Following yet another defeat at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City have now reportedly commenced negotiations to sign a big-money megastar for Pep Guardiola.
Guardiola: Man City missed "simple things"
Whether it’s been Ange Postecoglou, Jose Mourinho, Antonio Conte or others in charge, Tottenham have remained Man City’s bogey team in one of the most bizarre common occurrences in Premier League history.
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They’ve won a historic treble together whilst also winning four consecutive league titles. Yet, when Spurs come to town, the Citizens consistently endure an afternoon to forget. And, as ever, that proved to be the case this weekend.
This time, it was Thomas Frank in charge as the North London club hit City on the counter before enjoying unexpected control to secure what was, in the end, a comfortable 2-0 victory. On the end of defeat courtesy of Tottenham once more, Guardiola lamented that his side missed the “simple things” against the Lilywhites.
The second goal would have particularly disappointed the Spaniard after new signing James Trafford conceded possession in his own area before Joao Palhinha fired home.
Whilst it will be a learning curve for the young Englishman and one that the likes of John Stones have suffered in the past, Man City are reportedly unwilling to let the same mistake happen twice.
Man City commence talks to sign Donnarumma
According to Fabrizio Romano, Man City have now commenced talks to sign Gianluigi Donnarumma after agreeing personal terms with the Italian.
The Citizens are now in club-to-club negotiations with Paris Saint-Germain in a deal worth less than their initial €50m (£43m) asking price.
Donnarumma has already said farewell to PSG fans and is on the move this month. Whether it is City that secure his signature still depends on Ederson’s future, however.
Reports have indicated that the Brazilian could be heading to Galatasaray and the fact that he’s been benched at the Etihad would suggest that move is very possible, but the Turkish club have less than 10 days to get their deal over the line.
Replacing one of the best goalkeepers in Premier League history will be no easy task for City, but signing a megastar who reportedly earns £11m-a-year would instantly ease any concerns in Manchester.
A review of the performance of the New Zealand players during the away Test series against Australia
Daniel Brettig13-Dec-20119 Chris Martin The grand old man of New Zealand’s bowling attack set an example for all to follow. His dissection of Phillip Hughes was near-surgical in its precision, turning a young left-hander with a famed appetite for runs into a walking wicket and a guaranteed avenue into the Australian batting beneath. Martin actually dismissed Hughes five times in four innings, the visitors not detecting a glove down the leg side on the third evening in Hobart. Overall his precision and discipline provided a supreme lesson in the marriage of simplicity and relentlessness that works best in Test cricket. It must also be noted that the one time in the series New Zealand most desperately needed Martin to hang around for a few balls with the bat, he did so, adding 23 runs with Trent Boult in a match won by a mere seven.8.5 Doug Bracewell Membership of a famous sporting family can at times be a curse as much as a blessing, creating expectations in advance of development, but there was no doubting the value of Doug Bracewell’s genes during his match-winning burst with the ball at Bellerive Oval. Bustling to the wicket and swerving the ball in both directions, Bracewell brought a muscular, determined quality to the New Zealand attack not dissimilar to that offered to England by Tim Bresnan. He bowled well in Brisbane also, though afflicted by a front foot that often overstepped. This problem robbed Bracewell of Michael Clarke’s wicket at a critical juncture, and it was addressed in between Tests to ensure he could go on his Hobart rampage. There should be plenty more wickets to come.Dean Brownlie Perth club cricket has seldom had a better advertisement than Dean Brownlie, who was a solid batting citizen in the west without ever threatening to go further. Moving to the land of his father in search of opportunity, he has found it in a New Zealand team that values his unfussy, adhesive approach to the batting crease. In Brisbane his innings were the only of any substance by a member of the New Zealand top six, and in Hobart a half-century on the first day prevented the visitors from being blown away for fewer than 100. Brownlie had as much reason to celebrate as anyone when the final Australian wicket fell – a move up the batting order beckons.7 Ross Taylor A dreadful match in Brisbane, a stunning one in Hobart. Ross Taylor learned a lot from his first major tour as captain, visibly toughening and adding to his resolve as the days went on. Any notion of comfort in the form of his team was stripped away at the Gabba, and Taylor scrapped desperately and successfully at Bellerive. His second innings was uncharacteristic for one of New Zealand’s most gifted strokemakers, but it was made in the sort of style that will win Test matches. In the field Taylor shuffled his resources sensibly, and showed plenty of vigour in his use of the Decision Review System. Also held six catches, dropping one. Visibly moved by the significance of what New Zealand achieved in the second Test, Taylor has a team he can believe in.Trent Boult Granted a debut through a match-morning injury, Trent Boult did all that could have been asked of him. His tidy left-arm fast medium demonstrated the value of moving the ball a little rather than a lot and maintained the pressure imposed by Martin and Bracewell. The wickets of Michael Hussey in the first innings and Usman Khawaja in the second arrived at critical times. Critical too were Boult’s 21 runs in the second innings, a contribution that was ultimately the difference between victory and defeat.Daniel Vettori It was a cruel quirk of fate that had Daniel Vettori sitting out New Zealand’s first Test win over Australia since 1993 with a hamstring strain. His value to the attack on a seaming pitch may have been less than usual, but his batting was certainly missed, following a first innings 96 at the Gabba that would have been a century if not for a rare moment of misjudgement when risking a single to Hussey’s arm. Vettori’s bowling lacks some of the spin and snap of his earlier days, but he remains the closest thing the team has to a world-class performer, and he deserved to celebrate the Hobart win as part of the team, even if his hamstring had kept him out of the XI.6 Tim Southee At times Tim Southee looked the bowler he can be, a classical purveyor of late away swing at sharp pace and bounce, but at others he struggled to reach the expected standard. This was perhaps understandable on his return from a knee injury, and he was still able to offer a trio of cameos with the ball that contributed to the narrative arc of the series. In Brisbane he shocked Warner with a first-up bouncer that was gloved behind, and in the first innings in Hobart he ran the ball away from Ricky Ponting to set him up for the straighter ball arrowing in on middle. The lbw was discussed mainly for Ponting’s error, but the bowler deserved more credit. Most critically, Southee made the post-lunch incisions in the second innings that allowed Bracewell to capitalise, tempting Brad Haddin and Peter Siddle into slip catches.Brendon McCullum Lacking a hefty score and guilty of throwing his wicket away in the first innings in Brisbane when set, Brendon McCullum nonetheless showed plenty of intent and determination. His first over attack on James Pattinson at the Gabba was typically brazen, while a defiant 98-minute occupation on day one in Hobart helped keep New Zealand heads above water. Pattinson saved his best for McCullum, three times finding devilish deliveries to send him on his way – decent, if slightly ominous, preparation for the batsman for forthcoming duels with Dale Steyn.4.5 Kane Williamson Out of his depth against both pace and spin at No. 3 in Brisbane, Kane Williamson was shifted two places down in Hobart and made a pair of middling but not unimportant scores in a bowlers’ match. The second innings 34 was aggressive and assertive, easing some of the scoring burden on Taylor on the second afternoon, and showed evidence of a sturdy back-foot technique. Less assured were Williamson’s ventures forward, and twice he was out edging at wider deliveries in the earliest exchanges of a day’s play. Has a chance of success, but plenty of learning still to do.4 Martin Guptill A tall and stentorian presence at the top of the order, Martin Guptill was too often made to look inflexible and imperfect. Three times he was out edging Peter Siddle, and only once could it be said that the delivery was too good. The others might have been left alone with sounder judgement, and there is unlikely to be much respite from such questions against South Africa. Guptill’s most telling influence on the series was in his catching. He held six catches, four of them off Hughes’ edge, and helped make New Zealand’s slip cordon look at least as safe as Australia’s.Reece Young Bloodied for the cause in Brisbane when a Vettori delivery smacked him in the mouth, Reece Young battled without quite looking up to the task. While his glove work was neat, Young contributed next to nothing with the bat, an unacceptable return in an age of batsmen-wicketkeepers. Will be under pressure for his spot upon his return home.Jesse Ryder Arguably New Zealand’s greatest disappointment of the series. Jesse Ryder has tremendous talent and at 27 is at an age where he should be adding experience and influence as well as runs. But his portly figure is looking increasingly out of step with 21st century cricket, and his flat-footed batting was useful only in the Australia A tour match on a benign pitch. Accepted promotion to No. 3 in Hobart on a difficult surface, but will have to do far more against South Africa.
Newcastle United remain in a tough situation when it comes to their new striker next season. With Benjamin Sesko seemingly off to Manchester United, according to David Ornstein on Wednesday, the Magpies can rule themselves out of the race for yet another target.
Of course, Alexander Isak is still a Newcastle player. The striker has been embroiled in a transfer saga this summer, and was subject to a bid of £110m from Liverpool earlier in the window. Eddie Howe’s side rejected the offer, although Sky Sports say they are ‘braced for a second offer’ from the Premier League champions.
Newcastle United's AlexanderIsakcelebrates scoring their first goal
If Liverpool, or indeed another club, sign Isak this summer, it would leave Newcastle in need of a new striker. They have recently been linked with a couple of names.
Newcastle’s alternatives to Isak
A recent report from Give Me Sport has linked the Magpies with two players who they could turn to if Isak is to leave St James Park this summer. One of those is Brentford striker Yoane Wissa, and ‘there is confidence a deal can be done’ for the DR Congo international.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
As well as a move for Wissa, the North East side could make a move for Aston Villa and England international striker Ollie Watkins. The Magpies are ‘plotting’ to bring the 29-year-old up North before the transfer window slams shut.
It is believed that Howe views Watkins, who has also played for Brentford, as a ‘perfect partner’ for Wissa, with the English manager looking at deploying two strikers more often.
Aston Villa's OllieWatkinscelebrates
As far as the price for the Torquay-born striker goes, Villa could ask for as much as £60m.
Why Watkins would be a good signing
There is no doubt that Newcastle would be signing a top-class striker if they were to bring Watkins to the club this summer. In fact, football statistician Statman Dave described him as “one of the best 9s in the world”, showing just how high his reputation is.
Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins celebrates scoring their first goal withLeonBailey
Indeed, the England international has a fantastic record in the Premier League. In five top-flight seasons, totalling 184 appearances, he’s already scored 75 goals and grabbed 36 assists. His best campaign came in the 2023/24 season, where he bagged 19 goals and assisted 15.
However, it is not just for the Villans that Watkins has put in some consistently terrific performances. In an England shirt, the 29-year-old has scored five goals in 18 games, with the most memorable one, of course, coming in the Euro 2024 semi-final against the Netherlands.
Replacing Isak is no easy thing to do, and if the Swedish striker does leave St James’ Park this summer, it will be Watkins’ job to do just that. The Newcastle number 14 was described as the “best striker in the Premier League right now” by Jamie Carragher last season.
He has an impressive record in the competition, with 54 goals and ten assists in just 84 games. Last term, he found the back of the net 23 times, the second consecutive year he has managed to his 20 or more goals in a single season.
However, one of the biggest downsides to Isak is his injury record. He has missed 39 games with six separate injuries during his stint at Newcastle so far. Compare that to Watkins, who has missed three in his entire career, and that is a huge upgrade.
On top of that, their underlying numbers via FBRef are not too dissimilar. For example, Watkins last season averaged 0.39 goals per shot on target and 0.42 goal-creating actions per 90 minutes. Comparatively, Isak averaged 0.46 goals per shot on target and 0.46 goal-creating actions each game.
Goals and assists
0.83
0.95
Goals per shot on target
0.39
0.46
Expected goals
0.53xG
0.66xG
Goal-creating actions
0.42
0.46
Ball recoveries
1.49
1.8
There is certainly a case to be made that Watkins is an upgrade on Isak. His all-round play is excellent, as shown by the goal-creating action stats. On top of that, he is always available, unlike the Newcastle centre-forward, who has struggled with injuries.
Watkins is a consistent and high-level Premier League number nine who has the potential to maintain the number of goals Isak is involved in. For £60m, this could be a steal if they end up losing Isak.
He's better than Sesko: Newcastle considering offer for £68m "monster"
Newcastle have an intriguing fallback, should they fail to sign Benjamin Sesko.
da apostaganha： O Fluminense ainda não oficializou a contratação do meia Renato Augusto, ex-Corinthians, mas o técnico Fernando Diniz está com altas expectativas para o reforço do Tricolor. Antes do embarque da delegação rumo ao Mundial de Clubes, nesta terça-feira (12), o treinador rasgou elogios ao jogador, caracterizando-o como “talentoso” e “decisivo”.
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da casino： + Como o Fluminense pode jogar em 2024 com a chegada de Renato Augusto?
– É um jogador que dispensa comentários, história linda no futebol, extremamente talentoso, que decide jogo. Todas as informações são que ele é um grande profissional, excelente caráter e ótimo amigo. Jogador para mim fala a partir de seus gestos dentro do campo. Há muito tempo eu admiro o Renato e para a gente vai ser uma alegria e honra muito grande contar com tamanho talento e tamanha integridade pessoal – disse Fernando Diniz.
A contratação de Renato Augusto já foi confirmada pelo presidente Mário Bittencourt, que comentou o andamento da negociação também nesta terça. Segundo o mandatário, o meia era um “sonho” de Diniz e está tudo “bem encaminhado”, faltando apenas trâmites burocráticos.
– Está bem encaminhado, sim. Na verdade, em termos de contrato e de tempo, está tudo encaminhando. Faltam os trâmites burocráticos normais. Era um jogador que o Fernando tinha sonho de trazer, eu não posso negar que também tinha. Além de tudo, tem passado lindo nas Laranjeiras. Eu tive oportunidade de estar com ele em jogos, quando nos cumprimentamos. Tenho amigos que falam muito bem dele. É um grande jogador, um grande homem e um grande caráter. É como a gente preza no nosso elenco. É uma família. Além de trazer grandes jogadores, a gente busca jogadores fortes, de personalidade, com princípios e bons conceitos de vida – declarou Mário Bittencourt.
A NEGOCIAÇÃO
O Fluminense chegou a um acordo com Renato Augusto na sexta-feira (8). Segundo o GE, o jogador tem contrato com o Timão até o fim deste mês e não estava nos planos do clube, e agora, irá reforçar o Tricolor Carioca em 2024, após reunião realizada no CT Carlos Castilho.
Renato já não vinha nos planos de Mano Menezes, técnico do Corinthians, para jogar no clube no próximo ano. Com isso, o jogador recebeu a oportunidade de trabalhar com Fernando Diniz no Fluminense, onde já atuou no futsal de base do clube carioca.
➡️ Tudo sobre o Tricolor agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Fluminense
Além do Paulistão e da Recopa em 2013, o meia viveu seu auge pelo Timão em 2015, quando foi destaque na campanha do título do Campeonato Brasileiro.
Outro jogador já acertado com o Tricolor Carioca é o zagueiro Antônio Carlos, ex-Flamengo, Corinthians, e Palmeiras. O atleta estava jogando no Orlando City, dos Estados Unidos.
The left-arm quick said his priority was the World Test Championship final against South Africa in June
Andrew McGlashan27-Feb-2025Mitchell Starc has revealed that an ankle injury was the major reason for him missing the Champions Trophy but that “personal views” also played a part in him withdrawing from the tournament.Starc joined Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood in being absent from the event meaning Australia are without their big three fast bowlers leaving an inexperienced pace attack but a win against Afghanistan on Friday will put them in the semi-finals.When the squad was announced, Cricket Australia said Starc had withdrawn for personal reasons with the full support of the board and the team.Related
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Speaking for the first time since the squad was named, Starc did not expand on what the personal views were but talked about the World Test Championship final against South Africa being a priority.”There’s a few different reasons, some personal views, and had a bit of ankle pain through the Test series [against Sri Lanka],” Starc told the Willow Talk podcast. “So just get that one right, obviously we’ve got the Test final coming up and a West Indies tour after that.”There’s some IPL cricket as well, but my main one top of my mind is that Test final so get my body right, play some cricket in the next couple of months and then ready to go for the Test final.”In Pakistan, where Starc toured in 2022, the Champions Trophy is being played under strict security measures which limit the movement of the players. Sides that come up against India also need to travel to Dubai with India playing all their matches at the same venue under the hybrid model agreed to ensure the tournament went ahead.Starc has often put his body on the line for Australia. He fought through the pain of a side issue in the latter stages of the Test series against India and was then clearly limping during the second match in Galle earlier this month where he played both Tests as the lone specialist fast bowler.If Starc plays the WTC final and all three Tests in West Indies he will earn his 100th cap in Jamaica during July. He also needs 18 more wickets to reach 400.Starc has a deal with Delhi Capitals for the upcoming IPL which starts on March 21. Cummins has returned to bowling and is on track to be available for that tournament while ESPNcricinfo understands that Hazlewood is also progressing towards a return for Royal Challengers Bengaluru.Should all three be available for the WTC final the selectors will face a tough decision on the make-up of the pace attack with Scott Boland having made a compelling case to be retained.On the WTC concept itself, Starc admitted he had been underwhelmed by it during the first cycle but when Australia missed out due to a slow over-rate it quickly increased in significance although he believes the model needs amending.”The first one being a new concept, I remember definitely, I was like, what’s this all about? It doesn’t mean much,” he said. “We’re trying to win every Test match, every Test series. And then we got close to it and we missed out and watching it on the TV, we all wanted to be a part of it. So that quickly changed.”And then the second cycle, we made the final and obviously playing India on neutral territory, that was a big occasion for both teams, managed to get the chocolates that time. And now we find ourselves sitting [with] a chance to win it for the second time on the trot.”I think the format needs some tinkering still. It’s a very hard one to fix, I guess, when you only play six series that contribute to the point system. You get the same points for home and away wins, it’s a percentage based model. So it’s an imperfect system. But I think two really good teams will be facing off in the final.”
ESPNcricinfo brings you the plays of the third day of the third Test between South Africa and India at Newlands
Sidharth Monga at Newlands04-Jan-2011The immoveable object
Dale Steyn and Graeme Smith couldn’t believe the umpire didn’t think there was an edge. It was a perfect delivery to Harbhajan Singh, pitching around leg, moving away appreciably, but it missed the first bit of wood that came its way by a fair distance. However, after beating the bat, it hit the off stump, which moved back a little but refused to let go of the bail. The woody sound convinced South Africa of the edge, but Umpire Ian Gould saw it like a hawk and didn’t go just by the sound. The fielders and the bowlers protested unsubtly, but the replays revealed a perfect call from the umpire.The one-end job
The first hour of the morning was a severe examination for Sachin Tendulkar and Gautam Gambhir. More so for Tendulkar, who had to face a testing spell of outswing. It would have been frustrating for Steyn, though, that he didn’t get to bowl even one ball at Gambhir in that spell. Tendulkar blocked his end up, and Gambhir blocked Morkel’s. It took India 73 balls in the morning to turn the strike over, when Tendulkar worked Lonwabo Tsotsobe through midwicket. The 36 runs before that all came in fours and twos.The turn
The crowd often ribs Paul Harris for the lack of turn when he bowls spin, but today his fingers were on fire. One delivery turned and kicked from outside off to follow Gambhir’s attempt at leaving it and hit the handle of the bat. It was too tough a chance for Mark Boucher, but that delivery was enough to create doubt in the mind of the man batting on 93. Gambhir played the next ball for turn, and ended up with an outside edge. How one delivery can change perceptions formed over years of hard work.The finger
Further proof that the Harris fingers were on fire came when he deflected a scorching hit from Tendulkar onto the stumps at the non-striker’s end, catching a backing-up VVS Laxman short. And Laxman reacted typically, a touch of disbelief at the injustice on his face, and the hands almost on his hips. If there was any consolation, Harris had to receive treatment on the bleeding finger.The miss
Perfect deliveries were not in short supply from Steyn, but perfect appeals were. The second ball of the day should have got him Tendulkar’s wicket, but the edge was so faint that he didn’t even seemed to have heard it, and hence was late in the appeal. Who could blame the umpire when the bowler himself wasn’t that convinced?The January 4 Tendulkar-Harbhajan show
Exactly three years ago, to the day, in another city in the Southern Hemisphere, India found themselves in trouble. Then, in Sydney, Tendulkar and Harbhajan Singh added 129 for the eighth wicket to take India past Australia’s 463. Today, with four wickets gone for 43 runs, South Africa were into the tail and looking at a sizeable lead. Tendulkar and Harbhajan, however, repeated the rescue work from three years ago, to add 76 for the seventh wicket, and give India some control of the game.
Crystal Palace are ready to back Oliver Glasner by reuniting him with another of his former players, according to reports coming out of Italy, following previous reports linking the Eagles with Daichi Kamada.
Eagles set for change this summer
Though it has been a happy start to his time in south London, Glasner and his Crystal Palace side are likely to see a significant overhaul ahead of the new Premier League season kicking off.
After steering the Eagles well clear of relegation trouble thanks to a burst of good form in recent weeks, Glasner appears to have bought the feel-good factor back to Selhurst Park, but it may not last.
That comes with plenty of Palace stars at risk of being poached this summer. Captain Marc Guehi is the latest to be linked with a move away from the club amid interest from Arsenal and Manchester United, and the England defender is down to the final two years of his contract.
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Also thought to be of interest are attacking pair Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze, both of whom have been subject to interest previously – Palace have slapped £60m price tags on the pair in a bid to preempt interest this summer.
Though they would receive mammoth fees, it does feel likely that the Eagles will lose at least one of their key trio before the new season kicks off, and they need to be able to build the rest of the side for when that happens.
Now, they have been linked with a cheap move that brings bags of experience.
Glasner pushing for deal
Now, reports coming out of Italy have linked Glasner with a reunion with one of his former players during his time with Eintracht Frankfurt.
The player in question? Serbian defender Filip Kostic, who is currently with Serie A giants Juventus.
According to Italian outlet Tuttosport [via Sport Witness], he has been placed on the transfer list by the Old Lady, for whom he has started 25 Serie A games this season.
Priced at just €10m (£8.5m), Juventus are keen to be rid of him despite Kostic still having two years left to run on his £51k-per-week deal in Turin.
It is added that Crystal Palace are the main contenders for his signature as it stands, with the Eagles having "carried out surveys" on the possibility of adding the veteran to their ranks this summer.
Filip Kostic under Oliver Glasner
Appearances
45
Goals
7
Assists
16
Minutes per goal contribution
168
Yellow cards
4
Tuttosport also states that Glasner's history with the player is "significant", with the pair having linked up to good effect at German side Eintracht Frankfurt – something which they claim could see the Austrian push his side to make the move happen before the new season.
Kostic was a favourite in Frankfurt, with former Frankfurt Sporting Director Fredi Bobic hailing him as an "extraordinary" player and a "top professional".
“He showcased his extraordinary qualities [at Stuttgart] and then at Hamburg.”
“He’s a quiet and reserved guy, works very hard in training and puts in extra running shifts. He’s a top professional.”
Kostic isn't the only former player Glasner has been linked with bringing to south London, with Daichi Kamada also reportedly on his radar as he looks set to become a free agent this summer.
da esport bet： Norwich City's 2023/24 season ended in dismal fashion on Thursday night as they were humiliated at Elland Road in a 4-0 defeat to Leeds United.
da dobrowin： The Canaries had held the Whites to a 0-0 draw at Carrow Road in the first leg and gave themselves a platform to go and attack the match in Yorkshire, but failed to do so.
David Wagner's side knew that they could not let the hosts get off to a fast start, to prevent the crowd from getting behind them early, yet that is exactly what happened.
Leeds dominated the game from the first whistle and found their first goal, through Ilia Gruev, after seven minutes and were 2-0 up inside the opening 20, thanks to a header from Joel Piroe.
Georginio Rutter and Crysencio Summerville then added a third and a fourth either side of half time to book the Whites a place at Wembley and the Canaries a ticket to their summer holidays.
Norwich now have another season in the Championship beckoning and have reportedly decided to sack Wagner, with Carlos Cuesta and Steve Cooper of interest, but the German boss was not the only person from last night's encounter who must surely have no future in Norfolk.
One player who must have played his final game for the Yellows after his poor showing at Elland Road is central defender Ben Gibson.
Ben Gibson's performance against Leeds in numbers
The 31-year-old defender's lack of mobility was on full display in Yorkshire as he simply struggled to cope with the pace and intensity of the performance from the home side.
Rutter, Wilfried Gnonto, and Summerville's athleticism and pace when running at the Norwich backline was a frightening sight, as Shane Duffy and Gibson looked terrified every time a Leeds player got turned and started running towards them.
In 63 minutes on the pitch, before Kenny McLean was moved back to centre-back in his place, the veteran defender failed to win a single duel on the deck or in the air.
Ben Gibson
Vs Leeds (16/05/2024)
Minutes played
62
Duels won
0/2
Clearances
1
Interceptions
1
Tackles
0
Dribbled past
1
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, Gibson did very little to stem the flow of Leeds attacks during the match, as he was dribbled past as many times as he made tackles and interceptions.
His failure to win a single duel, as well as the fact the defender only competed in two, summed up the team's performance from a Norwich perspective. The Canaries did not get close enough to the hosts all evening and came out second best all over the pitch with their passive approach.
Gibson did complete 95% (56/59) of his attempted passes but they did not amount to much as the Yellows failed to score and did not offer a consistent threat in possession.
The Pink'Un's Samuel Seaman awarded the former Middlesbrough star a dismal player rating of 4/10 for his display on Wednesday night, which may even seem generous given the score and his lack of impact on the defensive end – as shown in the aforementioned statistics.
It is now time for sporting director Ben Knapper to be ruthless in his approach, unlike Norwich on the pitch this week, and ditch the left-footed enforcer when his contract expires later this summer.
Why Ben Gibson should be released
The experienced defender's current deal at Carrow Road is due to expire at the end of June and the time now feels right for the club to move on from him ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.
Gibson has racked up 124 appearances for Norwich since his initial loan move from Burnley in 2020, which turned into a permanent one in 2021, and the 4-0 defeat to Leeds must be his last.
The 6 foot 1 colossus started 33 Championship games during the regular season and both of the play-off semi-final clashes with Leeds, which shows that Wagner relied upon him in the heart of his defence.
Norwich ended their campaign with the fifth worst xGA per 90 in the division (1.45), below relegated Huddersfield Town, and this speaks to how vulnerable their backline was with Gibson, along with the likes of Duffy, Jack Stacey, Sam McCallum, and Dimi Giannoulis.
Norwich's highest earners (23/24)
Player
Weekly wage
Ben Gibson
£40k-per-week
Jack Stacey
£35k-per-week
Shane Duffy
£35k-per-week
Ashley Barnes
£30k-per-week
Josh Sargent
£25k-per-week
Wages via Capology
As you can see in the table above, the central defender is currently the highest earner in the squad and his performance in the play-offs and Norwich's defensive record this term suggests that they have not been getting value for money.
At the age of 31, there may not be much, if any, development left for Gibson to go through, which is why Knapper must now look to the future beyond him, and hope to bring through a younger, more athletic, heir.
The player who could replace Ben Gibson
Norwich may already have a replacement for the veteran centre-half already in the building in the form of academy graduate Brad Hills, who just spent the year on loan with Accrington Stanley in League Two.
The 20-year-old, who was born in Norwich, won the fourth tier side's Player of the Season award for his fantastic efforts in the heart of their defence.
Whilst not a naturally left-footed player, Hills could play on the left side of the Canaries backline or he could play on the right, with another signing brought in to offer a left-footed balance when playing out from the back.
23/24 season
Ben Gibson (Championship)
Brad Hills (League Two)
Appearances
35
41
Sofascore rating
6.85
7.10
Tackles per game
0.5
2.1
Interceptions per game
1.3
1.8
Clearances per game
3.7
5.6
Duel success rate
54%
66%
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, the young colossus enjoyed a significantly better season than Gibson, albeit in League Two and it remains to be seen how he would cope with the step up to the second tier.
Hills, as shown in those statistics, has the potential to be an upgrade on the current Norwich centre-back by winning the ball back with greater regularity, whilst also dominating opposition players in physical duels with greater success.
The first step for the Canaries and Knapper, however, is to release Gibson at the end of his contract, making the 4-0 defeat to Leeds his final game for the club.
Glasgow Rangers face their most important match of the season so far this Saturday, especially if they are to keep their slim Premiership title hopes alive.
Defeating Celtic at Parkhead is a must, otherwise the trophy will be heading to the opposite side of Glasgow for the third year in succession.
Whatever happens between now and the end of the season, Philippe Clement has a job on his hands improving his squad during the summer transfer window.
With plenty of players likely to depart, there will be space for a good number of additions, and it looks as though the Belgian is eyeing up a talented young winger as one of his first signings…
Rangers transfer news
According to a report by Football Scotland last week, Rangers had emerged as a potential destination for winger Raphael Borges Rodrigues this summer, although Coventry City were another side also showing plenty of interest in the player.
While initial interest is somewhat taken with a pinch of salt, especially at this stage in the season, Rodriques’ agent has confirmed that his client does want to make a move to Europe in order to develop as a player.
“But he’s still contracted with Macarthur for next season and has a lot of respect for them,” said Ben Khalfallah. The way things stand, I imagine he’s a player who will be moving to Europe in the near future.
“I really like him and believe he’s one of the best young talents in Australia, especially in terms of skill and mentality.”
As Khalfallah also added, "he wants to go to Europe and succeed", with Clement potentially able to turn the 20-year-old from a promising talent into one of the finest attacking players in the country.
Not only that, but Rodrigues could be an ideal upgrade to Scott Wright.
How Raphael Borges Rodrigues compares to Scott Wright
If Clement wishes to take this side into the Champions League next season and assert dominance in the top flight, better players than Wright will need to be used, that’s for sure.
This season, the Scot currently ranks in a lowly 17th spot among his teammates for shots per game (0.9), along with ranking 22nd for big chances created (1), 19th for key passes per game (0.6) and 17th for successful dribbles per game (0.4), hardly the statistics of a winger who is contributing effectively during matches.
Goals
4
Assists
2
Key passes per game
0.6
Successful dribbles per game
1.5
Big chances created
4
Combine this with the fact he has scored just twice in 29 matches, these are figures nowhere near good enough to be a player under consideration for a place in the starting XI at the Light Blues.
In comparison, Rodrigues has performed much better than Wright with regard to these metrics. Not only does he rank fourth among the squad for shots per game (1.4), but the pacy winger also ranks sixth for big chances created (four), tenth for key passes per game (0.6), and second for successful dribbles per game (1.5), clearly showing how much more effective in the final third he is compared to Wright.
In 33 games, Rodrigues has chipped in with six goals and two assists, which is six more goal involvements than Wright, yet more evidence of why Clement should be making a move for the Dutch-born Australian winger.
Rangers winger Scott Wright.
In truth, Rangers have struggled to find a winger capable of filling the shoes of Ryan Kent, who departed at the end of last season following five seasons in Scotland.
Why Rodrigues could fill the void left by Ryan Kent
While the Englishman struggled during his final season in Scotland, scoring just three goals in 44 appearances, it looked like he had downed tools the closer it got to the end of the season.
Despite paying around £7.5m for the winger back in the summer of 2019, Michael Beale allowed him to leave once his contract expired, meaning the Gers lost a significant amount of money, especially as they could have sold him in January in order to recoup some funds.
Rangers winger Ryan Kent.
At his best, Kent was devastating on the left wing. Against Borussia Dortmund in the 2022 Europa League knockout stages, the Englishman was outstanding against a defence which had Mats Hummels at the heart of it.
While it may be a tad hyperbolic to say Rodrigues could fill that void immediately, he certainly has the talent to improve if a move to Rangers came about this summer.
His adaptability across the front three could also be advantageous. While predominantly operating as a left winger, Rodrigues has been known to play on the right or even as a centre-forward if required, which could allow Clement to cover a few positions at once should he sign the youngster.
Journalist Sacha Pisani lauded the winger after watching him for the first time last week, remarking that he "has pace to burn, great feet & a powerful shot.”
These traits could certainly help his transition from the A League to Scottish football. It may be more physical in the Premiership, but if Rodrigues could use his speed to break away from opposition defenders, he could shine.
This summer will see the Belgian undergo a rebuilding job at the Light Blues. It appears every summer the same story is spouted, but there are far too many players in the squad who need to move on in order for Clement to bring in his own targets.
Raphael Rodrigues
Much will depend on his budget this summer, but the general feeling is, the 50-year-old will be aiming to bring in younger players who have a much higher ceiling for growth, therefore making the club millions in profit when they are sold on.
Rodrigues certainly fits the bill with regard to this, and he could be a wonderful signing for the club during the transfer window.
Rangers haven’t really replaced Kent. Could the Macrthur starlet be the one to come in and fill the void? Only time will tell.
Rangers could sign "clinical" award winner to upgrade on Dessers
The Light Blues are reportedly interested in the impressive and prolific number nine.
West Ham United looked to have regained form after a dreadful start to 2024 but met a hitch in the road after falling to a 1-0 defeat against Freiburg last Thursday.
The first leg of their Europa League last 16 tie was contested in relative comfort for David Moyes' side before substitute Michael Gregoritsch pounced late on to leave work to do in London, with poor finishing the crux of West Ham's struggles.
West Ham manager David Moyes.
That said, numerous players are capable of making an impact in the final third in east London, but the performance of captain Kurt Zouma in the backline will be crucial, allowing the Frenchman's offensive peers to flourish.
Why Kurt Zouma will be crucial vs Freiburg
Zouma was rested for West Ham's Premier League clash against relegation-threatened Burnley on Sunday afternoon and the Clarets stormed into an unlikely two-goal lead before half-time.
Sure, the Hammers recovered after the break but it's clear that Zouma's presence will be pivotal this evening given Konstantinos Mavropanos and Nayef Aguerd's collective lack of authority, the former notably netting an own goal.
Zouma, 29, should have done better to close down Gregoritsch last week and, truthfully, he's not enjoying his finest campaign for West Ham, but there's no question that he is the club's best centre-back and has still impressed with 3.1 ball recoveries and 4.9 clearances per game in the top-flight this season, as per Sofascore, also winning 54% of his duels.
The £125k-per-week star also ranks among the top 9% of positional peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals scored per 90, as per FBref, so his imposing threat from set-pieces could make all the difference against a Freiburg side that will battle fiercely to protect their advantage.
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Unleashing him from the outset will be key, but probably more important is the return of Edson Alvarez to the starting line-up, with the Mexico international introduced at the break against Burnley to stabilise the ship and guide his team toward a draw.
Edson Alvarez will be the difference-maker tonight
West Ham signed Alvarez from Ajax for around £35m last summer as the most direct replacement for Declan Rice, who now plays his trade for Arsenal.
The tough-tackling midfielder has been described as "invaluable" by pundit Rio Ferdinand in the past and he definitely looks to be the solvent in the centre, with his four missed appearances in the Premier League yielding poor results.
West Ham PL 23/24 Record Without Edson Alvarez
Fixture
Date
Result
Sheffield United (A)
21/01/2023
2-2 draw
Fulham (A)
10/12/2023
5-0 loss
Brentford (A)
04/11/2024
3-2 loss
Bournemouth (A)
12/08/2024
1-1 draw
Stats via Transfermarkt
To highlight his importance, the 26-year-old has completed 86% of his passes in the league this season, averaging 4.9 successful duels, 2.6 tackles, 2.5 clearances and 5.3 ball recoveries per match.
He won six duels and made two tackles against Burnley and will be vital in beating down West Ham's German opposition tonight, doing the groundwork that will allow Jarrod Bowen and co to find openings.
The 6 foot 2 ace was rested on Sunday in preparation for the clash against Freiburg and while it's clear that he will indeed start, the importance of his performance cannot be understated: he will determine the outcome of West Ham's European conquest today.