All posts by n8rngtd.top

Sunderland fans were far from happy with the showing of Josh Scowen during their match against Blackpool in League One on Saturday.

The Black Cats hopes of automatic promotion to the Championship lay in tatters. 2-1 defeats to Charlton Athletic and Wigan Athletic already put them on the back foot, but the 1-0 loss to the Seasiders means they are now eight points behind Peterborough in second with five games left to play (BBC).

The display of Scowen was particularly disappointing for the Black Cats supporters. He has come under fire in the past for his showings, and it was the same again here against Blackpool as he struggled to give his side the upper hand in the middle of the park. His passing, in particular, was criticised by the fans, as he lost possession 15 times, per Sofascore.

The Stadium of Light faithful were far from happy with that they saw, and they took to social media platform Twitter to share their thoughts on the showing.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about Scowen below

“I feel qualified to speak on this as I’ve watched so many bad players for Sunderland: Josh Scowen is one of the worst players I’ve ever seen, and Lee Burge is an atrocious goalkeeper.”

Credit: @AnthonyMorrow83

“Scowen is a horrendous footballer”

Credit: @15jgilmore

“Scowen couldn’t pass water so far today”

Credit: @76skelly

“He’s rancid scowen like”

Credit: @liammcm5499114

“Scowen – Can’t pass. Can’t shoot. Doesn’t create. Doesn’t get into the box. Does give away possession. Does give away needless free kicks. #safc SIMPLY NOT GOOD ENOUGH.”

Credit: @W24Holden

“He’s been needing to come off for about 2 hours we’ve only played 94 minutes”

Credit: @AshmanJase

In other news, Sunderland fans are delighted with news on this man.

Queens Park Rangers were left with a share of the spoils on Saturday afternoon after battling out a frustrating, but otherwise, entertaining draw against Reading in the Championship.

It means Mark Warburton’s side have lost just one of their last five league outings, though he should be concerned as usual talisman, Charlie Austin, was way off the pace on the day.

The 31-year-old veteran, on loan from West Brom, has been enjoying life back at Loftus Road having scored five times in 23 appearances. However, against the Royals, he was anonymous, lightweight and rather poor.

As per SofaScore, Austin was Warburton’s lowest-rated player, bringing him a 6.4. Only one other started from the 22 on the pitch managed to be graded worse.

He just could not get into the game whatsoever. The 6 foot 2 striker was hauled off in the 65th minute after making only 25 touches – the lowest of any QPR starter. Even Geoff Cameron, who played a good 20 minutes fewer than Austin managed to match that number, and goalkeeper Seny Dieng (36).

Austin also made just nine passes – that’s just one every seven minutes and was comfortably the worst return of any player on the pitch.

West London Sport were particularly scathing in their review, grading him as QPR’s lowest-rated outfield player, They wrote: ‘Missed two presentable chances in the first half and was loose in possession far too often.’

Indeed, it is hard to argue with that.

The £1.8m-rated loanee lost possession ten times, which means he handed the ball back to the opposition every 2.5 touches – hugely wasteful.

In addition to that, Austin even lost five of his eight duels (62.5%), both on the ground and in the air, meaning more often than not he was beaten all ends up by the Reading defence – only adding to his, and probably Warburton’s, frustrations.

It’s no wonder he was hooked with just under half an hour to play. He badly let his manager down, and will need to improve substantially after the international break to keep his place, with Macauley Bonne waiting in the wings for that golden opportunity.

AND in other news, Forget Dykes: QPR monster who had 92 touches stole the show for Warburton on Wednesday…

Southampton have been linked with Giorgos Giakoumakis recently and the Greek striker could add a completely new dimension to Ralph Hasenhuttl’s attack next season, should he make the move to St Mary’s this summer.

The Saints were linked with the VVV Venlo star recently, with TEAMtalk suggesting that the South Coast club, along with Norwich City and Brighton, were keen on bringing him to the Premier League this summer.

The 26-year-old has enjoyed a phenomenal season in the Eredivisie, contributing 26 goals in just 30 appearances in the Dutch top-flight, which has helped him average a superb 7.30 rating from WhoScored.

It is not just his goals that would make him an excellent fit at Southampton however.

While Giakoumakis may only be six foot tall, he has averaged four aerials won per game in the Eredivisie this season, which is more than any Southampton player has managed in the Premier League, with six foot six Jannik Vestergaard’s 3.4 aerials won per game the best of any player in Hasenhuttl’s squad.

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Danny Ings and Che Adams, Southampton’s main strike force this season, have managed 0.8 and 1.5 aerials won per game respectively, which suggests that going long isn’t really a viable option for Hasenhuttl at the moment. Meanwhile, Southampton have attempted the third-fewest crosses of any team in the Premier League this season, suggesting that they need a striker who can capitalise from crosses into the box.

Giakoumakis would certainly add that, as he is obviously a threat in the air as well as on the ground, and would surely capitalise from the quality of crosses that James Ward-Prowse can deliver from set-piece situations at Southampton.

Therefore, with recent reports suggesting that the “very special” striker could be prised away from VVV Venlo for less than £10m this summer, Martin Semmens should definitely be looking to bring him to St Mary’s, as he could offer something completely different in Hasenhuttl’s squad.

And, in other news… Southampton could sign their ideal Ings heir with swoop for “magnificent” 19-goal beast

Many Sunderland fans have been waxing lyrical about Josh Hawkes after he scored once again for the club’s under-23 side.

The Black Cats youngsters were in action against Reading on Monday, with Hawkes selected in the starting line-up. It didn’t take him long to have an impact on the match, first providing the assist for Dan Neil to score the opener before putting Sunderland back in front before 20 minutes were even on the clock.

Hawkes has been in stunning form in Premier League 2, scoring 12 goals and providing six assists in 18 matches in the competition (Transfermarkt). The result means the Wearside outfit are up to sixth place in Group Two with two matches remaining (FlashScore) – promotion to Group One is not out of the equation.

Sunderland’s official Twitter account provided updates of the match, and many of the club’s fans were delighted with Hawkes’ crucial involvements. One called for him to be partnered with the prolific Charlie Wyke in Lee Johnson’s first team, while another dubbed him a “lower league Lampard” in reference to the former Chelsea maestro, who also had a reputation for scoring regularly from midfield.

These Black Cats fans took to the social media platform to share their thoughts on the 22-year-old.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about Hawkes below

“Lower League Lampard.”

Credit: @RoGairReport

“Get him in the first team”

Credit: @PazzaSAFC

“He’s on another level @LeeJohnsonCoach get him in the first team.”

Credit: @bamgboyeolu

“Stick him beside Wyke I beg”

Credit: @MannixKnows

“This guy is on another level. Get him in first team”

Credit: @JoeMcNa36001719

“Surely has to be in the first team banging them in every week”

Credit: @JaiOliver5

In other news, many Sunderland fans reacted to this statement from the club.

In a recent interview, Frank McAvennie discussed the future of Glasgow Rangers central-midfielder, Glen Kamara, amid reports of interest in a move for the Gers man this summer.

Since joining Rangers from Dundee in what was a £50,000 deal back in January of 2019, Kamara has gone on to prove himself as something of an inspired piece of business for the Ibrox club, with the 25-year-old so far making 100 appearances for Gers, chipping in with four goals and providing five assists along the way.

This season, the Finland international has been a crucial part of Steven Gerrard’s title-winning side, featuring in all but five of the club’s top-flight fixtures, with his performances reportedly catching the eye of clubs such as Arsenal, Leeds United, Everton, Southampton, Monaco, Lille and Borussia Dortmund, all of whom are thought to be considering a move for the defensive midfielder this summer.

However, speaking recently to Football Insider, Frank McAvennie stated his belief that, despite impressing for Gers this season, Kamara may struggle in a Premier League side.

He said: “He was a great bit of business from Rangers. Kamara’s worked wonders but I think he’ll struggle to make it in a Premier League team, especially at Leeds where they play great football, I’m not sure. That’s a pretty big ask.

“Kamara’s done really well this year, I think he’s a really good player. What I’ve seen of him this year he’s done really well. But if he moves to the Premier League, good luck to him.”

Transfer Tavern Take

With Gerrard stating back in 2019 that Kamara had been “outstanding” for Rangers since his move to Ibrox, an opinion that would not appear to have changed considering how often the manager selects the 25-year-old, it would seem highly unlikely that the 40-year-old would be willing to part with the midfielder this summer – something that is evident in Gers’ reported £10 million asking price.

However, if Kamara does go on to make a switch to the Premier League this summer, considering how important the midfielder has become for Gers, we would not bet against him having a similar impact within a new side, despite McAvennie’s reservations.

In other news: Sources lift lid on ‘strong interest’ in Gerrard; chief executive has link with the Gers boss – find out more here!

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Steve Howey, who made 150 appearances for Newcastle United, has called on Steve Bruce to start Sean Longstaff on Sunday against Tottenham as Isaac Hayden’s replacement.

Hayden has been a mainstay in Bruce’s side having started 48 games in the Premier League, as well as constantly being a reliable and underrated part of Newcastle’s midfield receiving a 6.67 WhoScored rating.

When Hayden went off injured during Newcastle’s 3-0 defeat to Brighton before the international break, he was replaced by Jeff Hendrick who has been largely ineffective since he joined in the summer with fans not impressed with a number of his performances.

Asked who should replace Hayden in the Toon midfield, Howey told FFC:

“I’d probably say Sean Longstaff because I think he’s got a good range of passing, but I think both the Longstaffs will feel as though their noses have been well and truly pushed out.

“So they’re obviously not going to be happy with the current situation but if one of them does get a chance it’s a case of right, ‘I’ll show you’ and it’s up to them to prove to Bruce that he was wrong to leave them out.”

Longstaff has made just nine Premier League starts for the Magpies this term, with the last of those coming on January 12 against Sheffield United.

Hayden picked up an innocuous injury when Yves Bissouma fell into his leg while it was planted and as a result, he’ll miss the remainder of the season.

That injury news came just as Bruce was starting to see players such as Javier Manquillo, Allan Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson start to return from their injuries.

Celtic’s hunt to find themselves a new manager has just taken another twist after one of the Hoops’ targets spoke to the media this week.

Unfortunately, it’s yet more bad news for Dermot Desmond and the club’s hierarchy.

What’s the word?

Celtic have had a number of targets lined up from Frank Lampard and Roberto Martinez to Rafa Benitez.

Before Neil Lennon even left his post, the Spaniard was linked with the Parkhead hot seat. The Mirror claimed he was primed and ready to take over but the likelihood of that happening has now been quashed by the man himself.

Speaking to The Times, Benitez revealed where his next job may be. Unfortunately, it made it sound like Celtic wouldn’t be at the top of his list.

When asked about what he wanted, the former Liverpool boss commented: “A competitive team that allows you to challenge for trophies, or a project that allows you to improve and grow and do better.”

“The priority is England. Why? Because obviously I like the Premier League and my family is here,” he added.

Desmond angry

This is becoming a particularly frustrating ordeal for Desmond and those at the top of the Celtic food chain.

He has been dealt regular setbacks over the last week with a number of targets now seemingly off the table.

Jesse Marsch revealed it would be an honour to take on the job before German reporter Christian Falk admitted a day later that he wouldn’t be going to Glasgow in the summer.

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That was followed by the news that Chris Wilder is unlikely to take on a new role until the summer. That’s because his pay-off from Sheffield United will get smaller if he receives a fresh job in the next six months.

Therefore, to hear that Benitez solely has his sights set on a move to England will have Desmond tearing his hair out.

Slowly but surely, their desire to hire someone in the immediate future is wilting away. Consequently, Roy Keane has emerged as an option in recent days.

He’s a candidate that hasn’t managed for the best part of ten years, something that perhaps says it all about the lack of ambition this Celtic hierarchy has.

No wonder Desmond was questioned about selling his shares this week.

AND in other news, Celtic star could leave after worrying phone calls emerge, Desmond must be scared…

Many Southampton fans are livid with comments from manager Ralph Hasenhuttl following their 1-0 defeat in the FA Cup semi-final on Sunday.

Despite a difficult season, the Saints progressed to the penultimate round of the the world’s oldest cup competition. They faced Leicester at Wembley for a place in the final but they were narrowly defeated. Given the hard work it took to get there, it will have been disappointing for Hasenhuttl and his side not to manage a single shot on target during the 90 minutes (SofaScore).

Although they provided scant attacking threat, the Austrian still seemed to be happy with what he saw from his players, saying that they left everything out on the pitch.

The comments were shared on Twitter by journalist Tom Leach, and it is fair to say that many Southampton fans were far from happy with the manager’s words. They took to the social media platform to share their thoughts on what Hasenhuttl had to say on Sunday’s “shambles”, as one disgruntled fan put it.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the comments from Hasenhuttl below

“That’s just offensive now. Does he think we weren’t watching?”

Credit: @jonokli

“Wreck it Ralph time to go”

Credit: @gmdsaints

“Is that a joke? Spent the last 20 mins defending”

Credit: @JamesBrooksAP

“Lol if he truly believes that then I despair.”

Credit: @NPBSFC74

“losing respect for Ralph. Team was useless. Have to wonder about him if he thinks that. Cannot go on like this forever without consequences”

Credit: @r_c_bennett

“very disappointed to hear Ralph say that. We weren’t up for the fight, to not test the keeper in 90 mins is inexcusable. Shambles”

Credit: @willlester37

In other news, many Southampton fans slammed this man’s performance against Leicester.

Manchester City have been linked with a move for Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma recently – and should he join Pep Guardiola’s side this summer, it would be a huge blow for Premier League rivals Liverpool, who have also been regularly linked with the Mali international in recent months.

According to the Daily Star, City are ‘confident’ of signing the 24-year-old this summer despite interest from the Reds along with Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham.

The report suggested that City are in the market for a midfielder due to doubts about Fernandinho’s future with the club, and whilst Brighton are resigned to losing Bissouma this summer, they are expected to demand around £30m for him.

This would see them earn a significant profit on the £15m they paid to sign him from Lille in 2018, a deal which looks to have been a shrewd purchase by the Seagulls given his impressive performances since joining.

Bissouma has gone on to make 92 appearances for the Sussex club, in which he has contributed four goals and one assist, so he has plenty of Premier League experience under his belt already.

His recent displays for Graham Potter’s side have been quite impressive, as he has earned above a 7/10 rating from WhoScored in each of his last six Premier League appearances, so it is easy to see why he is attracting so much interest ahead of next season.

Notably, his average of 2.8 tackles per game is better than anyone in Guardiola’s squad and almost double Fernandinho’s 1.5 match average.

Whilst the “exceptional” Bissouma – as hailed by Gary Lineker – could prove to be an excellent long-term replacement for Fernandinho in Guardiola’s side, his potential arrival would also strike a huge blow to one of City’s possible title rivals for next season in Liverpool.

Although Jurgen Klopp’s side have endured a nightmare 2020/21 season, it seems likely that with Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez available next term, they will be challenging at the top again, so City could get an early edge on the Merseyside club by signing Bissouma.

It seems as if the Reds are keen to bring in the Brighton ace as a replacement for Georginio Wijnaldum, who looks set to depart Anfield in the summer when his contract expires, so it would be a significant blow for Klopp’s side if City were to beat them to the signing of the 24-year-old.

Therefore, City’s director of football Txiki Begiristain should definitely consider a move for the Mali midfielder this season, as he could prove to be an excellent addition for a number of reasons.

In other news… Txiki can sign Pep his ideal Fernandinho heir with swoop for “outstanding” Premier League star

Sheffield Wednesday will be looking to stop a run of seven straight defeats when they welcome their local rivals to Hillsborough Stadium this evening.

Darren Moore simply has to start picking up victories otherwise his new Owls side will be preparing for life in the English third division for the first time since the 2011/12 season.

The performance against Championship leaders Norwich City on Sunday afternoon was encouraging, but ultimately it was another match without any return, meaning the Yorkshire giants are now seven points adrift of safety with only 11 matches to play.

So, what sort of side will we see against Huddersfield Town tonight? Here’s our predicted XI…

There could be as many as three changes from the weekend as Moore could revert back to his usual 4-2-3-1 formation that worked so well at Doncaster Rovers.

Veteran goalkeeper Keiren Westwood made a shock return to the starting XI last time out, and he should remain between the sticks over Joe Wildsmith, whilst Moore is now able to welcome back Julian Borner from suspension.

The 30-year-old comes straight back in to partner Tom Lees at centre-back in a move that sees Osaze Uhoghide switch to right-back, with natural left-back Matt Penney returning to the line-up over the versatile Liam Palmer.

It also means that Sam Hutchinson goes back into his natural midfield position, alongside Barry Bannan as Joey Pelupessy makes way in Moore’s second change.

Adam Reach and Kadeem Harris should occupy the wide positions but there may be no place for Josh Windass, who is among WhoScored’s worst performers with an average rating of 6.44.

Instead, top goalscorer Calum Paterson will come in behind Jordan Rhodes. The 26-year-old has bagged six goals this season and should be starting for the Owls and could be the third and final change.

AND in other news, Darren Moore must drop “explosive” Owls star tonight…