Leeds fans buzzing as Bamford silences critics

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Leeds fans on Twitter are ecstatic after Patrick Bamford proved the doubters wrong by scoring two goals against Preston.

Bamford has been at the centre of a lot of criticism as of late – the striker had been on a poor run before Tuesday’s match which led to fans lambasting his performances.

The former Middlesbrough striker missed two golden opportunities against Birmingham on Saturday just a week after he squandered a penalty against Millwall.

In Leeds’ 2-0 win on Tuesday Bamford made his critics eat their words as he scored both goals while the Whites regained second place.

The 25-year-old opened the scoring with a peach of a strike, a venomous long range effort which left the keeper no chance. The striker then secured all three points for Leeds in the 75th minute with a header from 10 yards.

Leeds fans have been championing Bamford after his performance, claiming that he has put any doubts to rest as his class shined through.

Here’s what Leeds fans have been saying on Twitter…

Good addition: Wolves fans want club to make move for Nicolas Otamendi

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Wolves haven’t had too many issues in their first season back in the Premier League but one cause for concern may be the inconsistent displays of some of their defenders.

However, with Marca Argentina claiming the club are showing an interest in Nicolas Otamendi, their problems might be about to be solved.

Reacting to two separate threads on Twitter where the news was shared, Wolves fans were buzzing over a potential move for the player.

One supporter instantly claimed that he had to be better than Ryan Bennett, whilst another simply declared that they’d take him at the club.

A further supporter made reference to the wages the Argentine defender might be on at City, claiming he wanted the player to sign but finances could prove a sticking point in the deal. With the player rated at £27m according to Transfermarkt, Wolves will likely have to pay a considerable fee, too.

Otamendi was a keymember of the City side that won the league last season but has only played a bit-part role this term, making 14 Premier League starts.

Wolves have made a resounding return to form over the last week. Having gone three games without a win they’ve now beaten Arsenal and Watford to cement their top-seven hopes.

When asked their thoughts about a possible move for the 31-year-old, here’s what Wolves supporters said.

Manchester United: Mason Greenwood must get his opportunities as soon as possible

Another game, another failed attacking combination for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Granted, Manchester United displayed a lot of heart during their unfortunate draw against Chelsea, but the final product was lacking throughout the game.

Ever since arriving at United, the Norwegian’s emphasized his intentions to promote from within. The Man United way, and all that. Indeed, he’s clearly a big believer in youth and has already given many youngsters the opportunities to shine through. One particular one he’s presumably protecting is the brilliant Mason Greenwood, whose only made substitute appearances under his watch.

While one can understand him not exposing such a young talent to the high standards of the Premier League, right now, there’s nothing more to lose this season. United have some relatively easy fixtures in the next few weeks and with Marcus Rashford suffering a knock, that limits his attacking options even more.

It’s time to bring the 17-year-old to the centre-stage. Greenwood’s been in impeccable form for United’s youth teams, having scored 25 goals in 28 games this season. An excellent striker of the ball, he’s been dubbed (by fans, granted) the next Robin van Persie by sharing a similar style.

Now, he should be given the chance to prove the comparison.

If given enough support, Greenwood can cause both Huddersfield Town as well as Cardiff City problems. He’s quick, can finish chances easily and much like Rashford in 2015, is brimming with confidence.

It’s high time he starts a game or two to prove exactly why he’s being dubbed the next big thing for the Red Devils.

United fans, do you want to see Greenwood in the next two games? Join the discussion by commenting below…

هاندانوفيتش: نشعر بالمرارة بسبب الهزيمة.. وريال مدريد كان الأكثر تصميمًا

أكد سمير هاندانوفيتش، حارس مرمى إنتر ميلان الإيطالي أن فريقه كان قادرًا على الفوز أمام ريال مدريد لكنه افتقر للعزيمة.

وفاز النادي الملكي على النيراتزوري بنتيجة (3-2) على ملعبه “ألفريدو دي ستيفانو” ضمن منافسات الجولة الثالثة لدور المجموعات بـ دوري أبطال أوروبا.

وقال هاندانوفيتش لشبكة “سكاي سبورت إيطاليا”، في تصريحات أعقبت المباراة: “هناك الكثير من المرارة، لقد أعدنا المباراة إلى المسار الصحيح وأردنا الفوز، كان هذا هو الإحساس الذي شعرنا به داخل الملعب”.

وأضاف: “أتيحت لنا فرصتان ولم نستغلهما، بينما فعل ريال مدريد ذلك، والأحداث صنعت الفارق، في النهاية، كانوا أكثر تصميمًا”.

تعرف على ترتيب مجموعة ريال مدريد في دوري أبطال أوروبا بعد نهاية الجولة الثالثة

واستطرد حارس النيراتزوري: “في الانتصارات والهزائم، هناك دائمًا شيء إيجابي نتخذه، لكن علينا أن نكون أكثر تصميمًا، لأننا شعرنا حقًا أنه كان بإمكاننا الفوز بها وهذه ليست المرة الأولى التي نختبر فيها هذا الموقف”.

وأتم هاندانوفيتش: “أعتقد أننا كنا على قدم المساواة مع ريال مدريد، حتى أننا كنا متفوقين لفترات طويلة، علينا أن ننمو من حيث العقلية، وأن نكون أكثر تصميماً عندما نشعر أن المباراة بين أيدينا، أعتقد أن هذا كان الفارق الرئيسي بين الفريقين الليلة”. أهداف مباراة ريال مدريد وإنتر ميلان

Crystal Palace fans react as Anthony Knockaert wins Goal of the Month

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Brighton’s Anthony Knockaert has won the Carling Goal of the Month for his strike against rivals Crystal Palace, who are perhaps right to be bitter about the Frenchman’s success.

The M23 derby – although you won’t hear it called that by either set of fans – between the Eagles and the Seagulls is one of the most confusing yet bitter rivalries in the game, a statement proved by Knockaert’s dodgy challenge on Luka Milivojevic just seconds into their March clash.

The former Leicester man slid studs-up into the Palace captain, who was caught in an area no man wants to be. Knockaert perhaps only evaded a red card because the referee barely had time to drop his whistle before it happened and so the winger remained on the pitch to score a worldie in the 74th minute.

Many football fans dread the transfer window. The Pl>ymaker FC squad name who they’re worried about losing this summer in the video below…

Cutting in on his left, the diminutive wide-man hit a perfect curling strike into the top right corner, leaving Palace ‘keeper Vicente Guaita absolutely no chance – a strike which has been recognised in award form.

Here’s what the Selhurst Park faithful, who feel he shouldn’t have even been on the pitch, had to say about it…

Jos Luhukay’s decision to sign Michael Hector can have major say in promotion hopes

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Jos Luhukay may be a distant memory to Sheffield Wednesday but despite his failings at the club earlier in the campaign, one key decision he made last summer could determine whether the Owls gain promotion.

The club are sitting outside the play-offs at the moment so four monumental games to come against Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest, Leeds and Norwich are make or break.

With that in mind, one man will be vital; Michael Hector.

Luhukay’s decision to bring him to the club on loan from Chelsea was one of the best he made during his tenure at the club and he is now proving vital under his successor, Steve Bruce.

The club have witnessed a remarkable turn in fortunes under new management with the Yorkshire side embarking on a run of 11 games without defeat, meaning Bruce is unbeaten since he took charge.

Hector has been vital in that and with the club about to play a succession of crucial games he can’t afford to take his foot off the gas.

At Wednesday, it finally looks as though the versatile 26-year-old has found a home. It’s his 15th loan spell away from his two permanent clubs in Reading and Chelsea, but with the appraisal he’s earned in Yorkshire he may finally find a settled place to play his football.

Hector has a no-nonsense nature, summed up by the number of clearances he makes and considering the period Wednesday face, they’ll need someone like him to be at his best.

On Saturday afternoon he’ll come up against another Chelsea loanee in Tammy Abraham. Their battle will be the difference between who comes away the happier of the two teams. The Villa striker has won 2.9% aerial duels per game this season. Hector in comparison has won more but it’s an area that will be intriguing to watch when they come up against each other.

The Jamaican international is also a good reader of the game and against a formidable midfield containing the creative outlets of Jack Grealish, John McGinn and Conor Hourihane, he will be key.

Wednesday are currently four points off the play-offs and under Luhukay, finishing in that part of the table wouldn’t have felt possible. However, one decision he’s made will prove vital to whether their turnaround under Bruce can be completed.

يورجن كلوب يتلقى بطاقة صفراء في مباراة ليفربول وأتالانتا

حصل المدرب الألماني يورجن كلوب، المدير الفني لنادي ليفربول، على بطاقة صفراء، خلال مباراة أتالانتا الإيطالي في دوري أبطال أوروبا.

ليفربول يواجه أتالانتا خارج قواعده، ضمن لقاءات الجولة الثالثة من دور المجموعات بدوري الأبطال، وتشير النتيجة إلى تقدم الريدز بخماسية نظيفة (طالع المباراة مباشرةٍ لحظة بلحظة).

الحكم أشهر بطاقة صفراء في وجه يورجن قبل نهاية المباراة بـ15 دقيقة، وذلك بعد جداله مع الحكم.

يورجن كلوب طالب بالحصول على ركلة جزاء لـ ليفربول، ولكن يبدو أن طريقة المدرب الألماني لم تنل إعجاب الحكم، الذي قرر إشهار بطاقة صفراء في وجه يورجن.

Manchester United face battle to keep Rashford from Barcelona

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Barcelona are interested in signing Marcus Rashford from Manchester United, according to Marca.

The Catalan side are said to be monitoring replacements for ageing forward Luis Suarez.

What’s the word?

The aforementioned report claims that Barca want to secure back-up to Suarez, who will turn 33 next year.

A move for Eintracht Frankfurt striker Luka Jovic has been shelved, however, and Barca are scouting other targets, with Rashford on a shortlist including Valencia’s Rodrigo Moreno and Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann.

It is not mentioned how much Barca would be willing to pay for the England international, though Transfermarkt value the 21-year-old at £72million.

Indeed, Rashford has been an explosive presence in United’s team since his first-team breakthrough, scoring 45 goals and laying on 26 assists in 163 outings.

He has also won 31 caps for England already and was a member of the squad that reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup.

No price is good enough

Rashford is the undisputed jewel in United’s crown.

Some would argue that Paul Pogba is more valuable monetarily and that may well be true but in terms of his contribution and the adoration for him among fans, no other player comes anywhere close to Rashford.

It makes sense, then, that Barcelona are interested. Rashford is, after all, a gifted forward player, capable of playing anywhere across a front three, and versatility is an asset highly prized at the Camp Nou.

But there is simply no way that United could replace him.

Rashford has been at the club since he was seven, and will surely want to help his boyhood side return to the top of the Premier League table one day.

If that is to happen, United simply must ensure he stays for a few more years yet, and keeping him this summer now takes top priority over the future of the inconsistent Pogba.

Watford fans on Twitter were left in awe of sublime Deulofeu

Yesterday saw millions of viewers tune in to watch the second FA Cup semi-final of the weekend and they’d all have been hoping for it to be a better game than the one they’d watched 24 hours previously. Watford and Wolves didn’t disappoint either, as Gerard Deulofeu helped the Hornets sting Wolves with an incredible performance from the bench.

If you’re reading this and haven’t yet had a chance to watch the highlights of the five-goal Wembley thriller, go and do so just to see Deulofeu’s incredible goal to start the Watford comeback. The Spaniard seemingly had nothing on when he picked the ball up wide in the Wolves box, yet he produced a marvellous chip out of nowhere to stun Wolves.

From there, the momentum was all Watford, and the Hornets kept buzzing around and causing problems until they won their late penalty. After forcing extra-time, it always looked like a matter of when and not if Watford would win it, and once again it was Deulofeu who grabbed the all-important goal. The Spaniard has become lethal under Javi Gracia, and the Watford fans will be desperate for him to fire them towards FA Cup glory in next month’s final.

You can read the Hornet’s verdict on Deulofeu here:

The Hornets were left mesmerised by Deulofeu and will be desperate for him to repeat his heroics when they return to Wembley to face Manchester City next month.

Arsenal: Steven Nzonzi is not the midfield reinforcement Unai Emery needs

Aaron Ramsey’s recent heroics for Arsenal will sting fans even more due to the fact he’s leaving after this season.

Indeed, after being somewhat undervalued throughout his career at the Gunners, the Welsh wizard’s decided to move onto better things at Juventus.

So, now Unai Emery’s side are in a dilemma. They definitely need an adequate replacement for the multi-functional Ramsey but may not be able to spend big for it, with the Daily Mail reporting earlier this season that the Spanish coach would be on fairly tight budget restraints this summer.

Well, according to reports from Italian outlet TMW, the North London giants are looking to sign a former Sevilla student of Emery in the World Cup-winning Steven N’Zonzi.

They had worked together in Spain during the Spanish manager’s successful years at Sevilla, with whom he won multiple UEFA Europa League trophies. However, since then, their path’s haven’t been equally successful. While Emery’s maintained his impressive run, the former Blackburn Rovers ace has fallen off the grid in Serie A.

In a disappointing season for Roma, the Les Blues ace has been among the underperforming players. He’s given a series of terrible performances, being outwitted in midfield by the league’s technicality. Indeed, he’s looked quite uncomfortable in the Italian capital, proving unable to make an impact using his towering presence in 27 league appearances.

Though he looked impressive for Sevilla, it’d be foolish for Arsenal to try and sign someone else’s scraps.

The 30-year-old is too slow and inconsistent to match their electric style under Emery. While the Spanish gaffer’s fond of the Frenchman, even he would know the midfielder isn’t the solution to his problems. The Gunners need to get younger, not relying on struggling fairly big names.

Arsenal fans, would you be happy with N’zonzi’s potential arrival this summer? Join the discussion by commenting below… 

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