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Emi Martinez has made unwanted history at Aston Villa, with the World Cup winner adding an embarrassing entry to the Premier League record books.

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South American is a World Cup winnerHas become one of the best in the businessDoes have three PL own goals on his CVGettyWHAT HAPPENED?

The Argentina international, who helped his country to global glory in 2022, has forged a reputation as one of the best goalkeepers in the business. The 31-year-old is a larger-than-life character and can usually be relied upon to provide a resolute last line of defence.

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Martinez has become famed for his penalty-saving antics, with the South American mastering the art of mind games when opponents step up to the spot, and his reflexes have allowed notable success to be enjoyed with club and country.

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An uncharacteristic error was, however, made early on in his latest appearance for Villa. Martinez spilled a deflected Harvey Elliott cross over the line against Liverpool and now boasts the unfortunate honour of being the goalkeeper with the most own goals to his name (three) in Premier League history.

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WHAT NEXT FOR MARTINEZ?

Martinez’s mistake against Liverpool did end up costing Villa, despite Unai Emery’s side battling back from 3-1 down to claim a share of the points courtesy of Jhon Duran’s late brace. The Villans are, however, in a position where a top-four finish and Champions League qualification can still be secured with one game left on their schedule for 2023-24.

After flirting with relegation last season, before dramatically winning the Europa Conference League, West Ham United have steered clear of the dropzone and continued their European exploits in the current campaign. After comfortably easing past Manchester United too, the Hammers now sit inside the top six in the Premier League and are on course to once again qualify for the Europa League to sum up the excellent job that David Moyes is doing at the London Stadium.

Things could yet get even better when the January transfer window swings open in just over a week, meanwhile, with the Hammers reportedly eyeing a move to land one particular rival player.

West Ham transfer news

Despite losing Declan Rice to Arsenal, West Ham arguably came out of the summer transfer window far better than they went in thanks to their successful recruitment. The likes of Edson Alvarez and Konstantinos Mavrapanos have slotted straight in, whilst Mohammed Kudus and James Ward-Prowse have so far been revelations for Moyes. Kudus has especially impressed, with his goal against Manchester United the latest moment for West Ham fans to savour at the London Stadium. If they can add even more firepower to their side next month, the sky could be the limit for West Ham, however.

According to Pete O'Rourke of Football Insider, West Ham have set their sights on a move to sign Arsenal forward Eddie Nketiah in the January transfer window. The forward is most likely to leave at the end of the campaign, but a winter move reportedly cannot be ruled out as Arsenal could be prepared to sell as they look to raise funds for improvements of their own.

If the Hammers do want to land their rival's forward, they will have to reportedly fend off interest from Brentford and Crystal Palace and fork out as much as £40m in what would be a hefty deal.

"Incredible" Nketiah could be an upgrade on Antonio

Whilst Michail Antonio has struggled with injuries this season, his impact has lessened when he has been available to lead the line for West Ham, arguably creating the need for a fresh option in Moyes' attack. Nketiah could be the perfect option to turn to, even for the high price of £40m in January or next summer.

The Arsenal forward has struggled to establish himself as Mikel Arteta's first choice over Gabriel Jesus but has consistently been a reliable goalscorer at The Emirates whenever asked to step up in the last year or so. Nketiah's stats show just how clinical he can be in front of goal compared to Antonio.

Player

Goals

Assists

Expected Goals

Goal-Creating Actions Per 90

Eddie Nketiah

5

1

3.7

0.74

Michail Antonio

2

2

1.8

0.55

Earning the praise of Arteta as a result of his performances, the Arsenal manager labelled Nketiah, who has scored twice against the Hammers in the past, as "incredible".

“It was a great goal but I think overall his performance was incredible. The way he understood the pressing, his intensity, the way he counter-attacked certain spaces, the composure he showed. And then he stayed patient. And in the box he produced a moment of real quality to win us the game.”

Everton are reportedly interested in making a move for an attacking ace who was in sensational form last season, but they aren't alone in eyeing him up.

Everton's points deduction could be reduced

While the ongoing takeover of the Blues has continued to slowly drag on of late, it looked as though Sean Dyche's side had some positive momentum before the international break, with optimism returning among the fanbase. That has changed hugely with the news that Everton have been deducted 10 points for breaking financial rules, however, in a swift decision that saw them head straight back into the relegation zone.

A fervent Goodison Park was on show for the Premier League clash with Manchester United on Sunday afternoon, but despite hope that the atmosphere would help the Blues to victory, they instead fell to a 3-0 defeat. There is seemingly some light at the end of the tunnel mind, with experts predicting the points deduction will be reduced.

Expert makes huge claim regarding Everton’s points deduction being reduced

This could be massive in the relegation fight…

By
Henry Jackson

Nov 27, 2023

For the time being though, it feels like one setback after another for Everton, and while they have shown enough this season to suggest that relegation can still be avoided even with the deduction, more quality needs to be added to the squad in the January transfer window, assuming funds are available.

A new update has emerged regarding the Merseysiders' potential business, and it looks as though they could be looking to snap up a player who enjoyed a superb 2022/23 season, but who hasn't shone as much this time around.

Everton keen on signing Chuba Akpom

According to a fresh transfer update from TEAMtalk, Everton are keen on the idea of signing Ajax striker Chuba Akpom in January, but are joined by various other clubs in the mix.

"Sources have now told TEAMtalk that Akpom is open to the idea of a move to the Premier League and with Ajax ready to consider a loan deal, there is interest. Crystal Palace and Fulham are both very keen on a possible deal for the 28-year-old, while Everton, Burnley, Luton Town and Sheffield United are also keeping tabs on the situation."

Goals have come at a premium for Everton throughout this season, with only 14 scored in 13 Premier League matches, and the poor finishing on Sunday once again highlighted why a new striker is important in January. Akpom could be an excellent option to come in and give Dyche more depth, with his performances for Middlesbrough last season highlighting what a threat he can be in the final third.

The Everton transfer target scored 28 goals in 37 starts in the Championship in 2022/23, winning the PFA Championship Players' Player of the Year award in the process, and while he hasn't necessarily shown that he can do it in the top-flight for a sustained period, his record at Ajax is good despite a lack of playing time.

Akpom has scored five times in nine Eredivisie outings for the Dutch giants, with only two of those appearances coming from the start, and if he is keen on leaving in the winter window, the Blues would be wise to try and snap him up. Averaging a goal every 49 league minutes this term, he has been hailed as "terrific" by Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick.

A member of Ange Postecoglou's squad is expected back in December after a return to light training at Tottenham, according to reports.

Postecoglou's injury problems at Spurs

A fortnight ago, Spurs' lack of options behind their traditional starting eleven was laid bare for all to see with the injuries to both James Maddison and Micky van de Ven.

The star summer signings were hauled off against Chelsea, with Maddison suffering ankle ligament damage and van de Ven pulling his hamstring. The diagnosis for both men was an absence till after the new year, with Postecoglou now having to cope without two players who are crucial to his Spurs system.

Maddison's provides real ingenuity in the midfield area, while van de Ven's pace alongside Cristian Romero allows Spurs to succeed with Postecogloiu's bold high line.

The pair join Ivan Perisic, who is expected to miss most of the Premier League season with an ACL injury, and fellow summer recruit Manor Solomon on the treatment table.

Another player currently sidelined is left-back Ryan Sessegnon, who is actually yet to feature for Postecoglou since the Australian took charge in June.

Signed by Mauricio Pochettino in 2019, the defender has been very unlucky with injuries throughout his Tottenham career, and it will be interesting to see whether Sessegnon can eventually fight his way into Postecoglou's plans.

When the Englishman does return, he will be set for a battle with the in-form Destiny Udogie at left-back, but it appears that's a match up which could actually take place pretty soon.

Sessegnon expected back in December

The former Fulham star, according to The Evening Standard, could return to the Spurs squad next month. Indeed, Sessegnon is expected back from injury in December after a return to light training, with the 23-year-old undergoing surgery on his hamstring over the summer.

Still pretty young, we believe he could still have a future at Spurs and there are hardly any better managers to nurture his development than Postecoglou.

Tottenham's boss has shown real faith in his crop of young players since joining from Celtic, and perhaps he could hand Sessegnon a fresh opportunity to prove himself. Fitness issues are big point of contention, but the defender has displayed quality on various occasions. Former Leeds striker Noel Whelan, once speaking to Football Insider, even tipped the "outstanding" ace to become a £50 million player.

"I saw a lot of him at Fulham and he was outstanding for them, probably the best player in the Championship a few years ago,” he said in 2020.

“He’s young and has time on his side. I expected him to make a quicker impact at Spurs, but you often get these teething troubles with young players, especially when they’re competing with top internationals.

“Once he has a run of matches under his belt and gets his confidence, there’s no doubt he’s an outstanding player. I think he is a £50million player in the making, and Spurs and Mourinho will, too.”

Tottenham have been told the £65 million star they "need" with manager Ange Postecoglou soon getting the chance to strengthen his squad in January.

Ange handed more problems at Spurs

The last three weeks has been a nightmare for Postecoglou and co, as Spurs are forced to cope with a plethora of injuries and suspensions which have hit their squad.

Tottenham currently have ten players either nursing injury problems or suspended from match action, James Maddison, Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Yves Bissouma, Richarlison, Ryan Sessegnon, Manor Solomon, Ashley Phillips, Pape Matar Sarr and, potentially, Rodrigo Bentancur all unavailable right now.

It's an issue which has laid Postecoglou's squad bare for the festive period, and it's safe to say they quite simply need to bring in reinforcements in January.

While a fair few of the aforementioned squad members will be back by the new year, long-term injuries to Maddison, van de Ven, Solomon and Perisic have brought attention to Spurs' glaring lack of depth in certain areas.

If the north Londoners wish to compete for a Champions League place, or silverware, they'll require quality alternatives to their preferred starters.

Spurs eyeing new centre-back and new striker

According to recent reports, Spurs want a new centre-back and replacement for Harry Kane over the next two transfer windows.

Tottenham have been linked with Feyenoord forward Santiago Gimenez, with rumours suggesting Postecoglou could make a move for defender Lloyd Kelly from Bournemouth as well. Another striker to be linked with a move to N17, alongside the likes of Gimenez, is Brentford star Ivan Toney.

The Englishman, who could cost around £65 million according to Fabrizio Romano, has been widely tipped to leave Brentford pretty soon.

Aaron Lennon urges Toney move

Taking to X, former Spurs winger and BBC Radio 5 Live pundit Aaron Lennon has told Tottenham to make a move for Toney. In their latest loss, a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday, the Lilywhites missed a host of chances and could've arguably ran out comfortable winners if not for their wastefulness in front of goal.

Lennon seems to suggest a swoop for Toney would solve this issue, hinting a bid for the 27-year-old in January is what's needed for Postecoglou.

"Knew Villa couldn’t play any worse," said Lennon. "Tielemans was very good when he came on got them playing and calmed the game down. A lot of positives for spurs in the performance especially with all the injuries out. But need a striker to finish these chances. Ivan Toney in January."

The forward has proven top flight experience, having scored 20 league goals prior to his ban for alleged gambling breaches. He's also been called "amazing" by his manager, Thomas Frank.

Ivan Toney strengths (via WhoScored)

Aerial duels

Direct free kicks

Through balls

Finishing

“Ivan is amazing in many, many aspects,” Frank told Brentford's official website. “The way he copes with pressure and distractions is amazing. He’s been scoring goals, performing for the team and driving the team. He’s remarkable.

“I can only talk about the Ivan that I see every day around the place and he’s a fantastic person around the group. He’s got that unique emotional intelligence to be aware of all the players, and every staff member."

Arsenal's unbeaten start to the 2023/24 Premier League season came to an end on Saturday as they were beaten 1-0 by Newcastle United in the evening kick-off. The Gunners came out the wrong side of the result at St. James' Park as Anthony Gordon's second-half strike was enough to secure all three points for the home side.

However, the winning goal was shrouded in controversy after a lengthy VAR check on three possible infringements that eventually saw the goal awarded to Eddie Howe's team.

There was an initial check to see whether or not the ball had gone out of play before a possible foul on Gabriel, and then a possible offside against Gordon. However, none of those three situations could be fully substantiated into a claim to disallow the goal and Mikel Arteta was incensed after the match.

Arteta's comments after VAR controversy at Newcastle

The Spanish tactician described the incident as "embarrassing" and a "disgrace" before going on to say that he is wasting his time as results are in the hands of other people – referees. Arteta went as far as to say that he feels "embarrassed" and is "ashamed" to be part of how the Premier League is using VAR and the technology available to decide matches, in some instances, with their decisions.

Of course, emotions were running high after a tight match that ended in defeat for the London-based outfit, and the choice of words may have been influenced by that. However, Arsenal then released a statement in support of their manager and added that PGMOL must take action to improve the standard of refereeing, as they believe that the league deserves a higher quality of officiating than it is currently getting.

Stephen Warnock slams Arsenal and Arteta

Whilst speaking on Sky Sports' Ref Watch segment, pundit Stephen Warnock ripped into the Gunners and Arteta for their reaction to Newcastle's winning goal.

The former Liverpool defender started out by questioning why the Gunners boss did not feel "embarrassed" to be involved in the division after Luis Diaz's goal was wrongly disallowed for offside against the Reds earlier this season in their 2-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur. This point was also raised by The Mirror as they reported his previous comments about that VAR mistake that went against Jurgen Klopp's side.

The Gunners boss said that referees and VAR need to be given support and for people to understand that mistakes happen, which was a calmer and more reasoned response than the one he gave over the weekend after Gordon's goal. Warnock then went on to say that the club's subsequent statement was "distasteful" and that it should have been handled in a different way.

Whether or not any of this will lead to an improvement in refereeing or VAR standards remains to be seen, given that the Arsenal boss thinks that he is wasting his time, and it will be interesting to see how long it takes for the next major incident of controversy to take place.

Bruma made his way into the history books as he became the only player, barring Cristiano Ronaldo, to wear Portugal's iconic No.7 shirt since 2007.

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Ronaldo rested against SwedenBruma took the No.7Found the net after Bruno Fernandes set him upGettyWHAT HAPPENED?

Portugal hardly missed Ronaldo as they cruised to a 5-2 victory over Sweden in an international friendly at the Estadio Dom Afonso Henriques in Guimaraes on Thursday evening. However, quite surprisingly, the No.7 jersey still graced the pitch as it was Bruma who took up the shirt in the absence of their talismanic forward. In the process, he became the only player other than Ronaldo to don the jersey for since 2007, according to

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Bruma started the match on the bench but was introduced in the second half by manager Roberto Martinez. He made the most of a rare opportunity by scoring Portugal's fourth goal after Bruno Fernandes' superb assist.

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It was a special night for Bruma who got the opportunity to take the field with the No.7 on his back. Just like Ronaldo, the winger grew up at Sporting and has always looked up to him for inspiration.

"I met him for the first time as a youngster and a few times since, most recently as part of the national team," Bruma had told in a past interview.

"We always have a good chat. He's my biggest idol, but it feels more like a friendship. He's the best footballer in the world. He's a great person, a role model for everyone, especially the youngsters. That's why he's so important to the young players currently in the national team. Everyone's always watching him in training and doing things the same way. If Ronaldo was always mouthing off or skipping training it'd influence the youngsters. But he's a quiet guy and very professional. That's plain for everyone to see".

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?

Bruma might have to settle with his usual No. 17 as Ronaldo is expected to return to the fold against Slovenia on Tuesday.

Leeds United are on a roll as they aim to put together a tilt at promotion from the Sky Bet Championship and their good mood is spreading throughout the squad, as latest developments now indicate at Elland Road.

What's the latest news involving Leeds United?

The Whites have gone on a six-match unbeaten streak in the Sky Bet Championship and sit sixth in the league standings, representing a solid start to proceedings for Daniel Farke since taking charge at Elland Road.

As per Sky Sports via Leeds Live, pundit Don Goodman has claimed that Leeds United trio Joel Piroe, Wilfried Gnonto and Georginio Rutter are too good for the Sky Bet Championship.

Goodman stated: "In those forward areas, we’re starting to see genuine Championship quality. Quality that’s probably too good for the Championship in Joel Piroe. I’m glad that Georginio Rutter has found his feet and found his confidence, throw into the mix (Wilfried) Gnonto and more behind that as well, their options are brilliant. Look, it was a really, really unsettled pre-season with all the comings and goings, contract clauses, and who was going to be there when the transfer window shut."

Piroe in particular has impressed for the Whites since joining from divisional rivals Swansea City in the summer transfer window, racking up six goals in his opening nine appearances across all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

Meanwhile, journalist Phil Hay has indicated that the 49ers could look to pay up the remainder of out-of-favour star Helder Costa's contract at Elland Road after a move to new surroundings failed to materialise for the Angola international during the summer transfer window.

Next up for Leeds United is a trip to St Mary's Stadium to face an out-of-sorts Southampton, with Russell Martin's men coming off the back of four straight defeats in the English second-tier.

What have Ethan Ampadu and Luke Ayling said?

Taking to Instagram, Leeds United forward Georginio Rutter posted a compilation of his best moments from their 3-0 win over Watford last weekend, in which he claimed a stunning late assist to set up Jaidon Anthony for the Whites' crowning third goal.

In reply, Leeds United right-back Luke Ayling replied with a comment which read: "Love that happy face of yours!!" Further down, Wales international Ethan Ampadu also chimed in with a simple one-word response that said "Wow" in reference to the France Under-21 gem's exploits in the victory.

Looking like a man full of confidence all of a sudden, Rutter has managed to appear eight times in all competitions for Leeds United, registering two goals and two assists, as per Transfermarkt. Acting as a foil for Piroe in attack against Watford, Rutter managed to complete seven of his nine dribbles attempted during the clash and also laid on three key passes against the Hornets, according to Sofascore.

Leeds United boss Farke said that the 21-year-old was "top-class" across proceedings last weekend and he now slowly looks to be paying back the club-record £35 million fee shelled out for his services in January, as per talkSPORT.

Ayling and Ampadu have clearly caught a buzz off of his recent performances and everyone connected with the club will hope he can play a key part in their push for promotion over the coming months.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been told to “shut up”, with the Portuguese accused of allowing Lionel Messi to influence his thoughts on the Saudi Pro League.

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Argentine icon spent time with PSGEternal rival made controversial claimBoth men now said to be in 'retirement'WHAT HAPPENED?

Back in January, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner said when comparing his new home in the Middle East with a league previously occupied by eternal rival Messi in France: “The Saudi league is not worse than Ligue 1. The Saudi Pro League is more competitive than Ligue 1, I can say that after one year spent there. We are better than the French league already now.”

AdvertisementGOALWHAT LEBOEUF SAID ABOUT RONALDO

Ronaldo’s comments drew an inevitably passionate response from those with ties to French football, and 1998 World Cup winner Frank Leboeuf is the latest to have fired back at CR7. The former Chelsea and Marseille defender, who spent time in Qatar towards the end of his playing career, has told : “It annoys me when I hear Cristiano Ronaldo saying that the Saudi Pro League is better than Ligue 1. Why do you think he chose to make that comment about Ligue 1 rather than the Portuguese League? It’s because Lionel Messi played in Ligue 1. I have lots of respect for him as a player but come on, just shut up! It is unfair to Ligue 1. For me, Portugal are actually one of the contenders for this summer’s European Championships. I actually think they can win the Euros, but only if Cristiano Ronaldo doesn’t play. You cannot take away anything that Ronaldo has done for football just because he has gone to retire in the Saudi League. I want to thank him for taking the sport to another level, but there is an end for everyone. He has every right to play in Saudi Arabia, although I’m not sure he needed even more money!”

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Ronaldo moved to Al-Nassr after being released by Manchester United as a free agent. He is working on the most lucrative contract in world football, with Leboeuf adding on the 39-year-old’s career path and that of current Inter Miami superstar Messi: “I have no problem with players coming to the end of their careers going to play in lesser leagues to earn more money, the same has happened with Lionel Messi. Both of them were fantastic players but they have chosen not to play at the top level anymore and we have to respect that. You can never take away what they have done for football. The competition between those two actually made the entire sport better. It made it more attractive. Thank you Ronaldo, thank you Messi, enjoy your retirement!”

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Getty/GOALWHAT NEXT FOR RONALDO & MESSI?

Ronaldo and Messi continue to deliver for their respective clubs and international teams. CR7 has netted 34 goals in the 2023-24 campaign, as he prepares to lead Portugal into Euro 2024, while Argentine icon Messi now has eight Golden Balls and three FIFA Best awards to his name – with the goals starting to flow for him again in MLS.

Newcastle United have entered discussions regarding an improved deal for yet another one of their first-team stars, and he’s not the only one set to extend his stay in the Premier League.

Who has just signed deals for Newcastle?

At St. James’ Park, Callum Wilson has already put pen to paper on a one-year extension meaning that he will remain in the northeast until at least 2025, and he is expected to be followed by Bruno Guimaraes, who has reportedly agreed terms to commit himself to the club.

In addition, Joelinton is another player who PIF and Eddie Howe are opening talks with about keeping him in black and white stripes, as the same outlet have claimed that he is very happy in his current situation, suggesting that there should be no problem in the two parties reaching an agreement.

One of the Magpies’ longest-serving stars is Sean Longstaff, who has been with the club since his childhood days having worked his way up through the various youth ranks to get promoted to the first-team in 2019 where he’s made a total of 143 senior appearances to date.

Despite still having another two years remaining on his contract, Tyneside chiefs appear to want to secure the services of the central midfielder for the foreseeable future, and if the following update is to be believed, they have already taken the first step towards doing exactly that.

Is Sean Longstaff signing a new contract at Newcastle?

According to Football Insider, Newcastle are also “in talks” with Longstaff about signing an improved deal, alongside their Brazilian duo.

Howe is reportedly “keen to keep the spine” of his current squad to ensure that their success of last season can continue to progress in the future, and the 25-year-old has therefore been identified as a “key” player in that project.

How much does Sean Longstaff earn a year?

At Newcastle, Longstaff currently pockets £50k-per-week which he has more than earned for the constant hard work and effort he’s put in over the course of the career, so should he put pen to paper on fresh terms in the near future, it would be a huge boost for Howe.

The Gol International client already has two goal contributions (one goal and one assist) to his name in six top-flight outings so far this season, and he’s constantly a threat in the final third, where he ranks in the 90th percentile for touches in the opposition’s penalty area.

Furthermore, the academy graduate is a versatile operator having been deployed in five different positions since the start of his career, including four roles in the midfield and even as a second striker, so his ability to easily adapt to the manager’s demands makes him a great option to have in the building.

Longstaff has been hailed an “excellent” player by Howe himself, so the fact that the boss has gone out of his way to publicly share his admiration for the player just shows how appreciated he is, no doubt as well by his fellow teammates and supporters at St. James’ Park.