All posts by z3u9t.icu

Where has it all gone wrong for Rangers this season? Flashback to the start of the season, and everything was looking rather rosy at Ibrox. A strong start to the SPFL season increased momentum, whilst good runs in domestic and continental cups were the cherry on top. It quickly began to appear as though Steven Gerrard was turning the Gers into the team that fans had been craving for years previously. 

Since that point, there have been more than a few highs. The most significant of these came back in December when Rangers were able to break the curse and defeat Celtic in the Old Firm derby. If nothing else, that game signified that Rangers were back in the big time.

However, whilst the season has had its moments, when you take off the Rangers-tinted lens, it’s actually been a pretty poor campaign for the Gers.

They’re going to finish the season without a trophy in all likelihood, with Celtic running away with the SPFL title at present, whilst the less said about their cup conquests the better. Knocked out by Aberdeen in both domestic cups and failing to get out of the Europa League group stage, Rangers have nothing to show for what admittedly were a few encouraging games in cup fixtures.

And that’s the real problem for Rangers. Nobody can deny that they’ve made progress this season, but the fact of the matter is that isn’t good enough. Nobody is going to remember the season in which Rangers nearly got close to Celtic in the title race and got to the latter stages of a couple of domestic cups. They might remember the early promise, sure, but that will only be followed by the disappointment that has engulfed 2019 so far for Rangers.

And who must take the blame for this? Well, it’s hard to look past Steven Gerrard. For all of the positive takeaways from his first season in charge, there have been more than a few negatives. These began before the campaign began, with the arrival of a number of below par talents, like Umar Sadiq and Ovie Ejaria, which really reduced the overall quality of the team at Ibrox.

Since then, Gerrard’s lack of managerial experience has been on full display. He’s made a few questionable selection decisions, including a refusal to rely on Nikola Katic for much of the season, whilst a lack of versatility has also prevented his team from being able to adapt to more challenging situations.

It’s important to put this criticism in context, of course. Most Rangers fans would agree that Gerrard is still the right man for the job, and he’s had some good moments. Almost all fans will want him to continue in the role long-term, too, and so all told, that’s a good outcome from his first season. He’ll also likely get better next season as he continues to pick up experience, and that’s important.

However, that can’t all take away from the failings that the manager has made this season. He simply must improve, as at present, it’s just not good enough. Patience is needed, but if the Gers don’t recognise how quickly this season has fallen off, they’ll be doomed to repeat the same errors next term.

Rangers fans – do you agree? Does Gerrard deserve more credit? Let us know below!

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Arsenal are considering selling Henrikh Mkhitaryan this summer, per the Daily Mirror.

The Gunners need to raise funds for the summer and are weighing up the possibility of cashing in on the Armenia international.

What’s the word?

Mkhitaryan, who joined the club from Manchester United in a part-exchange deal that saw Alexis Sanchez move to Old Trafford, is one of the highest earners at the club.

Per the aforementioned report, the 30-year-old currently earns a wage of £180,000-per-week, with his contract set to expire in 2021.

Manager Unai Emery is said to believe that the money could be better used elsewhere, with the club’s wage bill causing problems.

Arsenal, of course, did not make a permanent signing in the January transfer window, instead signing Denis Suarez on loan from Barcelona.

Emery, it is said, could be given a transfer budget of just £45million in the summer before sales are taken into account and both Mkhitaryan and Mesut Ozil, who earns £350,000-per-week, being moved on would have a positive effect on the club’s finances.

Mkhitaryan has made 18 Premier League appearances this season, scoring six goals and providing four assists.

A dismal new reality

Having put Arsenal on course for a top four finish, Emery should be rewarded with considerable backing in the summer, but the gaffer is paying the price for years of financial mismanagement at the Emirates.

Mkhitaryan and Ozil swallow up over half a million pounds in wages per week and yet neither of them are all that important to the way Arsenal currently play.

It is little wonder, then, that Arsenal’s budget is so tight.

If the club are to move forward and become genuine Premier League title challengers, something which Emery appears capable of guiding them towards, they have to spend to keep up with the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool.

As it is, they are also-rans in the title race, being forced to settle for qualification for the Champions League as a crowning achievement yet again.

We have, of course, been here before, and Emery will have been aware of the club’s history before his appointment.

Now, though, his potential is being capped by the club’s finances. As it stands, don’t expect much improvement next season, even if Emery has proved himself a shrewd operator thus far.

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Tottenham managed to recover from a late Mo Salah goal to clinch a 2-2 draw at Anfield last season but they had no such luck on this occasion after the Egyptian’s header inadvertently found its way into the net via a combination of Hugo Lloris and Toby Alderweireld.

It was a gut-wrenching result for the visitors to accept and a priceless and potentially title-deciding one for the jubilant hosts.

In the aftermath of proceedings, there were plenty of intriguing reactions to dissect from both players and managers.

With that in mind, we’ve rounded up a handful of some of the most thought-provoking and pertinent quotes from the weekend.

Moussa Sissoko

Moussa Sissoko was at the core of Tottenham’s attacking endeavours as the game progressed, with his intelligent one-twos and engine allowing him to cut through the core of Liverpool’s midfield.

In a turn of events which seemed tailor-made for Sissoko to complete his incredible transition into a Spurs hero, the all-action midfielder blazed over with a wild left-footed strike.

In the aftermath of the game, Sissoko took the fall for his teammates (via RMC Sport): “I blame myself for this defeat.” 

Noble, selfless and humble, his words are refreshing and rare in the modern game. Some fans, of course, will be inclined to share his sentiments, while plenty of sympathisers will instead unleash the full force of their anger at Lloris.

Nobody actually expected you to score anyway, Moussa.

Hugo Lloris

Speaking of Lloris, there is an element of Déjà vu in the post-match comments from the Spurs stopper.

Just as his compatriot did, the Frenchman appeared to accept responsibility for the defeat after his mistake resulted in the dramatic winning goal (via Sky Sports).

“When you are a goalkeeper, you know the responsibility. It’s like this. Of course you question yourself

“The good thing is that you know there is another game in three days, so you need to switch off about today and prepare the next game. I think it’s the best way to forget.

“I tried to catch the ball twice but unfortunately there was no bounce, it bounced straight to the shin of Toby, and then what happened, happened. The luck was probably on the opponent’s side today.”

Another Spursy moment provided by Lloris on the big stage.

How many chances will he get before Pochettino’s patience runs empty?

Jurgen Klopp

Klopp is a manager who has been celebrated for his ‘heavy metal’ brand of ruthless counter-attacking football, but Liverpool’s title challenge has notably been built on their ability to win ugly when the roaring heavy metal approach has struggled to hit the right notes.

Speaking to Liverpoolfc.com, Klopp had something to say about how his side’s style has differed this season.

“It feels like we always have to apologise a little bit that because of the football last season and stuff like that, because people always want the 100 per cent package.

“We had to find a way to win football games much more often than in the past. So until now it kind of worked, we didn’t score less goals than last year, I think. I don’t have the numbers in my mind but for sure not a lot. It’s all good.”

As Klopp has alluded to, as long as the points keep flowing there’s no reason to criticise the aesthetics behind the results, especially at this stage in the season.

Mauricio Pochettino

Pochettino was very much interested in underlining the fact that Tottenham’s Champions League hopes rest in their hands, while some special praise was reserved for a group of players who have been operating under unprecedented circumstances (via Sky Sports).

“Now we start a mini-league, with seven games ahead, in the top four it is in our hands. With all the circumstances happening this season, they are more than heroes, and we need to keep the trust and confidence, and of course we are going to fight to be in the Champions League.”

If Spurs manage to maintain their place in the top-four and overcome Manchester City in the semi-final of the Champions League, the season will have to be regarded as a resounding success.

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Loads of Liverpool fans have been reacting to some contract news, as Jurgen Klopp has reportedly changed his mind about the future of Divock Origi.

Not too long ago, Origi and Daniel Sturridge both looked destined for Anfield exits this summer.

According to a report from Sports Illustrated, both strikers were on the chopping block – Sturridge will be out of contract while Origi’s current deal ends in 2020, meaning this summer is the club’s last chance to get reasonable compensation for his departure.

However, a new report from Football Insider claims Klopp has been “blown away” by Origi’s attitude and work ethic and will now offer the youngster an extended deal.

Indeed, Origi was out in the cold earlier this season, but has come off the bench to make a positive impact on several occasions recently, and who could forget his derby day winner at the expense of Jordan Pickford?

Has Alisson been Liverpool’s most important signing of the season? Check out the video below to find out why Jurgen Klopp thinks so…

It appears Klopp has done a complete U-turn and the club can now strengthen elsewhere with a back-up striker already secure, but plenty of fans are taking issue with this.

Anfield has long been in need of a “super-sub” type who can take pressure off Roberto Firmino, and sacrificing that to re-sign Origi has caused some controversy.

You can find some of the best Twitter reactions down below, where fans are split on Klopp’s change of heart…

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Leeds fans can’t believe Pablo Hernandez has once again been overlooked by the EFL as they handed out their Player of the Month award for March.

Hernandez had an outstanding month, scoring five goals and providing two assists yet the award went to Rotherham’s Semi Ajayi.

Ajayi himself had a corker of a month netting five goals, but Leeds fans believe that Hernandez was a more worthy winner.

This isn’t the first time Leeds fans have been up in arms about Hernandez being overlooked.

Fans weren’t happy on two occasions recently as the Spaniard wasn’t named in the EFL Team of the season and wasn’t a nominee for the Player of the Season award.

Leeds supporters are beginning to believe there is a conspiracy against their star player as he has consistently been overlooked for these individual accolades. Fans on Twitter have been arguing the decision whilst also putting the case forward as to why Hernandez was the more worthy winner.

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

3,000 years later, and Tottenham have finally opened their new stadium.

Delays after delays kept pushing back the date of Spurs’ new state-of-the-art stadium to finally be opened for use, but at last, the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is open for business, and what an opening it had.

A moment in time – Arsenal, 2006

A 2-0 win for Spurs puts the north London club back in contention for a Champions League spot after going what seems like an eternity without a win. Migrating to a new stadium can be difficult for any team, and none so more than Arsenal, who didn’t even win in their first Premier League game at the Emirates Stadium back in 2006.

After saying goodbye to Highbury in brilliant fashion with Thierry Henry scoring a hat-trick in a 4-2 win against Wigan to send Arsene Wenger’s side to the Champions League, it was time usher in a new era in the club’s history with their first season in their new £390 million home, and to say the first game didn’t go to plan would be understatement.

Playing against Aston Villa on the opening day of the 2006/07 season, Arsenal were looking to get the season off on the right track with a win against Martin O’Neill’s side, and after chances in the first-half and Kolo Toure having a goal disallowed, things were looking good for the Gunners.

But if you are to look up the name of the first goal scorer at the Emirates Stadium, you won’t find an Arsenal player, instead, you will see Olof Mellberg’s name etched into the history books as Villa took a surprise lead 53 minutes in.

Gilberto Silva’s thumping equaliser salvaged Arsenal a late point and to earn the Brazilian midfielder the honour of being the first Gunners player to score at the new stadium.

It wouldn’t be until late September when Arsenal got their first league win at the Emirates, a 3-0 victory over newly promoted Sheffield United, and it would be until April when the Gunners lost their first league game at their new stadium in a 1-0 loss to West Ham.

Arsenal fans, what was your favourite memory from the opening season at the Emirates? Let us know!

Mesut Ozil finally seems to be on good terms with Unai Emery.

Now more involved in Arsenal’s game than he was a few months ago, the German might’ve earned many starts in recent games, but he’s barely justified the trust Emery’s kept on him.

He’s started in the last six of Arsenal’s eight games, seemingly winning over the Spaniard after his inspired display against Bournemouth in February. However, rather frankly, Ozil’s been unable to comply with the work he’s expected to do. The German might bring more experience and flair into their game, but his trademark creativity has certainly been lacking for quite some time now.

In recent games, Ozil’s did nothing to inspire the Gunnars attack. He’s been unable to score or assist once in those aforementioned games, giving one poor performance after another in which he was barely a passenger during the Gunners’ victories. Indeed, right now, he can’t fling those incisive, defence-splitting passes anymore nor is he clever enough to run into scoring positions.

It seems like Ozil (who only has a Transfermarkt rating of £31.5m these days) is still unfamiliar with – or unwilling to get involved in – the new system at Arsenal. Now having to play under the shadow of striking partners Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, he’s struggling to shift gears and deliver at the rate he’s expected to.

Yes, the Emery project is still in its relative infancy and things aren’t perfect, though everything seems so much quicker now. Other than Ozil.

The German’s frustrating reactions during Arsenal’s loss to Everton a few weeks ago summed up his scenario. Unless he can pick up his game quickly, he’ll again fall victim to Unai Emery’s ruthless rotation system to be benched once again.

Arsenal fans, do you think Ozil can find back his old form soon? Join the discussion by commenting below…

Liverpool will be fully focused on the task ahead in terms of securing silverware in the Champions League and the Premier League at this moment in time. 

Supporters surely can’t believe how much their side have developed in the current campaign as they continue to overcome challenges that would have easily halted their progress in previous seasons.

Of course, one thing that’s helped their recent rise massively has been the club’s summer signings, as the likes of Naby Keita, Alisson Becker, Fabinho and Xherdan Shaqiri have all impressed.

And, it looks as if the Reds may already have their eye on a possible summer addition, as according to le10sport (via Metro), Liverpool are interested in signing Lyon’s Houssem Aouar.

Liverpool fans may not have heard too much about the youngster but one thing that will certainly interest them is the fact that the 20-year-old has been likened (as per talkSPORT) to former Red Philippe Coutinho.

The Frenchman has produced an impressive seven goals and eight assists from the middle of midfield. He loves to get forward and make things happen with his dribbling ability and trickery often helping him get the better of the opposition, which is a big reason behind his comparison to Coutinho.

Of course, the Reds have been linked (as per The Mirror) with a move for Hakim Ziyech recently but FSG should opt against splashing the cash on the Moroccan and instead go out all out to sign Aouar. Indeed, the young midfielder has so much more potential and he’d fit perfectly into Jurgen Klopp’s system as he has the ability to track back and ensure defensive solidity, whereas Ziyech is more of an attack-minded player who rarely gets back to defend.

Liverpool fans, who would you rather see join in the summer? Join the discussion by commenting below…

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Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s battling performances at right-back for Crystal Palace have earned the 21-year-old plaudits and admirers all over Europe, although his displays have always been deemed not quite enough when it comes to recognition from the likes of Gareth Southgate’s England and now the PFA.

The defender narrowly missed out on a call-up to the last senior Three Lions squad, with Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker and Trent Alexander-Arnold named instead, and now the latter has returned to take some shine off of Wan-Bissaka’s stellar season once again.

The Liverpool man has had a fantastic campaign, make no mistake, but his inclusion in the shortlist for the PFA Young Player of the Year award means there is no room for the Eagles’ tackling king. The omission has raised eyebrows but none are more bemused than Alan Shearer, who went so far as to claim Wan-Bissaka should actually be picking up this season’s award (BBC’s The Premier League Show via Football London):

“I think his improvement has been incredible. I think that the pressure a young player is under is hard enough anyway, but to go into a team and stand out when, for a lot of this season he has been playing in a relegation battle; when you put all of that together, for him to be the standout player in that team, and what they have had to go through, and for him to keep getting better and better, and offer so much to that team, I think he deserves it. I think he has been absolutely magnificent.”

High praise indeed from the BBC pundit and comments that should somewhat ease any frustration regarding the controversial omission on Wan-Bissaka’s part.

Which player with “no potential” has just been named Crystal Palace’s worst ever January signing? Find out in the video below…

It seems unlikely that the number 29 will be bothered by his overlooking, though, and will continue to operate with outstanding consistency in the shadow of those performing arguably at a lower standard but for a top six club.

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Tottenham Hotspur fans have been left fuming with chairman Daniel Levy.

Spurs sustained a bitter blow in their bid to finish in the top four this season and qualify for the Champions League on Saturday as they lost 2-1 to AFC Bournemouth.

The result means that Mauricio Pochettino’s men will have to beat Everton on the final day to guarantee qualification for Europe’s elite club competition.

Of course, they will play Ajax beforehand in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final, looking to overturn a 1-0 deficit in Amsterdam.

The performance on Saturday came about after two red cards, with both Son Heung-Min and Juan Foyth sent off. Nathan Ake finally took advantage in injury-time, running free of Victor Wanyama to head home the winner at a corner.

And fans have vented their post-match frustrations towards Levy, with many insisting that his lack of investment in the club has proved crippling in the latter stages of the season.

Take a look at the best of the reaction below!