Arsenal have seen an abundance of talent grace the pitch at the Emirates over the years, though not every individual has been as memorable as the next.

Mikel Arteta’s current crop of talent are heading in an upward trajectory, however, the narrative of no smoke without fire comes to mind with reference to the Gunners’ redirection to success.

From the days of mundane mediocrity in Arsene Wenger’s final seasons, to Unai Emery’s derailing of the squad prior to his exit, to Arteta’s successive eighth-place Premier League finishes, Arsenal have struggled to get to where they are now over recent years.

While the north Londoners have found sanctuary in their attacking trio of Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, and Bukayo Saka, the subject of forwards has not always been as well thought of at the Emirates.

Rewind to the 2014/15 campaign during Wenger’s reign, and Arsenal’s three identifiable centre-forwards came in the form of Danny Welbeck, Olivier Giroud, and Yaya Sanogo, a trio renowned for their sometimes questionable quality in front of goal.

Sanogo was a well-thought-of figure in north London, but for the wrong reasons, as his 'bambi-like' ways, as described by Tony Stenson in a Daily Star column, saw a feeling of sympathy rather than frustration adorn his time with the Gunners.

How much Arsenal signed Yaya Sanogo for

Back in 2013, Arsenal announced the signing of Sanogo at the age of 20 from French outfit Auxerre, arriving in north London as a free-agent following the expiration of his contract at the Ligue 2 side.

In his final season with Auxerre, the Frenchman scored an impressive 10 league goals in only 13 appearances, prompting Wenger to approach the prospect in the bid to welcome him to the Emirates.

At the point of his arrival at Arsenal, Wenger admitted that he looked forward to seeing his “promising development” unravel in England, however, this was not the case.

Fast-forward to ten years down the line, and Sanogo is yet to beat his league tally of 10 goals at Auxerre, with his goalscoring knack far from replicated during his time associated with the Premier League side.

Yaya Sanogo's statistics at Arsenal

From injury woes to performance struggles resulting in a lack of selection, Sanogo’s development came to a halt in the instance that he left Auxerre.

During his first season at Arsenal, the 20-year-old prospect quickly showed that there was lots of work to be done for him to make it at top level, as he failed to score or assist in any of his 14 senior appearances handed to him that term.

In the summer of 2014, the Frenchman made a statement in Arsenal’s pre-season fixture against Benfica at the Emirates, scoring four goals to show a snippet of his potential to the home crowd in north London.

The 2014/15 campaign was one of two halves for the forward, as he secured more game time for the first team, including additional appearances in the Champions League.

Aside from his pre-season heroics, the highlight of the Frenchman’s career with the Gunners was in a group stage match in the Champions League against Borussia Dortmund, where he stunned the Emirates by scoring against Jurgen Klopp’s side as part of Arsenal’s 2-0 win.

While it was a time to be celebrated by the hopeful striker, it marked his only goal for Wenger’s senior team in the entirety of his four-year stay.

Once dubbed a “gamble” by journalist Charles Watts, Sanogo spent a host of time during his association with the Gunners away from north London, as he embarked on varied loan spells in the bid to gain form and confidence.

Season

Club

Goals

2014/15

Crystal Palace

1

2015/16

Ajax

0

2015/16

Charlton Athletic

3

Figures via Transfermarkt

As highlighted in the table above, his time away did not work as hoped, as he continued to show his frailty in front of goal, a trait that is not ideal for a Premier League centre-forward.

Excluding his four goals for Arsenal’s U21s, Sanogo’s time in the capital was inconclusive, however, when reviewing the steps he took after departing, it is notable that a suitable conclusion to his claims as a striker is yet to be found.

What Yaya Sanogo did after leaving Arsenal

Arsenal called it quits with the forward in 2017, as he joined French outfit Toulouse in the summer to end his four-year association in north London.

At Toulouse, the former Gunners dud found some scoring form, netting 16 goals in a total of 72 appearances, with his highest scoring tally being the nine goals he scored across the 2017/18 campaign.

It was an improvement, but still a scoring frequency far from clinical, and after three years back in his homeland, his time was called as his contract expired and the 27-year-old was left without a club.

Year

Club

Appearances

Goals

2017-2020

Toulouse

72

16

July 2020-Feb 2021

No club

N/A

N/A

Feb 2021-July 2021

Huddersfield Town

9

0

July 2021-January 2023

No club

N/A

N/A

2023

FC Urartu

12

4

Figures via Transfermarkt

Alarmingly, it was seven months before Sanogo found a new home, as he was picked up by Huddersfield Town in February 2021, where he failed to score in nine appearances before being released in the summer.

Sadly, the Frenchman then spent a year-and-a-half without a place to play football, with his prayers being answered in January 2023 as he signed for Armenian side FC Urartu.

What Yaya Sanogo is doing now

Now 30 years old, the centre-forward is back to playing football after a disappointing stalemate in his once-promising career.

In 12 appearances for FC Urartu so far, the former France U21 starlet has scored scored four goals, and has started the 2023/24 campaign encouragingly with two goals in eight appearances in the league.

From the highs of playing and scoring among Europe’s elite, to playing in Armenia, Sanogo’s career started in such a promising fashion, but quickly ended as he departed his homeland at a young age.

Not many bad words can be said in regard to Sanogo from an Arsenal point of view, however, not many words of excellence can be shed either, and it is a shame that he was never able to forge a successful career in Europe's major leagues, or in England.

Spinner disappointed to concede lead, but backs bowlers to thrive if they have a good total to defend

George Dobell15-Nov-2018

England endured a tough day in the field•Getty Images

Jack Leach admitted England were disappointed to have conceded a first-innings lead to Sri Lanka on the second day in Kandy.Sri Lanka’s last four wickets added 171 runs to give them a lead of 46 on first innings. But while that is not unsubstantial in what appears to be a relatively low-scoring encounter, Leach was hopeful that bowling last on a dry wicket could provide England with a key advantage.If they are to take that advantage, however, Leach feels they need to bat well in their own second innings and then bowl with more discipline in Sri Lanka’s.”We’re a little bit disappointed that they’ve got a lead,” Leach said. “At one point we were hoping we might have that lead going into our batting, but we’re feeling good about bowling last on that wicket.”We feel if we can put pressure on them with our batting, get a good total, then we feel we can win the game. Going into the fourth innings, hopefully the pitch will have broken up more.”Despite figures of 3 for 70, Leach accepted he could have bowled better than he managed in Sri Lanka’s first innings.”I thought I could have put a few more balls in the right areas,” he said. “On these wickets you have to be extra patient and always ask questions of the batter. I feel I could have done that a little better.”I liked seeing it spin but sometimes you bowl a lot of balls that miss the outside edge. Those balls look great, but they’re not creating a chance. The craft, I feel at times, is to take some spin off the ball and maybe get one to slide or just grip a little bit.”With the [new] hard ball it felt it was doing things a little bit quicker. One would skid and one would spin and bite quite aggressively. But as the ball got older, it slowed down off the pitch and made batting easier. It was consistently spinning, but you can still score runs on it.”In the fourth innings, it will be even more crucial to be patient and put meaning on every ball.”Leach completed a memorable day by opening the batting in England’s second innings and playing out the last over as a nightwatchman.”I’ve taken Tres’s [Marcus Trescothick’s] spot at the top of the order,” he joked, in reference to his Somerset team-mate, who enjoyed a fine career as an England opener. “I didn’t expect to be opening the batting. Joe Root asked me. I panicked getting my stuff on and turned round and said ‘who’s coming with me?'”I knew I had to get through one over and make it last as long as possible [to ensure there was not time for another one]. I could hear the crowd cheering every ball so that got me going a little bit.”

Shai Hope drives down the ground•AFP

Shai Hope, Kieran Powell and Soumya Sarkar struck fifties in the two-day practice match between West Indians and the Bangladesh Cricket Board XI that ended in a draw at the MA Aziz Stadium in Chittagong. Soumya, who earned a Test call-up after nearly a year, was the BCB XI’s top-scorer with 78. His knock came off 103 balls and included 10 fours and three sixes.

Shadman Islam added to squad for first Test

Shadman Islam was included in the Bangladesh squad two days after the BCB had named a 13-member side for the first Test against West Indies. Shadman’s inclusion came hours after he had made an impressive 73 against the West Indians in a warm-up match in Chittagong, and puts him in a three-way battle with Imrul Kayes and Soumya Sarkar for the two opening spots.
Shadman was the National Cricket League’s top-scorer this season, making 648 runs at 64.80.

West Indians batted first, with Hope hitting 10 fours and three sixes in his 112-ball 88. Powell scored 72 off 142 balls with six fours and a six. They added 145 runs for the second wicket, before Hope retired out to allow the middle order to have a hit. But Sunil Ambris (17), Roston Chase (35), Shimron Hetmyer (24) and Shane Dowrich (24) only managed brief stays, before the visitors declared at 303 for 7 in the 87th over.Seventeen-year-old offspinner Nayeem Hasan, who earned a Test call-up as well, bowled the most, taking 2 for 104 from 26 overs. Shafiul Islam, Rubel Hossain, Fazle Mahmud and Soumya chipped in with a wicket each.In response, the openers led the way for BCB XI, putting on 126, before Soumya perished to Jomel Warrican’s left-arm spin. Partner Shadman Islam, the highest scorer of this NCL season, went on to get 73 in a knock that included 10 fours and a six.Shannon Gabriel took two wickets for the visitors, while Kemar Roach and Warrican took one each.

Whilst Arsenal haven't been perfect this season, they have been good enough to gain a place at the top of the Premier League, as they search for redemption following last season's title heartbreak against treble winners Manchester City. The Gunners narrowly overcame the challenge of Brentford through unlikely hero Kai Havertz and remain on course to seal the ultimate silverware as a result.

Those in North London haven't been without their problems, however, with Mikel Arteta forced to make some ruthless decisions within his squad – decisions which could have consequences in the January transfer window, according to recent reports.

Arsenal transfer news

Arsenal deserve credit for how they acted in the summer transfer window. They could have so easily been satisfied with the squad that came ever so close to Premier League glory, but, instead, they simply built on the foundation that Arteta had already set. In came Declan Rice, in came David Raya and in came Jurrien Timber to take the Gunners up another level. Rice and Raya have been particularly impressive, whilst Timber is in the middle of a long spell on the sidelines. Raya's form has seen him gain the number one spot, however, and that could result in a January exit for Aaron Ramsdale.

Arsenal star who took 100 touches outshone Havertz v Brentford

The Gunners won 1-0 away at Brentford on Saturday evening.

ByMatt Dawson Nov 26, 2023

According to The Daily Star, Wolverhampton Wanderers want to sign Ramsdale on loan with an obligation to buy in January, as they expect Jose Sa to secure a move to the Saudi Pro League in the winter window. Ramsdale needs game time if he is to keep his place in the England squad for the Euros and a move to the Midlands would give him exactly that, having fallen out of favour at The Emirates.

England manager Gareth Southgate previously spoke about the goalkeeper losing his place at Arsenal, saying via The Metro: "We’re just going to have to see how it is. I had that conversation with him in the last camp. He’s still battling to be the No 1 at Arsenal, and his profile and the way he can use the ball with his feet, we like and think is important.

"But there is a reality as a keeper, if we get to March and he’s six months without playing regularly, then I’m never going to promise things that I couldn’t guarantee delivering. So he knows that, he’s perfectly realistic about that."

"Exceptional" Ramsdale fighting for Arsenal place

Ramsdale's battle to regain the number one spot from Raya at Arsenal remains ongoing, with both goalkeepers enduring struggles at times. Speaking about Ramsdale after Arsenal's recent League Cup victory over Brentford, Arteta said via TNT Sports: “He’s been exceptional around the place with the situation. Like everybody.

“We love him more for sure. We have him every day. We know him, we know his character and we are really happy to have him. I don’t think I’m the one to answer the question about Aaron Ramsdale’s quality because I’m the one who signed him when everyone else was questioning that decision. So I don’t think I’m the one to answer that question.

"Every player is very important. We have a lot of injuries as well and players who contributed. But in football it’s about now, it’s about the moment. Today he [Ramsdale] had the opportunity to play and he played a really big game.”

Jesse Lingard has been told the “famous retired player” jibe aimed in his direction by FC Seoul’s coach was meant to be motivational, not an insult.

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• Former England star now in South Korea
• Struggled to make the desired impact
• Boasts support of fans & coaches

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Former Manchester United and England star Lingard has struggled to make the desired impact since completing a shock switch to South Korea. He has failed to register a goal or assist through six appearances and is back on the sidelines at present after undergoing surgery on a knee injury.

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  WHAT KIM SAID ABOUT LINGARD

  Seoul boss Kim Ki-dong said after one underwhelming performance from Lingard: “He only played a few minutes, and yet he didn't work hard and avoided tussle. Fame doesn't win football games. If it did, I would have brought in a famous retired player.”

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  That was considered to be a dig at Lingard’s attitude and application, but journalist Lee Sung-mo has told : “It happens quite often when you translate English to Korean or Korean to English without context. In Korean culture, Kim's comments were closer to motivation for Lingard as he wanted him to show more passion on the pitch because he had belief in the player. But when you just translate it in English without context, it could be understood as aggressive criticism. It's very unlikely Kim intended that way.”

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  Despite playing just 105 minutes so far, Lingard has the support of Seoul supporters and Lee added on the impact that he can make in a new division and culture: “Lingard has been a bit unlucky so far and he's clearly showing his commitment for his new club even when he cannot play for them. We need to wait to see until he fully recovers from injuries. There's still a chance that he could be a success in the K-League.”

Lionel Messi has reacted to his latest match-winning brace for Inter Miami, with two more goals added to his tally in an MLS victory over Nashville.

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Argentine icon at his brilliant bestScored two and made another on home soilHas Herons sat top of the Eastern Conferencegetty imagesWHAT HAPPENED?

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was at his mercurial best once again as the Herons eased to a 3-1 victory at Chase Stadium. They did fall behind inside two minutes, as Franco Negri put through his own net, but it was the Messi show after that.

AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The Argentine superstar restored parity with 11 minutes on the clock, before teeing up fellow Barcelona legend Sergio Busquets to put the home side in front before half-time. Messi then grabbed his second of the game from the penalty spot with nine minutes remaining.

WHAT MESSI SAID

It was not all good news for Inter Miami, as they saw Diego Gomez added to an ever-growing injury list, but their talismanic No.10 is firing on all cylinders after overcoming fitness concerns of his own. Messi has posted a defiant “Vamos” message on social media after helping to pick up three precious points.

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WHAT NEXT FOR MESSI?

More Messi magic has kept Inter Miami at the top of the MLS Eastern Conference. Having suffered Champions Cup heartache at the hands of Monterrey, the David Beckham co-owned outfit are determined to get their hands on more major silverware in 2024.

MatériaMais Notícias

Athletico-PR e São Paulo ficaram no empate por 1 a 1, na Arena da Baixada, neste domingo (17), pela 30ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro. Em um primeiro tempo equilibrado, com as duas equipes tendo os seus momentos de superioridade, os curitibanos abriram o placar aos 36 minutos, com Renato Kayzer. No entanto, em chute de fora da área de Tchê Tchê, o Tricolor empatou a partida.

Com o resultado, o São Paulo chegou ao terceiro jogo seguido sem vitórias, mas mesmo assim o Tricolor não corre riscos de perder a liderança do Brasileirão nesta rodada. Porém, o time pode ver a diferença para o vice-líder Internacional cair para um ponto, caso o Colorado vença o Fortaleza, às 20h30, no Beira Rio, em Porto Alegre.

Por outro lado, o CAP mantém a boa sequência sem derrotas, mesmo tendo empatado a segunda partida consecutiva. O Furacão alcançou a marca de cinco jogos sem derrotas e sonha com uma vaga na pré-Libertadores de 2021.

> Veja a classificação do Brasileirão e simule os próximos jogos

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PRIMEIRO TEMPO DISTINTO

O primeiro tempo de Athletico-PR e São Paulo pode ser dividido em três etapas. A primeira, nos 20 minutos iniciais, bastante neutro. O Tricolor tinha mais a posse de bola, mas não criava, enquanto o Furacão se organizava a fim de não sofrer perigo. No 21º minuto de jogo saiu a primeira finalização ao gol, em um chute mascado de Fernando Canesin, pegando o rebote de um tiro bloqueado por Renato Kayzer.

Sentindo o perigo, o São Paulo cresceu, passou a se aproximar mais da área, mas não converteu em finalizações no alvo as suas descidas. A principal com Juanfran, bastante participativo ofensivamente no primeiro tempo, batendo cruzao pela direita, mas com a bola sendo bloqueada pelo zagueiro Pedro Henrique.

MARCOU O MAIS EFETIVO

Mesmo com um jogo sem grandes emoções ofensivas, a bola foi às redes ainda na etapa inicial. Se o São Paulo tinha mais posse de bola, o Athletico, que finalizou mais à meta adversária, conseguiu confirmar a efetividade. Aos 38 minutos, Gabriel Sara saiu jogando errado, Carlos Eduardo puxou o ataque com velocidade, serviu Nikão pelo lado esquerdo, que achou milimetricamente um passe para Renato Kayzer, na entrada da pequena área, pegar a defesa são paulina quebrada , sozinho, abrir o marcador.

SÃO PAULO VOLTA MELHOR

Para o segundo tempo, o técnico são-paulino Fernando Diniz promoveu uma alteração, com a entrada do meia Vitor Bueno no lugar do zagueiro Bruno Alves. A alteração deu ao Tricolor boa dinâmica ofensiva e melhor qualidade de passe. Com isso, o São Paulo cresceu, não só em domínio de posse, mas como na criação de jogadas ofensivas.

TRICOLOR EMPATA

Jogando melhor que o CAP no segundo tempo, o São Paulo não demorou para igualar o marcador. Aos 16 minutos da etapa final, Tchê Tchê acertou um belo chute de fora da área. A bola ainda desviou no meio do caminho e matou o goleiro Santos.

O gol foi importante, pois Tchê Tchê voltou de suspensão nesta rodada. Há duas semanas, o atleta havia sido expulso na derrota são paulina por 4 a 2, para o Red Bull Bragantino, no estádio Nabi Abi Chedid, pela 28ª rodada do Brasileirão, partida que também marcou uma discussão pública entre o jogador e o técnico Fernando Diniz, que o chamou de “perninha”, “mascaradinho” e ingrato.

ATHLETICO TENTA RESPOSTA

Após sofrer o gol, o Athletico cresceu e buscou oportunidades, a principal delas com um chute de média distância de Christian, que levou perigo a Tiago Volpi, que fez uma grande defesa no seu canto esquerdo. Na sequência, em cobrança de escanteio, o goleiro são paulino deixou a bola passar e quase viu o Furacão voltar à dianteira do marcador, mas a bola bateu em Renato Kayzer e se perdeu em linha de fundo.

FICHA TÉCNICA
ATHLETICO-PR 1 X 1 SÃO PAULO

Local: Arena da Baixada, Curitiba (PR)
Data e horário: 17 de janeiro de 2021 (domingo), às 16h (horário de Brasília)
Árbitro:Wilton Pereira Sampaio (FIFA/GO)
Assistentes:Fabricio Vilarinho da Silva (FIFA/GO) e Bruno Raphael Pires (FIFA/GO)
Árbitro de vídeo:Elmo Alves Resende Cunha (CBF/GO)
Gols: 1-0 Renato Kayzer (38’/1T); 1-1 Tchê Tchê (16’/2T)
Cartões amarelos: Fernando Canesin, Carlos Eduardo e Paulo Autuori (Athletico-PR) eArboleda (São Paulo)

ATHLETICO-PR: Santos; Jonathan (Khellven, 30’/2T), Pedro Henrique, Thiago Heleno e Abner, Richard, Christian e Fernando Canesin (Walter, 45’/2T); Carlos Eduardo (Reinaldo, 45’/2T), Renato Kayzer (Vitinho, 23’/2T) e Nikão. Técnico: Paulo Autuori.

SÃO PAULO: Tiago Volpi; Juanfran (Igor Vinícius, 44’/2T), Bruno Alves (Vitor Bueno, intervalo), Arboleda e Reinaldo; Luan, Tchê Tchê, Gabriel Sara (Gonzalo Carneira, 37’/2T), Igor Gomes (Pablo, 32’/2T) e Daniel Alves; Brenner. Técnico: Fernando Diniz.

كشف جيمي كاراجر أسطورة فريق ليفربول الإنجليزي عن توقعاته للموسم الجديد من البريمرليج، قبل أيام قليلة على انطلاقه.

وينطلق موسم 2024\2025 من الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، يوم الجمعة المقبل، بمواجهة مانشستر يونايتد وفولهام على ملعب أولد ترافورد.

جيمي كاراجر في فيديو قصير نشرته شبكة “سكاي” البريطانية، عبر حساباتها الرسمية، توقع ترتيب الـ6 مراكز الأولى في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز الموسم المقبل.

طالع أيضًا | “لا أريد أن أكون الأغلى”.. محمد صلاح يوجه رسالة لمحبي فانتازي الدوري الإنجليزي

واختار كاراجر أسطورة ليفربول، مانشستر سيتي حامل اللقب في المركز الأول، متوقعًا أن يحتل آرسنال كما حدث في الموسمين الماضيين الوصافة.

وفيما يخص فريقه، يرى كاراجر أن ليفربول سيكون في المركز الثالث مع آرني سلوت، بينما رابعًا يأتي توتنهام متفوقًا على مانشستر يونايتد الذي سيحتل المركز الخامس.

تلك التوقعات، جعلت جماهير مانشستر يونايتد تهاجم جيمي كاراجر عبر موقع التواصل الاجتماعي X “تويتر سابقًا” بسبب ترتيبه وتواجد فريقهم في المركز الخامس.

وعلى الرغم من أن أستون فيلا تواجد في المركز الرابع بالموسم الماضي وتأهل إلى دوري أبطال أوروبا، إلا أن كاراجر يستبعدهم ويضعهم في المركز السادس.

Tottenham Hotspur return to Premier League action on Thursday night against London rivals West Ham United, having stemmed a three-match skid with a well-earned draw against Manchester City.

Ange Postecoglou had picked up all three Manager of the Month awards since the start of the season before injuries and suspensions laid waste to the stellar start, but there is plenty of cause for optimism.

In fifth place, Spurs were just two points behind high-flying Aston Villa before match-week 15 and will undoubtedly pick up form again after a testing period, but this has to start with the collection of three points against David Moyes' side.

Tottenham team & injury news vs West Ham

Crucially, Cristian Romero returns after completing a three-match suspension, while dynamic midfielder Pape Matar Sarr is expected to be fit again after overcoming a hamstring injury.

Outcast Eric Dier is a doubt, while summer signings James Maddison and Micky van de Ven remain sidelined until after the new year; Rodrigo Bentancur also faces a lengthy layoff after agonisingly sustaining a severe ankle injury against Aston Villa.

Manor Solomon and Ivan Perisic also continue their long-term rehabilitation from issues sustained months ago, though Richarlison returned from the bench against the Citizens at the weekend, and could now be in line for a return to the starting line-up.

Richarlison must start over Bryan Gil

Make no mistake, Richarlison has improved this season after a terrible maiden year at Tottenham last season after completing a £60m transfer from Everton, but he still only yields two goals and three assists from 12 appearances this term.

The 48-cap Brazil international was described as a "fighter" by former Spurs director Fabio Paratici following his arrival, and he will certainly need to battle hard now to convince Postecoglou that he deserves a starring role in the squad. Considering Maddison is to return in the New Year, this could well be his final chance to prove he can cut it in north London.

A menace and a fierce competitor, the 26-year-old ranks among the top 18% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 6% for touches in the attacking box, the top 8% for blocks and the top 3% for aerial wins per 90, as per FBref.

Evidently willing to put in the work, the £90k-per-week Richarlison will be hoping that the cogs combine after returning from groin surgery, claiming that he has been dealing with "unbearable pain" for many months.

Perhaps the tide will now turn, with the player posting four direct contributions against the Hammers from ten appearances – winning six – and boasting the physical attributes to bypass the Hammers' defence.

Bryan Gil must be the man who returns to the bench, with the Spaniard starting the past two matches on the left flank for the Lilywhites, having yet to make a tackle and creating just 0.3 key passes per game.

Once proclaimed to be a "potential star in the making" by ESPN's David Cartlidge, Gil was criticised for an "utterly pointless" loan move after failing to impress down the N17 by Spurs expert John Wenham.

He doesn't offer the physical attributes requisite for success in the Premier League and certainly not against tough-tackling West Ham.

Tottenham will have been galvanised by Dejan Kulusevski's last-gasp equaliser against Pep Guardiola's side, and rightly so, but now Postecoglou must manufacture a winning return to form to ensure that Champions League qualification remains attainable.

West Ham are certainly no pushovers but Spurs haven't lost to the Irons on home soil for five matches across all competitions, and victory later today would provide the squad with exactly the kind of result needed to rekindle the feel-good factor.

As Liverpool look ahead to the looming January transfer window, both Jurgen Klopp and the club's support will be hoping to avoid a repeat scenario from the summer, in which much of the talk was centred around the future of lethal talisman, Mohamed Salah.

While the Egyptian goal machine ultimately stayed put at Anfield, there had been very real fears that he would join the likes of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson in moving to Saudi Arabia, having reportedly been the subject of a £215m bid from Al-Ittihad in early September.

To receive such an offer for a 31-year-old could likely have tempted the Reds into a sale, yet with the European window having already slammed shut, the inability to acquire a replacement was no doubt a factor in Klopp and co holding firm.

It is likely that with the club now once again in a strong position domestically – just a point behind leaders Manchester City – sanctioning the sale of their top scorer in January would be a no-no, yet there have been whispers that Saudi interest will renew in the New Year.

In the event that Salah – who has now scored 198 goals in 322 games for the club – is tempted to move on in 2024, either in the winter or next summer, those at Anfield will have to consider acquiring a suitable replacement to slot into that right-wing berth.

At present, the only natural fit among the club's attacking crop for that role appears to be 17-year-old sensation, Ben Doak, hence the need for a more proven and experienced asset to step in.

Liverpool transfer news – Mo Salah replacements

One name that has been doing the rounds of late is Bayern Munich's, Leroy Sane, with the former Manchester City man reportedly of interest to the Premier League outfit with just 18 months left to run on his existing deal.

The German speedster has been in sparkling form this season under Thomas Tuchel after scoring nine goals and contributing seven assists in all competitions, hence the interest from those on Merseyside.

That being said, an undoubtedly suitable candidate could also have presented himself within English football, with West Ham United talisman, Jarrod Bowen having also caught the eye of Klopp and his staff – as well as Newcastle United.

That interest – which was noted by talkSPORT back in October – may well have been scuppered somewhat by the England international only recently signing a new long-term deal with the Hammers, yet if a handsome offer is received for Salah, those funds could be reinvested in a sizeable bid for the 26-year-old.

The former Hull City man has long been linked with a move to Anfield and has even been dubbed an "unbelievable" player by Klopp, hence why now could well be the right time for the Reds to finally make their move.

Jarrod Bowen's season by numbers

For much of last season, it was largely a tale of woe for West Ham and for Bowen, with David Moyes' side finding themselves in and around the relegation zone, while the usually reliable winger netted just six league goals – after scoring 12 times the previous campaign.

Amid all that frustration, the 2022/23 season ultimately ended on a high for Moyes and co as they romped to Europa Conference League glory, with Bowen netting the decisive goal at the death in the showpiece win over Fiorentina.

Buoyed by that match-winning involvement, the one-time Hereford United man has carried that momentum into this term, having already bettered last year's goal tally with eight goals in just 12 Premier League games thus far.

While the Irons' league form has still been somewhat mixed, the £120k-per-week wizard has undoubtedly been a shining light from the flanks, having also created three 'big chances' and averaged 1.4 tackles per game – illustrating the full array of his qualities, both in and out of possession.

Jarrod Bowen's record against the 'Big Six' (all comps)
Club	Games	Goals	Assists
Liverpool	8	1	2
Manchester City	9	2	0
Arsenal	8	4	1
Chelsea	9	1	4
Tottenham	9	1	0
Manchester United	11	0	1
Stats via Transfermarkt

As a left-footed asset who loves to cut in from the right wing, it is evidently clear why Bowen has been noted as the "perfect replacement" for Salah by teammate, Michail Antonio, as "everything he is touching is turning to gold right now".

How Jarrod Bowen compares to Mo Salah

The in-form "bags-man" – as described by Antonio – would have big shoes to fill were he to move to Anfield, yet there have been signs that he has the necessary traits and qualities to ably take on the Egyptian's mantle.

That was notably true following his remarkable touch and finish against Brighton and Hove Albion earlier this season, as the in-demand ace killed the ball dead with ease before prodding past the onrushing goalkeeper in a manner that Salah himself would be proud of.

In fact, that effort was perhaps somewhat reminiscent of the goal that the latter man himself scored against the Hammers, ironically, a few years ago on the counter, with it easy to see the comparison between those two composed finishes.

While Bowen has scored fewer goals (eight v ten) and provided fewer assists than his Liverpool counterpart (one v four) in the top flight this season, it's worth remembering that Salah didn't truly explode until moving to Anfield at 25 – just a year younger than the West Ham man is now.

Having joined from Roma in 2017, the one-time Chelsea flop went on to score 32 league goals in his debut season under Klopp, having previously netted career-best figures of 15 league goals in Serie A the year prior.

As such, with Bowen showing promising signs of late – and in the Premier League to boot – his impressive rise could be set to sky-rocket if nurtured under the German's wing, with there few better options to fill that potential void on the flanks.

While it remains to be seen just how much the Leominster-born sensation would cost – having been valued at €50m (£44m), as per CIES Football Observatory – any deal could be worth every penny to find what could be the 'perfect' Salah successor.