All posts by z3u9t.icu

As West Ham United shared news that defender Arthur Masuaku started for their Under-23s side yesterday evening, enjoying competitive match action for the first time since his knee surgery, plenty of Irons have buzzed over his return to the pitch and cannot wait for him to be selected once again by David Moyes for the first team.

The Congolese ace, who was a regular under Moyes before announcing his decision to go under the knife, rectifying troublesome knee issues, is now edging back into his plans as Masuaku takes a significant step.

Masuaku was gifted the opportunity to turn out for the Hammers youngsters at Rush Green, with plenty of supporters now eagerly anticipating his first team return as they flock to this ‘huge’ news.

Given he was arguably crucial for Moyes as a wing back, completing more dribbles than any West Ham United player this season on average (WhoScored), it’s little wonder why Irons are ecstatic at his taste of minutes.

Find all of their verdicts down below.

West Ham fans flock to Masuaku news

“Im actually buzzing

So happy to have him back”

Credit: @LukaSkaric2

“The king returns!”

Credit: @Chaz_B_Cole

“Arthur is huge for us. So excited for him to come back into the squad”

Credit: @westhamhour

“Masuaku back is huge – 5 at the back formation lacks so much in attack with Johnson starting over him”

Credit: @SamWhite1998

“Yay masuaku”

Credit: @gvomikez17

“MASSSSS OMG”

Credit: @Jaxkxc

“Masuaku happy days”

Credit: @bioniclilz

“The king is nearly back. The rest of the Barclays is terrified”

Credit: @billy_grimmel

In other news: West Ham fans reacted to this transfer claim, find out more here.

Nottingham Forest continued their good form in the Championship as of late, with a 1-0 victory away at Rotherham on Tuesday night.

Chris Hughton’s side took home all three points thanks to a goal from Ryan Yates in the second-half, but while the midfielder may take a lot of the headlines for his match-winning strike, it was Cyrus Christie who arguably his manager’s true hero.

The right-back, who arrived on loan from Fulham back in the summer, has been a permanent fixture for the club, playing the full 90 minutes in all but two Championship games this campaign.

And on Tuesday, he looked at his formidable best, being a really strong presence defensively, and getting forward time and time again to try and test the Rotherham back-line with his crossing.

As per Sofascore, he sent in four crosses on the night, which was the most of any player for Forest, while his total of 86 touches was by far a game-high – the man in second, Gaetan Bong, had just 57.

It was a testament to just how much of an influence Christie had on proceedings, with a lot of Forest’s good work on the night coming down the right flank as the full-back charged forward.

But it wasn’t just offensively that the £20k-a-week earning ace stood out, instead also sticking to his task defensively. He won an impressive ten duels, which again was the most of any Forest player, while he also put his body on the line by blocking two shots, another team-high.

After the game, Rotherham boss Paul Warne couldn’t help but express his admiration for Christie, saying: “‘Wowza, their right-back can run. What a game he had.”

Yates may have scored the match-winning goal, but it was Christie’s contributions that really stood out for Hughton.

Some Everton fans were far from happy with the display of Gylfi Sigurdsson despite their 1-0 victory over Southampton on Monday.

The Toffees picked up the three points thanks to a goal from Richarlison in the first 10 minutes – it proved to be the only goal of the game. Carlo Ancelotti’s men are now just two points away from the top four in the Premier League with a game in hand (Sky Sports) and have a real chance of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.

Sigurdsson actually provided the assist for Richarlison’s effort, but that was not enough to please some Everton fans. Many expected more from the Iceland international, who was actually named as captain on the night, with many feeling he was anonymous for much of the 90 minutes. He completed just 19 passes against the Saints, the third-fewest of the Toffees’ starting line-up (Sofascore).

These supporters took to social media platform Twitter to share their thoughts, with one branding the 31-year-old a “headless chicken”.

Let’s see what these fans had to say about Sigurdsson below

“Sigurdsson rivaling Lord Lucan in the world hide and seek championship…great ball for Richarlison and absolutely anonymous since”

Credit: @1878Paul

“Time to get Sigurdsson off. Running on empty.”

Credit: @ToffeeCardinal

“I’m amazed. I thought he Gomes came to life for about 5 or 6 mins midway through the 2nd half but thought the game totally passed him by for the rest. Too pedestrian, not capable of breaking the lines or committing opposition defenders. Sigurdsson usual anonymous performance.”

Credit: @AlanNorbury1

“Didn’t enjoy that performance at all. We were cruising when we could’ve easily won that by more. Didn’t get out of second gear. At least we got the 3 points. Still no idea what Sigurdsson does. Headless chicken.”

Credit: @LloydyLloydyboy

“Not sure about 7 for Sigurdsson Adam. Great pass for the goal, credit where it’s due. That aside, he was anonymous though.”

Credit: @DannyBrodders

“Very nice pass for the goal. Some decent deadball delivery. After half an hour he turned into the invisible man. Another typical Gylfi performance. He wasn’t only v average performer. Terrible game. Poor team performance. No way you can say he had a good game.”

Credit: @Toffee1995

In other news, Ancelotti is ready to sanction the bargain sale of this Everton ace.

Mike Ashley must sanction a Newcastle United deal to sign Spezia Calcio striker M’Bala Nzola amid rival interest from West Ham and AC Milan.

What’s the word?

According to Club Dorla 46, Spezia are prepared to brush off any attempts to sign Nzola during the January transfer window as they strive to retain their dynamic marksman.

Nzola has burst onto the scene in the Serie A this season with nine goals and one assist in 13 games, including his side’s initial equaliser in a 2-1 win over SSC Napoli last week, after helping the Stadio Alberto Picco natives secure promotion to the top-flight last term.

Nzola was the star attraction on Monday night when he again found the back of the net to seal a 2-1 win over UC Sampdoria, with Milan said to be scouting the game as they weigh up an offer for the 24-year-old Newcastle and West Ham striker target.

Sampdoria, too, are keen on a deal which would appeal to Nzola, who is highly sought-after through his central expertise and ability to play on either wing, but Spezia are loath to grant a mid-season move and will demand an important offer to sell now or in the summer.

The £3.5m-rated forward initially moved to the Stadio Alberto Picco last January on loan before securing a free transfer to Vincenzo Italiano’s side in October, where his impressive efforts are said to have sparked talk over a new contract and pay rise to ward off any interest.

Imagine Nzola and Wilson

Newcastle could forge a formidable forward line with a successful move to sign Nzola this month, but Steve Bruce will need to urge Ashley to put pen to an important offer with the Toon owner understood to be reluctant to commit to any major outlays in January.

Nzola is proving to be a lethal marksman in the Italian top-flight with his nine goals in 13 games already this season, despite never playing a minute in the Serie A before helping to secure Spezia’s promotion.

His efforts that have sparked table-toppers Milan to be keen have made Nzola irreplaceable in Liguria, yet a price is clearly on the Frenchman’s head, which Ashley must meet to help Bruce deliver a more appealing Newcastle than the defence-first, relegation-worriers currently seen at St. James’ Park.

Newcastle, as a team, are offering just 8.9 shots per Premier League fixture as the division’s third-quietest unit – only Sheffield United (8.4) and West Bromwich Albion (8.2) strike fewer, per WhoScored – and could do with a player of Nzola’s calibre with Callum Wilson and Jeff Hendrick the only Magpies to have scored multiple top-flight goals this term.

Nzola is offering an average of 2.1 shots and 1.3 key balls a game in the Serie A while making 1.0 successful dribbles and winning 4.5 duels, per SofaScore, as he commands the opponent’s territory in a side that has won just four of their 17 league fixtures thus far.

AND in other news, a Newcastle gem embarrassed his teammates as Steve Bruce’s only positive at Arsenal…

Goals from Edinson Cavani and Paul Pogba ensured that Manchester United ended up back on the top spot of the Premier League as they came from behind to beat Fulham at Craven Cottage on Wednesday night.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side made a desperate start to fall behind inside five minutes, with Ademola Lookman firing home past the helpless goalkeeper David de Gea after a momentary lapse in concentration from the visitors.

United had every right to feel aggrieved shortly after as Fred’s appeal for a penalty following a clumsy challenge from Ruben Loftus-Cheek fell on deaf ears.

But the Red Devils did not give up, with Bruno Fernandes rattling the post before Alphonse Areola fumbled a cross from the Portuguese star to allow Edinson Cavani to tap home from close range.

And whilst Pogba scored a superb winner to secure the victory, Mason Greenwood struggled to get a foothold in the game from the right flank.

Greenwood was given the nod to start ahead of the red-hot Marcus Rashford, who has scored 14 goals and supplied 9 assists in 30 appearances across all competitions this season so far, via Transfermarkt.

Despite scoring twice, not everyone was at the races against Fulham, as Greenwood let Solskjaer down badly with his abysmal display.

Greenwood has been struggling for form for a while now and the lack of genuine competition probably means he’s played more than expected, but that doesn’t excuse the fact that his touch and pass utterly deserted him.

The £45m-rated 19-year-old was lightweight in his battles, winning just three out of five ground duels, he didn’t attempt a single challenge in the air, and lost possession 12 times, which shows that it wasn’t a night to remember for him with some sloppy passing.

In 85 minutes, Greenwood struggled with deliveries for a lot of the game after he failed to find his intended targets with any of his three attempted crosses or three long balls, whilst he managed just 30 passes, which is far fewer than his teammate Fred (56), as per SofaScore.

It didn’t help, either, that his only shot was blocked, as he failed to register a single shot on target in the entire game, emphasising that he looked out of sorts and lost for ideas on the right flank.

The Manchester Evening News’ Samuel Luckhurst delivered a damning verdict in his post-match player ratings, claiming he ‘did not offer enough again from the right and his Reykjavik hangover continues.’

With Rashford, Daniel James and Juan Mata all on the bench, it’s surprising Greenwood lasted so long, especially when you consider the fact he hasn’t found the back of the net since the 3-1 win at West Ham last year.

AND in other news, Manchester United should sign David Brooks…

Mike Ashley can hand Steve Bruce an ideal upgrade on Dwight Gayle by signing Aberdeen’s lethal striker, and rumoured Newcastle United target, Sam Cosgrove in January.

What’s the word?

According to The Scottish Sun, Bruce is determined to bolster his attacking arsenal in the winter market, feeling the Magpies currently lack adequate depth behind Callum Wilson and club-record signing Joelinton.

The Toon have sent scouts on regular missions to monitor the merits of Cosgrove whilst he continues to bounce back from knee cartilage damage, with the towering 6 ft 4 centre-forward making his fourth Premiership start of the season at St. Mirren on Saturday.

Cosgrove played an influential role in proceedings when he earned his campaign debut at home to nine-in-a-row title-holders Celtic in October by providing the assist for Aberdeen’s second in a 3-3 draw after just seven minutes on the pitch.

He followed the assist with a goal in the victory over Hibernian next time out and he could be signed for as little as £2million plus add-ons, after seeing a move to Ligue 2 side En Avant de Guingamp fall through this summer after an astounding 23-goal season across all competitions.

Forget Gayle, sign Cosgrove

While Cosgrove has not yet hit the same heights as last term as he continues his comeback from knee cartilage damage, a bargain £2m fee and his insane record in front of the net last season should be all the reasons that Ashley needs to get the cheque book out in January.

Bruce would be de delighted to have a player of Cosgrove’s ilk serving as the deputy to Wilson and Joelinton, as the Aberdeen ace’s towering physique and similar style of play to Andy Carroll will hand the Newcastle boss a game-changing option to call on when the Toon must ditch the original game plan.

The Magpies do not currently have regular goalscorers as backups as Carroll or Gayle are both yet to score this season, or in Gayle’s case, yet to even feature for a single minute in any competition.

Reports suggest that Bruce and the Newcastle hierarchy are unlikely to accept offers for Gayle in the upcoming winter market fearing a lack of depth in attack, but signing Cosgrove would allow the St. James’ Park natives the chance to listen to offers, rather than see the forward leave for free next summer.

Gayle’s future is certainly set to be away from Tyneside whether they keep him or sell him in January, so it would be foolish not to seek a replacement as soon as possible and accept whatever compensation can be found for the former Crystal Palace frontman.

A former Tottenham Hotspur boss is closing in on his new club, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him raid his old club this January…

What’s the word?

Mauricio Pochettino is expected to become the next manager of Ligue 1 champions and Champions League runners-up Paris Saint-Germain before their game against Saint-Etienne on January 6th.

And Eurosport’s Dean Jones claims the Argentine will eye up several of his ex-players, including Serge Aurier, who has also been reported to be in contention for a fresh contract in north London.

The 48-year-old signed the Ivorian right-back from his new club PSG in a £22.5m deal back in the 2017 summer transfer window. This will also be his first job since Daniel Levy sacked him over 13 months ago.

Take it & run

Aurier had fallen out-of-favour under Jose Mourinho last season, so much so that the club went out and signed Matt Doherty for £15m from Premier League rivals Wolves in the summer.

However, the 28-year-old has been able to usurp the Irishman thus far, starting six of their last seven league outings, as per Transfermarkt.

The erratic right-back did not feature last time out after being hooked by Mourinho early during their embarrassing defeat to Leicester City before Christmas.

Talk of a new extension to his current £120k-per-week terms certainly seems premature as Aurier has seemingly reverted back to type – unreliable and reckless.

Striker-turned-pundit Darren Bent once lambasted the former PSG star as a “liability” whilst club legend Chris Waddle claimed that “a calamitous mistake is never far away” when he plays.

Those wages put him among the club’s highest earners, so if an opportunity such as Pochettino returning for him arises in January, then Levy ought to take it and run.

His value isn’t going to go up much more from here and it would be a hefty fee to take off the wage bill for any potential incomings.

Overall, you have to ask if that £22.5m and £120k-per-week salary has been worth it? We don’t think so.

AND in other news, Exclusive: Gary Mabbutt reacts to latest Spurs injury blow…

A lot of Crystal Palace fans are flooding to a tweet by the club which has announced that the W88 Player of the Month for October is Jaïro Riedewald.

The Dutch midfielder is arguably the only good thing to come from Frank de Boer’s short reign in charge of the South London side, although it hasn’t been the easiest journey for the 24 year-old as he has only played 43 appearances since his arrival in 2017.

October was arguably Riedewald’s best month for the club as he slotted in for the injured James McCarthy and managed to score his first goal in the Premier League against Fulham.

Not only is his quality truly starting to show nearly four years after his arrival, but fans have seen how good he is in multiple positions as he picked up the Player of the Month award last season for his performances at left-back.

Clearly fans feel this accolade he has received is more than deserved with one calling him an ‘absolute baller’.

Here is how Palace fans are reacting to the news:

In other Palace news, have a read of the latest club update that has the fan base very excited here!

Spurs will be hoping that they can continue their impressive run of form as they take on league heavyweights Manchester City as domestic football returns.

Jose Mourinho’s side are unbeaten in their last seven games and have banked impressive results including their shock 6-1 win over Manchester United. Despite the fact the team has suffered a few injury blows, including losing Tanguy Ndombele to a foot injury, Spurs will be favourites going into the match based purely on form alone.

Whilst Ndombele being out will be a blow for Mourinho, it presents new signing Giovani Lo Celso with a perfect opportunity to show what he’s all about.

Tottenham signed the attacking midfielder from Real Betis over the summer on a £27.2million deal worth £60,000 per week. His final season in Spain saw him rack up a handsome 16 goals and six assists, numbers he could may well replicate for Spurs, but is yet to really get going.

So far this term, Lo Celso has struggled to make his mark on the Premier League and has no goalscoring involvements in six appearances. However, all but one have come from off the bench, so today could be the day he puts pressure on his teammate and fights for his place in the starting lineup.

Man City are currently tenth in the table and are in desperate need of banking some points. They are currently six behind league leaders Leicester, which may not be a huge deficit but it doesn’t bode well for Pep Guardiola and his men to be on the border of the bottom half of the table. They will likely come out all guns blazing in order to strike first, which will give Spurs ample opportunity to catch them on the counter-attack.

With both Harry Kane and Son Heung-min both in impeccable form, Lo Celso could help pull the strings from the midfield and notch up an assist or two. He certainly has the backing of many, with teammate Harry Winks labelling him as an “exciting player”. Now he must repay their faith.

In other news, Mourinho should deploy this Spurs man as shock Bale replacement vs City…

Glasgow Rangers have completed the signing of Aaron Cervantes from Orange County SC.

Cervantes joins the Rangers academy

The Ibrox outfit have a partnership with the American side and they have made use of it with this signing. The 18-year-old goalkeeper, who has already represented the United States in their squad for the Under-17 World Cup last year, will join the Glasgow club’s youth set-up.

Speaking about the deal, ‘Gers academy head Craig Mulholland said:

“We are delighted to welcome Aaron to Rangers and have enjoyed watching his excellent progress with our partners at Orange County.

“He has been exposed at an early age to first team football and will now continue this with a loan in Europe as part of this creative agreement.”

European loan to continue Cervantes’ development

Despite his young age, Cervantes has already experienced first team football. He has made 18 appearances for Orange County whilst he also played in the the Four Nations Tournament and the Sportchain Cup as part of the USA’s under-17 side, both in 2018 (as per rangers.co.uk).

Between the sticks, Steven Gerrard already has plenty of choice. Allan McGregor and Jon McLaughlin are the first-choice options, with Andy Firth as a further back-up. That is not even including Robby McCrorie, who is currently on loan at Livingston.

As such, a short-team spell away from Ibrox would be the best thing for Cervantes. Hopefully, he can prove Ross Wilson and everyone at Rangers were right to take him to Scotland.

‘Gers fans, do you see Cervantes as a long-term successor to McGregor in nets for the first team? Let us know what you think by commenting below!