Arsenal thought they were back in the groove. The Gunners had dispatched the likes of West Ham, Sporting and Manchester United since the last international break of the year but fell short when they travelled to Fulham.

We know the Premier League isn’t easy. The way Mikel Arteta’s men have relentlessly attempted to chase down Manchester City is a testament to that.

Well, they are ahead of City this time around but the trouble is, Arsenal still only sit in third place.

Chelsea leapfrogged them courtesy of a remarkable 4-2 win over Spurs and even though Liverpool didn’t play due to adverse weather conditions, the gap between them and Arteta’s side is still six points.

So, where’s it all gone wrong so far this season? Well, three red cards certainly haven’t helped. Neither did skipper Martin Odegaard’s 12-game absence due to an ankle injury.

The bottom line, however, is that Arsenal simply haven’t been good enough for long periods of time. A lot of that can be owed to an underperforming attack.

Arsenal's underperforming attackers

Let’s get this out of the way first. When at their best, Arteta’s forward line is one of the very best in Europe. Bukayo Saka – the division’s top assister – has proven he is now one of the finest wingers on the continent and coupled with Odegaard, Arsenal have created perhaps their most dynamic duo since the days of Thierry Henry and Robert Pires.

Alas, it is the players on the opposite flank who have often let the club down in crucial moments this season.

Leandro Trossard may have found a degree of form in recent weeks, scoring against Sporting and West Ham nine days ago. Yet, there was that foolish red card at the Etihad and it was his misplaced pass that ultimately led to William Saliba’s sending off against Bournemouth.

The Belgian may have finished as the club’s second-top scorer last term on 17 goals but he simply hasn’t been at the races this term, registering just four goals in 20 games.

Gabriel Martinelli has not fared much better and his piece of play deep in the game at Craven Cottage as Arsenal drew 1-1 typified his season.

The Brazilian did incredibly well to cut inside and curl a tantalising ball to the back post where Saka headed home. It looked like Arsenal had a late winner. But wait…what’s this? It’s the dreaded VAR.

It was a “criminal” mistake in the words of Paul Merson, as Martinelli strayed offside and ruined Arsenal’s chances of narrowing the gap at the top to four points.

That being said, some of the blame should lie at the feet of another Brazilian; Gabriel Jesus.

Why it's time for Gabriel Jesus to go

Over the summer, the club finally decided to part ways with Eddie Nketiah. He had become the third choice option behind Jesus and surprisingly, Kai Havertz.

It was predominantly the German’s form as a centre-forward that provoked that sale and since then he scored four goals in his first seven league matches of 2024/25.

While the goals haven’t been quite as forthcoming in the Premier League since, he still brings a great deal to the attack with his pressing and hold up play.

Unfortunately, like Nketiah, Jesus does not offer much at all. He has scored just one league goal in 2024 to date and ruined his chance to rescue things for Arteta on Sunday afternoon.

Truth be told, it was a rough old day for Havertz who didn’t have a single shot on target in the clash. Change was needed and the more dynamic and tricky Jesus was a wise option to call upon.

His cameo was rather dire, though. The former Man City striker registered a truly awful pass success rate of 17% after he left the field and also messed up a goalscoring opportunity in bizarre fashion.

Jesus’ cameo vs Fulham

Minutes played

17

Touches

8

Accurate passes

1/6 (17%)

Shots

0

Dribbles

0

Key passes

0

Crosses

0

Duels won

1/1

Possession lost

5x

Tackles

1

Stats via Sofascore.

The ball was lifted over the Fulham defence by Declan Rice and the 27-year-old had an ideal opportunity to tuck the ball away when one-on-one with Bernd Leno. Except Jesus didn’t actually make contact with the ball. He paused, seemingly unsure as to whether the ball would come to him and rather than being gifted with a simple chance it fell straight into Leno’s arms.

That lack of confidence, that lack of conviction typified his sorry calendar year. Perhaps rather harshly, Arsenal reporter Connor Humm noted that the £45m signing “doesn’t look like he could score in League 2.” It does feel like that at times, it must be said.

Gabriel Jesus (centre) could have won the game for Arsenal

Truth be told, Jesus’ decline has been particularly sad. Yes, the Brazil international has struggled with injuries over the last 18 months or so but let us remember the immediate impact he made at the Emirates.

After signing from title rivals City in the summer of 2022, he scored five goals in his first eight league outings. That form has never been replicated since.

Unfortunately, it feels as though this could be the beginning of the end of Jesus’ time in an Arsenal shirt. They will undoubtedly recruit a new forward in 2025 and as a result, someone will have to be shipped on. He is now a prime candidate.

Related 5/10 Arsenal star just had his worst game all season

Arsenal were held by Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday afternoon.

Posts ByMatt Dawson Dec 8, 2024

Paul Scholes has claimed that Manchester United have become a "begging club" since the arrival of part owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Scholes takes aim at INEOS
• Not convinced by Ratcliffe's words
• Man Utd plan to build a new stadium by 2030

Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱

• Man Utd
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  United announced ambitious plans to construct a new state-of-the-art 100,000-capacity stadium last week, which Ratcliffe hopes can be "the world’s greatest" football venue. The project, estimated to cost £2 billion, is expected to take at least five years to complete. INEOS chairman Ratcliffe is leading the charge for the massive infrastructure overhaul on the back of implementing a string of unpopular cost-cutting measures at the club.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Despite the British billionaire's efforts to bring changes at United, which is set to include the sale of several first-team players this summer, club legend Paul Scholes is not yet buying into the big promises. The former England star feels the Red Devils have been reduced to "begging" under the INEOS regime, and has suggested the new stadium project might not be "realistic".

• WHAT PAUL SCHOLES SAID

  Speaking on , brought to you by , Scholes said: "You can be gullible at times, and believe what he [Sir Jim Ratcliffe] says, just because you’ve never heard anyone say anything before. You don’t know how realistic it is, it’s all up in the air.

  "Words are cheap, and we could say anything about anyone, you can say in 10 years we’ll have the biggest and best stadium. For a long time, we’ve been called the richest club in the world, but I feel like we’re begging a little, asking for the stadium and that we need £2 billion, and selling players to buy players."

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?

  Ruben Amorim's United side will be back in action after the international break as they take on Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on April 1. The Red Devils are languishing down in 13th in the table, but are unbeaten in their last four games across all competitions and still have the Europa League to play for.

Despite Ben Duckett coming close to twin tons, Nottinghamshire were below par, particularly with the ball

ECB Reporters Network17-Apr-2022

Marnus Labuschagne helped Glamorgan over the line•PA Images via Getty Images

An unbeaten half-century by world No. 1 Test batsman Marnus Labuschagne guided Glamorgan to a seven-wicket victory over Nottinghamshire in the LV= Insurance County Championship, ending their first visit to Trent Bridge for a red-ball match since 2007 with a first win on the ground since 1998.Chasing 166 to win in the fourth innings after taking Nottinghamshire’s final two second-innings wickets inside the first hour of play, Glamorgan wrapped up a 23-points win before tea on the final afternoon.Australia’s Labuschagne, in his first game back with the Welsh county after successful summers in 2019 and 2021, was dropped on 25, although it is doubtful that the miss had any bearing on the outcome of the match.It is a sobering result for Nottinghamshire, a popular tip to be Division Two champions this season. Ben Duckett came close to scoring a century in each innings but it was generally a below-par performance by the home side, particularly with the ball.James Pattinson, in his first match back at Trent Bridge, was outbowled by fellow Aussies Michael Neser and Michael Hogan, while the Australia-born Netherlands seamer Timm van der Gugten made an outstanding contribution both with bat and ball.Nottinghamshire added 18 runs to their overnight lead of 147 before Glamorgan removed their last two wickets. Brett Hutton shouldered arms to the ball that bowled him, one of three dismissals in the match where the batter offered no shot. Joey Evison made a creditable 37 before gloving a legside catch to wicketkeeper Chris Cooke as he went to pull James Weighell.Evison batted with a runner and was unable to bowl as Glamorgan set about their chase, one in which Nottinghamshire needed a salvo of early wickets if they were to create any real pressure for the batters on a wicket that had lasted well.None was forthcoming, openers David Lloyd and Andrew Salter rattling along at four runs an over before the latter departed in the 14th, the home side’s ambitions not helped by Pattinson conceding 22 in three overs.Salter was lbw as left-arm spinner Liam Patterson-White managed to squeeze the ball past his inside edge. There was a second setback for Glamorgan in the last over before lunch when Lloyd was also out to a ball he chose to leave, Dane Paterson bringing one back to clip off stump.Paterson and Patterson-White applied a squeeze after lunch. That changed when Labuschagne lofted the left-arm spinner for six over long-off and Sam Northeast crashed four through the covers but when Northeast took on a short ball from Pattinson in the next over, he was caught at long-leg by Paterson, who struggled to track the flight of the ball against the glare of the sky before landing on his back with ball in hand.Northeast’s dismissal took one of Glamorgan’s potential match-winners out of the equation but others remained, not least Labuschagne, who had a let-off behind the stumps on 25 when Tom Moores dived across first slip but could not cling on to an edge off Paterson’s bowling.Labuschagne completed his half-century, a relatively workmanlike affair, when he cut Pattinson for just his third four, before Kiran Carlson, who made 47 in a stand worth 74, completed the victory with a flourish, handing Pattinson the indignity of being hooked for six to win the contest with 39 overs to spare.

MatériaMais Notícias

Após a vitória do São Paulo sobre o São Bernardo, na última terça-feira (22), por 4 a 1, a equipe se classificou para as semifinais do Campeonato Paulista 2022. Agora, o Tricolor aguarda para descobrir quem será seu adversário na próxima etapa.

RelacionadasSão PauloLuciano fala sobre jogar grandes decisões no Morumbi e destaca torcida do São PauloSão Paulo23/03/2022São PauloRogério Ceni destaca importância do mando de campo na semifinal do Paulista; confira cenáriosSão Paulo23/03/2022São PauloCotia resolve! Garotos revelados no São Paulo são destaques nesta temporada; veja númerosSão Paulo23/03/2022

Com os rivais Corinthians e Palmeiras na disputa, existe a chance de que os próximos passos sejam resolvidos em clássicos. Na coletiva após o jogo, Rogério Ceni foi questionado sobre essa possibilidade e o favoritismo do Palmeiras no estadual.

A equipe alviverde, atual campeã da Libertadores, se manteve invicta durante toda a fase de grupos do Paulista, sendo vista como uma das grandes favoritas ao título devido à boa campanha. O treinador do São Paulo afirmou reconhecer o peso do rival, e também destacou alguns nomes do Corinthians.

TABELA
> Veja a tabela do Campeonato Paulista 2022 e simule os próximos jogos

-Vejo o Palmeiras como um baita time, um estilo de jogo que o treinador vai aprimorando a cada jogo. Ninguém é campeão da Libertadores duas vezes seguidas por acaso. O Palmeiras tem mérito pela situação financeira equilibrada que vive, pelo investimento em categorias de base. Vejo o Corinthians como uma equipe talentosa, talvez a mais talentosa. O Willian é diferente do que temos no Brasil. Tem Guedes, Mosquito, Giuliano… Renato Augusto, que é diferente, Paulinho – disse.

Rogério Ceni, portanto, ressaltou que não se deixará levar por favoritismo, e afirmou que garante que o Tricolor paulista irá se dedicar para competir e realizar bons jogos.

– Nós vamos competir, não vamos deixar de competir. Temos bons jogadores, temos que valorizar, e vamos lutar com quem tiver na nossa frente. Favorito não entra em campo, mas tenho que reconhecer que o Palmeiras tem um time formado há muito tempo, tem um estilo de jogo, sofre poucos gols. O Corinthians cria muito, tem sempre posse. Cada um em sua característica. Nós, no coletivo, vamos tentar fazer bons jogos – completou.

O São Paulo ainda não tem um adversário definido para a penúltima partida do Paulistão, que será disputada no próximo sábado (26).

Newcastle United know that 2025 is going to be a big year. This year has been one of frustration, with injuries ruining the end of last season, PSR ruining Eddie Howe’s summer transfer plans and inconsistency ruining the fans’ hopes that a Champions League place can be reclaimed.

There’s no doubt that the Magpies have enjoyed an impressive and blistering rise from the dredges of the Premier League to European competition over the past several years, but progress has faltered and frozen in recent months.

While the Tynesiders pushed for the likes of Marc Guehi and Anthony Elanga during the off-season, they failed to secure their targets, and the knock-on effect is being keenly felt.

Saying that, PIF did manage to keep a grip on the club’s holy trinity: Anthony Gordon, Alexander Isak, and Bruno Guimaraes.

That was then, and this is now. One of Europe’s biggest clubs are making overtures of their own as they push to sign a Newcastle superstar.

Man City want Newcastle superstar

As per The Times, Manchester City are interested in signing Guimaraes in 2025, with either a January or summer deal believed to be on the cards.

The Brazil international has been one of United’s most influential players since joining from Lyon for £40m in January 2022, vital in shaping Howe’s team and reaching heights that were unimaginable only months before.

While Guimaraes signed a new five-year deal at St. James’ Park only a couple of months ago, it’s understood that he has a £100m release clause in his contract, though whether Newcastle will consider a lower bid is uncertain at this stage.

He’s racked up 125 appearances for the Magpies and has registered 33 goal contributions across the span of his career on English shores, and though Newcastle have been forced to contend with the possibility of several damaging sales this year, Guimaraes’s departure would perhaps be the biggest blow – even more so than Isak.

A bigger blow than losing Alexander Isak

The fact that Manchester City have placed Guimaraes at the top of their shopping list as they look to complete a much-needed midfield rebuild speaks volumes concerning the 27-year-old’s ability.

Matches (starts)

17 (11)

32 (32)

37 (37)

15 (15)

Goals

5

4

7

0

Assists

1

5

8

3

Pass completion

86%

85%

85%

82%

Key passes*

0.7

1.3

1.7

0.9

Dribbles*

1.3

1.4

1.9

1.5

Ball recoveries*

7.0

7.7

6.5

5.3

Tackles + interceptions*

3.1

3.5

3.3

3.1

Total duels (won)*

6.2 (55%)

7.0 (57%)

7.7 (57%)

7.7 (56%)

Hailed for his “world-class” quality by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Guimaraes has been one of the most consistent midfielders in the Premier League, and this is clear when looking at the player’s metrics across his four campaigns in English football.

With a wonderful range of passing, elite combativeness and an unceasing athleticism that lets him drive forward with penetrative runs, break into the rim of the final third and influence play, Guimaraes is possibly even Newcastle’s most prized possession.

Of course, Isak would likely claim that he is the cream of the Toon crop, for he is one of the finest goalscorers in the Premier League.

Isak, 25, joined Newcastle a little later than his South American teammate but completed a club-record £63m transfer from Real Sociedad that stands to this day.

Injuries have been his biggest weakness, but the Sweden international’s record of 42 goals and eight assists from 82 fixtures – 69 starts – is evidence enough that he is worthy of a place at the spearpoint of any first-class team on the continent.

But Guimaraes is simply too dynamic and versatile to regard as anything other than the Magpies’ most valuable piece of silver. As per FBref, he actually ranks among the top 16% of midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for goals scored, the top 5% for assists, the top 8% for shot-creating actions, the top 8% for progressive passes and the top 2% for successful take-ons per 90.

Isak’s persistent injury issues suggest that Newcastle need to sign a new striker, a situation compounded by Callum Wilson’s fresh layoff and looming contract expiry. Newcastle will need to find a new number nine, and they will.

Guimaraes and Gordon have been tied down to contract extensions but Isak appears hesitant to engage in prolonging his own stay at St. James’ Park, and with Arsenal known to hold a concrete interest in completing a move, it does feel like one that could happen in 2025.

Of course, the flip side to all this is that Guimaraes’ prospective sale – or indeed Isak’s – would serve to fill the Newcastle coffers to the brim and hand Howe and his transfer team ample resources to complete some much-needed sprucing of the squad.

But at what cost? Though it’s infeasible to think that Newcastle are exempt from losing their prized players, especially if they fail to qualify for European competition for the second season running, Guimaraes has only recently signed a long-term deal and must now be allowed to strengthen a Premier League rival.

Selling Isak would be a damaging blow to the outfit, but losing Guimaraes would be more detrimental still.

0 games in 24/25: Howe can ease Wilson blow by unleashing Newcastle teen

Callum Wilson has picked up a new injury and will be sidelined for several months.

ByAngus Sinclair Dec 13, 2024

Manchester United are going all in to sign a Chelsea “monster” for Ruben Amorim in a £50 million transfer, according to a recent report.

The January transfer window is only five weeks away from opening, and the Red Devils appear to have their eye on a few players who they could look to sign if the right deal is available for them.

Amorim can axe Maguire for "exciting" teen who’s not played for Man Utd

The Man Utd youngster is highly rated

1 ByJoe Nuttall Nov 23, 2024 Man Utd transfer rumours

Money is likely to be tight at Old Trafford in the New Year, as their heavy spending during the summer means they may have to move players on before they can bring anyone to the club.

One player who could be moved on by United is striker Joshua Zirkzee, as a report has claimed that he could be offloaded by Amorim in January. The Dutchman has struggled since moving to England, scoring on his debut against Fulham, but has failed to make a significant impact since then. Zirkzee has been linked with a move away in January and if he were to leave, whether it be on a permanent basis or a temporary one, it could allow United to make a transfer of their own.

Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite remains a top target for the Red Devils, and a move could occur for him in the New Year if United are able to get the finances right, as Everton are still demanding £70 million for his departure. But as well as looking at Branthwaite, United also have their eye on an attacker, who looks increasingly unhappy with his situation at his current side.

Man Utd going all in to sign "monster" attacker for Amorim in £50m transfer

According to a report from Spain, Manchester United have made Christopher Nkunku a top target, and they are willing to make an offer to sign him for Amorim. The Frenchman has been at Chelsea since July 2023, but it hasn’t been plain sailing for the forward, as injuries last season meant he played just 11 times in the Premier League, as well as two games in the FA Cup and one in the Carabao Cup.

Nkunku, who has been dubbed a “monster” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has already beaten his games from last season, as his appearance from the bench against Leicester City on Saturday made it 11 league games, and he has also featured heavily in the cup competitions. However, the striker is unhappy with his lack of game time at Stamford Bridge, as he’s only started one league game in this campaign.

This report now states that Man Utd are willing to go all out to secure the signing of Nkunku and are ready to offer a figure of €60 million, which is roughly £50 million. This price tag is not considered excessive, as Nkunku could have a very good impact on the team, as he’s got great vision and creative ability as well as an eye for goal.

Apps

18

Starts

8

Goals

10

Assists

1

Furthermore, Nkunku’s ability to play in different positions would make him an ideal player for Man United and Amorim, as the Portuguese looks to change the tactical approach of the club. Chelsea are said to be “evaluating” the offer from United, which could allow him to leave as he searches for more regular football.

The annual NXGN lists are back for another year, highlighting 50 of the most incredible talents to have been born on or after January 1, 2006

The annual NXGN lists are back for 2025, as GOAL ranks the world's top teenage talents in men's and women's football, crowning winners that will follow in the footsteps of the likes of Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo, Jadon Sancho and Lena Oberdorf in being recognised as the best young footballer on the planet.

Covering all five major footballing continents and representing 23 different countries, the men's NXGN 2025 list is a truly global one, featuring established senior internationals, title winners and names that are set to light up the biggest competitions for decades to come.

So without further ado, here is the NXGN 2025 list of the top 50 young talents born on or after January 1, 2006…

Getty/GOAL50Chido Obi (Manchester United)

Manchester United's record when it comes to signing strikers in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era isn't exactly anything to write home about, but there is hope that their capture of Chido Obi in the summer of 2024 will go down as a piece of business that went a long way towards turning the Red Devils around.

The Denmark youth international made headlines last year when he went on a tear for Arsenal's Under-18s, scoring 32 goals in just 18 league matches for the Gunners despite his opponents being a couple of years older than him. United were subsequently able to tempt Obi away from north London amid rival interest from Bayern Munich, and despite him being just 17, there is a growing clamour from the Old Trafford crowd for the teenager to be given more first-team opportunities before the season is out.

AdvertisementGetty/GOAL49Gilberto Mora (Club Tijuana)

After an underwhelming half-decade, Mexican soccer is desperate for some new blood to emerge ahead of them co-hosting the 2026 World Cup. Fortunately, in Gilberto Mora, there is hope that El Tri has found its new poster boy after a record-breaking start to the attacking midfielder's career.

At just 16, the Club Tijuana prospect has already become the youngest player to score in Liga MX, while he also played his first game for the senior Mexico team in an unofficial friendly in January. Barcelona and Manchester City are among the clubs to have been linked with moves for Mora, and interest in him is only going to grow as his development continues.

Getty/GOAL48Diego Kochen (Barcelona)

The United States has a rich history when it comes to developing goalkeepers, and Diego Kochen looks poised to become the next American shot-stopper capable of plying their trade at the very top of the global game after earning plenty of admirers at Barcelona.

The 18-year-old has become a fixture in the Blaugrana's matchday squads over the course of the campaign, and is expected to make the step up to become Marc-Andre ter Stegen's primary backup in the not-too-distant future. Kochen has also earned recognition from national team boss Mauricio Pochettino after receiving his first call-up to the senior squad in November.

Getty/GOAL47Amara Diouf (Generation Foot)

Playing competitive international football at the age of 15 is an honour bestowed on very few players, but that is exactly what Amara Diouf accomplished in September 2023 when he made his debut for Senegal in an African Cup of Nations qualifier. That appearance came shortly after he had broken Victor Osimhen's record for the most goals scored at an U17 AFCON, and the now-16-year-old forward is expected to become one of the next superstars to emerge from the continent.

Diouf, who plays his club football for Generation Foot in his homeland, has seen his development stall somewhat over the past six months after he suffered a serious knee injury, though that has not stopped him from being linked with the likes of Barcelona, Chelsea and Liverpool. However, it seems he is most likely to follow in the footsteps of another Generation Foot talent, Sadio Mane, in joining French side Metz once he turns 18 in the summer of 2026.

Lyndon James is the Nottinghamshire batter who barely gains a mention. No longer. His maiden first-class century might have been compiled on a lifeless surface at the Riverside, but it was a worthy landmark nevertheless and the likelihood is that he will make many more in more exacting circumstances. Stylish and understated, he ground Durham into the dirt and once again underlined that he is an allrounder of considerable promise.James was not Notts’ only century-maker. Ben Slater, 164 not out at the close, returned his first Championship century for a year. He already has his highest Notts score and his career-best is eight runs away. Both progressed in untroubled fashion throughout a sunny second day that might have been termed soporific had it not been for the sharpening effects of a chill nor’easterly which kept spectators upright in their seats and then persuaded them to cut out early in the final session. Slater was heavily off-side dominant, carving and driving. James’ serenity means that many of his well-timed boundaries, the best off the back foot, just crept over the rope as if not to waste excess energy.The more celebrated trio of Haseeb Hameed, Ben Duckett and Joe Clarke all missed out. Matthew Potts was responsible for that, his energetic, attacking pre-lunch spell almost signifying Durham’s desperation to strike early. He has started the season well and it is to be hoped that a heavy schedule does not dull him. Hameed was lbw on the back foot, a vision of watchfulness but missing it nevertheless; Duckett’s half-century was inventive and a little impatient and when he dragged onto his stumps it was a disappointing end; Clarke, with a couple of overs to survive before lunch, pushed at a wide one.But Durham’s pre-lunch bowling resolve died as overs built up and the inevitability of batting dominance took hold. Slater and James have so far added 216 in 67 overs for the fourth wicket. Slater’s luckiest moment came on 99 when he cut the offspinner George Drissell into the pads of the wicketkeeper, Ned Eckersley, and ran for the ricochet. James also flirted with a play-and-miss at Potts on the same score, but otherwise he played with great precision in attack and defence. The second new ball did nothing.Drissell, a concussion substitute for Liam Trevaskis, could not exert the same pressure that his fellow spinner Liam Patterson-White applied on the first day, but he was unfortunate not to have Duckett caught at mid-off on 19 when Scott Borthwick, running backwards, failed to lock on to a steepler. Since his first senior wickets at the Cheltenham Festival four years ago, where academia encourages optimism, rewards have not come easily.Oh, Chester-le-Street, what has become of you? You used to be such a lark, always fun to be with, flouting authority as you swung and seamed to your heart’s content. The rebel of the north we used to call you, with a nod of recognition to the Angel of the North which dominates the skyline a few miles up the A1 in Gateshead. Now look at you: impeccably well behaved, smartly groomed, the sort of square you would introduce to the ECB without a second’s thought. No wild days now, just predictability and convention. If this is the future, not everybody will be sticking around for the ride.Some people apparently think that the Angel of the North was built in celebration of Alan Shearer’s goalscoring exploits for Newcastle United. There’s nowt as queer as folk. In actual fact, the architect, Anthony Gormley, came up with three explanations which was probably two too many, but was a good attempt to persuade the nay-sayers to recognise its brilliance. It variously represented coal miners of the north-east who worked in the dark for two hundred years, it was a bold grasp of the future, expressing our transition from the industrial to the information age, and lastly it was a focus for our hopes and fears.As far as the Riverside, the fallen rebel of the north, is concerned, “the focus for our hopes and fears” is the most apt because the four-day game in England is at an uncertain stage. Overly seek to satisfy ECB demands for hard and true surfaces, so theoretically producing batters with unbreakable concentration, 90mph quicks and mystery spinners, and what you often get, in April anyway (midsummer is a totally different story), are slow surfaces that become deader as the match wears on, an unbalanced contest proceeding along predictable lines and bored spectators. And on chilly days like this, it needs to be said, many people are bored. Cold weather, in particular, needs cut and thrust. For those who watch, the fun has gone.Luke Fletcher, Notts’ indefatigable seamer, put it more jovially on BBC radio: “I used to like Chester-le-Street. I’m not sure now.”Potts, as he must be, was defiant. He looks the likeliest to make things happen on such surfaces whereas Chris Rushworth, so often Durham’s saviour, could be feeling his age. “It was a long day in the dirt and toil for the boys,” Potts said. “If this is a sign of the way things are going to go, I think we might see a few more draws. We’ve just got to get better and adapt as a bowling unit, which is something we’re having a lot of discussions on to get wickets on these types of pitches.”Notts, with a lead of 141, can anticipate taking that to 300 soon after lunch on the third day, but even with their excellent pace attack, it would be unwise to delay their declaration any longer. This is not a one-off. Leicestershire batted out the final day at 183 for 2 last week, against what remains a highly serviceable Durham seam attack, just two pitches down on a square that was relaid 18 months ago. The moisture content on this surface apparently started out even lower than last week. But Notts shouldn’t be in Division Two anyway and are rightly favourites to win it so if any side can force a victory they can.

We love Mohamed Salah, and we love Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk too. These are the staples of Liverpool’s rip-roaring successes over the past nine years or so.

Andrew Robertson? Integral at left-back across the duration of Jurgen Klopp’s reign. Alisson Becker is one of the finest goalkeepers of his generation and Sadio Mane and Bobby Firmino joined Salah for many remarkable years, tying together in an attacking triptych for the ages, wreaking havoc and lifting trophies.

But what about those of a more clutch nature? Liverpool have fashioned some real superstars across the past decade, but those of less sweeping legacies still triumphed in playing a fundamental role too.

Liverpool's most clutch players

Last season, while he certainly had his negatives, Darwin Nunez proved to be Liverpool’s go-to man for coming up trumps, notching five match-winning strikes in the Premier League.

Nunez needs to find and sustain his clinical edge but no one can deny that the man’s a maverick, a born entertainer. Special shoutout to Wataru Endo too, for the Japan midfielder brought his tough-tackling style to English football and often helped Liverpool over the line in the later stages – notably against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final.

There have been many further cult heroes to grace the Anfield walls across this illustrious epoch in Liverpool’s history; Xherdan Shaqiri is another.

None, however, carry the aura nor the impact of Divock Origi, who is regarded as one of Klopp’s most memorable members.

The Belgian’s arrival predated Klopp’s. He completed a £10m transfer from LOSC Lille in July 2014 before returning to the French club on loan for the 2014/15 season, scoring nine goals in all competitions.

He left a hero. A deep-diving breakdown into Origi’s Anfield career would yield middling findings. He scored 41 goals across 175 matches in total, with just 22 Premier League goals struck across seven seasons. Hardly the stuff of legends.

But a legend he is. Klopp said so. Origi’s unmatched quality in popping up on the biggest moment to score an all-important goal for Liverpool is something that cannot be taught. He simply has it.

His two-goal haul in the Reds’ historic turnaround victory over Barcelona is enough to erect a statue, but then the 29-year-old went on to seal the deal against Tottenham Hotspur in the final, sparking pandemonium among the Liverpool fanbase.

Everton must have despised Origi, for he seemed to invariably emerge in the right place and send Liverpool’s rivals in a spin.

Arne Slot had inherited a team of high-class quality, evidenced through Liverpool’s staggering start to the campaign, – the Reds are commandingly atop the Premier League and Champions League tables – but he’d surely take Origi into his brood, simply for the unique, clinical dimension that he offers.

It might not seem like it, but Slot may actually boast his own version of the Belgium international, and his name’s Caoimhin Kelleher.

Caoimhin Kelleher is the new Divock Origi

It’s remarkable that Liverpool have had Alisson sidelined for as much as they have across the past year or two and fans have scarcely felt his absence, for Kelleher has been such a titan between the sticks.

Last season, Klopp claimed that the Irish shot-stopper is “the best number two in the world” but to be honest, he’s probably one of the world’s finest, with his performances proving to be so awe-inspiring for the Redmen.

He’s only made 57 appearances for Liverpool since emerging from the youth ranks, but Kelleher has certainly produced results worth bragging about when unleashed, instrumental in lifting two Carabao Cup titles and the FA Cup too.

Alisson has indeed been absent for much of Slot’s reign so far but Kelleher has stepped up and then some, saving Kylian Mbappe’s penalty as Liverpool defeated Real Madrid in the Champions League group phase.

You could say that his remarkable success in popping up when his outfit need him is reminiscent of Origi, who was never really the number one up front on Merseyside but still played his part triumphantly.

Journalist DaveOCKOP saw it from way back, stating in December 2021: “Kelleher has a bit of Origi about him. When he appears it’s magic.”

The signs were there from the offing, and now Liverpool are reaping the fruits of Kelleher’s development. There must be some part of FSG that bemoan the decision to splash £29m on Giorgi Mamardashvili this summer, with the Georgian goalkeeper snapped up prudently as Alisson’s long-term successor.

Liverpool’s net is sure to be in safe hands with the 23-year-old Mamardashvili, who is back on loan with Valencia for the duration of the current campaign, but Kelleher might actually be operating at the superior level right now.

Market Movers

Football FanCast's Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club's star player or biggest flop worth today?

In any case, Liverpool have triumphed with the Republic of Ireland international, who has actually signed from Ringmahon Rangers in his homeland as a 17-year-old for a £30k figure and has since paid back that outlay for sure.

In fact, given that Chelsea are displaying interest in the monstrous player and have floated figures reaching £35m, Liverpool are going to hit the veritable jackpot when he is sold. When assessing the two sums, Kelleher’s hike in market value can be extrapolated to a 116567% rise – which is absurd.

Origi might be an Anfield star no more, but his spirit certainly lives on. Kelleher is proving to be one of Liverpool’s most clutch sensations of modern times, and if the lofty goals are achieved under Slot’s management this year, he too will cement cult status at this high-flying football club.

Huge Robertson upgrade: Liverpool pushing to sign “unique” £40m star

Liverpool could look to replace Andy Robertson within Slot’s system.

By
Angus Sinclair

Nov 29, 2024

Newcastle United are now monitoring a “sublime” Premier League player who has an affordable asking price, according to a report.

Newcastle transfer news

Although they are significantly hampered by the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules, Newcastle are still looking at ways in which they can improve their squad in January and beyond.

Amid the uncertainty around Alexander Isak’s future, Newcastle have been linked with a move for Corinthians striker Yuri Alberto, who could be available for the relatively low fee of £17m this winter.

However, The Athletic reporter Chris Waugh believes that Eddie Howe will be more keen to strengthen in a different area of the pitch, saying: “As things stand, right-wing is very much the priority position, ahead of center-back,” Waugh reported. “Right-sided attack is the area they feel can be most improved upon.”

The Magpies are believed to have identified a number of targets that fit the bill, with Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo at the top of the list, although West Ham United winger Mohammed Kudus could also be considered.

Newcastle scouting Southampton gem

Mbeumo and Kudus aren’t the only Premier League players Howe has in mind, however, as Caught Offside report Newcastle have sent scouts to monitor Southampton’s Tyler Dibling this season.

Dibling is in high demand across the Premier League, with the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United and Aston Villa also being named as potential suitors, so there is likely to be stiff competition for his signature.

There has been a growing interest in the 18-year-old since his performance in the Saints’ loss against Liverpool last month, but his current employers are adamant they don’t want to sell him.

While they are likely to resist any interest in the winger, Southampton are said to have set an affordable asking price of around €25m (£20m), which shouldn’t be too prohibitive, at least for the Premier League’s top clubs.

Newcastle leading the race to sign £16.5m gem with a "magical" left foot

The Magpies are in pole position.

1 ByHenry Jackson Dec 9, 2024

It is exciting news that Newcastle are interested in the Southampton ace, given how highly he is rated, with journalist Jacob Tanswell describing him as “sublime” earlier in the campaign. Current manager Russell Martin also sang the starlet’s praises after his performance against Brighton & Hove Albion at the end of last month.

Although the Exeter-born winger is less proven than the likes of Mbeumo and Kudus, he is likely to be a far more affordable option, which may be necessary for Newcastle, given their financial challenges.

As such, Howe should continue to monitor Dibling ahead of the January transfer window to see how he progresses.