Tag Futebol

Celtic’s second goal could have seen Kieran Freeman sent off during the 2-0 win over Dundee United.

The Lowdown: Celtic’s penalty

Celtic continued their dominance at the top of the SPFL with victory at Tannadice Park to retain their nine-point advantage over Rangers at the top of the pile.

Following a goalless first half, the visitors opened the scoring with the ever-dangerous Jota nodding in at the back post with Mark Birighitti not covering himself in glory as Aaron Mooy’s cross sailed to the far post where the Portuguese forward nodded home.

Just five minutes later the score was eventually doubled from the penalty spot by Mooy after a VAR call saw referee Don Robertson overturn a handball decision against Freeman.

The Latest: Levein’s comments

Despite Freeman previously picking up a booking earlier in the game for a late challenge on Greg Taylor just minutes earlier, Robertson decided the blatant handball offence wasn’t worthy of a second yellow card, with former Dundee United manager Craig Levein questioning it on BBC Sportsound’s live commentary, he said:

“It’s been pointed out that Freeman had already been booked. Should he not have been booked for a deliberate handball in the box?”

The Verdict: Got away with it

As the goal scorer for the opener Jota attempted to clip through a pass behind Freeman to Greg Taylor, the 22-year-old turned with his arm stretched in an unnatural position and moving towards the ball with the stonewall decision eventually given via a swift check on the monitor.

Usually following a deliberate handball decision, a yellow card follows for the offender but in this instance, Robertson opted to keep the side’s level on numbers as Celtic doubled their lead from the resulting spot-kick.

Perhaps unwilling to put the game out of the reach of the Tangerines himself, the referee leniently decided not to show the second yellow card that an offence of that nature should be met by.

The decision ultimately was insignificant as the Bhoys remained untroubled as they headed to victory but there certainly would’ve been furious questions asked by Ange Postecoglou had it panned out differently and rightly so.

Liverpool are considering making a move to sign Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Standout performer

The Portuguese international made the £20m move to the Premier League last summer when he put pen to paper on a five-year contract at Craven Cottage.

Despite the 27-year-old only being in his debut season in the top flight, his performances have been standout in the centre of the park which has now led to him generating interest from two potential suitors in particular.

The Latest: Liverpool monitoring Palhinha

Writing in his column for GiveMeSport, Jones revealed that Liverpool and Tottenham are both ‘casting an eye’ over Palhinha following his impressive opening to the 2022/23 campaign.

The Reds reportedly had him ‘on their radar’ even before he joined Marco Silva’s side in the capital, and the journalist claimed that Fulham should be ‘anticipating knocks at the door’ for him this summer.

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The Verdict: Exciting signing

Palhinha has been described as a ‘beautiful footballer’ by Josh Bunting and he would be a really exciting signing for Jurgen Klopp should he put pen to paper on Merseyside.

The Lisbon native currently averages 4.7 tackles and two aerial wins per league game as well as having three goals to his name, highlighting his ability to affect the game at both ends of the pitch (WhoScored).

Standing at 6 foot 2, Palhinha would also add a different dimension to the midfield with his height, making him the perfect profile of player to make the switch to Anfield.

Newcastle United return to Premier League action away to Leicester City this afternoon, with Eddie Howe’s side looking to pick up where they left off prior to the recent World Cup break.

The Magpies had gone into the mid-season pause on a run of five wins from their past five top-flight games, having also lost just once in their 15 league outings to move themselves into third place and firmly in the conversation for a Champions League finish.

The fear will be that the Tynesiders may have had that rampant momentum halted by this recent break from competitive action. On the evidence of their midweek win over Bournemouth, though, there doesn’t appear to be any sign of rust, with the hosts having seemed in almost total control at St James’ Park on the night as they took 17 shots to the visitors’ six.

That triumph – which came courtesy of an Adam Smith own goal – has moved Newcastle into the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup, with things all going swimmingly for Howe and co at present.

As they look to continue that rich vein of form later today at the King Power Stadium, Newcastle could well enhance their chances of victory by bringing Allan Saint-Maximin back into the fold, with the fleet-footed Frenchman seemingly now back to full fitness after his injury woes earlier this season.

That has limited the 25-year-old to just four starts in the league this season, all of which came in August; although the £70k-per-week maestro has impressed whenever he has featured, scoring once and registering three assists thus far.

The dynamic “wizard” – as lauded by journalist Graeme Bailey – had looked “dangerous” off the bench against the Cherries, in the words of The Athletic’s Chris Waugh. Another reporter in Miles Starforth added that the 25-year-old was soon “causing problems” for Bournemouth after entering the fray in the second half.

The former Nice dynamo was also subsequently lauded by his manager, with Howe dubbing him a “massive player” for the club, adding: “I think you saw as soon as he entered the pitch against Bournemouth he’s got that ability to put the opponent on the back foot. For me, he is the best dribbler in the Premier League and you need that in your team. “

As such, Saint-Maximin should be an ideal pick to return his left-wing berth in Newcastle’s attack, with his return potentially set to see Joelinton give way after the Brazilian disappointed in midweek.

The former Hoffenheim man notably won just four of his 17 duels against Gary O’Neil’s men, having also offered little in attack as he failed to complete any of his four dribbles and provided zero crosses.

With the 26-year-old either set to make way or drop back into a central midfield role, it should well see Saint-Maximin unleashed on the flanks from the first whistle today.

Everton will host Wolverhampton Wanderers at Goodison Park on Boxing Day in their return to Premier League action and now manager Frank Lampard has revealed a huge injury update.

What’s the latest?

The Everton boss gave an update on Dominic Calvert-Lewin during his pre-match press conference ahead of the clash with Wolves on Monday.

Lampard told the media (via Goodison News):

“Dominic is recovering well.

“We are hopeful his knee injury has cleared up and now we have to make sure we get him match fit and ready so we will see how that one goes.”

It’s a big boost

There is no doubt that a return for Calvert-Lewin will be a huge boost for Everton in their pursuit to improve their performances and position in the Premier League over their upcoming fixtures.

Everton are currently 17th in the top flight and only one point clear of the relegation zone after a run of poor form ahead of the World Cup break, so it will be crucial for them to hit the ground running by picking up points to avoid another survival scrap at the bottom of the table.

Not only that, the Toffees have only scored 11 goals over their campaign so far which is the second-worst tally in the entire Premier League, something Lampard must improve in order to comfortably compete.

Calvert-Lewin is by far Everton’s most experienced forward scoring 59 goals and registering 18 assists over 197 appearances so far and has been a game-changer in some of the most important moments for the Toffees, including scoring a winning goal in the penultimate game of last season to secure the club’s survival against Crystal Palace.

The 25-year-old goal machine has only made 24 appearances in all competitions since the beginning of the 2021/22 campaign due to a number of recurring injury issues, however, Lampard will be hoping that Calvert-Lewin’s most recent recovery will reignite the player’s consistency in the team.

With that in mind, Lampard must deploy Calvert-Lewin if he is available to feature against Wolves as he could be the difference in the team to lead them to victory so that Everton can widen their gap with the bottom three.

Back in 2010, a certain head-banded playmaker lit up South Africa with former Arsenal star Mesut Ozil truly bursting onto the scene.

At the time, he was playing for Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga before his sensational performances at the World Cup saw him earn a mega move to Spanish giants Real Madrid.

During that tournament no player would assist more goals than Ozil’s three, while only five players, including Lionel Messi and Xavi, would play more than his 2.9 key passes a game.

That tally happened to be better than the likes of Robin van Persie, Steven Gerrard, Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo and Frank Lampard.

Clearly in elite company, there was barely any risk attached to the move and the rest, as they say, is history.

Ozil would go on to become one of the finest creators around, subsequently registering 54 assists in La Liga and 58 assists in the Premier League for the Gunners.

His fall from grace, therefore, is all the more peculiar. Exiled by the north London side, he eventually left on a free transfer and now plies his trade for Istanbul Basaksehir in Turkey.

It’s hard to argue that Mikel Arteta and co have missed him. Since his exit, they have gone from strength to strength with another former Madrid man at their core; Martin Odegaard.

That said, with Emile Smith Rowe injured and Fabio Vieira undergoing a period of adaption in the capital, there is a sense that there is room for another creator in the central areas at the Emirates Stadium.

That honour could well fall upon Lovro Majer. The Croat has been linked with a move to Islington in recent months and if a deal can be completed, he could well be the club’s new Ozil.

Sporting a headband and curly hair of his own, the 24-year-old hasn’t quite made an Ozil-like impact in Qatar this autumn, but there are signs that he could be a wonderful player.

Majer has been restricted to substitute appearances at the moment but when called upon has been a lively player for Zlatko Dalic’s side.

He has scored one goal in his limited time on the field, meaning that he has found the net every 23 minutes, the highest scoring frequency in the entire tournament.

Like Ozil, he has a mini piece of World Cup history, with that record quite unlikely to be beaten across the rest of the competition.

The attacking midfielder is a natural when it comes to beating the goalkeeper, scoring 19 times for Dinamo Zagreb before earning a move to Rennes in Ligue 1. Since moving to France, a further eight strikes in 55 outings have fallen his way.

However, like the German he’s being compared to, he is more of a creator in the middle, an orchestrator who certainly knows how to pick a pass.

He has 12 assists for Rennes, three of which have come this term with Majer showing a canny ability to unlock defences.

In the words of talent scout Jacek Kulig, the “phenomenal” midfielder has an “amazing left foot”, a statement that further lends itself to the Ozil similarities.

Kulig has further dubbed the Croatian as a “highly technical player”, one who “big clubs are sleeping on.”

With that in mind, it may well be easier to sign him with others seemingly dodging his talents so far.

Majer’s addition might not be the most eye-catching but it would surely be exciting. After all, his potential in the game is immense, so much so that he could be the club’s new Ozil.

Liverpool should reconsider the idea of signing Atletico Madrid attacker Joao Felix, according to former Scotland striker Frank McAvennie.

The Lowdown: Felix linked with Atletico exit

The Portuguese forward has been regarded as one of the best young attacking players in Europe, moving to Atletico from Benfica in 2019 in a £112.9m move and scoring 32 goals in 128 appearances for the La Liga giants.

Felix has been linked with a move away from his current club in the near future, though, with Manchester United among those thought to be eyeing him up.

Liverpool could also be in the conversation, with a recent report claiming as such.

The Latest: Liverpool urged to avoid Felix move

Speaking to Football Insider, McAvennie warned the Reds against signing Felix, who he feels would not be an upgrade on Jurgen Klopp’s current attacking options.

The 62-year-old said of the Portugal gem:

“Not for me. For the money that would be involved, his stats are not good enough.

“I do not see him as a Liverpool player. [Mohamed] Salah has been playing more centrally of late and it suits him. I think [Darwin] Nunez is a wonderful talent. He is going to be a top player there for a long time. You have to think that they also have [Luis] Diaz and [Diogo] Jota.

“I do not see where Felix would fit in. I’m not sure he would get a game at Liverpool.”

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The Verdict: Slightly overrated?

Felix is undoubtedly a talented player, judging by his transfer fee and previous Golden Boy nomination, but there is a nagging feeling that he isn’t quite reaching his potential, which could mean that Liverpool would be best advised to avoid signing him.

A tally of 32 goals in 128 appearances for Atletico is not great for someone who cost just under £113m, while three goals in 23 caps for Portugal is also a forgettable return.

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Roy Keane derided Felix as an ‘imposter’ during Euro 2020, making his thoughts clear on him; and given the money that Liverpool would likely have to pay for the 23-year-old, they would be better off looking elsewhere.

It wouldn’t be a disaster if the Reds were to suddenly end up signing the Portugal international, but his stock has seemingly fallen compared to a few years ago and it would feel like a risky acquisition.

West Ham United are plotting a move to sign Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita next summer, according to reports in the last 48 hours.

The Lowdown: Spell on the sidelines

The Guinean has failed to play a single minute of Premier League football this season due to a hamstring injury, with his last appearance coming in the Community Shield back in July.

The 27-year-old is therefore likely to leave Anfield when his contract expires at the end of the current campaign, and there are four potential suitors waiting to snap him up.

The Latest: West Ham eyeing Keita

According to Italian outlet MilanLive (via Sport Witness), West Ham, alongside Newcastle United and AC Milan, have all been credited with an interest in Keita.

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The trio are keen to land the maestro on a free transfer in 2023, with Borussia Dortmund also name-checked as a ‘potential destination’.

It’s stated that his consistent injuries would be something ‘to consider’ for David Moyes’ side, who would ‘want assurances’ regarding his fitness or a deal based on a number of appearances.

The Verdict: Risk worth taking

GSBK signing Keita would be a risk given how prone he is to sustaining injuries, but it’s one that’s surely worth taking given what he’s capable of when at full fitness.

The midfield ‘enforcer’, as dubbed by journalist Josh Bunting, has netted 11 goals and provided seven assists during his time on Merseyside, showing his ability to contribute in the final third (Transfermarkt).

With Premier League and Champions League titles to his name, Keita would bring a wealth of experience and success to the London Stadium.

Leeds United once again failed to turn in a swashbuckling performance such as those witnessed earlier this season against Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon, with Jesse Marsch’s side ultimately having to settle for a point in a largely drab goalless draw at Elland Road.

Indeed, with the Whites currently on a four-game winless run – including a 1-0 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion, a 1-1 draw with Everton, a 5-2 defeat at Brentford and Sunday’s stalemate with Villa – August’s high-octane 3-0 win over Chelsea now feels as if it were a lifetime ago.

However, with Leeds’ U21 side securing their sixth win from seven games in 2022/23 on Tuesday evening – a particularly enthralling 5-3 Papa John’s Trophy victory over Tranmere Rovers – perhaps it may be wise for Marsch to take a closer look at some of his up and coming starlets in a bid to inject some fresh impetus to his senior side.

Although, with Joe Gelhardt – the 20-year-old who the American left out of his 20-man squad to face Villa last weekend – being the two-goal hero for Michael Skubala’s side in midweek, the 48-year-old could well be left somewhat red-faced by crawling back to the youngster he spurned just a matter of days ago.

Indeed, if the £8.7m-rated talent hoped to send his manager a message at Prenton Park, he certainly did so, scoring two exceptionally well-taken goals, making two key passes, taking four shots at the Tranmere goal and drawing four fouls – with these returns seeing the England U21 earn a match-best SofaScore rating of 8.4.

The Yorkshire Evening Post journalist, Joe Donnohue, also awarded the striker a match-topping nine in his own player ratings, as well as stating of Gelhardt’s display: “Two very well-taken goals – power and placement. Worked hard off the ball from start to finish. Like [Wilfried] Gnonto, uses his body so well to his advantage.”

As such, with a testing trip to Crystal Palace up next for the Whites, it would appear an extremely wise move for Marsch to reverse his Villa decision on the £16.5k-per-week Gelhardt, as the player who Leeds Live’s Beren Cross claimed is “going to change games” could very much prove to do exactly this at Selhurst Park on Sunday.

Leeds United are reportedly looking to sign Chelsea forward Christian Pulisic in January.

The Lowdown: Pulisic at Stamford Bridge

Pulisic made the move to the Premier League back in 2019 and has made 123 appearances for the Blues since then. The 24-year-old has scored 25 times and has registered 19 assists, however, he has started just one league game during the current campaign.

The USA international is under contract until 2024, but it looks as if Chelsea are keen to move the player on over the next 12 months.

The Latest: Leeds links

TEAMtalk relayed an update from Italian outlet Calciomercato on Wednesday regarding Pulisic.

They claimed that Chelsea are willing to cash in on the forward for around €35m, with Leeds one of numerous clubs interested in a move.

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The Verdict: One to watch

Marsch brought in two USA internationals this summer in Tyler Adams and Brenden Aaronson, so landing Pulisic could well be a realistic move.

The Leeds boss has labelled the forward a “big, big talent” and said he always scores when he comes up against his sides, something which he did at Elland Road last season in a 3-0 win for the Blues.

He can play as a right winger, left winger or attacking midfielder, something that could come in handy for Leeds come next year, making this potential transfer one to watch.

Newcastle United have considered a move for Amadou Haidara of RB Leipzig, according to journalist Jacque Talbot.

The lowdown

Haidara, a 24-year-old central midfielder who can also play in a more defensive role, has been part of the Red Bull system since 2016, when he joined RB Salzburg from Malian outfit JMG Bamako.

He subsequently moved to Leipzig for a fee of £17.1million in the winter of 2019, and is under contract until 2025 (via Transfermarkt).

Haidara is represented by Unique Sports Group, whose clients also include Newcastle duo Callum Wilson and Jamaal Lascelles.

He’s only played 31 minutes across Leipzig’s first three Bundesliga fixtures, having made two substitute appearances.

The latest

Talbot took to Twitter on Monday morning to break the news concerning Haidara.

He’s currently expected to stay at the Red Bull Arena, but there is interest from the Premier League.

“Told Amadou Haidara had been looked at by Man United, Leicester and Newcastle but the feeling is that he will remain RB Leipzig for this summer at least,” he wrote.

The player is believed to have a £33m release clause in 2023, so the Magpies could try and force Leipzig’s hand by bidding slightly over that number this summer.

The verdict

Haidara is a well-rounded midfielder. His standout attribute is his progressive passing (99th percentile), but he also scores well for progressive carries (83rd) and is above average for tackles (66th) and pressures (56th).

As per FBRef, he’s similar in profile to Real Madrid duo Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni – quite the company to keep.

And in terms of the intangibles, he possesses ‘an irrepressible will to win’, in the words of Leipzig technical director Christopher Vivell.

This is one to watch going forward, particularly as Haidara has been ‘dreaming of playing in [the] UK’, according to SPORT1’s Patrick Berger.