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Ibrahima Konate, Kostas Tsmikas and Roberto Firmino were the standout performers as Liverpool drew 3-3 with Benfica in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final at Anfield. 

Despite the draw, ultimately the Reds booked a place in the semi-finals owing to a 6-4 aggregate success, where Jurgen Klopp’s side will face the conquerors of Bayern Munich, Villarreal.

After netting a first goal for the club in the away leg, Konate headed home the opener before Goncalo Ramos equalised before half time. After the break, a Firmino brace looked to have sealed the deal on the night before Roman Yaremchuk and Darwin Nunez struck back late on, albeit to no avail.

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According to Sofascore, there were three Reds in particular who stood out on the night and we’ve taken a close look at the numbers that made up a successful night for Klopp’s men.

Konate 7.4/10

Not content with opening the scoring, the powerful Frenchman produced an outstanding defensive display in the face of the impressive Darwin Nunez.

The 22-year-old centre-back won 2/2 (100%) ground duels, 3/5 (60%) aerial duels and was accurate with 94/105 (90%) passes.

This was yet another coming of age performance from the ever-impressive youngster who signed for £36million last summer (Sky Sports).

Tsimikas 8.2/10

Understudy to Andy Robertson, Tsimikas certainly grabbed this rare opportunity to impress on the biggest stage.

Overall, the Greek left-back provided two assists, won an impressive 9/12 (75%) of ground duels, completed 56/65 (86%) accurate passes and made four key passes on the night.

The 25-year-old also won 1/2 (50%) of his aerial duels and found a teammate with 4/15 (26%) crosses.

Firmino 8.4/10

Second half brace aside, this was a typical Firmino performance as the workmanlike Brazilian allowed those around him to flourish whilst pressuring defenders throughout.

This was underpinned by the defensive statistics as the 30-year-old won 3/7 (42%) of his ground duels, blocked two shots and made one interception.

In an attacking sense, Firmino completed 39/48 (81%) of his passes and enjoyed 70 touches as Liverpool advanced through the tie.

In other news: Liverpool reportedly interested in Ligue 1 starlet

Speaking to Football Insider, Tottenham Hotspur ‘insider’/club source John Wenham has made a managerial claim involving Mauricio Pochettino.

The Lowdown: Pressure on Nuno…

This Sunday could play centre stage to one of the most crucial games of Tottenham’s season already as the pressure grows on new manager Nuno Espirito Santo.

After a brilliant start, even managing to pick up the Premier League Manager of the Month award for August, the 47-year-old is now at the centre of reported unrest behind the scenes.

Tottenham have lost their last three league games in humiliating fashion, conceding three goals to a trio of their London rivals in the space of a few weeks.

Now, Wenham made a managerial claim involving former fan favourite Pochettino.

The Latest: Pochettino claim dropped…

As per the Spurs insider/club source, who regularly breaks news on his social media channel Lilywhite Rose, Tottenham and by extension chairman Daniel Levy ‘are watching’ Pochettino’s situation at Paris-Saint Germain.

“Tottenham are watching the situation at PSG,” Wenham told Football Insider.

“The Messi-Pochettino thing has somewhat quietened down by the looks of things.

“If Pochettino became available, would Tottenham replace Nuno with him?

“I think they would. All you have to do is look at how hard Levy went for him in the summer.

“They were scared off by the financial muscle of PSG. I think that is the only way Tottenham would get rid of Nuno.”

The Verdict: Tall order…

Nuno arguably hasn’t had enough time to change Tottenham’s fortunes and it’s only logical he gets a fair crack at the whip.

If results continue to slump in devastating fashion as they have done, though, Pochettino would come as an amazing appointment if they can prise him away from the French capital – especially considering former keeper Heurelho Gomes called him a ‘football genius’.

However, Spurs tried and failed to bring him back to N17 earlier this year and it could be an even taller order now given the squad Pochettino has to play with at PSG.

As it stands, Levy bringing back the £115,000-per-week boss certainly seems unlikely from our point of view.

In other news: ‘Unbelievable’…Sky pundit suggests Spurs stadium naming rights boost after what’s happened, find out more here.

A number of West Ham supporters are delighted that the Hammers are closing in on the loan signing of Spartak Moscow midfielder Alex Kral.

It has been an ideal start to the season for David Moyes’ side, who have picked up seven points from their opening three Premier League games.

Wins over Newcastle United and Leicester City were followed by Saturday’s draw with Crystal Palace, with some impressive football being played along the way.

It has been a hugely productive couple of days for the Hammers, with Nikola Vlasic signing from CSKA Moscow, adding even more quality in attacking areas, while Kurt Zouma arrived over the weekend.

Not only that, but a move for Kral is ‘90% done’ [via journalist Jason Burt on Twitter], with the defensive midfielder a promising 23-year-old with 22 caps to his name for the Czech Republic.

West Ham fans delighted with Kral addition

These West Ham fans took to Twitter to show their happiness at yet another exciting signing.

“Over the moon with this! We are BUILDING”

Credit: @JakeRileyHunte

“Played for Slavia Prague so if he’s got the Soucek approval that’s all I need to know. Just get us a striker now”

Credit: @Albey_H

“I understand we’ve made some quality signings so far and this would be another, especially for squad depth. BUT WHY WAIT TILL THE FINAL DAY OF THE WINDOW TO DO IT, MY HEART”

Credit: @Athers32

“This and a striker and I’d say that’s a superb transfer window”

Credit: @Mr_BA6

“Agent Soucek”

Credit: @phill_joseph

“Let’s GOO! Alex Kral to West Ham. Personal contract agreed”

Credit: @acadofbubbles

In other news, some West Ham fans love some transfer-related news. Read more here.

The Birmingham Mail’s Ashley Preece has delivered a huge blow to Aston Villa after confirming Morgan Sanson’s hamstring injury in the Carabao Cup clash against Chelsea on Wednesday night.

What’s the story?

The Frenchman has yet to play in the Premier League this season due to injury, and after looking like he’d finally made his comeback against the Blues in midweek, he went down with what looked like a hamstring problem.

And, writing on Twitter, Preece said: “Gutted for Sanson, he’s upset as he clutches his hamstring as the Frenchman gestures to Dean Smith that he may not be able to continue. Chukwuemeka now getting warmed up; MacPhee stops him beforehand to talk the 17-year-old through his set-piece positions.

Then, in a follow-up tweet, he added: “Devastating for Sanson, that. He screamed in pure frustration just prior to coming off. He started really well in there and looked confident. Looks like a hamstring injury. 17-year-old Carney Chukwuemeka’s on to play against Kante and Saul now.”

Dean Smith will be guttedHaving seen him arrive back in the January transfer window, it’s unbelievable that to this day, Sanson has still only played ten times for Villa since his move from Ligue 1 side Marseille.The fact he only just made his return from injury to take the field against Chelsea in mid-week, is a real indication of just how badly he has struggled for form and fitness at Villa Park.With Smith’s side failing to sign a new central midfielder in the summer transfer window – the club were of course linked with a move for Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse – Sanson would surely have seen this season as the one to really make his mark.Instead, just when he probably thought he could force his way back into Smith’s plans and really find his match fitness again, he’s been hit with a major injury again.It’s sure to leave the Villa boss gutted at once again being without one of his marquee signings from this year.Meanwhile, Aston Villa have another exciting academy starlet in this teenager…

West Ham have been dealt a huge injury blow ahead of their Europa League clash this evening…

What’s the latest?

The Hammers are expected to be without the services of right-back Vladimir Coufal for the next three matches due to an ongoing problem, according to club insiders Claret and Hugh.

He missed the weekend’s 1-0 win over Everton, having pulled out of his Czech Republic duties over the international break, and now it appears he will miss both the Genk game and the London derby against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

It is hoped that he could resume training next week but a clash with defending champions Manchester City may prove to be too soon for a return.

Speaking about the 29-year-old after the game on Sunday, the Irons boss said, via football.london.

“Vladimir has taken an injection he had a bit of discomfort in his pubis. He has had an injection in there, he got the injury in the Man United cup game and he has been carrying it for a few weeks.”

Huge blow

This will come as a massive setback to Moyes and West Ham.

Coufal missed their last Europa League game with what seemed like a knock but was able to return in the defeat to Brentford right before the break, though you could tell that he was far from 100% as he put in a disappointing display.

He was then not named in the squad to face the Toffees and according to the reliable insiders, he’s set to be out for the next three matches, which is certainly devastating as he is the clear first-choice option in the role.

The Irons have some important and tricky fixtures coming up, so to not have the £18m-rated right-back available is certainly gutting news.

His value to the side and their chances of success cannot be understated. He finished last season with the second-highest number of assists (seven), only behind fellow full-back Aaron Cresswell (eight).

That goes to show that Moyes’ wide department is a crucial creative cog in this system.

Furthermore, Coufal has been an absolute animal defensively, too – as per WhoScored, he averaged a squad-high 2.1 tackles per game and wasn’t far behind for interceptions (1.2 per game) either.

That form had continued into the current campaign, where he is averaging 2.1 tackles each outing once again.

Perhaps Jamie Carragher’s endorsement of him on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football last season truly hints at his influence, he said [4th May, 22:24pm]:

“We talk about [Tomas] Soucek, but Coufal whether it’s right wing-back or right full-back at different times, he’s just one of those players that’s 7/10 minimum every time you watch him play.

“He’s the type of player you’d love to play with him. A manager’s dream, never injured, he’s there week in week out.”

On the above evidence, this will be a frustrating development that is sure to leave Moyes hugely worried heading into some very important fixtures.

A win over Genk would keep up their 100% record in the Europa League, whilst matches against Spurs have always offered up goals and drama, and then there’s the small matter of Pep Guardiola’s City.

In an ideal world, Moyes would have loved to have Coufal available, so it’s a major blow to the Hammers.

AND in other news, Big call: Moyes must ruthlessly axe West Ham’s £10.8m-rated “complete beast” vs Genk…

Express and Star journalist Luke Hatfield believes that Danny Ings could be one of the signings of the summer.

The 29-year-old made the switch to Aston Villa from Southampton in a deal worth £25m and put pen to paper on a three-year contract at Villa Park [BBC Sport].

Ings was in incredible form in front of goal at St Mary’s, scoring 46 goals for the Saints in 100 games. The striker opened his account on his debut for Aston Villa in the club’s 3-2 defeat at Watford before scoring a spectacular acrobatic goal against Newcastle United.

The transfer came out of the blue, as Ings had been linked with moves elsewhere but Hatfield believes he could be one of the signings of the summer, telling Football FanCast: “He’s probably one of the most clinical strikers in the league. When you consider other players in his position, you put Harry Kane ahead of him but other than that, who would you put really ahead of him in terms of a clinical striker in that 18-yard box?

“He’s been that good and if he can replicate that at Villa, then he could well be one of the signings of the summer.”

Villa have had a really good summer window, adding Leon Bailey, Axel Tuanzebe, Ashley Young, Emi Buendia and Danny Ings to their ranks and manager Dean Smith will be hoping that all his new signings gel as quickly as possible and Villa have another good season in the Premier League.

Fabian Delph is among a trio of players that Everton are hoping to sell in January, according to French journalist Santi Aouna.

The lowdown

The England international joined the Toffees from Manchester City ahead of the 2019/20 season in a deal worth an initial £8.5m. He has played just 36 games for the club since, having been hit with a succession of injuries which have sidelined him for nearly 50 matches in total.

Everton generated only £14.4m through player sales and loan fees in the summer as they struggled with Financial Fair Play requirements.

The latest

Aouna, a journalist for French publication Foot Mercato, tweeted that ‘Everton would like to get rid of several players’ after the turn of the year.

He identified three of those who could be set for the exit door – Delph, left-back Lucas Digne and striker Cenk Tosun.

The verdict

Delph is probably the most surprising inclusion in Aouna’s list. Digne has reportedly fallen out with manager Rafael Benitez, and Everton have already lined up a potential replacement in the form of Vitaliy Mykolenko.

Meanwhile, Tosun is on the periphery at Goodison Park, having played just six minutes of football since he returned from injury at the start of November.

On the other hand, Delph has started three of the last seven matches for which he has been available, indicating that he is regarded as a valuable squad player by Benitez, and has won plaudits for his ‘excellent’ contribution in recent weeks.

Based on the players’ Transfermarkt valuations, though, they could bank around £37m from the sales. Perhaps that’s the overriding reason for Everton apparently wishing to get that trio off their books once and for all.

In other news, could this Everton ace also head for the exit door?

According to Spanish source Estadio Deportivo (via Sport Witness), West Ham United may have discovered the price required to sign Sevilla forward Lucas Ocampos. 

The lowdown: Ocampos a wanted man

The 27-year-old has previously been linked with a move to Liverpool and Leeds United, having impressed in Spain following a €15m (£12.5m) switch from Marseille in 2019 (Goal).

A recent report from Calciomercato claimed that the Hammers, along with Wolves, are interested in the Argentine winger ahead of the summer transfer window.

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A fresh update from elsewhere in Spain has informed Premier League suitors of the potential fee required to land the 27-year-old…

The latest: GSB eyeing lucrative swoop for Ocampos

As per Estadio Deportivo, as translated by Sport Witness, Sevilla are ‘about to close’ an extension on the Argentina international’s contract to extend his stay for a further year until 2025.

The report claimed that the new deal for the 10-cap forward will include a release clause of €80m (£66m).

Furthermore, despite the mention of West Ham and GSB specifically holding Ocampos as a ‘favourite’ to bolster the attack at the London Stadium, any summer exit is regarded as ‘unfeasible’ under the new terms.

The verdict: Sign him at all costs

Equally adept on either wing, the skilful Argentine – who has been described as ‘electric’ by football journalist Fede Praml – would provide an alternative to Pablo Fornals and Jarrod Bowen and therefore would be a smart piece of business from West Ham, even at the mooted price point.

If the Irons are to continue their improvement, adding players of this calibre to their ranks is a must; and with mooted admiration from GSB, the board should be willing to sanction the fee and allow recruitment chief Rob Newman to pursue a possible deal.

So far this season, Ocampos – who has previously likened himself to Cristiano Ronaldo – has scored eight times and provided four assists in 35 appearances across all competitions this term. With only three West Ham players finding the net more regularly in 2021/22, adding a player of his potency seems a no-brainer for GSB and co.

In other news: Italian source delivers update on West Ham transfer hunt; find out more here

A number of West Ham supporters have hailed Pablo Fornals after an image shared in an official club tweet illustrated his impact against Liverpool on Sunday.

The Hammers are still basking in the glory of their stunning 3-2 win at home to the Reds, as they jumped to third place in the Premier League and overtook Jurgen Klopp’s team in the process.

David Moyes’ side are flying at the moment and this was arguably their most significant victory of the season so far, given the quality of their opponents.

There were outstanding performances all over the pitch on Sunday but one player who stood out for the Irons was Fornals, who played a key role in Alisson’s own goal and then scored his team’s second goal of the evening, also winning five duels and playing two key passes.

On Monday, an official club tweet showing the 25-year-old’s heat map illustrated how incredible his work rate was in that game, as he continues to go from strength to strength in a West Ham shirt.

West Ham fans laud Fornals

These Hammers fans took to Twitter to hail the Spaniard upon seeing his heat map on Sunday.

“His work rate is unmatched”

Credit: @isaacwt2004

“The most underrated player in the Premier League. He’s absolutely class. They all say about Rice, Antonio, Bowen etc and of course they are doing amazing and are quality players but Fornals should be getting a mention too”

Credit: @TomCass5

“I love Pablo more than words can say. He has embraced us with all his heart and soul. He is one in a million”

Credit: @ZaynafamilyMary

“I’m in love with Pablitoooooo”

Credit: @TomGuy93

“He’s like a gazelle”

Credit: @RobbyNe87682100

“I’m glad he’s getting the appreciation he deserves. Top, top player with a great work ethic”

Credit: @DiCanioVolley

In other news, West Ham are reportedly eyeing up a move for a centre-back. Find out who it is here.

A huge Leeds United claim has emerged over current head coach Jesse Marsch’s impact since arriving… 

What’s the talk?

Eurosport transfer insider Dean Jones has claimed that the American boss has been catching the eye behind the scenes since replacing Marcelo Bielsa at the helm.

He told GIVEMESPORT:

“The impact he’s made on the club has been really significant already and everybody loves him.

“We’ll have to see how it pans out but Leeds is quite a positive environment, and they’re positive they can fix whatever comes along.”

Supporters will be bouncing

This will surely leave the Leeds supporters bouncing as it shows that his appointment has been a success beyond the results on the pitch.

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The Lillywhites were in a precarious position in the Premier League towards the end of Bielsa’s reign at Elland Road and relegation was looking like a real possibility as they sat just above the bottom three.

They had won five of their 26 league matches under the Argentine coach, picking up 0.88 points per game before he left the Yorkshire outfit.

There has been a big uplift in form since Marsch came through the door.

In his six top-flight matches in charge of the club so far, he has won three, drawn one and lost two – picking up 1.67 points per game. This suggests that he has been able to get the best out of the players in a way that Bielsa was failing to do in his final months with the team.

Leeds’ impressive form since his arrival may be down to the impact he has made behind the scenes. Jones has claimed that he is making it a positive environment and that could explain why the players are now showing the best of their abilities as they are enjoying their football again.

Fans will love this for the impact that it has had this season and will be bouncing ahead of the 2022/23 campaign as they can get excited about what is to come.

Marsch will be given the summer to bring in his own players with Victor Orta to prepare for a full season in charge of the Lillywhites.

His short time in Yorkshire so far indicates that it could be an exciting year for the supporters to look forward to if he is able to strengthen the squad and get the players on-board to kick on and challenge higher up the table.

AND in other news, Orta can form “incredible” duo as Leeds eye £10m sensation who “does everything right”…