All posts by n8rngtd.top

West Ham United boss David Moyes could be facing less time to save his job as a club insider shares further news on the Scotsman's future.

West Ham form this season

It's safe to say that Moyes has seen far better weeks at West Ham over his second stint in charge. Indeed, a 4-1 thumping at the hands of Aston Villa the weekend before last was closely followed by the end of their unbeaten streak in Europe. West Ham were unbeaten in 17 games away from domestic football, a record, but their 2-1 loss away to Olympiacos stopped the run dead in its tracks. Following what were two dismal results, Everton then shocked Moyes' men with a 1-0 win at the London Stadium on Sunday.

The east Londoners were booed off by home supporters against Everton, with Moyes being criticised by one West Ham insider for his series of changes against Olympicaos last week as a result.

“People can now see why we are waiting on offering him a new deal," said the insider to Claret & Hugh.

"That was so very poor against Everton. Why field the reserves in Greece if we play like that.”

Currently ninth in the Premier League table, a promising start to the new campaign has begun to tail off. The likes of James Ward-Prowse, who has been impressing for West Ham, lead them to a bright beginning – but they now boast just one league win from their last five games. If things don't take an upward trajectory, Moyes could be sacked by West Ham.

Moyes under more threat after West Ham update

Now, sharing a further update, insiders have told Claret & Hugh that Moyes is under more West Ham threat. The club have apparently made it clear that he must arrest the squad's decline quickly or be sacked.

West Ham, under the late David Gold, had seen nine successive defeats as the benchmark for any manager to be shown the door. However, Moyes will have less time than that, with one insider claiming the real yardstick is around six. C&H quote their insider saying this in regard to the nine-game rule.

“The way things are going we know we can’t wait that long!”

If Moyes is indeed shown his marching orders this term, supporters will have fond memories of the former Everton boss who turned their fortunes around in 2020 and led them to a first major trophy since the 1980s. Overall, Moyes has been showered with praise for his contribution.

"You look at the three or four seasons that he’s been back he took them out of a nose dive, then he puts them six, then he puts them seventh, then he wins a European competition after being in a European Cup semi-final the previous year," said pundit Simon Jordan last month.

"They’ve learned their lessons with David in terms of players that they’ve bought, the clubs making money. There’s a lot about West Ham now that you have to look at and say that’s a pretty decent football club now, it’s punching quite hard.

“I think all things lead to the stability and solidity and achievements of West Ham, not on his own but David has been integral to that."

Newcastle United have had a strong start to the 2023/24 season, currently sitting sixth in the Premier League table and are still fighting for qualification out of the group stage in the UEFA Champions League despite losing last week to German outfit Borussia Dortmund.

However, the Magpies suffered a crushing blow during the 1-0 loss to Dortmund in Europe a week ago as star striker Alexander Isak was taken off early into proceedings and is expected to miss the next few weeks with a groin injury.

Callum Wilson is now Eddie Howe's only fit striker, with some big games on the horizon, but there is one man set to return to action soon after a lengthy absence that many Newcastle fans may have loved to see take Isak's place in the team.

Ivan Toney set to return

Ivan Toney's career kickstarted in League Two with Northampton Town eleven years ago this month. The 6 foot 1 striker bagged 11 goals in 60 appearances for the Cobblers before Newcastle came calling.

Although Toney recently revealed that a move to Wolverhampton Wanderers collapsed as the club discovered scoliosis in his back, the Magpies capitalised on the situation, signing the frontman for a reported £250k in 2015.

Unfortunately, Toney made merely four appearances for Newcastle and was sold three years later to Peterborough United in League One for £650k. Eventually, the striker's impressive goalscoring form for Posh earned him a transfer to Brentford who were pushing for their first-ever promotion to the Premier League under Thomas Frank. The London club gave Peterborough £10m to secure his services.

At Brentford, Toney has gone from strength to strength, becoming the club's all-time top goalscorer with 68 goals and even being labelled as "remarkable" by head coach Frank. The 27-year-old was handed an eight-month ban back in May for breaching the FA's betting rules, although he is set to return to action this coming January.

The two clubs play each other once more on the final day of the Premier League season and Toney will certainly want to make his former club regret selling him, especially now that he is worth 47 times what Newcastle sold him for five years ago.

Toney's stats comparison

Last season, Toney scored more goals than both Newcastle strikers Isak and Wilson, bagging 20 and registering four assists in 33 Premier League appearances. In 31 games, Wilson scored 18 times while Isak finished with 11 goals in his debut campaign in the top flight from 24 matches. However, Wilson's goals per 90 record of 0.86 was far better than Isak's 0.59 and Toney's 0.61, according to FBref.

That being said, Toney was more prolific when it came to scoring chances that arose as the England international was having fewer opportunities per game than the duo up north. The Brentford talisman averaged 2.65 shots per 90. Newcastle's Swedish sensation boasted 2.8 shots per 90 while Wilson averaged the highest number of shots per 90 with 3.35.

The main reason for this was because Brentford had the fifth-lowest share of possession in the Premier League last term with 43.8% compared to the Magpies holding the seventh-highest with 52.3%.

In addition, Toney's xG per 90 average during the 2022/23 league campaign was 0.57 while Wilson maintained a 0.84 xG per 90 rate. The former scored more goals despite having fewer quality opportunities.

There is no doubt that Isak and Wilson are fine frontmen and have served Newcastle well during their respective stints at St. James' Park. However, the stats show that Toney would outperform the double-act if he still played for Newcastle, a sale that may still haunt the previous ownership.

The USWNT Players Association has issued a statement in the wake of the controversy surrounding Korbin Albert.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Albert sparked controversy with social media posts
• Midfielder has been heavily criticized for actions
• USWNT players issue statement on controversy

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Albert has been embroiled in controversy after sharing anti-LGBTQ+ posts on social media and also liking content mocking Megan Rapinoe. The midfielder received scathing criticism from Rapinoe for her actions and subsequently apologized. The USWNT players have now issued a statement on the controversy which continues to engulf the national team.

Advertisement

• Getty/GOAL
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Fans have already made their feelings clear on Albert as she was booed when introduced as a substitute in the USWNT's SheBelieves Cup win over Japan. USWNT star Alex Morgan and captain Lindsey Horan both condemned Albert's actions before the match, while USWNT legend Julie Foudy has called on the situation to be "dealt with quickly".

• WHAT THE USWNT PLAYERS ASSOCIATION SAID

  A statement read: "USWNT Players have long believed one of our primary responsibilities is advocacy. Advocacy for ourselves, our teammates, our sibling teams, our fans and society at large. Our ability to be advocates is one of the great privileges representing this national team affords us. The women's soccer community is one of joy, excitement, kindness and love. We have worked to ensure our community is safe, inclusive, and welcoming to everyone. As allies and members of the LGBTQIA+ community, those efforts will not stop. Across the country, human rights are being stripped away. LGBTQIA+ rights are human rights. Trans rights are human rights. Today and every day, the USWNT Players will stand up for those rights."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• GOAL
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR THE UWSNT

  The USWNT take on Canada in the SheBelieves Cup final later on Tuesday in Columbus, Ohio.

Cristiano Ronaldo is set to be handed a two-match suspension for elbowing an Al-Hilal player in Saudi Super Cup defeat.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Ronaldo to be banned for two games
• Elbowed Al-Hilal player in Saudi Super Cup semi-final
• Will miss two important Saudi Pro League clashes

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to , the Portuguese will be handed a two-match suspension for his violent conduct on the pitch during Al-Nassr's Saudi Super Cup semi-final against Al Hilal. During the clash, the 39-year-old threw his elbow at Ali Ali-Bulaihi which led to him being sent off.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The Disciplinary and Ethics Committee of the Saudi Football Federation sat with Ronaldo to interrogate him about the incident where the star footballer reportedly justified his action by claiming that he should not have been sent off in the first place. After the meeting, the committee has now decided to hand the player a two-game suspension which will see Ronaldo miss Al-Nassr's crucial Saudi Pro League clashes against Al-Feiha on Friday and Al-Khaleej on April 27.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Al-Nassr have failed to live up to expectations in the current season as they have crashed out of the AFC Champions League, Saudi Super Cup and are presently trailing league leaders Al-Hilal by 12 points.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR RONALDO?

  The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star could be back in action for his club in the King Cup of Champions semi-final as they face Al-Khaleef on May 1.

Liverpool went through a big summer of change after the 2022/23 campaign failed to bear any fruits for Jurgen Klopp's side, with the midfield receiving more than just a spruce-up after failing to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in seven seasons.

While Klopp had crafted a successful, compelling outfit on Merseyside over a number of years, it all came undone as the midfield struggled to charge the engine room and the backline failed to display the kind of strength and synthesis as a collective, too often coming unstuck.

Frankly, Liverpool were outthought and outfought all too often, and it's little surprise that there was a mass exodus over the summer months, with the likes of Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo arriving to chart a course back to the forefront.

Such additions have been important but they have augmented the existing members that were not given the chop, with Harvey Elliott and Curtis Jones both playing important roles in the Reds' campaign thus far.

Spaniards Thiago Alcantara and Stefan Bajcetic also played big roles last year but have both been plagued with injury since the summer; the latter, Bajcetic, was a diamond in the dirt last season and proved to be a real asset as he guided his senior peers through the darkness of last year, even being praised as a "special" talent by Klopp.

Bajcetic, aged 19, is evidence that Liverpool's youth ranks boast quality enough to break into the senior set-up, following in Trent Alexander-Arnold's footsteps, but it doesn't look like he will be the last to rise to the fore under Klopp's wing, with a rich crop of talent bubbling under the surface right now.

Not least with prodigy Trent Kone-Doherty continuing to produce some scintillating displays…

Trent Kone-Doherty's season in numbers

Describing himself as "fearless", Kone-Doherty has blitzed up the ranks at youth level and posted 16 goals and four assists from just 29 outings so far, though he is still awaiting his senior debut.

The six-cap Republic of Ireland U17 international has been hailed for his "blinding pace" by Foyle Harps chairman Gerry Doherty, who also declared him a "flying machine".

Signing for the Anfield side for a reported fee of £150k, the 17-year-old is part of a revolution at formative level at the club, with an inpouring of exciting potential arriving to give Klopp more than a little food for thought.

The revered gaffer's history of providing Reds starlets with chances to impress will only convince Kone-Doherty that he can wedge his way into the reckoning, with Bajcetic and Alexander-Arnold not the only youngsters to be brought to the surface.

Indeed, Ben Doak and Jarell Quansah are perfect examples of why Liverpool might be the place for a prodigious talent such as Kone-Doherty to grow into his skin.

Another rising star who was destined for a position of prominence was Kaide Gordon, who had caused a storm among those of a Liverpool persuasion before a detrimental injury culled his growth, but with the fleet-footed winger now returning, Klopp may have to contend with the rise of two competing prodigies.

Kaide Gordon's career so far

Signed from Derby County for around £3m in 2021, Gordon, aged 19, has been regarded as one of Liverpool's most exciting attacking talents since his acquisition and demonstrated his talent through some excellent showings, scoring 11 goals and providing five assists from 27 matches.

Dubbed "exceptional" by Klopp, Gordon was beset with horrendous luck on the injury front and returned to full training this summer after 17 months sidelined with a pelvic growth issue.

There have been minor setbacks that have hindered him from returning to action with regularity as yet, but there is a feeling that Gordon is now ready to dazzle once again with his dynamism, lightning speed and natural finishing instinct – he is left-footed, and prefers to ply his trade as an inside forward from the right.

When he arrived at Liverpool, he was dubbed 'the best 16-year-old in the country', and Liverpool, having warded off attention from Manchester United, felt that they had secured a star in the making.

Injury has hindered his development, but it doesn't have to be detrimental, with plenty of time to nurture his innate quality back to its peak.

However, with Kone-Doherty now coming for his throne, Gordon will need to ensure that he puts his heart and soul into his performances over the coming months to reclaim a place in Klopp's first team.

While Kone-Doherty has only just burst onto the scene in the Premier League 2, he got himself off the mark nice and early, scoring a crucial goal in a 1-1 draw against Derby in August.

And given that he's only a few months into his 17th year, there is ample time for him to sculpt the perfect foundation over the coming years, using this as a launchpad to ensconce himself in Klopp's senior team.

Gordon has already demonstrated that such lofty ambitions can be realised, having racked up four senior showings and bagging his first professional goal against Shrewsbury Town in the FA Cup third round in 2022, a goal among many in a conquest to the trophy, defeating Chelsea on penalties in March.

Despite only recently returning to action after his interminable wait for full fitness, Gordon has already been called up to the senior squad and earned a place on the bench against Toulouse earlier in November; this speaks volumes for Gordon's quality and chances of earning opportunities alongside the likes of Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez this term.

Should Kone-Doherty hold onto his 'fearless' nature and continue to sharpen his natural attacking expertise, there is every possibility that he could surpass Gordon and knock on Klopp's door as the most promising youngster on the books.

The German manager has much to consider, but deciding who deserves a chance is the type of conundrum that every manager hopes for.

Manchester City are willing to submit a huge offer to bring a rising star to the Premier League in January, according to a fresh report.

Man City's summer signings

The Sky Blues secured four fresh faces during the previous transfer window in the form of Josko Gvardiol, Matheus Nunes, Jeremy Doku and Mateo Kovacic, and despite the squad’s impressive form this season, club chiefs are of course assessing who they could sign in January.

The Etihad Stadium outfit have been linked with moves for Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz and AC Milan forward Francesco Camarda, but should the hierarchy fail to secure the services of the latter player in particular, Pep Guardiola has set his sights on one of his teammates at the San Siro Stadium.

Man City want to hand “important contract” to record-breaking star

They have “seriously tried” to sign him in the past.

By
Henry Jackson

Nov 28, 2023

The Serie A’s left-winger Rafael Leao has firmly established himself as Stefano Pioli’s overall best-performing player so far this season with a match rating of 7.14 (WhoScored – AC Milan statistics), but it’s not the first time that he’s been on the radar of the champions in England.

The Portugal international was strongly associated with a switch towards the end of last year, and whilst a deal for the 24-year-old has failed to come to fruition ever since, the following update would suggest that the board are willing to go one step further in order to secure his services in 2024.

Man City preparing bid for Rafael Leao

According to Spanish reports (via CaughtOffside), Man City are interested in Leao ahead of January. The Premier League giants are “keen on signing” the attacker and are claimed to be “willing to offer” approximately €150m (£129m) to get a deal over the line.

The AC Milan star will likely find a move attractive considering that he could compete for trophies on a regular basis, not to mention that he’d be able to get coached by Guardiola, so this could be one to keep a close eye on in the near future.

Leao could be a "difference-maker" for Guardiola

In the Serie A this season, Leao already has seven contributions, four assists and three goals, to his name in 12 appearances, which shows how prolific he can be in the final third, and he’s constantly posing a threat even if the end product isn’t always there (Transfermarkt – Leao statistics).

Standing at 6 foot 2, Almada’s native has recorded 21 shots over the course of the current campaign which is more than any of his fellow teammates (FBRef – AC Milan statistics), highlighting how much of a “difference-maker” he can be in the opposition's area, as dubbed by football talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Sponsored by Adidas, the forward is even a versatile operator having been deployed in five different positions over the grass since the start of his career, including everywhere across the frontline and even as an attacking midfielder, so his ability to provide cover would make him a useful option to have in the building.

Having been named AC Milan’s Player of the Year during the 2021/22 season, Leao knows what it takes to be successful and is clearly getting the individual recognition that he deserves, so should the club get him to put pen to paper, it would be a massive coup for Guardiola and Man City.

USMNT star Tim Weah relished his start against AC Milan Saturday for Juventus, a club where his father earned legendary status.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Milan and Juventus draw 0-0
• Pulisic & Weah start for each side
• Tim's father George won Ballon d'Or for Rossoneri

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The match ended 0-0, with the Bianconeri and Weah completely locking down U.S. star Christian Pulisic and Milan. The American wingback played 71 minutes, helping earn a clean sheet for the Turin giants.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Weah has struggled for regular minutes in 2024, but of late, has found himself back in the mix for the Bianconeri. He's started two of the last three matches for Juventus, and came off the bench on Tuesday in the Coppa Italia semifinal to serve up the match-winning assist in a 20-minute cameo.

• WHAT WEAH SAID

  “It was a good game in a difficult moment for the team, but we must continue working well and staying concentrated for the next match,” Weah told DAZN. “I feel good, I am happy here and it is a great opportunity for me. I am improving every day. I like to attack, it’s a challenge this season to be in a more defensive role, it’s a new position, but I am getting better.”

  As for playing against Milan, a club that his family holds near and dear, the American said: “It is always special to play against Milan, a team that means a lot to my family and my father. I am very happy.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR JUVENTUS?

  The Bianconeri will next take on Roma on Sunday, May 5. Winless in four across all competitions, Juve will be searching for a much-needed win.

Aston Villa have been dealt a blow after learning that one of their top stars is an injury doubt for Sunday afternoon's game vs Bournemouth in the Premier League.

Aston Villa injury news

The Midlands outfit currently have Tyrone Mings, Emiliano Buendia and Bertrand Traore out on the sidelines with their own respective problems as it stands, but they aren’t the only ones who will be absent for today's encounter.

Boubacar Kamara is suspended for this one after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season so he won’t be available for selection for the fixture at the Vitality Stadium, and due to fitness, there’s half a possibility that Unai Emery will be without another of his first-team squad members.

During Thursday’s Europa League 2-1 victory over Legia Warsaw, Ollie Watkins was missing from the team sheet after feeling some pain in training, so it definitely makes sense that the striker wasn’t risked in case his problem was to get worse.

However, England’s international has been the club’s overall best-performing player so far this campaign with a match rating of 7.32 (WhoScored – Aston Villa statistics), meaning that the boss will be hoping to have his talisman back at his disposal as soon as possible.

Watkins now a doubt vs Bournemouth

Speaking during his pre-match press conference on Friday, Emery confirmed that Watkins is an injury doubt for today's game vs Bournemouth and will be assessed.

As quoted by Aston Villa's official website, he said: “He’s going to be a doubt for Sunday. We are adding other players, like Jhon Duran, Zaniolo and Jacob Ramsey, who is getting more minutes.

"He’s not completely unavailable for Sunday. We are going to wait for tomorrow and see if we can take a risk with him or not. We will see how he feels about facing the demands in 90 minutes we are going to face on Sunday.”

Emery will miss "unstoppable" Watkins

In the Premier League this season, Watkins has posted 14 contributions, seven goals and the same number of assists, in 13 appearances (Transfermarkt – Watkins statistics), so should he be ruled out of the game today, it would be a huge blow for Aston Villa who know the positive impact that he is capable of making.

The Torquay-born talent has recorded 39 shots so far over the course of the campaign which is more than any of his fellow teammates (FBRef – Aston Villa statistics), showing how much more prolific he can be in the final third compared to his peers.

With his versatility to also operate in six different positions over the pitch, including everywhere across the frontline and two roles in the midfield, Watkins is an “unstoppable” centre-forward, according to Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher, so the sooner that he is able to stage his comeback on the grass, the better for Emery.

Tom Brady's Birmingham City spark ridicule from bemused fans with a £2 ($2.52) pint offer before 11.30am ahead of Norwich relegation showdown.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Birmingham rally fans ahead of relegation fight
• Promote never heard before offer on beer
• Fans divided with matchday special sale

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  As the Championship season nears its conclusion, Birmingham City faces a crucial fixture against Norwich City at St Andrew's @ Knighthead Park, presenting their final opportunity to stave off relegation to League One. And before the kickoff, the club has decided to introduce a happy hour which would see them sell beer at a discounted rate from 10.30 am until 11.30 am. They believe this would rally the fans to the stadium and help them do their job as the 12th man during a season-defining fixture.

Advertisement

• WHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING

  An user @TheSpecialRon mocked the decision and wrote: "Football clubs:'Please drink responsibly and behave yourselves.

  "Blues: Drink as many £2 pints as you can in an hour. From 10.30. In the morning'."

  Meanwhile, @26jpa wrote: "It’s basically saying get hammered and be roudy. I’m all for it. In fact, I think it should be a mandatory shot as you go through the turnstile too. Kids and all."

  @RoughleySpeakin got sarcastic and commented: "Just tremendous – at long last, the owners are starting to get the fans!!!"

  Whereas, @FBAwayDays asked: "£2 a pint with the possibility of being relegated. What could possibly go wrong? 🫣"

  The crowd is already geared up to make the most of the offer with long queues spotted in front of the bar.

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  After a goalless draw against Rotherham United, a team destined for League One, Birmingham City's hopes of securing Championship survival were dealt another blow in a lacklustre performance against Huddersfield Town. Despite the urgency for a victory to bolster their league standing, the Blues once again faltered on the road, leaving them in a precarious position.

  For Gary Rowett's side, the task ahead is monumental. With just one point separating them from 21st-placed Plymouth Argyle, who hold a significantly superior goal difference, Birmingham City's fate hangs in the balance. However, their fate is not solely in their hands. They must also rely on slip-ups from other relegation-threatened teams — Plymouth Argyle, Sheffield Wednesday, or Blackburn Rovers — to tip the scales in their favour.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Birmingham, a club with a rich history and tradition, faces the looming spectre of dropping into the third tier of English football for the first time in thirty years — a prospect that seemed inconceivable earlier in the season when they occupied a commendable sixth place under John Eustace's management. However, a disastrous spell under Wayne Rooney, where they won just twice in 15 matches, derailed their campaign.

Paris Saint-Germain spokesperson denied rift between Kylian Mbappe and Nasser Al-Khelaifi amid reports of a stormy discussion between the duo.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Mbappe and PSG president shared 'lively' conversation
• Club spokesperson denied rift between the duo
• French star played his final home game against Toulouse

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  reported on Tuesday that the PSG president called on Mbappe before his final home game against Toulouse to seek clarification on why the French star omitted Al-Khelaifi's name from his official farewell message to the club. The private discussion reportedly turned ugly between the two as they were heard screaming at each other.

Advertisement

• WHAT HAS BEEN SAID

  However, the club spokesperson has now vehemently denied any rift between the two as he stated, "There was no dispute between the player and the president. They’ve met regularly before matches to finalise the departure at the end of the season. Each meeting has been constructive and respectful, including (Sunday’s) meeting."

• Getty Images
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  further reported that the duo shared a 'lively' conversation ahead of the Toulouse clash and that the meeting intended to settle the financial dispute between the player and the club before he officially signs for Real Madrid. There remains the issue of the bonuses that the 25-year-old is supposed to repay the French giants which is worth €80m (£68m). Both parties are working closely to resolve the dispute before the season ends.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• getty images
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR PSG?

  Luis Enrique's side will be next seen in action on Wednesday as they take on Nice in their penultimate Ligue 1 game of the season away from home.