All posts by z3u9t.icu

Many Sunderland fans were left slamming the display of Lynden Gooch in their 1-1 draw at home to Oxford United in League One on Saturday afternoon.

The winger made an error that led to Matty Taylor levelling the score later on in the first half, after Leon Dajaku had given the hosts an early lead.

Overall, it was a frustrating afternoon for Gooch, who failed to record a single shot on target, and was inaccurate with five of his crosses and nine of his long balls throughout the game (SofaScore).

He also gave the ball away on no fewer than on 28 separate occasions in the match, the second-most times out of any player on the pitch (SofaScore), and so it is no surprise that the Stadium of Light faithful turned on him.

Sunderland fans on Gooch display

These Black Cats slammed his performance on Twitter, with one SAFC supporter even going as far as to claim that he is a ‘liability’:

“Lynden Gooch liability, that’s pathetic”

Credit: @1996SAR_

“We play Gooch regularly and we don’t get promoted.”

Credit: @Fieldo100

“I seem to think like this every week. How is Gooch a professional footballer?”

Credit: @RyanC2408

“A new low for Lynden Gooch. Awful footballer.”

Credit: @stustuy

“Gooch has been our worst player, weak for their goal, goes down too easy. Canny goal from Dajaku.”

Credit: @markmarshall17

“Embarrassing Gooch”

Credit: @Sunlunfan

In other news, find out whose display against Oldham Athletic was slammed here!

A major update has emerged in Charlton’s reported transfer pursuit of Preston North End centre-forward Jayden Stockley.

What’s the talk?

According to Hampshire Live, Stockley has decided to sign for Nigel Adkins’ Charlton. The striker spent the second half of last season on loan to Charlton and is now set to return to The Valley for a second spell.

The report claims that Portsmouth had agreed a fee with Preston for the attacker, but Charlton are now in pole position to land Stockley on a permanent deal in the coming weeks. Sheffield Wednesday, Sunderland and Ipswich are also named as teams who have been interested in Stockley.

Charlton appear to have beaten off competition from Portsmouth, Sheffield Wednesday, Sunderland and Ipswich, who could all be rivals for the Addicks in the promotion race next season. The sought-after attacker, Stockley, has seemingly chosen Charlton ahead of the others and may get the chance to explain his decision if the deal is officially announced this week, as expected.

Fans will love it

Charlton fans will love this latest update on the race to sign Stockley. The Preston man enjoyed a successful loan spell at The Valley and Charlton fans could now get a chance to see him play for the club in person if supporters are allowed back in grounds from the start of next season in League One, as expected.

This report suggests that Charlton fans will get that chance and Adkins could get a major boost to his squad heading into the 2021/22 campaign, as Stockley was exceptional for the club during his loan spell.

The £5.1k-per-week ace averaged a sublime WhoScored rating of 7.41 in League One during his loan spell as he scored eight and assisted two goals. This shows that he was able to perform to a consistently high level and that he suited Adkins’ style of play, which may be why he wants to come back to the club for a second spell instead of sealing a transfer to Pompey.

He also won an unbelievable 9.8 aerial battles per game, as he was able to provide a focal point for the Addicks at the top end of the pitch.

Therefore, Stockley signing for Charlton on a permanent deal should be a massive boost for Adkins. He has proven that he is a top-quality player at League One level and understands what Adkins wants from his number nine, which means that he should not need any time to settle in.

Stockley could arrive for pre-season and hit the ground running as he will already know everyone at the club and will not need a period of adaptation that other potential signings may need. This is why fans will surely love this deal, as they know that a proven, quality addition is coming through the door.

AND in other news, Fresh twist emerges on “immense” £5.4k-p/w star that will leave Charlton fans relieved…

According to Football Insider, Aston Villa are to launch a fresh move for Werder Bremen winger Milot Rashica.

Villa eye fresh Rashica move

The Villans were linked with a move for the Kosovo international last summer (Sky Sports), as were RB Leipzig (Bild), but he eventually stayed with his current club.

Now, as per Football Insider, Villa are eyeing another move for the 24-year-old, who is one of a number of names on the club’s transfer shortlist this summer.

Potential

This season has not been the best for £10.8m-valued Rashica. As Werder Bremen remain in danger of relegation from the Bundesliga, the forward has managed just two goals and five assists in the German top flight (Transfermarkt).

However, he was one of Bremen’s few shining lights last term as they finished 16th in the Bundesliga, scoring 11 and providing eight assists, and teammate Theodor Gebre Selassie has previously said he is “one of the best players in the Bundesliga” (Bundesliga.com).

He has also previously been compared to Alexis Sanchez, who has scored 169 goals across an illustrious career. He clearly has plenty of ability, but has stagnated recently with Bremen, so a change of scenery could be exactly what he needs to match his true potential. Therefore, despite his lean 2020/21, Villa are right to maintain their interest in the Kosovan.

In other news, many Villa fans react to this pundit’s comments on Ross Barkley.

Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a huge boost in their bid to bring Sam Johnstone to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Football Insider, who claim that sources have revealed the West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper has informed his inner circle that he has chosen Tottenham as his preferred destination this summer.

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This is sure to come as a huge boost to Spurs, with Antonio Conte’s side having been heavily linked with a move for the 29-year-old upon the expiry of his current contract at The Hawthorns at the end of the season.

Further reports had claimed that the likes of Manchester United and West Ham United were also keen on a move for the England international ahead of the 2022/23 campaign, however, it would now appear as if Tottenham are in pole position to land the in-demand shot-stopper.

Paratici coup

Considering the undoubted ability Johnstone possesses between the sticks, the fact that Spurs now look closer to landing the goalkeeper ahead of their top-four rivals represents yet another huge coup by Fabio Paratici.

While it is true that the £7.2m-rated shot-stopper and his Albion teammates have struggled in the Championship so far this season, the 29-year-old more than proved that he is capable of doing a job in the top flight of English football last season.

Indeed, over his 37 Premier League outings last term, the £32.5k-per-week stopper was one of the Baggies’ most important players, keeping six clean sheets and making 4.5 saves per match – the most of any goalkeeper in the league.

These returns saw the player who journalist Kieran Doody dubbed an “unreal” talent average a rather remarkable seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.03, ranking him as West Brom’s second-best player in the division – a quite extraordinary feat considering Albion’s 19th place finish.

As such, with Pierluigi Gollini looking set to return to Atalanta following his failed loan spell at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this season, replacing the Italian with a ‘keeper as talented as the Englishman would undoubtedly be a fantastic piece of business by Paratici – particularly considering the interest in his services and the fact he will not cost Spurs a penny.

AND in other news: “100%” – Fabrizio Romano drops Spurs transfer claim that will leave supporters buzzing

This summer will witness a changing of the guard at Parkhead. Celtic will have a new manager, a new CEO and they may also have a director of football on their hands.

We could also see plenty of players leave. Diego Laxalt, Jonjoe Kenny and Moi Elyounoussi will all depart at the conclusion of their loan deals while Scott Brown is also out of contract.

Odsonne Edouard has regularly been linked with a move to the Premier League but there is a rarely-seen player who could walk through the exit door; Jack Hendry.

The 25-year-old has only ever been a bit part of Celtic’s plans and as such, was loaned to Belgian side Oostende this season. His performances have been eye-catching, however, so much so that he’s now also being linked with a move to England.

It’s been reported that Burnley, Brighton and Sheffield United are all chasing his signature. That’s without forgetting about Oostende’s option to buy the centre-half once his loan deal expires.

Though, Celtic would be rather foolish to bin Hendry without handing him a second opportunity at Paradise.

One of the Bhoys’ biggest problems this season has been defensively. They’ve shipped 14 more goals than Rangers in the league and conceded 19 strikes in six Europa League games.

Shane Duffy and their goalkeepers have been particularly error-stricken. Consider that Kristoffer Ajer could also leave this summer and it only adds further worries.

He has been one of a few players actually binding this team together in 2020/21. Hendry, however, could be an immense replacement for the Norwegian.

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Speaking about the defender this term, his manager at Oostende, Alexander Blessin said: “He’s a great talker in defence. He makes the people he’s playing with better. You can see them listening to him. He’s been a tower of experience for us.”

Blessin continued: “Jack’s the most important member of the team this season and he’s one of the best defenders in the league. He can defend, he’s fast and he’s also a useful weapon at attacks because of his height.”

A player with great height, a weapon from offensive situations and a leader of men; Hendry possesses all of the traits that make Ajer such a useful asset for Celtic.

You only need to look at the statistics for a clearer indication of what he can bring. In the Belgium Pro League this season, the centre-back has won an imperious 2.9 aerial duels per game. For comparison, Ajer has won 3.2 aerial battles per match. Evidently, there is little between them.

Like Celtic’s Norwegian colossus, Hendry is also adept at playing out from the back, amassing a pass success rate of 84.5% this term.

With all of this in mind, selling the centre-back during the summer would be madness. He has developed significantly this season and would fit seamlessly into the Bhoys’ backline. He must be unleashed next season.

AND in other news, Celtic could find their Brown heir in £50k-p/w gem, he’d be a “really good signing”…

Leeds United took the Premier League by storm last season but someone who has only managed to do that in flashes is Michy Batshuayi.

Despite his lack of game time, Marcelo Bielsa worked with him at Marseille so a reunion could work well – that’s according to former Leeds midfielder David Norris.

Batshuayi has always been a bit-part player since arriving at Stamford Bridge in 2016 with the highlight of his Premier League career probably being the winning goal against West Brom which guaranteed them the Premier League title under Antonio Conte.

Bielsa will know that Patrick Bamford was likely close to burnout point last season after he featured in all Premier League games having started 37 of them so, a new striker has been tipped to arrive at Elland Road this summer in the form of Batshuayi.

If Batshuayi is to get his career back on track then playing under a manager that got the best out of him and ultimately earned him his big club move could work out, and Norris believes that it would be a smart signing as he spoke exclusively to The Transfer Tavern:

“He’s big, strong, powerful and can score goals but also, anyone coming in is going to have to fit in with the way they play and the dressing room because that seems really close, but I think he’d be a great signing for me.”

It would certainly not be a cheap transfer as Chelsea splashed out £35 million for the Belgian back in 2016 so Leeds could potentially explore the possibility of a loan deal with the option to buy.

Despite very limited game time, Batshuayi boasts a rather impressive record of 22 goals in 75 games for the Blues with a lot of those appearances coming off the bench, however, those sort of returns seem a lifetime ago as this season he’s managed just two goals in 18 games for Crystal Palace.

West Bromwich Albion are not considering hiring Tony Pulis as Sam Allardyce’s successor at The Hawthorns.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Express & Star, who claim that, despite some suggestions to the contrary, the out of work 63-year-old is not on Guochuan Lai’s shortlist of managerial targets, nor is he being considered for the role of technical and sporting director.

The report goes on to state that the former Stoke City manager reciprocates these feelings, with it being said that he would not consider a return to the Championship side even if an offer did arrive.

Fans should be relieved

While Pulis does boast a history of achieving promotion to the Premier League, and subsequently ensuring a team’s survival in the top flight, the news that the 63-year-old is not in the running for the job should come as something of a relief for West Brom fans.

Firstly, following half a season of watching Sam Allardyce’s football, Pulis is stylistically and tactically similar to the 66-year-old, with the latter often receiving criticism for the direct, uncompromising and unimaginative football he installs in his teams.

So, should West Brom fans be hoping for the appointment of a manager who can get their side playing attacking, exciting and fast-paced football in the Championship, Pulis would not exactly fit this bill.

Secondly, as mentioned previously, while the Welshman’s achievements with Stoke should not be understated, his last promotion to the Premier League came with the Potters back in their 2007/08 campaign, and football has changed an awful lot since then.

Pulis did take Middlesbrough to the play-offs in 2017/18, with Boro losing 1-0 on aggregate to Aston Villa in the semi-finals, although the veteran coach was sacked just 12 months later, with his side missing out on a top-six finish in their following campaign.

A short spell with Sheffield Wednesday followed last season, where the 63-year-old lasted just 10 matches, with Dejphon Chansiri claiming that the performances of Pulis’ Wednesday side were not of the “level expected” upon his appointment, as well as revealing that there were “other issues” surrounding his departure.

As such, with Lai undoubtedly hoping to appoint a manager who is capable of securing an immediate return to the Premier League next season, it would certainly appear as if there are better options who would increase the club’s chances of going on to achieve this feat than Pulis.

Fans of West Brom should be relieved that they won’t be going back to watching ‘Pulis-ball’ anytime soon.

In other news: Lai could have just made his biggest West Brom mistake to date, fans are rightly livid

Brendan Rodgers has compared Scott Brown’s Celtic exit to Steven Gerrard’s departure from Liverpool.

Rodgers oversaw Gerrard’s final games at Anfield in 2015 before his move to LA Galaxy. The midfielder had made more than 700 appearances for the Reds and won eight major trophies on Merseyside.

It was announced last week that Brown would join Aberdeen in the summer after 14 years at Parkhead, having clocked up 612 appearances for the Hoops as he leaves with (at least) 23 winners’ medals to his name.

“He has been a pivotal figure in delivering such a sustained period of dominance for the club,” Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell said in reaction to the news about the 35-year-old.

Rodgers says Brown is one of the last of his type

Rodgers acknowledges the void Brown will leave, but reckons his successor may grow in stature as captain.

Jordan Henderson, who followed Gerrard, has led Liverpool to Champions League and Premier League crowns.

“It was always going to be difficult to replace Scott as Celtic captain,” Rodgers told the Sunday Mail. “It’s just hard to replace Scott, like for like. Because he’s one of the last of those types of that generation.

“But someone else can come in and do it. I remember when Steven left Liverpool, it was always going to be a tough task replacing him.

“But the year before, I’d appointed Jordan and he’s gone on to be a great club captain for Liverpool.”

Callum McGregor ‘knows what it takes’

Callum McGregor, currently the vice-captain at Celtic, is poised to don the armband going forward, and Rodgers has tipped him to take to the role.

“I think Callum is the natural successor to Scott,” the 48-year-old said. “He has different qualities and strengths.

“But he loves the club and knows what it takes to play for and be successful for Celtic. He’s the guy to naturally take over.”

Transfer Tavern verdict

What’s interesting is that Celtic fans don’t seem entirely convinced by McGregor. 67 Hail Hail’s Euan Davidson says that Christopher Jullien ought to be considered, while a number of supporters have called for Kristoffer Ajer to succeed Brown.

It therefore remains up in the air as to whether the Hoops will take Rodgers’ advice on the identity of Brown’s successor for the armband.

In other news, another long-serving Celtic man has been linked with Aberdeen. 

If ever there was a Newcastle performance that didn’t typify Steve Bruce’s time at St James’ Park, then Friday night’s clash against Manchester City was exactly that.

The Magpies threw caution to the wind and went toe-to-toe with the recently crowned Premier League champions, and can count themselves desperately unlucky not to have come away with at least a point.

The Tyneside club took the lead on two separate occasions, but found Ferran Torres in inspired form, with the Spaniard’s hat-trick eventually turning things around for Pep Guardiola’s men and seeing them win 4-3.

And while the likes of Joelinton and Joe Willock will get their fair share of the credit for their goal-scoring displays, it was Jacob Murphy who was arguably Bruce’s real star man on Friday, even despite being involved in a back-line that conceded four.

Playing once again in that right wing-back role, the 26-year-old showed the kind of dynamism that has been missing from Newcastle all season, getting up and down the flank with real energy and sticking to his defensive task superbly.

As per Sofascore, his totals of ten duels won and six tackles made were both the highest of any player on the pitch for either side, and a real testament to the way he dealt with City’s devastating left-flank of Raheem Sterling and Joao Cancelo on the overlap.

Such was Murphy’s performance and the way he shackled City’s Portuguese star, popular fan account NUFC360 tweeted: “Jacob Murphy just made an absolute mug of Joao Cancelo with his defending and strength. Has improved that area of his game massively this season. #nufc 2-2”.

The dynamo also completed two out of his three dribbles as he also looked to take the game to City too, while only Allan Saint-Maximin provided more key passes than him in a Newcastle shirt.

Writing in his post-match player ratings for The Shields Gazette, Liam Kennedy gave him a seven, saying: “Every time he plays just seems to get better and better defensively. Unlucky for the deflection on the Cancelo goal, but did well against the Portuguese.”

And, in writing for The Chronicle, Lee Ryder praised the wing-back’s attacking instincts, saying: “A real threat going forward and could have got on the scoresheet.”

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Newcastle may not have come away with all three points against City, but Murphy’s outstanding display was the real shining light for Bruce in what was a thrilling game to watch.

Meanwhile, Steve Bruce is eyeing this Premier League starlet…

Celtic have enjoyed a fabulous start to the season with Ange Postecoglou relishing his new role as the Hoops’ new manager.

He and Dominic McKay have built a fabulous young side in the transfer window but there are still six days before the market slams shut.

On the chalkboard

An area of the pitch that the Bhoys desperately needed to improve in this summer was in defence.

Last season they conceded 16 more goals than Rangers in the league as some diabolical defensive errors ruined their campaign.

That became even more important when Jonjoe Kenny headed back to Everton after his loan move.

With Jeremie Frimpong no longer in Glasgow either, it left Anthony Ralston as their sole representative at right-back.

Although he’s had a flying start to the season by scoring twice, the addition of Josip Juranovic from Legia Warsaw should strengthen them significantly.

He is capped by Croatia and looks a wonderful player both offensively and defensively. For example, no player committed fewer fouls per game than him in the Polish top-flight in 2020/21.

However, they are still a little light in central areas.

The solution

Postecoglou began the season with Nir Bitton at the heart of his backline but after some shaky moments, he’s been taken out of the starting XI.

Stephen Welsh has come back into the team alongside new signing Carl Starfelt. However, judging by Bitton’s form, it would be a wretched blow if one of the aforementioned names found themselves on the treatment table.

As such, Celtic should spend the last week of the window trying to conclude a deal for another centre-back.

One player on their radar is Lausanne’s Moritz Jenz.

He was linked with a move to Glasgow last month but rumours of him arriving in Scottish football have since died down. Instead, he’s now in advanced talks to join French side Lorient.

Yet, with other targets moving elsewhere, namely Ko Itakura and Ben Davies, they should revive their hunt for Jenz.

Standing at 6 foot 3, he is a colossal defender who powers above most players when the ball is in the air.

Described as “very dominant” by the Celtic Analysis, he ranks in the 88th percentile for aerial battle won. On top of that, the 22-year-old is successful with 79% of his tackles. That puts the German in the 94th percentile.

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If you combine that with someone like Juranovic, another prolific tackler, it would surely create a devastating right-hand side, one that would be incredibly difficult for opposing teams to break down.

As a result of that, Postecoglou’s defensive line should improve significantly. They do, of course, have a like-minded player in Christopher Jullien to return but another cost-effective signing would go down a treat.

AND in other news, Ange can discover Celtic’s new Turnbull by unleashing “first-class” rarely-seen 19 y/o…