All posts by h716a5.icu

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more… 

Slaven Bilic has his wish. After a defeat to Villarreal in their opening match of pre-season, he stated that he wanted to play with two strikers.

Now, following the arrival of Charlie Austin, he may well finally be able to do that.

The opening day saw Kenneth Zohore play up front on his own with the wingers providing much of the attacking threat by themselves.

Austin, however, arrives in a £4m deal and adds a much-needed body in that area of the pitch after Dwight Gayle and Jay Rodriguez’s exits.

Yet, the Baggies could also be playing with fire with this transfer.

On the chalkboard

There is no denying Austin’s prowess in front of goal. After all, he once scored 18 goals in a single Premier League campaign for QPR.

He also has a terrific record in the Championship, something that could prove key in terms of Albion’s promotion bid.

He scored 19 for QPR back in 2013/14 whilst he added a further ten in 12 starts across the first half of the 2015/16 campaign.

Despite that, it’s his injury record that suggests West Brom can’t rely on him fully.

At Southampton last term, he managed to stay fit but he’s had multiple hamstring problems which if they aren’t managed properly, could cause problems for Bilic’s men, particularly when it comes to implementing the two-man system he wants to play.

Since 2010/11, the forward has missed a total of 247 days to hamstring troubles, the latest of which kept him out from December 2017 until March 2018.

Watch West Bromwich Albion Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

It’s been a wretched few years for Austin who hasn’t been able to build a run of games.

He started just 11 times last term, appearing on 14 occasions from the bench so his fitness could still be questionable.

Whether the 30-year-old has it in his legs to play out a demanding season in the Championship remains to be seen and as such, it’s a risk.

Come next May, it may well have been one worth taking but the Baggies have definitely taken somewhat of a gamble by bringing in Austin.

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The recent debate on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football show has sparked controversy across the country – so who are the best crossers in Premier League history?

Former Manchester United full-back Gary Neville spoke on the show about the excellent crossing ability of Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne, ranking him highly alongside the likes of David Beckham and Steven Gerrard.

Since the launch of the Premier League in 1992, 1000’s of crosses have been attempted by multiple players – some more successful than others.

Whether it be a last-minute launch into the box in the desperate hope of clinching a point or a hair-raising set-piece delivery, crossing remains one of the most powerful components for an attacking team.

But who gets our vote? Here are our rankings for the best crossers in Premier League history from worst to best:

15. Steward Downing

His end-product in terms of scoring goals was disappointing, but Downing has a wand of a left foot.

The 35-year-old has delivered over 2,718 crosses in the Premier League since 2006 – more than any other player.

14. Chris Brunt

Another left-footed magician. Brunt has often been subject to controversial moments in his career but his crossing ability is outstanding.

The 34-year-old has been at West Bromwich Albion since 2007; fans at the Hawthorns have witnessed his wizardry on countless occasions, whether that be from set-pieces or open play.

13. Trent Alexander-Arnold

Liverpool’s exciting right-back hasn’t spent too long in the Premier League so far, but what an outstanding crosser he already is at such a young age.

The 20-year-old registered 12 assists in 29 Premier League appearances last season. For a full-back, they are outstanding figures and this is just the start.

12. Gylfi Sigurdsson

The Icelandic playmaker oozes class and what he can produce, especially from free-kicks, is extremely rare.

Sigurdsson opts for the ‘whip’ technique when crossing, regularly causing mayhem in the opposition box. I certainly wouldn’t want to defend his crosses, that’s for sure.

11. Cesc Fabregas

Eden Hazard revealed Fabregas’ nickname is ‘The Master’ and it’s not difficult to see why.

The Spain midfielder inherits unique intelligence and creativity; although his crossing does not belong in the mesmerising category, he finds passes and crosses that 99% of players never see.

10. Sebastian Larsson

Another player who produced magic from nothing. The Sweden midfielder has delivered 1,495 Premier League crosses since 2006 and if you were a striker waiting for the perfect ball into the box, Larsson was the player to provide that.

Whether it’s a free-kick, corner or open play, the 34-year-old was a constant threat and achieves a deserved 10th-place ranking.

9. Aleksandar Kolarov

When Kolarov’s name is mentioned, every person immediately thinks of his outrageous left foot.

The versatile Serbian full-back – who also operates on the left flank due to his crossing ability – was an extremely valuable asset to Manchester City. Players like him arrive once in a blue moon (ironic) and his crossing quality should not be overlooked.

8. Morten Gamst Pedersen

The Norwegian obtained similar characteristics to the aforementioned Kolarov. Pace, power and accuracy – three components to make a tasty delivery.

Pedersen is remembered for his magical left foot during his spell at Blackburn Rovers, completing 1,355 crosses in the Premier League since 2006.

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…

Marco Silva was impressed with his players in Everton’s League Cup victory over Lincoln City, but they will need to show much more if they are to achieve anything this season.

What did he say

Everton fell behind after 21 seconds against the Imps and although the game was level with 20 minutes to spare, Silva was able to rely on new signing Alex Iwobi to nudge his side in front.

The Toffees eventually ran out 4-2 winners, leaving their manager satisfied with what he labelled a professional performance, implying that all that matters in the cup is a victory.

Speaking to Evertontv, Silva said: “Our team showed one important thing in my opinion – apart from the attitude, commitment and desire – we showed personality.

“We respected ourselves, we respected our fans, we respected the competition.

“It was a good performance in some moments. But, for me, the most important thing was our players were serious, they showed they are very good professionals and they won the game.”

There were further positives for the Portuguese man to take, with his side finally displaying an attacking threat by scoring four, whilst new signings Moise Kean and Djibril Sidibe were handed their first starts, allowing them to get valuable minutes under their belt.

Lucas Digne also continued to impress with a goal and an assist, but there are areas which still require improvement and certain persisting trends, namely their lack of creativity.

More than spirit needed for top-six

There has been much speculation over the summer about Everton’s chances of breaking into the top 6, but so far they have continued to underperform in attack, as they did for much of last season in which they scored only 54 league goals. Pertinently, that was 11 goals below the lowest tally of a top-six club.

Despite playing against a team two divisions below, Everton were uninspiring for large spells. It took until the 81st minute for the Toffees to score from open play and that served to intensify the feeling that they are yet to discover the type of fluid attacking form they’ll need to breach the top-six.

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Showing personality, as Silva alludes to, will only get this Everton team so far. Their forward players lack the quality of their rivals in the top-six – Arsenal’s willingness to let Iwobi join the Toffees suggests as much.

Too often they will struggle to break down teams, as they have shown in each of their matches so far, and that is what will separate them from the top teams.

Kean and Iwboi have shown glimpses of his quality while Gylfi Sigurdsson and Richarlison are proven at the club, but are this quartet even as good as the attacking quartets West Ham and Leicester have to offer?

Time will tell but Silva will need much more than spirit to take the Merseysiders in the right direction this season.

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

Harry Kane has revealed that he treasures memories of Tottenham Hotspur’s wins over Arsenal, and says his screamer in 2016 led to one of the most raucous atmospheres he can remember, per PA via FourFourTwo.

What’s he said?

The England captain has an exceptional record against the Gunners, scoring nine times in nine Premier League outings.

The two sides will meet again this weekend, with both looking to bounce back from defeats; Arsenal lost 3-1 to Liverpool last time out, while Spurs were beaten 1-0 by Newcastle United.

Kane has only ever failed to score in one north London derby in the league since his debut – the 2-0 defeat in 2017-18. In his very first taste of the game, he scored twice, including a dramatic late headed winner.

Indeed, one of his best goals came in the 2-2 draw in 2016, as he cut in from the left flank to send a magnificent effort into the top corner.

And he says that, while that goal may have sent White Hart Lane into raptures, all that matters to him are the three points.

He said: “My first-ever game against them was the biggest highlight.

“White Hart Lane, being 1-0 down, and scoring two in the second half and the header in the 89th minute.

“To do that and win the game made it more special.

“The goal at White Hart Lane when I cut in off the flank and bent it in was a very special moment in terms of the atmosphere. I’d never heard White Hart Lane that loud and that energetic.

“But the most important memories are the wins. Whenever we can beat them that’s always the highlight.”

Needs to step up

Spurs haven’t won at The Emirates since 2010, when they came from 2-0 down to 3-2 under the management of Harry Redknapp.

In the games since, Spurs have lost five times, including a 4-2 defeat last season, and drawn on three occasions.

Watch Tottenham Hotspur Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

If they are to end that hoodoo, they will need Kane to be at his very best.

Against Newcastle and Manchester City this season he has cut an isolated figure up front.

He will have to improve if Spurs are to avoid a second successive defeat but he has shown in the past that he simply adores playing against the Gunners.

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s In Numbers series, which takes a statistical look at performances, season-long form and reported transfer targets…

Life hasn’t really been easy for Dani Carvajal at Real Madrid as of late.

The 27-year-old right-back has been one of the main targets of the recent outburst from the fans as many seem to think he is one of the biggest liabilities in Real Madrid’s defensive line.

Many called for him to improve as he was dragging the team down but his latest performance will definitely please Zinedine Zidane and Real Madrid’s fans.

Watch Spanish Football Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

Spain played Faroe Islands in the sixth round of the Euro qualifications and Carvajal started the game on the right side of their defence. Needless to say, the 27-year-old showed the whole repertoire of his skills and proved why he’s a starter at Real Madrid.

Carvajal was heavily involved throughout the 90 minutes as he mustered a total of 120 touches. He was efficient and deadly going forward, tallying two key passes, four accurate crosses and 94% passing accuracy overall.

But he was also no slouch in the defensive aspect, an area that Real Madrid seem to be lacking in at the moment. He recorded one tackle, won possession four times, won all of his aerial duels while also winning 3/4 ground ones. By anyone’s standards, that was an impressive display at both ends of the field.

Now, however, it would be ideal if he could somehow transfer that form back into the Spanish capital once the clubs return to action later on in the week.

So far, he has averaged one tackle and 0.5 interceptions in the new 2019/20 La Liga campaign with, granted, one assist to his name. But when everything is said and done, Real Madrid have conceded four goals in three games and have dropped four points in total, and a part of that blame certainly lies with their defenders.

Despite some good results on occasion, there’s still a lot left to be desired from those performances. But Carvajal proved on international duty that he’s still very much got it and only needs time to find his groove once again.

It will be up to Zidane to help him rediscover that form and get the best out of his right-back by any means necessary.

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Marcelo Bielsa hasn’t had many problems handing minutes to the younger members of Leeds’ squad.

This season has already seen Leif Davis feature at centre-back whilst there’s also been a spot in the team for Jamie Shackleton and Alfie McCalmont.

The latter was handed a senior debut against Salford in the League Cup before also starting against Stoke in the next round.

Although taken off at the break, Bielsa’s faith in starting him in the first place was admirable.

However, it’s rather baffling that he’s played more often than Mateusz Bogusz.

The 18-year-old arrived in January and it took until the clash against Stoke for him to earn his competitive bow.

Given his impressive showings for the U23s, coming close to scoring last weekend, it was a surprise that he wasn’t the first member of the academy to be called upon.

Bogusz is an intriguing talent, turning down Brighton to sign for the Whites in January.

Despite being so young, he’d already gained exposure of senior football in Poland for Ruch Chorzow. A lack of regular action was understandable last term because the Whites were engulfed in a promotion fight but this season it makes far less sense.

As of January last term, Bielsa had handed ten debuts to players 21 and under. Therefore, it’s hard to suggest he doesn’t give you a chance when you’re good enough.

Bogusz appeared regularly in pre-season, scoring against Western Sydney Wanderers with a sweeping finish from just inside the area.

It was a piece of play that typified what he brings, a threat from the edge of the box.

Against Bristol City U23s last Sunday, the teenager hit the woodwork twice and was desperately unlucky not to score.

The threat to the opposition goal he poses, contributing to four strikes in four games at one point for the academy last term, should be what makes him a valuable option to Bielsa.

Against Swansea, Leeds had over 60% of the possession but couldn’t score. Their midfield looked flatter than usual and judging by the fact Adam Forshaw and Mateusz Klich were operating in the same space, it’s hardly surprising. Perhaps a more dynamic Bogusz was required?

This is a player who Klich himself has said will probably be better than him, suggesting he couldn’t offer his understudy much advice.

Earlier this term, Bielsa admitted that he was ready for first-team football, hinting that he would feature when Leeds travelled to Salford.

However, he didn’t play. He didn’t even come off the bench despite the game being wrapped up.

And indeed he is yet to appear in the league either, something that’s particularly puzzling.

Of course there is still a long way in the season to go but he was one of the few young players who stood out against Stoke in the League Cup.

Against senior opposition, he had four shots according to Wyscout, as he regularly managed to work the opening for himself. This is something that may have proved valuable in Leeds’ clash with Swansea when, try as they might, they simply couldn’t find the net.

He didn’t manage any key passes on that occasion but his mere presence in attack was on display.

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Bogusz was assured in possession, completing 88% of his passes whilst winning 54% of his duels too, per Wyscout.

Considering the lack of threat Forshaw brings going forward, perhaps utilising the youngster would have found a solution.

It’s not a stretch to suggest that the Pole is one of the brightest players currently rising through the ranks at Thorp Arch, so Bielsa’s stance must change.

Losing Jack Clarke to Tottenham was a blow, even if he has only played twice this season, but a young player like Bogusz can help them forget about a former prodigy parting ways.

Tyler Roberts’ return means he could be restricted to senior action even more but he should be someone that can provide competition and a plan B.

Simply put, Bielsa must start using him more.

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Liverpool began their defence of the Champions League in the worst possible way on Tuesday, and their 2-0 defeat against Napoli means they are the first defending champions to lose their opening game since Milan in 1994.

It was a frustrating evening for the Reds. It may have been an improved showing on their previous performance at the San Paolo last year – in which they failed to register a single shot on target. Jurgen Klopp’s struggled to break down a stubborn Napoli defence and lapses in concentration at the back ended up costing them late on once again.

James Milner earned a recall to the side for his first start since Southampton, but the 33-year-old struggled to influence the game and his zero interceptions suggest he was off the pace, leading to criticism of his performance from some fans.

He wasn’t the only one to falter, however, with Andy Robertson giving away a penalty and Virgil van Dijk uncharacteristically costing his side the second goal with a backpass that played in Fernando Llorente to slot home.

In attack Liverpool lacked their usual flair and panache, with just four shots on target to show for their efforts. So all in all it was a frustrating night in Naples.

Dries Mertens fired in a penalty with under ten minutes remaining. Some felt it was harsh with accusations from notable names including James Pearce saying Jose Callejon dived, but the Italian side could have been in front earlier if not for a magnificent save from Adrian to keep out the Belgian.

The players may wish to forget about the match quickly but it is one they should learn a great deal from. Their away record in the Champions League since the beginning of 2018/19 now stands at five defeats from seven [excluding the final], and Klopp will be keen to ensure the trend doesn’t continue.

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Leicester City came from behind to record a 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur in Saturday afternoon’s Premier League clash at the King Power Stadium.

Harry Kane had sent Spurs into a first-half lead, but Ricardo Pereira levelled the scores in the 69th minute before James Maddison won it late on.

Both teams had goals disallowed by VAR, notably one for Spurs which would have seen Mauricio Pochettino’s side take a two-goal lead on the afternoon.

It was not to be for the capital outfit, though, and a number of Leicester fans have lavished praise on centre-back Caglar Soyuncu.

The 23-year-old defender actually conceded the penalty that saw Manchester United record a 1-0 victory in last weekend’s clash at Old Trafford.

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Soyuncu was back on form against Spurs, though, winning three tackles and two aerial duels during his 90 minutes on the field, according to WhoScored.

And the Leicester fans absolutely adored his performance:

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Leeds United succumbed to defeat in south-east London at the hands of Charlton Athletic, who moved into a playoff position as a result.

Despite all of the visitors’ dominance – recording a total of 19 shots to the Addicks’ three, per WhoScored – they couldn’t even salvage at least a point.

Macauley Bonne netted his first goal for the club despite his lack of intention behind it – United goalkeeper Kiko Casilla parried a Tom Lockyer volley onto the back of the striker as the ball then trickled into the net.

It’s only Leeds’ second defeat of the season and first away from home, yet a number of the Elland Road faithful have been questioning their manager Marcelo Bielsa following the match.

Reacting to Bielsa’s analysis of the game, one supporter called his tactics ‘one dimensional’ whilst another said the team were too predictable without a ‘Plan B.’

The Whites would have regained control of first place with a victory at The Valley, but this loss now sees them two points off the new league leaders West Brom, who they play on Tuesday night.

A further member of the United crowd also questioned whether Bielsa was as good as everyone made him out to be.

Here’s the best of the reaction:

This article is part of Football FanCast’s In Numbers series, which takes a statistical look at performances, season-long form and reported transfer targets… 

Sheffield Wednesday’s form under Garry Monk extended to a third straight league game without defeat on Saturday as his start to life at the helm of Hillsborough couldn’t have been much sweeter.

His side faced a trip to his old stomping ground, Middlesbrough, and they returned to south Yorkshire with an emphatic 4-1 victory.

All five goals came in a frantic first half as Adam Clayton’s own goal set the tone early before Dominic Iorfa nodded in a second less than a minute later.

Boro were able to scramble one back through Paddy McNair, but it was only in vain as Adam Reach exquisitely curled one home from just inside the area with Steven Fletcher grabbing his fifth of the season in the 34th minute.

Both teams somehow played out a goalless second half as Wednesday moved to within a point of a playoff place.

Monk kept the 4-4-2 formation he first utilised against Everton in midweek with Atdhe Nuhiu pairing Fletcher up top while Iorfa continued in skipper Tom Lees’ absence.

The 6 foot 4 defender put in a star showing, leaving the 40-year-old with plenty to think about going into their midweek fixture against Hull City.

It’s now the fourth straight game in which the 24-year-old right-back has played centrally, and it’s probably been his best of the lot.

Aside from scoring Wednesday’s second, he also recorded six clearances, four tackles and won 60% of his ten aerial duels, per SofaScore, which just goes to show how much he is improving in that role.

His colossal presence has clearly played a part in Monk’s unbeaten spell in charge and with Lees expected back in the near future, he can’t surely drop Iorfa after this run of form.

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Julian Borner won August’s Player of the Month, so he has every right to remain in the starting line up which leaves Monk with a tough decision ahead.

Does he keep his captain out of the side until someone makes an error, or will he slide him back in at the unjust expense of a player who has been performing well?

We will have to wait to find out.