Despite being huge favourites to beat Shrewsbury in the fourth round of the FA Cup, Liverpool could only come away with a 2-2 draw.
That will mean they will need to play a replay at Anfield on February 4th – which will come during the two-week winter break that has been agreed upon by Premier League clubs and the FA. As such, Jurgen Klopp has taken the decision to field no first-team members, whilst also giving control of the match to U23s coach Neil Critchley instead of managing the team himself.
Call yourself a Liverpool expert? How much did each of these big-money January signings cost?
This has caused huge debate amongst the Reds supporters, and it seems that many of them actually do not back their manager. Some are clearly unhappy with his decision.
It is a huge decision from the 52-year-old, and it does seem to be a tad over-the-top. The Reds will still have an 11-day break after the clash, and they wouldn’t even need to play in another match had they been able to finish the job against the League One side at 2-0 up.
Some fans, meanwhile, believe it is disrespectful to them as supporters.
For the fans, the FA Cup still has a special place in the their hearts, and many will have been hoping to secure tickets for the match.
Others, meanwhile, are unhappy with the former Borussia Dortmund manager seemingly throwing away the chance of a trophy.
Whilst a first Premier League title in 30 years may be a priority for Liverpool and Klopp, a trophy is still a trophy, and should be treated as such.
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It remains to be seen whether the boss will change his mind.
Meanwhile, our writers give their verdicts on Klopp’s decision not to re-sign this midfielder.
This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…
According to Norwegian publication Dagbladet, Manchester United are “far ahead” in the race to sign RB Salzburg sensation Erling Braut Haaland.
What’s the word?
The 19-year-old has burst onto the scene this season with a series of remarkable games for the Austrian side. In his 18 games, Haaland has scored a ridiculous 26 times, whilst he has also shown his more selfless side with six assists too.
Seven of those goals have come in the Champions League group stages, including a memorable hat-trick against Genk in the opening match-day, and a strike at Anfield in Salzburg’s 4-3 defeat to Liverpool.
Now, Dagbladet claim United are “far ahead” in the chase to secure Haaland’s signature, and that they have already begun the process of finding out the teenager’s potential next step. The report further adds Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants the Norway international to join the club, and that he has submitted a proposal to sign the forward.
Major coup
The man on everybody’s lips at the moment, Haaland’s remarkable form has well and truly caught the attention of the footballing world. The Norwegian’s exploits in the Champions League have launched him into the stratosphere, with reports in recent weeks claiming many of Europe’s biggest sides are monitoring him.
And that is exactly why if United were to pull off a sensational swoop for the 19-year-old, it should be regarded as one of their finest signings in recent memory. For a club currently plying their trade in the Europa League, and already nine points off the top four in the Premier League, beating the likes of Liverpool and Barcelona to his signature would be a major coup indeed.
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Haaland himself has gone on record publicly hailing fellow Norwegian, Solskjaer, for his role in helping him develop while the pair were at Molde. He said: “He has had a huge impact on my life, both as a person and as a trainer. He won the Champions League and was an incredibly good player. He has taught me a lot.”
Solskjaer’s previous connection with Haaland could prove to be decisive, and it is imperative the United boss uses that relationship to entice him to Old Trafford. It could be the start of something great for the Red Devils.
This article is part of Football FanCast’s In The Pipeline series, which takes a look at some of the most promising young talent either linked with clubs or emerging from their academies…
After Slaven Bilic joined the club as manager in the summer, there was a glimmer of optimism that the club may utilise its promising youth academy more often.
Within a month, one of their prospects Louie Barry was poached by Barcelona, which left a bitter taste to the mouth whilst Morgan Rogers also left for Manchester City.
But then when the season started, both Kyle Edwards and Nathan Ferguson were handed starts – live on TV against Midlands rivals Nottingham Forest.
Some way to begin and make up for those who have gone.
Both have more than played their part already this season, making five or more Championship appearances, per WhoScored.
Players like Sam Field and Jonathan Leko have gone elsewhere to develop this season, but if they perform well enough then that recall clause will become rather handy.
Then there is Rekeem Harper, who appears to be in limbo as he remains at the club, but is yet to feature for longer than six minutes.
Having signed three wingers on deadline day, on top of Matt Phillips and Edwards, you’d think any young winger at the club has little-to-no chance of transitioning into the first-team setup.
Though, Grady Diangana has only joined on loan and is able to be recalled in January, which is certainly a possibility should his performances continue – he’s scored three goals in just two starts, per WhoScored.
So it may be wise to dip into the academy – step forward Nick Clayton-Richards.
The young winger has had a taste in the men’s game whilst on loan at Kidderminster Harriers in a league that provides a physical test.
He’s also very versatile, being able to play anywhere in midfield and has frequently garnered goals and assists.
The 19-year-old netted seven goals in 17 appearances for the Under-18s before continuing that trend for the Under-23s, where he has scored and assisted four – including one strike already this season.
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West Brom’s wing position is the most hotly contested area of the pitch, but long-term they may well have the answer right under their nose.
Considering Rogers’ and Barry’s exits, Clayton-Richards is someone who might well be able to make up for it.
For now, the focus in a wide position is on Diangana, but it may not be too long before it’s on one of Albion’s younger faces.
Arsenal will be hoping to add some new players to their squad over the summer after an impressive enough first season under Unai Emery.
Life without Arsene Wenger has been better than many expected, and a loss in the Europa League final was the only thing standing between the Gunners and adding some silverware to the cabinet in Emery’s first year.
The summer ahead promises to be an interesting one for Emery and his scouting teams, as they look to bring in players who fit the bill but without breaking the bank.
This weekend then has seen the club linked with a move for Sampdoria defender Joachim Anderson, with a report from the Daily Star claiming the Gunners are somewhat put off by what they perceive as a large fee for the 23-year-old defender.
However, here in the Tavern, we feel that Andersen could be the ideal player Arsenal need to shore up their backline, and if it takes paying a fairly hefty fee for the Dane, then so be it.
The Sampdoria ace impressed last season as he became a regular for the Italian giants, and he fits in well with what many regard as a typical Arsenal player, with Andersen holding a pass completion percentage of 88% over the course of last season.
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There is more to Andersen’s game though than just being classy with the ball, and he has that real old school Italian league defensive steel about him.
The Gunners have struggled at the back for many years now, with many defenders trying and failing to plug the gaps in the back four for the Londoners. The likes of Mustafi, Callum Chambers and Sokratis have all failed to really impress in recent times, leaving a space wide open for Andersen to come in and make a place in the back four his own at the Emirates.
It is clear that Manchester City’s season hasn’t gone completely to plan this year. After last season seemed to be a walk in the park for the Centurions, Pep Guardiola must look to the summer in order to get back to the same level as before.
Despite having a game in hand, Manchester City fans are not feeling as comfortable as they were this time last season. Liverpool are proving to be worthy challengers and Guardiola will be well aware that he cannot afford to allow his team to slip up from now until the end of the season.
Having slipped up more than they’re used to in the league, the Sky Blues have made life really difficult for themselves.
But what has changed? Have Liverpool just got better? Or is there a deeper frustration within the City camp, leading to some off par performances over the course of this season? A mix of everything really and, while this incarnation of the City side may peak with a stunning quadruple this season, things do need freshening up going forward.
Indeed, Guardiola will be eager to look for some changes during the summer, in order to get back the dominance of last season. Here are a couple.
Find a new Fernandinho
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With one of the league’s greatest holding midfielders beginning to show signs that his age may be catching up to him, it may be time for Pep to find someone who can emulate the masterclass that Fernandinho has been providing over the years.
The 33-year-old Brazilian has been in and out of the squad this season with injuries. So, Pep Guardiola must look to the board in the summer and find someone who will bring the same balance that Fernandinho does.
Clear a way for youth
With a number of players beginning to their reach mid-thirties, Pep must begin to look at where he can begin to move and replace around the club.
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Phil Foden has become a prime example of the exceptional youth City have hiding in their academy, and with players like David Silva and Vincent Kompany reaching the end of their peak years, it will be no shock to begin seeing names like Philippe Sandler start breaking into the squad.
With the end of Kompany and Silva near, it truly is the end of an era at the Etihad.
Andy Carroll scored his first goal since returning from injury as West Ham cruised past Birmingham on Saturday, but it’s 21 year-old Xande Silva that is taking all the plaudits.
After a terrific run of form, Manuel Pellegrini’s Hammers have regressed slightly in recent weeks, thanks in no small part to a devastating spree of injuries.
They returned to winning ways in the FA Cup on Saturday though, beating Championship side Birmingham 2-0 courtesy of goals from Marko Arnautovic and Carroll.
Pl>ymaker FC Exclusive: Jermaine Jenas reveals what Lasagne-Gate was really like for Tottenham’s food-poisoned stars – Check out the video below…
The Austrian international scored after just two minutes but was then replaced by Carroll, who grabbed the second the closing stages of the match when he rose to meet Michail Antonio’s cross.
Silva was the man making everything happen though, as the 21 year-old attackers showed some glimpses of real quality in the final third.
His link-up play with Samir Nasri in particular was very promising, and fans are heaping praise on the Portuguese youngster.
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The summer move to sign the youngster could soon turn into a stroke of genius, and the Twitter reactions down below are stunned by his first start as a Hammer…
Loads of Leeds fans have been reacting to some comments from Marcelo Bielsa’s pre-Brentford press conference, as the boss confirmed Barry Douglas will miss the top of the table clash.
Leeds fans were fearing the worst when Doulgas left Tuesday’s win at Hull with an injury, and Bielsa has confirmed he is not available this weekend.
The boss said it was a “muscle problem” after the 1-0 win over Hull, and Leeds will now have to face high-flying Brentford without several first team stars.
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Many fans felt they did not add enough depth in the summer transfer window, and the injuries to Kemar Roofe, Gaetano Berardi, Pablo Hernandez and now Douglas would certainly lend themselves to that theory.
Perhaps the one piece of good news is that the international break will give all four players an extra two weeks of recovery.
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The injury to Douglas should also hand a chance to Tom Pearce, who excelled during his brief spell at left back towards the end of last season.
Fans are not happy with the mounting injuries though, and you can find some of the best Twitter reactions down below…
While some referees always seem to create controversy through questionable decisions, Anthony Taylor represents one of the Premier League’s more trusted officials. There’s an aura of authority about the 39-year-old and although every referee has a bad decision in them, he seems to produce a lot less than most.
That can never quite be illustrated accurately by statistics alone, but Taylor tellingly ranks amongst the middle of the pack from the 20 referees to work in the Premier League this season for fouls per tackle, fouls per game, yellow cards per game and penalties per game – no higher than seventh or lower than 14th.
It suggests a balanced approach to officiating, not needlessly awarding fouls and spot kicks but not shying away from the important calls either, and because there’s Champions League qualification on the line in Taylor’s match this Sunday, that only bodes well for Chelsea and Liverpool – who will both want a fair game.
In terms of omens though, results this season hint the Blues are in for less luck than this weekend’s visitors to Stamford Bridge. No club has been refereed by Taylor more times in the Premier League than Chelsea this season with five, but they’ve only actually won three of those games – drawing with Arsenal and losing to West Ham.
Liverpool, meanwhile, are undefeated with Taylor in the middle this term, winning two of three, and those matches have produced amongst the Manchester-born referee’s lowest fouls per tackle rates of the season – just 0.52 compared to Chelsea’s 0.63.
And in even worse news for the west Londoners, just 44% of the games Taylor has officiated this season have ended in home wins. While that’s not a huge extreme compared to the rest of the Premier League – the remaining referees to oversee more than one game ranging between 63% and 27% – the fact is Chelsea need a victory this Sunday to keep their Champions League homes alive.
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A draw or better, on the other hand, will seal Liverpool’s place in Europe’s top competition next season excepting a gigantic turnaround in goal difference. Evidence so far this term suggests that outcome is more likely than Chelsea grabbing the win they desperately need.
Rangers face one of their toughest tests of the season tonight, travelling away to Hibernian at Easter Road in the Scottish Premiership. The Light Blues are in the midst of their best form of the season having won three matches in succession but Neil Lennon’s side are sure to provide stern opposition.
Graeme Murty has named his side to face the Hibees and there are a few surprises for supporters.
The interim boss has made two changes from the weekend with Alfredo Morelos and Jamie Barjonas coming into the starting line-up in place of Daniel Candeias and Carlos Pena.
Ross McCrorie also makes the match, having been an injury doubt this week.
Fans are delighted to see Barjonas play. The 18-year-old hasn’t started a game all season, last being trusted back in May in an away win against St Johnstone.
Can he impress enough to retain his place in the side?
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Supporters took to Twitter to share their thoughts…
It’s been an interesting few weeks in the life of Dominic Solanke. Rumours of a summer switch to Liverpool were reported as virtual fact at the end of May and the prodigious forward did his growing reputation no harm last night as he netted the only goal in England’s U20 World Cup quarter-final win over Mexico; a goal that required cute movement, a delicate first touch and a low finish – not to mention a cool head – to take the Junior Lions through to the next round.
Liverpool fans will no doubt be impressed, but we’ve been here before with young English players. Sensationally overhyped, sensationally overpaid, eventually amounting to incredibly little. So, what makes Solanke so different and why are Liverpool so keen to sign him? Let’s take a look.
The first thing that stands out about the 19-year-old is his physique, very much in line with the modern Premier League trend. He’s powerful and offers a bit of height at 6 foot 1, but it’s the combination of almost oxymoronic gangling limbs and jinking fluidity that makes him comparable to the likes of Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogba – players who have that perfect mix between power and agility.
It’s very much what a modern Premier League footballer should look like, able to not only impose himself on defenders but also prance away from them. In terms of roles, it also makes him a bit of an all-rounder.
A prolific scoring record at youth level is perhaps what Solanke’s best famed for, netting 35 times in 45 appearances for Chelsea in Premier League 2, the UEFA Youth League and the FA Youth Cup and 25 in 51 for the Junior Lions across the age groups. In the process, he’s fired club and country to a succession of honours, not least including the UEFA Youth League title and the U17 European Championship, and himself to individual accolades.
But goals aren’t always as easy to come by when stepping up to senior level and that may well be the case with Solanke. He’s not the most natural of finishers – although he’s nothing short of clinical from the penalty spot – and Chelsea are so dominant at that level we perhaps shouldn’t expect Solanke’s scoring record to be anything less than what it is. Tellingly, he could only muster up eight Eredivisie goals on loan at Vitesse Arnhem last season. Compare that to Tammy Abraham, for example, who netted 23 times in the Championship this campaign.
In truth, the idea of him being an out-and-out goalscorer is a little wide of the mark, but that’s not necessarily bad news for Liverpool fans because Solanke is a very complete kind of forward. He can play on either wing, as an out-and-out striker or a No.10 which, in theory, makes him an ideal candidate for Jurgen Klopp’s nomadic and versatile front-three.
He’s not simply filling voids either, in the way goal-shy strikers are pushed out wide to try and find some new use for them; rather than goalscoring, Solanke’s best assets are probably his unorthodox dribbling and vision, which both lend to deeper or wider roles.
He actually operated as a No.10 in England’s win over Mexico, threading through passes to the forward line and using his movement to sneak into space between the two centre-backs before slotting past the goalkeeper, and some of the chances he created at Vitesse last season required real inventiveness in terms of both technique and vision.
Solanke’s dribbling style in particular will divide opinion. At first glance, it looks clumsy and unconvincing. But former Chelsea striker Tore Andre Flo sums it up perfectly; even if the Englishman seems to momentarily lose the ball, he has a curious knack of using his pace, power and touch to recover it, usually on the other side of the defender he’s attempted to jink past.
“He’s got a very good physique and I think he’s got great touch on the ball. He’s quick but often what impresses me the most is when he looks like he’s lost the ball, he somehow manages to get out with the ball, no matter how tight the situation is or how difficult it looks.”
Perhaps the biggest challenge Solanke will face at Liverpool is acclimatising to Klopp’s high-pressing game. To say he’s a lazy player would be unjustified, but like most young forwards, he’s more concerned with finding space and what he does when receiving the ball than trying to impose himself on the opposition and protect the midfield. As we’ve seen from Daniel Sturridge, that style of play isn’t for every attacking player.
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Nonetheless, the teenager will already be more than aware of that and as most managers will tell you, the greatest gifts of young players are their fearlessness, their natural energy and the speed in which they can adapt. Likewise, you have to commend Solanke’s bravery; he could have stayed at Chelsea, picking up silly money whilst showing brief glimpses of his potential in loan spells elsewhere. Instead, he’s joined a club with a policy of not forking out large salaries for young players, opting to work under a manager who famously demands every ounce of energy from his team but especially the front line.
It’s unquestionably a bold move – one that highlights Solanke’s determination to succeed.
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