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Tottenham fans have hit out at manager Ange Postecoglou for his side's "embarrassing" 1-0 loss at home to Arsenal.

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• Arsenal beat Tottenham 1-0
• Spurs spent heavily under Postecoglou
• Fans rage at under-fire Australian

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Gabriel Magalhaes' 64th-minute effort secured Arsenal a derby win on Sunday at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Despite having 63 percent possession and 15 shots to the visitors' five, Mikel Arteta's men claimed all three points. That led some Spurs supporters to accuse Postecoglou of "bending over" in the loss, while others felt it was unacceptable that they weren't progressing despite spending more than £350 million ($459m) since the Australian took charge in mid-2023.

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  WHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING

  @SeanDOlfc posted on X, formerly Twitter: "I’m once again asking where big Ange’s £350 million went. The squad is shocking," and @coyscomps wrote: "Embarrassing, Ange needs to have a look at himself after this. Absolutely toothless once again today."

  @Ic3Evaa tweeted: "Ange fully told Spurs fans they had a s*** mentality for not wanting Arsenal to win the league and instead bends over for them every time they play."

  @PremLeaguePanel commented: "Ange’s tactical answers to Arteta’s deep block were abysmal. Refusal to move Son inside (he is not a touchline winger at 32 years old). Then he took 68 mins to bring Odobert on who is his only 1v1 winger in the squad. Kept trying to build thru the middle where there was no space."

  Finally, @JayMotty added: "Spurs have lost 7 of their last 11 PL games but no one cares cos Big Ange calls journalists ‘mate’ and played a high line when down to 9 men against Chelsea."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The result leaves Tottenham 13th in the Premier League with four points from their opening four games. After just missing out on qualifying for the Champions League last season, pressure will be on the former Celtic boss to go one better this term. But this start appears to have many Spurs supporters fearing the worst going forward.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Tottenham will look to gain a morale-boosting win over Championship side Coventry City in round two of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, before hosting London neighbours Brentford in the Premier League four days later.

Carlo Ancelotti's side followed a fantastic first half with a poor second, and were perhaps fortunate to run out winners

Real Madrid started in style before finishing in uncertainty in a tense 3-2 win over Alaves. For 45 minutes, Los Blancos were rampant, the Vinicius Jr-Kylian Mbappe-Rodrygo trio purring to give the home side a 3-0 lead. But two late Alaves goals made things interesting – and almost saw Carlo Ancelotti's men collapse.

The Madrid opener came from an unlikely source, Lucas Vazquez sweeping Vinicius' cutback into the bottom corner. Mbappe made it two shortly before half time, a quick interchange with Jude Bellingham leading to an easy finish for Los Blancos' big summer signing.

Rodrygo scored the third shortly after half time, sliding one through the keeper's legs after far too easily evading two Alaves defenders. Endrick came close to adding a fourth within minutes of entering the fray, his deflected shot pinging off the post.

Alaves stuck around, though. Carlos Protesoni grabbed the first, curling one off the post from outside the box. Veteran Kike Garcia added a second two minutes later, setting up a nervy finish. Los Blancos held on, though, some smart defending securing a win that turned out to be far from easy.

GOAL rates Madrid's players from Santiago Bernabeu…

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  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Thibaut Courtois (5/10):

  Nothing to do until the 85th minute, when he was beaten by a long range strike. Couldn't stop the second either.

  Lucas Vazquez (5/10):

  Scored the opener with a smart finish. Gave it away for the Alaves first, and could have been tighter on the second.

  Antonio Rudiger (7/10):

  A few nice bursts of pace halted opposing attacks. Can't be blamed for either goal, really.

  Eder Militao (7/10):

  Spent most of his time passing the ball sideways, and had very little defensive work to do. Madrid were markedly worse at the back when he went off.

  Ferland Mendy (6/10):

  Went about his usual shielding role with aplomb. His defensive cover allowed Vinicius to do all of the fun attacking things.

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  Midfield

  Aurelien Tchouameni (6/10):

  Recycled possession and passed it forward when he needed in the first half – probably his best 45 minutes of the season. Followed it with an unsteady second.

  Federico Valverde (8/10):

  Never stopped running. Won the ball deep, got involved in the final third. A fine shift.

  Jude Bellingham (7/10):

  Held onto the ball for too long at times, but was more decisive when it mattered. Combined wonderfully with Mbappe for the second. Less effective – and perhaps a bit tired – in the second half.

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  Attack

  Vinicius Jr (8/10):

  Spent most of the game making opponents look very silly. Assisted the opener. Unlucky not to grab a goal of his own.

  Kylian Mbappe (8/10):

  Was a more willing runner than in past weeks. Took advantage of the acres of space offered to him by opposing defenders. Dropped deep and connected well, when needed. Much, much better.

  Rodrygo (8/10):

  Held width, stayed patient, got his goal. Did some important defensive work, too. Still playing out of position, but was incisive when it counted.

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  Subs & Manager

  Endrick (5/10):

  Hit the post within minutes of coming on. Could have been sent off for a reckless kick.

  Luka Modric (5/10):

  Lacking defensively, didn't add much going forward.

  Jesus Vallejo (3/10):

  A rare appearance to give Militao a rest. Had a nightmarish 15 minutes.

  Arda Guler (N/A):

  Made a couple of vital defensive interventions late.

  Fran Garcia (N/A):

  Late legs for Vini.

  Carlo Ancelotti (5/10):

  What a confusing one! His side were rampant in the first half, but so, so poor after the break. A few more minutes on the clock and they really could have throw it away. He won't be happy whatsoever.

Manchester United have told one player he is free to find a new club this summer, according to a fresh update.

Man Utd manager rumours

Erik ten Hag appears to be under big pressure at Old Trafford after a disappointing Premier League campaign, with the Red Devils potentially missing out on European football next season.

The Dutchman said after Monday’s 4-0 defeat at Crystal Palace when asked if he was still the right man for the job: "Absolutely. If the right players are available, we have a good squad. We miss almost the whole backline and then we have problems. I will keep fighting. I prepared the team in the best way I could do. It was not good enough, I have to take responsibility for that but I will find energy and prepare them for Sunday's game."

Man Utd plot £60m Onana replacement available way below his release clause

They could be ready to part ways with Onana after just 12 months.

By
Ben Browning

May 8, 2024

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS already have candidates lined up to possibly replace Ten Hag, with England manager Gareth Southgate thought to be a top target. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel is seemingly on course to leave the German giants over the summer and finds a return to England, and specifically a move to Old Trafford, “appealing”.

Most of the spotlight may well be on Ten Hag’s future over the coming weeks, but United officials are also planning for the first transfer window under Ratcliffe as co-owner. A number of high-profile departures could be on the cards, with speculation over the futures of Raphael Varane, Casemiro and Harry Maguire in recent weeks, but the new Red Devils chief has seemingly already told one player he is free to leave.

Brandon Williams to leave Man Utd this summer

According to Football Insider, left-back Brandon Williams has been told by Man Utd, and by extension Ratcliffe, that he is free to find a new club over the coming months.

The 23-year-old is set to leave when his contract expires at the end of June, and a permanent move to Ipswich Town, where he spent last season on loan, is looking unlikely, the report adds.

Williams, on £65,000-a-week, has actually only played one game under Ten Hag, so it comes as no surprise that United are happy for him to depart for nothing over the coming weeks.

He did come in for praise from Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna during the 2023/24 campaign, with the former Red Devils assistant saying: "For Brandon to take the game and the moment by the scruff of the neck and produce a great goal was a big moment.

"He's getting stronger game-by-game, getting back into good habits as a football player on and off the ball. "He's getting back towards the levels that I know he's capable of, but more importantly it's about pushing him past those levels."

It will be interesting to see where Williams ends up next, with the full-back missing large parts of the latest Championship season through injury.

BBC Radio 5 Live pundit and former Tottenham defender Alan Hutton has claimed a once-£100 million forward would prefer a move to north London with Ange Postecoglou's side this summer.

Spurs ready to back Postecoglou as new attacker targeted

Reliable media news outlets, like The Times among many others, say Spurs are ready to back Postecoglou with more major signings when the transfer window reopens.

Sky presenter believes Tottenham will seal summer deal for £14m forward

He’s been praised for his “lightning” speed.

By
Emilio Galantini

May 9, 2024

The Lilywhites are believed to be chasing a new centre-back, midfielder and striker, according to journalist Tom Allnutt, with Postecoglou also admitting recently that the Tottenham squad is in need of a real overhaul.

They've endured a disappointing run of Premier League form since the beginning of April, despite Postecoglou recording the best-ever start made by a new manager in the division's history. They've been on the wrong end of drubbings from Liverpool and Newcastle United in that time, whilst also tasting London derby defeats in blockbuster clashes against Arsenal and Chelsea.

Spurs very nearly dropped points at home to relegated Burnley last weekend as well, with star defender Micky van de Ven's excellent solo goal sparing their blushes in the 82nd minute and gifting Postecoglou a 2-1 win.

Despite this, Tottenham could still qualify for the Champions League following Aston Villa's thrilling 3-3 draw at home to Liverpool. If they manage to beat title-chasing Man City tonight, they'll go within two points of Unai Emery's side heading into the final day.

Regardless of whether they do manage to nick fourth, planning has already begun for the summer window, and striker targets have been named. Tottenham are laying the groundwork to sign a new number nine to replace Harry Kane, and they're said to be contenders for Brentford star Ivan Toney.

The England international, who scored 20 league goals last season, was even once valued at £100 million in the January window.

Hutton says Toney would prefer to join Tottenham

Speaking to Tottenham News this week, BBC pundit Hutton has claimed Toney would prefer to join Tottenham over rivals West Ham – who are also in the mix to sign him this summer.

“Maybe I’m a bit biased, but I think he would prefer a move to Tottenham,” Hutton said.

“I think playing in that stadium and the way that they play in this moment in time, I know it looks like Julen Lopetegui will be coming into West Ham and that could change things and Michail Antonio isn’t getting any younger so maybe they’re looking for somebody else to lead the line.

“He’d score goals for both teams, there’s no doubt about that. He’s scored a barrel load at Brentford, no disrespect to them but I think other teams will make more opportunities for him.

“I just think at this moment in time, Tottenham look like a team that is going to be chasing the top four, I’m not saying they’re definitely going to get in there, but they will be chasing and that could be a good opportunity for him.

“He could be the difference between them getting in and not getting in, in future seasons.”

The striker found the corner with a fine finish to give Monaco breathing room against Le Havre

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• Folarin Balogun curled shot into the corner
• Started after impressing in the Champions League
• Monaco top of Ligue 1 after five matches

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  After weeks of waiting, USMNT forward Folarin Balogun is finally off the mark for Monaco. In the 70th minute, the he received the ball at the top of the box, and stroked a tidy effort past a wrong-footed goalkeeper to give his side a comfortable 3-1 lead. It was his first goal contribution of the campaign.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Balogun has struggled at points this season. The departure of long-time striker Wissam Ben Yedder seemed set to offer the USMNT man more chances, but he has failed to capitalize of late. He will hope that it kicks off a good run of form, with new U.S. men's national team manager Mauricio Pochettino sure to be watching ahead of the October camp.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Balogun's goal might have come at the right time for his national team prospects, as USMNT teammates Josh Sargent, Haji Wright and Ricardo Pepi were all held scoreless this weekend.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR BALOGUN?

  The No. 9 will hope to make another start as the Ligue 1 leaders take on last-placed Montpellier in the league next Saturday. After that, attention turns to Champions League matchday two, where Balogun could make his second ever appearance in the competition.

Real Madrid's clash with Atletico Madrid was paused because of chaos in the stands, as multiple items were thrown onto the pitch

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• Madrid derby suspended 20 minutes
• Fans react after Real take lead
• Atletico players appeal for calm

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The referee paused the Madrid derby midway through the second half after Atletico fans began throwing items onto the pitch. Real took the lead through Eder Militao in the 64th minute, and items were thrown from behind Thibaut Courtois' goal, before Atletico players, including captain Koke, and manager Diego Simeone appealed for calm.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Real's players were seemingly happy to keep playing, but the referee, in line with La Liga's protocols, decided to take the players off. Blancos goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was seen clearing items from his area, including a lighter that he handed to officials.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Both Simeone and Koke tried to calm their fans down, heading behind Courtois' goal to speak with them directly. After a break in play of around 20 minutes, the game was finally resumed.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Real are next in action against LOSC in the Champions League on Wednesday. Atletico play Benfica on the same night, in the same competition.

The Premier League season finally came to an end on Sunday, and while Arsenal put in another brilliant showing and pushed Manchester City all the way to the end, it'll be another summer of working out what they need to do to take that next step.

It would be hard to find too many holes in Mikel Arteta's current side. After all, they produced the best defence and second-best attack in the league this season, but something they do lack is a prolific number nine.

However, based on recent reports, that could be about to change, and Bukayo Saka could be one of the biggest beneficiaries of this potential deal.

Arsenal transfer news

According to a recent report from the Standard's Simon Collings, Edu's 'key priority' this summer is a new forward, and one of the main targets is RB Leipzig's Benjamin Šeško.

Over the last week or so, the Slovenian's name has been constantly touted for a move to North London, with reports from Germany, via Collings, suggesting his new release clause is around £55m.

Unfortunately for the Gunners, there are two issues.

First, the clause is set to expire at the end of June, and second, many other sides, including Manchester United and Chelsea, are also interested in the striker.

It might be tough to secure a deal for the 20-year-old forward with so many other clubs interested, but if Arsenal can get it done before his £55m price tag increases, it would be excellent business.

How Šeško can supercharge Saka

So, with Šeško having only started one game in his career in a position other than striker – it was left-wing – he would only join Arsenal to play up top. This means his direct competition would be Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz, and when it comes to goalscoring, he has them both beaten.

In his 42 games this season, the Radeče-born dynamo scored 18 goals and provided two assists, while the former Manchester City star scored eight goals and provided eight assists in 36 games, and the German found the back of the net 14 times and provided seven assists in 51 games.

However, the "exceptional" prospect, as described by data analyst Ben Mattinson, has his potential competition beat not just in goals and assists; when looking at the trio's striker-relevant underlying numbers, he once again comes out on top.

For example, the 6 foot 5 marksman produces a higher non-penalty expected goals figure, scores more non-penalty goals, has a higher percentage of his shots on target, takes more shots on target, converts his on-target shots more often and even though he takes fewer overall shots than Jesus, he has a better conversion rate there as well, all per 90.

Overall, it's hard to deny that the former Salzburg gem is a "real goalscorer", as Leipzig technical director Christopher Vivell put it, which is precisely how he would help supercharge Saka's assist figures.

In his 35 league appearances this season, the Hale End superstar racked up a seriously impressive haul of 16 goals and nine assists, but he should have had more.

According to Understat's expected assist figure, he should have had at least two more, or 11.33 to be exact – they have not recorded his assist for Gabriel's goal against Crystal Palace.

So, had the Englishman had a more accomplished out-and-out striker in the centre as opposed to the midfielder-come-forward in Havertz and the notoriously profligate Jesus, who has underperformed his expected goals by over three, he would have reached a genuine world-class return of 27 goals and assists in the league alone.

Ultimately, while the forwards at Arteta's disposal this season have been impressive, neither one has shown themselves to be a killer in front of goal in the same way Sesko has.

So, if Arsenal can activate the Slovenian's release clause before it expires, they may well have the perfect number nine to help their wide players explode next season.

Arsenal eyeing move for "mind-blowing" £43m Trossard upgrade

The incredible talent could help take the Gunners to the next level.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

May 21, 2024

Manchester United are continuing their summer clearout as one man has already said his goodbyes at Old Trafford, it has emerged.

Man Utd announce departures

The Red Devils are in the process of overhauling their squad this summer, and Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial have already both confirmed their departures as their contracts come to an end at Old Trafford.

A disastrous Premier League season has left Erik ten Hag sweating on his own future in the technical area, but the FA Cup success seems to have at the very least granted him a temporary stay of execution.

Fabrizio Romano shares new Man Utd manager update from Old Trafford

Erik ten Hag’s future has been unclear since the FA Cup final.

By
Ben Browning

Jun 5, 2024

The same cannot be said for his squad though. The departures this summer could run into double figures, with the likes of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Antony and Scott McTominay among those who could depart irrespective of who is in charge come the first game of next season.

Another who seems primed for departure is young talent Omari Forson, though the club have revealed "discussions remain open" over veteran duo Tom Heaton and Jonny Evans, both of whom are out of contract as things stand this summer.

There is more confusion over Sofyan Amrabat too; just two weeks ago, it seemed as though he had no future at the club beyond the end of his loan spell from Fiorentina, and now it appears that there is less certainty over where he is playing next season following an excellent performance in the FA Cup final. His midfield partner is a different matter though.

Casemiro on his way out of Man Utd

That comes as Brazilian midfielder Casemiro has reportedly already said his Old Trafford goodbyes ahead of a move away this summer. The ex-Real Madrid man came in for heavy criticism for his performances in the latter half of the season, particularly in the 4-0 thrashing against Crystal Palace.

“I think Casemiro should know tonight that he should only have another three games left at the top level. The next two league games and the cup final, then he should be thinking, I need to go to the MLS or Saudi", Jamie Carragher told Sky Sports.

Now, that seems precisely what has occurred, with the midfielder set to be sold with a host of clubs in Saudi Arabia keen despite still having two years left to run on his £350,000 a week deal at Old Trafford.

As per Football Transfers, he has already said his goodbyes to the rest of the Manchester United squad and even bid farewell to some of the staff in the party which followed the FA Cup final success.

The club's highest earner, his departure would free up significant room on the wage bill as well as potentially bring in a hefty transfer fee, which could be put towards rebuilding the rest of the squad more in line with Sir Jim Ratcliffe's new vision.

Manchester City are reportedly interested in Torino's Samuele Ricci and the Serie A club's director Davide Vagnati has respnded to the interest.

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• Rodri out for the season after ACL tear
• Man City seek replacement in Torino's Ricci
• Torino director Vagnati opens up on Man City links

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Manchester City star Rodri picked up an injury late last month during a 2-2 draw against Arsenal and the Premier League champions then confirmed the Spaniard's season was over due to a complete tear in his Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL). The eight-time Premier League winners have just not seemed the same dominant side since Rodri's injury and they are now looking at options to cover for the long-term injury.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Manchester City have been reportedly interested in Tornio's rising star Ricci over a potential move during the winter transfer window as they look towards proper profiles to replace Rodri. Torino director Vagnati has now responded to the rumours linking the holding midfielder with Pep Guardiola's side.

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  WHAT VAGNATI SAID

  Speaking to Sky Italia, Vagnati said: "I won’t comment on Manchester City.

  “What I can say is that we signed Ricci when he was very young and it was an important investment, we and the President believed in him and spent big money for this player.

  "He believed in his work, has improved a great deal physically, he already had the vision, and I think he is capable of playing for any coach or club."

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• WHAT NEXT FOR RICCI?

  The 23-year-old has made four appearances for Italy and Luciano Spalletti has called up the young midfielder yet again for Gli Azzurri's Nations League clashes against Belgium and Israel.

Christian Pulisic set up Samuel Chukwueze's opening goal for Milan as the American continued his recent strong run.

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• Pulisic with game-winning assist vs. Udinese
• Seven straight games with goal involvement
• Fresh off assist for USMNT

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  U.S. Christian Pulisic's strong run of form continued as the American delivered his third Serie A assist of the season to put AC Milan ahead of Udinese 1-0.

  His assist came in the 13th minute of Milan's clash with Udinese at the San Siro. Charging forward from outside of the box, Pulisic received a pass and then laid the ball of to Samuel Chukwueze, who picked out the corner with his shot. That moment would ultimately seal all three-points for Milan in the contest.

  The assist comes days after Pulisic returned from international duty early after his first U.S. men's national team appearance under new coach Mauricio Pochettino. Pulisic started and assisted Yunus Musah in the 2-0 win over Panama, but was sent back to Milan to rest ahead of the eventual 2-0 loss to Mexico in Guadalajara.

  Musah, meanwhile, also made his mark on the match, coming in to play the second half to help Milan survive being down a man.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Pulisic is in the form of his life, with both Milan and the USMNT benefitting from his recent surge. The American now has a goal contribution in seven straight Serie A matches for Milan, and that doesn't include his fantastic finish against Liverpool in the Champions League. Pulisic also has assists in his last two USMNT matches as he's ensured his incredible form has stretched across both sides of the Atlantic.

  After a difficult spell at Chelsea, Pulisic scored 12 Serie A goals last season, his first for Milan, while also chipping in eight assists. He looks set to surpass those numbers this season as Pulisic looks to establish himself among the elite wingers in Serie A. Pulisic has six goals and three assists overall this season for Milan.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MILAN?

  Following Saturday's clash with Udinese, Milan will turn their focus back towards the Champions League as they'll host Belgium's Club Brugge on Tuesday.