Arsenal: Sky Sports reporter discusses Maitland-Niles situation

Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge believes Arsenal may have broken promises handed to Ainsley Maitland-Niles after he was refused a move away from the Emirates Stadium.

Maitland-Niles was banished from first-team training after the Gunners blocked a loan move to Premier League rivals Everton shortly before the transfer window slammed shut.

The Gunners’ refusal to allow the 24-year-old to depart on a temporary basis led to an outburst from Maitland-Niles, with the midfielder taking to Instagram in a bid to force a switch.

Maitland-Niles, who featured 15 times as he spent the second half of last season on loan with West Bromwich Albion, has been restricted to just one substitute appearance this term.

It has been reported that Maitland-Niles has held talks with Gunners boss Mikel Arteta in a bid to clear the air as he will now be unable to leave north London until January at the earliest.

But Bridge was left gobsmacked by the situation after Maitland-Niles took to social media to voice his feelings.

He told Football FanCast: “Seeing the news about Maitland-Niles, it sounded like a cry for help. He is a young lad who just wants to play football and maybe has had some promises broken.

“I have never known Arsenal to be this badly organised. I’ve always admired the way that Arsenal do their due diligence and how they did their business under Arsene Wenger.”

Liverpool fans flock to club tweet on Robertson

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.

Taylor makes it 4-0 in rain-affected match

An economical spell from fast bowler Jhulan Goswami nearly choked the hosts, but Claire Taylor showed her experience to lead her side home with five balls to spare

Cricinfo staff08-Sep-2008
Scorecard

There were three run-outs in the Indian innings © Getty Images
Having won the previous three games at a canter, England would have been the odds-on favourites to chase a modest target of 91 in 23 overs. An economical spell from fast bowler Jhulan Goswami nearly choked the hosts, but Claire Taylor showed her experience to lead her side home with five balls to spare.The Twenty20 game between the two sides in Taunton had been washed out, and Sunday’s 50-over contest at Arundel was reduced with play starting at only 3.45pm. India began steadily after being put in, with the openers adding 27. Despite Jaya Sharma’s dismissal, the visitors seemed to be going along smoothly before they came up against Holly Colvin’s left-arm spin.Colvin took three vital top-order wickets, including those of Sulakshana Naik, who had anchored the innings till then and Mithali Raj, who had scored fifties in the previous two games, to derail the Indian innings. The remaining batsmen panicked in the hunt for quick runs – the other three wickets in the innings were run-outs.Defending 90, India removed the openers early to reduce England to 14 for 2. Taylor and Charlotte Edwards, two of England’s senior-most players, took the score to 60, but the required run-rate was climbing. Medium-pacer Sunetra Paranjpe conceded just 17 off five overs, backing up Goswami’s 1 for 8.Taylor, though, scored at a brisk pace – her 56 came at a strike-rate over 80, and took England past the line along with Lydia Greenway (12) to keep their chances of a series whitewash alive.

Palace rebuffed in David Brooks pursuit

Crystal Palace have made an inquiry for Bournemouth midfielder David Brooks as new manager Patrick Vieira looks to further bolster his squad.

What’s the story?

According to The Sun, the Eagles opened talks with the south coast club over the highly-rated 24-year-old, but the Cherries were quick to inform them that he’s not for sale.

The report claims that the Bournemouth hierarchy wanted £50m to release Brooks a year ago following their relegation from the Premier League and are now refusing to quote a price.

He’d be another Parish masterclass

After leaving boyhood club Sheffield United in an £11.5m move back in the summer of 2018, Brooks enjoyed a fabulous maiden Premier League campaign at the Vitality Stadium.

The Wales international bagged seven goals and laid on a further five assists in 30 league appearances for his teammates as the versatile youngster showcased his quality and potential in the top flight. However, Brooks’ progress was severely hampered by a persistent ankle injury throughout 2019/20, limiting him to just nine outings in the entire campaign.

A return to form last season saw the creative talent make 13 goal contributions in all competitions, though, but his efforts weren’t enough to get Bournemouth out of the Championship.

As a result, the £14.4m-rated magician is now attracting interest from the Premier League, and Vieira openly admitted that he’s searching for extra reinforcements in Friday’s press conference.

“When you look at the squad we are maybe a little bit more light on numbers, and we are working hard to improve the squad (with) the window are still open. We will try to bring players that can improve our squad,” the Palace manager stated.

“I think where we are maybe a little bit more short is upfront and in the midfield, I think it would be good to reinforce those positions.”

Palace chairman Steve Parish has already pulled off several pieces of impressive business in the current window, securing the services of Joachim Andersen, Marc Guehi, Michael Olise and Conor Gallagher.

Adding Brooks into the mix would certainly go down as another masterstroke from the capital club’s chief, given the impressive figures the Welshman has racked up at Bournemouth.

In other news… Journalist drops exciting Crystal Palace transfer update, fans will be buzzing

Celtic: Gabby Agbonlahor drops Ryan Christie verdict

TalkSPORT pundit Gabby Agbonlahor has predicted that Ryan Christie will sign a new contract at Celtic, with question marks over his future continuing to circulate [Football Insider].

The Lowdown: Christie contract situation rumbles on into 2021/22 season

Facing a pivotal season in 2021/22 with automatic Champions League qualification on offer for the winners of the Scottish Premiership [BBC], Ange Postecoglou will be keen to ensure he secures the future of his best players in order to come out victorious in the title race.

One man who faces an uncertain next few months at the Hoops is 26-year-old Christie, who’s contract is due to expire in January 2022 [Transfermarkt].

Despite this, the Scotland international is reportedly open to signing a new contract at Celtic [The Scottish Sun].

The Latest: Agbonlahor believes it’s only a matter of time

Speaking in an interview with Football Insider, ex-pro turned pundit Agbonlahor was very optimistic on Celtic star Christie putting pen to paper on an extension, stating:  “They want him to stay and I think he will stay eventually.”

The former Villa man also added: “I think he’s just waiting for that big new deal. When he’s putting in performances like he did last weekend, I think it’s only a matter of time.

“It’s positive times for Celtic after recent results. Things might be starting to look a little bit on the up.

“With Rangers losing their last couple of games, it shows that if they get their act together they’ve got a good chance of making a much closer title race”.

The Verdict: Celtic should do everything in their power

Becoming a pivotal part of Postecoglou’s new-look Hoops outfit, Celtic will be doing everything they can to keep Christie in Glasgow beyond the expiration date on his current deal.

Adept in leading the press from the front as well as providing creativity and energy, Christie has rightfully attracted adulation for his performances in recent times, labelled as ‘outstanding’ by former Scotland manager Alex McLeish last year [Football Insider].

Starting off 2021/22 in striking fashion, the Inverness-born midfielder has registered four goal contributions from six appearances; one goal and three assists [Transfermarkt].

Furthermore, his rate of 4.5 key passes per game proves he is one of Celtic’s most influential players so far this campaign [WhoScored].

Celtic must look to tie Christie down to a new deal before it is too late.

In other news, Celtic have been linked with a Republic of Ireland international.

Nottingham Forest: Fans fume at club’s recent kit reveal

Nottingham Forest have released their third kit for the upcoming 2021/22 league campaign, and it’s safe to say that it’s sparked quite the reaction on social media. 

The design is labelled as a ‘compelling blend of orange and fluorescent yellow’, and it’s certain to catch the eye over the course of this season.

The Reds finished 17th in the Championship table last term under the management of Chris Hughton, in what was a disappointing campaign on the whole for Forest, after they had been in with a serious chance of a top-six finish the previous term.

The City Ground faithful will be hoping that their side can make a positive start to the 2021/22 campaign this season, as they look to fire themselves back into promotion contention this term.

Forest are set to take on Coventry City in their opening match of the new Championship campaign, in what could potentially be a tricky test for the Reds at The Ricoh Arena.

Plenty of Nottingham Forest supporters took to social media to issue their thoughts on the club’s third kit ahead of the 2021/22 season.

Take a look at the best of the reaction from Twitter, via Nottingham Forest’s official Twitter account, below….

Forest fans rip into new kit

“That’s hideous.”

Credit: @awilliamson93

“Terrible shirt, who is signing off on these designs.”

Credit: @nffc_red_dog

“That’s so bad it’s painful.”

Credit: @NFFCTom

“That is absolutely disgusting, worst kit forest have ever had.”

Credit: @wards_2004

“That is horrid what’s going on.”

Credit: @shanearmy1

“We won’t have to worry about having a clash with the other teams kit, it clashes with itself!”

Credit: @chris_robinson0

“All of a sudden the away kit doesn’t look quite as awful.”

Credit: @danielbuckley92

“Bank balance has nothing to worry about seeing that!”

Credit: @LeeGregory

“Wow.”

Credit: @CNL_NFFC

مانشستر سيتي: لم نكن لنفز بما حققناه بدون جوارديولا.. ونتمنى بقائه معنا 20 سنة

أكد ألبرتو جالاسي عضو مجلس إدارة نادي مانشستر سيتي إنهم يتطلعون إلى بقاء المدير الفني بيب جوارديولا في ملعب الاتحاد لسنين طويلة قادمة.

ومن المقرر أن ينتهي العقد الحالي لـ جوارديولا مع بطل الدوري الإنجليزي في عام 2023.

وقال ألبرتو جالاسي في تصريحات لشبكة “سكاي سبورتس” العالمية: “لن تفوز بأربعة دوريات من أصل خمسة إذا لم يكن لديك بيب جوارديولا، بالنظر إلى الشدة التي يبذلها في التدريبات والمتابعة بتفصيل كبير كل جانب صغير من جوانب اللعبة، من إعداد التكتيكات، لا أحد يفعل ذلك”.

اقرأ أيضًا.. دي بروين يوجه رسالة لجماهير مانشستر سيتي بشأن مستقبله مع الفريق

وأضاف: “لم أر في أي مكان آخر في العالم شخص يبذل جهدًا في تصحيح الأشياء في التدريب كما يفعل هو، بيب رجل آخر، كإنسان أولًا وقبل كل شيء، لأنه شخص مخلص ومحترم، وكذلك ذكي، وكمدرب كذلك”.

وواصل: “جوارديولا هو سبب فوز مانشستر سيتي بما حققوه، العمل الذي يقوم به مع موظفيه لا يُقدر بثمن”.

وفيما يتعلق بمستقبل بيب، قال: “أود أن يبقى معنا لمدة عشرين سنة مقبلة، أعتقد أيضًا الرئيس يتمنى ذلك، سمعته من قبل يقول ذلك، أود له الآن أن يستريح، بالشمس والبحر والجولف”.

وأكد جالاسي في ختام تصريحاته: “لن نتحدث عن التجديد الآن، لكني آمل أن يبقى معنا”.

Liverpool fans love new Joel Matip video

A number of Liverpool supporters have been loving the latest video of cult hero Joel Matip, with the centre-back starring in a behind the scenes clip of the Reds’ pre-season tour.

Matip has become a hugely popular member of the Reds’ dressing room, often proving to be one of the funniest members of the squad, without always trying to be.

Not only that, but the Cameroonian is a top-class performer when he is fit, with injuries sadly hampering him throughout his time at Anfield.

[freshpress-quiz id=“359326”]

Jurgen Klopp’s men are currently working hard in pre-season, but Matip, Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez enjoyed some downtime recently.

In a video posted by the club’s official Twitter account on Wednesday, the three centre-backs take part in a bowling competition, with Matip constantly mocked by his colleagues.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/the-latest-liverpool-transfer-news-9/” title=”The latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=“none”]

Liverpool fans react to brilliant Matip video

These Liverpool fans took to Twitter to show their appreciation for Matip, as he adds another classic clip to his ever-growing collection.

“Matip kills me”

Credit: @KeeganLMoyer

“I love this. Joel is so funny we need more Joel content”

Credit: @1bmh_

“A night out with Joel Matip would put a smile on anyone’s face!”

Credit: @phil_corrigan

“Big Matip never leave”

Credit: @jordanhillllll

“I can’t deal with him. I love him”

Credit: @Jake_Phillpotts

“I’ll forever love Matip”

Credit: @LFC_000

“Matip is the funniest player of all time”

Credit: @redmen_lfc_

In other news, some Liverpool fans are unhappy with an update regarding one Reds player. Read more here.

Sanford replaces injured Dillon

Adam Sanford has been named replacement for fellow fast bowler Mervyn Dillon as West Indies prepare to face New Zealand in the last match of the best-of-five 2002 Cable & Wireless Trophy limited-overs international series at Kingstown, St

Derrick Nicholas14-Jun-2002Adam Sanford has been named replacement for fellow fast bowler Mervyn Dillon as West Indies prepare to face New Zealand in the last match of the best-of-five 2002 Cable & Wireless Trophy limited-overs international series at Kingstown, St. Vincent’s Arnos Vale on Sunday.Sanford, who made his Test debut against India in the 2002 Cable & Wireless Series in April, has not played in any of the limited-overs internationals of the 2002 Cable & Wireless Trophy Series either against the Indians or New Zealanders.He replaces Dillon who withdrew from the side with a lower back strain following the penultimate match of the limited-overs series against New Zealand at Port-of-Spain’s Queen’s Park Oval on Wednesday .Dillon, who has been ordered to rest for a week by doctors, will continue to receive physical therapy treatment in his native Trinidad & Tobago and should be fit in time for the first Test against the Black Caps, starting on Friday at Bridgetown’s Kensington Oval.West Indies lead the 2002 Cable & Wireless Trophy Series against the New Zealanders 2-1 following back-to-back victories in the third and second matches in St. Lucia. The visitors bounced back with a nine-run win by the Duckwork-Lewis method in the fourth match at Port of Spain on Wednesday.The first match at Kingston, Jamaica’s Sabina Park ended in a no-result because of rain.Squad: Carl Hooper (captain), Brian Lara (vice-captain), Gareth Breese, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Pedro Collins, Corey Collymore, Cameron Cuffy, Chris Gayle, Ryan Hinds, Wavell Hinds, Ridley Jacobs, Adam Sanford, Ramnaresh Sarwan.

Ex-West Brom midfielder labels Chris Wilder decision "strange"

The decision not to hire Chris Wilder was a strange one, former West Brom midfielder Carlton Palmer has told Football FanCast.

Wilder looked close to being named Sam Allardyce’s successor, with the Mirror reporting at the end of May that the 53-year-old was the Baggies’ No.1 choice.

However, that fell through and West Brom have since turned to Valerien Ismael after an impressive season with Barnsley.

In that time, Luke Dowling, who The Athletic claim was strongly in favour of bringing Wilder to the club, has left his position as sporting director.

On West Brom’s decision not to appoint Wilder in the end, Palmer said:

“It’s really strange that one. I can’t for the life of me believe they wouldn’t take Chris. I’d love to know the owner’s explanation as to why he’s not taken him. 

“But I’m assuming that Chris would have said he wanted to be in complete control of all footballing matters. So maybe Luke was ok with that, working with him on that basis, and the chairman [or owner] wasn’t happy with that.”

Given what he was recently able to achieve with Sheffield United, winning Premier League promotion back in 2019, Wilder would have been a great appointment.

Ismael, though, who had Barnsley in promotion contention last season, taking them to the play-offs, does not look like a bad alternative.

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