche for serial title winner at Everton

Everton have become far more difficult to beat in recent months, with Sean Dyche’s steely tactics returning to right the wrongs of a dismal start to the campaign.

Nottingham Forest dunked on the Toffees at Goodison Park to condemn Dyche to a losing finish to 2024 but given that Everton are 16th in the Premier League and had previously enjoyed a four-game unbeaten streak, there’s reason to be optimistic.

Everton squad vs Southampton

Especially now that the Friedkin Group are settled into the big seat on Merseyside. There’s plenty to sort out, and while the new American owners feel that Dyche has done a competent job in the circumstances, he’s out of contract in a matter of months and may be shown the door.

Everton could ditch Sean Dyche

According to TEAMtalk earlier this week, Dyche’s tenure at Goodison Park is not under immediate threat but TFG are considering his long-term position at the club. In large part, this is due to the 53-year-old indeed being out of contract at the end of the campaign.

However, a four-man shortlist has been compiled, with one name in particular standing out: Massimiliano Allegri. The former Juventus and AC Milan manager would be a coup, having claimed six Serie A titles across an illustrious managerial career.

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Whether TFG could convince him is another matter, but they also own AS Roma and may use their Italian contacts to complete what would be an exciting and fresh move for a club seeking more.

Why Massimiliano Allegri could be perfect for Everton

Allegri is a manager who champions structural integrity and perfect tactical understanding from his players.

Principally fielding a 3-5-2 formation, he has been labelled a “defence first” type of coach by analyst Ben Mattison, which could actually be perfect for an Everton side looking to shift seamlessly from life under Dyche’s wing.

Of course, Allegri isn’t averse to slick and purposeful attacking play, with his direct approach meaning that transitions can be forked through to the danger area with rapidity.

Allegri also doesn’t uphold ball-retaining values, another reason why Everton could thrive with him at the helm, for the Blues have kept just 40.1% of the ball across the current Premier League season, ranking them 19th in the division.

Frosinone chairman Guido Angelozzi once described Allegri as a “mastermind” with his sharp tactical mind keeping two of Italy’s juggernauts at the apex of their game for an extended period.

Given his Italian roots and success in the country, Allegri could even become Everton’s next version of Carlo Ancelotti, with his track record in his homeland speaking for itself: this is a man who can propel an ambitious Toffees team back into the limelight.

Massimiliano Allegri – Managerial Career (top flight)

Club

Matches

PPM

Juventus (x2)

149

1.84

Juventus

271

2.27

AC Milan

178

1.81

Cagliari

74

1.30

Stats via Transfermarkt

Don Carlo was understandably convinced to leave Merseyside for Real Madrid in 2021, and Everton have sort of been in limbo throughout the intervening span, unable to establish themselves away from the Premier League’s dark pit despite the recent efforts of Dyche.

Perhaps returning down that track could yield better results at the dawn of a new era on Merseyside. Only time will tell, but TFG must make sure that they opt for the correct move after years of dysfunction and instability.

Everton's most expensive sales of all time

The Toffees have received some huge fees over the years.

By
Charlie Smith

Oct 3, 2025

Newcastle and Chelsea's €100m battle! Premier League duo eye Benfica striker Vangelis Pavlidis but face fight with Barcelona and Atletico Madrid this summer

Newcastle and Chelsea are both reportedly interested in signing Benfica striker Vangelis Pavlidis, who has a €100m release clause.

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  • Pavlidis eyed by both Premier League clubs
  • Barcelona and Atletico Madrid also hovering
  • Has scored 14 league goals for Benfica this season
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Per Record, Chelsea and Newcastle are leading the queue to potentially sign Pavlidis this summer. The former believe he could provide competition to Nicolas Jackson, while the Magpies are reported to be interested in case Alexander Isak leaves.

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    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    A Greece international, the Benfica striker has scored 24 goals in 46 games in all competitions and has also provided 10 assists. He has a contract until 2029, having only arrived from AZ Alkmaar in a €20m (£17m) deal in the summer, and Record states the Portuguese giants are set to hold out for his release clause.

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    The report adds that the interested clubs are unlikely to trigger the clause and would prefer to negotiate. It is unclear if Benfica would be willing to countenance that discussion, however.

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    WHAT NEXT?

    Pavlidis will next be in action when Benfica play Tirsense in their Taca de Portugal semi-final first leg tie on Wednesday.

Howe could unleash Newcastle’s answer to Kulusevski in "electric" talent

Newcastle United have been exceptional in recent weeks, tearing through their opponents to restore their reputation as challengers for Champions League qualification.

The grand plan on Tyneside is to bestride Europe with an iron fist, but Eddie Howe will ensure that the process is broken down into bite-sized chunks, with Saturday’s trip to Tottenham Hotspur the sole focus.

Spurs have been in poor form recently and are missing a host of key personnel due to injuries, but Newcastle aren’t free from fitness problems themselves.

Newcastle team news

Newcastle have been dealt a blow at the back, with Fabian Schar suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season in the victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford.

However, Sven Botman could make the matchday squad for the first time since March 2024 after recovering from an ACL injury, though it is highly unlikely that Howe would play him from the outset.

Emil Krafth, Jamal Lascelles, Callum Wilson and Nick Pope all remain long-term absentees, though Kieran Trippier is fit to take on the Lilywhites.

Howe won’t want to disrupt a winning formula, but he will need to be wary of the threat of Dejan Kulusevski, Spurs’ best player this season, and might find the answer to his troubles in Joe Willock.

Willock could be Newcastle's answer to Kulusevski

In Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton, Newcastle have a midfield trio of balance and dynamism, capable of hitting great heights, controlling matches and keeping hungry opposing forwards at bay.

Eddie Howe and Bruno Guimaraes celebrate

But Willock, hailed for his “electric” properties by Toon writer Thomas Hammond, offers another degree, something indefinable in a way, for he is smart and sharp and adept at linking play together and progressing the ball.

It’s also worth noting that Newcastle are approaching a critical juncture in their campaign, with a defining stretch of January fixtures lying ahead.

Newcastle Fixtures – January 2025 (all comps)

Date

Competition

Opponent

01/04/24

Premier League

Tottenham (A)

07/01/24

Carabao Cup

Arsenal (A)

12/01/24

FA Cup

Bromley (H)

15/01/24

Premier League

Wolves (H)

18/01/24

Premier League

Bournemouth (H)

25/01/24

Premier League

Southampton (A)

Stats via BBC Sport

As per FBref, Willock ranks among the top 12% of midfielders in the Premier League this season for progressive carries, the top 14% for touches in the attacking penalty area and the top 14% for blocks per 90.

This ball-carrying style has seen FBref record Kulusevski as a similar player to the £80k-per-week star among those in the Premier League, given that the Sweden midfielder has been described as “world-class” by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

The English dynamo’s Newcastle career has been disrupted in recent years, only starting nine matches during the 2023/24 Premier League season, but he’s made progress this year and indeed could work in fluidity with the likes of Joelinton to overwhelm the Tottenham midfield, not exactly on its a-game right now.

Howe has praised Willock’s “infectious” energy, and that is indeed what Newcastle need right now to secure a brilliant victory. Kulusevski might be able to damage the Magpies, but with Willock adding the electricity alongside the bull-like presence of Joelinton and the elegance of Guimaraes, it might be a winning formula.

Perhaps that would mean that Tonali would need to sit on the bench for this one, but the Italian’s controlled quality would make for the perfect addition after the break.

Kulusevski is bound to be a danger for the hosts, but Newcastle could unleash their own bouncing and energetic version in Willock, who, to be sure, could provide Ange Postecoglou with a taste of his own medicine and condemn Tottenham to further misery.

He's like Haaland: Newcastle chasing £52m striker who could eclipse Isak

Newcastle are looking to strengthen their frontline in 2025.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jan 2, 2025

'They have twisted feet!' – Mason Greenwood & Co urged to 'give back salaries' at Marseille after Monaco hammering as Roberto De Zerbi is warned he may have lost dressing room

Mason Greenwood and Co have been urged to "give back their salaries" at Marseille after their chastening 3-0 defeat against AS Monaco.

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  • Dugarry tears into Marseille players
  • Speculates that De Zerbi has lost the dressing room
  • Marseille drop to third in Ligue 1 after loss
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    WHAT HAPPENED?

    France World Cup winner Christophe Dugarry blasted the performance on , accusing the Marseille players of having "twisted feet", and calling on the players to hand back their wages. Former Poland international Damien Perquis, meanwhile, questioned whether Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi still had the respect of his squad.

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  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Mason Greenwood and Co are in the midst of a hotly contested Champions League qualification race in Ligue 1. Saturday's defeat saw De Zerbi's side fall to third. Just three points separate Monaco in second and Strasbourg in sixth, with Lyon and Lille also pushing for a spot in Europe's top competition. Marseille have lost four of their last five league games.

  • WHAT DUGARRY AND PERQUIS SAID

    Dugarry said: "The first half hour was a purge. They have twisted feet. Give back the salary, give back the money. Go buy yourselves some feet."

    Perquis added: "In terms of results, Olympique de Marseille are behind. We also need to know whether the coach still has his squad with him or not. And on this point, I think De Zerbi doesn't, unlike Lyon and Lille."

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    WHAT NEXT FOR MARSEILLE?

    De Zerbi's men have the chance to steady the ship when they face Montpellier at home on April 19. Marseille, and top scorer Greenwood, will need to rediscover their best form before a crucial matchup away at Lille in early May.

Birmingham now want to sign versatile £2,500-per-week defender in January

Birmingham City have joined the race to sign a new versatile defender to help them in their push for a return to the Championship at the first time of asking.

Birmingham flying high in League One

After signiificant outlay in the summer transfer window, it is no surprise to see Birmingham City at the top of League One heading into the second half of the season. Chris Davies has overseen a strong campaign so far for the Blues, with the club boasting the best defence in the division alongside the second best attack.

As a result, they sit two points clear of fellow promotion hopefuls Wrexham and Wycombe Wanderers, while having two games in hand on the pair, meaning that when all is said and done they could find themselves a mammoth eight points clear at the top of England’s third tier.

Birmingham City’s season stats

Statistic

League Rank

Wins

16

1st

Losses

2

1st

Goals scored

41

2nd

Goals conceded

17

1st

Goal difference

+24

1st

But despite losing just twice so far this campaign, they are still active in the January transfer window, with the club having already agreed a deal to sign Phil Neumann at the end of the campaign when his current deal with Hannover comes to an end, having had a substantial offer for the German knocked back over the summer transfer window.

Now, they could be looking to make a more immediate addition to Davies’ side as they look to ensure an instant return to the Championship.

Birmingham rival West Brom for defender

That comes according to the Daily Mail [Via the Scottish Sun], who report that Birmingham are ready to rival their Midlands rivals West Brom for Rangers talent Adam Devine, who the pair see as a potential bargain buy this January.

Just 21-years-old, Devine’s reported £2,500 a week deal at Ibrox comes to an end this summer, and he is no closer to forcing his way into the first team. In fact, he has not featured for 16 months in Glasgow.

Rangers defender Adam Devine.

Last spotted on loan at Motherwell, Devine has managed just 33 senior appearances to date across spells with Rangers, Motherwell and Brechin City. Though breaking into the Rangers side under Michael Beale in 2022, he has failed to kick on and is now deemed surplus to requirements.

That means that Rangers are ready to let him leave this month in order to receive a fee for the versatile defender, who is a rightback by trade but has also played at left back regularly across his brief career to date.

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And Birmingham are one of the sides positioning themselves to land a potential bargain, as the Blues eye “an opportunity to sign a Rangers player on the cheap”.

Of course, Birmingham raided Rangers twice over the summer too, signing Scott Wright in a deal worth £300,000, while they also added Ben Davies to their ranks on loan. Now, it could be Devine’s time to tread what is becoming an increasingly familiar path from Glasgow to England’s second city.

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