Some Newcastle fans have taken to Twitter to pile the praise on Matty Longstaff, after the youngster scored the only goal of the game against Manchester United on what was his debut for the club.
The 19-year-old – starting alongside his brother Sean in midfield – ran the show against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men as the Magpies bounced back from their 5-0 loss to Leicester with a 1-0 win over United.
Longstaff – Matty, not Sean – had two shots, scoring with the one on target, while also recording one key pass against the Red Devils.
The teenager also recorded a tackle and two interceptions, while also hitting the bar with a fantastic swerving effort in the first-half from long range – it really was a dream debut for Longstaff.
Rightly so, the Newcastle fans on Twitter have been piling the praise on the Magpies academy graduate after the game.
Let’s take a look at some of the Twitter reaction…
Crystal Palace are having a cracking season thus far.
The Eagles are soaring as they sit in sixth place in the Premier League after eight matches, and there is a lot for the fans to be happy about.
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Despite their good form however, pundits aren’t keen to give them too much credit, as Bleacher Report listed them in their top three overperforming teams in Europe so far this season.
The panellists branded the Selhurst Park outfit as huge overachievers this term, discussing teams who are currently sitting in a “false position”.
According to the league table based on xG, Palace are actually three places higher than they should be.
Their overachieving may not last for much longer anyway, as their next five fixtures pit them against the five sides that are currently ahead of them in the league table.
It remains to be seen how many points Roy Hodgson’s side pick up over the next few weeks, but it looks as if their time in the top six could be over very soon as their fixture list looks as tough as can be.
In today’s Newcastle United roundup, we take a look at what news has been doing the rounds for the Magpies. 16-year-old Luke Matheson has been linked with the club after scoring at Old Trafford in the EFL Cup, there is a fresh takeover bid from Peter Kenyon, and Rafael Benitez has named the best players he signed for the club.
Kenyon launches fresh takeover bid
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Report: According to Sky Sports, Kenyon’s new American investment fund GACP Sports is trying to buy Newcastle for £300m which will be paid in installments over three years. A detailed 46-page brochure has been sent out to potential investors, explaining their plans for the club, states the report.
Verdict: No doubt this will be music to the ears of anyone who follows the Toon Army. For over a decade now, fans have been desperate to see the back of Mike Ashley, with the Sports Direct owner refusing to delve into the transfer market enough, and thus having played a huge role in the club being relegated twice during his reign.
Kenyon’s GACP Sports also owns French side Bordeaux, whilst the man himself has been chief executive of both Chelsea and Manchester United and clearly knows how to run a football club as a result.
As has been the case in previous bids from Kenyon, there needs to be a large sum which Ashley would fancy or it is unlikely he will sell the club. Indeed, in recent times Amanda Staveley’s PCP Partners, the Bin Zayed Group as well as Kenyon have all attempted to purchase the club, with Ashley turning down each offer.
It seems it is going to take a bid in excess of £350m, as Sky Sports reports, and Newcastle fans will be hoping and praying this comes sooner rather than later.
Benitez on his best signings for the club
Report: In a Q&A with The Athletic (as quoted by Shields Gazette), former Magpies boss Benitez revealed who were his best signings during his time at St James’ Park. The Spaniard was asked ‘who would you say was your best value signing at Newcastle (Fabian) Schar, (Florian) Lejeune, (Martin) Dubravka?’, although Benitez was quick to point out Solomon Rondon as a name he never forgot during his time in the North East.
He replied: “I agree the three of them are quite good signings for the money we paid. Also I would add Rondon was good value as a loan.”
Verdict: Dubravka has turned himself into one of the better goalkeepers in the Premier League over the last few years, keeping 17 clean sheets and making 139 saves in 56 appearances. Although the Slovakian has conceded 67 times, only five of them have come as ‘errors leading to a goal’, according to official statistics of the Premier League.
Schar is continuing to prove his importance for the club this season, averaging a 7.16 performance rating and playing a huge role in Newcastle conceding eight goals in six games – only Crystal Palace boasts better in the bottom half.
As for Rondon, he has linked up once again with Benitez, joining him at Dalian Yifang in China. During his time at Newcastle, however, the Venezuelan finished as the second top scorer for the club, bagging 11 goals and seven assists in 31 Premier League appearances.
Lejeune is currently out injured, but the Frenchman did average a 7.05 performance rating with the Magpies in his first season under Benitez.
Bruce keeping tabs on Matheson
Report: According to the Chronicle Live, Newcastle have been scouting the Rochdale teenager even before his heroics against Manchester United. It is reported that the Magpies have kept tabs on the defender ever since he made his first-team debut in the Checkatrade Trophy last year.
Verdict: 16-year-old Matheson has jumped into the limelight after scoring the equaliser in the Dale’s Carabao Cup tie at Old Trafford. The right-back has been involved heavily for the League One side so far, playing all three of the EFL Cup games until Rochdale were knocked out. Matheson has also played twice in the league for his boyhood club this season and has even stepped out for the England U17’s on one occasion.
It is always wise to keep tabs on the younger guys around because clubs can never know what youth teams are prizing away the best young talent in the country – sometimes it is not always the Premier League teams who acquire the best young products from around England.
If Newcastle were to sign Matheson, it would be highly doubtful he would see first-team action more than a handful of times in a year. Nevertheless, if his performance at Old Trafford is anything to go by, it is a good idea to keep an eye on his progress.
With a price tag of £54m, Naby Keita is currently the third most expensive player Liverpool have signed behind Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker.
However, the midfielder’s time at the Merseyside club has not been a particularly smooth ride as of yet, with many injury issues damaging his playing time with the Reds.
Since arriving from German club RB Leipzig back in the 2018 summer transfer window, Keita, who is currently earning a weekly wage of £120k-per-week according to Spotrac, has made a total of 82 appearances for the Reds across all competitions. During his time in Merseyside, he has managed to chip in with eight goals and four assists.
In terms of his transfer value, Transfermarkt had his market value listed at £58.5m back in December 2018 but since then, it has dropped dramatically. Now it stands at £28.8m, which proves how disappointing the majority of his time at Anfield has been. It also suggests that the decision to lure him to Liverpool was a poor one from Michael Edwards.
Moving forward, it seems as though the key to unlocking Keita’s potential and getting the best out of him is if he could stay fit for a consistent period of time and gets the chance to play to show why Liverpool chose to splash such a significant amount of cash to bring him to the club.
Until that happens, it seems unlikely, in our view that his market value will be getting anywhere near where it was when he originally left Leipzig to join Liverpool. However, everyone at the Merseyside club will undoubtedly be more concerned over his fitness and playing time rather than his market value.
Given how Liverpool currently have Thiago Alcantara and Harvey Elliott out injured, we feel that this is one of the times where they could do with having Keita fit and available consistently to give Klopp an extra option in midfield.
That, however, seems farfetched. A big reason behind his decrease in value is his fitness issues. Since moving to Englan,d the Guinea international has had 14 different spells on the sidelines, missing 54 matches as a consequence.
Looking ahead to the future, with the midfielder’s current contract at Liverpool set to expire in 2023, it would be intriguing to see whether the club would be willing to offer him a new deal. In our view, if he keeps missing games through injury, the club should consider letting him go if they can’t rely on him.
In other news: FSG currently face one of their biggest Liverpool dilemmas, they must act soon – opinion
Liverpool made it two wins from two in Group B on the Champions League, thrashing Porto 5-1 at the Estadio do Dragao on Tuesday evening.
Jurgen Klopp’s charges were back to their scintillating best against the Portuguese giants and raced into an early lead through Mohamed Salah after he tapped in a parried Curtis Jones effort.
Sadio Mane doubled Liverpool’s lead on the stroke of halftime before Salah got his second on the hour mark, putting the game to bed.
Mehdi Taremi’s header briefly gave the hosts a glimmer of hope but substitute Roberto Firmino added the fourth and fifth goals during an eye-catching display for the Reds.
Despite the standout performances of the forward line, it was arguably one of the Anfield outfit’s back four who had the most pleasing showing.
Left-back Andy Robertson was back to his best against Porto following a difficult start to the season, something that will have perhaps satisfied Klopp as much as the scoreline given his importance to the side.
The Scotland international continuously burst down the flanks, making overlapping and underlapping runs on either side of Mane and was almost rewarded for his efforts after 25 minutes, teeing up Diogo Jota, but the striker couldn’t apply the finishing touches.
Robertson then almost got himself on the scoresheet at the start of the second half after firing the ball across goal following Mane’s pass, although his effort was well saved by goalkeeper Diogo Costa.
He continued to terrorise the Porto right side for the rest of the evening, and his underlying numbers are further evidence of a satisfying night’s work for the tireless 27-year-old.
As per SofaScore, Robertson had a whopping 100 touches during the 90 minutes, achieved a passing accuracy of 89%, created one big chance and also made three key passes, highlighting his attacking efficiency with the ball at his feet.
However, the former Hull City ace was also just as impressive in a defensive capacity. He made three tackles, two interceptions and one clearance against Porto, capping off a magnificent night at both ends of the pitch.
Klopp will be hoping for more of the same from Robertson in the weeks to come, with reigning Premier League champions Manchester City next up for the Merseysiders.
And, in other news…Forget Salah: Liverpool maestro who won seven duels was Klopp’s real hero v Porto
Fulham have been dealt a big blow regarding the fitness of Fabio Carvalho ahead of their upcoming Championship clash.
What’s the latest?
In recent comments cited by West London Sport, Marco Silva revealed that the 19-year-old will once again be unavailable for selection this weekend, as the attacking midfielder is yet to recover from a toe injury picked up in the Cottagers’ 2-0 win over Hull City back in August.
Speaking about the former England under-18 international’s current condition, the manager said: “Fabio’s started running on the pitch; but it’s longer than I expected and wanted, to be honest. He took some steps back and we want to make sure he doesn’t step back again. We hope next week he can start working with the team.”
Silva will be gutted
Considering the fact that Fulham have now lost three of the four fixtures for which Carvalho has been sidelined, the teenager’s absence for the trip to Bristol City on Saturday is sure to have left Silva gutted.
Indeed, the 19-year-old had impressed over his five Championship appearances so far this season, with the £225k-rated man scoring three goals, registering one assist and creating two big chances for his teammates, as well as taking 2.4 shots and making 2.2 key passes per game (SofaScore).
These returns have seen the player who Silva himself dubbed a “quality” talent earn an average SofaScore match rating of 7.30, ranking him as the club’s joint-third best performer in the second tier of English football.
As such, the continued absence of the attacking midfielder is sure to dent the west Londoners’ chances of leaving Ashton Gate with all three points on Saturday, something which is evident from the club’s record without the youngster in the team so far this season.
In other news: Fulham edging closer to major financial boost on £70k-p/w ace, Silva will be buzzing
Elliot Lee revealed a key message that have been "ingrained" into the Wrexham player by their Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
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Wrexham earned promotion after 15 years
Lee proud to play a part in the journey
Hailed the Wrexham fans who love the club with their "lives"
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WHAT HAPPENED?
The Red Dragonsfinally got over the line and lifted the National League title in exceptional style following a record-breaking campaign in 2022-23 to seal promotion into the Football League for the first time since 2008. The fans invaded the pitch and the celebrations soon spilled over to the streets of Wrexham. McElhenney and Reynolds cried tears of joy as the Hollywood superstars were moved by the emotional scenes following the 3-1 win over Boreham Wood and Lee revealed how the co-owners and manager Phil Parkinson had always demanded to put the community first while on the pitch.
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WHAT LEE SAID
Speaking on the Men in Blazers podcast, Lee said: "I get goosebumps because we knew how much it meant to people. Yes, Ryan [Reynolds] and Rob [McElhenney] have been incredible and everyone knows how good they have been but it's also for the community and that is ingrained in us by the gaffer [Phil Parkinson] and Rob and Ryan as well. These people have been here before and they have been through so many bad times with the club and they still all come in their numbers.
"I remember on the bus parade seeing genuine tears of happiness and joy; we got to do that for people. That is a feeling I will take to the grave with me because that's something I am so proud of. It goes deeper than football, it's people's lives. This club is people's lives and I don't ever take that for granted when I go out on the pitch."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Lee revealed that Parkinson enticed him to sign for the club by assuring him that he would be "loved forever" by the passionate Wrexham fans if he helped them realise their dream of getting promoted.
"I remember when the manager called me the summer before I joined he said, 'Whoever takes this club out of the National League, you will be loved forever'," he said.
"I remember I felt that love straight after the final whistle [against Borehamwood], I was like, 'Wow, this is incredible'. We've brought joy to so many people. They pay their hard-earned money to come and watch us. After the ownership and everything that has gone on, just to bring better days back… the feeling at that Borehamwood game was incredible."
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WHAT NEXT?
Wrexham are vying for their second successive promotion and are just one point outside the automatic promotion spots in League Two. They will be back in action against Accrington Stanley on Saturday to avenge their earlier defeat when the two sides met in the reverse fixture.
Free-scoring Arsenal made Premier League history against Newcastle on Saturday as Mikel Arteta's men kept their title charge on track.
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Arsenal beat Newcastle 4-1
Four different scorers for the Gunners
Sets goal-scoring record in top-flight
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WHAT HAPPENED?
The Gunners looked unstoppable against a depleted Newcastle side as they marched to a 4-1 win over the Magpies on Saturday evening at Emirates. A Sven Botman own goal handed them the lead which was quickly doubled by Kai Havertz in the 24th minute. Bukayo Saka and Jakub Kiwior found the net in quick succession after the break which helped them become the first team in Premier League history to score two or more goals in seven consecutive halves of football.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Arteta's men have been playing scintillating football since the turn of the year and the victory over Newcastle was their sixth league win on the bounce – a club record which further highlights their dominance in the English top flight. Although injuries have been a constant menace for the Gunners, they have shown time and again that they depend more on the collective than individual brilliance. In fact, they have 12 different goalscorers this campaign in the league which is a testimony to their incredible collaborative effort.
DID YOU KNOW?
Saka also carved out a piece of history after beating Loris Karius between the sticks as he became the first English player to score in five consecutive Premier League games for Arsenal since Ian Wright did in seven between September and November 1994.
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WHAT NEXT?
Arsenal are just two points behind leaders Liverpool in the standings and a single point separates them from second-placed Manchester City. They have hit top gear at the nick of time and would look to continue their winning streak when they face Sheffield United after a mini-break on March 4 at Bramall Lane.
Aston Villa youngster Aaron Ramsey has joined up with the England under-21s for their clash against Kosovo at Stadium MK Stadium on Tuesday, as championed by the club’s official Twitter channel.
Starting off the 2021/22 in blistering fashion for Villa’s under-23 side, the 18-year-old has registered four goal contributions in his first three games, with two goals and two assists [Transfermarkt].
He has now won a call-up to feature for the Young Lions for the first time, as relayed by Aston Villa on Twitter.
The fixture against Kosovo will be held in Stadium MK, home to League One outfit MK Dons, with the match kicking off at 7pm. Ramsey has been capped by his country up to under-18 level.
In light of this news, plenty of Aston Villa fans took to social media to rejoice at the teenager’s call-up to his country’s under-21 squad.
Aston Villa fans react
Replying to Aston Villa’s official Twitter account, here is what some fans had to say about the call-up for Ramsey, with one supporter describing it as “fantastic news”:
“Good luck Aaron, you’re going to smash it”
Credit: @LukeKing_
“Fantastic news, hope he smashes it! #UTV”
Credit: @rad_nauseam
“Go smash it hero”
Credit: @VillaVisionBen
“Serious baller”
Credit: @Con1996_Smith
“Aaron Ramsey is the future man, what a star”
Credit: @ComboedOfficial
“I don’t think people are gonna realise how impressive that is”
Credit: @AnonymousAVFC
In other news, a pundit drops his verdict on an Aston Villa summer transfer window pursuit. Find out more here.
Kylian Mbappe completed his hat-trick against Gibraltar on Saturday in some style, with a lob from long range bringing up 300 career goals.
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Mbappe scored ridiculous lob effort
Completed hat-trick on the night
Frenchman celebrates reaching 300 career goals
WHAT HAPPENED?
The France captain had already found the net twice as his side began an utter annihilation of their opponents – but he saved the best until last for his third strike. Spotting the goalkeeper off his line, Mbappe fired a shot mere yards from the halfway line, completing a fine hat-trick and reaching a staggering 300 career goals at just 24 years of age. The Paris Saint-Germain star is now third on France's all-time goalscoring list, too.
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THE BIG PICTURE
Mbappe is arguably the best player in the world right now but he is yet to pick up a Ballon d'Or, with 36-year-old Lionel Messi the latest winner of the award. The 24-year-old will be targeting those accolades in years to come and now he has brought up 300 career goals, he may have his sights on becoming one of the greatest goalscorers of all time.
Remarkably, Messi has 821 goals in his career, whereas 38-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo is on 865 so far. On top of individual achievements, Mbappe will be targeting the biggest trophies – either at PSG or another club in the future.
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WHAT'S NEXT?
Mbappe could line up for France in their final Euro 2024 qualifier on Tuesday against Greece before Paris Saint-Germain return to Ligue 1 action on Friday against Monaco.