All posts by n8rngtd.top

Marco Silva has recently been forced to stick his faith back into some of the senior players in the Everton camp in the hopes of getting some momentum going before the season comes to an end and one player who has certainly used the opportunity to show his worth as a club stalwart again is Seamus Coleman.

The right-back has been rolling back the years in the past few weeks that saw the Toffees claim impressive wins over Chelsea and West Ham United with Saturday’s victory at the London Stadium a very dominant display by Marco Silva’s men.

Coleman had a busy afternoon against the Hammers, mainly on attacking duties, especially in the first-half as Everton applied heaps of pressure on the flanks, which caused West Ham a lot of problems. How good is it to see him doing well again, Toffees fans? It’s been far too long.

The 30-year-old’s linkup play with Gylfi Sigurdsson and Richarlison was very impressive, which gave him the opportunity to square a pass to Bernard for Everton’s second goal of the match.

Indeed, during the Chelsea visit just before the international break, Coleman was more lively in defence and had to cope with the likes of Eden Hazard to keep the Blues out in what was a brilliant defensive showing by the whole Everton outfit.

The experience and wisdom of Coleman has clearly helped this Everton team get some rhythm together and remain calm in certain pressure moments of the match.

The ‘back-to-basics’ approach by Silva looks to have worked after what has been a very turbulent campaign so far for Everton.

Perhaps Seamus Coleman will need replacing in the not too distant future but, right now, the Republic of Ireland stalwart is certainly rolling back the years. In one of the most important positions in modern football, his recent renaissance only adds to his legend as one of the club’s best ever modern-day signings.

Everton fans, how impressed have you been with Seamus Coleman of late? Join the discussion by commenting below… 

Obviously, Leeds United let a golden opportunity slip to pick up points on the road and strengthen their grip in the second spot on the Championship table after going down to Birmingham City 1-0 at St Andrew’s on Saturday.

It’s never easy supporting the Whites, is it?

Despite only having one shot on goal in the whole match, the Yorkshire giants somehow wasted a number of good chances to find the back of the net and pick up the valuable three points with striker Patrick Bamford, in particular, squandering three proper chances right in front of the Birmingham goal.

The homeside played some delightful football throughout the match and scored a good goal through Che Adams but if Leeds were to play in the Premier League next season, either through automatic qualification or through the play-offs, then they can’t afford to miss sitter opportunities like that on Saturday.

The 25-year-old, who is valued at £5.4 million (by Transfermarkt), has done relatively well since slotting in at centre-forward in place of Kemar Roofe and has scored some excellent and important goals for the Yorkshire club.

Consistency is, however, needed from the former Chelsea player and he should make some improvement on his composure in-front of goal, while also trying to remain calm under pressure.

Leeds are now currently in third position on the league table after dropping points at Birmingham, while Sheffield United moved back up into second spot after their win at Preston over the weekend.

The Blades, however, also face Birmingham at St Andrew’s on Wednesday evening, while Leeds travel to Preston on Tuesday in what will be an excellent opportunity to make up for this past weekend’s defeat and increase the pressure on United to get maximum points at the Blues.

Manager Marcelo Bielsa will hope his main striker can try and deliver a better showing on Tuesday to get them back to winning ways.

If Bamford makes up for all the chances he missed over the weekend and continues to work hard until the end of the season, then there is no reason why Leeds should not play in the top-flight next season. Right now, however, the former Norwich ace is ruining all the hard work.

Leeds fans, how annoyed with Bamford are you? Join the discussion by commenting below… 

West Ham are braced for a massive summer transfer window this year, and rumours are already circulating as to who the Hammers can snap up.

From Maxi Gomez to Callum Wilson, Manuel Pellegrini and director of football Mario Husillos are preparing for a big window to push the club from mid-table normality to shaking up the top-six dominance in the Premier League.

One position the club are eager to improve this summer is right-back. With Pablo Zabaleta well into the twilight years of his career and Ryan Fredericks not cutting the grade at the club, finding a new starting fullback is on top of West Ham’s shopping list, and Liverpool man Nathaniel Clyne, who is valued at £13.5 million (by Transfermarkt), has been linked with a move to east London.

According to Goal, West Ham are interested in the defender, who is on-loan at Bournemouth, and that Liverpool will be willing to sell the England international for a fee of around £15 million.

With Clyne being a Premier League quality defender for the good part of seven years, the 28-year-old right-back would be a great option for West Ham this summer to pick up for a reasonable price, but his signing won’t solve everything for the Hammers.

An experienced defender who has hundreds of Premier League games under his belt is exactly what West Ham need for the next two or three seasons, a solid option who will provide the club consecutive performances and improvement at right-back, but in terms of the long-term effects, Clyne isn’t the answer.

As well as going in for Clyne, West Ham have to be actively looking for that right-back who can develop at the club and play as an understudy to the Liverpool man, as well as learn from players like Zabaleta if the Argentine decides to stay at the club.

Clyne would be a great summer signing for West Ham, but in the long-term, the club should be scouting and identifying that player who can hold down the position for years to come.

West Ham fans, will Clyne be a good signing for the club? Let us know!

Liverpool may be dominant now, but if Jurgen Klopp neglects his duty and fails to rebuild for the future then he could find his side slumbering to the depths from which he dragged them.

Developing youth is an essential part of the programme. It helps develop a clubs identity, excites fans to the prospect of ‘one of their own’ ‘making it’ and has countless financial benefits – be that through selling players or saving in the market.

Liverpool, at the moment, have a lot of young talent making waves in the game, the likes of Ryan Kent and Harry Wilson, for example, are turning heads at their respective loan sides.

Then there is Ki-Jana Hoever, Bobby Duncan, Rhian Brewster and Rafael Camacho kicking about in the youth system – waiting for their big opportunity.

For the latter, Rafael Camacho, however, ‘pending star’ status may be the only thing he achieves at Anfield.

He’s produced nine goals and eight assists in all competitions for the Under-23s this season.

Indeed, despite Camacho being handed a club debut in Liverpool’s ill-fated FA Cup tie against Wolverhampton Wanderers and a substitute appearance in the league, there appears to be no future in Merseyside for the Portugal under-20 winger, with contract negotiations reported to have stalled (as per Sky Sports).

To allow top class talent to so easily slip through the net is a major concern. If Liverpool are to win the Premier League this season, which is looking likely, Klopp will want to build on upon that success for years to come, but this simply will not be possible if he keeps throwing away his brightest young players.

Liverpool fans, should tying Rafael Camacho down to a new contract be your priority? Let us know in the comments below…

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Many Crystal Palace fans on Twitter have been drooling over summer 2018 arrival Vicente Guaita after his recent displays between the sticks for Roy Hodgson’s men.

This came after Palace’s official account on the social media platform posted a picture of the goalkeeper with a caption, following his latest excellent performance in Sunday’s shock Premier League win at Arsenal.

One supporter called him the club’s signing of the season in the comments, while another stated that he’s the heir to Julian Speroni’s throne at Selhurst Park and others proclaimed the 32-year-old as a “hero” and “God” – high praise indeed.

Having joined from La Liga club Getafe in his homeland, Guaita has played more Premier League matches than any other ‘keeper at the club this season and is currently the first-choice option ahead of Wayne Hennessey.

And the string of fine saves the Spaniard produced at the Emirates Stadium and in recent matches will be doing very little to change that.

Has this guy found the worst stadium in English football? Decide for yourself by watching the video below…

Below is a list of the best reactions from the Selhurst faithful to Crystal Palace’s Guaita Tweet…

Manuel Pellegrini pulled another rabbit out of his hat on Saturday, when his West Ham United team made history in becoming the first visiting team to win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The headlines were won by Michail Antonio and his bizarre celebration, yet it was Issa Diop’s heroics which surprisingly kept Spurs at bay.

Indeed, it was almost like the 22-year-old’s crowning moment in a West Ham United shirt. Granted, he didn’t have Harry Kane to face, but if recent results have proven anything, Son Heung-min or Lucas Moura are no lesser a threat. Diop proved to be ready for the challenge and proved why the Hammers shelled good money for him last summer.

The French defender was an absolute impenetrable rock at the back, hounding Spurs’ attackers and always averting disaster for West Ham. He made 8 clearances, 6 interceptions, 2 tackles and 11 ball recoveries (stats via Fotmob) in a stunning defensive display to earn the Hammers bragging rights in the London derby.

If his commanding display proved anything, Manuel Pellegrini should set-up his defence to Diop’s advantage next season. Certain defensive reinforcements, possibly in a right-back and another centre-back, are desperately required. Pellegrini should get players who can gel well with the Frenchman, who’s shown traits of a top-class defender all season long.

If the Hammers want to compete high up in the  Premier League next season, they need an uncompromising defence. Diop possesses the ability to be their general to thwart off danger, but requires quality around him to prove himself as a defensive leader.

A bargain at a reported £22m.

West Ham fans, do you think Diop can be the Hammers defensive leader next season? Join the discussion by commenting below…

[ad_pod ]Liverpool fans have taken to Twitter to slam Dejan Lovren, after the centre-back put in an unconvincing performance against Newcastle as the Reds scraped a last-gasp 3-2 win.The Croatian international’s last league start came in the 2-1 loss to Manchester City at the start of January, and he was inconceivably starting ahead of both Joel Matip – who has been superb in the second half of the season – and Joe Gomez.Chelsea fans were giving it large at Anfield on Sunday. Watch their afternoon get slowly ruined in the video below…Jurgen Klopp’s faith in Lovren was not repaid against the Magpies. The 29-year-old went walkabouts for Christian Atsu’s goal, and massively struggled to deal with the physical presence of Salomon Rondon throughout the match.The former Southampton man had a late Jamaal Lascelles own goal to thank for the Liverpool fanbase not blaming him solely for their title hopes collapsing, as some did after he performed badly in the aforementioned game against City.

Despite the win, loads of Reds supporters on Twitter have still slammed Lovren for making things harder than they needed to be…

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Sheffield Wednesday fans on Twitter have been reacting to Michael Hector’s post on Twitter after he was awarded the club’s Player of the Year award.

The Chelsea loanee has been a star at Hillsborough this season with the centre-back making 36 appearances for the Owls in the league.

The Yorkshire club have enjoyed a half decent campaign following a huge upturn in form after the appointment of Steve Bruce as manager.

Wednesday have narrowly missed out on the playoffs but they are in a strong position to make a real push for promotion this time next year.

If they are to aim for the top two in 2019/20, then one of their priorities this summer must be to sign the Jamaican.

Hector clearly has a soft spot for the club and the fanbase as he tweeted: “Thank you for the amazing support this season.”

His post sparked responses from many Wednesdayites, with the majority of fans congratulating him whilst others were asking him to stay at the club beyond his initial loan spell.

Check out the below above to see football played as you’ve never seen it before… in a maze!

Here’s what Wednesday fans have been saying on Twitter…

Make sure your back here next season. Oreyt. ?

— Dave Major (@DaveDavemajor00) May 1, 2019

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A total of 49 points from 37 matches has left West Ham United in 11th position in the Premier League ahead of their final fixture of the campaign.

The Hammers could finish as high as ninth, but that scenario would rely on them beating 10th-placed Watford this weekend and seeing Leicester City, who occupy ninth ahead of their clash with Chelsea, lose their last game.

It has been an up-and-down campaign for the capital outfit, but they have taken seven points from their last three Premier League matches – drawing with Leicester City before beating Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton in their last two.

And the London club’s fans have been on social media debating whether Manuel Pellegrini’s first campaign can be considered a success.

Whilst some believe that it has been a decent season considering the circumstances, others feel that it has been largely disappointing.

Pl>ymaker FC’s Matchday with Max caught up with Jamaica’s women’s team. See what happened when he met the history makers in the video below…

A selection of verdicts on Pellegrini’s maiden campaign from the Hammers faithful can be seen below:

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When Gareth Southgate took over the England job, he promised his reign would be far different to those before him; an emphasis on youth, a desire to play attacking football, and an insistence to look beyond reputation and select players based on form. 

Fast forward to 2019 and just two weeks before the Three Lions take on Netherlands in the Nations League semi-final, Harry Kane has been included in Southgate’s squad; the man likely to have been out of action for almost two months by the time the game comes around.

There’s no doubting that a fit and firing Kane would be the first name on the team-sheet. Indeed, there’s an argument to be made that he represents England’s one true world-class player.

But naming in his squad just reeks of the kind of thought-process and decision-making that ruined and plagued the senior side for the past two decades.

Choosing them because they had a ‘reputation’. Choosing them because they simply played for a top-six club. Choosing them because they didn’t have the bottle to trust the youngsters.

Make no mistake, the introduction of the Nations League has been a surprising success – greater fan turnout and a more competitive edge to the bland friendlies we’d all become accustomed to.

But, it isn’t the World Cup. Nor the European Championships.

Dress it up however you want, but were England to win the whole thing next month, don’t expect an open-top bus parade and millions of Three Lions fans to be lining up the street.

Instead, the tournament represents such an incredible opportunity for Southgate to place his faith in his young talent like he has done previously. The likes of Dele Alli and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have been injured under his watch, and Southgate has welcomely introduced James Ward-Prowse and Callum Hudson-Odoi.

So why then does the former U21 boss feel compelled to include Kane this time when all signs point to him being far short of match fitness?

Check out what the Pl>ymaker FC squad got up to at the Football Blogging Awards in the video below…

The Spurs striker has been the subject of great scrutiny in recent seasons for the sheer amount of games he’s had to play and the risk of potential burnout. All the responsibility usually gets pointed at the manager at the club level, but in this instance, Southgate perhaps needs to carry that burden on his back.

Leave Kane out, and trust a Callum Wilson. Leave Kane out, and trust a Raheem Sterling. Leave Kane out, and simply trust the rest of the team to fill the void.

Rushing him back for a Nations League semi-final just seems a little far-fetched; his ongoing ankle problems are beginning to be a cause for concern, and the last thing either England or Spurs need is for it be made worse by playing him in what is ultimately a B-grade competition.

Kane might be England’s captain. But it’s time someone else steps up to the plate.