All posts by n8rngtd.top

Liverpool finally halted their Anfield woes on Saturday afternoon with a late victory against Aston Villa.

Jurgen Klopp’s Reds had initially gone behind to Ollie Watkins’ strike, with Roberto Firmino seeing his equaliser ruled out by a tight offside call from VAR.

However, they did manage to roar back through Mo Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold, the latter firing in a 90th minute winner.

Despite the right-back proving key for the reigning champions, it was actually his defensive colleague Nathaniel Phillips who should indeed be earning more praise for his performance.

The centre-back, who earns £64k per-week at Anfield, turned in a thoroughly dominant defensive showing throughout the afternoon.

According to WhoScored, the 24-year-old contributed two tackles and a further seven clearances. For comparison, the rest of the Liverpool side could only contribute nine clearances between them throughout the match.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-liverpool-news%2c-transfer-rumours-and-more-gravenberch-keita-mane-williams-kabak” title=”Read the latest Liverpool news, transfer rumours and more…”]

Whilst his anticipation of danger was extremely impressive, Phillips was also tough to deal with when faced up with his direct opponents.

Of the 17 duels he attempted against Aston Villa both on the ground and in the air, he won a huge 13 of those according to SofaScore – a huge increase on his 7.1 average per match in the Premier League this season.

Phillips was of course pivotal from a defensive standpoint but the Englishman also had his fair share of influence on the ball for the Reds, too.

Of the 72 passes that he completed, the most of every single player in the entire match, three of those were key. Once again, no player for either side completed more key passes than the Liverpool centre-back.

So, whilst Trent Alexander-Arnold will draw plenty of praise for what turned out to be his winning strike, Phillips was equally if not more pivotal in the Reds claiming a much sought-after Anfield win in the Premier League.

AND in more news, find out which other young defender the Reds must not sell…

Leicester City booked their first FA Cup semi-final place with a stunning 3-1 victory against Manchester United on Sunday evening.

Kelechi Iheanacho scored twice, with Youri Tielemans getting the other as the Foxes scythed through the Red Devils despite Mason Greenwood’s first-half equaliser at the King Power Stadium.

The Nigerian striker followed up his hat-trick against Sheffield United with another all-action showing, inspiring Brendan Rodgers’ men through to the last-four where they will now meet Southampton at Wembley Stadium.

Iheanacho was a threat to the Red Devils from the off, with his constant pressing a thorn in the side of the visitors.

That paid dividends midway through the first-half as he picked off a poor Fred backpass to round Dean Henderson and score with a low finish.

He then doubled his afternoon’s work with a well-guided header from Marc Albrighton’s free-kick to take his goal count to 12 for the season and a remarkable nine since early February in all competitions.

Iheanacho’s excellent performance did not just end with his goals however.

According to WhoScored, he had two shots on target, both of them finding the net, whilst also producing a dribble and drawing as many as three fouls – more than any player on either side.

His creativity was also eye-catching as well, contributing a further three key passes, with just Marc Albrighton contributing more than the former Manchester City man.

Whilst he was a threat to the Red Devils throughout the 90 minutes in an attacking sense, Iheanacho also contributed defensively, too.

He racked-up two tackles and two interceptions in what ended up to be an energy sapping 90 minutes.

Considering his performances in recent weeks, including his performance against Manchester United, Iheanacho is certainly earning his £60k per-week wages.

AND in more news, take a look at which Foxes’ star’s comments have reaffirmed his commitment to the Foxes…

As confirmed by the club, Norwich City loanee Ben Gibson will miss the rest of the 2020/21 Championship season following an ankle ligament injury, prompting many supporters to voice their despair as this ‘awful news’ emerges.

Gibson – who has been a mainstay under Daniel Farke this season, starting 26 matches in England’s second tier (WhoScored) – will now be absent for the remainder of the promotion-chasing campaign.

The 28-year-old has helped guide Farke’s table-topping Canaries to within touching distance of promotion back to the Premier League, but news of him being ruled out for their remaining matches has resulted in some concern.

Gibson and centre-back partner Grant Hanley are regarded by some sections of the press as potentially Farke’s best-ever defensive pairing in his time at Norwich, leaving little wonder as to why one of the duo’s absence has prompted discussion on social media.

Find some of the supporters’ verdicts on this news below.

Norwich City fans erupt over Gibson injury

“Awful news but he will be back stronger”

Credit: @Airheadange

“oh my God, Ben please take my ankle, you need it more than me”

Credit: @nikosrobinson

“This is a massive blow”

Credit: @mattterry08

“such sad news 🙁 he’s been immense for us! hope you come back stronger”

Credit: @aimeencfc18

“Ahhhh gutted. This will be a big loss.

Get well soon Gibson”

Credit: @RoryHaczewski

“He’s been superb for us this season. Gutted”

Credit: @lewisjarrett4

“That’s a big blow.”

Credit: @sji1616

In other news: Norwich City transfers that shook the club, read more about it here.

Fans of Glasgow Rangers have taken to Twitter in order to criticise the performance of Gers centre-forward, Kemar Roofe, in the Ibrox club’s draw with St Johnstone on Wednesday evening.

In the fixture itself, a 55th-minute strike by Scott Wright appeared to have sealed all three points for Steven Gerrard’s side in the match at McDiarmid Park, only for Gers’ centre-back, Jack Simpson, to give away a penalty in the fourth minute of added time, which Liam Craig duly converted to see the game end 1-1.

However, the penalty could have quite easily been avoided for Rangers, as, with the clock ticking down in the dying moments of the game, rather than wasting time, Roofe chose to have a shot from his own half, with Zander Clark subsequently collecting the ball and sending it back into the Rangers penalty area, when the foul was committed.

Aside from his part in the late equaliser, the 28-year-old also put in a rather disappointing performance against the Saints, managing no shots on target in the fixture, as well as losing possession of the ball 13 times – with the striker earning a SofaScore match rating of just 6.7.

And, in reaction to Roofe’s display, fans of Rangers flocked to Twitter to share their thoughts on the centre-forward’s performance, with many appearing far from happy with what they saw from the £26,000-per-week man against St Johnstone.

So, what exactly did these Rangers fans have to say in reaction to Kemar Roofe’s performance?

“Roofe has been absolutely awful since late December. Why should he start through the middle when Itten has barely kicked a ball and should get game time?”

@RFC1872II

“Shocking from Roofe. Time up, keep the ball, game over! The ‘keeper was hardly even off his line!”

@stewartcelhiney

“Shocking from Roofe there, the ref had no clue what he was doing that full game!!”

@RobbieMcDougal4

“Embarrassing from the referee, he was desperate to give that and he completely lost control of the game. Poor performance by us to be fair and awful game management from Roofe though.”

@petera1872

“Roofe’s been stinking since Christmas. He and Itten were dreadful tonight. I realise there was nothing at stake but these two don’t impress anytime they play together.”

@MitzisLapdog

“He was better than Roofe, who appears to get a free ride for his terrible form.”

@FacelessRanger

In other news: Rangers could now miss out on 28-goal star this summer as recruitment source drops news – find out more here!

Erling Haaland said it was a pleasure to play with Kevin De Bruyne after the Belgian set up four goals for him in Manchester City's 6-2 win at Luton.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Haaland pays tribute to De Bruyne
• Belgian set up four goals for the striker
• Norwegian warns 'We're ready to attack'

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Haaland struck five times in a ruthless attacking display by City. It was the second time the Norwegian had scored five times in a match for Pep Guardiola's side after blitzing RB Leipzig last season. However, it was the first occasion he had scored three or more goals in an away match for the Cityzens.

Advertisement

• WHAT HAALAND SAID

  "Kevin De Bruyne is massive. He is doing what he is best at. It's a pleasure playing with him," Haaland told . "We know what we both want from each other. It clicks well. He is a smart player and I like to play with him."

• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Haaland and De Bruyne had such a good understanding last season that the Belgian ended up joking in a press conference before the Champions League final: "I prefer my wife". The pair have been unable to combine much this season as De Bruyne missed five months with a torn hamstring and Haaland spent two months on the sidelines with a foot problem.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Haaland said he was back to full fitness and fired out a warning to City's rivals for the title, FA Cup and Champions League as they aim to repeat last season's historic treble triumph. "I am getting back to my best," he said. "Finally I am feeling good. It's an amazing feeling. It's coming, we're coming. Exciting times ahead. We are ready to attack."

Alisha Lehmann has revealed the shock time that she wakes up on a non-training day, her New Year’s resolution and the saying she lives her life by.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Swiss star enjoying life in England
• International landmark approaching
• Lifted lid on behaviour off the field

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Switzerland international continues to ply her club trade in the WSL for Aston Villa. She is an important part of Carla Ward's side in the West Midlands, while the 25-year-old forward is fast closing in on a half-century of appearances for her country.

Advertisement

• WATCH THE CLIP

• WHAT LEHMANN SAID

  Lehmann is now a prominent figure on and off the field in women’s football, with the Swiss boasting an ever-growing collection of loyal supporters. They will be pleased to hear that Lehmann’s resolution for 2024 is to “do the same thing as last year” – with there no need to do anything different.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Fans will also support Lehmann’s claims that she lives her life by the “don’t judge a book by its cover” mantra, but may be surprised to learn that – while getting out of bed at around 8:45am on days that she has training – the talented playmaker can lie around in bed until 1pm if she has time off.

Glasgow Rangers fans have slammed referee John Beaton after comments from Steven Gerrard following the Gers’ 1-0 victory over Livingston on Wednesday.

The Gers picked up another three points as they close in on the Premiership title. However, Gerrard was unable to watch the second-half from the touchline after being sent off at half-time by Beaton. The former Liverpool captain was clearly frustrated after Alfredo Morelos was booked for diving despite contact being made. He confronted the official at the interval, and received two yellow cards within the space of a minute.

After the final whistle, Gerrard was clearly still irritated. In his post-match interview, he said the decision to punish Morelos was ‘bang out of order’. Gerrard claimed he would accept one official making a mistake, but was furious that a referee, assistant referee and fourth official had all got it wrong.

The comments were shared by Clyde Superscoreboard on Twitter, and they attracted plenty of attention from the Gers supporters.

They took to the social media platform to share their anger.

Let’s see what the fans had to say after the comments from Gerrard

“Hes 100 % correct it was bang out of order”

Credit: @Annie_bear1872

“We should have had three penalties tonight. Booking Alfredo was outrageous”

Credit: @ZuluAlpha_1

“Well said. An absolute shocker from the officials tonight.”

Credit: @beaford_j

“Bang out of order spot on gaffer”

Credit: @ha11y6

“Bang on Beaton could have said yup ok let’s talk in tunnel or dressing room but walked on arrogantly”

Credit: @bobstar1701

“Spot on … he’s called 3 of them out on their incompetence… they should be embarrassed… they’ll probably try and ban him for the Celtic game … but let’s face it SIR Steven Gerrards work is done .. eh? He’s not a sir yet …. aw ok .. Steven Gerrard .”

Credit: @robertk82913999

In other news, Rangers fans slam this journalist’s article.

Several Aston Villa supporters have hit out at pundit Kevin Phillips following his transfer comments on Jack Grealish.

The attacking midfielder has scored seven goals and provided 12 assists in 23 appearances in all competitions this season, playing a key role in Villa’s excellent second season back in the top flight.

Villa missing Grealish, recent Manchester City interest

He’s missed Villa’s last five Premier League games through injury, though, with Dean Smith’s side struggling without the club captain.

Grealish, who holds a £45m Transfermarkt valuation, was linked with a move to Manchester City earlier this month, with rumours of a possible Etihad move coming from ‘good sources’.

Talking to Football FanCast, Phillips, 47, shared his bold views on Grealish’s Villa Park future, ending with a big nine-word admission.

“I actually see him wanting to stay because I live in the area, and I know people that know him – he absolutely loves Aston Villa, a bit like Stevie G at Liverpool.

“He’s Villa through and through, but from a footballing perspective, I think someone will come in with a big bid, and the club will probably find it hard to turn down. Villa have done very well this season, but my suggestion would be ‘go and win trophies’. And he’s good enough to do that, he’s shown that.

“If I had to put my head on the block, I think Grealish will probably move in the summer.”

Phillips’ comments were shared on social media in a story by @AVFC_News on Wednesday afternoon.

This is what these Villa fans had to say, with many not happy with their former striker.

Villa fans react

“Nobody can afford him”

Credit: @Chloe19428004

“Some ex-players make my blood boil and he’s 1 of them”

Credit: @william55004613

“Does he urge Harry Kane to leave Spurs too?”

Credit: @StevenB40945084

“Two things you can guarantee. 1 – Kevin Phillips hasn’t got a clue what is going to happen and 2 – Nobody will want to pay the price we will demand.”

Credit: @DonCorl38152157

“Lazy reporting”

Credit: @TomFshAV

“‘someone will come in with a big bid & they may well find it hard to turn down’ When will these pretend pundits do their research. We don’t need to sell anyone. We don’t need to look at making profits on our star players. We have some of the richest owners in the league”

Credit: @UpTheDeano

In other news: Several Villa fans stunned as Barkley loan fee revealed, find out more here. 

According to its head of recruiting, the Saudi Pro League will look to sign players "of the highest level" in upcoming transfer windows.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Saudi chief talks about transfer plans
• Expects less movement in winter window
• Looking to make additions to summer signings

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to FIFA, Saudi Arabian clubs invested £701 million on foreign talent acquisition in the summer. If Saudi teams' offers for Liverpool's Mohamed Salah and Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian Mbappe had been approved, that amount may have been far higher. The Player Acquisition Centre for Excellence (PACE) and director of football for the Saudi league, Michael Emenalo, acknowledged that the league had "competed aggressively" during the summer transfer window and that the emphasis was now on high-calibre additions to the summer signings.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  As the January transfer window approaches, Saudi teams have already been linked with moves for Raphael Varane and Jadon Sancho of Manchester United. Champions Al-Ittihad are also anticipated to make another attempt at acquiring Mohamed Salah, having had their September £150 million bid for the Liverpool forward rejected.

• WHAT MICHAEL EMENALO SAID

  "I’m hoping (the January transfer window) is not very busy, because I think the job that was done has been quite interesting and aggressive, and most of the clubs, I believe, have what they need,” the former Chelsea technical director told the SPL. "And hopefully the attention will now turn to work within the training facilities to improve these players and to allow the time to adapt and perform.

  "Now, whatever additional improvement that we need to do for any club, with time on our hands and preparation, we believe will be additions of the highest level. We will continue to support and to see every opportunity we have to bring more talented individuals that want to come to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that is open for business."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR SAUDI PRO LEAGUE?

  As Emenalo reiterated, it is now unlikely that the league will attract any top talents in the winter transfer window but will keep looking to make additions to improve the quality of the league.

Jack Grealish was forced off injured early in the first half of Manchester City's Champions League clash with Copenhagen on Tuesday.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Grealish goes off injured in Copenhagen
• Midfielder seen holding groin
• He was making first start in five weeks

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Grealish went down in a heap after a challenge from Diogo Goncalves and immediately had a concerned look on his face. He received a bit of treatment on the pitch and tried to continue but was quickly taken off by Pep Guardiola and replaced by Jeremy Doku.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Grealish was making his first start since the FA Cup third round tie against Huddersfield more than five weeks ago and had played just 17 minutes of football since then. And last Friday Guardiola urged him to rediscover the form he showed last season, when he was an integral part of the team that won the treble.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  City had a full strength squad available against Copenhagen for the first time this season. They were without Kevin De Bruyne for five months, Erling Haaland for two while John Stones has missed large parts of the campaign with separate issues, but all started at Parken Stadium on Tueday night.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR GREALISH AND CITY?

  City will be hoping that Grealish's injury is not serious and that he is available again in time for Saturday's Premier League clash against Chelsea. They play the second leg at home to Copenhagen on March 6.