All posts by n8rngtd.top

Leeds United were given a reality check on Saturday when they were hammered 5-0 by Arsenal at The Emirates in their first away game of the Premier League season.

The Whites beat Everton 1-0 at Elland Road on the opening day of the season, lifting the mood instantly, but were brought crashing back down to earth against the Gunners.

During the Sky Sports commentary of the clash with Arsenal, Gary Neville noted that the starting front three for Leeds needed everything to be “perfect” for them to make an impact, due to their lack of physicality.

That front three included Dan James, Joel Piroe, and Wilfried Gnonto, who were all key players in the Championship title-winning campaign last term. The Premier League is a different beast to the Championship, as Neville explained, and Daniel Farke needs more physicality in his frontline.

Leeds will be well aware that they will not be able to be in control in matches as much as they were in the second tier, which means that they will have to do a lot more scrapping and fighting to earn points at this level.

That is why the 2024/25 Championship top goalscorer, Piroe, may eventually find himself watching on from the sidelines more often than not.

VIP Tickets

Secure your matchday experience in the Premier League with Seat Unique.

Buy Premium Now

Premier League Experiences

Why Joel Piroe may lose his place as a starter

To his credit, Farke has tried to remain fairly faithful to the players who got the club to the Premier League in the first two matches, starting the Dutch striker in both games ahead of Lukas Nmecha.

Unfortunately, however, Piroe’s lack of physicality has already been very apparent. The striker has lost ten of his 11 duels in the top-flight so far, per Sofascore, which shows that oppostion centre-backs have found it far too easy to get the better of him in physical battles.

This is not a new concern over the former Swansea City marksman, though, as the left-footed centre-forward struggled with the physicality of the Championship at times in the 2024/25 campaign as well.

As you can see in the table above, Piroe ranked very poorly among his positional peers in a host of physically-based metrics, which is why his start to the Premier League season has not been a surprise.

Leeds were a dominant team that did not need to scrap for second balls and constantly engage in duels in the Championship, which allowed the striker to simply focus on tucking away chances, which he did very well.

Piroe scored 19 goals for Leeds last season, per Sofascore, but his lack of physicality may prevent him from making a similar impact in the Premier League.

Leeds make contact to sign LaLiga star

That is why a fresh report linking the Championship champions with interest in a physical forward should come as very bad news to the current Whites striker.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

According to AS, as relayed by Sport Witness, Leeds United are one of a number of clubs to have made an approach to Getafe over a potential deal to sign Christantus Uche this summer.

The report claims that the Whites have made contact with the Spanish side to register their interest in the versatile attacker, but they have not formalised their interest with an offer as of yet.

It adds that Sunderland, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Burnley have also made contact with Getafe in pursuit of a possible deal for the Nigeria international.

AS also reveals that Getafe are preparing to cash in on Uche to improve the club’s finances and have currently set an asking price of around £17m, but it remains to be seen whether or not any of the four mentioned clubs are prepared to pay that much for him.

Why this is bad news for Joel Piroe

As aforementioned, Piroe’s lack of physicality appears to be an issue for him, and the team, in the Premier League, and it could cost him his place in the starting XI.

The club’s reported interest in signing Uche is, perhaps, a sign that Farke recognises the need for more physicality at the top end of the pitch, because the Getafe star is an incredibly physical attacker.

In fact, the Nigerian star has played 31 times as a central or defensive midfielder in his career, per Transfermarkt, and U23 scout Antonio Mango claimed that he could be developed into a “midfield monster”.

Whilst, due to his experience and potential to play in that role, Farke could utilise Uche in the middle of the park, the 22-year-old played as a striker for Jose Bordalas against Celta Vigo on the opening day of the LaLiga season.

Uche scored and grabbed an assist in a 2-0 win for Getafe away at Celta Vigo, and the clip above shows how the attacker used his mobility and strength to find the back of the net.

As you can see in the table above, the £17m-rated forward also showcased his physicality in LaLiga last season, winning 6.8 duels per game on average, compared to Piroe’s 2.24 in the Championship.

Whilst, perhaps because of his outings in midfield as well as up front, Uche is not a prolific goalscorer who is likely to go and score 15 or 20 goals in the Premier League, the Getafe star could be the physical outlet that Leeds are currently lacking.

Having a ‘monster’ like Uche to hold the ball up, win flick-ons, and compete with Premier League centre-backs in duels could help the Whites in tight games where they will not be in complete control of the ball.

Readers like you help support FootballFanCast. When you make a purchase using links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Read More.

Not just Gruev: Farke must drop 4/10 Leeds star who lost 100% duels

Daniel Farke should ruthlessly drop this Leeds flop as well as Ilia Gruev for the next Premier League game.

By
Dan Emery

Aug 24, 2025

This is why the club’s interest in the forward is bad news for Piroe, because the 22-year-old star is the profile of player who could send the Dutchman down to the bench.

Referee chief Howard Webb has reached out to Manchester United bosses to explain that a key error was made by matchday official Craig Pawson during the recent, damaging 3-1 defeat by Brentford. Webb has made the revelation about the mistake, which came when Man Utd were only a goal down and still had plenty of time left in the match.

• Collins lucky to stay on the pitch

  Brentford secured a convincing 3-1 victory over Man Utd at the Gtech Community Stadium last month. Igor Thiago opened the scoring in the eighth minute, catching Harry Maguire off guard after a long ball from Jordan Henderson, Thiago then doubled Brentford's lead in the 20th minute, capitalising on a spilled cross from Kevin Schade. Benjamin Sesko pulled one back for United in the 26th minute, forcing the ball home at the third attempt after a scramble in the box. The flashpoint came in the second-half, when United were awarded a penalty after Nathan Collins fouled Bryan Mbeumo, but Bruno Fernandes' effort was saved by Caoimhin Kelleher. It has since been claimed that referee boss Howard Webb has contacted United to say an error was made by the matchday officials. This result ended Brentford's winless streak and put further pressure on United manager Ruben Amorim.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Major howler cost United

  Referee Pawson decided to issue a yellow card instead of a red card for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity. The Premier League Match Centre stated that VAR reviewed the decision, but ultimately concluded that Mbeumo was not in full control of the ball, leading to the decision not to issue a red card. Webb, the head of PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited), reportedly conceded the initial decision was an error, as reported by the Daily Mail. The controversy surrounding this particular decision highlights the ongoing debate about the use of VAR and the inconsistencies in its application.

• How Amorim and experts reacted

  After the match, Amorim said: "The referee told me Bryan was not in control of the ball, I think he was not in control because he was pulled. The media can say what happened. I don't want to talk about the referee." Elsewhere, former England striker Alan Shearer said on Match of the Day: "It should have been a red card. It is a terrible decision. He couldn't be in control of the ball because someone was pulling him back. He should have been sent off, absolutely no doubt. It has to be a red card, he is half a yard from the ball. Man Utd have been punished for that in being up against 11 men and the game changed from there on.” And former Chelsea winger Joe Cole told TNT Sports: "I think he got away with one, Collins. As a centre-forward and a player of that quality all Bryan Mbeumo has to do is put his toe on it. I feel for the referees, but looking at it again it is clearly a goalscoring opportunity."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Man Utd have bounced back

  The pressure remains on Amorim but, following the defeat by Brentford his team responded with a confident 2-0 victory over Sunderland at Old Trafford. And while that one win will not disprove the doubters, one United star was keen to throw his support behind his Portuguese boss. Mason Mount said: "We’re 100 per cent behind the gaffer. We’ve had some results that hurt us – the team, the staff and the fans. But that was an important win.” And Amorim added: “I know they want to do the best and I know they don’t want to change the coach all the time. But we need to show with actions. I feel it during the week but we need to show it on the pitch. Sometimes they know we can do better."

  United now go into the international break on the back of a win, ahead of a mighty clash at Anfield against bitter rivals Liverpool on October 19. They now sit 10th in the Premier League table, with 10 points from seven games. 

World Cup-winning captain and Ballon d’Or winner Fabio Cannavaro has taken charge of Uzbekistan, leading the Asian underdogs into uncharted territory ahead of their first-ever World Cup campaign in 2026. For a nation long on promise but short on global recognition, his arrival marks the beginning of an audacious new era built on ambition.

• A new era for Uzbekistan

  Uzbekistan have officially appointed Cannavaro as their head coach ahead of their first-ever World Cup finals appearance in 2026, marking a new chapter in the nation’s footballing story. Cannavaro, 52, steps in following the departure of Timur Kapadze, who guided the team to qualification after taking over midway through the campaign from Srecko Katanec, who resigned due to health reasons.

  Uzbekistan’s qualification campaign was nothing short of exceptional – losing only once in 15 matches and securing 21 points from 10 games in the third round. Their consistency would have ensured qualification even if the World Cup had not expanded to 48 teams. For a nation that has long flirted with continental promise but fallen short on the global stage, Cannavaro’s arrival signals ambition and a move that blends experience and tactical rigor with Uzbekistan’s energetic and technical playing style.

Advertisement

• AFP
  

  Cannavaro’s road back to the dugout

  Cannavaro’s appointment comes after a brief and turbulent spell with Dinamo Zagreb, where he managed just 14 matches before being dismissed in April 2025. Despite the short tenure, his return to management has been eagerly anticipated across Europe and Asia alike. A 2006 World Cup-winning captain and Ballon d’Or recipient, Cannavaro brings with him the mentality of an elite defender and leader. His coaching philosophy has evolved across diverse footballing landscapes, from Europe to the Middle East and Asia.

  He will be joined by a trusted backroom team: Eugenio Albarella (assistant), Francesco Troise (fitness coach), and Antonio Chimenti (goalkeeping coach). Together, they form a unit designed to professionalise Uzbekistan’s preparation for their biggest challenge yet.

• Tracing Cannavaro’s managerial journey

  Cannavaro’s coaching career began in 2013 when he joined now Shabab Al Ahli as assistant manager. Working in the UAE Pro League, he quickly made an impression by helping the club clinch the UAE Pro League title and the UAE League Cup, marking a strong start to his post-playing career. His first major managerial breakthrough came with Tianjin Quanjian in China, where he guided the club to the China League One title in 2016, earning promotion to the Chinese Super League. Under his leadership, Tianjin finished third in their debut top-flight campaign, a remarkable achievement that earned him the Chinese Football Association Coach of the Year award in 2017.

  Cannavaro’s success caught the attention of Guangzhou Evergrande, where he enjoyed two spells (2014–2015 and 2017–2021). During his second tenure, he led the club to the Chinese Super League championship in 2019, along with strong runs in the AFC Champions League. His record at Evergrande stands out — 125 wins in 211 matches, making him one of the most successful foreign coaches in Chinese football history.

  Beyond China, Cannavaro also had brief stints with Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, Benevento in Serie B, Udinese in Serie A, and Dinamo Zagreb.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images
  

  Uzbekistan all set for 2026 World Cup

  Cannavaro’s appointment marks a bold new chapter for Uzbekistan as they prepare for their historic first-ever World Cup appearance. The Italian’s experience and winning mentality are seen as vital to guiding the nation on football’s grandest stage. Uzbekistan will kick off their World Cup journey in June 2026.

After Wolverhampton Wanderers rejected their opening bid to sign Jorgen Strand Larsen, Newcastle United have now reportedly been offered the chance to sign a different Scandinavian star.

Newcastle's striker search rumbles on as Larsen move stalls

From the very start of the transfer window, Newcastle have been on the hunt for a striker. It’s a search that started with Joao Pedro and Bryan Mbeumo, who both chose Chelsea and Manchester United instead. The Magpies then turned to Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sekso, who rejected them in favour of Liverpool and Old Trafford once again.

Eddie Howe found Newcastle's new Isak vs Liverpool and it's not Osula

Newcastle lost to Liverpool, yet put in an incredible performance at St. James’ Park.

By
Angus Sinclair

Aug 26, 2025

Meanwhile, Yoane Wissa is now back in training with Brentford in another blow for the Magpies. The 29-year-old has done everything to force a move out of the West London club, but has not seen an offer arrive that matches his valuation in return. Now, it looks as though those at St James’ Park are turning their focus towards an alternative in Strand Larsen.

On that front, however, it’s so far been a familiar story for Newcastle amid reports that Wolves have rejected their opening offer worth £50m. And whilst they’re expected to submit an improved offer, there’s no denying that time is running out to satisfy Wolves’ demands.

As an alternative to Wissa, Strand Larsen would certainly make sense. The powerful striker enjoyed an excellent debut campaign in the Premier League last time out – scoring 14 goals – and is still a player full of potential.

Once again, however, there remain question marks over Newcastle’s willingness to match the price tag that has been set and there are still other options that they could turn to this week.

Newcastle offered chance to sign Harder

According to The Boot Room’s Graeme Bailey, Newcastle have now been offered the chance to sign Conrad Harder from Sporting CP this month.

The forward has been the subject of interest from AC Milan, who are reportedly working on a deal to secure his signature following the collapse of Victor Boniface’s move. But the door is still seemingly ajar for Newcastle to swoop in after receiving contact from intermediaries about a potential deal.

Bailey told TBR: “Intermediaries have made contact with Newcastle to inform them of the availability of Harder. We understand that Harder is a player that Newcastle have previously scouted. Newcastle are in the market for two new strikers before the window closes.”

Dubbed a “complete” forward by scout Jacek Kulig, Harder is full of potential at just 20 years old and coming off the back of a promising season at Sporting. With a deal seemingly there to be done for around £20m and not his £69m release clause too, Newcastle could land an absolute bargain.

Manchester United have massively struggled to find the back of the net over the last couple of years, which has massively held the side back in the Premier League.

The Red Devils have spent hundreds of millions of pounds on numerous attackers under multiple managers, but largely to no avail, as seen by their measly goal tally from 2024/25.

Ruben Amorim’s men only notched a total of 44 league goals last campaign, with two centre forwards, Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund, only netting seven goals combined.

The latter has rapidly fallen down the manager’s plans, leaving on a season-long loan to join Serie A side Napoli during the off-season, with such a deal having an option to buy in the summer of 2026.

In an attempt to improve the current first-team squad, many of the fanbase will have been craving a move for one talent who set England’s top-flight alight in recent years.

Alexander Isak’s form against Manchester United

Alexander Isak has been one of the Premier League’s leading attackers over the last couple of years, often being a player to be feared when coming up against the Magpies.

The Swede has registered 54 league goals in his three years in England, ending last year on 23 goals, sitting second in the goalscoring charts as he helped the Magpies secure Champions League qualification.

He is unbeaten in 63% of his matches against the Red Devils, scoring a header in the clash at Old Trafford as Eddie Howe’s side claimed a 2-0 win back in December.

Isak stated his desire to leave St James’ Park this summer, subsequently joining United’s rivals Liverpool in an English record £125m transfer on deadline day.

Such a move has massively strengthened Arne Slot’s side for the 2025/26 campaign, which could inflict more pain in the Derby matches for Amorim’s men in the near future.

The prospect of the Swede linking up with the likes of Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitiké is a dangerous one for the rest of England’s top-flight, with such a trio making the Reds favourites to retain their league title.

However, despite the business conducted elsewhere, the Red Devils have also landed numerous top-quality talents who could also make themselves fan favourites at the Theatre of Dreams.

Man United's Isak-level signing

In an attempt to avoid a repeat of 2024/25, the United hierarchy splashed £200m on three new attackers during the summer to inject the needed added quality to the frontline.

Matheus Cunha was the first to make the move, joining in a £62.5m transfer from Wolverhampton Wanderers after scoring 15 times in England’s top-flight last campaign.

The Brazilian has been joined by Benjamin Sesko in the final third, costing a fee in the region of £74m from Bundesliga side RB Leipzig – filling the void left by Hojlund’s departure.

The third and final player added to the attacking department was Bryan Mbeumo, with the Cameroonian arriving from English outfit Brentford as an “unplayable” star in the words of Thomas Frank.

His addition set the club back £71m, including add-ons – a mammoth sum of money, but one that could prove worthwhile after he scored 20 times in the top-flight last time around.

The 26-year-old was one of just five players in the division to achieve a total of 20 goals or more in the Premier League – highlighting the talent the club have on their books at present.

Such a move is similar to that of Isak to Liverpool this summer, with both players falling into the aforementioned bracket for goals scored in 2024/25.

Both players will be hoping to repeat similar feats at their new clubs this campaign, but for the Red Devils’ sake – they will hope Mbeumo can add further goals to add to his dominance over the Swede.

When comparing the pair’s respective stats in the league from 2024/25, Mbeumo managed to better Isak in numerous areas, subsequently highlighting the excellent addition made by Amorim and Co.

The Cameroonian, who’s been labelled “world-class” by Statman Dave, posted a better shot on target accuracy rate (44%) and a higher goal per shot on target rate (0.5).

Such numbers highlight the clinical edge he possesses within the final third, arguably making him a more threatening option than the English-record signing.

He also completed more of the take-ons he attempted (47%) whilst carrying the ball into the opposition’s box per 90 (2.1) – further highlighting his talent when in possession.

If he can replicate such numbers during his time at Old Trafford, Mbeumo may have all the tools to help the Red Devils return to their former glory in the near future.

It remains to be seen if he can once again outperform Isak in 2025/26, but if he does, his £71m transfer fee may be a bargain – especially if he can lead the side to any form of silverware.

Worth more than Baleba: Man Utd have struck gold on "generational" talent

Manchester United already have a big-money talent on their books despite missing out on Carlos Baleba.

2

By
Ethan Lamb

Sep 10, 2025

As anticipation builds for the season’s first Clasico, Barcelona’s young defensive prodigy Pau Cubarsi has claimed that Kylian Mbappe is “harder to stop” than Jude Bellingham, praising the Frenchman’s blistering pace and lethal finishing. With Real Madrid sitting top of the table with 21 points and Barca just two behind, the Santiago Bernabeu clash promises to be a defining early chapter in La Liga's title race.

• Cubarsi sets the stage for upcoming Clasico

  Madrid currently lead La Liga with 21 points from eight matches with the October 26 Clasico clash approaching, while reigning champions Barca sit in second with 19 points after their heavy 4-1 loss to Sevilla. In this charged atmosphere, young centre-back Cubarsi has spoken up, warning that the threat up front is different this season, claiming Mbappe is harder to handle than Bellingham and suggesting that stopping the French forward will require more than usual.

Advertisement

• AFP
  

  Cubarsi explains why Mbappe's unpredictability sets him apart

  Cubarsi believes Mbappe’s dynamic playstyle gives him an edge. He highlights how the French forward can appear in unexpected spots- either out wide, drifting inside from the wings, or directly at your feet.

  In an interview with , the Barca defender explains why Mbappe is more dangerous than Bellingham: "Both are difficult, because Mbappe is very mobile, attacks spaces well, and is very fast. You don't expect Bellingham because he comes from deep, from the second line. But I think Mbappe, because he's fast, finishes with his first touch and can score."

• Barcelona need to fix defensive issues

  Barca have been criticised for defensive lapses and lack of intensity, seen most recently in Sevilla, where they conceded four goals. Cubarsi has flagged these issues, said the team needs better pressing from the front, and emphasised that every player, forward as well as back, has to contribute. Los Blancos, by contrast, seem more settled under Xabi Alonso, with a coherence in style and fewer vulnerabilities.

  Mbappe will hope to capitalise on the issues plaguing Hansi Flick's team, especially as he has an impressive record against the Catalan club, having scored 11 goals in eight matches. He is flying this season, too, with 14 goals in 10 games so far, while Bellingham is on the hunt for his first of the campaign.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• AFP
  

  Injury concerns ahead of the Clasico

  Barca enter the clash weakened with Lamine Yamal sidelined due to a groin injury and in a race against time to be fit for the trip to the Spanish capital. Raphinha, Joan Garcia and Fermin Lopez are also missing out.

  For Madrid, meanwhile, Dani Carvajal is out for around a month with a calf injury and Trent Alexander-Arnold is also sidelined with a biceps femoris injury. To mitigate these losses, Madrid may rely on younger backs or deploy versatile midfielders like Federico Valverde into defensive roles. With both sides battered by injuries, the Clasico showdown will test both side's resilience and define their title campaign.

Chelsea posted a horrendous stat in a lucky first-half escape against a struggling Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Saturday afternoon. Premier League action resumed this weekend following the international break, and the Blues travelled to Forest for the opening fixture of matchday eight. It should have been smooth sailing for Enzo Maresca's troops against the Tricky Trees, given their recent form, but the visitors were taken by surprise with the intent and purpose of their hosts in the first period.

• A bright start from Forest catch Chelsea off-guard

  Ange Postecoglou's men got out of the blocks like a side possessed. They looked smooth in transition, attacked with purpose, and the sack calls from the Forest faithful were kept in the drawer. Elliot Anderson was calling the shots in midfield, and the hosts had 66.4% possession for the final 15 minutes in the first half. However, all that amounted to nothing as both teams went into the dressing room with the scoreline unchanged. However, Chelsea were certainly caught off guard as they kept chasing shadows for the entire first 45 minutes. In fact, according to , Chelsea had more errors (3) leading to shots in their box than any other Premier League match played this season. They were evidently missing their Ecuadorian talisman, Moises Caicedo, in midfield as Forest had little trouble finding spaces at the back. It was the first time that Caicedo has started on the bench since Christmas Eve 2023, a game against Wolves, which ended a stretch of 65 consecutive starts.

Advertisement

• GOAL
  

  Chelsea come storming back

  However, all that first-half fury ended with a whimper and a half-empty stadium. Maresca made three substitutions before the second half kicked off, and Chelsea were a different side. Marc Guiu, Caicedo and Jamie Gittens were introduced as Romeo Lavia, Andrey Santos, and Alejandro Garnacho made way. Within three minutes of restart, Chelsea drew first blood through promising young defender Josh Acheampong. Pedro Neto soon doubled the lead as he fired in a free-kick through the wall and Matz Sels was caught flat-footed. After the two goals went in, Forest owner, Evangelos Marinakis, believed that he had seen enough as he left is seat at the City Ground and did not come back until the final whistle. Chelsea skipper Reece James heaped more misery on the hosts by scoring a third in the 84th minute. Sack chants echoed around the stadium as furious fans flocked towards the exit. Forest had four points from their first three Premier League games under Nuno Espirito Santo, and the Australian manager has been able to add just one more after overseeing five. 

• Defiant Postecoglou wanted more time

  Postecoglou put on a defiant face in his pre-match press conference. He oozed confidence and defended his tactical acumen with gusto. 

  "I guess from my perspective I just don't fit, not here, just in general. If you look at things through the prism that I am a failed manager who is lucky to get this job, I know you're smirking at me, but that's what's been said, then of course these first five weeks looks like this guy is under pressure. But there is an alternative story," he said. 

  "I came to the Premier League two years ago and I took over at Tottenham, I was told by the chairman [Daniel Levy] that this club has to win a trophy. He said we've tried to bring winners in: Jose [Mourinho], Antonio Conte, and it hasn't worked. We need something different. I was slightly offended by that because I see myself as winner. I took over Spurs who finished eighth. Massive club, but no European football, and one that can't go two years without European football. We finished fifth in my first year and every time Harry Kane scores a goal [for Bayern after leaving Spurs] I go, 'I wish he stayed just one more year'. It would have been handy to have him after finishing fifth.

  "But somehow that [first] year has disappeared from the record books. It was even used as a reason for me losing my job because even Tottenham decided to exclude the first 10 games. Yet the first 10 games here [at Forest] are important apparently.

  "We win a trophy. We shed the tag of being 'Spursy'. [We get] Champions League football, which brings some rewards and the opportunity to bring greater players. But all I have heard since I finished at Tottenham is that we finished 17th last year. So if you look at it through the prism of finishing 17th, then I am a failed manager who is lucky to get another opportunity.

  "So yes we finished 17th. But if people think that's a reflection of me and my coaching then again, I think they are looking at it through the prism of I just don't fit. So we get to the current space [at Forest] where there is a different story to tell, that maybe I am not a failed manager who was lucky to get this job and instead maybe I am a manager who, if you give him time, the story always ends the same. At all my previous clubs, [it ends] with me and a trophy."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  End of the road for Postecoglou

  Postecoglou was greeted with deafening boos from the crowd at the final whistle. However, the manager still went up to the remaining handful of supporters and applauded them for staying there until the end of the horror show. The signs were ominous for the manager after 39 days, eight games, and zero wins and Marinakis leaving his seat with more than 20 minutes to play. And it was no surprise that Postecoglou was sacked minutes after full-time, with a new manager to take charge of Forest against Bournemouth on October 26.

Chelsea are now set to enter talks to sign a new midfielder, who Enzo Maresca believes would be a perfect fit in his system.

Blues looking to sign another midfielder

There is arguably a case to be made for Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo being the best midfield duo in the Premier League, with Reece James describing them as “phenomenal” and “up there with the best midfielders in the world” back in July.

While the Blues weren’t at the races at Old Trafford on Saturday, losing 2-1 against Manchester United after Robert Sanchez saw red in the fifth minute, Caicedo and Fernandez certainly didn’t let them down, with the former making five tackles, the highest number of any player.

As such, there is arguably little reason to spend big on another top midfielder, and the Blues have now identified a potentially cost-effective transfer target in the middle of the park, with Maresca personally a fan.

That is according to a report from Spain, which states Chelsea now plan to open talks over a deal for Mikel Jauregizar, in order to assess whether the Athletic Bilbao star would be willing to make a move to the Premier League.

At 21-years-old, the signing of Jauregizar would fit the model of signing young players, and the report makes it clear he would be a more affordable option than the likes of Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, who have previously been linked.

Maresca believes the Spaniard’s playing style would be ideal for his system, with the youngster’s vision, ball recovery and long-passing ability named as some of his key strengths.

As bad as Sanchez: Maresca must axe 4/10 Chelsea star who won just 2 duels

Chelsea endured an awful afternoon in the pouring rain at Manchester United.

By
Kelan Sarson

Sep 21, 2025

"Baller" Jauregizar could excel at Stamford Bridge

The central midfielder is held in very high regard by scout Ben Mattinson, who once described him as an “underrated baller”, and there are signs he could be a success at Stamford Bridge, having impressed for Athletic Bilbao.

One of the maestro’s key strengths is his ability to win back possession, placing in the 90th percentile for tackles per 90 over the past year, when compared to his positional peers, which suggests he could be a fantastic rotation option for Caicedo and Fernandez.

The starlet also has a keen eye for goal, as displayed at Old Trafford last season, finding the back of the net with a fantastic strike from distance in the Europa League.

The Blues are already well-stocked in the engine room, but given that Romeo Lavia can’t seem to put his injury problems behind him, it could make sense to bring in another option, and Jauregizar is showing promising signs at Athletic Bilbao.

That said, fans will be hoping the young Spaniard joining isn’t a sign Fernandez is on the move, with it recently being revealed Chelsea are willing to sell the midfielder on three conditions…

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank is dividing opinion among the Lilywhites fanbase so far, despite what’s been a solid start on paper, but the Dane is continuing his plans to slowly transform Spurs into a winning team.

Tottenham get out of jail in Champions League draw against Bodo/Glimt

Spurs were far from their best in Norway on Tuesday evening as Frank’s side snatched another draw against the run of play.

Bodo/Glimt dominated the ball with quick, sharp interplay and made life extremely difficult for the travelling Londoners, during what was a cold, dark and challenging night in the Arctic Circle.

A brace from Jens Hauge briefly handed the plucky home side a deserved 2-0 lead before Spurs’ star defender Micky van de Ven grabbed a goal back just two minutes later, with an own goal from Jostein Gundersen later stealing all three points from Bodo/Glimt.

The 2-2 draw was Tottenham’s third comeback of the campaign after their trip to Brighton on September 20, which ended by the same scoreline, and their dramatic 1-1 at home to Wolves last weekend.

The Lilywhites largely failed to convince with their overall display against last season’s Europa League semi-final opponents, but there is a case to be made that all the best sides in football are able to come away with results despite not playing to their full potential.

Frank’s side have displayed a real grit and resilience which was largely absent from Ange Postecoglou’s final season in charge, and a few of the tactician’s players hit impressive milestones against Bodo/Glimt.

Since the start of 2023/2024, no other Premier League defender has assisted more goals in all competitions than right-back Pedro Porro, with van de Ven also attracting high praise from Frank after his contribution.

Speaking after the game, Frank said that van de Ven has been promoted to the leadership group after being very impressed by the Netherlands international so far.

Van de Ven and Cristian Romero are two crucial cogs in Frank’s system, and despite signing Kevin Danso permanently in the summer, it is believed that Tottenham want to sign another back-up to the duo, as Radu Dragusin continues his slow comeback from an ACL injury.

Thomas Frank keen on signing Brentford defender Nathan Collins

As per journalist Graeme Bailey and TBR Football, Tottenham’s manager is personally keen on a reunion with Brentford defender Nathan Collins at N17.

The 24-year-old has become Bees captain after emerging as a stalwart in his 85 appearances for the club, with a lot of them coming under Frank, and Collins is believed to be “very high” on Spurs’ target list as they plan to sign a centre-half in January.

Tottenham apparently have a solid transfer budget for the winter window and Frank is a big fan of the Irishman as a potential mid-season signing, with Leeds United’s defender Pascal Struijk also on their agenda as an alternative.

Collins’ injury record last season was flawless — starting every single Premier League game under Frank and playing their most top flight minutes — all while averaging more blocks per 90 than any other Brentford player (WhoScored).

Frank has publicly praised Collins on numerous occasions too, and he, interestingly, once called him a “perfect” player in his Brentford set-up, so this could be one to watch.

Liverpool suffered another damaging defeat, soundly beaten 3-2 by Brentford on a woeful night for boss Arne Slot at the Gtech Stadium. Once again defensive frailties were exposed and key players failed to perform for the champions, the defeat means the Reds have slipped four points behind league leaders Arsenal in sixth place and have played a game more.

Liverpool were behind inside five minutes after Brentford’s long-ball routine did the damage once again, the ball was flicked on at the near post and Dango Ouattara fired home from six yards out. And on the stroke of half-time the Bees doubled their lead, courtesy of a defence-splitting pass from Mikkel Damsgaard which found Kevin Schade running from his own half to fire a cool finish past Giorgio Marmadashvili. 

But there was controversy in time added on after Milos Kerkez clawed a goal back for the Reds, which was scored in the 50th minute, when referee Simon Hooper had indicated there would be only a minimum of three to play. Hooper then failed to come out for the second-half after suffering a hamstring injury and was replaced by Tim Robinson. 

Brentford re-established their two goal cushion after Robinson initially called for a free-kick on the edge of the box, but VAR intervened after Virgil van Dijk’s challenge on Ouatarra was adjudged to have been on the line of the penalty area and Igor Thiago swept the penalty home. 

Mohamed Salah, had another poor game, but fired home a stunning goal very late in the game, but couldn't deny the Bees a deserved win which moves them up into tenth place in the Premier League. 

GOAL rates Liverpool's players from Gtech Community Stadium…

• AFP
  

  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Giorgio Mamardashvili (5/10):

  Standing in once again for the injured Alisson, he made a stunning save from Damsgaard late in the first half and could do nothing about either of Brentford goals in the first-half – or the penalty in the second. Still awaiting his first clean sheet for the Reds this season.

  Conor Bradley (5/10):

  Given the nod in place of the injured Jeremie Frimpong and provided his usual energy on the flank. And it was his dangerous cross which found its way through to Kerkez for Liverpool'sgoal in the first-half. Taken off on the hour. 

  Ibrahima Konate (4/10):

  Scored against Eintracht Frankfurt and was a commanding presence in central defence. But was well beaten for pace by Schade for Brentford's second goal. 

  Virgil van Dijk (5/10): 

  Pulled the squad together for a clear the air meeting after defeat by Man United and while he got the required reaction in Germany, this performance was as bad as anything the Reds have delivered all season. Will consider himself hard done by after conceding the penalty early in the second-half. 

  Milos Kerkez (5/10):

  Back in the starting XI and had a very lively first-half, he was booked for a clumsy challenge, but then fired Liverpool back into the match after netting from close range. Was also guilty of panicking at the back and looked shaky at times.
  

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Midfield

  Curtis Jones (5/10):

  Had his hands full all evening and spent all of it in defensive positions, trying to stem the flow of Brentford's attacks. Was taken off in the 70th minute with what looked like a knock – another injury Slot could really do without. 

  Dominik Szoboszlai (5/10):

  The midfielder was impactful midweek in the Champions League, but struggled to match Brentford's intensity. Showed some neat touches and never gave up running, but failed to make an major impact on the match. 

  Florian Wirtz (5/10):

  The big-money summer signing recently impressed with two assists in the Champions League win, but will be disappointed he didn't equalise from ten yards out, but fired agonisingly wide. Question marks remain as he failed to match the game's intensity and occassionaly looked like a passenger. 

• AFP
  

  Attack

  Mohamed Salah (5/10):

  After a week of high drama Salah returned to the starting line-up after being benched, hoping to end a dip in his usual prolific goalscoring form. But seemed to be tense in the early stages and lacking his usual composure. Was once again way of his imperious best and can't complain if he finds himself among the substitutes in the coming weeks. Took his goal fabulously well, but it was a consolation in the end. 

  Cody Gakpo (4/10):

  Was relatively subdued for most of the match, symptomatic of Liverpool's struggles at the Gtech, and in recent weeks. Was another player who'll need to take a long look at his performance and know he'll need to give more for the cause. 

  Hugo Ekitike (5/10): 

  Led the attack with Alexander Isak recovering from injury, he scored midweek against his former club but failed to make the most of his big chance in west London – which wasn't entirely his fault as Liverpool laboured to create chances for him. 

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• AFP
  

  Subs & Manager

  Alexis Mac Aliister (5/10):

  Was given half an hour to make an impact after watching his side struggle to create clear-cut chances, but wasn't able to influence the match in dangerous areas for the Reds. 

  Federico Chiesa (5/10):

  No significant impact after coming on with 30 minutes remaining. The bit-part player role doesn't seem to suit a player who thrives off confidence. 

  Andy Robertson (5/10):

  Brought on as Slot rang the changes, played high as Liverpool pressed for an equaliser. Will likely start the next match after the shaky performance from Kerkez.

  Rio Ngumoha (6/10):

  Brought on to replace the injured Jones in the 70th minute and was a real live wire, but no significant impact. 

  Joe Gomez (N/A):

  Brought on to replace Wirtz, so Szoboszlai could move up into midfield. Not on long enough to influence the match. 

  Arne Slot (4/10):

  Will be hugely disappointed with the performance, coming so soon after the commanding win in the Champions League. But this is now really worrying time for the Dutchman, too many of his key players look bereft of confidence and the porous defence needs immediate work. His in-try will be overflowing tomorrow morning.