Arsenal fans weren’t impressed with Danny Welbeck’s Europa League performance

Arsenal are almost assured of a place in the last 16 of the UEFA Europa League after a comfortable victory away to Swedish side Ostersunds FK on Thursday night.

In what promised to be a tricky encounter in difficult, unfamiliar surroundings, Arsene Wenger’s side dealt with the first leg very well indeed, rushing to a 2-0 lead in the first half before Mesut Ozil killed the game and potentially the tie with a third just before the hour mark.

Given the competition is Arsenal’s best hope of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League this season, it’s vital that Wenger’s side apply themselves properly on these Thursday nights.

Fans were generally pleased with the performance but were unhappy with one player in particular.

Danny Welbeck came into the side due to Alexandre Lacazette’s injury and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang being cup tied, but failed to make much of an impact, leaving supporters frustrated.

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The player had previously only made 12 starts this season and it was a big opportunity to impress which he failed to take.

Fans took to Twitter to share their thoughts on his performance…

Southampton fans react as Harrison Reed speaks out on his future with the club

In an interview with the Eastern Daily Press, Southampton midfielder Harrison Reed has hinted that he doesn’t want to return to St Mary’s following his season-long loan spell from Norwich City if he isn’t going to be playing football, and Saints fans have been quick to have their say on his comments.

The 23-year-old has been a regular for the Canaries in the middle of the park this season having made just 30 appearances in all competitions for the south coast outfit’s first team previously.

The midfielder has already surpassed that tally this term with the Championship outfit having made 32 outings in total for them, and he would face a challenge to play regularly at his parent club given they have Mario Lemina, Oriol Romeu and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in central midfield – although that could of course change if Mauricio Pellegrino’s men are relegated.

Southampton supporters took to social media to give their thoughts on Reed’s thoughts on his future, and while one said “a summer move could be best for all parties”, another said “if (when) we sell Lemina we will need him”.

Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…

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Man United consider swoop for Valencia full-back

According to Tuttosport, Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho is interested in signing Valencia full-back Jose Gaya at the end of the 2017-18 campaign.

What’s the story?

It is expected to be a busy summer transfer window for United as Mourinho looks to put together a squad capable of challenging for major honours next term.

A new central midfielder is seen as a priority for the Red Devils at the end of the season, but according to Tuttosport, United are also interested in signing a new full-back.

Indeed, the report claims that the exit of Matteo Darmian – who has struggled for football this season – will force Mourinho into the transfer market, and the Portuguese is believed to favour a move for Gaya.

It is understood that United want to sell Darmian before making a move for another defender, and the 20-time English champions are confident that the likes of Juventus and both Milan clubs will follow up on their interest with a firm bid at the end of the season.

Would Gaya be a good signing for United?

Gaya burst onto the scene as Jordi Alba’s replacement at Valencia, and the Spaniard was once regarded as one of the best young talents in European football.

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Consistency has been a problem for the full-back during his career, but the 22-year-old has been in fine form for Los Che during the 2017-18 campaign.

Indeed, Gaya has made 29 appearances in all competitions for his Spanish club this season, with 25 of those coming in La Liga, where Valencia are enjoying an impressive campaign.

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It is understood that United would have to pay in excess of £40m to activate Gaya’s release clause, but the Red Devils are said to be confident of finding an agreement below that price.

Much could depend on Luke Shaw’s future at Old Trafford, but Gaya would be a very exciting signing, with the defender possessing all of the attributes to be a hit in the Premier League.

Man United would be right to reward Jesse Lingard with new, improved deal

According to an exclusive report by the Star on Sunday, Manchester United are ready to offer Jesse Lingard a bumper new contract just 11 months after he signed his previous one.

What’s the word, then?

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Well, the Star on Sunday says that the 25-year-old has delighted manager Jose Mourinho with his performances this season, following an impressive goalscoring return.

Now, the Star on Sunday says that the Red Devils are looking to reward the England international, who is set to be named in Gareth Southgate’s squad for the Three Lions’ upcoming friendlies against the Netherlands and Italy later this month, with a new deal even though he only penned a four-year one to stay at Old Trafford in April 2017.

The report adds that Lingard’s wages could rise from £75,000-a-week to £100,000-a-week if a deal is agreed between all parties.

How has Lingard done this season?

He has been impressive, and received high praise from fans that he hasn’t been too popular with previously.

While he has only started one of their last three Premier League matches – he played two minutes as a substitute in the 2-1 win against Liverpool at Old Trafford on Saturday – he has made 37 appearances in total this term, netting 13 goals and providing a further five assists.

Eight of those goals have come in 26 top flight outings, where he has played a big part in helping the club cement their second-place position in the standings.

Are United right to hand him a new deal?

They certainly are.

In the modern day clubs reward players when they are hitting or exceeding their targets, and that is what Lingard has done this season.

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If he is producing the goods on the pitch consistently then he deserves a pay rise, especially as he is a home-grown player.

The 25-year-old is also versatile and the fact that he can feature in and cover a number of attacking positions already mean that he is a key player in the squad.

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Coleman holds no grudges against Taylor for horror tackle

Seamus Coleman says he holds no grudges against Neil Taylor for the tackle that broke his leg last year, and he can’t wait to get back on the pitch for Ireland.

Republic of Ireland captain Seamus Coleman is expected to make his return to international action on Friday, and the flying full back says he’s wasted no time thinking about the tackle that cost him a year of his career.

“I haven’t even thought of Neil Taylor five times since the injury. He played a part in the tackle – and it wasn’t a great tackle. I was going for the ball, he was a bit high,” Coleman said.

Taylor, now playing for Aston Villa, was sent off in the 0-0 draw last March, but Coleman is only looking ahead to the future.

“If I hold any anger towards him, it won’t help me. Let him carry on with what he has to do and I’ll crack on myself.”

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The Irishman is a fan favourite at Goodison, and for good reason, dominating the right flank for the Blues since his remarkable £60,000 transfer to Everton in 2009. Coleman revealed that Taylor did contact him after the injury.

“He sent a message and that was fine with me, no problem. It’s a year ago now and I’ve got things to look forward to.

“The tackle will always be brought up, but I have to crack on with my thing now.”

Coleman is set to captain the Republic of Ireland team against Turkey on Friday night, and the 29 year-old can hardly contain his excitement.

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“I’m really looking forward to the game. Everyone knows what that Irish shirt means to me and I’m looking forward to getting back into it,” said Coleman.

Coleman has played five times for Everton since his return, and any minutes he gets for Ireland will only further his progress towards 100% fitness.

Everton fans, let us know your thoughts in the comments below…

Arsenal fans were delighted with Iwobi’s performance vs Southampton

Arsenal extended their winning streak in all competitions to six on Sunday, defeating Southampton 3-2 in a dramatic encounter at the Emirates Stadium.

The weekend’s results mean the Gunners are now just three points behind fifth place Chelsea and if current form continues there’s every chance that Arsene Wenger’s outfit leapfrog last season’s champions.

With UEFA Europa League glory to play for too, although unlikely according to www.betting.org, by the end of May this season may not have been quite as terrible as it threatened to be just a couple of months ago.

Fans were pleased with the result against their relegation threatened visitors, offering particular praise to attack Alex Iwobi, who provided two assists, his first direct goal contribution since February.

Alongside Danny Welbeck, he was the unlikely driving force behind the victory, having received plenty of criticism from supporters over the last few weeks and months.

Can he now produce on a consistent basis?

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Fans took to Twitter to share their thoughts on his performance…

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Kenny Miller can still do a job at Scottish Premiership level

As reported by The Scottish Sun, Rangers striker Kenny Miller is being monitored by Hibernian and Motherwell for a potential summer switch after his high-profile suspension at Ibrox this week.

What’s the story?

Miller and club captain Lee Wallace were both suspended by the club pending an internal investigation after a reported bust-up with manager Graeme Murty in the dressing room after Sunday’s defeat to Celtic.

With Miller’s contract up at the end of the season, it’s now unlikely we’ll see him in Rangers colours again.

The Scottish Sun report that both Hibs and Motherwell consider him a player capable of performing for them next season despite his age and are monitoring is current situation closely.

Would Rangers come to regret losing him on a free transfer?

Can he still do a job in the Scottish top-flight?

Miller’s opportunities at Rangers have been limited this season as they look to improve and bring in younger strikers with potential like Alfredo Morelos and Jason Cummings.

With five goals and five assists for the club across the season, he’s still contributed in his bit part role and still has quality to his game at 38 years of age.

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He would be a good fit at both Motherwell and Hibs, or most Scottish Premiership clubs really, with plenty of experience and leadership to enhance squads across the country.

Rangers may not miss him too much, but with his situation at Ibrox crumbling, he should have plenty of viable exit routes.

Mohamed Elneny suffers ligament damage, Arsenal fans react

Arsenal fans have had an emotional week following Arsene Wenger’s announcement that he will step down at the end of the season.

It was the outcome that many supporters had hoped for, but when the day came, many put their hatred aside to pay tribute to the experienced Frenchman.

Many times this season, supporters have expressed their discontent during matches, but the mood was more jovial when the club welcomed West Ham United to the Emirates on Sunday.

It helped that the result went to plan as Wenger’s side picked up a 4-1 triumph, with Nacho Monreal, Aaron Ramsey and Alexandre Lacazette getting on the scoresheet.

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The result closed the gap to fourth to 11 points, but it is highly unlikely that the club will make it into the Champions League spots.

In fact, their only route to the elite competition is by winning the Europa League, in which they will face Atletico Madrid in the semi-finals.

While the result was a welcome one at the weekend, there was a downside as Mohamed Elneny was stretchered off with an ankle injury.

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Arsenal have since confirmed that the midfielder has suffered ligament damage, but the club are hopeful that it is not the end of his season.

Fans have been reacting to the news on Twitter.

Arsenal should reconsider decision not to pursue Anthony Martial

As reported by The Evening Standard, Arsenal will not be pursuing the signature of Manchester United star Anthony Martial this summer.

What’s the story?

On the fringes of the Man United first team under Jose Mourinho, there’s been rumblings recently that the French international will leave Old Trafford at the end of the season.

However, it appears Arsenal aren’t a potential destination.

That’s according to The Evening Standard, who report that the Gunners are unlikely to follow up their January interest in the £60m-rated attacker, even if he’s set to exit the Red Devils.

Is that the right decision, or should Arsene Wenger reconsider and chase his signature?

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Should Arsenal go for him?

While it’s true the Gunners now have plenty of attacking talent available in their first team squad, a player of Anthony Martial’s standard is only going to improve that and could well be an upgrade on players like Alex Iwobi, who has struggled to perform consistently this season.

Alongside the likes of Alexandre Lacazette, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Martial could help usher in a new era of Arsenal and contribute massively.

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With 11 goals and 10 assists this term for United without being a first pick in Mourinho’s team, he’s proven he is more than capable of performing at the standard required for a club like Arsenal.

If he’s available, his signing is something Wenger should strongly consider.

West Ham fans can’t believe billionaire takeover report

According to reports, American billionaire Paul Allen is interested in buying West Ham, and fans are finding it hard not to get carried away.

The ugly scenes during West Ham’s 3-0 defeat to Burnley earlier this year were the culmination of several seasons of frustration.

The move to the London Stadium is certainly what broke the camel’s back, but fans have been losing patience for years with the Hammer’s bosses.

The report from West Ham World claims Paul Allen, who owns part of MLS franchise the Seattle Sounders, is “very interested” in buying the club.

Allen is a co-founder of Microsoft, so he certainly would have some deep pockets to put to use on the Hammers’ uninspiring squad.

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The 65 year-old has a net worth of nearly $20billion, and owns two sports teams already, the Seattle Seahawks (NFL) and Portland Trailblazers (NBA), as well as his role with the Sounders.

David Moyes’ side currently sit just three points clear of relegation danger, and one would have to think they must avoid the drop to have any chance of a big money takeover.

Fans have grown frustrated with both Moyes and the lacklustre players, and a complete overhaul from a powerful new owner could completely transform the club.

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Of course, there is no concrete news yet, and plenty of fans are keeping their expectations low to avoid disappointment, but others just can’t help themselves.

Some of the best Twitter reactions can be found below…

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