Month: January 2023

Wout Weghorst kept his place in the Manchester United team to face Arsenal as Erik ten Hag backed his newest signing against the Premier League leaders.

The on-loan Dutch striker was retained as the focal point of manager Ten Hag’s attack, having made his debut in the 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace on Wednesday.

Weghorst arrived from Burnley after his previous loan at Besiktas was cancelled.

With Casemiro suspended, Ten Hag brought Scott McTominay into his midfield, the only change from the game at Selhurst Park.

It meant Weghorst would be supported by Marcus Rashford, captain Bruno Fernandes and Antony, with McTominay and Christian Eriksen anchoring the visitors’ midfield.

Leaders Arsenal’s starting XI was unchanged from their 2-0 derby win over Tottenham last Sunday, with Mikel Arteta’s team having had their lead clipped to two points after Manchester City’s 3-0 victory over Wolves.

The hosts had new recruit Leandro Trossard on the bench, after Arteta brought in the Belgian winger from Brighton and Hove Albion.

This was the first of two games in hand for Arsenal over City, giving them a chance to reassert their early season grip on top spot.

It was a game where fourth-placed United, however, were looking to complete a league double, having beaten Arsenal 3-1 at Old Trafford in September.

United remain the only side to have beaten Arsenal in the league this season.

Erling Haaland’s extraordinary first season for Manchester City has seen him beat last season’s Premier League Golden Boot haul after just 19 games in the competition.

The former Borussia Dortmund striker reached 25 league goals for the season with a hat-trick against Wolves on Sunday.

A first-half header was followed by a penalty early in the second half, before Haaland stroked in a third as Wolves’ defending unravelled.

Mohamed Salah and Son Heung-min shared the Golden Boot last season, as the Liverpool and Tottenham forwards each managed 23 goals.

Yet Haaland has taken the art of goalscoring to a new level this season, emerging as the league’s premier predator.

The Norwegian has scored 18 in 11 league games at City’s Etihad Stadium, already a club record for home Premier League goals in a single season.

He went past Sergio Aguero’s best home season haul of 16 on Sunday, with Haaland showing no signs of slowing down for Pep Guardiola’s side.

This was also Haaland’s fourth Premier League hat-trick, making him by far the quickest player to hit so many trebles.

Former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy was previously the fastest to bring up four hat-tricks, doing so in 65 games.

Leeds’ winless Premier League run was extended to six matches as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Brentford at Elland Road.

The point lifted Leeds above West Ham into 15th place, but they sit just one point above the relegation zone, while Brentford extended their club record unbeaten league run to eight matches.

It was a frustrating afternoon for Jesse Marsch’s side, who were in dire need of all three points after winning only two of their previous 15 in the top flight.

Brentford’s David Raya was the busier goalkeeper – he produced the game’s decisive save when turning aside Willy Gnonto’s second-half effort – but Leeds lacked the quality in and around the penalty area to seriously test the visitors.

Leeds club record signing Georginio Rutter remained on the bench and that only added to the home fans’ irritation.

Brentford, who headed into this weekend’s round of fixtures above Liverpool and Chelsea in the table, climbed back into eighth place.

A cagey first half played out between two teams of contrasting styles made for a disjointed affair of few clear-cut chances.

While January signing Max Wober appeared to add much-needed stability for Leeds in central defence on his first Premier League start, neither side was seriously tested.

The action at Elland Road these days tends to lean towards pulsating and chaotic, but the first 45 minutes was anything but, with no shots on target at either end of note.

The highly-organised visitors were happy to dig in and look to hit Leeds on the counter, while the hosts lacked any potency on the edge of the area.

Leeds stepped it up at the start of the second half. Rodrigo’s dangerous low cross was hacked clear after good work by Luke Ayling and Brenden Aaronson’s curling shot was held by Brentford goalkeeper Raya.

Rodrigo then forced a diving save from Raya and as the Elland Road faithful responded as Leeds began to get on top.

Gnonto’s angled effort was well saved by Raya, who then held Ayling’s cross and Jack Harrison’s drive.

Patrick Bamford replaced Rodrigo with 11 minutes left and played in fellow substitute Luis Sinisterra, but the latter was crowded out as the ball got stuck under his feet.

Leeds fans then held their breath as Brentford right-back Mads Roerslev stole in at the far post in the closing stages only to fire into the side-netting.

Lawrence Shankland hit his 20th goal of the season – before being sent off in stoppage time – as rampant Hearts moved into the fifth round of the Scottish Cup with their second 3-0 win over Edinburgh rivals Hibernian this month.

Three weeks after romping to victory over the Hibees in the league at Tynecastle, Robbie Neilson’s side did so again across the city at Easter Road through goals from Josh Ginnelly, Shankland and Toby Sibbick.

Shankland’s 72nd-minute strike – which knocked the stuffing out of a spirited Hibs side – meant he became the first Hearts player to hit 20 goals in a campaign since John Robertson in 1991-92. However, the shine was slightly taken off the Jambos captain’s day when a foul on Rocky Bushiri earned him a second yellow card.

Hibs made three changes to the side that started last weekend’s 2-2 draw with Dundee United as new signing James Jeggo, Marijan Cabraja and Chris Cadden took over from Will Fish, Kyle Magennis and the suspended Joe Newell.

Hearts manager Robbie Neilson sent out the same XI that started Wednesday’s 5-0 win over Aberdeen.

Hibs started strongly and threatened in the fourth minute when Ryan Porteous’s through ball sent Elie Youan racing towards goal and Hearts wing-back Michael Smith almost turned it into his own net as he slid in to knock it behind.

From the resulting corner, which goalkeeper Zander Clark dropped, hooked the ball over the bar from 10 yards out.

The Hibees were desperately unfortunate not to go ahead in the sixth minute when Josh Campbell flicked an Aiden McGeady cross off the post from close range.

Two minutes later, Shankland had his side’s first attempt of the match after spinning on to Alex Cochrane’s throw-in but his strike from 25 yards out ran harmlessly wide.

The Jambos went ahead in the 10th minute when Ginnelly pounced to rasp in a ferocious low strike from 12 yards out after Robert Snodgrass’ inswinging free-kick from the right was only partially cleared by the Hibs defence.

Despite being a goal behind, the hosts continued to look the more threatening side and McGeady almost conjured an equaliser in the 21st minute when he drove into the Hearts box and saw his angled shot beaten behind by Clark.

McGeady then cut in from the left and crossed to the back post, where Campbell headed agonisingly wide.

Hearts had a good chance to double their lead in the 35th when Cochrane squared the ball across the box to his fellow wing-back Smith but the Northern Irishman’s low left-footed shot was well saved by David Marshall.

At the other end, Chris Cadden saw a powerful goal-bound shot from inside the box charged down by James Hill as Hibs tried to find the equaliser their first-half play would have merited.

Shankland then pinged a speculative effort just wide from 25 yards a minute before the break.

The Hearts skipper threatened with a couple of strikes from outside the box in the early stages of the second half.

Hibs remained a threat though and Cadden had a fierce drive from the edge of the 18-yard area pushed away by Clark in the 61st minute.

Hearts eventually put daylight between the teams in the 72nd minute when Shankland thumped in an emphatic low finish from just inside the box after playing a one-two with substitute Stephen Humphrys.

Shankland’s afternoon ended on a sour note when he was shown a second yellow for a stoppage-time foul on Bushiri, but 10-man Hearts still managed to add a third when centre-back Sibbick raced onto a through ball from Humphrys and chipped the ball beyond Marshall.

Phil Foden was a noticeable absentee from Manchester City’s squad to face Wolves, while Kevin De Bruyne returned to the starting line-up. 

England midfielder Foden was described as “not fully fit” by several British journalists, with boss Pep Guardiola sure to be asked for further clarification.

Guardiola made two changes to the line-up that beat Tottenham 4-2 on Thursday, with De Bruyne and Aymeric Laporte coming in as Julian Alvarez and Nathan Ake dropped to the bench for Sunday’s clash at the Etihad Stadium.

The absence of Foden was the main talking point, however, having been an unused substitute for the midweek victory over Spurs, in which City had to fight back from two goals down.

Foden’s last start came in the 2-1 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford, where he was substituted after 57 minutes.

Victory for City against Wolves would move Guardiola’s side two points behind leaders Arsenal, who host Manchester United at Emirates Stadium later on Sunday.

Man City XI: Ederson; Rico Lewis, Manuel Akanji, John Stones, Aymeric Laporte; Ilkay Gundogan, Rodri; Jack Grealish, Kevin De Bruyne, Riyad Mahrez; Erling Haaland

Tony Mowbray’s young Sunderland side climbed back in touch with the Championship play-off places by winning the Wear-Tees derby clash with Middlesbrough 2-0 at the Stadium of Light.

The Black Cats had plenty of good chances in the first half to take the lead but it was Ross Stewart’s 11th of the season six minutes after the break that did the damage.

All Middlesbrough, who were looking for a fifth straight league win, returned down the A19 with was a red card dished out to Dael Fry for bringing down Stewart for the penalty that led to the opener.

And with nine minutes remaining Manchester United’s Amad Diallo, on loan on Wearside, hit the crucial second to cap an impressive individual display against Michael Carrick’s men in front of a 42,584 crowd in the second tier.

Sunderland, who moved within a point of Middlesbrough in sixth, can count themselves unlucky not to have been ahead at the break.

From the moment Amad, who caused the visitors problems throughout, was gifted the first big chance of the game in the ninth minute it was clear there were going to be opportunities.

On that occasion Amad, who was the recipient of a wayward pass from Middlesbrough goalkeeper Zack Steffen, controlled and fired wide when he was faced with just the stopper to beat.

The dangerous playmaker was a constant menace. He had already got in behind again before seeing a deflected shot from 20 yards end up in the arms of Steffen.

Sunderland’s Ivorian forward also created a couple of great chances during that period.

One of those ended with the ball in the net when his pass was turned goalwards by Patrick Roberts. When Steffen spilled, Stewart forced it over the line but was offside.

Long-range efforts from Darragh Lenihan and Chuba Akpom were all Middlesbrough had to show in an attacking sense – until Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson had to dive low to his right to turn behind Marcus Forss’ low strike.

Even though Middlesbrough finished the opening half stronger, there was still time for Stewart to pounce on an error of judgement from Fry. But the Scotland striker’s half volley was saved by Steffen.

Soon after the restart Fry was in trouble again. Stewart’s speed got him in behind the defender and just as he entered the box the striker hit the deck. Referee James Linington pointed to the spot and issued the red card.

After a few complaints, Steffen saved the penalty but Stewart was on hand to tap in the rebound to give Sunderland the lead.

That sparked Middlesbrough into life, despite being a man down. Lenihan forced Patterson into a save at his near post and Riley McGree hit the rebound narrowly wide when he ought to have hit the target.

Just when Middlesbrough looked dangerous in the closing 10 minutes, Amad had other ideas.

Roberts’ darting run into the area from the right was followed by a clever reverse pass for Amad to fire low inside the near post.

– Fulham have only been beaten twice at home in 10 league outings this season 
– Nine of Fulham’s 10 home league games have featured at least three goals
– Tottenham have failed to win four of their last five Premier League games 
– Recommended bet: Fulham or Tie and over 2.5 goals

Tottenham’s post-World Cup malaise shows no signs of lifting following last week’s collapse at Manchester City and there is every chance Fulham can heap further misery on their London rivals at Craven Cottage on Monday.

The Cottagers have enjoyed an excellent campaign to date and sit just two points behind Spurs in the standings having already surpassed their points and goals scored tallies from their last Premier League season.

A 1-0 defeat at Newcastle last weekend ended a run of five straight wins in all competitions for Marco Silva’s men, but they were unlucky to take nothing away from their trip to the north-east after having Aleksandar Mitrovic’s penalty ruled out due to the Serb slipping and kicking the ball twice.

That result should not dent Fulham’s confidence, but the same cannot be about Spurs’ last outing after they followed up defeat in the north London derby by throwing away a two-goal lead in a 4-2 loss at Manchester City.

Three defeats in the last four games has left Tottenham with work to do in the race for the top four and a leaky defence could continue to hold them back.

Team news

The Cottagers have a near fully-fit squad to choose from with Neeskens Kebano (Achilles) the only absentee.

Antonee Robinson is available having served his suspension in the loss to Newcastle, while Shane Duffy is back in training following a recent bout of illness.

Silva says he is undecided who will partner Tim Ream at the heart of defence, having rotated between Tosin Adarabioyo and Issa Diop for much of the season.

Conte is also blessed to have the majority of his squad at his beck and call with only Lucas Moura (calf) unavailable, and the Italian admits his biggest concern is fatigue.

Conte says Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur’s fitness will be checked, with the pair having only recently returned from injury alongside Spurs’ quick turnaround from last Thursday’s clash with City.

The stats

This is a fixture that Tottenham tends to thrive in, winning 12 of the last 14 Premier League meetings with Fulham.

Spurs beat Fulham 2-1 in the reverse fixture with London derby specialists Harry Kane and Mitrovic both on target in that game.

Mitrovic has scored in his last four appearances against clubs from the capital, while no player in Premier League history has scored more goals in London derbies than Kane (47).

The two sides’ respective star strikers can contribute to a high-scoring encounter with over 2.5 goals landing in all but one of Fulham’s 10 home games this season, while Tottenham’s last four away games have featured at least four goals.

All six of Fulham’s London derbies this season have also featured at least three goals, with both teams finding the net in five of those six fixtures.

Tottenham have found Craven Cottage to their liking on their last six visits, which all ended in Spurs’ wins, but may find the hosts a much tougher nut to crack this time around.

Fulham have turned the Cottage into a fortress this season, losing only twice at home in 10 outings, and failing to score just once in those games.

Prediction

There has been little to like about the majority of Spurs’ performances since the season resumed, particularly from a defensive standpoint with Conte admitting his backline is currently performing like a “relegation team”.

Tottenham have conceded an eye-watering 21 goals across their last 10 matches and the defenders have clearly lost their trust in goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, who has been guilty of some high-profile errors of late.

Fulham’s frontline has proven potent more often than not this season and can expose Spurs to contribute to what is likely to be a high-scoring encounter, given the Cottagers are not without their own defensive issues.

They say the table does not lie and based on the current standings, there is little to choose between these sides, making Spurs an unattractive option as a short-priced away favourite.

A confident Fulham side can take something from this fixture, and the Fulham/Tie double chance and over 2.5 goals at 17/10 with LiveScore Bet looks a strong option.

Bayern Munich’s honorary president Uli Hoeness has urged patience with the club’s long-term goalkeeping situation.

Manuel Neuer’s leg break forced the Bundesliga leaders to be active in the January market, signing Yann Sommer from Borussia Monchengladbach on a two-and-a-half-year deal for a reported €8million.

While that deal solves the goalkeeping conundrum for the remainder of the campaign, it leaves questions for next season and beyond given the ages of both goalkeepers.

Neuer, 36, and Sommer, 34, are both experienced enough to want regular first-team action and the situation is complicated further by Alexander Nubel, who will return from a loan spell with Monaco, while Sven Ulreich is also on the books.

The quartet will give Julian Nagelsmann a selection headache next term but Hoeness believes it is a problem that can be solved further down the line.

“I think it’s strange that the problems of June are discussed in January,” he told Sport1.

“It was necessary to find the best solution for the next six months. Yann Sommer is the optimal solution at the moment.

“Everything else with Nubel and Ulreich will be seen in June when we know more about Manuel’s condition.

“Bayern are happy to have a goalkeeper in Yann Sommer who is now solving our problems. I would urge patience.”

While there have been questions on whether Neuer could have to pay a penalty due to his injury, which was caused by a skiing accident, Hoeness rebuffed those suggestions with a blunt response.

“Manuel knows he made a mistake. Anything can happen in life. It’s an accident. We shouldn’t forget what he did for Bayern,” he added.

“Bayern’s success is also due to the fact that such issues are solved very humanely and socially. A million or two doesn’t matter. People come before money.”

Arsenal have moved swiftly to land Leandro Trossard from Brighton and the forward could be key to the Gunners’ title charge. 

Mikel Arteta’s top transfer target had been Mykhailo Mudryk but the North Londoners were gazumped by a mammoth offer from Chelsea, eventually missing out on the Ukrainian. 

The league leaders were decisive in the pursuit of an alternative, wrapping up a deal for Trossard for a reported £21million, plus an additional £6m in add-ons. 

Ahead of Arsenal’s crunch clash with Manchester United, we analyse the qualities their new signing brings to the Emirates.

How it happened

Trossard’s falling out with Brighton head coach Roberto De Zerbi turned out to be a particularly timely incident for Arsenal. 

His last appearance for the Seagulls actually came in a 4-2 defeat against the Gunners — he did not get off the bench in the subsequent 4-1 win at Everton and was left out entirely for last weekend’s 3-0 victory over Liverpool. 

As a result, a swift transfer proved a positive outcome for all parties. 

The Belgian had resisted efforts to extend his contract at the Amex in the hopes of securing a move to a top side. 

His transfer to title-chasing Arsenal, therefore, benefits both the Gunners and the player himself, while also allowing the Seagulls to continue reshaping their team.

Trossard on target

Trossard has enjoyed a prolific first half of the season and his performances turned several suitors’ heads in recent months. 

All seven of his Premier League goals this term — from 16 appearances — were netted from open play. Only Erling Haaland and Miguel Almiron can better that tally without the help of penalties or set-pieces. 

Additionally, the 24-cap international’s conversion rate when presented with big chances has been encouraging, scoring six of his nine such opportunities. 

Arsenal have been no slouches in attack, netting 42 times in just 18 games — but adding further firepower to an already dangerous side is the sign of a team determined not to rest on their laurels.

Top talent

Arsenal manager Arteta revealed his delight at the club’s capture of the winger. 

The Spanish tactician highlighted Trossard’s numerous qualities, including his versatility and experience. 

He said: “It is good work from everyone at the club to complete the signing of Leandro. He is a versatile player with high technical ability, intelligence and a great deal of experience in the Premier League and at international level. 

“Leandro strengthens our squad as we head into the second part of the season and we’re all looking forward to working with him. We welcome Leandro and his family to Arsenal.”

Valuable versatility

Trossard is far more than a luxury signing for Arsenal, though. 

Gabriel Jesus suffered an injury at the World Cup with Brazil that has ruled him out for several months and Emile Smith Rowe has only just made a comeback after undergoing groin surgery. 

Without both players, Gabriel Martinelli, Eddie Nketiah and Bukayo Saka have been left as the club’s only proven forwards, given Reiss Nelson and Marquinhos remain relatively untested at the highest level. 

The Gunners’ 0-0 draw with Newcastle was an example of a game in which Arteta could have used a quality forward option from the bench — but had nobody to turn to. 

Trossard’s versatility makes him the ideal solution to this problem. 

His capacity to play on either flank, up front or off another striker means that — whether he starts or comes on as a substitute — the Arsenal manager will be able to rotate the ex-Genk attacker with any of his current starting front three.

Leading from the front

An additional benefit to signing Trossard over a more unknown quantity is his familiarity with the demands of operating in a high-pressing system — as well as playing in the Premier League. 

The North Londoners’ No19 is used to leading from the front on the South Coast, both under Graham Potter and De Zerbi. 

Only Kevin De Bruyne, Jack Harrison and new team-mate Martin Odegaard have won possession in the attacking third more often than him (20) in the competition this season. 

At 28, Trossard does not fit in with Arteta’s recent recruitment strategy of picking up young talent — but with a title to fight for, there has been a recognition that any winter additions must be able to make an immediate impact. 

His experience in the English top flight dramatically increases the chances that he can contribute without needing to adapt to life at the Emirates.

Manchester City often spend big to upgrade their squad, but in Rico Lewis they seem to have unearthed a gem from within. 

The 18-year old has broken into Pep Guardiola’s first-team plans this season despite tremendous competition in his position from experienced internationals Joao Cancelo and Kyle Walker. 

Lewis was one of the star performers in midweek as the Citizens fought back from two goals down to win a thrilling encounter against Tottenham. 

Ahead of Manchester City’s clash with Wolves on Sunday, we turn the spotlight onthe youngster’s career to date and what the future may hold.

Shining against Spurs

For a player that is so young and in such a competitive environment, Lewis has made impressive progress this season — and his performance against Spurs was his best display to date.

In a must-win match against opponents that have made of habit of causing upsets against Guardiola’s team, the Bury-born starlet was trusted with the right-back berth. 

The most notable contribution from Lewis in a rollercoaster contest was an instinctive block that prevented Tottenham from going 3-2 up. 

A cross from Dejan Kulusevski found Ivan Perisic inside the area, only for the teenager to bravely deflect the shot against the bar. 

Yet while this was an undoubtedly dramatic moment, the real headline news was the maturity that the defender showed throughout his display.

With Guardiola expecting his full-backs to be able to come infield and occupy central midfield positions, it is a very demanding role and many more senior stars than Lewis have struggled with it. 

Carragher praise

Former Liverpool and England defender Jamie Carragher believes that Lewis’ education as a youth player at Manchester City has been vital to his successful transition to the first-team. 

After the Spurs game, Carragher said: “What he’s doing now at 18, it’s not just playing the position he’s playing. It’s his tactical understanding to go into midfield. 

“I don’t think it was a case of rotation tonight. I don’t think Pep was happy with Kyle Walker at Old Trafford, and this lad has been absolutely outstanding every time he’s played and Pep thought, ‘I’m going to put him into a huge game that Manchester City have to win.’ 

“When Pep Guardiola came into the club six or seven years ago, you could see in his first game what he wanted from his full-backs. It’s not something that’s grown over time as you could see it straight away. 

“Lewis would’ve been around 11 then in the academy, so it’s something which would’ve been fed down the age groups very early on. 

“It’s gone right through the academy how Guardiola wants his full-backs to play so he’s been trained to be like this over many years.” 

Breakthrough season

In the past, Guardiola has taken seasoned full-backs and moulded them into the type of player he wants for the position. 

There is an obvious advantage in having an academy product who has grown up playing in the role.

It partly explains how someone so young has been able to seamlessly slot into a team competing at the very highest level. 

His technical ability is another reason, with Lewis displaying calmness in possession and extremely accurate passing. 

Though he is schooled in playing in Guardiola’s unique full-back-cum-holding-midfielder role, that the manager initiated at Bayern Munich with Philipp Lahm, he is also comfortable when marauding forward in wide positions. 

This was evident on his Champions League debut this season against Sevilla, when he burst into the area and rifled home a great strike. 

In doing so he became the youngest player to ever score in his first Champions League start, at 17 years and 346 days.

In total he has now played 12 times this season across all competitions. Seven of these appearances have come in the Premier League, starting three of his side’s last five games. 

Starting role

With Lewis being trusted in such an important match, it will be interesting to see whether the young ace can now retain his starting spot. 

Walker is  32-years old and the England U19 international looks destined to be his long-term successor — the only question would now seem to be how fast that transition happens. 

Should Lewis establish himself, the question of whether he then replaces Walker at international level will also be posed. 

Of course, there is stiff competition for that England position, but the 5ft 7in defender seems to have a unique skillset. 

Guardiola certainly thinks so and England fans should be excited to have a talent coming through that is held in such esteem by one the world’s greatest managers. 

When asked about Lewis, the storied coach did not hold back with his praise. 

Guardiola said: “He’ll be an incredible player for Manchester City in the next few years. We have seen him since day one in pre-season and I said, ‘This guy has something special.’ 

“He understands the game, he’s so clever. If you ask him to do something, he understands in a second.”