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Since joining Wolves, Nuno Santo has had wave after wave of praise. But does he actually still have a lot to prove?

There’s no denying his achievements in the English game so far. He took Wolves up in some style last term and they’ve had a tremendous first campaign back in the Premier League.

At the moment they sit seventh and were just moments away from reaching an FA Cup final too.

However, there are some clear issues Nuno has to iron out if Wolves are to ensure they don’t have a bitter reality check and suffer from second season syndrome in 2019/20.

What’s the issue?

In short, Nuno is too stubborn and if Maurizio Sarri has been receiving criticism for something similar then the Portuguese boss deserves the same.

Yes, Wolves have achieved some outstanding results this season but it overshadows some major problems. The Midlands club only have one plan and there is a serious lack of any tactical alternative.

That has never been so evident than in their defeat to Watford last Sunday. Plan A was going swimmingly well, but once the game turned they had nothing to combat their opponents.

They went defensive, so defensive in fact that it cost them the game. They invited pressure and then after conceding Gerard Deulofeu’s second goal had no answer.

Nuno struggles to adapt when the going gets tough and although they’ve claimed 13 points against top six sides, there have been some questionable performances on the road. Molineux may be a fortress but it’s a place they can afford to play an attractive brand of football at.

A major problem in having no plan B is that they have to set up the same on the road and their display against Burnley at Turf Moor two weekends ago was indicative of this.

A Wolves fan shares his most gutting moment of the last 10 years supporting the club in the video below…

Nuno’s substitutes are also largely ineffective and provide further evidence of a lack of an alternative plan. At Wembley, the changes he made had no difference, whilst regular rotation options Adama Traore and Ivan Cavaleiro have only contributed six goals between them.

Wolves’ coveted 45-year-old has been uttered as one of the managers of the season, but perhaps pundits ought to look at the man who outfought him last weekend, Javi Gracia, instead.

تحدث ليون جوريتسكا لاعب خط وسط بايرن ميونخ عن فوز فريقه أمام أتلتيكو مدريد، بمنافسات دوري أبطال أوروبا.

طالع تقرير مباراة بايرن ميونخ وأتلتيكو مدريد

وفاز بايرن ميونخ برباعية نظيفة، وسجل جوريتسكا هدفًا للفريق البافاري، ونشر الموقع الرسمي للاتحاد الأوروبي لكرة القدم “يويفا”، تصريحاته وقال: “احتجنا إلى عشر دقائق للدخول في المباراة وكنا محظوظون لأنهم لم يسجلوا من فرصة أو اثنتين في الشوط الأول”.

وأضاف جوريتسكا: “بعد ذلك، أصبحنا أفضل وأفضل وكنا أكثر كفاءة في المقدمة، تقدمنا بالهدف، كنا نستحق الفوز”.

وواصل بشأن هدفه: “من الجيد دائمًا تسجيل الأهداف، إنه شعور رائع، من الجيد مساعدة الفريق، لكن لدي وظائف في الملعب أكثر من مجرد التهديف”.

وعن زميله كينجسلي كومان، الذي أحرز هدفين، أشاد جوريتسكا: “كومان لاعب يثق في نفسه، إنه جيد جدًا في موقف 1 ضد 1، كما رأيتم اليوم أحسن صنعًا بتسجيل الهدف الأول وصنع الهدف الثاني بركض منفرد رائع، لقد أظهر جودته حقًا اليوم”. أهداف مباراة بايرن ميونخ وأتلتيكو مدريد

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Well, it would be fair to say that the Tottenham Hotspur fans do not want their club to move for Newcastle United attacker Ayoze Perez in this summer’s transfer window.

In a recent interview with Marca, Perez admitted that he will return to Spain before the end of his career, whilst he also discussed reported interest from the likes of Tottenham and Everton.

The 25-year-old was brilliant against Everton last weekend, scoring twice and providing an assist in Newcastle’s 3-2 win at St James’ Park.

In total, the forward has scored seven times and registered four assists in 33 appearances in all competitions for his English club this season.

The Tottenham fans have been discussing a potential move for the Spaniard and it would be fair to say that not too many are interested in chairman Daniel Levy signing Perez.

A selection of the Twitter reaction from the Spurs supporters can be seen below:

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Darren Moore was sacked as West Bromwich Albion manager on Saturday evening following the 1-1 draw at home to Championship strugglers Ipswich Town, but it could have been so different if he had made an obvious substitution.

On the chalkboard

Well, the 44-year-old’s reign at The Hawthorns came to an end at the weekend after the Baggies took just one point from the previous nine available, leaving them nine points adrift of the automatic promotion spots ahead of the latest round of midweek fixtures.

The heavy 4-0 defeat against Leeds United would have been a huge concern for the Albion hierarchy, but you would assume that they would have stuck with their former centre-back for at least another game had he taken all three points against the Tractor Boys.

That scenario looked on the cards when Stefan Johansen gave them the lead in the fourth minute, but following Jon Nolan’s equaliser just after the interval they were unable to find a way through.

Where was Jefferson Montero?

Moore switched things up against Town with a lot more freedom handed to some players in a 4-3-3/3-5-2 system, but it actually seemed to affect them negatively as they were unclear where they should be on occasions.

Who do you want to see promoted this year? The Pl>ymaker FC squad have picked their 3 favoured teams in the video below…

Given they were 42 minutes plus stoppage-time to find another breakthrough against a team that look destined for League One, it is baffling why the Swansea City loanee remained an unused substitute.

Instead, the 44-year-old boss brought on central midfielders Sam Field and James Morrison instead, while the relatively inexperienced Jonathan Leko also came on the pitch ahead of him.

He has goals – as he showed against QPR last month – in him as well as the ability to inject some pace and creative threat in the final third, and he could have helped West Brom get the three points needed to save Moore – for the time being at least.

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Wolverhampton Wanderers continued to cement their status as one of the best sides outside of the top-six on Saturday afternoon with a dominant 3-1 victory over Everton – a game which saw Leander Dendoncker open his account for the club.

Nuno Espirito Santo should be regarded as a strong contender for the manager of the season award after effectively securing survival with 13 games left to spare.

In the context of the metaphorical best of the rest award in the Premier League, Wolves are firm front runners after recording emphatic victories over West Ham and Everton – two sides who, pertinently, are widely regarded as the two most likely candidates to challenge the supremacy of the top-six.

Wolves’ journey into 7th place, though, has not been without a natural bump in the road. Much was made of Santo’s tactical approach early in the season and his refusal to tinker with his starting eleven eventually forced his hand after losing six times in 11 fixtures prior to the trip to Tottenham last December.

Santo gave Dendocker his full debut against the potential title-challenger at Joao Moutinho’s expense, and the dynamic Belgium international hasn’t looked back ever since.

After establishing himself in the starting eleven and winning over large sections of the Wolves supporters in the process, Dendoncker’s reputation culminated on Saturday afternoon at Goodison Park.

The 23-year-old was a defensive machine in front of the back-four, breaking up play with five tackles and four clearances before forcing his side forward with attacking dynamism, leaving the Wolves fans wondering why it took Santo so long to give him a genuine opportunity to showcase his obvious talent.

The performance was considered complete when he embodied the spirit of Frank Lampard and ghosted into the area to slam home a technically perfect volley which left Jordan Pickford clawing hopelessly at fresh air.

Another win on the road took Wolves’ record to four wins from the five fixtures in which Dendoncker has started this season, with the beginning of his inclusion in the side clearly representing a watershed moment in the club’s season.

His presence has relieved the manacles which have limited Ruben Neves and Moutinho at times this season, but to place him in a bracket comprising of midfield destroyers would do him a notable disservice.

Dendoncker was cute in possession against Everton, picking his moments to dribble forward with the ball at his feet and delivering passes into his attacking teammates at every available opportunity.

Wolves’ 3-1 victory was symptomatic of how Dendoncker’s fresh injection of midfield prowess arrived at just the right time for Santo and a team that had started to become stale and predictable.

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A massive cohort of Celtic fans are in transit towards Valencia for Thursday’s Europa League tie in the Mestalla.

Last week’s 2-0 defeat in the first leg has barely dampened enthusiasm for the trip – in contrast to the equivalent fixture last season in St Petersburg where a heated stadium was needed for the match to go ahead.

Tickets for Thursday’s match are at a premium but that isn’t bothering the fans who are arriving at airports from Barcelona southwards with Alicante seeing a flood of green and white Hoops coming through the Arrivals gate.

Brendan Rodgers will take his squad out on Thursday, host a media conference then continue his preparations to pull off a shock result.

There isn’t likely to be any surprises in the team Rodgers selects but if the visitors open the scoring the locals will know all about it – there will inevitably be some fans in the home sections struggling to keep their emotions intact.

Newcastle fell into the bottom three of the Premier League after losing 2-1 to Chelsea at the weekend.

The Magpies were behind after just ten minutes when Pedro found the back of the net before Ciaran Clark levelled the score heading past Kepa Arrizabalaga. Chelsea were back in front after the break when Willian curled home his first Premier League goal since October. Newcastle rarely threatened after falling behind and results elsewhere meant they slipped into the relegation zone.

Rafael Benitez stated earlier in the season that it would be a ‘miracle’ if he kept his side in the league after little to no investment from owner Mike Ashley. The club is in grave danger of returning to the Championship unless Benitez adds to his squad in the transfer window. Adding some reinforcements in the attack could help the Magpies steer away from danger.

One man they should target is Porto winger – Wenderson Galeno. Valued at just £2.7m by Transfermarkt, the Brazilian is becoming one of Portugal’s most promising prospects after impressing during his loan spell with Rio Ave FC. The 21-year-old has netted eight goals and registered nine assists in all competitions for his side this season, improving with every game he plays.

Galeno possesses frightening pace which makes him a nightmare for defenders to deal with. Coupled with his dribbling ability, the winger is unplayable at times. Now adding goals to his game, the youngster would be the perfect man to inject some flair into the Newcastle forward line. His arrival could also help bring the best out of Salomon Rondon who has looked void of service at times in the final third.

Galeno has the potential to be great and Benitez should do all he can to lure him to England.

Newcastle fans, thoughts?

A feel good factor has emerged at Leeds United in recent months due to the enormity of the impact which Marcelo Bielsa has had on the club, but it’s not only the short-term future which supporters should be feeling optimistic about.Â

Leeds’ fantastic opening to the season has evoked a genuine sense of optimism for the season ahead with the supporters already daring to dream about promotion.

The Whites are currently two points adrift of league leaders Sheffield United in 3rd place in the Championship, and the manner in which they have adapted to Bielsa’s new philosophy suggests that the players have rapidly immersed themselves in the possession-based style of football he notoriously swears by.

But the international break has temporarily eased the hype at the club with no fixture set to take place until the 20th of October, and Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Phil Hay has used the opportunity to discuss the future with Leeds’ head of academy coaching, Richard Cresswell.

In response to Hay’s Twitter post linking his article on Cresswell, one supporter asked him if he believed there were any outstanding individuals to watch out for. This was Hay’s response…

Leeds supporters are well aware of Jamie Shackleton’s promise following his brilliant stand-in performance at right-back against Swansea City earlier in the season, whilst Jack Clarke was discussed as a potential option following Kemar Roofe’s injury.

Robbie Gotts is more of a fringe figure in regards to his chances of earning a call-up to the senior squad, but Hay’s admission certainly suggests that he is a player who supporters should be keeping a close eye on in the years to come.

That Shackleton made another cameo appearance against Hull City at the KC Stadium proves that he is in Bielsa’s thinking and should grow in prominence as the season develops, and out of the three aforementioned talents he looks the most likely to break into the senior squad.

Either way, the future looks bright for Leeds United based on murmurs emerging from the academy.

Leeds fans – thoughts? Let us know below!

According to a recent report from The Sun, Stoke City have yet to receive an approach from any club for goalkeeper Jack Butland. The 25-year-old enjoyed a decent campaign at the bet365 Stadium last time round despite their relegation from the Premier League, to the point that the former Birmingham City man earned a spot in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the recent World Cup. 

However, the Potters have reportedly yet to receive an approach for the £19.8 million-rated star (as per Transfermarkt), but with Leicester City potentially set to lose goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel this summer, they should be the first to make a move for the Englishman.

The Breakdown

Ultimately, Denmark international Schmeichel has proven to be one of the most accomplished shot-stoppers in the Premier League in the last few years, not least in helping the Foxes to the most unlikely of title successes back in 2016.

Yet what was particularly impressive was that, while the majority of his teammates saw their level dip the season after winning the league, the 31-year-old if anything got better to aid the Midlands outfit to Premier League safety, and indeed to the last eight of the Champions League.

And his excellent efforts for his country at this summer’s World Cup has raised his stock to the point that Chelsea are reportedly keen on the goalkeeper, interest which should prompt Claude Puel’s men to make the first approach for Stoke’s Butland as a possible replacement.

The 25-year-old hasn’t always been the number one at the Staffordshire-based outfit during his five-year spell at the club, but the last few years has seen the Englishman really come of age to become one of England’s best shot-stoppers.

Butland played 31 times and kept ten clean sheets in the 2015/16 Premier League campaign to help the Potters finish ninth in the top-flight, and while his 2016/17 season was savaged by injury, he impressed last term in appearing 35 times in the league, keeping six clean sheets.

Yes, the numbers don’t look particularly good for the 25-year-old given how poor Stoke were defensively, yet it’s arguable that the Potters would have been relegated a lot sooner were it not for the shot-stopper’s efforts between the sticks – he has certainly proven his Premier League credentials in recent years.

And that is why Leicester must make the first approach for the Stoke ace, as they have to be ready to have to replace linked-away Schmeichel, who could well be on his way out of the King Power Stadium in the last knockings of the window.

And with no approach made for Butland, Puel’s Foxes simply must be the first to make a move for the 25-year-old.

Leicester fans… what do you think? Let us know!

Leeds United announced on their official website on Friday that striker Marcus Antonsson had joined League One outfit Blackburn Rovers on a season-long loan deal.

The 26-year-old only joined the Championship side from Swedish club Kalmar FF last summer in a deal that could eventually cost them £2m, but he struggled to break into the side past the in-form Chris Wood and scored just once in 17 league appearances.

The writing was on the wall for the Swede when he was left out of the matchday squads for the games against Bolton Wanderers and Port Vale this week, and he will now try to make an impact for Rovers before returning to Elland Road in May.

Leeds supporters were quick to have their say on the news via social media and many were in agreement that the move was good for both parties, while others have backed him to get 20 goals in the third tier of English football.

Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…