Arsenal: £110k-p/w "General" Can Revive Title Bid Vs Man City

Arsenal have it all to do tonight, as they travel to Manchester City in the hopes they can pull off what would be a miracle.

Having led the way in the chase for the Premier League title, recent slip-ups have allowed Pep Guardiola's side to creep into the driving seat, with their clash at the Etihad expected to only extend that lead further. However, should Mikel Arteta pull off the unthinkable and claim victory, it would blow the title race wide open once again.

With just six games left for the Gunners, nothing less than six wins will be enough to topple the reigning champions.

As aforementioned, those three draws in their last three games have somewhat derailed a league campaign that had been largely faultless beforehand. The latter of the results, against West Ham United and Southampton, sting particularly so.

jorginho-arsenal-manchester-city-arteta-guardiola-premier-league

They should be sweeping aside these relegation-battling teams, yet perhaps a mentality issue is creating a barrier for this team that are admittedly inexperienced when it comes to such a venture.

In an effort to calm everyone down and reclaim some control in the engine room with Granit Xhaka's expected absence, perhaps Jorginho deserves a start given his pedigree and intangible qualities.

Will Jorginho start vs Manchester City?

Given Guardiola once tried to sign the Italian for his side, it is clear just how highly the Spaniard rates the 31-year-old.

Therefore, it will not be a big boost for the tactician to see that their usual Swiss maestro is a doubt given the strength of his replacement. Not only is the former Chelsea powerhouse a calm presence on the ball, but he has experience that few others in the travelling dressing room will boast given his stacked trophy cabinet with the Blues.

Having only moved to the Emirates in January, the "classy" conductor – as branded by journalist Dan George – has been reduced to more of a cameo role by Arteta despite a strong start.

Averaging just 65 minutes per game across the season, the £110k-per-week star retains two tackles per game and an 86% pass accuracy that outlines what he can bring to the table, via Sofascore. Screening a back four that has looked unstable of late could be crucial in quelling Erling Haaland, who everyone is likely petrified of facing Rob Holding.

Once dubbed a "midfield general" by talkSPORT commentator Ian Abrahams, Jorginho will have to use every ounce of his quality to ensure Arsenal gain a positive result on the road.

Winning this evening would really shake up what many now see as a foregone conclusion, but a loss would likely end all hopes of a first league title since 2004.

Tottenham Could Recapture Identity With Magic 4-4-2 Manager

Tottenham Hotspur need to get their next appointment right. For too long a club of their size has languished far away from the major honours, leading to widespread ridicule from rival fans. They should be fighting for silverware every season, yet far too often they find their campaign ended in January as they exit both cups.

However, one pitfall they cannot afford to fall into again is to hire someone to fulfil that sole purpose. Antonio Conte and Jose Mourinho were born winners and had done so at every club before joining the Lilywhites. It just feels like the foundations are not in place for such a consistent assault for trophies quite yet.

Therefore, Daniel Levy could perhaps divert his attention away from these ageing mercenaries whose best days are behind them, and instead opt for someone who can lead them into the future.

Whilst Mauricio Pochettino had done so in his early stint in north London, leading them up the Premier League table and into a Champions League final, his potential return would mark a similar blunder as their recent hires.

The Argentine has only struggled since his sacking, ultimately being given the boot by PSG too, and many could argue he too fits into that category of coaches whose best days are behind them.

Therefore, of the manager list that is ever-changing, Vincent Kompany should be the outstanding candidate for where they seek to go in the future.

How is Vincent Kompany's managerial philosophy?

Having already secured promotion with his Burnley side, the rapidity with which he turned the relegated Clarets around was astounding. Joining from Anderlecht, few knew how the Belgian would manage as the squad was purged upon their exit from the top division.

Chairman Alan Pace had admitted that there was a three-year plan in place for their promotion back, but the "magic" that his appointment has worked shocked even him.

Another issue that plagued him was the play style, which many thought they knew well: they will lump it long, feed off the second balls and look to dominate in the air.

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Kompany wasted no time in rewriting this script. Maintaining a 4-4-2 shape, much of the 37-year-old's philosophy was born through Pep Guardiola's tutelage. As what is essentially the antithesis to that aforementioned Burnley stereotype, suddenly short and sharp passes were exchanged to progress them up the Turf Moor field.

Patience is key for the former Manchester City defender, but a high press is even more imperative in maintaining a stranglehold on every game his teams partake in.

This enthralling style has seen them hit 91 points already in the Championship, having scored 78 times in 41 games and conceding just 30. They are both the top scorers and have conceded the least in the division.

With an identity crisis of sorts going on at Spurs, as the turgid and pragmatic football that promised trophies continues to falter, perhaps a return to the form of those early days under Pochettino could help them recapture what made the club so special.

However, they must do so without relying on relics of the past, and instead betting on the future to lead them to glory.

Chelsea Still Interested In Signing Alexis Mac Allister

Chelsea are still in the race to sign Brighton and Argentina midfielder Alexis Mac Allister this summer, according to a new transfer report.

Could Mac Allister leave this summer?

The Seagulls star has become something of a household name in recent times, having arrived at the Amex Stadium back in 2019 as more of an unknown. While he impressed last season, he has gone up another level this time around, proving to be one of his side's most important players.

Making up a strong midfield with the likes of Moises Caicedo and Pascal Gross, Mac Allister has started 25 of Brighton's Premier League games and scored eight goals along the way, as well as chipping in with one assist. Not only that, but he has also become a World Cup winner after Argentina's memorable success in Qatar late last year, in which he was an influential player, starting six of his country's seven matches.

Various recent rumours have suggested that Mac Allister could depart the Seagulls at the end of the season, however, a new challenge at a bigger club potentially appealing to him. Chelsea have been linked with a move for the 24-year-old, although they are far from alone in expressing an interest.

Alexis Mac Allister for Argentina

Are Chelsea still in the mix?

According to Football Insider, the Blues are "ready to rival" Liverpool and Manchester United for the signing of Mac Allister in the summer transfer window. It is believed that Brighton would consider accepting a £60m offer, with a potential "bidding war" in the offing.

The Argentine could be a really astute summer signing by Chelsea, at a time when they could do with freshening up their midfield, considering N'Golo Kante turns 32 later this year, while Mateo Kovacic turns 29. He could be an ideal foil for those around him, proving to be a strong link between midfield and attack, having often taken up more of a No.10 role for the Seagulls this season.

Mac Allister has scored eight times in the Premier League, highlighting his ability to contribute end product from the middle of the park, while Sergio Aguero has described him as "very intelligent" player. The fact that he was named the 47th best player in the world in a list compiled by The Guardian earlier this year further speaks volumes about his quality and Chelsea signing him over their rivals could prove to be a real coup for whoever is manager next season.

Everton’s £510-p/w Teen Could Replace Davies

It does appear that Everton could be in line for something of a mass exodus this summer, with a host of first-team players currently coming towards the end of their existing deals at Goodison Park.

Among those who could potentially depart on a free transfer is long-serving midfielder, Tom Davies, with the 24-year-old having become something of a peripheral figure at the club of late after initially rising up through the youth ranks.

While there have been claims that the Englishman could be offered an extension, The Athletic's Greg O'Keeffe revealed that the Liverpool-born dud may opt to refuse any potential new deal, having started just four Premier League games this season.

The 5 foot 11 man – who was the subject of interest from Glasgow Rangers back in January – had endured an injury-hit 2021/22 campaign after making just six top-flight appearances, with it perhaps time the £25k-per-week warrior seeks to revive his career elsewhere.

Manager Sean Dyche will still likely need to acquire a replacement for the former England U21 international, however, due to the lack of real depth in the centre of the park, albeit with it yet to be seen what budget the former Burnley boss will have amid the club's financial woes.

With that in mind, the 51-year-old may be better served turning to the academy set-up in order to find a successor to the departing Davies, with 18-year-old Jenson Metcalfe seemingly one such gem who could be a potential midfield star of the future.

Who is Jenson Metcalfe?

The teenager – who signed a new four-year deal with the Merseyside outfit back in September – is undoubtedly one of the most highly-rated assets that the club have on their books, having been hailed as a "good prospect" by journalist Patrick Boyland.

While the "talented" midfielder – as described by Boyland – has been limited to just six appearances at youth level this season after previously sustaining an ACL injury last year, the indication is that the Englishman could truly begin to thrive when back to full fitness.

The Wigan native has been with the Premier League side since joining at the age of five, with the club's official website hailing him as an 'energetic and technically-proficient central midfield player'.

Although the youngster is still waiting for a chance to shine in the first-team, the playmaker has previously scored four times and registered three assists in 31 games at U18 level, as well as making seven appearances for the U21s to date.

Everton midfielder Tom Davies

The promising gem has been earmarked as a player to keep an eye on in recent years after notably earning a place in the Guardian's Next Generation list in 2021, showcasing the top 20 young talents in the Premier League.

As journalist Andy Hunter noted at the time of that inclusion, the emerging starlet is a 'real competitor with an outstanding passing range', while going on to add that: 'Metcalfe can play off both feet, has impressive technical ability and is a dead-ball specialist. He can also score a variety of goals and intercepts or regains possession with fierce intensity.'

Those traits would likely be appealing to Dyche, with Metcalfe also describing himself as a "tempo-setter" as well as revealing his admiration for Spain and Barcelona icon, Sergio Busquets, due to the latter man being "so relaxed on the ball".

Evidently a player who likes to dictate proceedings but is also not afraid to shirk a challenge and get involved in an attacking sense, the £510-per-week sensation could well make Everton supporters forget all about that man Davies.

Tottenham: Director Could Now Be Tempted To Replace Paratici

Former Spurs employee Ramon Planes 'could be tempted by an offer from Tottenham Hotspur' amid all the noise surrounding Fabio Paratici.

Paratici ban extended worldwide

Earlier this week, Spurs and chairman Daniel Levy were hit with the major announcement by FIFA that Paratici's Italian footballing ban has been extended worldwide. The club chief's alleged involvement in former club Juventus' recent financial scandal resulted in him being slapped with a 30-month Serie A ban but FIFA's message has now confirmed that this applies to the Premier League as well.

This news deeply affects Paratici's role as Tottenham sporting director with the 50-year-old no longer able to negotiate transfer dealings or even get materially involved in Spurs' search for a new manager. The Lilywhites parted company with Antonio Conte earlier this week as the north Londoners begin their quest to hire a permanent replacement.

Cristian Stellini and assistant coach Ryan Mason have been placed in temporary charge until the end of this season but news of Paratici's extended worldwide ban has given chairman Daniel Levy yet another conundrum to solve.

As a result of the Paratici news, some reports have already suggested that Spurs could hire a replacement, with Spanish sources now sharing an update on this front.

Tottenham Hotspur director Fabio Paratici

According to the report from the continent, it is believed that Tottenham are 'closely following' former Barcelona sporting director Planes, with La Liga side Real Betis also targeting the 55-year-old. It is also claimed that Planes 'could be tempted by an offer from Tottenham Hotspur' with the English side listed as an 'option' for the chief. A man in demand, it is also not completely ruled out that Barca come back in for their ex-employee.

Should Tottenham hire Planes?

The experienced sporting director has worked for clubs across Spain and was even attracting interest from Newcastle back in 2021. Perhaps most interestingly, Planes also held a brief role as Tottenham's technical secretary from between 2014 and 2015 when Mauricio Pochettino was in charge.

Indeed, Planes could be a solid candidate to potentially succeed Paratici if Spurs go down that route, not least because the official is familiar with both Spurs and manager target Pochettino.

As shared by Guillem Balague, both men have also worked together before at Espanyol, so the pair could already have a considerable rapport from their jobs side-by-side in past seasons. He is one who may well be worth considering for Spurs and Levy.

Everton in race to sign Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund

Everton are reportedly in the race to sign Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund this summer.

The Lowdown: Hat-trick hero

On his first senior international start for Denmark on Thursday, Hojlund scored a remarkable hat-trick as he helped his team beat Finland 3-1 in their opening qualifier for EURO 2024.

He plays his club football with Atalanta in Italy, and has 10 goal contributions in 25 games in total over all competitions for them so far this season, after joining from Austrian side Sturm Graz, where he had scored nine times and produced three assists (Transfermarkt).

The Latest: Everton in race

As per Italian news outlet Tutto Atalanta, the Goodison Park outfit are in the race for Hojlund this summer, along with fellow Premier League rivals Newcastle United and Arsenal.

Unsurprisingly, he is also attracting interest from ‘half of Europe’, and any bidding war for him would have to start at between €40-45m (£35-40m).

The Verdict: Very unlikely

Unfortunately for the Merseyside club, it is very unlikely that they would be able to attract Hojlund this summer, especially if they are relegated from the Premier League.

Hailed as ‘scary quick’ by journalist Sacha Pisani, and a ‘beast’ by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, the six-foot-three Scandinavian is already drawing comparisons to Manchester City and Norway superstar Erling Haaland, while former Leeds United player Mike Grella has even gone as far as to claim that he can ‘do more’ than the Premier League’s current leading scorer.

Hojlund’s performance against Finland emphasised his all-round game, as as well as scoring a hat-trick, the Dane made two key passes and dribbles, and won three aerial duels (WhoScored).Nonetheless, the Toffees would do very well to beat what looks like a long list of teams waiting to pounce on his signature this summer.

Liverpool Have Andy Robertson Heir In £264k-rated Youngster

Liverpool have been unable to maintain their high standards this season and Jurgen Klopp will surely be looking ahead to the summer to find solutions.

The Reds are currently seven points adrift of a Champions League qualifying spot in sixth with just 12 games remaining to catch Tottenham Hotspur in fourth.

Indeed, if the club does not qualify for the prestigious European competition for the first time since the 2015/16 season which was the first under Klopp’s management it will put further pressure on FSG to rebuild.

Liverpool’s American owners are renowned for their tight spending and strict recruitment process, however, the spotlight will be shining brightly on them to get the squad set up for success once again.

It is one of the worst-kept secrets in football that Liverpool have made Jude Bellingham their top target with Matheus Nunes and Mason Mount also linked with a move to Anfield.

However, the supporters will be under no illusion that FSG will be spending like Chelsea or Manchester United this summer and are unlikely to sanction a complete overhaul when the transfer window reopens.

As a result, Klopp could repeat his success with Stefan Bajcetic by having a look at the fantastic youth academy set-up full of players dreaming of an opportunity to breakthrough into the senior team.

One player who has been capturing attention in recent months is Luke Chambers, a talented left-back who was sent out on loan to Kilmarnock to earn some much-needed first-team football.

Who is Luke Chambers?

The versatile academy star – who can play both left-back and centre-back – has been rising through the ranks of the youth system since he was six years old, signing a new contract to extend his stay in 2022.

Chambers also joined the first team pre-season tour in Thailand and Singapore alongside winning the U19 European Championship with England last summer.

The 18-year-old has tallied up 66 appearances, 13 goals and seven assists across the U18s, U19s and U21s before heading out on loan in Scotland this January.

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Over five appearances for Kilmarnock, the £264k-rated youngster has registered one assist and won 58% of his ground duels, as well as averaging 1.2 successful dribbles, and 1.2 key passes per game, proving he is truly in the Robertson-ilk.

His 1.8 tackles, one interception and 1.6 clearances outline him as a capable defender too, someone with immense consistency despite his age.

Indeed, Kilmarnock boss Derek McInnes has already lavished praise on the youngster for his impact during his debut:

“He was outstanding. He looks about 13 but he plays like a 30-year-old!

"He’s so mature, he’s so calm with his defending, his decision-making on the ball was very good, his choice of passes, his choice of crosses, none more so than for Danny’s goal and he’s fitted in brilliantly."

With that being said, the future is looking bright for Chambers if he continues to thrive and develop, particularly from an offensive point of view, he could ultimately become the heir to Andy Robertson on the left-hand side of the defence.

Everton: Demarai Gray backed to start v Chelsea

Everton podcaster and season ticket holder Jez Clein has called for Sean Dyche to start Demarai Gray in Everton's upcoming Premier League match.

What's going on with Everton's strikers?

Dominic Calvert-Lewin is still an injury doubt as the Englishman continues to struggle for fitness, whilst Neal Maupay has been disappointing in front of goal, scoring just once all season.

Ellis Simms was recalled from his loan at Sunderland in January, but is yet to make an impact as he has started just one Premier League game.

Meanwhile, Gray has scored four league goals this campaign, including a stunner away at Manchester City, but didn't start in any of his first four matches under Dyche.

Speaking on The All Together Now Everton podcast alongside journalists Greg O'Keeffe and Tony Scott, Clein claimed he would be surprised if Dyche was to make any changes to the win over Brentford, and that Gray has the skills to be able to cause Chelsea problems if he was to lead the line again.

He said: "I think what we've seen from Sean Dyche so far is that if he's happy with a squad, happy with the performance, he usually doesn't make too many changes, does he?

"I'll be really surprised if it wasn't the same again on Saturday. I know some people have talked about [whether] we go five at the back – no. Not the way it's working at the moment.

"Gray's got to start. He's earned that. He's not someone who's going to be away with the International break as well, so there's no reason why he can't run and run for 90 minutes and stretch the back four.

"We know what pace does in any level of the game. You need pace. You need that out-ball, and he's someone who's got the talent to hold it up as well; he's got decent feet.

"I wouldn't be disappointed if it's the same starting lineup again."

Can Gray keep Everton up?

Everton's lack of firepower, particularly compared to their relegation rivals, may be of some concern.

They have scored just 20 goals this season, the joint-lowest in the league alongside Southampton and Wolves, and the lack of a reliable striker could hold them back in what is a tight battle for survival.

Calvert-Lewin's fitness struggles have come at the worst possible time for The Toffees, but Gray has impressed in recent weeks, and if he is given a run of games through the middle, he could be the difference between staying up and going down.

He had the desired effect when Dyche entrusted him against Nottingham Forest recently, and a prolonged run up top while Calvert-Lewin reaches full fitness may give the ex-Leicester City ace the confidence to spur the Toffees towards safety.

Gray was once described as "unbelievable" by Rio Ferdinand, and has been a bright spark in an otherwise dismal season for the club.

Everton's lack of investment in a forward in the January window has meant that options are limited, but if Gray can start consistently performing, they may yet be able to cling onto their Premier League status for another season.

Chelsea formation change praised after win

Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has praised Chelsea’s switch to a three-at-the-back formation as they recorded their third victory in a row.

What has changed at Chelsea?

Graham Potter found himself under immense pressure following a dreadful run of results, but Chelsea have started to find their form, which has seemingly bought him more time in charge.

Ahead of their victory over Leeds United a week ago, Potter switched to a three-at-the-back formation, and the results have instantly improved, having played a 4-2-3-1 in their nightmare run.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Merson praised the decision, and claimed that Chelsea now look dangerous going forward.

He said (via Football Daily): “Chelsea look dangerous, look full of confidence, a completely different team to three or four weeks ago.

“Three at the back has made a difference. Chilwell gets forward, I thought Loftus-Cheek did very well. Kovacic is fit, he’s playing with Enzo Fernandez in midfield.

“They look a balanced team now. They look very balanced. They look quite solid.”

Should Potter stick with this formation?

Chelsea’s record under Potter this season has been poor, but there does appear to be a difference in results when playing with a back three compared to a back four.

They have lost 3 in 13 when fielding a three, compared to 6 in 16 with a back four, since Potter’s appointment in October.

Previous manager Thomas Tuchel would typically use a three-at-the-back formation, and perhaps the increased familiarity has helped the Chelsea squad in a season where there have been dramatic changes on and off the field.

Given the recent run of wins, Potter should stick with the formation and try and build some more cohesion within the squad to help climb back up the table.

BBC man rips into Doucoure for shocking Everton incident

Troy Deeney has ripped into his former teammate Abdoulaye Doucoure for his role in the second goal Everton conceded yesterday.

The Lowdown: Everton will be frustrated

While taking a point away at Nottingham Forest who haven’t lost at the City Ground since September should be deemed a positive result by Sean Dyche and the Evertonians, the manner of their collapse will be disappointing.

Everton did indeed take the lead twice yesterday which will have filled them with hope of picking up a huge three points against a relegation rival, but old tendencies foiled that idea.

There were errors for both goals from an Everton perspective with Jordan Pickford pushing Morgan Gibbs-White’s effort straight to Brennan Johnson and then Doucoure gave the ball way in his own half just seconds before Forest levelled things up.

The Latest: Doucoure cancels out all his good work

The Mali international put Everton ahead for this second time yesterday when he headed past Keylor Navas, but that was swiftly forgotten as he lazily gave up possession moments before Johnson got his second of the game, which Deeney was quick to highlight on Match of the Day 2.

He said: (44:55) “77 minutes, you’re 2-1 up away from home and this is perfect you’re in control. I played with Doucoure, he’s a lot better than this [giving the ball away] but he’ll be getting absolutely hammered for this.

“At this moment when you’re a player you’re thinking please don’t score and Brenan goes and sticks it into the top bin, so Dyche will be fuming.”

The Verdict: Dyche will be ruing individual errors

It’s been a mixed bag for Everton since Dyche was handed the job as he’s picked up seven points from seven games including two home wins that also resulted in clean sheets, but they’ve also shipped eight in their last games.

The fact that Everton didn’t really make Forest work for their goals as the first one was a tap-in from Johnson and the second one saw Doucoure hand the hosts the ball just a few yards out from Everton’s box will have Dyche fuming.

If Everton are to avoid the drop this season then they will certainly have to cut out individual errors as it is just allowing teams back into games far too easily and giving themselves a mountain to climb in every game.

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