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Many Sunderland supporters were critical of Elliot Embleton following Saturday’s come-from-behind win at Gillingham, during which the midfielder was sent off.

Lee Johnson’s side trailed 1-0 before Aiden O’Brien equalised on the stroke of half-time and Tom Flanagan scored what proved to be the winner early in the second half, a result which ensured that the Black Cats remained just one point adrift of League One pace-setters Plymouth Argyle.

Embleton received his marching orders midway through the second half for a poor challenge on Jack Tucker, leaving his team-mates to dig deep in order to secure all three points at the Priestfield Stadium.

Even aside from the red card, it was an afternoon to forget for the 22-year-old. As per SofaScore, he lost five of his seven duels (71%) against Gillingham and found a team-mate with only two of his eight crosses. He also gave the ball away 17 times during his 67 minutes on the pitch, the highest figure of anyone in a Sunderland shirt.

Sunderland fans slam Embleton

A number of Black Cats supporters took to Twitter to vent their frustration at Embleton on Saturday, with one describing the midfielder as “overrated”.

“Tin hat on but Embleton is very overrated, apart from his decent start this season he’s done absolutely nowt. Wouldn’t bat an eyelid if he left”

Credit: @rosstitute73

“That was so poor by Embleton. We had complete control”

Credit: @Sunlunfan

“Pathetic tackle from Embleton.. red all the way for me. We would scream for it if it was the other way round”

Credit: @davey_lad

“Reckless challenge, didn’t need to make it, pure stupidity from Embleton, now missed 3 matches”

Credit: @44stu

“Stupid challenge by Embleton whether it was a red or not it was stupid, riddled with injuries already we can’t afford to lose another player”

Credit: @stephsherry92

“Really poor from Embleton. Poor tackle and a needless one. A red probably the right call. Puts us under pressure when we should have been able to see this game out and look for a 3rd”

Credit: @tongey93

“Embleton hasn’t touched the ball for about a month anyway”

Credit: @jakeyholyoak

“Embleton why? Stupid challenge.”

Credit: @DRiley_06

In other news: One of Embleton’s team-mates also came under fire from some Sunderland fans yesterday

A number of Liverpool supporters have reacted to a significant update regarding Mohamed Salah’s future, urging the club to give him what he wants.

The 29-year-old has become a genuine Reds legend during his four-and-a-bit years at Anfield, winning the Premier League and Champions League as well as smashing goalscoring records along the way.

Salah is arguably Liverpool’s best player currently, perhaps along with Virgil van Dijk, and it is imperative that he stays put for years to come.

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Talks over a new deal have been slow so far, however, but according to the Sunday World [via Anfield Watch on Twitter], the Reds are ‘optimistic’ that a contract will be agreed with the Egyptian in the next few months.

It may not be plain sailing, though, with Salah justifiably wanting to be the club’s highest-paid player.

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Liverpool fans react to Salah claim

These Liverpool fans took to Twitter to react to the news, telling the club to sort the issue given the 29-year-old’s undoubted importance to the team.

“Please give this man whatever he wants”

Credit: @luis__antoniooo

“I beg. I will be clinically depressed if we lose him I stg”

Credit: @origixLFC

“Pay the man his worth. Can’t see it happening unfortunately”

Credit: @LiamSMoloney

“Yo @lfc pay the man!”

Credit: @auburnredwing

“Fingers crossed, just get it done”

Credit: @LordTrent66

“Give him what he wants he’s clearly the best player in the league”

Credit: @Hamza_020_

In other news, some Liverpool fans are fuming after news emerged regarding two Reds players. Read more here.

Football Insider pundit Paul Robinson has been reacting to an update on Celtic defender Christopher Jullien.

The Lowdown: Jullien update

Within Football Insider’s Tuesday story, they were informed by a Parkhead source that Jullien is making a good recovery from his injury but is not expected to be fully fir until October at the earliest.

The 28-year-old hasn’t featured in 2021 after suffering a knee injury against Dundee United last December.

Ange Postecoglou made four centre-back acquisitions over the summer, but it seems as if the Frenchman will be back before the end of the year.

The Latest: Robinson reacts

Robinson was asked for his thoughts on the news regarding Jullien by Football Insider.

Here’s what he had to say, describing Jullien’s eventual return as ‘big’.

“He has been out for a long time and defensively they have struggled without him. It is only in recent weeks that they have improved.

“He will be like a new signing for Celtic. Obviously the manager will not know an awful lot about him but when he finally gets out on the training field, some point before Christmas, it will be a big lift for everyone.

“To have that experience on the pitch and in the dressing room will be vital.”

The Verdict: Timely return

Should Jullien reach full fitness in October, it could be a brilliant piece of news for Postecoglou.

The Hoops have six fixtures next month in what will be a busy period, so being able to call upon Jullien for a few of those games could be crucial.

That would give Postecoglou the chance to rotate the likes of Stephen Welsh, Carl Starfelt, Cameron Carter-Vickers or possibly look at the use of a back three.

The more options the better for Postecoglou, and it seems as if Jullien is on the right track.

In other news: ‘Could be huge’ – McAvennie ecstatic at what he’s ‘heard’ from ‘a few Celtic people’. 

Pundit Joe Wainman insists that he was hoping Leeds United could qualify for Europe this season before the start of the transfer window, but has since downgraded his expectations.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side had a relatively quiet window.

Across the first few months of the window, they signed Junior Firpo from Barcelona, Jack Harrison from Manchester City, and Kristoffer Klaesson from Valerenga.

At the back-end of the window, though, Leeds secured the signature of Daniel James from Manchester United, with reports claiming that they paid £25m for his services.

Still, Wainman remains relatively unconvinced by the window in general, and thinks that the club have to temper their expectations in terms of attempting to qualify for Europe.

The former All Leeds TV presenter said: “Before the window opened, I’m going Europe. We can maybe get Europe, top 10.

“Now that the club have tempered expectations, the window wasn’t as huge as we’d like. I’m more relaxed about where we’ll be. Of course, as a fanbase you want to progress year on year, but when you’re in the Premier League, it’s not really realistic, because by that means we’d be winning the league in a couple of seasons and it’s not realistic, so it is what it is.”

Leeds have endured a terrible start to the season and have yet to win a game, losing 5-1 to Manchester United on the opening day and drawing with both Everton and Burnley.

Celtic are keen on a swoop for Benfica winger Filipe Jota, as their search for cover out wide continues [Daily Record].

The Lowdown: Postecoglou on the lookout for more additions?

Despite a strong start to 2021/22 that has seen Ange Postecoglou guide the Bhoys to six straight wins followed by Europa League group stage qualification, the Aussie will still be aware that more incomings could be required to really challenge Rangers.

Odsonne Edouard has been linked with moves to Everton and Rubin Kazan [Sky Sports], whilst Postecoglou has commented on Ryan Christie’s future as the deadline looms.

With so little time remaining in the window, one would expect the Hoops will have to act fast to replace any outgoings.

The Latest: Hoops eye up Jota loan swoop

Record Sport have suggested that 22-year-old Jota is being viewed as a potential offensive option, with the Celts light on wide-men and also carrying the injury susceptible James Forrest.

Any deal looks likely to be sanctioned as a loan agreement, with Benfica chiefs ready to send out their prodigious talent to an environment where he will continue to gain first-team experience.

Jota shot to prominence in 2018, finishing the Under-19 European Championships as top scorer with his native Portugal, helping his side to win the tournament.

The Verdict: Jota would be an exciting addition

Evidently in need of reinforcement on the flanks, Jota would be an exciting signing who would bring attacking flair and pace to the Celtic frontline.

In 2020/21, he spent the season on loan at Spanish outfit Real Valladolid, registering two goals from 18 appearances [Transfermarkt].

He is famed for his dribbling ability, in the 2019/20 campaign he came second in dribbles per fixture across the entire Liga NOS, averaging 7.83 per 90 minutes played, courtesy of Total Football Analysis.

Intriguingly, he was also once urged by Manchester City winger Bernardo Silva to make the switch from Benfica to Manchester, a high appraisal indeed of his talent [Nottingham Post].

Moving forward, Celtic should look to complete the deal and give themselves another talented option to compete with the likes of Forrest and Christie.

In other news, Celtic face the prospect of losing their talisman amid continental interest. Find out more here.

Leeds United could end up battling Southampton for Dundee United centre-back Kerr Smith, according to The Scottish Sun.

The Lowdown: Smith’s positional change

Smith is just 16 years of age but has already changed position during his time with The Tangerines.

Dundee United’s academy director Andy Goldie admitted earlier this year that Smith has transitioned from a central midfielder to a centre-back – perhaps meaning he’ll have the ball-playing ability to be a centre-back of the future for Marcelo Bielsa.

He’s made seven senior appearances for his current employers and was actually on trial with Manchester United last year.

Smith has two years remaining on his Dundee United contract, but it seems as if a late transfer away from Scotland could be on the cards.

The Latest: Saints leading the way

The Scottish Sun shared a story on Monday lunchtime regarding Smith, with Leeds name-checked with an interest.

Dundee United’s board are expected to part ways with the youngster before the end of the month, with Southampton thought to be leading the way.

However, Leeds, along with Celtic, Crystal Palace and Leicester, are all tracking the defender ahead of a possible late swoop.

The Verdict: Another shrewd U23 addition?

Should Leeds end up making their move for Smith and pip the Saints to a transfer, the teenager could be the latest exciting addition at Thorp Arch.

Victor Orta has already helped the club bolster its academy ranks this summer with the acquisitions of Amari Miller, Sean McGurk and Lewis Bate.

Celtic centre-back Leo Hjelde also looks set to make the move to Yorkshire, and who knows, the Whites may end up swooping for another teenage defender from Scotland in Smith as well.

In other news: Leeds linked with move for Championship forward, find out more here. 

Flocking to Twitter, many Liverpool fans have erupted in response to a five-word message from the club on defender Andrew Robertson.

The Scotsman missed their opening game of the 2021/2022 Premier League season away to Norwich City after sustaining what looked to be a serious ankle injury in pre-season (Daily Star).

Robertson played in Liverpool’s friendly against Athletic Bilbao last week before being taken off, with the left-back landing awkwardly and rolling his ankle after attempting to block a cross.

Kostas Tsimikas stepped in to replace the 27-year-old as Jurgen Klopp’s side ran out 3-0 winners at Carrow Road, but he endured a mixed afternoon by all accounts.

Now, sharing an update on Robertson, the club’s official account has now dropped a teasing five-word message in regards to his comeback.

Liverpool, whilst uploading an image of the Scotland international back running on the grass, simply stated: ‘On the road to recovery’ (Twitter).

This was enough to send fans wild on Twitter, with many erupting in response to the Reds’ official account whilst appearing excited they could have him back.

Find all of their best verdicts down below.

Liverpool fans erupt over five-word Robertson message…

“Absolute engine”

Credit: @6Thiagoat

“YESSIRRRRRR”

Credit: @LFCJaake

“Wow this is amazing!!! I saw him twist his ankle Robbo is an alien”

Credit: @james_manaja

“Woooooooohooooooo!!!!! Robbo is back”

Credit: @Dav1dLFC

“What?! That’s mental”

Credit: @anirudhkowtha

“Beautiful sight this”

Credit: @thesmigger

“he’s actually a monster”

Credit: @moonwavez

“Good one, good news of the week”

Credit: @ozichukwuogara3

In other news: ‘No way’, ‘We are filthy rich’…Many Liverpool fans flock to ‘interesting’ bid claim, find out more here.

Flocking to Twitter, many West Ham United supporters have been in full voice after club insider ExWHUemployee’s update on exciting youngster Conor Coventry.

Coventry, who has impressed for West Ham throughout pre-season, has been tipped by a section of fans to be the Hammers’ next breakthrough academy star after Declan Rice.

Some comparisons to the England international have even been made, and given this is club legend Mark Noble’s last season in Claret and Blue, the 21-year-old could be useful to reinforce the defensive midfield position.

Manager David Moyes is fighting on the Europa League front as well as domestically for the 2021/2022 season but only has Rice and Tomas Soucek as natural options to sit in front of the back four.

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ExWHUemployee (via Hammers Updates), bringing news on Coventry’s position, now claims that the starlet could in fact be allowed to go out on loan to Peterborough United.

Indeed, The Posh have submitted an offer for the midfield man and it is believed that West Ham are prepared to accept it – with the final decision resting on Coventry himself.

Discounting Manuel Lanzini, who has been utilised as a makeshift deep-lying playmaker by Moyes, it’s little wonder supporters believe Coventry should stay and fight for a senior spot this season given their lack of depth.

As a result, many fans are simply baffled that West Ham and GSB are prepared to let Coventry move away.

Find all of their best verdicts, in response to Hammers Updates who shared the news, down below.

West Ham fans erupt over Coventry update

“This is ridiculous. He needs to stay. We are terrible at transfers and he is more than ready”

Credit: @westhamhour

“This is madness”

Credit: @AndyWHU1987

“This will be utter madness if we send him out on loan. Screams of what we did to Josh Cullen last year”

Credit: @JH_Journalism

“Nah this club is actually dusted omds”

Credit: @Jackcoyi

“This can’t happen with how painfully thin our squad is right now.”

Credit: @tosman30

“Incomprehensible”

Credit: @LiamMalone12

“This would be the most dumb transfer we have sanctioned in a long time.

And that’s really saying something.”

Credit: @njp6439

“Grady last season, Conor this….our owners really do enjoy taking a swipe at the fans don’t they.”

Credit: @rustyk1971

In other news: ‘Yesssss’, ‘What we’ve been asking for’…West Ham fans flock to official club post, find out more here.

Despite a raft of stars absent with injury, Liverpool triumphed after extra time at Wembley courtesy of a towering header from the Dutchman

Virgil van Dijk's extra time header secured Liverpool their first trophy of the season in their bid to win the quadruple as they beat Chelsea 1-0 in the Carabao Cup final.

In a game where Van Dijk and Raheem Sterling had goals ruled out for offside in either half, the Dutch defender would not be denied a second time as he guided a header into the corner just before the game went to penalties.

After beating the Blues on spot-kicks in 2022 at this same stage, Jurgen Klopp's youthful side heaped more misery on Todd Boehly and Mauricio Pochettino's Chelsea on Sunday.

GOAL rates Liverpool's players from Wembley…

• Getty
  

  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Caoimhin Kelleher (8/10):

  Superbly denied Cole Palmer from point-blank range, was so quick to smother Conor Gallagher's late effort, and put in an impressive all-round display between the sticks.

  Conor Bradley (7/10):

  Looked lively from the get-go in attack and outshone opposite number Ben Chilwell. Even when he was booked in the first half, the Liverpool fans sung his name in appreciation of his performance.

  Ibrahima Konate (8/10):

  Had a couple of good tussles with Raheem Sterling but seemed to more often than not win that battle. Showed great pace to hold up Nicolas Jackson when through on goal and pulled off some great last-ditch challenges.

  Virgil van Dijk (9/10):

  Looked imperious in Liverpool's backline at times and the totemic figure thought he had scored a superb header only for it to be ruled out for offside in the build-up. The Dutch rock would not be denied, however, and scored the winner at the death to cap off an imperious performance.

  Andrew Robertson (7/10):

  Swung in some dangerous crosses in the first half, the best of which found the head of Cody Gakpo, whose header hit the post, and then for Van Dijk's disallowed goal. Had some trouble with Palmer at times, though.

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  Midfield

  Alexis Mac Allister (7/10):

  Marshalled the midfield well, showed plenty of energy, got stuck in, and wasn't afraid to try his luck at goal from range. Tired a bit towards the end of his outing.

  Wataru Endo (7/10):

  Was like a pitbull terrier in the early exchanges and pressed Chelsea's players into mistakes. Was, perhaps, unfortunate to be offside moments before Van Dijk looked to have given Liverpool the lead.

  Ryan Gravenberch (4/10):

  Looked a little off the pace in the game's opening stages but before he could make an impact he went off injured following a late challenge by Moises Caicedo.

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  Attack

  Luis Diaz (7/10):

  Seemed to be the biggest threat in Liverpool's more makeshift front three as his pace and trickery caused Chelsea's defence a few issues.

  Cody Gakpo (6/10):

  Went oh so close to breaking the deadlock but his header cannoned off the post. Was a bit rash with some of his finishing and needed to lead from the front more as one of the more senior players.

  Harvey Elliott (6/10):

  Showed some neat touches and interplay and while he perhaps didn't provide enough substance in attack in normal time, grew as extra-time wore on.

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• Getty/ GOAL
  

  Subs & Manager

  Joe Gomez (6/10):

  Was caught out a couple of times in defence when he replaced the injured Gravenberch.

  Bobby Clark (7/10):

  Came on for the marauding Bradley in the second half and looked bright when given a chance to shine.

  Konstantinos Tsimikas (7/10):

  Slotted in nicely for Robertson when called upon and also produced some teasing deliveries into the box. Got the assist for the winner at the death.

  Jayden Danns (8/10):

  The youngster looked to run at Chelsea's defence from the moment he came on and directed a well-placed header at goal, that was well saved by keeper Djordje Petrovic. Nearly won it in extra-time, too.

  James McConnell (7/10):

  Settled into the game nicely when he was introduced.

  Jurgen Klopp (9/10):

  Was hamstrung by a raft of injuries and a youthful, inexperienced bench but was brave to trust his young charges in such a big game. He was more proactive than his managerial counterpart Pochettino. In his last season as manager, the German will now try and win the Premier League, Europa League, and FA Cup, too.

David Norris has offered his thoughts on whether or not Leeds should sign Gary Cahill.

What’s the talk?

The former Whites midfielder has rejected the suggestion that the club could pursue a deal for the out-of-contract centre-back. When asked about the possibility of the former Chelsea man arriving at Elland Road, Norris said that he is “on the way down” and urged Leeds to look elsewhere. 

He told Football Transfer Tavern: “I’d say that he’s on the way down. I think he could still do a job, but it wouldn’t inspire me at this stage to bring a Gary Cahill in, they’ve got Liam Cooper, who’s got bags of experience, so I would be looking elsewhere.”

Howler

Victor Orta would be committing a howler if he decided to bring Cahill to Leeds given his performances for Palace last season and the wage packet he would be likely to pick up.

As Norris says, Leeds already have a player like Liam Cooper with experience and leadership qualities at centre-back. Marcelo Bielsa also has Diego Llorente, Robin Koch and Pascal Strujik at his disposal at the heart of the defence.

Last season in the Premier League, Cahill averaged a WhoScored rating of 6.57 in 20 starts for Palace. This is lower than the scores each of the aforementioned Leeds quartet managed, with Strujik, Llorente and Cooper all recording 6.81 or higher and Koch on 6.59. Cooper especially stood out with a rating of 7.06 across 25 starts.

This suggests that Cahill, now at the age of 35, does not have the quality to make a meaningful impression on Leeds’ squad, given that these statistics are all across the same division, making it a reliable judgement of ability ahead of the 2021/22 season.

Last year, then-Palace manager Roy Hodgson praised Cahill’s character as he filled in as captain for the club in place of Luka Milivojevic. He said: “Well, since he has captained the team he [Cahill] has been fantastic.

“Now we have got Luka [Milivojevic] back, he may have to relinquish that captaincy, because Luka is our club captain, but I gave him the captaincy in Luka’s absence and he has been quite fantastic.

“How did he do it? That’s the man Gary Cahill, the character of the man.”

This shows that the 35-year-old could be a great player to have around the group and that there are some reasons for a potential addition. However, the veteran was reportedly on £76k-per-week at Selhurst Park and that is a substantial wage for a player who would seemingly only make an impact off the pitch. Therefore, Orta must avoid making a big blunder and leave Cahill to somebody else.

AND in other news, Orta must secure Leeds swoop for 14 G/A “powerhouse” who’s a perfect Costa replacement…