Charlton fans react as the club is charged by the FA after incident against Bristol City

Charlton fans have taken to Twitter to react after it was revealed that the Addicks and Bristol City have been charged by the FA following a recent incident at Ashton Gate.

The south Londoners faced Lee Johnson’s men on the 23rd October in a game that Lee Bowyer’s side lost 2-1, despite taking a 1-0 lead through Macauley Bonne – Josh Brownhill scored a gutting 97th minute winner.

However, the incident in question involved a 15-man brawl after a questionable challenge from Bristol City’s Famara Diedhiou, who was sent off for kicking Charlton’s Jason Pearce – the fracas has led to an FA charge for both sides, as they are alleged to have failed to ensure their players conducted themselves appropriately.

Admittedly, it is the letter of the law. However, Diedhiou had three kicks at Pearce before the Addicks man’s teammates merely stepped in to defend him, so it seems like a harsh call.

Let’s see what the Charlton fans on Twitter thought of the FA charge…

Liverpool repeat 2019 blunder with Harry Wilson’s loan exit

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…

6th August, 2019.

Bournemouth have just announced the signing of Liverpool’s Harry Wilson on a season-long loan deal, and there seem to be few complaints about the transfer.

The Reds’ young prospect gets to try his hand at Premier League football, having starred in the Championship for Derby last term with 16 goals to his name, and also gets to play under Eddie Howe, a man who has instilled an admirable footballing ethos at the Vitality Stadium.

As of now, the Wales international seems to be enjoying his time on the south coast.

The 22-year-old has already scored three goals in seven Premier League starts for the Cherries, including an outstanding freekick against Manchester City and a long-range screamer against Aston Villa.

While he is doing well, and his parent club back on Merseyside are also having an impressive season, it may have been a mistake from the European champions to let their academy graduate go.

Why?

Purely by watching the recent 1-1 draw against Manchester United, it’s clear there is an imbalance in attack when Mohamed Salah isn’t playing.

The Egyptian’s absence paved the way for Divock Origi to come into the side. The Belgian is a cult hero who came up trumps on numerous occasions last season, and has the talent to cause problems.

However, he operates best on the left and that is where Klopp put him at Old Trafford. That in turn means Sadio Mane has to go out onto the right, a position that neglects his skill set and potent style of incisive dribbling.

A timid performance ensued against the Red Devils. Klopp’s side had just four shots on target, and looked likely to be heading for a 1-0 loss but for Adam Lallana’s 85th minute equaliser.

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In Origi’s case, he was substituted in the 59th minute after an ineffective display, one that contained no shots on target, no key passes and no successful dribbles.

This is not to suggest that, if Wilson had started instead, the Welshman would’ve starred and Liverpool would’ve run riot.

But in terms of the balance of the attack, Liverpool could have done with a left-footed player to come in and replace Salah in like-for-like fashion instead of compromising their style of play to incorporate Origi on the left.

Xherdan Shaqiri is also an option, one blessed with creativity, power and a blockbuster moment in the locker. Unlike Wilson, though, there is a suggestion that he is more naturally suited to a central attacking midfield role rather than a wide berth.

Anyway, why did Klopp see fit to loan Wilson out?

The Athletic report that the attacker is at Bournemouth to see how he handles regular Premier League action.

“Harry Wilson flourished in the Championship at both Hull and Derby and is now on a season-long loan at Bournemouth to see how he handles regular Premier League action. Significantly, the south coast club have no option to buy as Klopp still believes the Wales international can have a future at Anfield.”

Chelsea have demonstrated that a successful campaign in the Championship can be conducive to success at the elite level, with Fikayo Tomori, Mason Mount and Tammy Abraham firmly ingrained at the heart of Frank Lampard’s revolution.

Perhaps Klopp should have afforded a similar level of trust to Wilson and a major injury to Salah later in the season could expose the enormity of what was a relatively innocuous looking transfer decision.

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Tomori made 47 appearances last season in defence, and has walked straight into Lampard’s XI at Stamford Bridge, not looking an inch out of place.

Abraham, who spent the season with Aston Villa – the side who broke Tomori’s, Mount’s and Derby hearts at Wembley back in May – racked up 26 league goals and the 22-year-old currently leads the way alongside Sergio Aguero at the top of the Premier League scoring ranks with eight goals this season.

The youngsters can have a huge say in Premier League proceedings – they just need to be trusted.

And this may not even be the first time that a loan agreement with Bournemouth comes back to bite the Reds.

Indeed, the decision to allow Nathaniel Clyne to join the Cherries in January earlier this year was ill-advised and poorly timed, one that ultimately left Klopp bereft of any natural options at right-back during a critical stage of the season.

Just days after the former Borussia Dortmund boss allowed the right-back to leave Anfield, Trent Alexander-Arnold picked up a knock and, with Joe Gomez already out, Milner and Henderson had to share the responsibility of playing at right-back.

The title-chase took a turn in the absence of a natural candidate as West Ham, Leicester City and Manchester United all held Liverpool to draws.

At the time the decision to let Clyne leave seemed harmless, but the situation that unfolded soon after undermined that feeling and now there is already a twinge of Deja vu emerging with regard to Wilson.

Nothing has been decided at this stage in the season, but the United game exposed Liverpool’s toothless pragmatism in Salah’s absence and, without a dynamic left-footed option to fill the void, they may live to regret their decision to send their natural replacement to the south coast.

Spurs and Arsenal eyeing Premier League’s most underrated centre-back

Willy Boly is no ordinary defender. “I like and want to have the ball,” he once said and this despite inhabiting a position where every second in possession is a risk.

It is fortuitous then that the 28-year-old French centre-back is so comfortable with the ball at his feet and for over two years now, since his £10m move to our shores from Porto in the summer of 2017, he has delighted with his rangy strides out from the back and array of passing.

It helps that in being part of a back-three so favoured by Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo he has insurance, particularly from Conor Coady. The rest though is on him.

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Not that Boly’s attributes are exclusively reserved for building from the back and retaining possession.

Defensively he has consistently been a colossus for Wanderers, benefiting from his height, pace and a fine positional reading to frustrate the very best strikers around.

In October he was a pivotal presence as Wolves emerged from Manchester City’s fortress with a 2-0 win while he is ranked by WhoScored as the second most impactful centre-back in the Premier League, second only to Liverpool’s Joel Matip.

Interestingly, Boly boasts a higher number of interceptions made with significantly more tackles completed than the Merseyside giant, further illustrating that first and foremost he is a solid, no-nonsense stopper.

With the added, precious ability to chip in with a goal or two along the way – Boly’s stoppage-time winner against Besiktas in the Europa League at the start of October kick-started a memorable week that ended with the shock defeat of City – it’s certainly no surprise to see transfer speculation arise in relation to the in-form star with Tottenham reputedly ‘keeping close tabs’ while Arsenal have been heavily linked in recent weeks and on both fronts this makes sense.

Are Gareth Southgate’s Aston Villa roots the reason behind the Wolves player in the video below being overlooked?…

Spurs’ defensive situation remains precarious with both Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen out of contract next season with each appearing to be seeking a future away from North London. As for the Gunners their recruitment of David Luiz looks more like a panic decision with every fresh mistake the unpredictable Brazilian makes while Sokratis and Mustafi are hardly the dependable types that lead a team to silverware.

So it’s to the Black Country that the north of the capital looks, enviously and with serious intent to lure down a player who has made more tackles, interceptions, dribbles, key passes, and clearances than either Luiz or Sokratis in 2019/20; an estimable talent who is ranked a staggering 98 places above Tottenham’s best-performing defender Alderweireld this season.

Will they be able to dislodge a key figure for a club who claimed only this week that their finances have ‘never been stronger’? That remains to be seen while further doubt comes from this undeniable truth: as Boly’s reputation continues to soar so too does his price-tag.

Tottenham have to start playing defender amid contract talks

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…

Tottenham Hotspur have offered Japhet Tanganga a new contract, per Football Insider.

What’s the word?

The young defender made his debut for the club in the Carabao Cup defeat to Colchester United but his contract expires at the end of the current season.

And manager Mauricio Pochettino – described as a big admirer – has now signed off on a new offer for the 20-year-old, who has been with the club since the age of 10.

Indeed, the report states that the club have high hopes for Tanganga’s development and believe he could become a first-team player in future.

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Play him

Tanganga has just 63 minutes of first-team football to his name and every single one of those came against Colchester. At this point, what would be his inclination for signing a new deal?

The fact is that Spurs can offer Tanganga a unique pathway into the first-team. Both Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld have contracts that expire in the summer; it is not inconceivable to imagine both leaving the club.

That would leave Spurs with just Davinson Sanchez, Juan Foyth and Eric Dier as their options at centre-back; Foyth is seen more as a right-back by Pochettino, while Dier regularly plays in midfield.

There would be no harm, then, in promoting Tanganga now and exposing him to the realities of the first-team squad, with Pochettino proving he is indeed a fan of his qualities.

At the same time, it would likely give fans something to cheer about; Spurs are marooned in mid-table but fans adore seeing academy prospects given a chance.

Not only would it be a mood-lifter, but it would also show Tanganga that the pathway exists and that he can make it.

As it is, he has no real reason to sign on the dotted line over pushing for a move to the club that could instantly expose him to first-team football, albeit at a lesser level.

Aston Villa fans slam Dean Smith for defensive tactics against Wolves

Lots of Aston Villa fans have slammed Dean Smith for his ‘dreadful’ defensive tactics against Wolverhampton Wanderers which allowed Ruben Neves to open the scoring on Sunday.

Neves struck Wolves’ go-ahead goal in the 41st-minute with a wonderful finish from the edge of the box, as the Portuguese midfielder was gifted yards of space to wait for Joao Moutinho’s short free-kick.

With no Villa player near him, Neves guided the ball into the centre of the net with his first touch, and watched as it sailed over a crowded penalty area and past Orjan Nyland after the Norwegian had to replace Jed Steer following an Achilles injury.

Villans supporters were left mightily frustrated by Neves being gifted so much space on the edge of the box, as the 22-year-old has proven himself to be an expert at scoring from range since moving to Molineux in 2017.

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Each of Neves’ six goals in the Championship during the 2017/18 campaign came from outside the area, including a thunderous volley against Derby County when he found the top corner despite backtracking as he struck the ball.

The 14-cap Portugal international also scored two of his four Premier League goals last season from outside of the penalty area, and opened his account for the campaign this term from range when he fired home against Manchester United in August.

Here are some of the messages shared after Villa fell behind at Molineux to a long-range strike by Neves…

Liverpool fans want to see Jadon Sancho join the club

Liverpool fans have expressed their admiration for Jadon Sancho and pleaded for their the club to sign the 19-year-old sensation. This comes after reports emerged from the Daily Mail stating that Liverpool are amongst the many clubs keeping an eye on the winger.

Sancho is reportedly prepared to leave Borussia Dortmund not long after the club prepared for his exit in August. Now, with Liverpool the latest club to show interest in the young star, fans are hoping that he puts pen to paper on a deal with the Merseysiders.

One fan has said he would be the “ultimate competition” for the Reds’ breathtaking front three right now. Another supporter also stated he should be the “no.1 target” for the club in the summer.

Sancho has already established himself not just as a future superstar, but as one of the best around right now.

His five assists and three goals in just nine league games in Germany prove his mesmerising talent is only increasing. Last season, the Englishman really put himself amongst the best as he provided 14 assists and scored 12 times for Dortmund in the Bundesliga.

The £90m-rated star will, of course, be up against arguably the most fierce competition in Europe should he join the Reds. Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane have all been undroppable for the past year, and Sancho will have to put up a strong argument for his spot against them.

However, many Liverpool fans want to see him join the madness at Anfield anyway…

Arsenal could be set to make January move for Pau Torres

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…

According to The Sun Arsenal are interested in Villareal’s Pau Torres and could launch a bid for him in January.

What’s the word?

The defender has impressed this season after returning to Villareal from a loan spell at Malaga last year, and such is his form he has received recognition from the Spain national team, making his debut against Malta a few days ago.

He may only be 22 years old and new on the scene but the Gunners may have to activate his release clause in order to secure a move, which currently stands at £43m.

It is a considerable fee but given Arsenal’s troubles in defence this season with 17 goals conceded in 12 league games it may be a necessary step to take, though they could look to negotiate a smaller fee first if possible.

Manchester City are also rumoured to be interested.

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Support for Emery

The Spanish boss has overseen some expensive deals since arriving in north London, with the £72m fee paid to Lille for Nicolas Pepe the most outstanding.

That deal only occurred in the summer, too, and so this latest move would signal that he still has the trust and backing of the board, who only began to offer Arsene Wenger the same resources towards the end of his reign.

So far under Emery there hasn’t been much spending on centre-backs, with David Luiz brought in over the summer for just £8m, while Sokratis Papadoupolous was brought in on a free.

Both have looked suspect this season and cost the team goals, which is perhaps why the board are willing to give Emery an opportunity to strengthen, though if Arsenal’s results don’t pick up with this signing then some questions could be raised.

Arsenal can ill afford any more missteps in the transfer market if they are going to qualify for the Champions League, and since they’re already eight points off fourth place they will need Torres to be exactly what they’re hoping for.

Ex-Sheffield Wednesday prospect George Hirst shows where they have got it wrong

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…

Sheffield Wednesday are approaching quite the milestone, although it’s not exactly a positive one.

Next year will mark a second decade that the club have been absent from the top-flight of English football, and their chances to enact on that may well be dependant on whether or not the EFL sanction them this season.

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The Owls are in line to face a points deduction after being charged for financial misconduct over the sale of their Hillsborough stadium Dejphon Chansiri.

Trends tend to stick in south Yorkshire as the club have twice been faced with a transfer embargo while another long-term issue is once again rearing its head.

Over the past few years, it’s hard to think of many players that have gone onto become a regular figure in the blue and white shirt that the club have actually produced themselves.

The current squad is the oldest in the Championship, after all.

In fact, no player under the age of 23 has featured for Wednesday this season, and that is quite damning.

This was, of course, something that former manager Jos Luhukay tried to eradicate during his spell – the Dutchman made bold calls to drop Keiren Westwood for the then-inexperienced Cameron Dawson while Jordan Thorniley, Matt Penney, Ash Baker, Fraser Preston, and Connor Kirby were all handed regular opportunities.

All of those players, at the time, were 22 or younger – but it ultimately cost him his job.

However, during that summer, the club let slip of George Hirst, who is now a frequent and prolific member of Leicester City’s youth team.

He has bagged six goals this campaign across the Premier League 2 and the EFL Trophy, per Transfermarkt.

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The 20-year-old striker is only proving that the club’s attitude towards younger players is entirely wrong as had he still been on the books, then he may have been vital in putting a stop to their goalscoring woes under Garry Monk.

Under the 40-year-old’s stewardship, the Owls have scored 14 goals in ten league games, four of which coming in the very same match while top goalscorer Steven Fletcher is enduring a run of six successive matches without finding the net.

Those involved with the decision-making at Hillsborough need to buck up their ideas fast, or they’ll risk losing many more players like Hirst, who clearly had the potential brewing inside.

Monk may well fear the use of their academy because of what happened to Luhukay too.

Crystal Palace: Alessandro Tripaldelli may pose a threat to Patrick van Aanholt

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…

According to Tutto Mercato Web, Crystal Palace have sent scouts to watch Sassuolo left-back Alessandro Tripaldelli in action, while Manchester United and Southampton are also keeping tabs on the youngster.

What’s the word, then?

Well, the Eagles are reportedly eyeing up the 20-year-old full-back who has quite a lot of admirers, despite making just two Serie A appearances this season.

Tripaldelli is on the radar of Sassuolo’s fellow Italian sides Fiorentina, Atalanta and Bologna, while Spanish outfits Levante and Valencia are also monitoring the youngster.

Sassuolo’s No.33 helped the Italy U20 side to fourth place at the U20 World Cup back in the summer, and he must certainly have something about him if he is being watched by sides with the pedigree of Valencia and Manchester United.

Tutto Mercato Web describe the young Italian as being “suitable for a British championship” while also mentioning his pace as a key asset of his.

Potential threat to Patrick van Aanholt

Now, while it would be far-fetched to state that a 20-year-old will arrive in England and immediately dislodge a first-teamer from his spot, context must be applied to Crystal Palace and Patrick van Aanholt’s situation if Tripaldelli did end up in south London.

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Firstly, the Eagles have just one senior left-back at the club in the shape of van Aanholt, so depth is definitely required in that area – Roy Hodgson was forced to play midfielder Jairo Riedewald there in the Carabao Cup earlier this term, something that the former England boss later apologised for.

Secondly, his poor performances must be mentioned.

The Dutchman is a liability for Palace from a defensive aspect – while he may score some important goals, he is caught out at the back far too often by opposition attackers.

His performance against Leicester a few weeks ago drew anger from some Palace fans on Twitter, a game in which his poor attempt to clear the ball led to the Foxes’ opener.

In that respect, if Palace managed to beat some big clubs to the highly-rated young left-back and he arrived at Selhurst Park, van Aanholt’s place may be under threat.

In other news, check out what these Crystal Palace fans have been saying about a teenage hat-trick hero who dazzled Andros Townsend…

Newcastle United: Danny Mills destroys Andy Carroll

Former Premier League defender now pundit Danny Mills has destroyed Andy Carroll after asking Football Insider what the point was in having the striker around.

Mills believes that Carroll will not be offered a new deal in the summer and will be allowed to leave Newcastle United. He also suggested that a move to the MLS or even retirement may be the next step for the 31-year old.

This is what he had to say on Carroll when asked if he would be offered a new contract: “It is very unlikely. He has not been fit enough this season. What is the point in having him around? He has hardly been available, let alone been on the pitch.

“It is one person that they do not need. He will be on a basic wage, it will not be just a pay-as-you-play. You may as well spend that on somebody else.

“Carroll may have to look somewhere like the MLS because he is just not fit enough. As great as he can be, his body is not up to it right now. He may even think about retirement but only Andy Carroll will know that.”

What Mills says on Carroll’s lack of fitness can be backed up by stats. The Englishman has yet to score in 14 appearances in all competitions since he returned to his boyhood club in last summer’s transfer window, and he has also missed 11 games this season because of injury, according to Transfermarkt.

He has not been available in 191 total matches in his career because of various injury problems ranging from ligament trouble to just simple knocks, missing many potential appearances not just for the Magpies but for Liverpool and West Ham United as well, as per Transfermarkt.

It would be a shame if Carroll was forced to retire at the age of 31, especially given his record for Newcastle previous to this campaign. The central forward has scored 33 goals and provided 25 assists in 105 appearances in all competitions for the Toon Army, and managed to break into the English national team based off some impressive performances (via Transfermarkt).

Whether Carroll is offered a new contract is another question, but Mills thinks that his fitness issues mean he does not warrant one.

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