Wan-Bissaka continues to impress as Crystal Palace seal huge win over Huddersfield

It seemed almost inevitable Crystal Palace would win on Saturday with Wilfried Zaha back in the starting XI for the first time since the beginning of February. That was the prevailing headline from the Eagles’ 2-0 win over relegation rivals Huddersfield, significantly aiding their bid for Premier League survival.

But in truth, Palace’s win owed far more to defensive solidity than attacking prowess; their two goals came via the penalty spot and a James Tomkins header at a corner, instead of any real match-winning moments from Zaha or his front-line accomplices Andros Townsend and Christian Benteke. It was the visitors to the John Smith’s Stadium who made the less mistakes at the back, keeping a clean sheet on the road for only the second time in the Premier League this season.

And a key part of that was 20-year-old Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who has enjoyed an incredible start to his senior career for Palace after being unexpectedly called upon to fill in at right-back in the 1-0 defeat to Tottenham at Selhurst Park last month. The youngster earned his chance due to injuries, but he’s now keeping his place in the starting XI on merit – tellingly, Roy Hodgson selected Wan-Bissaka ahead of Martin Kelly and Timothy Fosu-Mensah on Saturday, both of whom were left on the bench.

The 6 foot defender wasted no time in justifying that decision either. He completed the most dribbles and made the second-most tackles of any Palace player on Saturday, while winning four aerial duels, making two interceptions and four clearances. It was an incredibly action-packed, committed and mature display from the young prospect, playing far beyond the means of an academy product with just a handful of senior appearances under his belt.

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West Ham United fans would love to sign Ryan Fredericks this summer

As reported by Football.London, David Moyes was in attendance during Fulham’s match with Leeds on Tuesday night scouting potential additions in this summer’s transfer window.

Having guided the Hammers to the brink of English Premier League safety, Moyes is apparently planning on a longer stay at the London Stadium and Fulham currently have an impressive squad to pick the bones of.

One man supporters appear especially keen on is right-back Ryan Fredericks, who has had a superb season in the second-tier this term.

The 25-year-old has been almost ever present in the Fulham team this season, making 38 appearances in the Championship. He’s created seven assists from the right flank, also showing impressive defensive capabilities.

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It’s a position that could with strengthening at the Irons this summer and the former Tottenham Hotspur youth prospect appears to be the perfect candidate.

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Fans took to Twitter to share their thoughts on his potential signature after Moyes’ scouting mission…

Pochettino says that Alli is not interested in games against easy opposition

Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino has admitted that Dele Alli struggles to motivate himself unless he is faced with elite opposition, as per the Mirror. 

Apparently, “when he believes it is easy, he is not interested” and that might well be a telling insight into why he may struggle for ruthlessness and consistency.

What’s the story, then?

Speaking ahead of the visit of champions-elect Manchester City, Pochettino discussed Alli’s mentality and said that elite opposition brings the best out of the England international, valued at £72m by Transfermarkt.

There is nothing wrong with that per se, but the Argentine’s admission that when it is “easier”, when there is lesser opposition, “he is not interested”, is more of a worry.

To get to the very top, Alli is going to need to develop that ruthless side. If he does that, then he will become an even greater asset to England and Spurs.

Why is it a problem?

Although we all know that footballers aren’t machines, most fans and managers expect players to approach every game – no matter the opposition – with that same level of focus.

It is when elite players take situations and opponents lightly that they can get shown up – we’ve seen that this week with the scares experienced – to varying degrees – to Arsenal, Real Madrid and Barcelona.

From an England point of view as well, they were knocked out of Euro 2016 by Iceland and face Tunisia and Panama in their first two World Cup 2018 games.

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If Alli doesn’t give his full attention to those matches – and his Three Lions place is under threat – then he doesn’t deserve to be in the side. And there is only so long Pochettino will tolerate that slackness for.

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Sunderland fans infuriated by club ticket decision

Sunderland fans are furious with their club once again after the club announced there will be no cash turnstiles for Tuesday’s clash with Norwich.The Black Cats looked like possibly rescuing their season at Elland Road on Saturday, but an equaliser from Leeds’ Pablo Hernandez has left Chris Coleman’s side dangling by a thread.With five games to play, Sunderland are now seven points adrift of safety, and it doesn’t seem like they’ll be much of an atmosphere at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday to help them out.[ad_pod ]Sunderland’s home form has been truly torrid this season, and the club have today announced there will be no cash turnstiles in operation for the clash with Norwich, and fans must have a purchase history to get tickets.This is presumably to stop Newcastle fans turning up to cause trouble, which has happened in the past, but fans are still understandably annoyed at the decision.Effectively, fans who simply turn up to the games on a whim are now unable to get in, and some of the best Twitter reactions can be found below…

Tottenham Hotspur to sell key first-team stars, fans react

Tottenham Hotspur will have a very busy summer as they prepare to move into their new state-of-the-art stadium while also trying to improve the squad.

Once again, Mauricio Pochettino’s side fell at one of the final hurdles as they were beaten by Manchester United in the FA Cup semi-finals.

For the last few seasons, Tottenham have been spoken about as a club that are on the verge of being considered among the Premier League elite, but they are in desperate need of a trophy in order to take that next step.

To help them do that, the Daily Mail claims that Spurs are prepared to sell four first-team players to raise £170m to spend on new signings.

Mousa Dembele, Danny Rose, Toby Alderweireld and Victor Wanyama are the ones being mentioned in the publication as potential outgoings.

Tottenham fans have had their say numerous times on the futures of Alderweireld, Dembele and Rose, but Wanyama’s inclusion has caused a shock.

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Arsenal fans are celebrating the relegation of Stoke after dramatic Saturday

Arsenal fans are celebrating the relegation of Stoke City this weekend after Paul Lambert’s side were beaten by Crystal Palace on Saturday.Gunners supporters have a long-running feud with the Potters, ever since Aaron Ramsey broke his leg in an incident with Ryan Shawcross back in 2010. Since then there’s been no love lost between both sets of fans.Stoke also have a fantastic record against Arsene Wenger’s team on home ground, usually winning or drawing when the North London side pay a visit.With the footballing philosophies of both clubs distinctly different, it’s a small-scale rivalry that league is set to lose with Stoke now having to run the gauntlet of the English Championship next term.Arsenal fans see this as the perfect weekend, which also included an emotional Sunday send-off to Wenger, who took charge of his final home match at the Emirates.They took to Twitter to share their thoughts on it all…

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Tottenham fans bash Rose after Everton report

Tottenham fans are mercilessly bashing Danny Rose, after reports claimed Everton are now the only club interested in the 27 year-old.

According to a report in the Guardian, Everton are the only club currently chasing Danny Rose.

The England left back tried to force a move away from Tottenham from last summer, and has barely played this season as a result.

The former fan favourite has started just nine league games this season, and was absolutely slaughtered by Riyad Mahrez at Wembley on Sunday.

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Everton are hoping to secure Rose as a long-term successor to Leighton Baines, and the left back’s wages are certainly not out of reach for the Toffees at just £60,000 a week.

Rose of course would be hoping to follow in the footsteps of Kyle Walker by leaving the club to win trophies, but a report from the Mirror claims Manchester United have cooled their interest.

Tottenham fans were infuriated when their former favourite tried to force his move away from the club, and now they’re mercilessly mocking him for only attracting interest from struggling Everton.

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Plenty of fans are already suggesting replacements, with Fulham wonderkid Ryan Sessegnon topping the wanted list.

Some of the best Twitter reactions can be found below…

Three players Arsenal could sign with Unai Emery connections

Arsenal are set to appoint former Paris Saint-Germain and Sevilla boss Unai Emery as their new manager, as they begin to plan for a new era after Arsene Wenger.

Former Gunners midfielder and current Manchester City coach Mikel Arteta had been heavily linked with the vacant role in recent weeks, but the north London outfit have decided to plump for a more experienced manager – whom fans on Twitter are firmly split on whether he is a good choice or not – who has won nine trophies since 2014.

One of the 46-year-old’s first tasks at the Emirates Stadium will be to sort out a squad that has finished outside of the top four in the Premier League for two successive seasons, and he will be keen to put his own stamp on the team.

Having worked at Sevilla and PSG previously, the Spaniard certainly has some great connections at both of those clubs that he could call upon as he looks to make new additions to his squad over the course of the next few weeks.

Steven Nzonzi is likely to be one of those linked considering he is a defensive midfielder that has been such an impressive performer for the La Liga club since he was brought to Spain by the manager, but there are plenty of other individuals that could be perfect for the Gunners, too.

Here are three players Arsenal could sign with Emery connections…

While Petr Cech may have been handed the number one shirt this week, many Arsenal fans are desperate to see a new goalkeeper arrive at the Emirates Stadium this summer, and Emery may suggest that they bring Sevilla stopper Sergio Rico in.

The 24-year-old is hugely experienced in La Liga, the Europa League and the Champions League having made 169 appearances in all competitions for the La Liga outfit, and the new Gunners boss may feel that the Spaniard could make a similar impact to the one that David De Gea has for Manchester United in the Premier League – Gunners supporters certainly wouldn’t turn their noses up at the prospect of that happening.

This would be a controversial signing if Emery did make it given the Poland international struggled during a loan spell with relegated West Bromwich Albion this season.

Nevertheless, Emery knows the 28-year-old well and how to get the best out of him given he has signed him for Sevilla and Paris Saint-Germain previously, and will be aware that Krychowiak does have all of the ingredients to be a success in England.

Known for his defensive contribution and his calmness in possession, he could be the defensive midfielder that Arsenal have lacked for many years if he is given a chance of redemption and is working under a manager he knows believes in him.

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Following the news on Monday that Santi Cazorla will be leaving Arsenal following the expiry of his contract, Emery may well be tasked with finding a long-term replacement for the diminutive Spaniard.

The answer could come with a player he has been working with in the French capital over the course of the past two seasons in the form of Argentine midfielder Giovani Lo Celso.

The 22-year-old is great on the ball, has quick feet and loves to dribble, and he has shown that he can make a big impact from both a defensive and offensive point of view for PSG, suggesting that he could the perfect man to fill the void left by Cazorla.

Do you agree, Arsenal fans? Let us know below.

Revealed: 63% of Rangers fans want to sign John McGinn this summer

A majority of Rangers fans want to sign Hibernian midfielder John McGinn this summer, after recent reports from The Daily Record that Steven Gerrard was interested in his services.

The Scotland international has been impressive for the Easter Road side this season, helping them finish fourth in the Scottish Premiership and qualify for UEFA Europa League action.

The midfielder, who is also linked with a move to Leeds United, played his cards close to his chest when asked about his future last week, commenting on reported interest from Rangers and Celtic and admitting his personal links to Celtic will always generate speculation.

As quoted by The Scottish Sun, he said:

The Celtic one’s always been something I’ve been linked with because of the relations I have – my granddad was the chairman there.

They’re both massive clubs but at the same time, it’s not for me to comment on. I’ve got another year here.

I’m sure the media will have their ideas where they want me to go – I just want to go where I’ll improve. If that’s this year or next year then who knows?

As a result of the reported Rangers interest, we asked supporters last week whether they wanted to sign the player or not and the results are fairly definitive.

While a large chunk aren’t keen on the move, 63% do want to see him at Ibrox.

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You can see the full results below…

Southampton must hijack Everton’s £5m move for Daniel Wass this summer

According to the printed version of The Sun on Sunday (page 60, June 3, 2018), Everton are reportedly interested in signing Celta Vigo midfielder Daniel Wass this summer, and their Premier League rivals Southampton should look to hijack any move.

What’s the word, then?

Soccer Football – La Liga Santander – Celta Vigo vs Real Madrid – Balaidos, Vigo, Spain – January 7, 2018 Celta Vigo’s Maxi Gomez celebrates scoring their second goal with Daniel Wass as Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale looks dejected REUTERS/Miguel Vidal

Well, The Sun on Sunday reports that the Toffees have joined the race to sign the £5m-rated Denmark international, who is also a target for Valencia and AS Roma, who will both be playing Champions League football next term.

The Sun on Sunday say that the Merseyside outfit have been tracking the 29-year-old for three years, and are ready to make their move for him after he was made available for a cut-price fee by the Spanish club as he has just one year remaining on his contract.

The report adds that Everton could even make a move for the versatile Dane in the next week.

Meanwhile, Southampton manager Mark Hughes, who faces a big conundrum over one of his 28-year-old stars, will be looking to strengthen his squad to ensure they don’t find themselves in a relegation battle again next season, and Wass is a player that could add something to the south coast outfit.

How did Wass do during the 2017/18 campaign?

He was impressive.

The 29-year-old ended the season with four goals and nine assists in 36 La Liga appearances, with the majority of his outings coming from a central midfield position.

He showed the quality that he has when he shone in his side’s 2-2 draw with Real Madrid in January, scoring a brilliant chip against Keykor Navas and assisting another.

According to WhoScored.com, the Denmark international’s main strengths are his finishing, crossing, set-piece ability and the quality of his key passes.

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Why would he be a good signing for Southampton?

While the 29-year-old may not be the typical profile addition for Saints because of his age, their decline last season perhaps shows that they need a change of direction in the transfer market and to bring in proven, experienced players.

Wass has been showing for Celta Vigo that he is exactly that, and he could even provide a strong central-midfield partnership with his Danish compatriot Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg next term and beyond.

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