Southampton will play Wigan or Manchester City in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup after earning their spot in the next round against West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.
Mauricio Pellegrino’s side had to work hard for their 2-1 victory at the Hawthorns but goals from Wesley Hoedt and Dusan Tadic were enough to secure the win, despite the Baggies scoring a volleyed beauty through Salomon Rondon.
Though the goals were obviously important, supporters paid tribute to goalkeeper Alex McCarthy after the win for his impressive performance between the sticks, believing he was the reason that Saints are into the next round.
The 28-year-old has only recently become a regular in Pellegrino’s first team after Fraser Forster was benched in December and supporters believe he is definitely the better choice.
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Supporters are now keen to see him continue as Saints’ number one in the closing stages of the season, taking to Twitter to enthuse about his Saturday performance…
Manchester City suffered a hammer blow this evening in the quest for Premier League glory, after drawing 2-2 with Sunderland at the Etihad. Manuel Pellegrini knew that they had to secure all three points to stay in the hunt for the title.
After their sensational Capital One Cup victory over tonight’s opponents they were being talked up for the quadruple. Now they are suffering the League Cup curse and they season seems to be withering away.
Manuel Pellegrini has achieved steady progress but knows that his players have failed to really deliver the goods in the Premier League and Champions League where it has truly mattered.
Tonight they could have easily finished the game off but their nagging complacency again took over and they failed to reach the level they are capable of. The title race is now two horses and a non-runner.
1. Manuel Pellegrini simply does not have a plan B. Mourinho and Rodgers appear to be tactically astute and capable of switching things around when their team aren’t performing. Pellegrini isn’t doing this at Man City.
After being starved of Premier League action during the international break, England’s top flight could hardly return with a more compelling match-up.
Tottenham Hotspur host Chelsea in Saturday’s early kick off, with much of the action centred on the young Spurs manager Andre Villas-Boas as he meets his former employers for the first time. The Portuguese gaffer travelled to Stamford Bridge last year keen to exercise his project and footballing philosophy at one of the nation’s biggest clubs, after a year of unprecedented success at FC Porto.
However circumstances worked against the 35-year-old who appeared naive at times in his man-management and team selection. Whether, not given enough control by the board, enough respect by the players or enough time to reshape Chelsea’s team, Villas-Boas’s reputation was tarred by his spell at the Bridge and he is fighting for redemption with Tottenham Hotspur.
A tough start at Tottenham could have proved fatal to the former Porto boss’s chances of ever proving his critics wrong on these isles. Draws at home to West Brom and Norwich were worsened due to an opening day loss against Newcastle United. Some were already keen to write off the Jose Mourinho’s protégé, who had replaced the extremely popular Harry Redknapp who may well have found the London club’s ceiling, in reaching the top four of the Premier League twice and mastering a quarter final appearance in the Champions League.
With the vultures circling, cue a turnaround, which was unexpected and perhaps unwanted in some circles. Since his outburst against the media last term when Chelsea beat Valencia, Villas-Boas has been unpopular on Fleet Street where many find him cold and prickly. Many journalists snarled and smirked on Twitter when this supposed tactical genius used 4-4-2 to save the day against Queens Park Rangers.
Even in victory at Old Trafford, a historic result for the North London team, many still focused on the failings of Rio Ferdinand and co, instead of Spurs’ memorable triumph. Tottenham enter this season-defining, perhaps career-defining match for AVB, off the back of four straight wins in the Premier League and with genuine momentum. The technically sublime Moussa Dembele has transitioned effortlessly into Tottenham’s side and certainly deserves some credit for their recent up-turn, while Villas-Boas’ faith in Jermain Defoe has been repaid with four league goals. Under Redknapp, Defoe played the role of impact sub, with Emanuel Adebayor preferred.
One of the main criticisms launched at Villas-Boas at Chelsea was that he tried to change too much and equally didn’t play to the strengths of the players he had at his disposal. Playing out from the back sometimes had fatal consequences – a John Obi Mikel error against Liverpool quickly comes to mind, while insistence on a pressing game and high defensive line didn’t suit the slowing John Terry.
This doesn’t appear to be the case at Tottenham, where the fast paced attacks that served them so well last year are still a big part of their approach. Their attacking threat still often comes out-wide with the at times unplayable, Gareth Bale and Aaron Lennon featuring regularly, Clint Dempsey also appears to suit a high-tempo attack. However such is the fine-line between success and failure, in the over-scrutinised Premier League.
It would not be fair to ignore the transformation under-took at Chelsea since they sacked their youthful manager in March. Under then interim manager Roberto Di Matteo, they achieved an unlikely turnaround against Napoli, after poor team selection and defensive errors had them at a 3-1 deficit before a memorable evening clash at Stamford Bridge.
Even five months removed from Chelsea’s Champions League victory it still seems more fantasy then reality. A mixture of defensive fortitude and great fortune saw Chelsea become champions of Europe a title that owner Roman Abramovich had long been craving. Buoyed by success in Europe’s best competition the Russian once again opened his chequebook and finally Chelsea appear to have overcome the shadow of Mourinho.
The defensively rigid winning machine that twice lifted the Premier League title, is now replaced with a team full of dynamism and flair, as Chelsea seek their fourth Premier League trophy. Summer additions Eden Hazard and Oscar have added pace creativity and sublime skill and along with Villas-Boas’ most successful signing, Juan Mata they form the most exciting attacking midfield in the division.
While Chelsea’s defence in the past 12 months has often resembled an unorganised mess in the absence of their much-maligned captain and the protection John Obi Mikel and Frank Lampard offer it, is often sub-standard. More and more people are tipping the Blues to top the league after a superb start. Outside of a tough assignment away at Arsenal, tomorrow’s game could be considered the first real test for Di Matteo’s men.
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After Saturday’s clash we should learn much more about two of the division’s better teams and also their rookie managers.
Rui Patricio has joined Wolverhampton Wanderers from Sporting CP
What’s the story?
Wolves latest import to the club is Portuguese international stopper Rui Patricio. This follows the news that Wanderers have also brought in Porto’s Willy Boly for £10m, and Mexican forward Raul Jimenez.
At thirty years of age, Patricio is in his prime, and is a keeper with a history of winning, having won the European Championships with Portugal in 2016.
The Power of the Super Agent
This signing shows the power of Jorge Mendes as the most influential ‘super agent’ in the world. Wolverhampton Wanderers stunned many when they brought in Helder Costa last season, but Mendes has shown with this capture he has the power to bring big names to the club with relative ease.
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Having represented the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani, Mendes has brokered some of the biggest deals in world football. Wolves owners, Fosun International, decision to bring in Mendes as an agent in many ways looks a more important appointment than manager Nuno Espirito Santo, given the power Mendes has to bring players into the club, even when they were a second tier side.
Wolves are getting a quality, experienced keeper in his prime with Rui Patricio, who will be among the best goalkeepers in the Premier league. What this transfer sheds light on more than anything forever, is that the era of the super agent is firmly underway.
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How many other clubs will follow the ‘Wolves model’ of employing a super agent as a figurehead, is still yet to be seen.
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Tottenham Hotspur performed a dramatic comeback against Juventus in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
Mauricio Pochettino’s men looked down and out after conceding two goals in the opening 10 minutes in Turin.
Gonzalo Higuain stunned the travelling side by netting in the second minute before converting from the penalty spot seven minutes later.
Tottenham were outplayed in the early stages of the clash, but they managed to turn it around.
Harry Kane notched his 33rd goal of the season in all competitions shortly after the half-hour mark.
Juventus struggled to maintain their form in the second half as Christian Eriksen managed to equalise to give Tottenham a 2-2 draw.
The team now have two away goals to their name when they take on the Italian giants at Wembley in the return leg of the last-16 tie.
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As expected, the fans were delighted with the comeback, and a special mention went to Mousa Dembele, who controlled the midfield.
The Belgian has been inconsistent at times during the season due to his injury woes, but on Tuesday night he was at his best.
Norwich midfielder Robert Snodgrass insists he isn’t looking for a move to Celtic this month, reports Sky Sports.
The Scot, who supported the SPL champions as a child, was watched recently by Celtic boss Neil Lennon.
But Snodgrass has assured Norwich fans that rumours of a move to Glasgow are just rumours: “Glasgow is my home town and when I go back I stay about five seconds away from the Celtic stadium. So when something like this happens, there are loads of people texting me saying ‘What’s going on?’
“All I can say is that for now I’m at Norwich and I have 18 months left on my contract. So I’m just focusing on doing as well as I possibly can for Norwich at this minute. I think I have shown that with my performances over the last couple of weeks.”
Snodgrass played in Norwich’s 1-0 victory over Hull City on Saturday, where Ryan Bennett’s 87th minute goal earned Chris Hughton a vital 3 points. The Canaries are now 5 points above the relegation zone, with the win at home to the Tigers just their 6th of the season.
And the Scot is intending to stay at Carrow Road, despite the manager of his childhood team potentially scouting him.
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On Sunday Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson revealed that he now regrets selling Stoke City captain Ryan Shawcross to the Potters. This is not the first time the Red Devils boss has made a transfer mishap in defence as he has also revealed in the past to be remorseful about Gerard Pique’s departure to Barcelona.
However, transfer regrets are not just limited to players who have gone on to do well for their following clubs. Arguably the biggest regrets come from clubs who have splashed the cash on expensive flops.
So here is a list of the 15 greatest Premier League transfer regrets. Some transfers have made managers cringe as to how disgracefully poor they have turned down, others have made managers gaze into the distance pondering the question ‘if only I’d kept that one?’
Click on Gerald Pique to unveil the 15 great regrets
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As reported by The Daily Mail, Leigh Griffiths is set to sign a new contract at Celtic after the player revealed he wishes to play for the rest of his career at the Scottish champions.
What’s the story?
The paper reckon that the Hoops rejected a £5m offer from MLS side Sporting Kansas City in January, highlighting his importance to Brendan Rodgers’ first team squad, despite not being a regular starter week-to-week.
The Mail say that since that bid, Griffiths’ agents and the club have been locked in contract discussions, which are now drawing to a close after the striker admitted they were close to sealing the deal.
As quoted by the outlet, the Scotland international said:
We are inching further forward towards a new deal. It’s getting closer and there’s not far to go now. We are about 85 per cent done.. There’s just a couple of tweaks needed.
It won’t be a weight off my mind because I’ve still got two and a bit years to go on my current deal. But the fact that the club are even talking about a new contract gives me joy and delight that I am going to be here for basically the rest of my career. When it does get done and signed I will be delighted. I see my best years as being at Celtic.
Is keeping him at the Hoops the right move, or should they have cashed in on his value after that bid from Kansas?
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Impressive depth
Even though Griffiths was competed with the likes of Moussa Dembele and Odsonne Edouard for a starting spot in Brendan Rodgers’ starting eleven last season, the striker still managed to net 13 goals for the club, also contributing eight assists in all competitions.
That’s a healthy direct goal contribution for arguably the third choice forward at the club and not something that should be dismissed by Celtic easily. It’s the kind of depth that can be crucial when competing in four competitions every season.
Since signing for the Hoops, Griffiths has never failed to reach double figures in a full season and as an alternative option to his two French teammates, the club couldn’t do much better.
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Retaining him will ensure they have that depth for years to come, with the player clearly happy to play the role he is currently at Celtic Park.
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West Ham United co-owner David Sullivan and his partner David Gold are not the most loved figures at the London Stadium.
Fans regularly criticise the businessman over their running of the club, in particular transfer strategy.
Manager David Moyes is overseeing his first window since taking over from Slaven Bilic as permanent manager in November.
So far, the East London outfit have recruited one new player in the form of Joao Mario, who has signed on loan for the rest of the season from Inter Milan.
The fans are keen for the Hammers to continue spending in this window, and Sullivan has been quick to deny reports that there are no more funds available.
In a statement released by the club’s official website, the businessman said:
“I have been made aware of reports suggesting that there will be no more players joining the Club this month due to funding not being available. Nothing could be further from the truth. The manager David Moyes has the Board’s full backing in this window and, together, we continue to work night and day to bring in players to add quality and depth to the squad, despite January being a difficult time to do business.”
As expected, supporters have been reacting to Sullivan’s claims by posting their thoughts on Twitter.
Meanwhile, West Ham have bid farewell to Diafra Sakho, who has joined Rennes in an £8m deal.
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The transfer window is always good for both marquee signings and the inevitable flops. Unfortunately for some clubs, sometimes that big signing pans to be anything but. The last few years were no different, as clubs have shelled out big money for signings who have both impressed and disappointed. As the close of the window looms upon us, here is a look at some of the best and worst signings of the last five season.
Perhaps the biggest disappointment was Chelsea’s Fernando Torres purchase. The Spaniard was in blistering form for Liverpool, scoring 65 goals in 102 appearances. He commanded a whopping 50 million pounds, smashing the British transfer record. Much was expected of Torres, however he failed to reproduce this form and took 903 minutes to score his first Chelsea goal. In fact, that was his only goal in his first season at Chelsea. Now know for several high profile gaffes, such as an open goal miss against Manchester United two seasons ago, Torres has endured a torrid Chelsea career. Two miserable seasons later, Torres’ league goal tally stands at a mere 19.
On the topic of failed transfer, who can forget Liverpool’s dreadful double coup of Andy Carroll and Stewart Downing? While both showed promise for their previous clubs, the two failed miserably to adapt to Kenny Dalglish’s system. Downing scored three goals in 65 appearances, while Carroll scored six in 44, before both were shipped out of Anfield. Liverpool did of course receive a more than suitable return of investment on Luis Suarez who has set the league on fire since his arrival. The Uruguayan scores goals for fun and leads the league in scoring with 24, despite missing the first 6 games due to suspension. He has 62 total in 95 appearances, and incredible record.
Ballon D’or finalist Franc Ribery has more than justified the hefty price tag paid for him by Bayern. The Frenchman’s goal and assist tallies speak fore themselves, and he was instrumental in Bayern’s league and european triumphs last year. A certain Swede has made in impression when making his big money transfer, Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been in scintillating form for PSG. Coupled with his performances for his country, few can contest his pricetag.
Kaka is a player who cannout boast the same impact, as the Brazilian failed to inspire during his time at Madrid despite the massive 56 million paid for him. He struggled to hold down a place in the Madrid side and eventually returned to Milan on a free transfer. Madrid counterpart Athletico have however enjoyed a honorable return from former Barca hero David Villa. A forgotten man at Barca, Villa has proved his doubters wrong, and has formed quite the duo with Brazilian Diego Costa, propelling the club to second in the league.
A perhaps smaller profile signing, Swansea midfielder Michu has hugely impressed during his first two seasons at the club. A relatively unknown in La Liga, Michu’s silky style has seen him adapt to the Premier League effortlessly, scoring 20 goals so far and making his first international cap in the process.
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Fans can only hope that this year’s transfers can reproduce the heroics of some the mentioned players. Juan Mata has gotten off to a good start with United, and Fulham will be hoping that Konstas Mitroglou can reproduce his goal scoring form from his days at Olympiakos.
Here are some transfer hits and misses from windows gone by…