All posts by h79snht.top

A few eyebrows were certainly raised when Danny Welbeck was included in Gareth Southgate’s latest England squad.

While the Arsenal forward’s goalscoring record at international level – 15 goals in 36 games – is tough to dispute, a whopping 18 English players have scored more times than him in the Premier League this season, including Glenn Murray, Troy Deeney and Callum Wilson who were all left out of the 27-man squad.

But Welbeck timed his defiance of critics perfectly on Thursday night, just hours after Southgate’s squad announcement, with a match-winning brace in the second leg of Arsenal’s Europa League clash against AC Milan to book the north London outfit a place in the quarter-finals – albeit under somewhat dubious circumstances having converted a penalty that he won himself with what replays confirmed to be the most exaggeration of falls to the floor.

Welbeck – who also impressed in the first leg – completed his brace in the closing stages, heading home a rebound from point-blank range. But more than just his goals though, the 27-year-old offered the Gunners a clear focal point in attack that allowed them to dominate the visitors for long periods; he tellingly won four aerial duels, created two chances and completed 81% of his passes, demonstrating his ability to bring others into the same in advantageous positions.

Of course, that side to Welbeck’s game has never been the concern. He’s always provided to energy, physicality and industriousness in the final third to help move the team up the pitch and create opportunities for others.

But when the former Manchester United youngster – who Transfermarkt value at £13.5million – adds goals to that kind of service too, it’s easy to see why Southgate has retained faith in him despite a modest season at domestic level, especially with Harry Kane absent for the coming friendlies against the Netherlands and Italy.

And it’s good news for Arsenal too. With Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang cup-tied, it will be down to Welbeck and Alexandre Lacazette – who is coming to the end of his injury spell – to find the goals in the Europa League that can secure the Gunners Champions League football for next season.

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So, Arsenal fans, who do you see as the club’s best strike option in Europe’s second-string tournament? Let us know by voting below…

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As reported by French outlet Le Dauphine Libere, the agent of Arsenal transfer target Nabil Fekir has opened the door on a potential exit from French club Lyon this summer.

What’s the story?

The upcoming transfer window is likely to be one of transition for the Gunners after another underwhelming season under Arsene Wenger. Whether the Frenchman is still in charge or not, fans are expecting the club to be busy in the transfer market, bringing talent to the club that can help them compete for major honours.

One player that could end up at the Emirates is Lyon attacking midfielder Nabil Fekir.

He’s been linked with a move to Arsenal in recent months, and now his agent has spoken about his potential departure from the club, believing it’s something they will inevitably discuss with Lyon.

As quoted by Le Dauphine Libere, Jean-Pierre Bernes said:

If at the end of the season, and this is not the case today, there was a decision to be made, then we would sit down with President Aulas and we would find the right solution.

Respecting first and foremost Lyon. At home, we do not leave like a savage or after a showdown. Nabil is in a big French club if not the biggest.

You know very well that at some point, we may be able to ask questions about a departure. The decision will be taken in all intelligence, as professionals, and especially in the interests of all parties.

It certainly sounds as if he and his client will be seeking bigger and better things than Lyon in the future, even if they are not willing to hold the Ligue 1 club to ransom.

Is he the right fit for Arsenal?

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How good is he?

Rated at £45m by Transfermarkt, Fekir has been a sensation for the French side this season, scoring an incredible 21 goals in all competitions from attacking midfield, also creating six assists.

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That kind of contribution could revitalise the Arsenal front four, with his clinical nature likely enhanced further by creative talents like Henrik Mkhitaryan and Mesut Ozil.

As good as that duo are behind strikers, they are more focused on creating rather than finishing moves off and adding a ruthless goalscorer to attacking midfielder could be a game changer for the Gunners.

At just 24 years of age, he has enormous potential and Arsenal should ensure they are the front of the queue to sign him when he does decide it’s time to leave Lyon.

Newcastle fans are lauding Rafael Benitez again, as one important statistic shows exactly why he set up so negatively against the big boys this season.

It’s been a common criticism of bottom half teams in recent years. All too often they play the “big six” and set up with eleven men behind the ball, just waiting for the final whistle to blow with the score at 0-0.

Rafa Benitez seemed to come under particularly intense criticism this season, especially in the Magpies’ narrow defeats to Manchester City and Liverpool.

Newcastle are having the last laugh now though, as they have the best goal difference in the bottom half of the table, which could have proved vital to survival had results not gone their way in recent weeks.

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The difference between many other managers and Benitez is they often don’t make any effort to win the match, whereas Benitez clearly has a deliberate plan to steal three points – make 75 minutes as boring as possible, then make a game of it in the last 15 minutes.

This approach was particularly evident in the 1-0 loss to Manchester City in December, when Newcastle could have easily grabbed a goal or two in the closing stages.

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Benitez was heavily criticised for setting up so negatively in that match, and now the Toon Army are enjoying saying “I told you so”, as Newcastle are the only team in the bottom half with a goal difference better than -10.

Some of the best Twitter reactions can be found below…

Southampton’s last two results have made relegation from the Premier League all the more likely.

Mark Hughes’s side were beaten 3-2 by both Arsenal and Chelsea, which has left them five points from safety with as many games left to play.

The style of football under Hughes has been more positive than that implemented by Mauricio Pellegrino prior to the Argentine’s sacking.

However, time is running out for the Saints to pick up the points they need to retain their top-flight status.

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At the weekend, the game against Chelsea was frustrating for the coastal club at St Mary’s as they threw away a two-goal lead.

Not only that, but Chelsea’s Marcos Alonso seemingly got away with a stamp on Shane Long’s calf in the first half while the Blues were trailing.

Retrospective action has now been taken, with the FA charging the Spaniard with violent conduct.

If found guilty, the Chelsea man could be suspended for this Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final against Southampton.

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Even though that would be a positive outcome for the Saints, the majority of fans feel that the charge is meaningless.

Comment from discussion Chelsea’s Marcos Alonso charged by FA for tackle on Southampton’s Shane Long.Comment from discussion Chelsea’s Marcos Alonso charged by FA for tackle on Southampton’s Shane Long.Comment from discussion Chelsea’s Marcos Alonso charged by FA for tackle on Southampton’s Shane Long.Comment from discussion Chelsea’s Marcos Alonso charged by FA for tackle on Southampton’s Shane Long.Comment from discussion Chelsea’s Marcos Alonso charged by FA for tackle on Southampton’s Shane Long.Comment from discussion Chelsea’s Marcos Alonso charged by FA for tackle on Southampton’s Shane Long.Comment from discussion Chelsea’s Marcos Alonso charged by FA for tackle on Southampton’s Shane Long.

This week will be crucial for Southampton as they take on Leicester City on Thursday night and then Chelsea at Wembley three days later.

Many fans and pundits alike have waxed lyrical about Liverpool’s attacking flare this season.

It is hard not to be mesmerised by the fluidity and skill of Jurgen Klopp’s trio of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane.

The group have scored 81 goals between them in all competitions, with Salah leading the charge on 40.

The attacking side of Liverpool’s game has rarely been a problem; it is the defence that has raised alarm bells at times this season.

Since Virgil van Dijk arrived from Southampton in January, the back line has improved, but question marks remain over the goalkeeping situation.

At the moment, Loris Karius is number one, and has been since the turn of the year when Klopp opted to drop Simon Mignolet down the pecking order.

The German has put in some solid displays in between the sticks, and has won over plenty of supporters as a result, but rumours are still rumbling about the club potentially recruiting a new keeper in the summer.

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A recent report by Mundo Deportivo claimed that the Merseyside outfit are keeping tabs on Barcelona’s second-string shot-stopper Jasper Cillessen, while Roma’s Alisson has regularly been mentioned in the transfer gossip columns.

With that in mind, do you think that Klopp should stick with what he has or bring in a new face for next season? Let us know by voting below…

Southampton have had a miserable season and are in danger of dropping into the Championship.

As it stands, Mark Hughes and his men are in the bottom three alongside Stoke City and West Bromwich Albion.

The club are four points adrift of safety with as many games left to play, and they are due to face Bournemouth, Everton, Swansea City and Manchester City.

The club have not tasted league victory since February when they earned a 3-2 triumph over West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns.

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Most supporters are resigned to the likelihood of life in the Championship next season, and their dismal status has led to some fans looking back on past teams.

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Over the years, the coastal club have sold a number of first-team stars, including Adam Lallana, Morgan Schneiderlin, Nathaniel Clyne, Luke Shaw, Sadio Mane and Virgil van Dijk.

On Reddit, Southampton fans discussed past teams, wishing that they had some of those figures to save them from relegation.

Comment from discussion I miss these guys..Comment from discussion I miss these guys..Comment from discussion I miss these guys..Comment from discussion I miss these guys..Comment from discussion I miss these guys..Comment from discussion I miss these guys..Comment from discussion I miss these guys..

According to ESPN FC, Javier Hernandez is preparing to leave West Ham United at the end of the season following a disappointing 2017-18 campaign.

What’s the story?

West Ham beat a number of clubs to Hernandez’s signature last summer, with the Mexican moving to the London Stadium off the back of scoring 39 times in two seasons at Bayer Leverkusen.

The striker managed 37 Premier League goals during his time at Manchester United, and it would be fair to say that the West Ham fans were excited about his arrival.

Hernandez has found it difficult to hold down a regular spot this term, however, and according to ESPN FC, he will seek a move away from the club in this summer’s transfer window.

There will certainly not be a shortage of interest in the former Real Madrid striker, who has a record of 49 goals in 100 appearances for the Mexico national team.

Should West Ham fight to keep him?

Hernandez has actually scored eight times in 28 Premier League appearances for West Ham this season, which is far from a disastrous record. When considering that the forward has struggled for starts, his total of goals is not too bad at all.

The West Ham fans would not have been pleased to see the 29-year-old walking around the pitch, however, when he came off the bench against Manchester City on Sunday afternoon.

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There is no question that Hernandez, who is valued at £16.2m by transfermarkt.co.uk, is an excellent goalscorer, but his face just does not seem to fit at West Ham, which is a surprise when considering how popular he was at United.

Hernandez actively looked to leave the Hammers in January before ultimately remaining at the club, but it would be best for both parties if they were to part ways at the end of the season.

As reported by The Sun, Tottenham Hotspur are one of the teams interested in signing Norwich City midfielder James Maddison this summer.

What’s the story?

Spurs will need a strong transfer window if they’re to continue progressing under Mauricio Pochettino and possibly challenge for the Premier League title next season.

While signing established talent should be a big priority, it’s also important for the club to secure the future of younger players who have yet to make their mark at the elite level.

One such player is James Maddison.

The Sun report that Tottenham are one of six Premier League sides chasing his signature this summer after a recent injury proved to be less severe than first feared.

The paper say he could cost as much as £25m.

Should Tottenham go all out to sign him?

It’s difficult enough to step up from the Championship to the Premier League, never mind moving to that next level at one of the division’s top six sides, so wherever Maddison ends up, he’ll have plenty of learning to do.

His season in the second-tier has been absolutely stunning, so he has as much chance as any young midfielder in the country to perform consistently for a side like Spurs.

With 15 goals and eight assists, he’s show he can contribute massively over the course of a long league seasons and appears ready to play against a higher standard of opposition.

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Can Tottenham offer him the first team football he needs? There’s a good chance given Pochettino’s faith in youth English talent previously and ending up at Spurs could well be the best thing for the player’s development in comparison to a side like Man City.

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It has been quite the breakthrough season for Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The 19-year-old will jet off to this summer’s World Cup with England after more than likely starting the Champions League final for Liverpool against Real Madrid, where he will be detailed with stopping Cristiano Ronaldo among others.

His progress has been staggering and he is well worth his Three Lions call-up but teenager has been exposed slightly intermittently throughout the season, notably against Marcus Rashford and Wilfried Zaha on the Reds’ trips to Manchester United and Crystal Palace respectively.

That’s why we asked you whether Jurgen Klopp should bring Nathaniel Clyne in from the cold for his added experience against the Spanish giants in Kiev, but the response has been resounding in support of Alexander-Arnold.

In this instance, going for the older man in Clyne would be the risk as 79 per cent of Reds supporters want to see the lad who is one of their own take to the field from the off as Liverpool go in pursuit of their sixth Champions League win.

Check out the full results of the poll below…

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According to Calciomercato, Newcastle United are interested in signing Juventus midfielder Stefano Sturaro during this summer’s transfer window.

Indeed, it is being reported that the Magpies have already approached Juventus to enquire whether the four-time international would be available this summer.

Sturaro, who has also previously been linked with Genoa and Valencia, made 19 appearances for his Italian club in all competitions during the 2017-18 campaign.

The 25-year-old has actually been with Juventus since 2014 – winning four Serie A titles and four Coppa Italia crowns with the Italian giants.

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The midfielder has largely struggled to hold down a regular position in Turin, however, and it is thought that he could leave the club in this summer’s transfer window.

Newcastle are the latest side to be linked with the Italian, and the English team’s supporters have been reacting to the transfer speculation.

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There are fans in favour of the deal occurring, but many are finding it difficult to believe.

A selection of the Twitter reaction can be seen below: