Tottenham Hotspur fans have been blown away by a new angle of Lucas Moura’s hat-trick goal against Ajax in the Champions League semi-final last season.Spurs came from behind to secure a miraculous victory in Amsterdam.
Having lost 1-0 in London, Spurs fell 2-0 behind in the semi-final, but a second-half treble from the Brazilian gave Mauricio Pochettino’s men safe passage through to the final.
His third came in the final minute of injury time, as Fernando Llorente knocked down a long Moussa Sissoko ball forward. Dele Alli then flicked the ball through to Lucas, who sent a first-time effort into the bottom corner, sparking wild scenes on the pitch.
The new angle shows the extent of Spurs’ celebrations – as well as Ajax’s despair – as a number of players mobbed Lucas, including goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, while manager Mauricio Pochettino sprinted onto the pitch to hug left-back Ben Davies.
And fans have expressed their joy at seeing the new angle, filmed from high in the rafters in the Netherlands.
Many Leeds United fans have reacted to a tweet from journalist Phil Hay on the decision to turn the South Stand of Elland Road into a home end.
With football at a standstill due to the recent pandemic, football fans have been engaging with each other via social media, and journalists have also been discussing various club topics.
Hay, who is a Leeds United writer for The Athletic, is the latest to engage with fans, discussing the atmosphere at Elland Road, complimenting the club on the decision to change the South Stand from an away section back to a home section.
The South Stand sits 1,710 fans, and away fans will now be moving to an area of the West Stand.
Leeds sit first in the Championship and are on the verge of a return to the Premier League after 16 years away from England’s top flight (BBC Sport). Marcelo Bielsa’s side have been excellent this term, bouncing back after losing in the play-off semi-final last season to Derby County.
Reacting to Hay’s tweet, fans gave their opinion on the atmosphere at Elland Road:
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Everton fans on Twitter were left surprised by Marco Silva after he opted to mix up his formation for the clash with Tottenham Hotspur.
The former Hull City boss opted to change from a 4-2-3-1 formation to a 4-3-3, and while fans were likely to be happy with the change of tactic they didn’t seem too willing to praise Silva for making the alteration.
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Indeed, some fans asked if he was feeling ok, while others simply couldn’t believe it.
This just shows how low his stock is amongst supporters at the moment, with plenty of the Toffees faithful left stunned by the fact he was willing to mix up his tactical approach.
It remains to be seen whether or not this formation is here to stay or if it works in the long term, but there were signs against Spurs that it’s one worth pursuing.
The hosts didn’t manage to claim all three points despite fleeting signs of improvement throughout proceedings, and the pressure continues to mount on Silva as a result.
Here’s what the Goodison Park faithful have been saying on Twitter…
According to The Daily Mail, Crystal Palace have entered talks with Roy Hodgson over a new contract.
The former England manager’s current terms at Selhurst Park are set to expire at the end of the season, and talks are underway over an extension which would see Hodgson reach his 73rd birthday while in charge of the south Londoners.
Hodgson surpassed Bobby Robson’s record as the Premier League’s oldest ever manager back in February, and Palace chairman Steve Parish revealed to The Daily Mail that he wants the former Liverpool manager to stay on at the club.
The Eagles have fared quite well since Hodgson replaced Frank de Boer back in September 2017, helping keep the club in the top-flight after their awful start under the Dutchman, before overseeing the south Londoners’ best-ever Premier League points total from a 38-game campaign in 2018/19 – Palace finished with 49 points.
So, is Parish making the right decision in entering contract talks with Hodgson?
Billy Meyers
“I think there is more to this decision than meets the eye. Parish is keen to focus on revamping Palace’s academy with plans to pump £15m-£20m into doing just that, while the Eagles chief also has the £100m redevelopment of Selhurst Park on his mind – both of those projects will be expensive, and the money earned from Premier League survival will surely be crucial.
“In that respect, there is nothing more important than having someone in charge who can keep Palace in the top-flight, something that Hodgson has proven to be well capable of doing – because of this, a new contract for the 72-year-old is the right decision, for now.”
Kealan Hughes
“The club is arguably the most stable it has been at any point since getting back into the Premier League in 2013, and Hodgson is doing a good job on limited resources.
“He gets the best out of the players at his disposal and that is crucial at a club like Crystal Palace. With Hodgson in charge they have the chance to lay the foundations to progress, and despite lacking in certain areas – with just 10 goals in 11 league games – there are signs that this could be a successful campaign.
“The club is right to extend his contract but they have to start preparing for life without Hodgson soon, and that means stepping up recruitment and increasing the appeal, so that they don’t end up with another unsuitable appointment like Frank de Boer.”
Charles Jones
“I think that Palace would be doing the right thing if they were to offer Hodgson a new deal. Despite being 72 years of age, the former England manager may be the best gaffer available to help the London club achieve their aspirations.
“All you have to do is look at the league table right now, and you’ll have your answer. Palace sit just two points off of fifth place, and they look like they could achieve a top half finish this term.
“His age shouldn’t get in the way of how well he’s doing, and Palace would be very smart to give their manager a new deal.”
VJ
“As the saying goes, age is just a number. And for Hodgson, that really is the case. The 72-year-old has been around the block multiple times, managing international teams like Switzerland and England, and taking charge of club sides like Fulham and Crystal Palace. His work with the latter in particular has been nothing short of remarkable, particularly given their lack of spending.
“In the summer transfer window, the Eagles paid just £6.84m for their new signings according to Transfermarkt. Despite having no big-money arrivals, Hodgson has steered the ship superbly, leading them to ninth in the Premier League after 11 games – above the likes of Manchester United and Tottenham. So whilst he may be getting on a bit, the former Three Lions boss has more than proven he is the man for the job at Selhurst Park.”
After an excellent summer transfer window, Aston Villa could end with the ultimate bang following their first approach to sign a Champions League winner for Unai Emery.
Aston Villa transfer news
The Villans instantly put their Champions League status to good use this summer, signing the likes of Amadou Onana and Ian Maatsen among several others to ease blows caused by the departures of Douglas Luiz and Moussa Diaby.
So far, Aston Villa have picked up where they left off last time out too, with a late win over West Ham United getting them going before an unfortunate defeat up against Arsenal despite a solid display full of guilt-edged chances.
That said, with a matter of days left until the transfer window slams shut, those in the Midlands could yet round off a summer to remember amid links to the likes of Raheem Sterling and another Premier League star.
Aston Villa could land dream signing for Rogers in move for £50k-p/w PL ace
The Villans have been touted with an interest in the impressive centre-forward this summer.
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Sterling would instantly replace Diaby and add crucial Champions League experience to Emery's side, but it remains to be seen whether they'll make their move for the Chelsea outcast. Instead, they've reportedly turned their attention to another top six player.
According to Rudy Galetti for TeamTalk, Aston Villa have approached Liverpool for the first time over signing Joe Gomez before Friday's deadline. The defender was reportedly left out of the Reds' squad to face Ipswich Town on the opening day amid his search for a move away for more game time.
Liverpool defender Joe Gomez
Back in Arne Slot's squad for their 2-0 victory over Brentford, however, that search may have already reached a conclusion for now. Of course, anything could still change in the final days of the window, and Gomez is someone who would thrive at Villa Park, but the current signs are pointing towards an Anfield stay for the 2019 Champions League winner.
Gomez may well be one to keep an eye on beyond this summer though, especially if links with a move to Aston Villa persist.
"Superb" Gomez would thrive under Emery
Gomez has simply become the victim of incredible quality within Liverpool's backline, with Virgil van Dijk forming quite the partnership with Ibrahima Konate and Jarell Quansah emerging to set course for Anfield stardom. Meanwhile, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson remain pivotal to the way the Reds play, even under Slot, to leave Gomez watching on from the sidelines.
Seemingly ready to become the main man elsewhere, Villa would be an excellent next step for the England international. Now in the Champions League, the Villans need all the depth that they can get from a player of Gomez's versatility.
Whilst battling for a place ahead of Ezri Konsa or Pau Torres at centre-back, Gomez could offer the same challenge to Matty Cash at right-back and even to Maatsen and Lucas Digne at left-back. Simply put, the 27-year-old would be well worth his reported £85,000-a-week salary as a Champions League winner who can play anywhere in a back three, four or five.
The versatile defender has plenty of experience to his name and has been earning significant praise for a number of years, including from former England boss Gareth Southgate, who said via The Independent at the start of his Three Lions career: "I think his decision-making was outstanding. We know his athleticism is a real asset but to see his calmness in the face of such high-quality movement, dealing with through passes he had to read… superb."
Since leaving Manchester United and his playing days behind, it's safe to say Wayne Rooney hasn't enjoyed the greatest of managerial careers.
Sacked by Birmingham City after just a matter of months, he was looking for a brighter start to his tenure as boss of Plymouth Argyle. Unfortunately, it got off to a nightmare start for one of England's greatest-ever players.
Plymouth were dispatched 4-0 by Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday, with Rooney now left to lick his wounds and hope that another disastrous managerial stint isn't set to follow.
As a player, there wasn't much disaster. Wazza – as he was affectionately known – scored 253 goals in 559 games for United, played 120 times for England and won the Premier League five times. That's not bad at all, is it?
So, could United sign their next Rooney this summer? They've already agreed a deal to sign 16-year-old Arsenal sensation Chido Obi Martin but there's a more reputable name now being linked with the club.
Man Utd's hunt for another striker
The Red Devils may have welcomed Joshua Zirkzee to the club this summer but recent reports suggest that they are not done there.
The Daily Star claimed over the weekend that they were plotting a £50m bid for Brighton and Hove Albion centre forward Evan Ferguson.
Ferguson has previously been touted at £100m so this would be a bargain in comparison. That said Brighton have proven to be stern negotiators in years gone by so it would no doubt be hard to prise him away from the South Coast.
Brighton strikerEvan Ferguson.
How Ferguson compares to Rooney
As a spritely teenager, Rooney was a fierce talent. He had pace, he had power, he had generational talent capable of scaring the very best defenders in world football.
It was at Euro 2004 that he made a name for himself, leaving the tournament despite England's early exit as a genuine superstar. The career that followed well and truly proved that.
Ferguson may not have burst onto the scene in quite the same explosive manner but he is one of the best up-and-coming forwards in the game.
Making his senior debut in Irish football at the age of 14, he moved to Brighton at 16 and has been making steady progress ever since.
The teenager has scored 12 times in 47 Premier League appearances. Not a bad record for someone so young. In fact, it's up there with some of the best we've seen in the division.
Brighton and Hove Albion striker Evan Ferguson.
Indeed, after scoring in Brighton's 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest last November, the Republic of Ireland international matched a feat achieved by a certain Rooney.
The accomplishment? An 11th Premier League goal of 2023, ensuring he went record with Wazza's record in the list of the most Premier League goals scored by a teenager in the same calendar year.
1998
25
126
1994
22
140
1998
12
221
1999
12
172
2005
11
175
2023
11
143
There are more similarities than just that record though. Like the England great, Ferguson is a "devastating" talent – as he was described by one analyst on X – boasting similar physical attributes.
He can run the channels, has an explosive edge to get himself into goalscoring positions and is a sensational presence in the box.
You may well argue that signing another young forward when you have Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund in your ranks is a pointless venture. We'd perhaps be inclined to agree with that viewpoint. However, if INEOS did pursue a move for Ferguson as well, they could be staring at a future Premier League great.
After Mazraoui: Man Utd in talks to sign "electric" upgrade on Luke Shaw
Manchester United could solve their ongoing left back issues with this buy.
Tottenham Hotspur are interested in bringing in Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho this summer, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.
The 23-year-old has failed to hit the heights many expected he would following his £73 million move from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2021, and with other top European sides interested, it could be a chance to reset for the Englishman.
What is the latest transfer news regarding Sancho?
According to a report from FootballTransfers.com, United are willing to sell Sancho this summer with the player keen on a move away from Manchester after just two seasons, with Aston Villa heavily interested in bringing the former Manchester City youth product to Villa Park.
Manchester United's JadonSanchocelebrates scoring their first goal
The report states that the Red Devils are demanding a fee of £60 million to sell the player this summer, and Villa are not prepared to meet that asking price, with them hoping that negotiations can take place and a compromise can be reached.
There are other top European sides interested in the attacker, with a report stating that Serie A champions Napoli are interested, and with United's interest in their centre-back Kim Min-jae well known, a potential swap deal could be on the cards.
Tottenham are interested as well, according to Ben Jacobs, however, he stated that Erik ten Hag remains a fan of the player and as such a potential move this summer isn't as likely as other reports have suggested, with the club more focused on other departures.
What did Ben Jacobs say?
Speaking on the Done Deal show on The Football Terrace Youtube channel, the journalist revealed that both Harry Maguire and David de Gea are higher up on the list of potential outgoings compared to Sancho.
Jacobs stated: "Well Erik ten Hag still really likes the player, that’s the first thing to say. I certainly wouldn’t say Sancho is top of the list in terms of outgoings, there are other players that need resolving first.
"Harry Maguire, for example, is going to be one of them and there is lots of speculation about David de Gea and whether the current number one at Manchester United stays or goes, Manchester United are looking for a number one they need a succession plan.
"The Tottenham interest is real in the sense that they like the player, it’s the same with PSG and also Napoli have sent scouts to watch him as well."
Is Tottenham the right move for Sancho?
Sancho has had a very stop-start career in Manchester, with injury problems and mental issues preventing the forward from having a real extended run in the side. This has resulted in a return of just 12 goals and six assists in 79 appearances for the club.
Despite this, Sancho showed real quality at Borussia Dortmund, scoring 50 and assisting 64 across his five years at the club.
Former teammate Jude Bellingham called the winger "frightening", saying that "Some of the stuff I’ve seen him do is scary, and I’ve only been here a few months. It’s massive."
Man United's Jadon Sancho
Spurs look set for a rebuild under new coach Ange Postecoglu, and Sancho could provide the Spurs forward line with an injection of creativity and flair, which would only grow in need should Harry Kane decide to call time on his career in north London, and a move to a new club with new surroundings could be the perfect thing to reignite Sancho's rapidly fading career.
Newcastle United are interested in signing Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa this summer in a move which would create some tough competition for the No. 1 spot at St. James' Park.
Manager Eddie Howe has cultivated a winning mentality on Tyneside and has sensationally qualified for the Champions League following his first full season in charge, finishing fourth in the Premier League.
Shrewd signings and astute tactical awareness has contributed to the remarkable resurgence, with goalkeeper Nick Pope, signed from relegated Burnley for just £10m last summer, playing a central role in the triumph.
Despite this, Costa has indeed found his name attached to rumours that United may swoop, with Portuguese outlet A Bola stating that, while Manchester United are leading the race, Chelsea and Howe's outfit are firmly in contention.
With a €75m (£65m) release clause, Newcastle would have to pay more than sixfold the price to clinch Pope's services for the Portugal international, but would boast one of football's most imperious shot-stopping departments should they succeed.
Should Newcastle sign Diogo Costa?
It certainly presents something of a conundrum. The 6 foot 2 Costa is one of the most promising goalkeepers on the European stage, having been a centrepiece for Porto over the past few years and winning the league and Portuguese Cup on two occasions respectively.
The 23-year-old has averaged a rating of 6.95 in the Primeira Liga this season, as per Sofascore, having kept 16 clean sheets from 35 matches, making 63 saves and making 0.8 clearances per outing.
As per FBref, the 11-cap international ranks among the top 2% of goalkeepers across Men's Next 8 divisions for goals conceded per 90, the top 18% for save percentage and the top 5% for clean sheet percentage, evidently an elite 'keeper despite his tender age.
FC Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa.
Speaking of his compatriot, Manchester United right-back Diogo Dalot said: "I grew up with him and he’s my friend, there’s a great relationship between us.
‘I know perfectly well that he has the capacity to one day be one of the best in the world."
While some may scoff at the notion of replacing Pope after such a stellar season, injecting healthy competition might be a prudent move, especially considering the clinching of European competition after two decades away from the Champions League.
Costa is indeed young and has ample time to grow into his skin, and he certainly boasts the acumen to rival his senior positional confer in Pope, who, at 31-years-old, still has a lot of gas left in the tank but could be displaced by such a flourishing talent in Costa who is already proving himself to be among the best.
Arsenal's fine season came to a triumphant end on Sunday, as they blew away Wolverhampton Wanderers 5-0 in front of a gracious Emirates crowd. Many had turned out to deliver their thanks to Mikel Arteta and his playing staff, for staging the most unlikely title charge that fell just short.
Regardless of how it ended, it makes for a bright future in north London, where a few key additions could help them take that final step in the battle with Manchester City. Not only that, but they also now have Champions League football to look forward to once again.
This was particularly important given the pulling power such an attraction draws in the transfer market, affording them a head start over any club without European football, or in a lesser version of their competition.
It could also prove decisive in luring other talent from lower down the Premier League, with the promise of minutes in that elite competition sure to tempt many.
One such name that could be intrigued by such a prospect is Michael Olise, who reports are now linking with a €40m (£35m) Emirates switch.
How good is Michael Olise?
Although it might seem questionable to sign someone with such a similar profile to Bukayo Saka, as a tricky, dazzling and elegant right winger with a wicked left foot, the extent to which their England international has been worked is ludicrous.
Featuring in all 38 of their league games this season for the second term running, Arteta must be worrying about when his young superstar will burn out.
In an attempt to avoid such an occurrence, the acquisition of Olise could provide suitable competition without altering the makeup of the team much.
After all, Crystal Palace's mesmeric maestro has too enjoyed a fine campaign, scoring two goals and assisting a further 11 in the league.
bukayo-saka-arsenal-olise
Although a far cry from Saka's levels, who recorded 25 goal contributions this season, the gulf is not so big as to suggest that they could not battle for the spot. Additionally, a move up the table would surely see Olise's numbers improve too whilst supplying the likes of Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli.
During that run of form in 2023 which rocketed the Eagles to comfortable safety, the 21-year-old was instrumental in such a turnaround. Statman Dave first branded the winger a "stunner" in January before pundit Clinton Morrison suggested he had been "outstanding" and a "joy to watch" in April.
Ironically enough, the two would come up against one another often at youth level, with Michael Richards, Olise's youth coach, emphasising their similarities and ability above everyone else: "It was basically the Michael and Bukayo show. You could see that both of them were exceptional, far above everyone else."
OneVersusOne serve to compliment this notion further, as the two are also similar in their crosses made per 90 (3.18 v 3.29), dribble success percentage (78.66% v 73.39%) and assists (0.24 v 0.31). Their shared creativity is arguably unparalleled.
If Edu is serious about affording Saka some much-needed rest midway through the season, there are arguably few better value-for-money signings on the market than Olise, who would allow the switch to be made with minimal fuss and maximum quality in the starter and the substitute.
Fulham are in contact regarding a summer deal to bring Lyon star Romain Faivre to the Premier League, according to reports.
Who is Romain Faivre?
The Frenchman is a midfielder who first joined Laurent Blanc’s side back in January 2022, but at the start of this year, he was sent out on loan to join FC Lorient until the end of the current campaign, and during his 15 appearances at the Stade du Moustoir, he’s hugely impressed after establishing himself as their side’s overall second best-performing player with a WhoScored match rating of 7.22.
The Ligue 1 gem still has another three years remaining on his contract with his parent club, so it could be difficult to prise him away during the upcoming window, but with Marco Silva looking to invest in new players that can bolster his ranks, the 24-year-old has been identified as a potential ideal target at Craven Cottage.
Who is signing Faivre?
According to Foot Mercato (via Sport Witness), Fulham, alongside top-flight rivals Bournemouth, are both “very interested” in Faivre and have “already started talks” with his representatives regarding a move to England.
The Whites and the Cherries are seriously “exploring” a deal for the midfielder, with his level of performances on the road having not gone “unnoticed” by the pair of potential suitors named above. Lyon’s ace is “interested in the idea” of completing a switch to the top-flight and is “open to offers”, with his outfit “happy to sell” should they receive a bid worth €15m (£13m).
FC Lorient midfielder Romain Faivre.
Fulham will know that Lyon’s price tag of £13m for Faivre is more than reasonable considering how well he’s performing at FC Lorient, and having been hailed a “joy to watch” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, Shahid Khan should certainly consider splashing the cash to bring him to SW6 during the upcoming window.
The France U21s former international, who has experience competing in the Europa League which is where Silva may be aiming to take his side next term, has posted six goal contributions (three goals and the same number of assists) in 15 appearances on loan, with this form having even seen him pick up a man-of-the-match award.
As per FBRef, the left-footed wizard is also always looking to produce moments of quality in the final third, ranking in the 97th percentile for successful take-ons and the 95th percentile for pass completion, so loves to take on his marker and is strong in his link-up play with his fellow teammates.