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Crystal Palace’s disappointing post-World Cup form continued on Sunday as they narrowly lost out 1-0 against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Patrick Vieira’s side created plenty of chances against the Blues but were unable to find a way past an inspired Kepa Arrizabalaga, with the Spaniard producing fine saves from Michael Olise, Tyrick Mitchell and Cheick Doucoure during the 90 minutes.

In the end, a well-worked corner routine would be the difference between the two sides, as Kai Havertz headed in from Hakim Ziyech’s cross to score the only goal of the game and leave the Eagles in 12th position in the top flight.

One man who disappointed in the defeat at Stamford Bridge, as Palace failed to find the back of the net once again, was Wilfried Zaha.

The Ivory Coast international was trusted to start up front but struggled in an unfamiliar position, with Vieira seemingly not keen on either Odsonne Edouard or Jean-Philippe Mateta as the main striker options in his side.

As per Sofascore, Zaha would manage to complete just eight passes in the 90 minutes, which was the fewest of any player to start the game, despite him having 37 touches of the ball.

It was clear that the former Manchester United man was struggling to hold the ball up as a striker in Vieira’s system, failing to win any of his four aerial duels during the game, while he also was successful in just five of his 17 ground duels, which suggests that Chelsea’s centre-backs well and truly had the better of him.

This resulted in a 23% duel success rate for Zaha, while he would also lose possession on 16 occasions, which suggests that he was guilty of costing the Eagles far too often when they came forward at Stamford Bridge.

Considering the winger has averaged 23.3 passes in the top flight, it is clear that he was far less involved than usual when playing in an unfamiliar position on Sunday afternoon.

The 30-year-old has now failed to score or assist in any of his last five Premier League games, with Palace scoring just two goals in those games, which suggests that he must up his game if Palace are going to avoid being dragged into a relegation battle this season.

West Ham United have felt the pressure mounting of late, with David Moyes suffering despite his admittedly impressive work in his second stint at the helm of the club.

Having led the Hammers to consecutive top-seven finishes, he also masterminded a run to the Europa League semi-finals, more than earning his big summer of spending.

The Scotsman would unload £159.6m on eight new faces, including a club-record deal for Lucas Paqueta.

However, things have not been easy since the window slammed shut, as his gambles are yet to pay off.

As such, his side sit only above the relegation spots on goal difference.

Despite the credit he had in the bank, these results have clearly led David Sullivan to question his place in the London Stadium hot seat.

As such, reports earlier this week have claimed that the hierarchy are keeping tabs on West Bromwich Albion’s Carlos Corberan as a potential successor for Moyes.

Despite supposedly backing him to turn it around, the preparation for life after the 59-year-old suggests their faith is somewhat wavering.

Although it may seem unfair given how he had turned things around for the east London outfit, the Spaniard actually could be a smart alternative, with the 39-year-old offering fresh ideas that could propel them out of their current mess.

He has already proven he can mastermind an instant turnaround, as his appointment at the Hawthorns was only finalised in late October.

Since then, the Baggies went from the relegation zone to currently sitting just one point from a playoff spot, winning nine games from their last ten in the Championship, and keeping seven clean sheets.

His pedigree also extends back to last season, where he nearly took Huddersfield Town to the most unlikely of playoff victories before Nottingham Forest thwarted their run.

Corberan impressed so much that season and spurred former Terriers boss Danny Cowley to lavish him with praise. He claimed: “I think he’s been outstanding,” before going on to laud his tactical flexibility.

With just one Premier League win in their last nine, having lost five on the run before their draw with Leeds United, it seems something does need to change.

Perhaps Sullivan’s potential appointment of the Baggies boss could be the catalyst for saving their season, handing this impressive squad to a progressive freethinker with a proven record of propelling teams up the table.

An update has emerged on Glasgow Rangers and Michael Beale’s attempts to bolster his squad during the January transfer window…

What’s the talk?

According to the Daily Record, the Light Blues are keen on a deal to sign Standard Liege central midfielder Nicolas Raskin before the end of the month.

The report claims that the Gers are interested in snapping up the Belgian talent and that they are also ramping up their efforts to sign Todd Cantwell and Morgan Whittaker from Norwich and Swansea respectively.

Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri recently claimed that the club were in talks over a swoop to sign Raskin, who is out of contract at the end of the season,

Steven Davis replacement

At the end of December, Rangers central midfielder Steven Davis was ruled out of action for the rest of the season after suffering a knee injury but Beale could finally replace the Northern Ireland international, almost a month later, by signing the Standard Liege maestro.

Raskin’s form in the Pro League this season indicates that the gem could be an excellent addition to the Gers squad as he has been superb for Liege.

The 21-year-old has averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.01 across 16 appearances in the Belgian top-flight this term, which is an improvement on the score of 6.85 he managed in the previous campaign.

That rating would place him eighth in the current Rangers squad and 0.11 better off than Davis’ score of 6.90 in the Premiership in 2022/23 for the Light Blues.

Raskin, who was once described as “powerful” and a “pitbull” by journalist Bob Faesen, has made 3.7 tackles and interceptions and 1.1 key passes per match in the Pro League this term, something that indicates he is an excellent box-to-box midfielder who can make an impact at both ends of the pitch.

Meanwhile, no Gers player has made more than 2.9 tackles and interceptions per game and John Lundstram’s 2.3 per outing is the most by any midfielder, which suggests that the Belgian gem could be an upgrade on Beale’s current options in the middle of the park from a defensive perspective.

At the age of 21, Raskin would also arrive as a player with the potential to grow and improve over time. This means that the maestro could be a long-term addition to the side, someone Beale can work with over the course of a number of years, which is another reason he could be a dream replacement for the injured Davis, who turned 38 this month.

Manchester United are ‘keeping an eye’ on Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans’ current situation, journalist Fabrizio Romano reports.

The Lowdown: Tielemans off this summer?

The Belgian has been an excellent servant for the Foxes, scoring what was a legendary winning goal for the club in the 2021 FA Cup final against Chelsea.

Tielemans has been one of Leicester’s most influential players over a sustained period of time, registering 53 goal contributions (28 goals and 25 assists) in 183 appearances, not to mention being called ‘fantastic’ by none other than Emile Heskey.

The 25-year-old is out of contract at the end of this season, however, at which point he will surely move on to pastures new, given there appear to be no concrete reports of talks for a new deal.

The Latest: Man Utd tracking midfielder

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Romano was asked about Tielemans’ situation, saying they are ‘keeping an eye’ on things and Erik ten Hag could be ‘attracted’ to the player:

“They’re keeping an eye on the market. I think it is normal if there is something interesting that could attract the manager.”

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The Verdict: Where would he fit in?

United have been linked with a move for Tielemans and he is certainly someone who could enjoy his football under Ten Hag, possessing the requisite skills to be a success at Old Trafford.

The 58-cap Belgium international is an all-round midfielder who can provide quality on the ball and hard work off it, having averaged 1.2 key passes and 2.2 tackles per game in the Premier League this season.

Fitting Tielemans into United’s team would arguably be the toughest job for Ten Hag, however, with Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes a formidable current trio.

At 25, the £35,000-a-week Leicester man could come in as a long-term replacement for Eriksen, though, who is five years older than him and not a long-term prospect anymore.

Journalist Ben Jacobs has claimed that West Ham United are now prepared to sell Harrison Ashby in the January transfer window.

What’s the word?

As per Jacobs, the Hammers were desperate to keep the young defender just a matter of weeks ago with Premier League sides keen on signing him with Newcastle United already putting in a bid this winter.

Ashby has seemed to draw a lot of interest in his signature in recent times, with Leeds United also said to have been keeping an eye on the situation in the past.

And while that latest offer from the Magpies was supposedly rejected, it sounds as though West Ham are still prepared to sell and they are just holding out for the right price.

Indeed, when talking on NUFC Matters, Jacobs has claimed that the club didn’t want to let Ashby go at first but have now “completely changed their position”.

He said (28:14): “So West Ham have completely changed their position. Now, they are open to a sale, because they don’t just want to lose the 21-year-old for free.

And he’s played in the Papa John’s trophy and Premier League 2 this season. And he’s made, I think, a handful of appearances for the under-21 side as well.

“So again, you’re not saying: ‘We’ll hang on to your keep us up in the Premier League’. You’re basically saying: ‘What’s the point in keeping a player that says he won’t sign, in our Academy, in our youth setup, in our Premier League 2 squad, if come the end of the season, he’s just going to walk away for free?’

“And that is why there is very likely to be an agreement between the clubs over the coming days. here are a few others looking at him as well.”

Right decision?

It’s interesting that Jacobs mentions that a “few others” are keeping tabs on the situation beyond just Newcastle who have already placed a bid this January.

As mentioned earlier, Leeds were previously keen on the player and with their young right-back Cody Drameh just heading off on loan to Luton Town for the rest of the season, perhaps they’ll be in the market for a new signing in that part of the field.

Up to this point his career, at 21 years of age, Ashby has featured only seven times for West Ham at senior level but has been a regular for the academy team.

With that in mind, even if he was to leave in the summer for free and join an English club, the Hammers would be entitled to some sort of compensation fee.

However, the club must feel as though they can make more financially from a sale now instead of waiting for that to go to a tribunal. It will be interesting to see what figure they have in mind and if Newcastle or anyone else will be willing to meet in the next few days.

Everton have incredibly completed the January transfer window without making a single signing, despite the perilous Premier League position and sale of Anthony Gordon.

What’s the word?

With boyhood starlet Gordon joining high-flying Newcastle United in a £45m deal several days ago, there was an expectation on Merseyside that Everton would grant new manager Sean Dyche several fresh signings to turn the tide and steer the club back on course.

Everton were engaged in a late battle to sign Michy Batshuayi before the deadline, only for the player to reject them, meaning alternative options were sought.

Indeed, the Toffees desperately explored multiple avenues prior to 11pm, but one touted name, Andre Ayew, could still find himself plying his trade at Goodison Park in short time.

French outlet L’Equipe went on to report that the club’s recruitment team were in talks to sign the Ghanaian, and being a free transfer, he could still arrive despite the window now being closed.

Get it done…

While the 33-year-old Ayew is not the salient name many of the Toffees faithful would have craved after witnessing the departure of one of the club’s most coveted assets in the 21-year-old Anthony Gordon, he would bring a wealth of experience and a proven goal prowess on English soil.

And with Gordon only scoring three goals this season to complement his mediocre 6.74 average league rating, as per Sofascore, the void left by his absence could certainly be remedied somewhat with the addition of a new face.

Ayew, formerly of Swansea City and West Ham United, has clinched a total of 21 goals and 12 assists from 89 appearances in the English top-flight, and indeed boasts a commendable record with his most recent outfit, Qatari giants Al Sadd, scoring 22 goals from 39 showings.

The 113-cap international also recently starred for Ghana at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, starting all three group matches and scoring one goal, also completing 81% of his passes, making 1.3 tackles per outing and winning 56% of his duels.

And with the attacking holding a career average of unleashing 2.0 shots and 0.8 key passes per outing, as per WhoScored, his deployment into the Everton ranks could be invaluable in adding a dimension to bolster the squad ahead of the business end of the campaign; indeed, he could be a “game-changer” – as once dubbed by former manager Slaven Bilic – for a vital period in Everton’s distinguished history.

Perhaps Dyche will have hoped for a name with more grandeur, but with the failure to complete a permanent transfer to get Goodison Park rocking before the culmination of transfer deadline day, there is scant time to be clamorous in demands on the transfer front.

By pulling off the signing of Ayew on a free transfer, Everton would have an established forward to bolster the ranks, at the very least, and his inclusion could be the difference in bagging a few more precious points as the squad look to stave off relegation.

West Ham United have fallen well below expectations this season after such good work across the previous two years under David Moyes, and they failed to utilise the January transfer window as well as they possibly could have.

Languishing near the bottom of the Premier League table – West Ham have just 18 points from 20 matches this term and are one point above the relegation zone – they are in real danger of scraping for survival as the season enters its latter stages, despite back-to-back European qualifications and signing the likes of Lucas Paqueta (£51m) and Gianluca Scamacca (£35.5m) last summer.

Despite clinching Danny Ings for £15m from Aston Villa, and Brazilian youngster Luizao for an undisclosed fee, last month, there is a sense that the Hammers did not revitalise the squad to the best of their ability. That is especially the case given recent injuries to the aforementioned Ings and Scamacca, with winger Maxwel Cornet also sidelined.

With this in mind, signing former Irons ace Andre Ayew at the end of the January transfer market might have been a prudent move for the club, with 90min stating that the veteran forward arrived in England after the conclusion of deadline day. As a free agent, Ayew was not bound to the constraints of the transfer window and was duly able to discuss a move with several Premier League clubs.

In the end, West Ham were rejected and the 33-year-old chose to join the expansive ranks at Nottingham Forest, with the Reds now bolstered further across their attack after recently hitting a timely purple patch.

During his previous spell with West Ham, after he signed from Swansea City in 2016 for a then-club record £20.5m, the Ghanaian dynamo only managed 12 goals and five assists from 50 appearances. His two years in claret and blue were largely hampered by injuries and he was unable to make the emphatic effect for which he would have been hoping.

However, his versatility and experience could indeed have been invaluable as West Ham attempt to rekindle their cohesion and fluidity, and he could have been the “game changer” – as once heralded by former Irons boss Slaven Bilic – to turn the tide in east London.

Also, given West Ham’s inclusion in the Europa Conference League – in which they return to action in the round of 16 next month after winning their group – adding him as an extra option up front would have been the perfect remedy to continue battling across multiple fronts, perhaps salvaging a slice of prosperity from a hitherto frustrating season at the London Stadium.

While landing a 33-year-old Ayew would not have been the glitziest signing for a team competing in Europe, he is an accomplished and experienced professional with Premier League experience (89 games), and as a former Irons player he might well have taken to life back in east London like a duck to water.

As it is, the 113-cap Ghanaian will instead aid Forest in their own pursuit of maintaining top-flight status, and having dropped the ball on this possible free signing, Moyes will have to make do with the options who were already at his disposal.

Jamie Weir of Sky Sports has given his verdict on the ‘biggest concern’ surrounding Jurgen Klopp’s comments after Liverpool’s defeat on Saturday.

The Lowdown: Klopp’s comments

Speaking after their 3-0 Premier League defeat at Molineux (via The Express), the Reds boss said he ‘cannot explain’ why his team look a shell of their former selves.

Less than 15 minutes into the tie, Wolves were already 2-0 ahead thanks to a Joel Matip own goal and a strike from Craig Dawson. Ruben Neves would put the final nail in the coffin with a third in the second half.

Liverpool currently sit 10th in the league, 11 points off a top-four place and 21 points away from the top spot.

The Latest: Weir on Klopp ‘concern’

Speaking on Sunday Supplement, Weir claimed he was a big fan of Klopp, but admitted that he could be out of ideas when it comes to setting up his Liverpool side.

He stated: “That’s the biggest concern to me. When he comes out says he’s got no explanation for it, that’s just extraordinary to hear.

“I’m a huge fan of Jurgen Klopp, I really admire what he’s done and I think there are so many fanbases around the country who would love to have a manager who has such an emotional connection to the club, to the city, to the community.

“He bleeds Liverpool, and as you said, he takes it all so personally. And when you see him, the Jurgen Klopp of a few years ago – giving the big fist pumps to the Kop – the closest thing in this generation to Bill Shankly, he will be forever a legend in Liverpool.

“But it does seem as now, he’s just run out of ideas. I think he had that sort of seven-season syndrome at Dortmund as well and just the wheels kind of came off and there was just no answer.”

The Verdict: Change was needed

We believe that one of Klopp’s issues with Liverpool this season was their failure to add more recruits to areas that needed tweaking.

In our view, the midfield is arguably the biggest concern at the club. It contains players who are not quite experienced enough to be the leaders of a major Premier League side – Harvey Elliott and Stefan Bajcetic are both under the age of 20.

Others in that area are likely just past their sell-by date due to their age, such as James Milner and Jordan Henderson.

Ex-Reds defender Jamie Carragher slammed the decision by the Liverpool board not to sign a midfielder last summer.

He said (via The Mirror): “That is on them. They’ve got to the start of this season, and from day one at Fulham, they haven’t been able to cope with the intensity of a Premier League game of football and they’ve been run over in every game that they’ve played.”

Liverpool should’ve looked to buy a midfielder in January. An argument could be made that they’re waiting until the summer, but the way the club are looking at the moment performance-wise, who’d want to play there next season?

Arsenal face arguably their biggest test of the campaign to date when Manchester City arrive at the Emirates Stadium tonight for what promises to be a Premier League tie that could have major say in where the title ends up in May.

The Gunners have secured just one point from their previous two matches and is this just a mere blip for Mikel Arteta and his men? Or is the pressure finally getting to them?

Plenty of questions will be answered tonight, but the Spaniard must make changes from the draw against Brentford in order to re-energise his side. Gabriel Martinelli has struggled for form and against Brentford in their latest outing, he failed to complete a single dribble or deliver an accurate cross.

This could pave the way for Leandro Trossard to start against the defending champions this evening, especially considering his impact from the bench at the weekend.

Will Leandro Trossard start against Manchester City?

Since joining the north London side in January, the Belgian has impressed in his brief substitute appearances, none more so than against the Bees, where he received a Sofascore rating of 7.5/10 for his 28-minute cameo which included scoring the opener, succeeding with two of his three dribble attempts, making one key pass and registering a 90% pass success rate.

The 28-year-old has proved how impactful he can be coming off the bench, but Arteta should unleash him from the start tonight and his impressive form for Brighton and Hove Albion in the first half of the season should quell any fears the manager has.

The £40k-per-week gem scored seven goals and racked up another three assists while he led the Brighton squad for shots per game (2.4) and goals while ranking third for key passes (1.4) and successful dribbles (0.9) per match, it’s no wonder Arteta swooped for the player last month.

BBC football writer Phil McNulty once heralded Trossard as a “game-changer” while ex-United defender Rio Ferdinand also sang his praises late last year, dubbing the player as “unreal” and there is no doubt he can shine against a City side who haven’t quite looked themselves this season, already losing four matches in the league – more than they managed on their way to the title last season.

Arteta has a big call to make tonight regarding whether or not to start Trossard.

However, judging by his recent displays and his Premier League experience, the Belgian could certainly throw a spanner in the works and terrorise the City defence while hopefully adding to his two goals already scored against them during his career.

An update has emerged on Glasgow Rangers and their plan to improve their goalkeeping department at Ibrox in the summer transfer window…

What’s the latest on Angus Gunn to Rangers?

According to Football Insider, the Light Blues are ‘well placed’ to secure a deal to sign shot-stopper Angus Gunn from Norwich City at the end of the campaign.

The report claims that the son of former Scotland international Bryan Gunn has admirers within the Gers camp because of his performances in the Championship this season.

Ross Wilson, who signed him for Premier League side Southampton from Manchester City earlier in his career, is now eyeing a swoop for the colossus to bolster Michael Beale’s squad.

What is Jon McLaughlin’s future at Ibrox?

Bringing Gunn in from the Canaries could open the door for Beale to ditch experienced goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin from the club ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

His current contract is due to expire in the summer of 2024 but the upcoming transfer window could be the right time for the Light Blues to revamp their goalkeeping options after a difficult season, so far, for the current first choices in that position.

Journalist Mark McDougall recently claimed that the veteran, alongside Allan McGregor, is “struggling badly” and the Scotsman has been unable to claim the no.1 jersey on a regular basis.

McLaughlin has started ten of the club’s 25 Premiership matches this term and saved 58% of the shots against him, while also making two errors directly leading to a goal and failing to complete a single successful run-out – as per Sofascore.

Gunn, meanwhile, has saved 73% of the efforts on his goal in his 15 Championship outings for Norwich. He has made one error leading to a goal and has completed 11 successful run-outs.

These statistics indicate that the Englishman, 27, would be a major upgrade on the former Sunderland man in various areas, including likeliness to make a mistake, shot-stopping, and his sweeping ability.

The £5m titan, who was hailed as being “full of potential” and even claiming that he has “legs like Kate Moss” by his ex-boss Daniel Farke, has averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.90 in the English second tier, whereas McGregor (6.77) and McLaughlin (6.69) have struggled for form in the Scottish top-flight.

Therefore, Gunn could come in as an improvement on both of Beale’s current senior goalkeeping options and his arrival could allow the manager to finally ditch McLaughlin, 35, by selling him on, whilst his 41-year-old teammate is out of contract and due to leave at the end of the campaign already.