West Ham fans divided over Roberto’s form

Social media is, more often than not, a very good indicator of how a particular set of supporters feel about their team, or indeed an individual player.

It was Roberto’s turn to go under the microscope on Sunday when West Ham United’s official Twitter account posted an interview from the Spaniard following the 1-1 draw with Sheffield United on Saturday afternoon.

The 33-year-old, who arrived on a free transfer over the summer, has featured in West Ham’s last four Premier League matches with Lukasz Fabianski on the sidelines.

Roberto has conceded five times in his last three starts for the club, including a strike from Lys Mousset against Sheffield United at the weekend.

And whilst there are some supporters who have seemingly been pleased with the Spaniard’s form since stepping into the spot vacated by Fabianski, that is not an opinion shared by everyone.

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A selection of the Twitter reaction from the West Ham fans can be seen below:

Real Madrid’s Eden Hazard was brilliant for Belgium vs San Marino

This article is part of Football FanCast’s In Numbers series, which takes a statistical look at performances, season-long form and reported transfer targets…

Eden Hazard’s start to his Real Madrid career hasn’t been as shiny as he probably would’ve liked.

So far, the great Belgian bomber has played a total of six games across all competitions for Los Blancos and has only managed to score and assist once in the process.

And while every player needs a certain adaptation period when coming to a new club, especially when that side is in a different league and a different country altogether, the 28-year-old’s price tag will soon demand more.

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After all, the Galacticos forked out a reported sum of £89m to get their man from Chelsea, and they will undoubtedly want him to perform accordingly.

We don’t have to look much further than his latest outing with his national team to realise what he can do, even if it was against some international minnows.

Belgium faced San Marino in the seventh round of their European Championship qualifications and they completely dismantled their opposition, winning 9-0 in the end.

Hazard was very much a big part of that huge victory, contributing with two assists to his name in the process but doing so much more as well. The 28-year-old managed to tally four successful dribbles, a total of six key passes and maintained 92% passing accuracy as well.

These numbers don’t really lie and Hazard dropped a masterclass in the 63 minutes he spent on the pitch before he was taken off by the coach.

This performance should definitely catch the eye of Zinedine Zidane, his gaffer over at Real Madrid, as the Frenchman will want his big start to replicate that back in Spain as well.

Hazard is well capable of dropping these performances and while we are still waiting for his full emergence while donning the white kit of the Galacticos, it could very much just be a matter of time.

At Real Madrid they wait for no one, and the sooner Hazard can unleash his full potential, the better.

For him, the club and not so much for their opponents.

Leeds’ predicted XI to play Charlton as Helder Costa starts

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This weekend presents a chance for Leeds to bounce back from two dropped points against Derby last weekend.

At home, the Whites had over 60% of the possession and even missed a penalty but Chris Martin popped up with a late equaliser.

It was punishment for Leeds’ failure to take their chances as even Marcelo Bielsa was hounded by supporters on social media after the game.

But versus Charlton, his side can cement themselves at the top of the table as they travel to the Valley.

Calls have been made in recent weeks for Helder Costa and Eddie Nketiah to start, but will they? We know for certain that one definitely will.

Bielsa confirmed in his pre-match press conference that Pablo Hernandez had a muscular injury and that Costa would come into the side. Our predicted XI tips the 64-year-old to make one other change though.

That sees Jamie Shackleton drop out of midfield with Adam Forshaw returning.

He has missed the last two outings through injury but the manager noted on Thursday that they know they can count on him.

Patrick Bamford has been the subject of criticism and praise this term but we think he’ll start again up top over Nketiah.

He is goalless in his last three matches but hit the post and won the penalty last week. However, another game without finding the net could have him under real pressure.

The backline should have a familiar look to it, one that includes Ben White and Liam Cooper. The west Yorkshire club have conceded just four goals in eight matches in the league this term.

Liverpool icon Riise fumes on Twitter as Liverpool trio are snubbed

[ad_pod ]The results of FIFA’s The Best awards ceremony on Monday night have seemingly caused huge issues amongst Liverpool circles.Indeed, despite the fact that Alisson won The Best Goalkeeper award and Jurgen Klopp won The Best Coach award, many affiliated with the Merseyside outfit have been fuming with the outcome of Monday night.A former fan favourite at Anfield took to Twitter to complain about some of the things that transpired on Monday.

John Arne Riise was seemingly far from happy with the fact that three key Liverpool men were snubbed at the awards ceremony.

Firstly, the Norwegian had an issue with the fact that Lionel Messi beat Virgil van Dijk to the Best Player award, but the former left-back was also annoyed that Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson were nowhere to be seen in the Team of the Year.

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Instead, Matthijs De Ligt, Sergio Ramos and Marcelo made the XI ahead of the two Liverpool full-backs, and it’s hard to disagree with Riise about this being a baffling decision.

West Brom fans swoon over Ahmed Hegazi after training video is posted

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West Brom’s official Twitter account have played on the heartstrings of the Hawthorns faithful with their latest post.

A video of defender Ahmed Hegazi has appeared with the player featuring in training yesterday.

The 28-year-old has so far missed all of the current campaign after it was decided he needed surgery to resolve an injury that had bothered him for quite some time.

Hegazi played 40 matches last season as the Baggies made the Championship playoffs, but their run faltered at the first hurdle, losing to eventual winners Aston Villa.

He had also featured for Egypt in the summer’s Africa Cup of Nations tournament.

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This season, Slaven Bilic’s men are yet to keep a clean sheet, so he could be a welcome return at just the right time.

One supporter joked that promotion should be announced already upon hearing the news, which was backed up by another who posted a meme of similar nature.

The Egypt international could turn West Brom into serious title challengers if his impact can resolve the issue of them leaking goals – they are currently unbeaten this season after all.

Other fans just couldn’t contain their excitement at Hegazi’s imminent return by posting a range of GIFs.

Here’s the best of the reaction:

Man United fans flock to Tchouaméni news

Flocking to Twitter, many Manchester United fans have flocked to a transfer claim involving AS Monaco hot shot Aurélien Tchouaméni.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have started 2021/2022 in solid fashion as they aim to win their first Premier League title in just under 10 years.

Right in amongst their fierce contenders, it hasn’t exactly been smooth sailing for The Red Devils in recent weeks – having dropped points at home to the likes of Aston Villa and Everton.

Solskjaer will be aiming to return to winning ways as soon as possible or risk potentially coming under more fire.

Sporting director John Murtough, assisting off-field and overseeing transfer activity, is reportedly looking at possible reinforcements already as a claim emerges involving exciting prodigy Tchouaméni.

The 21-year-old, who recently started France’s UEFA Nations League final win over Spain, has been turning heads in Ligue 1 and averaged an incredible 3.5 tackles per 90 over 36 top flight starts (WhoScored).

One of the most promising youngsters in world football right now, it is believed that United, and by extension Murtough, are now keeping tabs on the defensive midfielder – becoming ‘attentive’ to his situation, according to Le Parisien (via Sport Witness).

Flocking to this claim, many Red Devils fans have erupted and it’s say they want Tchouaméni at Old Trafford.

Man United fans flock to Tchouaméni claim…

“For the love of god in January this would be incredible”

Credit: @MG11szn

“praying”

Credit: @pastaccino

“Class”

Credit: @CloutCo13a1n

“Bring him home”

Credit: @spencer_mwenda

“Just buy the kid”

Credit: @KekNze

“Get him in”

Credit: @ZackMullerr

“PLEASEEEEEE”

Credit: @__AMAD__

“Get this lad signed up ASAP. Seriously this lad is the real deal an incredible talent. Would fit into our midfield perfectly. Hope we make our move considering the mounting interest in him from rival clubs”

Credit: @ChrisSilveste14

“I hope we make a move in January, would be an incredible signing.”

Credit: @UtdFaithfuls

In other news: ‘Oh boy’, ‘We’re doomed’, ‘Relegation incoming’…Man United fans erupt over another ‘massive blow’ pre-Leicester, find out more here.

West Ham duo doubts for Brentford clash

David Moyes is sweating on the fitness of two of his West Ham stars ahead of this afternoon’s Premier League clash with Brentford…

What’s the word?

According to Sky Sports, right-back duo Vladimir Coufal and Ryan Fredericks will be assessed before kick-off, having both missed their Europa League triumph over Rapid Wien in midweek.

The Czech Republic international was absent from training in the build-up to Thursday’s 2-0 win with a minor injury but according to manager David Moyes he has “a chance” of being involved today.

Meanwhile, his fellow full-back suffered a groin injury just 17 minutes into the Irons’ Carabao Cup victory against Manchester United a little over a week ago and has been missing ever since.

Both players are facing late fitness tests ahead of today’s encounter with the Bees at the London Stadium.

A big worry

The Scotsman should be concerned heading into kick-off as he could be without his first-choice and backup right-back against a side that have already beaten Arsenal and frustrated Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool in recent weeks.

Brentford are just two places behind the Hammers in the table and could leapfrog them should they clinch the three points in east London later this afternoon.

Thomas Frank has plenty of firepower at his disposal, having bagged the most goals of any side 10th or worse. The likes of Ivan Toney, Bryan Mbeumo and Sergi Canos can deal damage to any top-flight team, as we’ve already seen this campaign.

Coufal is an integral player in Moyes’ system.

He provided the second-most assists (seven) in the squad last season and he makes a big impact at either end of the pitch – as per WhoScored, he managed a team-high 2.1 tackles, on top of 1.2 interceptions and 1.3 key passes per game in 2020/21.

His form led to a glowing endorsement from Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher, who described the 29-year-old as “a manager’s dream” on Monday Night Football [4th May 2021, 22:24pm]

If he is absent, then usually Fredericks would be called upon and he’s been a steady and reliable backup for Moyes. In fact, it was he who provided the winner against Manchester United just minutes before picking up his injury.

It means Ben Johnson may need to be called upon once again, should both players miss the game, having made just his second start of the season on Thursday night.

There will also be another dilemma ringing around Moyes’ head as he may not want to risk either player unless they are truly 100% ready to feature. He will not want to see a returning player pick up another problem straight away, so it is certainly a major call to make.

The Hammers boss will be sweating on the fitness of Coufal and Fredericks ahead of their clash with the Bees this afternoon.

AND in other news, Moyes must axe “impressive” £27m-rated West Ham dynamo today, he’s struggled for weeks…

Parting shot at Man Utd? Eric Ramsay excited by 'strong football culture' at Minnesota United after leaving Old Trafford to become MLS' youngest-ever head coach

Erik ten Hag's assistant Eric Ramsay has become the youngest-ever MLS head coach after leaving Manchester United to join Minnesota United.

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  • Ramsay leaves Man Utd to join Minnesota United
  • Youngest-ever MLS coach
  • Excited by 'culture' at new club
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    The 31-year-old, who initially joined Manchester United's coaching staff in 2021, has officially made a move to Major League Soccer as he was appointed as the head coach of Minnesota United on Monday. Upon joining the club, he wholeheartedly praised his new club's football culture – in what could be construed as a veiled parting shot at United – as he expressed his excitement after taking up the first senior coaching job of his career.

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  • WHAT ERIC RAMSAY SAID

    After signing for the American club, Ramsay told their official website: "I’m incredibly excited to be joining a club with such a strong football culture, a fanatic fan base and a brilliant infrastructure. I’ve spoken to a lot of the club’s staff throughout the process and you can’t help but feel everyone’s passion for moving the club forward. There is a really exciting pathway for the future of the club and I’m looking forward to playing my role in realising that vision. I thank the club for putting its faith in me and I hope it’s the start of another successful period for everyone connected with Minnesota United."

    On the English manager's appointment, The Loons' chief soccer officer Khaled El-Ahmad said: "After an extensive search that included dozens of impressive domestic and international candidates, we are confident that Eric Ramsay is the best choice to lead our club. His experience working with top-level players, coaches, and sporting staff at both the club and international level – as well as his alignment in playing style and development philosophy – all fit with the vision we have for the future of MNUFC.

    "Beyond his soccer pedigree, he is a genuine person who is aligned with the values and culture at the club. He speaks several languages, has experience in managing a multicultural locker room at the highest level, and understands the importance of community engagement and the value of a passionate fanbase. He fits everything that MNUFC is about, and we are looking forward to welcoming Eric to Minnesota United FC."

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    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    had earlier reported that Ramsay had offers from Blackpool and Swansea City in the past few months but he refused their proposals to make a move to the United States. Since Minnesota United were awarded an expansion franchise slot in 2017, Ramsay is only the second head coach in the club's history after Everton legend Adrian Heath, with whom they parted ways last year.

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    WHAT NEXT FOR MINNESOTA UNITED?

    The Loons began the new MLS season on a winning note as they defeated Austin FC 2-1. They will next seen be in action on Saturday against the Columbus Crew.

'A joy to watch!' – Mikel Arteta in awe of Arsenal after Newcastle demolition boosts Premier League title hopes

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta heaped praise on his players after the club's thumping 4-1 win over Newcastle United.

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  • Arteta in awe of Arsenal players
  • Arsenal thrashed Newcastle 4-1
  • Praised the team's off-the-ball movements
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    The Gunners' convincing performance against the Magpies left Arteta in awe of his players as he wholeheartedly praised the team for their dominance against a formidable opponent. The manager also claimed that he was left impressed by his team's off-the-ball movements which were lacking in their defeat against FC Porto in the Champions League earlier in the week.

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  • WHAT MIKEL ARTETA SAID

    Speaking to BBC Match of the Day after the game, Arteta said, "I'm really happy with the performance against a Newcastle team who are really really good. The boys were really good, really aggressive and we deserved to win the game. They [Newcastle] have a lot of resources to create issues but we continued in the same way, we maintained our rhythm and it was a joy to watch the team play.

    "We are really happy, we have to continue to do the things that we are doing well. There are still things that we can do better and we are bringing big players back from injury so that is a big boost. Against Porto, we were ourselves with the ball but not without the ball. It was a big lesson and you learn a lot from those moments."

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    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Sven Botman's own goal handed the north London club the lead in the 18th minute before Kai Havertz doubled his team's lead in the first half. Bukayo Saka and Jakub Kiwior then scored a goal each in the 65th and 69th minute to seal the crucial three points. Joe Willock then netted a consolation goal for Eddie Howe's side in the 84th minute.

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    WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

    The Gunners are set to face Sheffield United and Brentford in their next two Premier League matches before they take on FC Porto in the second leg of their Champions League round of 16 fixture on March 12.

Leeds source drops exciting Sam Greenwood claim

Leeds United starlet Sam Greenwood is impressing behind the scenes at Thorp Arch, amid an update on his future.

What’s the story?

According to recent reports, six Championship clubs, including the likes of Swansea and Bournemouth, were interested in signing the 19-year-old before transfer deadline day, only for Leeds to reject that interest.

Now, Football Insider have claimed that Marcelo Bielsa and co have been left impressed by his development, and Leeds believe that he could turn into a real star at Premier League level.

The report said: “But one of the cheaper, less-heralded signings of last year has the United coaching staff at Thorpe Arch increasingly convinced he has a massive future ahead of him.

“A Leeds source has told Football Insider that teenage forward Sam Greenwood has blown Marcelo Bielsa and his backroom team away with his promise and potential to be a bona fide Premier League star.

“To say the 19-year-old is highly thought of is an understatement, with the word “phenomenal” regularly used to describe him behind the scenes.”

Fans will love it

In his debut season campaign at Elland Road, Greenwood bagged 12 goals in just 18 games, playing in a number of different roles, including up front, behind the striker and further back as a central midfielder.

The Athletic’s Phil Hay has previously hailed the youngster for his beginning to life at Leeds, saying: “He’s started really well at Leeds and he was very well thought of at Arsenal, and they weren’t rushing to get him out (of) the door this summer. From what we’ve seen of him so far, his movement and his finishing and everything else, he looks like a very natural striker.”

Given how Leeds fans are already big fans of the teenage starlet, this latest news that he’s making waves behind-the-scenes at Thorp Arch is sure to have them excited.

Meanwhile, Victor Orta delivered a Leeds masterclass…

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