A big talent: Moyes may have already found Everton’s next Tim Cahill

Bournemouth have got Everton’s number, with the Toffees losing their fourth match in succession against the South Coast side on Sunday, bowing out of the FA Cup in the fourth round.

This isn’t the be-all and end-all for David Moyes’ rejuvenated team, having clinched three successive wins in the Premier League to create ample breathing room at the bottom end of the table.

Everton manager David Moyes before Brighton match

Everton are battling injuries, stripped of bodywork but still producing coherent and determined performances that look a world away from the colourless football under Sean Dyche’s wing.

How Moyes is combating injuries at Everton

Everton’s deficiency on the fitness front is concerning, to be sure, but recent results in the Premier League do highlight the club’s strength in a new system.

The lead-up to Moyes’ appointment saw the Merseysiders fail to score across eight of ten Premier League matches, and they have bagged eight goals from four fixtures since.

This is all the more impressive when considering the forwards are dropping like flies, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Armando Broja, Youssef Chermiti and Dwight McNeil all sidelined.

Every cloud though, ay. With McNeil not expected to return just yet, new recruit Charly Alcaraz may be tasked with fighting from the opening whistle once again in the coming days – with Liverpool heading to Goodison for a crunch top-flight contest.

Moyes may have a star in the Argentine midfielder.

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Moyes could have Everton's new Tim Cahill waiting in the wings

It’s safe to say that Everton must be sick of the sight of Bournemouth, with their Saturday win at Goodison extending the Toffees’ record against the Cherries to eight defeats from ten fixtures in all competitions.

Carlos Alcaraz

However, Alcaraz’s debut was hailed by the likes of correspondent Paddy Boyland, who praised the dynamic ace for giving Everton “something different in midfield.”

His swashbuckling style is characterised by throttle-shaking movements and a desire to drive play into dangerous areas, where he or his teammates can find space to shoot.

Everton might have failed to address issues at centre-forward and on the right flank, but this signing adds impetus and depth to a side that has walked with strong footing over the past few weeks, no longer pressed within the thickness of the relegation zone.

And given that he was signed on loan with an obligatory £13m buy option at the end of the season, this might prove to be a shrewd deal indeed given that Juventus were keen on snapping up their former loanee for a £40m fee last year.

Replacing the less mobile Abdoulaye Doucoure for the final 25 minutes in the FA Cup, the 22-year-old hit the woodwork from a free-kick, took 23 touches, won his only contested ground duel and placed two key passes for teammates, as per Sofascore.

Typically playing off the striker’s back, Alcaraz’s style almost gives rise to memories of Tim Cahill, one of Everton’s finest Premier League stars and a linchpin throughout the bulk of Moyes’ first regime.

With 226 games and 56 highlight goals to his name in the English top flight, the retired Australian star was described as Everton’s “talisman” by Phil Neville, who continued to stress that the versatile player was “right up there” with the best of the best in the club’s storied modern history.

Everton – Record Premier League Scorers

Rank

Player

Apps

Goals

1.

Romelu Lukaku

141

68

2.

Duncan Ferguson

239

60

3.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin

235

57

4.

Tim Cahill

226

56

5.

Kevin Campbell

145

45

Stats via Transfermarkt

Competent as a box-to-box midfielder and dangerous as a makeshift striker, Alcaraz could certainly do worse than take a leaf from the Aussie star’s book, and given that Moyes has been behind the new Everton signing, it feels like he’s looking to repeat his own trick in dynamising the Everton attack.

Explosiveness has been in short supply on the blue half of Merseyside over recent years, and with Orel Mangala now sidelined until the end of the season, sorting this deal out felt significant.

Alcaraz, moreover, isn’t quite a player who excels in possession-based systems, instead powering forward and unleashing his will onto the pitch, be that through his ball striking or playmaking skills.

Tim Cahill in action for Everton

Alcaraz may not be an aerial monster in the same vein as Cahill, but he’s electric, powerful and creative with his attacking tools, ranking among the top 1% of positional peers over the past year for shots taken, the top 4% for shot-creating actions, the top 3% for progressive carries and the top 1% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.

Talent scout Jacek Kulig hailed Alcaraz for being “one of the biggest talents in Argentina” following his breakout with Racing Club before he transferred to Southampton and looks set to explode now back in English football.

Still only 22, Alcaraz has crucial Premier League experience to his name with the Saints and indeed brings something different to Moyes’ midfield, thunderously purposeful and proving himself to be multi-dimensional against Bournemouth as he skidded back into deeper positions and looked composed as he turned play back toward Everton’s offensive third.

Toward the end of the dysfunctional Farhad Moshiri era, Everton repeatedly fanned the flames of their support base’s frustrations, but Moyes is back and has already begun to remind English football of why he’s such a revered figure at Goodison Park.

More work is needed on the transfer front, but in Alcaraz, a combative and energetic new midfield force has been welcomed to the fold.

Moyes might just have signed his future talisman, very much in the mould of Cahill.

Even better than Ndiaye: Everton must regret selling "exceptional" PL star

Everton must rue selling a player who is shining for his current club in the Premier League.

1 ByRoss Kilvington Feb 9, 2025

South Africa start T20 World Cup campaign on the right foot

Stand-in captain, Keshav Maharaj, was happy with team’s sustained intensity in the warm-up game

Firdose Moonda17-Oct-2022

Keshav Maharaj led South Africa to a nine-wicket win in the warm-up game against New Zealand•Associated Press

South Africa are clearing the mental fog from their back-to-back series defeats in India and have begun their final preparations for the Men’s T20 World Cup with a nine-wicket win over New Zealand in the first of two warm-up matches. The team arrived in Australia last week, directly from India where they played six white-ball games and lost four.”India was a severely long tour for us from a mental point of view and coming back from two series losses, it was important that we try and create some momentum in these warm-up games,” Keshav Maharaj, South Africa’s stand-in captain, said. “Warm-up games can be monotonous and lose their intensity but the guys were very professional on the field.”Related

Bavuma unfazed by pressure as South Africa look to avoid mistakes from 2021 edition

Bowling riches leave SA with good headache ahead of T20 WC

South Africa's embarrassment of glitches

Though South Africa were only in India for just over two weeks, they lost both the T20I and ODI series, leaving their World Cup hopes in both formats in disarray. The T20I series defeat was South Africa’s first in six series while their ODI trouncing has left them in a precarious position on the World Cup Super League points table – 11th – with only five matches left to play. And that wasn’t all that went wrong in India, where Mark Boucher oversaw his last bilateral tour as South Africa’s coach.Dwaine Pretorius broke his thumb and was ruled out of the T20 World Cup, regular white-ball captain Temba Bavuma scored 11 runs in four innings on his comeback from an elbow injury and then took ill and has not played since; and left-arm wrist-spinner Tabraiz Shamsi suffered an alarming loss of form before also finding himself on the sick bed. At least one of those seems closer to being solved.Shamsi took 2 for 6 in three overs in the warm-up match and bowled “exceptionally well” according to Maharaj, who finished with 3 for 17. “We know he is a world-class performer and everyone goes through various transitions throughout their career. It’s good to see Shammo back to his best,” Maharaj said. “He will have a big hand (to play) in this World Cup.”Bavuma, meanwhile, should be back for South Africa’s second warm-up match against Bangladesh on Wednesday, which will be his last opportunity to find form before the tournament starts. “Temba is easing back into it. In the next game we will probably see him,” Maharaj said. “He is building up nicely towards the World Cup.”Bavuma continues to have the backing of his team despite the rut he finds himself in and concerns over his T20 strike rate in a squad where there is stiff competition for spots in the top three. If Bavuma plays, one of Reeza Hendricks, Quinton de Kock or Rilee Rossouw will have to sit out. De Kock was rested for the warm-up match, Hendricks scored a 24-ball 27 and Rossouw broke the back of the chase with 54 off 32 balls. “Rilee has been in spectacular form and he makes things look easier than they are,” Maharaj said. “All round it was a very disciplined performance from the boys.”

Marcus Rashford's Man Utd return ruled out by Ryan Giggs as club legend admits England star looks 'happier' at Aston Villa

Ryan Giggs believes Marcus Rashford will not return to Manchester United as the club legend admits the England star looks "happier" at Aston Villa.

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Rashford has revived his form under EmeryStriker has had his differences with AmorimGiggs believes he won't return to UnitedFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Giggs, who helped oversee Rashford’s senior debut in 2016 under then-manager Louis van Gaal, believes a clean break between club and player may be in the best interest of both sides. The former midfielder noted a visible change in Rashford’s demeanour since his January loan switch to Aston Villa, suggesting that the 27-year-old seems to be playing with more joy and freedom.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportWHAT GIGGS SAID

While appearing on the podcast, Giggs said: "I don't think he looked happy at United. I think he looks happier now. Which is a shame because obviously I'd seen him as a part of the staff when we'd given him his debut. I remember walking over to the reserve team pitches and just watching him. It was a small-sided game, me and Louis walked over, didn't really know him."

Giggs reminisced about the early days when he and Van Gaal first spotted Rashford tearing it up in a youth match.

"We knew a bit about him, but all of a sudden it was just like, bang, bang, bang, goals. Louis went, no, he trains with us. That's the impact that he made," he recalled.

"And he was just like any young player, just playing with freedom. He doesn't look like that. For Marcus and for United, I think it's best if they part ways. He'd be a brilliant player for someone, but I don’t know who."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Rashford remains contracted with United until 2028, and the club now faces a tough decision. With his value still relatively high, a permanent sale could generate significant funds, but there’s also the possibility of extending the loan or even reintegrating him if circumstances change. Any decision, however, will need to be mutual. Rashford’s team has made it clear that no formal talks will take place until at least mid-June, giving both parties time to assess the landscape, especially with the summer transfer window approaching.

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR RASHFORD?

Rashford’s current priority appears to be playing at the highest level and is focused on joining a club capable of securing Champions League football. However, Villa’s pursuit of a top-five finish suffered a blow this week after a dramatic late defeat to Manchester City. Despite the setback, Villa remain in contention for a Champions League berth, as they are just two points behind fifth-placed Newcastle, which could play a key role in convincing Rashford to stay.

رجل مباراة مانشستر سيتي وفولهام في الدوري الإنجليزي

كشفت رابطة البريميرليج عن الفائز بجائزة رجل مباراة مانشستر سيتي وفولهام في بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

والتقى الفريقان مساء اليوم الأحد، في ختام منافسات الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، بالجولة الثامنة والثلاثين.

وتغلب مانشستر سيتي على فولهام بهدفين دون مقابل، لينهي الموسم في المركز الثالث برصيد 71 نقطة.

وحصل جفارديول، مدافع مانشستر سيتي، على جائزة رجل المباراة أمام فولهام، بعد الأداء الذي قدمه.

اقرأ أيضًا | تقييم عمر مرموش في مباراة مانشستر سيتي وفولهام بـ الدوري الإنجليزي

ونال جفارديول أعلى نسبة تصويت بحسب ما أعلن الموقع الرسمي للبريميرليج، وبلغت 62%.

وسجل لمانشستر سيتي في مباراة اليوم، كل من إيلكاي جوندوجان، وإيرلينج هالاند (من ضربة جزاء).

وبفوزه في لقاء اليوم، ضمن مانشستر سيتي التأهل لدوري أبطال أوروبا للموسم المقبل، بعدما احتل المركز الثالث في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

'I've gone past my boyhood crushes!' – Ange Postecoglou insists he has no love left Liverpool as Tottenham plan to ruin title party

Ange Postecoglou supported Liverpool growing up, but the Tottenham boss has no desire to facilitate a title celebration at Anfield on Sunday.

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  • Liverpool welcome Tottenham to Anfield on Sunday
  • Reds need just a point to win title
  • But Postecoglou has no desire to help them
Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Postecoglou insisted his boyhood affection for Liverpool will have no impact on his desire to prevent them from winning the Premier League title this Sunday, with the Reds needing just a point against Spurs to secure a record-tying 20th English championship. Postecoglou has previously spoken of his admiration for Liverpool but emphatically dismissed any notion of mixed emotions should Tottenham delay their celebrations.

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    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    The title race is all but over after Arsenal once again dropped points in midweek. The Gunners were held to their 13th draw of the season in a London derby with Crystal Palace, putting Liverpool on the cusp of history. 

    Destined for a bottom-half finish in a season that could cost Postecoglou his job as manager, Spurs’ focus for the rest of the campaign is on attempting to clinch Champions League qualification by winning the Europa League. Spurs face Bodo/Glimt in the first leg of the semi-finals on Thursday, but Postecoglou made it clear nothing will stop him seeking a result at Anfield.

  • WHAT POSTECOGLOU SAID

    Asked if his previous fondness for Liverpool would have any impact on his emotions, Postecoglou told a press conference: "I’m a 60-year-old adult, I’ve gone past my boyhood crushes. It’s got no impact whatsoever. I have great admiration for the football club. Yes, I supported it when I was younger, but that was 50-odd years ago so we’ve well and truly moved on since then."

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    WHAT NEXT FOR TOTTENHAM?

    Sunday’s game may be defining for Liverpool, but it is unlikely to have much influence on Postecoglou’s long-term future. There is already talk he could be sacked by Tottenham even if they win the Europa League, but any hope of him staying in a job likely rests on that competition. As such, Postecoglou may need to be smart in how he manages his team against Liverpool to ensure the squad is in the best shape possible for the first leg with Bodo/Glimt.

Arsenal hold January talks with £51m striker as elite club open to selling

Arsenal have made contact with an elite club’s striker via his representatives, as manager Mikel Arteta and the Gunners continue their attempts to bring a new forward.

Arsenal scour market for striker after Gabriel Jesus injury

Arteta is set to be without Gabriel Jesus for the remainder of 2024/2025 after the Brazilian ruptured his ACL in their FA Cup defeat to Manchester United recently.

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ByEmilio Galantini Jan 21, 2025

The £265,000-per-week star could be out for nine months, extending into next season, so it is arguably imperative that Arteta and co identify new striking options who can come to complement Kai Havertz in the number nine role.

The German is Arsenal’s only option in that position right now, and if injury were to befall him, then Arteta may be reliant on summer signing Raheem Sterling to play as a striker – as he has done before during his time at Man City.

Wolves (away)

January 25

Man City (home)

February 2

Leicester City (away)

February 15

West Ham (home)

February 22

Nottingham Forest (away)

February 26

Bukayo Saka’s absence until March seriously doesn’t help matters either, considering the England star’s crucial output of goals and assists every campaign.

Arsenal are in real danger of being left behind by Liverpool in the Premier League title race already, having just dropped points at home to Aston Villa, with Arne Slot’s side stealing a precious three points away to Brentford in added-time last weekend.

Liverpool managerArneSlotbefore the match

Arteta quite simply requires backing from the Arsenal board before transfer deadline day on February 3, and the addition of a proven goalscorer would go a long way in restoring their hopes of catching Liverpool.

Arsenal are reportedly targeting Benjamin Sesko, as they potentially forward their plans to snap him up for January, rather than this summer. Meanwhile, Sporting Lisbon sensation Viktor Gyokeres is also being considered by Arsenal as a potential winter signing.

Another striker who’s been repeatedly linked throughout January is Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic, currently in the midst of a contract debacle in Turin as his deal ticks down towards expiry in 2026.

Arsenal hold talks with Dusan Vlahovic via his representatives

As per Calciomercato in Italy, Arsenal have already been in talks with Vlahovic via his entourage, as the north Londoners contact his camp to gauge the possibility of him swapping Serie A for England.

The Serbia international “can leave” Juve this month, even if time is slowly running out for Arsenal to strike a deal, considering Thiago Motta’s side will have to source a replacement this late in the window.

Juve will also demand up to £51 million to sanction Vlahovic’s transfer, but there is still every possibility he could depart the club in what would be a “perfect” solution to his unresolved long-term future.

Arsenal have targeted Vlahovic for years, first making an attempt to prise the 24-year-old away from Fiorentina before they were eventually beaten to his signature by the Old Lady in 2022. Some reports have suggested that Arsenal have already seen a loan bid rejected for Vlahovic, but this is yet to be backed up by other credible media sources.

Newcastle make £50m+ bid and activate release clause for "fantastic" star

Newcastle United have now made a £50m+ bid and activated the release clause to sign a “fantastic” midfielder, according to a report.

Newcastle eyeing signings in all areas

The Magpies are not short on transfer targets in several key positions, with Burnley’s James Trafford, who caught the eye by saving two penalties against Sunderland on Friday night, among the main targets between the sticks.

Earlier in the January transfer window, Eddie Howe’s side were positioning themselves to sign Abdukodir Khusanov, but the Uzbekistani defender has now completed a move to Manchester City.

As such, Newcastle may have a look at some other centre-backs on the shortlist, including AC Milan’s Fikayo Tomori or Sporting CP’s Ousmane Diomande, having conducted scouting missions to assess the 21-year-old.

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Jan 20, 2025

Moving into more attacking areas, Howe remains interested in a new striker, given that Alexander Isak is attracting the attention of some top clubs, and PAOK’s Stefanos Tzimas has recently emerged as a potential signing.

Whether Isak remains at St. James’ Park or not, Howe will be keen to have a quality midfielder providing service to his striker next season, which is why the Magpies have now made their first concrete move to sign Villarreal’s Alex Baena.

According to reports from Spain, Newcastle have now made a €60m (£50.7m) offer for Baena, activating his release clause, but there is set to be stiff competition for his signature.

The attacking midfielder is one of the most sought-after young players in Europe, with Nottingham Forest and Bayern Munich also making their interest clear and doing the same as the Magpies.

The report states the 23-year-old could become a key player for Howe’s side in the coming years, as they seek to establish themselves as a top Premier League club.

Baena impressing in La Liga

The Spaniard has caught the eye with his performances in La Liga, and for good reason, having contributed two goals and 14 assists in 34 appearances for Villarreal last season.

With four goals and five assists this term, the attacker, who can also play on both wings, is on course to have another fantastic season, so this could be a very good piece of business for Newcastle. Football talent scout Jacek Kulig was also full of praise for the Spain international back in September.

As such, it is exciting news that Newcastle have reportedly activated Baena’s release clause, but it may be difficult to win the race for his signature if Bayern step up their interest, considering the German side are almost guaranteed to have Champions League football on offer next season.

Sridharan Sriram: Bangladesh have clarity about their best combination

Their technical consultant says Bangladesh have positives to take despite losing all their games in the tri-series in New Zealand

Mohammad Isam13-Oct-2022Bangladesh have learned a lot from the tri-series in New Zealand despite losing all four games, according to their technical consultant Sridharan Sriram. The key takeaway was that they had tried and tested the different combinations they could use during the upcoming T20 World Cup in Australia.Bangladesh produced their best batting performance of the tri-series in the seven-wicket loss against Pakistan on Thursday, but the bowlers could not defend at the death.”Everything has to come together for Bangladesh to win,” Sriram said. “We had two opportunities against Pakistan. We had to score 100 in the last ten overs in the first game, and defend 100 runs in the last ten overs in this game. We came up short by small margin in both games. But these are things to learn from. Good teams score or defend ten runs an over in the last half.”Related

Soumya Sarkar and Shoriful Islam added to Bangladesh T20 World Cup squad

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Mohammad Nawaz's fireworks leave Bangladesh winless in tri-series

Bangladesh tried four different opening combinations during the tri-series and rotated their fast bowlers. Going by the numbers, they seem unsure about which pair of openers to use in their first game of the T20 World Cup.”You look at it as experiments but we look at it as combinations,” Sriram said. “We will know how each player responds by putting them in different situations. I think we have learned quite a bit. We are very clear about our combinations against different teams. We have to keep all options ready.We are very clear about the best team we want to play. I think the captain, myself and the director are on the same page. We have two or three combinations in mind. Given the conditions, we will adopt accordingly.”Sriram was impressed with how Soumya Sarkar – who was dropped after the last T20 World Cup in the UAE – showed the right “intent” in his two innings in the tri-series. “He played a shot and got out. That’s intent. I think he was selfless. He played for the team. We only got 6-7 runs in the first two overs. He wanted to force the pace, but got out. It happens.”He played a good knock at No. 3 in the last game. I think there are good signs. We need to instill the confidence in players like him.”Sriram said the team management would have a few more discussions before deciding on Bangladesh’s final squad for the World Cup. “We have two more days. There’ll definitely be discussions. We are open to changes. We know what we want, so we will let you know in a couple of days.”Bangladesh now travel to Brisbane, where they will play warm-up games against Afghanistan on October 17 and South Africa on October 19, before their first game of the Super 12 against a qualifying team on October 24 in Hobart.

Everton chiefs love the idea of making £90k-a-week ace their record signing

Everton would love to break their transfer record and sign a renowned Premier League player in the summer transfer window, according to journalist Graeme Bailey.

Latest Everton news

There wasn’t a huge amount of action on deadline day for the Blues, although they did reportedly make a move for West Brom midfielder Tom Fellows. He ended up remaining at the Hawthorns, however, with the Baggies seeing him as a vital player in their promotion push between now and the end of the season.

It has been claimed that Everton looked to get as many as four pieces of business over line at the eleventh hour, but they were “heavily restricted by profit and sustainability constraints which limited the deals they were able to do”.

Meanwhile, a key update regarding the future of Dominic Calvert-Lewin has also emerged, with Bailey outlining the situation, saying: “Dominic Calvert-Lewin – they want to keep, but I would not rule out Idrissa Gueye or Abdoulaye Doucoure, I think the former is most likely to stay.”

There have been some rumours of late about Everton bringing Richarlison back to the club in the near future, and now a fresh claim has emerged that sheds further light on the situation.

Everton would love to sign "unbelievable" ace

Speaking to Everton News, Bailey claimed that Everton chiefs would love to re-sign Richarlison from Tottenham this summer, even though it is unlikely.

“The club love Richarlison and he loves the club – but to bring him back Everton would have to break their transfer record. Richarlison did not want to move to Saudi last summer but returning home to Everton could be an attractive option. Whilst unlikely I would not rule it out completely – it would certainly be some splash before moving to Bramley Dock.”

Richarlison was a popular figure at Everton first time around, possessing so much passion and heart, not to mention scoring 53 goals in 152 appearances. The £90,000-a-week Brazilian has struggled to consistently convince in a Spurs shirt, however, not helped by injuries, and sealing a return to Goodison Park could be a great outcome for all parties.

Richarlison adores the club, as Bailey alludes to, while Spurs may be willing to move him on, even though Ange Postecoglou has hailed his quality in the past, amid mental health struggles: “We’ve got to maintain a balance in life and even for him, he needs to understand his football is still good, he’s a fantastic footballer. He’s got so much to give and that can help ease the burden he’s feeling in other parts of his life, like so many of us.”

Everton

152

53

13

Tottenham

80

18

9

Fluminense

67

19

7

Watford

41

5

4

America-MG

24

9

4

As things stand, it is unlikely that Richarlison will return to Everton, given it would have to be a record-breaking piece of business, but it is a transfer that would go down well with many, bringing much-needed firepower to the team at the same time.

Sky Sports: Man City now in talks to sign new £50m player before deadline

Manchester City are pushing to sign a £50 million “elegant” player before the transfer window slams shut, according to Sky Sports.

Man City suffer heavy defeat to Arsenal

The Blues suffered their second defeat in their last four games, as they were thrashed 5-1 by Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. That is City’s seventh defeat in the Premier League this season and now leaves them 15 points behind leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand, and level on points with Newcastle United, who both could be overtaken by Chelsea if they beat West Ham on Monday evening.

Man City plotting hijack to sign "talented" £84m gem ahead of Man Utd

He’s one to watch…

2 ByTom Cunningham Feb 1, 2025

After the game against Arsenal, Pep Guardiola admitted they are “giving away too many things” and regrets the last 25 minutes of the game. Guardiola told the BBC: “I only regret the last 25 minutes. We forgot to do what we should do, what we had done for 65 to 70 minutes. Of course, it’s a difficult game in this stadium against that team, conceding in the first minutes – it has happened many times this season.

“But, after 10 to 15 minutes, I think we took the game and played really good. We are in it after 1-1, and we had good momentum. We pass to make the transition with Omar [Marmoush], and then comes a deflection and the third goal. I regret the last 15 to 20 minutes, but the rest was a really good game for our side. It’s difficult to understand when you see the result, but this is my feeling.

“It’s happened all season; we are giving away too many things. We are aware this cannot happen, and it happened. But we reacted really well; we played with personality, and we defended so good. Then we were a threat with the ball, but unfortunately after that the second goal happened. Again, many times we had the momentum.

“You have to overcome it. You cannot lose the control when it’s 90 or 95 minutes. You cannot finish in the way we played. We could’ve scored three more goals, but the team has to be stable. It doesn’t matter what happened.”

Man City chiefs now pushing to sign £50m player

In the aftermath of the defeat to Arsenal, the Blues could now be set to add another player to their squad in this transfer window, as according to Sky Sports, Man City are hopeful of agreeing a deal to sign Nico Gonzalez from FC Porto before the deadline.

Sky Sports News’ Ben Ranson states that talks between City and Porto are ongoing, in the hope of agreeing a fee for the midfielder. Gonzalez has a £50 million release clause, but City are not willing to pay that much for the player, and as things stand, he is set to be part of Porto’s game against Rio Ave after being included in the squad.

The 23-year-old, who has been dubbed a “joy to watch” by Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig, came through Barcelona’s La Masia academy. He went on to play 37 times for Barça before departing firstly on loan to Valencia and then joining Porto on a permanent basis.

Apps

17

Starts

17

Goals

5

xG

4.27

Shots per game

1.6

Assists

3

xAG

1.23

Passing accuracy per game

48.2 (90%)

Key passes

0.8

Interceptions per game

0.4

Tackles per game

2.0

Gonzalez has been a key player for the Portuguese side, getting among the goals as well as creating chances for his teammates. The Spanish under-21 international would be seen as a player who can play in the number six role, therefore, helping City fill the void left by Rodri, who remains sidelined with an injury. Gonzalez can also operate further forward in midfield, as well as having the technical ability to play as a right-winger if it is needed.

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