Manchester United’s UEFA Champions League dream looks all but over, after being held to a 3-3 draw in Istanbul. It was a must-win game for Erik ten Hag and he will be scratching his head as to how his team didn’t walk away with a vital three points.

The Red Devils took a two-goal lead twice in the game, but as shown already this season in Europe, if they concede one, the floodgates open, players seem to panic, and the basics of the game are discarded.

To score three goals in all three of their European away games this season and only collect one point is ridiculous, which could lead to Ten Hag re-thinking which personnel deserves their spot in the starting XI.

Victor Lindelof’s stats vs Galatasaray

The player under the spotlight for the wrong reasons is Sweden’s Victor Lindelof. The defender’s performance on Wednesday evening earned him a 6/10 rating by the Manchester Evening News, with the occasion and hostile atmosphere swallowing him up.

According to Sofascore, Lindelof alarmingly had ten fewer touches than Andre Onana, with the goalkeeper used more in the build-up than the centre half. He gave the ball away eight times, despite playing mainly safe passes throughout the ninety minutes.

Furthermore, the defender was dribbled past in the first half which led to a goal-scoring opportunity for the hosts. A positive for the Sweden international is that he won all five of his aerial duels, although Mauro Icardi and Dries Mertens didn’t contest with much urgency.

Although impossible to display by statistics, Lindelof’s lack of physicality, athleticism and aggressiveness makes him far too easy to play against.

Andre Onana drew attention away from how poor 6/10 Man Utd man was v Gala

This 6/10 man let Manchester United down alongside Andre Onana in the side’s 3-3 draw with Galatasaray.

ByAdam Scully Nov 30, 2023

He is often caught out of position by entering ground duels that he is not going to win, which leaves gaps in dangerous areas for the opponent to exploit as he lacks recovery speed to retreat in time. This was clear to see against Galatasaray, with the number two having a 0% ground duel win rate.

The player who could replace Victor Lindelof

When on the field, Raphael Varane is typically extremely reliable, however, his availability has been a huge issue, with the French defender prone to injuries. Since joining United in 2021, Varane has endured eight different injuries, with the latest occurring towards the end of August.

Ten Hag looks to be carefully managing the fitness of the 30-year-old, yet he may be forced into starting him more frequently than he would probably like to at this stage.

2023/24

Unknown

27 days

2022/23

Foot

24 days

2022/23

Leg

23 days

2022/23

Ankle sprain

5 days

2021/22

Muscular problems

18 days

2021/22

Covid

8 days

2021/22

Abdominal problems

4 days

2021/22

Hamstring

50 days

2021/22

Groin

15 days

Data via Transfermarkt.

Unfortunately, Varane hasn’t played enough minutes in the Premier League to have a scout report on FBref this season, but we can still compare his Champions League report to Lindelof’s.

It is instantly obvious that Varane is a much more dominant defender, losing 0% of his challenges and making 1.41 tackles per game, whereas the 29-year-old is yet to make a successful tackle in four appearances. The former Real Madrid player is also superior at reading the game and being proactive out of possession, making 1.06 interceptions per game, compared to Lindelof’s 0.3.

Furthermore, from an in-possession perspective, there isn’t a massive upside to starting Lindelof over Varane either, with the Swede boasting sub-par statistics in touches and carries according to FBref.

Manchester United legend, Rio Ferdinand, has also previously labelled Varane a ‘calming influence’ and his experience of playing in enormous matches may just have got United over the line yesterday. Lindelof, on the other hand, had been labelled a "liability" on too many occasions.

Overall, if it wasn’t for Varane’s lack of reliability he would be starting, but this piece further highlights the need for centre-back reinforcement in the transfer window.

Halloween may have passed but Newcastle United are still being haunted by their injury problems with a whopping 12 players sidelined, including star players Alexander Isak, Sven Botman, Callum Wilson and Harvey Barnes.

In their 2-0 defeat against Bournemouth on Saturday, the lack of quality in their squad was prevalent as Eddie Howe was forced into playing 17-year-old Lewis Miley in central midfield while Matt Ritchie came on to replace the injured Miguel Almiron to make his first appearance of the season.

With an abundance of attacking talent stuck on the injury table, the January transfer window can't come quick enough for the Magpies as they attempt to acquire a few quality additions that can aid them in their quest for a top-four challenge.

Despite scoring the joint-third most goals in the Premier League – 27 in 12 matches – Howe is still looking to bolster his attack and could land a sensational prospect who is plying his trade in Spain.

Newcastle transfer news – Nico Williams

Newcastle have been chasing Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams for quite some time now but face stiff competition from other European giants.

In September, Spanish outlet SPORT [via Sport Witness] reported that the 21-year-old was a priority target for Barcelona and was 'everything they are looking for' in a player.

However, the report also highlighted that the Magpies are one of the English sides 'following the player closely' alongside Premier League rivals Liverpool and Aston Villa.

According to a more recent update from transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, William's agent has revealed they are "still waiting" for progression in negotiations over a new contract, which expires in June 2024 – meaning Newcastle, and other suitors, could negotiate a pre-contract deal with the Spanish prodigy once the January transfer window opens.

Much like Anthony Gordon, who has scored four goals in 11 appearances this term, Williams is predominantly a right-footed left winger, who thrives at gliding past the opposition with his searing pace and precise dribbling.

If Newcastle were to successfully agree on a pre-contract agreement in January, he would provide the Englishman with some quality competition on the left flank.

How Nico Williams compares to Anthony Gordon

Williams is quickly turning into one of the most sought-after players in Europe and comparisons to Bukayo Saka, as per FBref, showcase why so many clubs are interested in securing his signature.

Nico Williams vs Bukayo Saka per 90 statistics in the past year
Statistic	Nico Williams	Bukayo Saka
Progressive carries	5.96	5.22
Successful take-ons	3.43	1.95
Carries into penalty area	2.49	2.33
Touches (Att pen)	5.61	7.30
Shot creating actions	4.33	4.79
All stats via FBref

Saka is one of the best young players in the world at manipulating the ball onto either foot and weaving past defenders with his precise dribbling but in the past year, William's has outperformed the England star across various attacking metrics, including progressive carries, successful take-ons and carries into the penalty area.

This shows that the Bilbao star is very dangerous in the attacking third with the two fundamentals of his game being his high-energy pressing and explosive ball-carrying that are readily associated with Howe's devastating counter-attack.

Indeed, the extremely dynamic and deceptively powerful Williams, who is valued at £69m (€80m) as per CIES Football Observatory, would provide the Newcastle attack with an added dimension, as demonstrated by how he ranks against the electrifying Gordon.

While the Toon star has scored more goals than the ten-cap Spain international this term ( four v one), the 5 foot 11 phenom is a "difference maker" in the final third, as lauded by Spanish teammate Rodri, having recorded more big chances created (six v five), assists (five v two), key passes (2.1 v 0.8) and balls recovered per game (4.9 v 3.8) than Gordon, as per Sofascore.

The statistics above suggest that Howe should do everything to sign the "true winger", as described by his former coach Luis Enrique, who would light up St James Park with his skill, speed and trickery.

It was all going so well for Ange Postecoglou and Tottenham Hotspur, who found themselves competing at the top of the Premier League table in the surprise package of the season so far. But it was almost going too well, as if things could only get worse rather than even better. And one London derby to forget has proved that was exactly the case, with Spurs enduring their worst week yet under their new manager.

Their 4-1 defeat at the hands of Chelsea was devastating enough, but suspensions for Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie, alongside injuries to Micky van de Ven and James Maddison exposed the Lilywhites' squad depth problem for all to see, culminating in a shock defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers just a week later. Now, new sporting director Johan Lange has reportedly been handed his first task in the role ahead of the January transfer window.

Spurs transfer news

After just two absences, Spurs found themselves fielding a centre-back partnership of Eric Dier and Ben Davies in what is damning evidence of their failure to reinforce their backline during the summer transfer window. The result of that partnership was only ever going to be three points for Wolves. The Midlands club left it late but more than deserved the win after scoring twice in stoppage time to turn the game on its head and secure a famous 2-1 victory at Molinuex.

Given their defensive crisis after two absences, it comes as no surprise as to what Lange's first task is as the club's sporting director. According to The Mirror, Lange's first task will be to source a new centre-back for Postecoglou in the January transfer window. The Lilywhites' search for a centre-back could become even more important if Dier leaves during the winter window, leaving Spurs with just three senior players in that position.

It remains to be seen just who will make the top of Lange's shortlist, but reports suggest that Spurs are among those eyeing a potential move for Bournemouth's Lloyd Kelly, who they reportedly saw a £20m bid rejected for on deadline day during the summer.

Spurs must solve centre-back problem

With Dier's contract coming to an end next summer and his immediate future currently in doubt, Spurs have no choice but to welcome another central defender during the January transfer window if they want to secure their place back in the Premier League's top four. So far, Postecoglou has done an excellent job, but he can't work miracles. Daniel Levy has the opportunity to utilise a top manager and he must not waste that chance by failing to act in the market.

Until January, the former Celtic manager will have to make do with the options that are currently at his disposal. Potentially without Van de Ven for at least a number of weeks, however, Spurs may see their early season form come to a crashing halt at the worst time possible, as the Premier League's festive fixtures come thick and fast. It looks set to be their toughest spell under Postecoglou yet.

ظهر بيب جوارديولا مدرب مانشستر سيتي في مؤتمر صحفي اليوم الجمعة، للحديث قبل مباراة مانشستر يونايتد.

ويلتقي بطل الدوري الإنجليزي مانشستر سيتي مع مانشستر يونايتد بطل كأس إنجلترا غدًا السبت في نهائي درع الاتحاد.

وسُئل جوارديولا عن إمكانية توليه تدريب إنجلترا خلفًا لجاريث ساوثجيت، ورد: “يتعين علي أن أقرر ما أريد أن أفعله في حياتي”.

وأضاف: “يمكنني البقاء هنا، أو أخذ قسط من الراحة، منتخب وطني.. ولكنني الآن هنا ومتحمس للغاية للموسم!”.

كما أكد جوارديولا رحيل لاعبه جوليان ألفاريز، وأوضح: “إنه يريد الرحيل وأتلتيكو مدريد نادٍ كبير، لذا لا بأس، حظًا سعيدًا لجولي، لقد أحببناه وفزنا بكل شيء، أتمنى له كل التوفيق حقًا”.

وواصل “لقد كانت مساهماته هائلة لكنه يريد المغادرة وآمل أن يتمكن من العثور على ما يبحث عنه”.

اقرأ أيضًا | الاتحاد الإنجليزي يضطر إلى تغيير حكم مباراة الدرع الخيرية بين مانشستر يونايتد وسيتي

قدم جوارديولا تحديثات أيضًا فيما يتعلق بجاهزية لاعبي فريقه لمواجهة الغد أمام مانشستر يونايتد.

وأكد جوارديولا أن ثلاثي مانشستر سيتي فيل فودين وكايل ووكر وجون ستونز، بالإضافة إلى النجم الإسباني رودريجو، لن يكونوا متاحين في المباراة ضد مانشستر يونايتد، لمنحهم الراحة بعد مشاركتهم في منافسات يورو 2024.

وأفاد: “نحاول أن نمنح اللاعبين أكبر قدر ممكن من الراحة، نود الحصول على المزيد من الوقت لكن هذا هو الحال، لقد منحناهم الكثير، عاد جميع اللاعبين، لاعبو إنجلترا ورودري سيعودون الأسبوع المقبل”.

وأشار: “ما هو التالي، جلسات التدريب، إنها مجرد خطوة بخطوة، المباراة التالية، حاول أن تكون ذكيًا بما يكفي للتدريب والقدر المناسب من الوقت، حتى تكون في حالة ذهنية جيدة، لذا، قم بتدوير اللاعبين قدر الإمكان، وسنرى ما سيحدث مباراة بعد المباراة”.

وبشأن مواجهة مانشستر يونايتد، أكد: “إنه أمر مهم، إنها مباراة نهائية ضد يونايتد، لكن جزءًا من ذلك هو محاولة تحسين أنفسنا خطوة بخطوة”.

Glasgow giants Celtic are looking to make it back-to-back wins in the Scottish Premiership as they play host to Hibernian at Parkhead this evening.

The Hoops are top of the league and eight points clear of their closest rivals heading into tonight's matches, which means that their lead could stretch into double digits if results go their way, albeit having played one game more.

They have only won two of their last five outings in all competitions and one in their last three, with tonight's clash a chance to change that.

It was far from a perfect performance last time out against St. Johnstone as the hosts had a surprise lead at half time through a scrappy goal from close range by forward Diallang Jaiyesimi.

However, brilliant second half goals from Callum McGregor, who scored a terrific strike from range to make it 1-1, Matt O'Riley, and James Forrest secured all three points for the league leaders.

Brendan Rodgers and his side are now heading into a busy festive period of fixtures and could look to utilise his squad whilst dealing with any fitness and injury issues he has to contend with.

Celtic team news

The Bhoys head coach has revealed that Luis Palma is fine and available for selection after he appeared to come off with an injury on Sunday.

Rodgers has confirmed that the Honduras international, who has plundered four goals and five assists in seven Premiership starts, has not suffered a hamstring strain and that it was simply a case of cramp.

The Northern Irish tactician has also praised the competition within his squad and suggested that there will be opportunities for the players currently on the bench and out of the matchday squads to work their way into his thinking for a starting XI place.

Marco Tilio has only made one appearance for Celtic this season after dealing with an injury after his summer move and Rodgers has stated that he is back in training and fighting to get back into the mix.

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Wingers Liel Abada and Daizen Maeda have also returned to training this week after their respective injuries but they could need to wait for future fixtures to be back in action as they look to return to full fitness after time away from the pitch.

With the potential inclusion of fringe players to deal with fixture congestion, Rodgers must now unleash Hyeon-gyu Oh from the start and move Kyogo Furuhashi to a new role in reaction to his recent poor form in front of goal.

Kyogo Furuhashi's season in numbers

The Japan international's performances under the Northern Irish boss have been disappointing in comparison to his showings under Ange Postecoglou over the previous two seasons.

Celtic's star forward won the PFA Scotland Men's Player of the Year award for the 2022/23 campaign as he plundered goals at an incredible rate.

Kyogo racked up 27 goals and two assists in 31 Premiership starts last term, having scored 12 times in 16 league starts the previous season, which was an average of one goal every 1.15 starts.

Statistic

Kyogo in 22/23 Premiership (via Sofascore)

Appearances

36

Sofascore rating

7.11

Goals

27

Assists

Two

Big chances missed

16

However, the 28-year-old marksman's form at the top end of the pitch as he has produced six goals in 15 league appearances and 14 starts during the current campaign.

This means that the Japanese ace has managed one goal every 2.33 starts on average in the Scottish top-flight so far this season for the Hoops.

It has not been down to a lack of service coming his way from his teammates, though, as the former Vissel Kobe star has missed seven 'big chances' in those 15 outings.

Kyogo scored 11 more goals than he missed 'big chances' last term, in comparison to having spurned one more chance than he has scored this time around.

He has only scored one goal in his last eight matches in all competitions and has not been able to offer physicality and a presence to make up for his lack of goals.

The Celtic whiz has lost 79% of his aerial duels and only won 1.6 duels – of any kind – in his 15 Premiership appearances throughout the 2023/24 campaign.

This shows that the 5 foot 7 centre-forward has not been able to provide a presence for Celtic at the top end of the pitch, which is why Rodgers could move him into a new role by unleashing Oh ahead of one of the midfielders.

The 6 foot 1 Celtic striker could lead the line and that would allow Kyogo to drop into a number ten or second striker role alongside or behind the South Korea international.

David Turnbull, who failed to score or create any chances from the start against St. Johnstone, could make way to open the space for a new-look front two to be formed.

Hyeon-gyu Oh's season in numbers

The 22-year-old whiz has only started one of his 12 Premiership appearances so far this season but has made a positive impact off the bench.

Oh has contributed with three goals and only missed three 'big chances' in those 12 outings, after a return of six goals in 16 matches and three starts during the second half of last term.

Crucially, though, he has been able to win 1.6 duels per match and 41% of his aerial battles – despite averaging 31 minutes per game, which is significantly less playing time than Kyogo's 73 minutes per clash.

This suggests that Oh, who has scored two goals in his last three league outings, could cause more problems for opposition defenders with his physicality and offer Celtic a better outlet to play up to when they are under pressure due to his strength and aerial ability.

The South Korean dynamo, who was once hailed as an "improving" talent by South Korean hero Jung-won Seo, could lead the line and do the dirty work to then allow Kyogo to float about and focus solely on doing damage when the ball drops in dangerous areas in-and-around the box.

Therefore, Rodgers could unleash the Japan international in a new role as a second striker or number ten by bringing Oh in to start as the team's number nine.

MatériaMais Notícias

Não foi nesta sexta-feira que Diego Alves avançou na recuperação de uma lesão na coxa direita e foi a campo. O goleiro permanece no departamento médico do clube, que treinou nesta sexta-feira no Ninho do Urubu, e contou com novidades no gramado. Uma é: Léo Pereira retornou aos treinos com o restante do elenco, sem limitações, mas ainda será reavaliado, amanhã.

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A informação inicial a respeito da atividade desta tarde é do jornalista Venê Casagrande – e foi confirmada posteriormente pelo LANCE!. Léo Pereira e Thuler, que voltaram a treinar no gramado, passarão por novos testes e exames pontuais neste sábado, véspera do jogo contra o Ceará, pela 29ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro. Ainda são dúvidas para o fim de semana.

Cabe lembrar que Léo Pereira e Thuler foram ausências no último jogo por conta deuma entorse no tornozelo direito edores no tornozelo esquerdo, respectivamente. Já Diego Alves não atua há duas rodadas.

Nesta sexta, os treinos aplicados por Rogério Ceni foram técnico e tático.

A SITUAÇÃO DO FLA NO BRASILEIRÃO

>Confira e simule a tabela do Campeonato Brasileiro

Com 49 pontos e na quarta colocação, o time de Ceni segue a sete pontos de distância do líder São Paulo, que perdeu para o Red Bull Bragantino nesta quarta e está com 56 pontos. O Atlético-MG, que também tem 49, não atuará neste meio de semana. O Internacional está com 50 e é o atual vice-líder.

O Flamengo volta a campo neste domingo, às 16h, para enfrentar o Ceará, no Maracanã. A partida é válida pela 29ª rodada do Brasileirão e terá transmissão em Tempo Real do L!.

Time Magazine has named Spain striker Jenni Hermoso among the 100 most influential people of 2024 after the kissing scandal involving Luis Rubiales.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Hermoso was kissed by Rubiales at World Cup Incident came after Spain beat England in finalStriker supported by millions after speaking outWHAT HAPPENED?

The 33-year-old was kissed on the lips by former Spanish federation chief Rubiales in the aftermath of the nation's World Cup final victory over England in Australia last year. Barcelona's former star filed a legal complaint that led to the 46-year-old's resignation and subsequent three-year ban from all football-related activity. Following a tumultuous period off the pitch, Hermoso has now received this honour.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Hermoso has emerged as an icon in the battle against sexism in sport and as a result features in Time Magazine's most influential people list. She earned a glowing review from fellow player and chair of the US Soccer Participant Safety Taskforce Mana Shim, who has also been a victim of sexual harassment. The 32-year-old described her as "courageous" and admits she will continue to stand behind her call for change.

WHAT JENNI HERMOSO SAID

Speaking for the first time since the incident earlier in the year, she said: "It has been a hard process, of understanding many things. I'm still playing football and the only thing I want is to continue enjoying myself wearing this shirt."

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR HERMOSO AND SPAIN?

After beating France in the inaugural Women's Nations League final in February, Spain are preparing for the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Hermoso played a key part in helping her country reach their first-ever tournament and will be hoping to claim gold to cap off a successful year on the international stage.

Winning is a habit, and Adelaide Strikers aren’t kicking it anytime soon. The reigning champions started their title defence in emphatic style with a five-wicket victory over Brisbane Heat, built on the back of another stunning spell from Rashid Khan and a dazzling knock from Alex Carey.The match was marred by some bizarre umpiring, with James Pattinson incorrectly given run out by the TV umpire before the Strikers withdrew the appeal, and Carey admitted he nicked a ball to the keeper after being given not out on 52.Rashid decimated the Heat’s batting line-up in conjunction with crafty spells from Peter Siddle and Ben Laughlin. At one stage, the hosts were 9 for 101 before Mujeeb Ur Rahman made 27 off 22 balls, a record for No. 11 in T20 cricket to push the total to 146.Strikers made a blistering start to the chase and though there were some wobbles Carey went deep enough before Jon Wells finished the job.When too many gimmicks might be too muchThe BBL is supposed to be one of the best T20 leagues in all of professional cricket. The opening night of the new season featured a toss of a bat instead of a coin. At one stage there were three players mic’d up on the field at once talking to two different television broadcasters and the whole ground descended in darkness during the innings break to allow for a fireworks display. So when the TV umpire incorrectly adjudicated a run out as ‘out’ that every person at the ground, at home, and around the world could see was clearly not out, you could be forgiven for wondering how serious this tournament is.Pattinson dived to beat a throw from Peter Siddle in the 13th over as the Heat were struggling at 6 for 92. Replays showed him clearly making his ground, but the signal coming down from umpire Greg Davidson was out. After much confusion, Strikers bowler Ben Laughlin inquired with his captain Colin Ingram as to whether they could withdraw the appeal. Ingram checked with on-field umpire Simon Fry and then recalled Pattinson. He only lasted seven balls for four runs before being stumped by Carey from the bowling of Matthew Short.Matthew Hayden does the first ever bat toss in the Big Bash League•Getty Images

Rashid’s worldThe Bash Brothers failed to fire after being sent in and the Heat combusted. Brendon McCullum hit the first ball for four and the second straight up the in the air to be caught by the wicketkeeper. Chris Lynn clubbed 33 from 20 balls including a six and a four off Rashid in the fifth over, but he was knocked over by Peter Siddle with four balls left in the Powerplay.The Heat slumped to 9 for 101 with 31 balls left. Rashid claimed 3 for 9 in three overs post the Powerplay. Equally startling was that he bowled 14 dot balls on a batsman’s paradise. He undid Ben Cutting with extra bounce as the batsman holed out sweeping. He completely bamboozled Mark Steketee and Mitch Swepson in his last over with trademark wrong ‘uns. He was unstoppable and as a result, so were the Strikers.Mujeeb makes historyMujeeb, on debut in the BBL, walked out at No.11 having never made more than 16 in any of his previous 28 innings in professional cricket. He wandered all around the crease and played all sorts of mad strokes including several attempted reverse hooks off the express pace of Billy Stanlake. But he mustered 27 off 22 balls, including three boundaries, the highest-ever score by a No.11 in T20 cricket. Mujeeb and Peirson put on 45 for the last wicket before Mujeeb fell with two balls left in the innings.Carey cool, calm and collectedThe Strikers batting relies heavily on their opening combination and Carey and Jake Weatherald picked up where they left off last season. They cracked 56 in 5.3 overs before Weatherald fell to reduce the required rate to a meagre 6.53.Carey was savage in the Powerplay. He took Steketee for 16 in three balls with simple clean striking and added another six off Joe Burns. Heat youngster Max Bryant dropped Weatherald in the second over which proved costly from a partnership perspective. Carey too was fortunate to survive a caught behind in the 11th over off the legspinner Swepson. He launched the next ball for six and added 18 more to his total before Swepson finally got his revenge. The Strikers still needed 39 from 36 balls but Wells made a very composed and unbeaten 24 to secure the victory with five balls to spare.

Erik ten Hag would've wanted a response from his Manchester United stars following an abject display away to Newcastle United last weekend, and the Dutchman certainly got it amid what was a spirited and dominant performance at home to Chelsea in midweek.

While once a clash that decided Premier League titles, Champions League showpieces and FA Cup finals, Wednesday's entertaining encounter pitted two sides against each other who may not even secure a top-four berth this season, such have been their respective woes of late.

For all United's turmoil in 2023/24, however, that 2-1 triumph showcased that they haven't sunk quite as low as the hapless Blues, with the narrow margin of the scoreline somewhat flattering the visitors, in truth, with Ten Hag's men boasting 28 attempts on goal, to their opponents 13.

Although a lack of a cutting edge was still evident from the Old Trafford outfit, up stepped Scott McTominay once again to prove the unlikely hero with a brilliant brace, the Scotland international taking his tally to six goals in all competitions this season.

The 27-year-old was not alone in having shone against Mauricio Pochettino's side, however, with summer signing Sergio Reguilon staking his claim to start against AFC Bournemouth later today.

Sergio Reguilon's game by numbers vs Chelsea

Despite lining up in a centre-back berth at St James' Park, Luke Shaw reverted back to his usual left-back role for the visit of the west Londoners, with Victor Lindelof returning to the fold alongside November Player of the Month, Harry Maguire.

That more conventional backline lasted merely 45 minutes, however, before Lindelof was duly hooked at the break with the game level, the experienced Swede having been 'on the backfoot' for much of the first half – as per Manchester Evening News journalist, Samuel Luckhurst.

With the former Benfica star sent for an early bath, in came that man Reguilon for the second period, with the "quality" talent – as previously described by pundit Noel Whelan – making a real impression down the left flank, as Shaw once again moved centrally.

The on-loan Tottenham Hotspur man – who was awarded a 7/10 match rating for his troubles by Luckhurst – offered a real outlet in attack after registering two key passes in his 45-minute showing, notably laying the ball to Alejandro Garnacho in the build-up to the game's deciding goal.

The Spaniard also impressively won five of his nine ground duels and also helped to win two fouls for his side, having provided a real injection of energy and impetus following his introduction off the bench.

The changes Ten Hag could make vs Bournemouth

The hope would be that with Lisandro Martinez still sidelined, the former Ajax boss will keep Shaw in place alongside his compatriot Maguire, while then favouring Reguilon at left-back over Diogo Dalot – who endured a tough evening in that role against the Magpies.

Up against an in-form Cherries side – who are unbeaten in their last four league outings – Ten Hag may not wish to rotate his starting XI too heavily following the midweek win, ensuring that one man who won't be making a return is last season's top scorer, Marcus Rashford.

The academy graduate was hooked on the hour mark against Newcastle before finding himself on the bench last time out, with young Garnacho, in his place, providing the assist for McTominay's crucial clincher.

With Brazilian enigma, Antony, also impressing on the opposite side – having been described as "electric" by Statman Dave for his performance on the right flank – it is hard to see a role for Rashford in the side, even with Rasmus Hojlund once again failing to fire through the middle.

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As such, while the lively Reguilon could provide a shake-up on the left against Andoni Iraola's men, Rashford will likely be restricted to watching brief for the second game in succession.

West Ham United have been experiencing something of a mixed Premier League campaign this season, enjoying some impressive highs, such as their away comeback win over Tottenham Hotspur, but also enduring some low lows, such as their 5-0 humbling at the hands of Fulham last weekend.

Yet, one competition the Hammers have been consistently impressive is the Europa League, where they have won four of their five group games thus far and currently sit top of the pile on 12 points, level with SC Freiburg.

However, there is still the matter of Thursday's match against the Bundesliga side to determine who goes through in first place and who has to play one of the eight Champions League sides who will drop down for the preliminary rounds.

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David Moyes needs to secure at least a draw against the Germans, and one way he can improve his chances is by dropping Aaron Cresswell.

Aaron Cresswell's game in numbers vs Fulham

The English full-back started ahead of the Hammers' regular left-back, Emerson Palmieri, as he was suffering from a bug that was cascading through the Eastenders camp.

With the vast experience that Cresswell can tap into from his time in the top flight, most would have assumed that while unspectacular, he would have at least been able to put in a competent shift at left-back, but this wasn't the case.

The 33-year-old was woeful in the first 45 and was taken off for the still-ill Palmieri, which shows just what Moyes thought of his performance.

The former Ipswich Town defender was given a 4/10 for his showing by the Evening Standard's Malik Ouzia, with the journalist describing his place in the team as a 'mis-match' against Raul Jimenez.

From looking at his statistics, it's clear that Ouzia is right. The Liverpool-born full-back lost 100% of his duels, lost the ball seven times, failed to even register on the expected assists scale, lost the only dribble he attempted, and failed the only cross he tried, all within 45 minutes.

Simply put, he cannot start a game as important as the one against Freiburg.

Aaron Cresswell Stats vs Fulham

Stats

Cresswell

Minutes

45

Expected Assists

0.00

Tackles

0

Interceptions

0

Ground Duels (Won)

2 (0)

Possession Lost

7

Crosses (Completed)

1 (0)

Dribbles Attempted (Completed)

1 (0)

Stats via Sofascore

Emerson Palmieri must start against SC Freiburg

If Moyes wants to ensure his side make it through to the next round of the Europa League without having to play the former Champions League sides first, he has to start Palmieri at left-back on Thursday night.

The Italian-Brazilian has started 88% of Premier League games and 40% of European games this season, so it wouldn't be too out of the ordinary for the Scotsman to go with the 29-year-old from the get-go.

In his last start, against Spurs, he put in a performance far more impressive than what Cresswell could muster on the weekend, being described as "one of the best things that could've happened to this football club" by journalist Alan Rzepa after putting in a breathless shift for the full 90.

The dynamic defender was given the club's Man of the Match award, and it is easy to see why, as he made four clearances, five tackles, won eight duels, and maintained a passing accuracy of 81%.

Emerson Palmieri Stats vs Spurs

Stats

Palmieri

Minutes

95

Tackles

5

Clearances

4

Ground Duels (Won)

12 (8)

Clearance off Line

1

Passing Accuracy

81%

Dribbles Attempted (Completed)

2 (1)

All Stats via Sofascore

With that in mind, the former Chelsea man must simply come back into the side this evening, at the expense of the hapless Cresswell.