West Ham fans react negatively to Zabaleta interview

West Ham United fans are not a happy bunch at the moment.

The appointment of David Moyes did not exactly fill the supporters with enthusiasm, and the Scot’s first game in charge ended in a 2-0 defeat at Watford on Sunday afternoon.

Chants of ‘sack the board’ were apparent during the clash at Vicarage Road, and a number of the club’s players have also taken stick for some poor performances in recent weeks.

On Monday, West Ham’s official Twitter account posted quotes from summer arrival Pablo Zabaleta, who claimed that missed opportunities cost the Hammers against Watford.

The club’s supporters are just not interested in cheap talk, however, and one fan even claimed that the London outfit would again be relegated to the Championship if things continue in this manner.

West Ham will have the chance to bounce back when they host Leicester City in the Premier League on Friday night, and another defeat would lead to more outcry.

A selection of Twitter reaction to Zabaleta’s quotes can be found below:

Liverpool fans lavish praise on Suarez

Luis Suarez had a pretty good time of it at Liverpool – scoring 82 goals in 133 appearances for the Merseyside outfit before making the move to Barcelona.

He netted 61 times in his final two seasons with the Reds, and has continued that scoring form in Spain – registering 127 goals in 165 matches for Barcelona.

Norwich City will not have many fond memories of Suarez though following a couple of spectacular performances against the Canaries.

Liverpool took a trip down memory lane on Monday as they posted a video of the striker scoring four times in the 5-1 win over Norwich in December 2013.

It would be fair to say that Suarez is not popular with everyone, and he has made some serious mistakes on the football pitch during his career.

There can be no doubting his ability as a player, however, and it is a shame for Liverpool that he did not stick around a little bit longer to help push the club forward.

A selection of the best Twitter reaction to Liverpool’s video can be found below:

PL25: The History of Liverpool vs Everton

In one of English football’s most iconic fixtures, Liverpool face Everton in the latest instalment of the Merseyside derby this weekend.

The two bitter rivals have met 50 times before in the Premier League, incurring an unfortunate record of red cards during that time, but can those previous encounters tell us anything about how Sunday’s clash at Anfield will unfold?

As we celebrate its 25th anniversary this season, Football FanCast look back at the history of the Merseyside derby throughout the Premier League era…

Head-to-Head

We often say form goes out of the window when it comes to local derbies, but that really hasn’t been the case between Liverpool and Everton throughout the Premier League era. In fact, the Reds have claimed more than twice the number of wins as the Toffees while scoring 25 more goals, but perhaps most worryingly for Sunday’s visitors, they haven’t actually beaten Liverpool in the Premier League since 2010.

Their last top flight victory at Anfield, meanwhile, was all the way back in 1999 when Kevin Campbell scored a fourth-minute winner. Perhaps the statistic that stands out most, however, is the sheer number of red cards – 21 from 50 encounters in the Premier League. That’s the most of any top flight fixture during the last 25 years.

Top Scorer – Steven Gerrard

Perhaps unsurprisingly considering Liverpool’s aforementioned dominance in this fixture, the top scorer chart is mostly filled with former Reds – the only exception being Everton’s iconic goalscoring midfielder Tim Cahill.

He scored five goals in twelve Premier League outings against Liverpool – only Aston Villa and Manchester City conceded more top flight goals from the Aussie during his time in England.

And that theme of local rivals being the club Merseysiders have most commonly scored against is a recurring one; Dirk Kuyt’s five goals was a personal best of his Premier League career, while only Villa conceded more top flight goals from Steven Gerrard and only three clubs (Villa included once again) conceded more goals from Robbie Fowler.

The Shared Hero – Nick Barmby

While hero doesn’t feel like an appropriate term for any player who crosses such a bitter rivalry, Nick Barmby stands out as a rarity of the Premier League era, simply because he enjoyed prolonged spells with both sides – and is just one of 31 players to ever move directly between both clubs.

No doubt, Barmby’s Everton tenure was far more successful, making over 100 appearances in the top flight and forcing his way into the England squad during that time.

But two seasons at Liverpool, in which the attacking midfielder struggled to produce his best form, did deliver the only trophy of Barmby’s career as part of the UEFA Cup-winning squad in 2000/01.

A Modern Classic – Everton 3-3 Liverpool (2013)

For a fixture so often reduced to little more than a street fight on grass, this 3-3 during the 2013/14 campaign provided a welcome break from the norm, perhaps because Everton and Liverpool enjoyed amongst their most glorious seasons of the Premier League era – finishing fifth and second respectively – and employed their most offensively-idealistic managers of the Premier League era in Roberto Martinez and Brendan Rodgers.

Both prided themselves on possession-based attacking football but ironically, five of the six goals in November 2013 came from set pieces. While Luis Suarez scored directly from a free kick, Philippe Coutinho, Kevin Mirallas, Romelu Lukaku and finally Daniel Sturridge all converted either first or second balls from dead deliveries into the box.

The only exception was Lukaku’s first goal of the afternoon – a mistake from Simon Mignolet followed by some snappy play from Everton in Liverpool’s box allowed the Belgian to stab home at close range. The shares were spoiled and both clubs went on to enjoy arguably their greatest seasons in the Premier League.

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Player Ratings: Who was England’s best player vs Colombia?

It was a match that will take pride of place on the mantle piece of English football history, such was the significance of England winning their first penalty shootout since 1996 and only their second of eight at major international tournaments.

But before the spot kick drama that somehow ended in redemption as Eric Dier blasted the ball beyond the flailing palm of David Opsina, England were in full control of Colombia for all but the last of the initial ninety minutes – at which point Yerry Mina rose highest at a corner.

During that spell of consistent dominance, even if it didn’t quite convert into a comfortable scoreline, plenty of individuals stood out for their courage and composure. Although England couldn’t quite make things happen in the final third, Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson pulled off an imperious one-man-band act in central midfield.

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The back three too hardly put a foot wrong. Harry Maguire mixed majestic football with beastly defending, John Stones remained calm throughout and although Kyle Walker was culpable for one error that could have cost the Three Lions dearly, the £45million-rated Manchester City defender was otherwise flawless.

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But, of course, England still required Harry Kane to provide the cutting edge and in addition to opening the scoring, the Tottenham star was the immovable pillar of Gareth Southgate’s attack – holding up the ball to win eleven aerial duels and nine fouls.

So, England fans, who was your Man of the Match from an exhilarating night that expelled so many historic demons? Let us know by taking part below and giving individual performance ratings for each of the players involved…

Manchester City fans wonder how Ronaldo move will affect Premier League

When Cristiano Ronaldo finalised a move from Real Madrid to Juventus on Tuesday, not many would have automatically thought about Manchester City and their fans.

However, some members of the club’s following have been discussing on Reddit how the sensational switch will affect their club or others in the Premier League.

There is no doubt that Ronaldo was the talisman of Los Blancos, and without him, the Spanish giants could struggle.

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It is likely that the powers that be will already be working on potential targets to replace the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.

As part of the discussion on Reddit, some fans are convinced that Chelsea playmaker Eden Hazard will be lured to the Bernabeu, while some City supporters are concerned that one of their attacking stars could be poached.

Who do you think will win the World Cup? Let us know here and win any World Cup shirt of your choice.

Some have even suggested that Tottenham Hotspur star Harry Kane will be on his way to Madrid now that a spot for a new Galactico has opened up.

From Juventus’ point of view, after reportedly splashing £99.2m on Ronaldo, the Italian club may need to sell some of their first-team players.

A couple of City fans have wondered whether the club could entice Miralem Pjanic to the Etihad Stadium.

Ronaldo to Juve chain reaction from r/MCFC

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Marcelo Bielsa should move to bring ex-captain Sol Bamba back to Leeds

Having missed out on Swansea man and former loanee Kyle Bartley to West Brom, Leeds will need to be in the market for another centre-back or two to add to the three currently at the club.

What’s the story?

With new boss Marcelo Bielsa preferring a 3-3-1-3 formation, it is no surprise that Leeds attempted to sign Bartley before he decided to head to the Hawthorns.

Pontus Jansson, Conor Shaughnessy and Liam Cooper are currently the only senior centre-backs at Elland Road and Bielsa will be looking to inject some competition for places.

The Argentine manager has been known to use ball-playing central midfielders as centre-backs at his former clubs – which include Marseille, Athletic Bilbao and the Argentina national side among many others. However, in the physical and competitive Championship he may find that this leaves his side vulnerable.

Ex-Leeds man and current Cardiff player Sol Bamba could be just the man to play at the heart of Bielsa’s defence and would be the perfect signing this summer after he left the club just two years ago.

Step down for Sol

Having proved himself to be one of the Championship’s top defenders in the past two seasons with Premier League new boys Cardiff, Bamba should make the move back down a league to Leeds to lend his talents to another promotion push.

Now 33-years-old, he may not have the legs to cope with some of the world’s best in the Prem but he certainly has the ability and experience to be a key player in England’s second division.

The Ivory Coast international initially joined Leeds on loan from Italian side Palermo in January 2015, before signing permanently that summer and almost immediately being made captain. When Garry Monk was appointed in the summer of 2016 he announced that Bamba would remain in the role, but after an own goal at the start of the season he lost his place and was released by September that same year.

A return to Elland Road would now be perfect for all parties and after missing out on Bartley in a competitive market, Leeds cannot afford to wait around before making defensive additions.

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Leeds fans react to news that Bielsa has bid for Jozefzoon

Leeds United and Derby County have had bids of £2.5million accepted for Brentford winger Florian Jozefzoon, according to Football Insider, although it appears as though the player has opted to join the Rams.

The 27-year-old joined Brentford 18 months ago and enjoyed a fine season in his first full year in English football, registering seven goals and seven assists for the Bees in the Championship.

Jozefzoon, who is valued at £1.35million on Transfermarkt, would have been Marcelo Bielsa’s first permanent signing since arriving at Leeds after completing loan deals for the Chelsea pair of Lewis Baker and Jamal Blackman.

Frank Lampard has just completed a loan move for Liverpool’s Harry Wilson so Jozefzoon would likely have to contend for a place in the starting line-up, although it appears as though that is his favoured move financially.

Leeds fans have been reacting to the news that they bid for Jozefzoon on social media, and here’s a selection of what they’ve had to say.

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Junior Alonso ideal for West Ham United this summer

West Ham have had a busy summer so far, but one more addition could make them a real powerhouse in the coming season.  

The Irons didn’t have the first few years in their new surroundings of the London Stadium that they wanted, at one point flirting with relegation. This summer has seen a series of new imports, which means relegation is a long way from the thoughts of most Hammers fans.

A summer of imports which has seen the likes of boyhood Hammers fan Jack Wilshere, Ryan Fredericks and record signing £36m Felipe Anderson, Manuel Pellegrini will be pleased with how his squad is lining up ahead of next season. Last season the East London outfit seemed to just lack the quality needed, but with the additions made so far, they are in a much better place for a strong season next term.

With Frenchman Patrice Evra leaving the club, and Pablo Zabaleta ageing and not the player he once was, West Ham could perhaps do with one more top quality full back to strengthen their squad.

With that in mind, here is the addition the Hammers should make before deadline day…

The addition West Ham United should make before deadline day is Lille’s Junior Alonso. He can operate as both a centre-back and left-back, bringing great versatility and depth to the Irons squad. The Paraguayan international is 25, and in the prime of his career. A player of his age, neither too young to make an impact or past his best, is what West Ham United have been crying out for in their full back position.

He is a technically skilful player, easily capable of playing out from the back. His ability would fit in well with the level of signing West Ham United are currently making. The left-footed Ascunsion-born player is valued at £1.8m by Transfermarkt. While he would not necessarily come into the club as a starter, he has the ability to play first-team football and provide good cover. If West Ham can tempt him away from Lille this would be a good move for the Irons.

Opinion: Rodrigo is the perfect man to be Chelsea’s new no. 9

Chelsea have confirmed that Alvaro Morata has switched shirt number, leaving the No. 9 jersey at Stamford Bridge vacant.

Morata only joined the London club last summer, but after a strong start to his time in England he faded badly and now finds his starting place under threat at Stamford Bridge.

It is clear that the Blues are on the hunt for a new striker this summer. They have already missed out on Gonzalo Higuain, as reported by the Daily Mail.

With the Argentine no longer an option, Sarri will have to look elsewhere for his new frontman. 

Rodrigo, currently of Valencia, would be the ideal striker for Chelsea to bring in this summer.

The Breakdown

The 27-year-old enjoyed a fine campaign in La Liga last time out, finding the back of the net 16 times in 37 appearances. Beyond that, the Spaniard provided a further 7 assists for his teammates. 

It is, in fact, Rodrigo’s all round game which should make him such an enticing proposition for Chelsea. Not only is he a clinical finisher, but he is also capable of dropping deep, contributing to the build up play, and fashioning goalscoring opportunities for others.

Rodrigo’s style of play would also add variance to the forward options at Sarri’s disposal. In Morata and Giroud, Chelsea already have two top class target men on their books. Rodrigo’s pace and smart running in behind would be a new weapon in their arsenal though.

The Spanish international’s versatility could also become an asset to the Blues, as the attacker is comfortable playing anywhere across the forward line.

Transfermarkt value Rodrigo at £45 million. If Chelsea could land him for a fee in that region, then it would be a great bit of business for the Blues.

Guardiola confirms Manchester City will not sign anyone new by deadline, fans react

Manchester City are a financial heavyweight in global football, but their spending this summer has been minimal.

Pep Guardiola managed to guide the North-West outfit to the Premier League title with ease last season.

Understandably, then, the club did not need to do much tweaking to the current squad.

The only major arrival for Guardiola this summer has been Riyad Mahrez from Leicester City.

The Premier League winner will now provide competition for the wingers, but can also be used as an option in attack.

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For months, City were thought to be hunting for a defensive midfielder, but it looks as though they will begin the season without a new player for that position.

Fernandinho did a stellar job last season, but there are not many options to choose from for Guardiola.

Jorginho was thought to be a major target, but the Napoli midfielder ended up following Maurizio Sarri to Chelsea.

While speaking to Sky Sports, the City boss confirmed that the club will not be bringing in any more new faces before Thursday’s 5pm deadline.

City fans have given mixed responses to Guardiola’s claims, with some blaming director of football Txiki Begiristain for the lack of signings.

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