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Lionel Messi remains a fitness concern for Inter Miami ahead of their MLS return, with the Argentine icon receiving treatment after training alone.

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• Game time has been carefully managed
• Withdrew from latest Argentina squad
• All-time great is still nursing a knock

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Herons have not been in action since March 16. A break from domestic duty has been taken in while a number of star turns represent their respective nations. Javier Mascherano’s side will be playing host to the Philadelphia Union on Saturday.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  It remains to be seen whether Messi is able to play any part in that contest. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s workload has been carefully managed since the 2025 campaign got underway. He has sat out MLS and CONCACAF Champions Cup fixtures.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Messi was also forced to pull out of the latest Argentina squad, as they take in 2026 World Cup qualifiers, with the decision taken to remain in Florida alongside wife Antonela and their three children. The 37-year-old has been relaxing, but does not appear to have fully recovered.

• WHAT NEXT FOR LIONEL MESSI?

  Messi has been working on an individual training programme in Miami. He underwent treatment on his famous leg during an open session at the start of the week. While he does not form part of the main group for now, there is still time for a muscle complaint to be shaken off before taking in minutes against the Union at Chase Stadium.

Wrexham forward Jay Rodriguez has been accused of diving after scoring a winning penalty against Exeter last weekend.

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• Rodriguez accused of simulation
• Earned and scored a penalty against Exeter
• Wrexham beat Exeter 2-0

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Wrexham continue to push for a third consecutive promotion to the Championship after they comfortably beat Exeter 2-0 in a League One clash on Saturday. Oliver Rathbone handed the Red Dragons the lead in the 23rd minute, and Rodriguez then doubled the lead on the hour mark from the penalty spot. The English striker went down inside the box after a challenge from opposition defender Jack McMillan.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Former Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) chief Keith Hackett raised his doubts over the referee's decision as he accused Rodriguez of simulation while claiming the match official should have booked the player instead of awarding a spot-kick.

• WHAT KEITH HACKETT SAID

  Speaking to , Hackett said: "They go to ground so easily, you cannot see definitely that there’s contact. [It’s an] act of simulation, no penalty kick, the player’s dived [in an] act of simulation. Should’ve got a caution not a penalty kick, the referee’s been conned."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR WREXHAM?

  Phil Parkinson's side will next face Cambridge United on Tuesday before a clash with Burton Albion on Saturday. Both sides are currently in the bottom four of League One.

Pep Guardiola has enjoyed an incredible reign as Manchester City manager despite the club’s recent downturn in form.

Having arrived at the club in 2016, Guardiola has managed 495 games for City averaging an incredible 2.31 points per match.

His trophy cabinet is not bad either. Guardiola has won six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four EFL Cups and ended Man City’s long wait for a Champions League back in 2023.

Guardiola has overseen many squad overhauls during his time at the Etihad and seems to have a knack for moving players on at the right time.

Manchester City's biggest sales

A major part of Manchester City’s recent success on the pitch has been their ability to be proactive and decision-making off the pitch. None more so than recruitment in the transfer market, selling their assets at the right time and most importantly for the right price.

Arguably, barring Cole Palmer who left very early on in his City career, none of the players on that list ever reached the heights they achieved whilst playing at the Etihad Stadium.

It shows that Manchester City not only recruit well but know when to cash in on a player and make a tidy profit. This summer for example, City were around £96m in profit after their expenditure and sales.

One of their best pieces of business throughout the last few years happened to be Ukrainian defender Oleksandr Zinchenko, who despite once being labelled by Guardiola as ‘incredible’, earned Man City an eye-watering profit after joining the club for just £1.7m back in 2016.

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Oleksandr Zinchenko sale makes 1782% profit increase

Mikel Arteta lauded Oleksandr Zinchenko as an ‘exceptional footballer’ upon signing the defender in the summer of 2022. Zinchenko made an exceptional start to his Arsenal career and was seen as a ‘level raiser’ that propelled Arsenal to finishing second in the league during his first season (22/23).

The Citizens sold Zinchenko for £32m, making an incredible £30.3m profit on the Ukrainian. It could be argued that City enjoyed Zinchenko’s best years too.

The defender made 128 appearances for the Citizens, scoring twice and creating twelve more. He also won four Premier League titles, four EFL Cups and an FA Cup in his time there.

Since joining the Gunners, Zinchenko is yet to win a trophy and is now struggling to make it into Arteta’s first XI. His performance metrics are down too from when he played under Guardiola at Man City.

From the table, it is clear that Zinchenko peaked in form during his last season at Manchester City. He produced more assists than his current season, more progressive carries and passes and kept the ball better with a higher pass completion.

Defensively, Zinchenko was also more sound at City, with a higher tackle completion and over five times more ball recoveries.

It seems that Manchester City have a knack of knowing when to sell an asset on, in the Ukranian’s case, it was on to a league rival that made the club a huge amount of profit to improve other areas of their side.

Pep must finally axe Man City dud who Txiki thought was "formidable"

It hasn’t worked out for the star at Man City

1

By
Joe Nuttall

Dec 8, 2024

Bruno Fernandes is Premier League Player of the Month again, with fans cheekily informing the Manchester United star of his "biggest achievement".

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• Portuguese playmaker pulling the strings
• Involved in all of United's goals in March
• Joins Wayne Rooney on five POTM triumphs

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Portuguese player Fernandes, who is club captain at Old Trafford, was involved in all four of the Red Devils’ goals during an unbeaten top-flight run in March. He registered two efforts himself, while a couple of assists have taken him to 50 in total during his Premier League career.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Fernandes has been named POTM for the fifth time, but his four previous successes all came back in 2020. He has moved level with United legends Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie on five awards – two behind record-setting Mohamed Salah, Harry Kane and Sergio Aguero.

• WHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING

  While Fernandes’ performances have earned plenty of praise, news of his latest accolade has delivered a mixed response from supporters. One, @SquadsDFS, has claimed that: "Making Rasmus Hojlund score is his biggest achievement in March." @Jocaramsey06 added: "Never deserved. Cos of one free kick he spammed against Arsenal? He'll always be known as a moaning merchant." @JR0WL went on to say, with United opening April with defeat at Nottingham Forest: "Couldn't even get away from Ryan Yates the other day, Milenkovic robbed."

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  @EgwemiCFC was slightly more positive, despite being a Chelsea fan, saying: "Bruno Fernandes sometimes seems to me as the Manchester United's gaffer on the pitch of play. When everyone seems clueless including the gaffer in a particular game. Bruno Fernandes pick things up and turn it around to the dismay of everyone just like Amad used to do." @NotorioslyT chimed in with: "Y’all should get him quality players come next season, we can’t allow his prime go to waste without properly challenging for the league title."

It has been an incredibly tough season so far for Wolverhampton Wanderers. They recently sacked Gary O’Neil as manager, with the club reeling in 19th place in the Premier League and with just nine points to their name. The Old Gold have managed to win just two games this term.

As The Athletic reported on Thursday afternoon, Vitor Pereira will be the new Wolves boss, and will leave his post at Saudi side Al-Shabab to take the job at Molineux. He will have a big task on his hands, looking to turn the fortunes of Wolves around this season.

Naturally, the new boss will want to get a look at his whole squad, but will no doubt also want to track the progress of those out on loan, in case they are options for his side in the long run.

Wolves’ players out on loan

Firstly, it is important to note that the Old Gold have some youngsters out on loan at various clubs across the Football League. Two of those, Joe Hodge who is at Huddersfield Town, and Tawanda Chirewa who plays for Derby County, are injured and have had little involvement this season. Chem Campbell has five goals and four assists in 18 games for Reading.

In terms of their more prominent first-team players who are out on loan, one in particular is thriving, although has struggled with injury.

Hugo Bueno is playing at Feyenoord in the Netherlands this term, and he has three assists in eight Eredivisie games, including one against FC Twente.

Another full-back, Ki-Jana Hoever, is plying his trade in France with AJ Auxerre, where he has had an eventful time. The 22-year-old has an assist and a red card in 13 games so far. Winger Chiquinho is having a less smooth ride, on loan in Spain at Mallorca. He has played just 140 minutes in La Liga this term.

There is another Wolves loanee out in Spain this season, who is thriving and could certainly be a player Pereira could utilise at Molineux.

The loan star who Pereira could love

The player in question here is striker Fabio Silva. It has been a mixed time of things at the Old Gold for the youngster, who cost £35.6m from Portuguese side FC Porto. He has not really lived up to the price tag at Molineux so far, with five goals and six assists in 72 games.

However, after a few loan spells across various clubs in Europe, it seems like the striker has finally settled down somewhere. Currently plying his trade in La Liga for Las Palmas, the 22-year-old seems to be hitting his best form.

He has five goals and two assists in 12 La Liga games so far, including a goal against Catalan giants Barcelona. Football talent scout Jacek Kulig described him as a “joy to watch” for a reason.

According to recent reports from Spain, via SportWitness, the striker will not be staying at El Pio-Pio beyond this season, due to financial constraints. The La Liga club cannot afford to pay his £78k-per-week wages, as per Capology.

This is certainly something that might be of interest to Pereira, who surely would not be opposed to bringing back such a talented player to the club.

Statistically on FBref, he has performed well in La Liga for Las Palmas, with an impressive 0.51 goals per game on average, ranking him in the top 18%.

Pereira has a real chance to revive Wolves’ season, and the same can be said for Silva’s career at Molineux. The Old Gold striker has not really left his mark on the club yet, but perhaps under the tutelage of the new manager, he can.

It will be fascinating to see if he can turn things around in the Midlands. An unlikely opportunity for a return to the club has presented itself, and it could be one both Silva and Pereira jump at and try to transform his career at Wolves.

As well as Andre: Pereira must instantly axe "promising" Wolves star

Vitor Pereira will want to leave his mark on the Wolverhampton Wanderers side.

By
Kelan Sarson

Dec 19, 2024

Manchester United are “really interested” in signing a “fantastic” defender and enquiries have already been made, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Lots of work for Ruben Amorim to do

The 2-1 victory over Manchester City could have been a real turning point for United, but they have continued their dismal form since their victory at the Etihad Stadium, having lost their last three Premier League matches. Before taking the job, Ruben Amorim would’ve been well aware of the size of the task at hand, but what he’s seen from his players so far will nonetheless be of great concern.

Amorim is tasked with rebuilding the club, and with the transfer window beginning tomorrow he will get his first opportunity to make his own mark on the squad he inherited. The Portuguese tactician is tasked with bringing in players comfortable operating in his preferred three-at-the-back system, which he is unwilling to compromise on.

In such a formation, it is vital to have wing-backs capable of contributing not only defensively but also going forward, and Amorim may have now identified a left-wing back who fits the bill. Romano has dropped an update about the Red Devils’ potential transfer business in January and beyond on his YouTube channel, revealing that Milos Kerkez is set to be targeted.

The transfer expert said: “One of the players they appreciate, I told you several times, for the left-wing back position, is Milos Kerkez. I keep saying that both Man United and Liverpool have been monitoring the player, but at the moment my information is that Liverpool always prefer to go for a different profile, different kind of player.

“At the moment, Man United have been more constant in terms of enquiring, trying to understand the situation of the player, so I see Man United as a club really interested in Milos Kerkez.”

Romano also went on to say that Kerkez has recently switched agents, which is normally a clear sign that a player is looking to move to a new club in the near future.

Man Utd now have "serious interest" in injury-prone Barcelona squad player

He’s barely played all season…

By
Barney Lane

Dec 30, 2024

Kerkez impressing for Bournemouth

The Hungarian has looked impressive in an AFC Bournemouth shirt from the very start, drawing praise from the media for his performance on his debut in August last year.

Last season, the 21-year-old averaged 9.85 defensive actions per 90, the highest amount of any U23 left-back in the Premier League, displaying that he is very competent defensively.

Not only that, but he has been described as “really comfy going forward” by former Middlesbrough man Robbie Mustoe, indicating that he could be the perfect option for Amorim at left-wing back.

With Luke Shaw’s injury struggles, it is obvious that Amorim needs to bring in a new left-back either in January or the summer, and Kerkez could be an excellent addition to the squad.

Alejandro Garnacho admits Manchester United's display against Newcastle United was "not enough" amid a plea to the club's fans ahead of facing Lyon.

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• Man Utd thumped 4-1 by Newcastle
• Garnacho sends message to fans
• Makes plea ahead of Lyon clash

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  United were thumped 4-1 at Newcastle in the Premier League on Sunday and now winger Garnacho has offered an apology, of sorts, to the club's supporters. He added that the Red Devils will need their backing for the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final at home to Lyon on Thursday.

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  WHAT GARNACHO SAID

  He said in an Instagram story: "It's not enough. We know you all expect better from us, we'll learn. We need you all at Old Trafford on Thursday. It's a big day for all of us."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  United have had a dreadful season but it may yet be salvaged if they win the Europa League. After a dramatic 2-2 draw in Lyon, Ruben Amorim's team will be hopeful of getting the job done at Old Trafford. If not, heads could roll.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  After Thursday's home clash with Lyon, United entertain Wolves in the Premier League on Sunday.

Glasgow Rangers won’t take many positives from their weekend draw at Easter Road, especially considering the Ibrox side led 2-0 and 3-2 at stages during the game, yet they still managed to draw 3-3.

Defensive issues ensure the Light Blues won’t win the Premiership title this season, as Robin Propper and Dujon Sterling struggled against Hibs on Sunday afternoon, failing to deal with the opposition in the final third.

Despite the dropped points in Edinburgh, one player stood out among the underperformers for the Gers – Hamza Igamane.

The striker has been one of the stories of the season for the club. Eyebrows were raised last summer when Philippe Clement spent £1.7m on the youngster, who joined from AS FAR in Morocco.

Fast-forward seven months down the line and Igamane is showing up plenty of the established first-team players at the club.

Hamza Igamane’s season in numbers

The 22-year-old arrived in Glasgow nursing a small injury which meant he took a few weeks to eventually make it into the senior squad for a match. His debut came at Parkhead during the final stages of a 3-0 defeat. Talk about a baptism of fire for the striker, who hadn’t played football outside of Africa before.

It didn’t take him long to make his mark, especially in Europe. Across the four matches between October and December, Igamane not only started twice, but he scored four goals and grabbed one assist.

Alongside his goals, the centre-forward has averaged 1.3 key passes and 1.3 successful dribbles per game, as well as averaging 1.5 shots per game and this has seen his confidence skyrocket.

Over the festive period, if it was not for Igamane, Rangers would certainly have slipped further behind Celtic. That’s a certainty.

The Ibrox side were trailing 2-0 against Motherwell during their last game of 2024 before the striker netted twice to ensure a point was secured.

As mentioned, his three-goal salvo against Hibs over the weekend should have been enough for the club to gain all three points, but it wasn’t to be.

His displays recently have even attracted plenty of attention, as Igamane could perhaps be the next big thing to leave Ibrox for a major profit.

Indeed, Everton reportedly sent scouts to watch Rangers against Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League just before Christmas and it surely won’t be long before a club submits an offer to test the Light Blues’ resolve.

Clement will be looking to add some more players to his squad between now and the end of the winter window. With defenders the obvious priority due to the injury issues plaguing the club, could the Belgian also make a move for a striker too?

One name has been linked, and he could be a dream rival for Igamane, no doubt about that.

Rangers could sign Igamane rival this month

Towards the end of 2024, South African publication SNL24 claimed that the Ibrox side were monitoring striker Iqraam Rayners ahead of making a potential move when the winter window opened.

“There has been an enquiry about Iqraam (Rayners) from Rangers of Scotland,” a source told SNL24. “I don’t think there has been an offer from them at this stage. What I know is they have shown interest and they continue monitoring him.”

Much will depend on what budget Clement has to play with this month and whether or not he may have to move on some deadwood in order to free up space in his squad.

Rayners is certainly a late bloomer, but if he did make the move to Glasgow, the 29-year-old could rival Igamane for the place in the starting XI, especially after a solid start to the season.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Since moving to Mamelodi Sundowns last summer, the South African hitman has been on fire, scoring 13 goals across just 19 games in all competitions, which works out as a goal every 1.46 matches.

A strike rate like this wouldn’t go a miss at Ibrox, that’s for sure. The question is, could Rayners transfer the form he is showing in his homeland to Scotland should he secure his dream move this month?

His success throughout 2024 was praised by journalist Joshua Hendricks, who said: “Rayners has netted an impressive 23 goals across all competitions in 2024, outscoring every other top-flight player. This milestone marks his best scoring year yet, with 11 goals at Stellenbosch and 12 at Mamelodi Sundowns.”

Domestically, Rayners averages 1.7 shots per game, succeeds with 75% of his dribble attempts and has created one big chance. More importantly, perhaps, is his clinical nature in the opposition box.

Indeed, throughout the South African Premier Division season, Rayners has missed just one big chance, while his goal conversion rate currently stands at 40%, indicating how impressive he has been in front of goal this term.

At international level, the striker was also in fine form. Across ten games for South Africa during the calendar year, Rayners managed to find the back of the net on four occasions, including two in the qualifiers for the Africa Cup of Nations as South Africa went through the entire campaign undefeated.

Following Igamane’s success after making the move from Africa to Scotland in recent months, Clement will be hoping that Rayners could replicate this success should he secure a permanent move to Rangers.

If so, the Gers might just open up a new market which could see more players from Africa link up with the club shortly, going on to shine before leaving for a big profit.

The manager has both Igamane and Danilo to call upon, with the pair shining over the festive period, but Rayners would add some stiff competition.

The club need to make a signing sooner rather than later and diving back into the African market could see the Light Blues sign another gem.

Imagine him & Igamane: Rangers could land Hagi 2.0 in "incredible" star

Rangers will be looking to make a few signings this month…

By
Ross Kilvington

Jan 4, 2025

Edu Gaspar has officially closed the book on his time at Arsenal, penning an emotional tribute to supporters, staff and players.

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• Edu served as Arsenal's sporting director for close to six years
• Was in service until November 2024
• Will embark on a fresh journey with Marinakis' football network

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Brazilian, who served as Arsenal’s sporting director, formally exited the club this week after a successful five-and-a-half-year spell behind the scenes. Having first joined as Technical Director in July 2019, Edu was pivotal in reshaping the club’s identity and strengthening its competitive ambitions. He later became Arsenal's first-ever Sporting Director, a title he held before stepping away from the role last November.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  During his playing days, Edu was part of Arsene Wenger’s legendary "Invincibles" squad, winning two Premier League titles (2002 and 2004) and six trophies in total. His connection to the club runs deep, and his transition into a leadership role allowed him to further contribute to Arsenal’s evolution.

• WHAT EDU SAID

  In a touching Instagram post, Edu thanked the Arsenal faithful for their unwavering support during his time in north London.

  He wrote: "Thank you, Arsenal. Thank you, Gunners ! With a heart full of gratitude, today formally I close one of the most meaningful chapters of my professional life. After five and a half years, my journey officially as Sporting Director of Arsenal FC has come to the end.

  "I joined the club in July 2019 as Technical Director, with the challenge of bringing Arsenal with the mission of bringing Arsenal back where it belongs among football’s elite, driving a cultural shift, keep competing for trophies, and making Champions League qualification the minimum expectation for a club of Arsenal’s size. Later, I had the honour of becoming the first-ever Sporting Director in the club’s history, a milestone I will always carry with great pride.

  "And throughout this process of rebuilding, you the fans were an essential part of everything! To the supporters, my most sincere thank you ! The support, the energy, and the connection we felt again in every match were simply special. The Emirates became an amplified version of the old Highbury atmosphere! To have experienced this alongside you is something I will never forget."

  The former midfielder also took time to thank Arsenal’s ownership, his colleagues, and the players for their collective effort in re-establishing the Gunners as a force both domestically and in Europe.

  "To our owners, Stan and Josh Kroenke, the board, Mikel, the players, the coaching staff, Per, Clare, all executive team, the backroom staff, everyone working at the Emirates Stadium, and especially those who welcomed me so warmly in the Director’s Box, thank you for these years of collaboration and kindness! It was never easy, but our intense work, united by a true team spirit, made me feel fulfilled throughout all these years!"

  Edu explained his delayed farewell message by revealing he had been on gardening leave since his departure, choosing to remain silent out of respect until his contract officially concluded.

  "(If I’m only now sharing this message, it’s because I’ve been on garden leave in recent months and, out of respect for the club and everyone involved, I preferred to wait until the final official day of my contract to publish this.)

  "I wish Arsenal FC all the best and every success, and I also send my warmest wishes to the new Sporting Director Andrea Berta, who now takes on this beautiful role.

  "I leave with a peaceful heart and immense pride in what we’ve built together!

  "Thank you so much!

  "Edu Gaspar ❤️⚽️"

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  In his directorial tenure, Edu oversaw an FA Cup victory in 2020 and two Community Shield triumphs. Under his guidance and Mikel Arteta’s leadership, the Gunners rose from mid-table mediocrity – finishing eighth in back-to-back seasons – to consecutive second-place finishes in the Premier League.

  While Arsenal's Premier League title hopes appear to be slipping away again this season – they currently trail leaders Liverpool by 11 points – the club remains firmly in contention in Europe. A dominant 3-0 victory over Real Madrid earlier this week has put them on the brink of a Champions League semi-final, offering a potential silver lining to their campaign.

Over the space of 24 hours, Arsenal’s chances of winning the Premier League have taken a huge boost. It’s funny how quickly football changes, isn’t it?

The Gunners have been dealt two bitter blows in their bid to win silverware across their previous two matches, losing in the Carabao Cup to Newcastle and then in the FA Cup to Manchester United.

However, after Liverpool drew 1-1 with Nottingham Forest on Tuesday, Mikel Arteta’s men managed to close the gap to four points at the summit by defeating their arch-rivals, Tottenham, 2-1 on Wednesday.

It wasn’t a vintage performance but it was enough and, positively, Arsenal are beginning to find solutions in the final third.

Over the last three games, the Gunners have created an xG tally of 7.78. Whereas in the few games before that they struggled to create at all, they are at least now coming up with chances. They’re just finding it difficult to find the back of the net.

Any chance of a new forward this month, Arteta? For a moment, however, let’s focus on the positives.

Arsenal's best players against Tottenham

Since Bukayo Saka’s fateful hamstring injury, the club have needed players to step up.

It’s been a challenge finding someone to replace him and they have now tried five different players; Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Jesus, Ethan Nwaneri and Raheem Sterling on the right since Saka was ruled out.

All of them bar Sterling have scored – so you could say they have stepped up – but you’d still want more from your forward line.

One player who really needs to do more is Martin Odegaard. Thankfully, the Norwegian might be slowly creeping towards his best form again.

Performance in Numbers

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The club captain registered a whopping ten key passes in the FA Cup defeat to Man United a few days ago and dictated play beautifully again on Wednesday in the derby, registering four key passes and supplying the assist for Trossard’s winner.

Speaking of Trossard, it was about time the Belgian did something. He has struggled for form, notably not scoring in seven straight league outings before the visit of Ange Postecoglou’s side.

His goal was brilliantly taken, though, fashioning an opportunity onto his left foot before firing past new Spurs goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky.

Another to shine was 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly, the first 18-year-old to start for Arsenal in a north London derby since a certain Cesc Fabregas.

The teenager was calmness personified at left-back, completing 94% of his passes and winning four of his five duels. He only lost possession five times from 46 touches too. He really is making that position his own and looks every bit a senior player already.

Sadly, not everyone caught the eye.

Arsenal's poorest performers against Tottenham

One man who appears to be struggling for confidence right now is Kai Havertz who just can’t seem to find the back of the net.

Against Newcastle a week ago, the German missed a gilt-edged headed chance from just yards out before he spurned a succession of opportunities last Sunday, most alarmingly firing over the bar with the goal at his mercy.

Havertz struggled again this time, missing two big chances including a free header inside the area.

The goals will no doubt flow again for the former Chelsea man but his last three performances have summed up why Arsenal have reportedly considered signing a player like Benjamin Sesko.

Another underperformer was midfielder Thomas Partey, a player who showed why the Gunners are allegedly closing in on the signing of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.

Considering his average performance it was perhaps a surprise to see the Ghanaian last the full 90 minutes at the Emirates Stadium.

While the midfielder completed 91% of his passes and won five of his eight duels, had the player tracked back in the build-up to Spurs’ goal, they may have kept a clean sheet.

Indeed, Partey let Pape Matar Sarr run down the right-hand side of the pitch under no pressure, with Tottenham eventually forcing a corner that wasn’t cleared properly and then Heung-min Son finding the net.

It was a moment in the game that drew mass criticism with The Athletic’s Aaron Catterson-Reid commenting that “Partey is a ghost in transition” while Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley noted that “his lack of effort is shocking”.

So, while Partey cost £45m when he first penned terms with Arsenal, he shouldn’t be fetching a single penny over the summer with his contract due to expire.

It’s time for Arteta to replace him. Zubimendi, we’re waiting for you.

Arsenal have strong interest in £59m striker who's far better than Vlahovic

The exceptional talent could turn into a world-beater at Arsenal.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jan 15, 2025