Arsenal fans are delighted with first clean sheet of the season

Arsenal have finally managed to keep a clean sheet and the fans are happy it came against Everton on Sunday, with the Toffees having a lot of chances to find the back of the net.

After going five games into the Premier League season without keeping a clean sheet, it looked as if it could be seven with Everton bossing the first half at the Emirates.

Clear chances for Richarlison and former Arsenal player Theo Walcott were brilliantly kept out by keeper Petr Cech. The Gunners eventually managed to turn the tide in their favour when Alexandre Lacazette scored a brilliant goal in the second half before Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang made it 2-0 moments later, as Unai Emery’s men claimed their fourth straight win in the competition.

Arsenal fans were wondering if they’d see a clean sheet at all this season after new keeper Bernd Leno also let in two goals in the Europa League on Thursday evening, and they have expressed their relief on Twitter following the win over Everton.

Here are some of the reactions…

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Marcelo Bielsa must sign Robert Huth after he states his desire for Leeds move

Robert Huth remains a free-agent after leaving Leicester at the end of his contract in the summer, and he admitted on the weekend that he would love a move to Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds.

What’s the story?

As quoted by The Daily Star, Huth told Sky Sports’ Goals on Sunday that a move to Leeds would be ‘perfect’ when asked by presenter Ben Shepherd about the possibility of joining Marcelo Bielsa’s high-pressing side.

Bielsa prefers to work with small squads, but the recent injuries to Kemar Roofe, Patrick Bamford, Gaetano Berardi and Pablo Hernandez have derailed the early momentum that the Elland Road outfit picked up at the start of the season and could mean the Argentine boss is forced to delve into the array of free-agents that are currently available.

The Whites were knocked off the top of the Championship table on the weekend by West Brom and fans of the club will be hoping that Bielsa ensures he has the squad to earn promotion, not just the starting XI.

An experienced head

At 34-years-old Huth would bring huge experience to the Whites as they search for promotion back to the Premier League after spending years in the Championship.

The 6ft 3in former Germany international has 19 caps for his country and is a three-time Premier League winner, twice during his time at Chelsea and then once in incredible circumstances with Leicester, where he departed at the end of last season.

Whilst Bielsa prefers a high-intensity game that may not completely fit with Huth’s style of play at this stage in his career, the centre-back would be a calm head in the dressing room and would be the perfect back-up if Leeds were to suffer any more injuries.

So, Leeds fans, would you like to see Bielsa sign Huth on a free transfer? Let us know by voting in the poll below.

Arsenal back in for Ever Banega as Emery seeks Ramsey replacement

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Unai Emery is pushing to sign Sevilla’s Ever Banega once again as he seeks a replacement for Aaron Ramsey, according to The Mirror.

What’s the word?

Major changes have taken place at Arsenal in recent months and there is no sign of things slowing down in North London, with Unai Emery understood to have made a bold call regarding the future of Aaron Ramsey.

After months of negotiations, the Gunners have pulled out of discussions with the Wales international regarding a new deal and the 27-year-old is therefore expected to leave in 2019 as his current deal expires at the end of the season.

According to The Mirror, this has led Emery to eye Argentina international Ever Banega, who earns €81,000-a-week (approximately £70,000-a-week) according to Silly Season, once more as he seeks to reunite with a player he managed at Sevilla.

A good call?

Having already hit 30, a move for an experienced player like Banega is further evidence of the change in Arsenal’s stance since Emery succeeded Arsene Wenger at the Emirates Stadium, and he could provide a boost to the midfield.

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However, Arsenal fans will hope that Emery sets his sights higher and more long-term than the 65-cap Argentina international as he is not the sort of signing that would issue a statement of intent to the rest of the Premier League – particularly when a player of Ramsey’s calibre is set to be lost.

A better option would surely be Paris Saint-Germain’s own contract rebel Adrien Rabiot, who has put a host of clubs across Europe on alert after reportedly turning down a renewal with the French champions for the third time.

If Arsenal could lure the 23-year-old, who worked with Emery at PSG, to the Emirates Stadium, then their hopes of returning to the pinnacle of English football would receive a huge boost.

Revealed: 59% of Aston Villa fans want Dean Smith to succeed Bruce

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Aston Villa have suffered a poor run of form in recent weeks, winning just one of their last ten games across all competitions.

The poor sequence of results ultimately cost Steve Bruce his position as the club’s manager earlier this week and has left the promotion hopefuls in the hunt for a new boss, with the plan to secure an appointment during the international break.

Ahead of Bruce’s sacking this week, we asked fans whether they believe Brentford manager Dean Smith would be a decent replacement for the former Manchester United defender and the results were very tight.

A majority of 59% said that they would like to see Smith leave the Bees to take charge at Villa Park, with the remaining 41% seemingly holding out for a different option to fill their managerial void.

Smith has guided Brentford into the play-off spots this season but just two points separate the Bees from 15th-placed Bolton.

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Rising star Ampomah reveals his dream is to sign for Arsenal

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Exciting Ghana talent Nana Opoku Ampomah has revealed it is his dream to sign for Arsenal, as quoted by Metro.

What’s the word?

Arsenal’s attack has been firing on all cylinders so far this season, scoring at least two goals in ten consecutive matches in all competitions under Unai Emery since the opening weekend defeat against Manchester City in the Premier League.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette have crafted a deadly relationship but there is still room for improvements, with the Gunners lacking options in the wide positions as Emery hunts for a top-class winger.

Quoted by Metro, 22-year-old Waasland-Beveren left-winger Nana Opoku Ampomah has revealed he dreams of being that player as he eyes a future move to the Premier League to join the Gunners.

What was said?

“You can dream to play for Chelsea, Manchester United or Arsenal but then if they don’t come for you your dreams never comes true but we will see, I just have to work hard, focus on the game and we will see where I can get to.

“But I think I like Arsenal more because I like their style of playing. It’s one of the teams I really liked growing up as a child so really like Arsenal. It will be a dream come true to play for Arsenal.”

A good signing?

With five goals in just nine appearances for Belgian side Waasland-Beveren this season, 22-year-old Ampomah has established himself as an exciting talent and a move to a top side is surely not far off if he continues in a similar vein of form.

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Capped three times by Ghana’s senior squad having made his debut last year, Ampomah could be a bargain addition and another positive surprise from Sven Mislintat.

Ampomah could develop alongside Alex Iwobi and Reiss Nelson to fight for a spot on the flanks of Arsenal’s side, providing depth for the gruelling campaign that lies ahead.

HYS: What is Gomez’s best position for Liverpool?

There is no doubt that Liverpool’s defence has improved over the last few seasons.

Virgil van Dijk has been credited with the change following his arrival from Southampton in January.

However, the man alongside him has been keeping Jurgen Klopp’s back line solid so far this season.

Joe Gomez stepped in to partner Van Dijk at the start of the campaign due to Dejan Lovren being on the sidelines with injury.

In recent years, the 21-year-old has been playing at right-back for Liverpool, but he has looked more than comfortable in the heart of defence.

His performances so far this season recently led to an England call-up and he proved that he can thrive on the international stage as well as the domestic one.

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Interestingly, Gomez has slipped to right-back for Liverpool in their last two fixtures, with Lovren coming back into the centre alongside Van Dijk.

It is unclear if Klopp intends to continue with his team in this manner, but it has led us to ask what position you think is best for Gomez.

Let us know by voting below.

HYS: Should Emile Smith Rowe start for Arsenal vs Blackpool?

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Arsenal are in EFL Cup action on Wednesday night, with League One side Blackpool making the long journey to the Emirates Stadium for the fourth-round clash.

With the Gunners set to face Liverpool on Saturday, Unai Emery is certain to rotate his team for tonight’s cup tie. Squad players such as Mohamed Elneny and Danny Welbeck are likely to start, whilst some of the North London club’s brightest youth prospects will also be hopeful of inclusion.

Amongst the young stars likely to be involved is Emile Smith Rowe. The 18-year-old academy product made his senior debut for the club this season against Vorskla Poltava in the Europa League, before notching his first career goal against Qarabag in the same competition.

There is plenty of excitement at Arsenal surrounding the England U18 international and Emery is clearly a fan of the midfielder. Smith Rowe is likely to start against Blackpool and he fully deserves to be a part of the first XI.

What do you think, Arsenal fans – Should Emery hand Smith Rowe another chance to impress on Wednesday night or should he favour experience to get the job done against Blackpool?

Liverpool must consider going back in for Bailey after winger’s recent comments

Prior to his move from Genk to Bayer Leverkusen, Leon Bailey caught the attention of some of Europe’s biggest clubs including Liverpool.

And the 21-year-old has since come out to confirm he turned down the chance to join Jurgen Klopp’s side as well as Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea.

The Breakdown

Speaking in an interview with Four-Four-Two, Bailey said: “Manchester United, City, Chelsea, Liverpool – a lot of clubs were interested. But the most important thing as a pro is taking things a step at a time and not rushing to the top too quickly. Because once you get there, where do you go next?

“I believe the right timing is important, and it was the right moment to be at Bayer Leverkusen. They are a tremendous club with so much history. A lot of good players have come from there; they can get into the Champions League and are always doing well. So why not them? It was the perfect move for me and I’m happy I made it.”

At Bayer Leverkusen, Bailey has progressed significantly as a footballer, making his decision to join the Bundesliga outfit a wise one. At either Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City or Chelsea, the winger’s development could have easily been stunted with competition at each club so fierce.

The Jamaican, though, may now feel he is ready to play for one of English football’s giants. And if so, Liverpool should strongly consider making another move for the former Genk man.

Thanks to Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino, the Reds are already blessed with some outstanding talent in attack, something which £40.5m-rated (via Transfermarkt) Bailey would obviously have to think about in any potential transfer.

But from Liverpool’s perspective, such a deal would make a lot of sense considering what title rivals Manchester City have in their arsenal.

Celtic must pounce on RB Leipzig’s disrespect in upcoming Europa League encounter

Celtic were handed a massive boost heading into their Europa League clash against RB Leipzig at home this Thursday after it was confirmed that Emil Forsberg would be absent for the visitors due to injury.

Speaking ahead of the game, Leipzig boss Ralf Rangnick told AFP that he expected Forsberg to be sidelined until after the next international break, which obviously bodes well for Celtic’s chances given the Swedish playmaker’s ability.

And now those chances could be increased even further with another key player for the Bundlesiga outfit now set to miss the game.

The Breakdown

According to Leipziger Volkszeitung (via the Daily Record), Leipzig are strongly considering the idea of making significant changes to their starting XI with a tough game against Bayer Leverkusen set to follow their Europa League encounter versus Celtic, and striker Timo Werner is just one player who could be rested.

Over the last few seasons, Werner has become one of the leading No.9s in the Bundesliga and is now a starter in Joachim Low’s Germany side.

With that in mind, not using the 22-year-old against Celtic would be quite an arrogant move from Leipzig, especially with Forsberg not being available.

Nevertheless, putting out a significant weaker team is great news for the Bhoys’ hopes of winning all three points on the night and making qualification into the knockout round of the competition.

And it is something that Brendan Rodgers’ men, simply put, have to take advantage of. There are no excuses for losing to a second-string Leipzig team if the club really do aspire to go far in Europe.

The Chalkboard: Tottenham simply cannot afford to lose Eriksen

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Christian Eriksen is yet to sign a new contract at Tottenham Hotspur, despite the fact that his current deal will expire at the end of next season.

Spurs will fancy their chances of keeping hold of the Denmark international, but it would be an absolute disaster for the club if he decided to move on.

The Chalkboard

Eriksen’s form for Tottenham last season was outstanding, managing 14 goals and 13 assists in 47 appearances in all competitions.

This term, his numbers are not quite as impressive. Indeed, the attacker is actually yet to score a Premier League goal during the 2018-19 campaign, and has not started a league game for the capital outfit since September 22.

A stomach injury has harmed Eriksen’s campaign, however, and Tottenham will once again see the best of him once the issue has been dealt with.

Real Madrid and Barcelona are just two of the clubs that will be closely monitoring developments, and it remains to be seen whether Eriksen can agree a new deal with the club that he joined from Ajax in 2013.

The numbers behind Eriksen’s importance

Tottenham paid just £11m for Eriksen in 2013, which has proved to be a stunning piece of business. Since then, the attacker has made 239 appearances for Spurs in all competitions, scoring 57 times and providing 73 assists.

In 180 Premier League appearances, Eriksen has 41 goals and 54 assists, whilst he has also been involved in six goals in 15 Champions League appearances for the club.

If Tottenham are to become a team that challenges for the major trophies then they simply have to keep Eriksen at the club.

It could be suggested that Spurs have performed well this season without Eriksen, but the 26-year-old is an exceptional footballer, and one capable of turning out for any team in world football.

The future of head coach Mauricio Pochettino has been a big talking point in recent weeks, but Eriksen’s contract is also up for discussion.

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