Another dreary weekend for Everton has passed and at the moment there is very little for them to be positive about.
Manager Ronald Koeman is under intense pressure after overseeing just two wins in nine Premier League games.
On Sunday, the Toffees had the unenviable task of taking on Arsenal at Goodison Park, but there was a glimpse of a turnaround in fortunes when Wayne Rooney put the hosts ahead in the 12th minute.
The joy was short-lived though, as Nacho Monreal, Mesut Ozil, Alexandre Lacazette, Aaron Ramsey and Alexis Sanchez all scored to give Arsenal a 5-2 victory.
To make matters worse, Everton played the final 22 minutes with 10 men after Idrissa Gueye got sent off for a second bookable offence.
As well as Koeman, plenty of the club’s summer signings have come under scrutiny from the fans.
The Merseyside outfit, who have dropped into the relegation zone, spent in excess of £100m on new players, including Michael Keane and Gylfi Sigurdsson.
One man, though, who received praise rather than criticism was goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
Despite the fact that the 23-year-old, who moved to Goodison from Sunderland in the summer, conceded five goals, the fans only had positive things to say on Twitter.
Roberto Carlos is a legend and an icon. He was also a man ahead of his time as one of the most recognisable players in world football who happened to play in the position usually reserved for defenders who were too small to play at centre-back and not good enough to attack on the wing. He was, however, a full-back who scored more than 100 career club goals, with a record of around one strike every eight games. Not bad for a defender, and especially at a time when a left-back’s primary job was to defend.
That might have been helped by the teams he played in and his roles within them, of course.
As a left-back for Real Madrid and Brazil, he was often up against smaller teams who would let Carlos’ team have possession more often than not, allowing the Brazilian to get up the pitch in support frequently. He was also an iconic free-kick taker, and that, too, helped him to get goals.
Clearly, training is imperative for every player, but a technique like this requires precision, and you only get that through heaps of practice, “half an hour forty minutes, not too much or your legs will start to feel heavy,” he says, and at Real Madrid, Roberto Carlos was able to practice with some of the best free-kick takers the world has ever seen.
Speaking at Betsafe Star Sixes 2017, Carlos said, “I’ve spent 26 years playing football, 26 years always staying on after training – we would always put the goals up and we would start hitting the ball and before you knew it half an hour, forty minutes would have passed and we would always put a bet on it, it would cost a lot, the loser would by dinner.”
“At Madrid with Beckham and Zizou (Zidane), Roni – Ronaldo (Nazario) – would also come but he’s never scored one goal against me in his life so we got rid of him! The top three are Beckham, Zidane & Diego Maradona.”
That Galacticos team is the stuff of legends, and for many children growing up around that time, the stuff of dreams. Take some of the best players in the world and put them together to create the footballing equivalent of a supergroup, though, and you do have a team of disparate figures who don’t always make the best team possible: as Zidane himself said when the Bernabeu side sold Claude Makelele to Chelsea, “Why put another layer of gold paint on the Bentley when you are losing the entire engine?”
But that was the way Madrid worked. David Beckham, brought up by Manchester United and turned into what he’d become, was a massive signing for the Spanish club, and although they were buying the best free-kick taker Carlos has ever seen, Madrid already had plenty of the greatest in the business. And the fact that the former England captain would only win one La Liga title as his only major honour in Spain rather shows the waste.
Carlos’s admission about Figo speaks to the excesses of that time, too, when Madrid were able to assemble a team of dreams without really giving too much thought to anything else. It must have been a special team to play for, even if the trophies mostly came to the club before and after that era.
“The forward who complicated my life was Figo. I used to dream about how I could stop Figo, if he came at me from the right or the left – such a great player; thankfully our president decided to bring him here to play with me.”
Rivaldo, Roberto Carlos and David James were speaking exclusively to Betsafe Star Sixes. For all the odds and betting markets on England vs Brazil, please click here.
As reported by The Daily Mail, West Ham United are interested in signing FC Krasnodar striker Fyodor Smolov this January.
What’s the story?
Dropping more points at home on London Stadium, it’s clear that David Moyes has quite the job on his hands if he’s to turn around the Hammers’ poor form and have them climb the English Premier League table.
Crucial to those efforts will be making the right moves in the January transfer window and it seems Moyes is already setting his sights on a firm target.
The Daily Mail report that West Ham are weighing up a £15m move for Fyodor Smolov, an in-form striker for club and country that may just have what it takes to fire the Irons forward.
The paper say that with just 18 months left on his contract in Russia, the 27-year-old is keen on a move to London.
Who is he?
Smolov may not be a household name in England, but he’s making quite an impression on the Russian scene for both Krasnodar and the national team, already netting 11 goals in 13 appearances for both so far this season.
Overall he’s scored a lethal 57 goals in 88 appearances for his current side, also providing 16 assists. That’s the kind of attacking contribution that could transform David Moyes’ starting eleven and soon see the Irons picking up results.
It’s an exciting potential transfer for supporters, perhaps even the perfect partner to the likes of Javier Hernandez.
As reported by The Daily Record, Rangers defender Bruno Alves has warned he could be forced to re-evaluate his career at the club if he’s not a first choice ahead of the World Cup next year.
What’s the story?
Alves’ place in the team has been intermittent in recent weeks, mainly due to the injury, but was placed on the bench by interim manager Graeme Murty shortly after Pedro Caixinha was sacked.
Now he’s warned that if he isn’t picked to play regularly, he could be forced to move on ahead of the World Cup in Russia, a tournament he’s hoping to make with Portugal.
As quoted by The Daily Record, Alves said:
I am still playing for the national team and I need to play. We have a World Cup soon and I need to play and be fit, to try and be at the World Cup. This is important for me. Not just to help Rangers but I also want to help myself to go to the World Cup. I am an ambitious person. I like to play. If I don’t have space here or if I don’t play, I need to think about my future or about what’s going to happen next.
Those are fairly ominous words ahead of the January transfer window and in the wake of a dramatic week off the pitch for Rangers, perhaps comments that are ill-timed. The last thing they need right now are more negative headlines.
Pressure on Murty
Graeme Murty has a hard enough job over the next month to ensure that Rangers don’t fall too far behind Celtic and pressure from senior players is wholly unneeded. When making his team selections he shouldn’t feel like he has to take into account someone’s personal international selection.
Alves has performed solidly for the Light Blues this season but with players like David Bates and Ross McCrorie coming through from the youth ranks, Murty has trusted players ready to give everything for the Rangers cause.
It’s on Alves to prove he is irreplaceable with performances on the pitch.
A free-scoring Liverpool side play hosts to arch-rivals Everton in the latest edition of the Merseyside derby at Anfield on Sunday.
The Reds come into the clash having won their last three matches in all competitions, scoring a remarkable 15 goals in the process.
Jurgen Klopp’s men followed up a 5-1 win away against Brighton and Hove Albion in the Premier League last weekend with a 7-0 thrashing of Spartak Moscow in the Champions League on Wednesday night, which ensured that they advanced to the knockout stages as group winners.
Their frontline is in devastating form right now, and the fourth-place Reds will be looking to keep the pressure on Chelsea and Manchester United above them in the table with another three points.
Meanwhile, Everton would have been dreading the short trip across Stanley Park a fortnight ago following successive 5-1 and 4-1 defeats against Atalanta and Southampton respectively, but the appointment of Sam Allardyce has changed their fortunes.
The Toffees have since picked up consecutive home wins against West Ham United and Huddersfield Town – scoring six goals and conceding none in the process – while a second-string side kept another clean sheet as they beat Apollon Limassol 3-0 in their final Europa League group game on Thursday.
Their previously leaky backline – they conceded 28 goals in their opening 13 Premier League matches this term – is looking far more solid, while they are starting to find more of a rhythm in attack.
Both clubs certainly know they have the players that can make a difference at Anfield, and they will be looking for those players to step up to the plate on another huge derby day.
Here are four key on-pitch battles that will decide the result…
Sadio Mane vs Jonjoe Kenny
Soccer Football – Champions League – Liverpool vs Spartak Moscow – Anfield, Liverpool, Britain – December 6, 2017 Liverpool’s Sadio Mane celebrates scoring their fourth goal REUTERS/Phil Noble
Liverpool seem to generally play better attacking football when Mane is part of their frontline, and the Senegal international looks to be nailed on to start wide on the left in a 4-3-3 system against Everton on Sunday.
The 25-year-old was an unused substitute against Brighton last week, but he came back into the starting XI against Spartak Moscow and scored a brace – including a spectacular volley.
The forward has now scored seven goals in 15 appearances this term, and Klopp will know that his pace, unpredictability and finishing prowess could be key in the latest derby clash.
Meanwhile, Kenny has been putting in some mature performances at right-back in recent weeks, but he probably faces his toughest task of the season against the majestic Mane on Sunday, and he will need to have 100% concentration to keep the Senegalese attacker quiet.
Joe Gomez vs Gylfi Sigurdsson
Soccer Football – Premier League – Everton vs Huddersfield Town – Goodison Park, Liverpool, Britain – December 2, 2017 Everton’s Gylfi Sigurdsson scores their first goal Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account representa
Big things were expected of Sigurdsson when he joined Everton in a club-record £45m deal during the summer transfer window, but he was often pushed out to the left-hand side during the early stages of the campaign and he failed to impress.
The Iceland international didn’t score a goal or pick up a single assist in his first 10 Premier League appearances for the Toffees despite being well known for them at Swansea previously, but he has been much-improved in recent weeks.
The 28-year-old has scored twice – including in the 2-0 win against Huddersfield Town last weekend – and provided two assists in his last four top flight games, and he has been making a big impact even though he is still playing wide on the left.
Liverpool defender Gomez has gone from strength to strength this season with a consistent run in the team leading to a first senior England call-up, and he will be looking to keep his playmaking opponent quiet on Sunday to try and limit Everton’s goal threat.
Mohamed Salah vs Cuco Martina
With 12 Premier League goals this season at a rate of one of every 94 minutes, there is no doubt that Salah is probably the standout player in the division right now.
The forward leads the goalscoring charts and he has netted in all of his side’s previous seven Premier League matches, as well as scoring one in the 7-0 thrashing of Spartak Moscow in midweek.
18 goals in 23 appearances in all competitions show how lethal he can be in front of goal, but a further six assists also prove that he can create for his teammates too.
The man tasked with keeping the attacker quiet will likely be Martina, who has started Everton’s last two Premier League matches at left-back with Leighton Baines absent through injury.
The Curacao international hasn’t been of the club’s most popular players following his summer arrival from Southampton, and even though he has been part of a defence that has kept successive top flight clean sheets he must be prepared for his toughest challenge of the season when he comes up against Salah.
Dejan Lovren vs Dominic Calvert-Lewin
When Romelu Lukaku left for Manchester United during the summer and wasn’t replaced before the summer transfer window closed, Calvert-Lewin wouldn’t have beeen able to believe his luck.
He would have known at that stage that he had a real chance to stake his claim for a regular spot in the Toffees team up top, and that has proven to be the case as he has made 26 appearances in all competitions.
The 20-year-old has certainly shown that he isn’t afraid to throw his weight around, while he has also scored six goals – including one in the 2-0 win against Huddersfield last weekend – and provided a further five assists.
Sam Allardyce will tell the young attacker to let Liverpool centre-back Lovren know he is there on Sunday, with the Croatian defender often coming under scrutiny from the Anfield faithful because he is prone to an error.
Man Utd fans are, understandably, enthralled by the prospect of Cristiano Ronaldo moving from Real Madrid. It’s unclear as to his destination, but whenever the Old Trafford hero is mentioned, fans often burst into conversation.
It’s no different this time, especially given reports from the Sun indicating that the club are interested in a move for Ronaldo this summer.
However, whilst he’s clearly the talk of the town, Man Utd fans are divided on the prospect of him joining the club.
Polling Station
We recently polled fans on the prospect of Ronaldo joining the club, and it’s fair to say that the fanbase is divided.
Of those polled, 53% voted in favour of a move, whilst 47% are against the idea.
It’s a bit of a surprise result, but it is understandable.
Those in favour, without a doubt, will have been looking at his recent form with great excitement. He’s consistently been one of Europe’s best players, and he bagged a stunning 26 league goals last season. Not to mention, he’s a bit of a Man Utd icon, and that will be playing a huge role.
However, he’s also in his 30s, and so it’s unlikely that he would be a long-term solution to their attacking problems. Thus, fans are clearly hoping that they sign a younger option instead.
Still, it’s unlikely that any fans would be angry if one of Europe’s best moved to the club.
Ben Woodburn caught the eye less than two years ago when he became Liverpool’s youngest ever scorer after netting against Leeds United in a League Cup clash that ended 2-0 to the Reds.
The attacking player, who can play on either wing or as a number 10, was 17 years and 45 days old when he opened his scoring account on November 29, 2016.
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Since then, the Wales international has struggled to hold down a regular spot in Jurgen Klopp’s team.
With pre-season underway, the 18-year-old will hope to impress the manager and possibly gain some minutes in the first team.
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However, the teenager is expected to be low down in the pecking order, which leads to questions regarding a possible loan switch.
A recent report from Goal claimed that Norwich City and Sheffield United are keen on signing the youngster on loan.
On Twitter, Liverpool fans debated whether it is best for Woodburn to gain experience elsewhere, or try to fight for a place in Klopp’s team.
Loads of Newcastle fans have been reacting to a report claiming it’s one or the other between Andros Townsend and Matt Ritchie, and it’s bad news for Townsend.
According to The Chronicle, Newcastle will only sign Townsend if they can offload Ritchie.
The Magpies have been heavily linked with a return for Townsend, who scored some wonderful goals during his short stint on Tyneside.
However, plenty of fans haven’t forgiven the 26 year-old for jumping ship when Newcastle were relegated, and it seems they’d much rather stick with Ritchie.
The Scottish midfielder is as hard working and passionate as they come, and has himself grabbed a couple of wonderful goals for the Toon Army.
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Xherdan Shaqiri’s move to Liverpool has now opened the door for Ritchie to make the switch to Stoke, as the Potters look for proven Championship talents.
The 5 ft 8 ace hasn’t found the same success in the Premier League that he had in the Championship, but he is loved by fans on Tyneside, and they’re all saying the same thing in response to the latest report.
You can find some of the best Twitter reactions down below…
Newcastle United have once again been quiet in the transfer window with regards to incomings.
Very little cash has been spent as the club have recruited Ki Sung-Yueng on a free transfer, Kenedy on a season-long loan from Chelsea and goalkeeper Martin Dubravka on a permanent deal.
Various players have been linked with a switch to St James’ Park, but once again it seems that club owner Mike Ashley is yet to release significant funds to manager Rafael Benitez.
The Spanish coach found himself in the same position this time last year, and a repeat of such has caused frustration among the fans.
On Monday, the club confirmed on their official website that Chancel Mbemba has finalised a move to Porto, which frees up a position in defence.
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The DR Congo international, who has 42 international caps to his name, spent three years at Newcastle, but last season he started just seven Premier League matches.
After the Magpies confirmed his departure, some fans chose to wish Mbemba well on Twitter, while others took aim at Ashley.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek is a player that is popular amongst fans at Chelsea, and with good reason. He enjoyed a fantastic season with Crystal Palace last term, and he looked good whilst representing England at the World Cup, too.
Naturally, then, the Blues will likely be eager to give him a chance in the team next season, and he’d deserve that. Indeed, nothing should stop that from happening – other than the potential arrival of Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.
According to the Independent, the Blues are interested in the midfielder, and it’s fair to say that he’s the sort of player that would seriously be able to give Loftus-Cheek a run for his money.
An attacking midfielder by trade, he’s the perfect player to take up the advanced playmaker role that is so prevalent within a Maurizio Sarri system.
Technically-gifted, sensational with the ball at his feet and relatively quick, Milinkovic-Savic – who is rated at £81 million by Transfer Markt – has emerged over the last few years as one of Europe’s brightest midfield talents. He’s been a regular for Lazio, and last year was arguably his best season yet. With 12 goals in the league, there is no doubting his pedigree moving forward.
He’s a year older than Loftus-Cheek, but he’s also considerably more developed and more experienced, and with Chelsea looking to gain immediate success, that’s important to note.
He’s a physical presence, and so he’d be right at home in the Premier League, whilst he’s also a very hard worker – which would suit Sarri’s fluid midfield.
Loftus-Cheek deserves a chance to play in the coming season, but if Chelsea are able to get their hands on the Lazio ace, Sarri must think twice.