Aston Villa bounced back from defeat to secure an important result at home to Cardiff City on Tuesday night, winning 1-0 thanks to a stunning late volley from midfielder Jack Grealish.
With the game deadlocked at 0-0, the ball popped up to Grealish 20 yards out, who promptly banged it in off the post with a goal of the season contender.
Despite that strike undoubtedly stealing all the headlines, it was another performer on the night that Villa fans were quick to pay tribute to – goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.
Many felt he was the man of the match for a string of impressive saves across the 90 minutes that kept the Villans in the game before Grealish’s beauty.
[ad_pod ]
He’s been one of the best performers in Steve Bruce’s side this season and fans must be desperate for the club to attempt to make his loan move from Manchester United permanent in the summer.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
They took to Twitter to discuss his Tuesday performance…
It could be a busy summer at Old Trafford with Louis van Gaal expected to make further changes to his squad as he gears up for a return to Champions League football (providing all goes to plan that is). With new arrivals as well as departures likely to be in the offing, it could be another exciting transfer window for Manchester United and their fans. And one player who may well pulling on the red jersey come August is Seamus Coleman.
Heavily linked with a move away from his current club Everton, it seems just a matter of when, not if he will leave Goodison Park in pursuit of Champions League football. Chelsea and Bayern Munich have both been rumoured to be interested in the Irish defender, yet United remain favourites to land the right back in a deal that could well be worth at least £20m. Regardless of the transfer however, if the club can agree a deal with Everton it would certainly be money well spent.
Coleman has established himself as arguably the best right back in the Premier League with his all-round game ensuring he is one of the first names on Roberto Martinez’s team sheet.
Not just a solid defender, it’s his attacking capabilities that have helped to draw the attention of some of Europe’s biggest clubs and it’s no wonder why. Plenty of pace, full of energy and comfortable on the ball, Coleman’s ability to get up and down the right wing make him a substantial threat to any opposing team, highlighted by his crossing capability and his composure in front of goal.
Having scored an impressive seven goals last season, Coleman has continued this form throughout this campaign netting another five goals. His latest opened the scoring in their 2-1 victory over QPR this weekend, and will surely be a contender for goal of the month as he found the top corner with a powerful yet well placed strike from what a difficult angle.
Having underperformed in the league this season and the realisation that there won’t be any European football at Goodison Park next season, it’s difficult to see them holding onto one of their key players if their valuation is met. And a player of his quality looks to be exactly what Manchester United require.
With their only recognised right-back Rafael suffering from injury problems for the past few months, Antonio Valencia has filled the position, something he has often done in his time at Old Trafford. Despite doing a more than satisfactory job whenever asked to, it’s still a position that leaves a question mark over; a possible weakness for opponents to exploit. Even when Rafael is back in the side, he can still prove somewhat of a liability at times.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
On the face of it Coleman would offer a marked improvement for both his attacking and defending prowess, and would slot right in to the style and system that Van Gaal likes to employ. He would no doubt rack up plenty of assists with deliveries from wide areas, and his ability to pop up with a goal would be welcomed given the lack of them currently provided by their full-backs.
The 26-year-old has proven he has what it takes to compete at the highest level week in week out, and it could be time for him to move on in order to reach his full potential. While Everton would demand a substantial fee for his signature, and rightly so, United should be willing to pay whatever it takes to secure a deal this summer for a player that would significantly improve their squad. And you can be sure if they don’t someone else will.
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce may be in more hot water as he has publicly criticised the FA for fining him this week.
Allardyce was furious with referee Phil Dowd after West Ham’s game at Old Trafford last month in which his side should have had a penalty.
Dowd gave Manchester United a spot kick for a harsh handball just minutes after the Hammers were denied a penalty for a far clearer incident in an FA Cup replay that West Ham went on to lose 1-0.
Allardyce was fined £8,000 and warned about future conduct this week by the FA for comments he made at the final whistle at Old Trafford along the lines of Manchester United get the decisions at Old Trafford and the opposition don’t.
The Hammers boss is still clearly upset by the FA’s punishment and has claimed that he was only speaking the truth and after representing his case to the panel, he was still found guilty anyway.
“For me I spoke the truth, so if you like I have been fined for speaking the truth, but there you go, we move on,” Allardyce told London24.
“What I had to do was present my case and give it to the panel and make sure they understood what I meant and there was no doubt I meant nothing other than the influence that happens at the big arenas that happens to everyone when you go there.”
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
“Those influences can make people make decisions that are right or wrong, not just Phil Dowd but players and you as a manager.”
David Moyes may view West Ham’s trip to face Stamford Bridge in Sunday’s London derby as something of a free hit.
There was much more pressure on the Hammers last weekend, their biggest game of the season as they hosted relegation rivals Southampton.
Moyes’ men flew out of the blocks, establishing a 3-0 lead by half-time and making a mockery of the pressure that had been bubbling up for three week break since their last match, the home defeat to Burnley by the same scoreline.
That alleviated some of the relegation tension that had engulfed the club and should allow the Irons to make the trip from West to East London with designs on exploiting any lack of confidence in the Chelsea ranks following their 3-1 home defeat at the hands of Tottenham last time out.
Joe Hart got the nod but Javier Hernandez was not so fortunate and we’ve taken a closer look at the best of the West Ham fans’ reaction…
Barring Manchester City’s £28million acquisition of Wilfried Bony, the Premier League has remained fairly quiet this month, with the majority of clubs seemingly preferring to keep their hands wedged well within their pockets.
There’s still five days before the end of the January window however (deadline day coming on February 2nd) so there is a chance that the likes of Mauricio Pochettino could be tempted into dipping his toe into the choppy transfer waters.
So, with that in mind, here’s a list of FIVE targets known to be on Tottenham’s radar that the club could (and we reckon should) go after in the next week.
So without further ado…
MATTIA DESTRO
//www.youtube.com/embed/WsBaQTCBym8
Age: 23
Height: 5 foot 10
Position: Striker
Teams: Genoa, Siena, Roma, Italy
Honours: Coppa Italia finalist 2013, Serie A runner-up 2014
Interested clubs: Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool, according to The Express, Tottenham and AC Milan, according to The Metro
Likely transfer fee: £15million, according to The Daily Star
The Lowdown
Despite Mauricio Pochettino recently labelling Harry Kane, Emmanuel Adebayor and Roberto Soldado as ‘three great strikers’, the latter duo only netting thrice collectively in the Premier League this season, Tottenham will undoubtedly attempt to bolster their striking options this week if the right opportunity comes along.
And the latest reports have linked the north Londoners with Roma prospect Mattia Destro, who boasts a promising return of 23 goals in 52 Serie A appearances for the Stadio Olimipico outfit.
The 23 year-old is regarded as a particularly efficient striker, grabbing his goals despite limited clear cut opportunities at goal – this term, he’s bagged five goals from 22 attempts,with a shot accuracy of 67% – resulting in him picking up eight caps for the Azzurri since 2012.
With just 18 months left on Destro’s contract and Roma on the verge of signing Shaktar Donetsk star Luiz Adriano, it appears a number of Premier League clubs are keen to snap him up in a reduced deal.
Meanwhile, recent declarations from the versatile front-man, who has also featured on both flanks for Roma this season, regarding a lack of first team football and better opportunities abroad, suggest he’d be prepared to leave the Italian outfit this month.
Tottenham’s need for firepower is more desperate than most however, which could motivate them to do some business within the next few days. According to TalkSport, a swap deal involving Vlad Chiriches could be on the cards.
DANNY INGS
//www.youtube.com/embed/bldGyHxlW_0
Age: 22
Height: 5 foot 10
Position: Striker/No.10
Teams: Bournemouth, Burnley, England U21s
Honours: Championship Runner Up 2013/14, Championship Player of the Year 2013/14
Interested clubs: Tottenham and Liverpool according to The Express
Likely transfer fee: £5million according to Mirror Football, £10million according to Goal.com
The Lowdown
Another young striker alleged to have caught Tottenham’s transfer attention is Burnley prodigy Danny Ings – one of a batch of homegrown strikers that have surprisingly taken the Premier League by storm this season.
Indeed, it’s taken the 22 year-old some time to adapt to the top flight after firing the Turf Moor outfit to promotion from the Championship last season with 21 goals, but he now boasts seven strikes and three set-ups in his last 14 Premier League outings.
In addition to his composure and skill in front of goal, it’s Ings’ intelligence as a footballer that truly stands out. Diminutive mobility allows the England U21 to change the angle of play in an instant, whilst the effectiveness of Ings’ link-up play often results in him sitting just in front of the midfield in the No.10 role.
And most appealingly for Spurs, he isn’t accompanied by the audacious price-tag of your average Englishman. With just six months remaining on the striker’s contract, Burnley will be forced to sell this month if they’re approached with a sizable offer.
There’s still some dispute over valuations however, with Spurs reportedly preparing a £5million bid but Sean Dyche rating his star front-man at £10million.
ANDRE SCHURRLE
//www.youtube.com/embed/uPeOjkAc12I
Age: 24
Height: 6 foot
Position: Winger-forward
Teams: Mainz, Bayer Leverkusen, Chelsea, Germany
Honours: World Cup 2014
Interested clubs: Liverpool, Tottenham and Wolfsburg, according to The Daily Star
Likely transfer fee: £30million, according to The Independent
The Lowdown
Mauricio Pochettino was relatively coy on Spurs’ reported interest in Andre Schurrle this week, but he also failed to rule out a move for Chelsea’s marginalised winger.
Indeed, it’s been a troubled campaign for the 24 year-old, seeing just 433 minutes in the Premier League – despite netting thrice – and finding himself hauled off at half time during his last two starts for the west London club.
Schurrle’s talent remains undoubted however, having bagged two goals at the World Cup and provided a tournament-winning assist to Mario Gotze, and he’d certainly address the current dearth of quality on Tottenham’s flanks.
But the Blues will only sell if the right bid comes along, despite their well-known interest in Fiorentina’s £26million man Juan Cuadrado, so whether any suitor is prepared to match their £30million valuation remains to be seen.
MEMPHIS DEPAY
//www.youtube.com/embed/rvO32HHfnl8
Age: 20
Height: 5 foot 10
Position: Winger
Teams: PSV, Netherlands
Honours: KNVB Cup 2012, World Cup 2014 third-place
Interested clubs: Manchester United and Tottenham, according to Mirror Football
Likely transfer fee: £15million, per Mirror Football once again
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
The Lowdown
Another winger believed to be in Tottenham’s transfer crosshairs is PSV trailblazer Memphis Depay, who was also linked with a White Hart Lane move in the summer before extending his Philips Stadion contract by four years.
The 20 year-old has proved himself to be one of the Dutch division’s most destructive attacking forces over the last two seasons, amassing 23 goals and 12 assists in his last 47 league outings for PSV, whilst also averaging a whopping 5.1 shots per match.
Impressing likewise in a cameo role for the Netherlands at the World Cup, scoring against Australia and Chile in the group stages, Depay is tipped for a huge future and, particularly due to their shared free kick technique, is already drawing comparisons with Cristiano Ronaldo.
His £15million valuation should be within Tottenham’s reach this month – but interest from Louis van Gaal’s Man United could prove problematic.
WINSTON REID
//www.youtube.com/embed/cKuwj7Bbxjw
Age: 26
Height: 6 foot 3
Position: Centre-Back
Teams: Midtjylland, West Ham, New Zealand
Honours: Championship Play-off winner 2012, Hammer of the Year 2013
Interested clubs: Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham, according to The Express
Likely transfer fee: £7million, according to Mirror Football, £20million according to Sam Allardyce
The Lowdown
The immediate fate of West Ham contract rebel Winston Reid has generated interest throughout the Premier League, with four clubs reportedly attempting to prize the New Zealand skipper away from Upton Park this January as his current deal enters its final six months.
Reid may not be the most progressive or graceful centre-back on the market this month, but what he lacks in technical quality is made up for with a masterful understanding of the nuts and bolts of the defensive trade – tackles, headers, clearances and interceptions.
He’s blessed with the awkward, elbowy frame of former Arsenal defender Martin Keown and would bring a new sense of resilient grittiness to Tottenham’s backline.
With his contract set to expire at the end of the campaign, the 26 year-old could be available for a knock down rate. The Hammers are currently playing hardball however and if the Lilywhites are prepared to wait until the end of the season, they can land Reid on a free transfer instead.
Saturday’s F.A Cup game against Preston North End was not only a great chance to advance to the 4th round, but it saw KJ give a chance to a few players on their last chance at the Den. The likes of Shaun Batt, Dany N’Guessan, and to some extent, Liam Feeney were able to have a run out.
N’Guessan has come back into the fold over the last few weeks, but he seems to be a very inconsistent player. When we played Bristol City, he scored a great goal and went off to a standing ovation, whereas against Preston he was shocking. KJ seems to think he can make a decent Championship player out of him, but the fans think otherwise.
Whereas Shaun Batt, let’s be honest here, didn’t look good enough at all. He’s got the passion and never stops trying, but isn’t really good enough to be starting at Championship level. In my opinion, he’ll either be kept to be a “super sub” with his pace in the last 10 minutes of matches, or he’ll be gone by February 1st.
And finally Liam Feeney, at some points last season he was considered our best player, what a transformation to this season. He looks so low on confidence. He is also the latest Millwall boo-boy, but if you watch him you can understand why. Every time on the wing he gets the ball it’s the same old story, couple of step-overs, doesn’t beat the man, cleared.
He doesn’t bother to track back, seems very lazy, with Chris Taylor out injured he seems to be the best option on the left wing, well either him or Scott Malone, and some of the Lions faithful have made up their minds on Malone…
This may have been a cup game against lower league opposition, but we made it so hard on ourselves. Yes the first half was controlled by the Lions and they could have been three or four goals up, but the 2nd half, was the worst half performance I have seen this season. It was painful to watch, but nonetheless we are through.
This time last week the Lions were expected to sign two strikers, a week later and no-one has come through the doors. Aaron McLean was set to sign from Hull on loan, but they didn’t want to loan him to a ‘rival’ so he joined Ipswich. Simon Church was also on the radar but his wage demands are too high, back to the drawing board….
Despite the setbacks, Jackett will bring in the players needed to keep us high in the table, but it may be more Premier League loans rather than permanent players, but this has worked out for ‘Wall in the past, with the likes of Andros Townsend and Harry Kane signing on loan in the January window, an interesting and hopefully busy month ahead….
Lions fans.
What are your thoughts on the recent performances of N’Guessan, Feeney and Batt?
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Crystal Palace have designs on signing Everton starlet Ademola Lookman in the event that talisman Wilfried Zaha is lured away in the summer, as per the Sun.
Despite that, and his disagreement with Sam Allardyce in January, the Toffees must do all they can to keep the former Charlton man at Goodison Park.
What’s the story?
It is widely thought that Zaha is the best player in the bottom half and Tottenham are reportedly among the clubs who are looking to add the Ivorian winger to their squad in the summer.
Palace have reportedly started making plans in the event that the wideman does depart Selhurst Park during the next transfer window and Lookman is at the top of their list of potential replacements.
Lookman is currently on loan in Germany with RB Leipzig, but Allardyce would apparently have preferred for him to stay in England.
Lookman should outlast Allardyce at Goodison
It has been a long season at Goodison Park but the arrival of Sam Allardyce, and the upturn in form that actually put the Toffees in 9th before he joined the club, should be enough to ensure their Premier League safety.
Everton fans have already lost patience with Allardyce and his mistrust of flair players and cynical disregard for building anything tangible in the long-term are two major reasons why.
The Toffees have lacked pace and invention this season but Lookman – valued at £6.2m by Transfermarkt – is one of few players on the books who can provide it.
Another expensive summer overhaul looks likely, so Everton cannot afford to be selling promising talents to teams lower down the league than them; especially not ones who possess qualities they so obviously lack.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
More money will no doubt be spent at Goodison this summer but Lookman, Tom Davies and Dominic Calvert-Lewin should be at the heart of any turnaround at the club – they represent a brighter future.
Despite claims from the player himself that he’s not looking to move and his close ties with Atletico Madrid, David de Gea has been consistently linked with Real Madrid over the course of the past few weeks.
The European champions are keen to snap up the Spaniard either in January or at the end of the season as they look to replace Iker Casillas, with a big money raid in the pipeline.
Manchester United are desperate to hold onto the stopper, but, like any wise football club, plans are said to be in place should he leave, with Tottenham’s Hugo Lloris now the prime candidate to step in. Would this deal make sense?
We think so, and here are FIVE reasons why…
[ffc-gallery]
CLICK ON DE GEA TO REVEAL THE FIVE
[/ffc-gallery]
[ad_pod id=’ricco’ align=’center’]
Potential profit…
Real Madrid are rumoured to be ready to pay around £30m for De Gea, while Lloris is available for £20m-£25m. United may not be in desperate need of cash, yet making a profit could be wise given that the club spent £150m over the summer – the highest total splashed by a team in one transfer window ever. The Frenchman is also unlikely to command wages greater than his potential predecessor, which makes the deal financially appealing, too.
Premier League experience
De Gea may not actually leave, but if he does, getting in a player that knows the Premier League could be vital. Although football is football in any country, the English game is more physically demanding than most nations’ offerings, which is often a problem for goalies. United’s current No. 1 himself struggled when he arrived in 2011, with opponents taking advantage of his wiry frame and lack of presence. The Red Devils won’t want to make the same mistake again.
Leader
As the captain of the French national side, Lloris knows a thing or two about being a big influence in the pitch. Les Bleus may not be the force they were at the turn of the millennium, yet their World Cup showing over the summer was impressive, and Lloris himself has the armband ahead of a host of top-class players. United need leadership at the back to help cut out silly errors, and a commanding ‘keeper could inspire confidence among the backline at Old Trafford.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
One of the best ‘sweeper keepers’ around
Ballon d’Or finalist Manuel Neuer is undoubtedly the best ‘front foot’ goalkeeper, but Lloris is not too far behind him. The Spurs man is adept at charging off his line to cut out through balls and smother opposition strikers, which allows his team to deploy a high backline. United may benefit from his presence, with dominating possession a trait the Red Devils have shown over the last 20 years, particularly at Old Trafford.
He is ready to leave Spurs
Lloris’ new contract last summer was, perhaps, a move made by player and club with a view to a switch this summer. Spurs want to maximise their profit, while the player himself is known to be keen on Champions League football. If United can finish in the top four they may have little trouble convincing Lloris to head away from White Hart Lane. However, PSG and Monaco are likely to be interested as well.
The FootballFanCast.com Advent Calendar reaches day 21 and gives you the chance to win a Miscellany book of your choice. Whether you’re a supporter of Arsenal, Aston Villa, Chelsea, Everton, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Newcastle United or Tottenham Hotspur, we have a book for you!The fully revised and updated 2012 edition of the Miscellany book is essential reading for fans of each of the above clubs. With its extensive array of facts, feats and anecdotes to chew over, this labour of love is the perfect Christmas present for the football fan in your life – young or old.Fancy winning a Miscellany book?
The winners will be announced tomorrow, when we will also be unveiling our prize for Day 22. Don’t forget to come back to FootballFanCast.com then!
Manchester United will likely head to the Etihad Stadium on 7 April knowing that they must win to avoid the embarrassment of their local rivals winning the title against them on that day.
It has been a season where the blue side of Manchester has been the dominant one and that could well be confirmed in galling style as City have the rare opportunity to win the Premier League by beating their fierce rivals.
That is not a prospect that United fans want to think about and the club recognised this by sharing footage of the 2016 derby at the Etihad, which was won 1-0 by a first-half goal from Marcus Rashford, now valued at £45m by Transfermarkt.
[ad_pod ]
There is a feeling of doom and gloom around United right now and you’d be hard pushed to find many Reds fans who truly believe their club can overcome City next month.
Therefore, the positivity came out in remembering that win at the home of their city rivals and we’ve taken a closer look at the one thing United fans noted in particular…