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Wolves’ defeat to Manchester City was hardly a shock. Nuno Santo’s men haven’t been their normal selves this term while City have been ahead of the pack in the Premier League by quite some distance.

Though, if it wasn’t for defensive errors then they’d have stood a chance of nicking a point on Tuesday.

Ki-Jana Hoever was given a horrendous night by Raheem Sterling and was then caught out by Kyle Walker for the hosts’ second goal. Leander Dendoncker, meanwhile, scored an unfortunate own goal to open the proceedings.

However, the ever-reliable Jonny also had a night to forget at the Etihad. The Spaniard’s return to fitness last month was a welcome boost to Wolves’ chances but he has played just one set of 90 minutes since coming back.

Clearly, he is not up to full speed and that was all too evident when they travelled to Manchester. Dealing with Riyad Mahrez is difficult on an ordinary day but when you’re not quite up to fitness yet, it was always going to be difficult.

The Algerian spun a web down the channel for City, catching Jonny out with his run for the opening goal. It was lapse defending from the left wing back who was anonymous going forward and ineffective in defence.

He made just one tackle as Mahrez delivered a mighty ten crosses and three key passes. The dazzling winger was also successful with five dribbles; all from Jonny’s side of the pitch.

With that in mind, it was unsurprising that he was hooked after just 52 minutes on the clock. In that time, he made only eight passes of the football, the lowest tally of anyone to start the match.

Furthermore, he also managed just 14 touches of the ball. That happened to be a lower number than not only goalkeeper Rui Patricio but also substitute Fabio Silva.

This was an incredibly poor night for Jonny. That being said, it’s important not to count this as a proper litmus of his abilities. The 26-year-old has been an extremely capable performer since signing from Celta Vigo; Nuno now just needs to get him fully fit again.

AND in other news, Worse than Dendoncker: Wolves liability who lost possession 16x badly let Nuno down…

If ever there was a game that typified the kind of roller-coaster of a ride Leeds United’s first season back in the Premier League would be like, then Saturday’s defeat to Tottenham was exactly that.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side have shown they can absolutely blow teams away at this level, just like they did against West Brom last time out. But when that clinical edge deserts them, and they make those silly mistakes at the back, they can be on the receiving end of some heavy score-lines too.

It might not have been as bad as the 6-2 drubbing at the hands of Manchester United, but the Whites fell to a 3-0 defeat away at Spurs.

The Whites had a number of decent chances in the opening period of the game, not least when Patrick Bamford just couldn’t rise high enough to nod home from a delicious cross from Raphinha.

And whilst the latter had flashes of brilliance, it simply wasn’t enough for the Whites.

As per Sofascore, he lost possession 23 times over the course of the game, which was by far the highest of any Leeds player on the day. And as well as that, he also struggled to deal physically with Spurs getting up tight to him whenever he got the ball and tried to spin – he lost a whopping 13 of his 16 total duels.

Raphinha’s disappointing day certainly wasn’t for a lack of trying, and on another day, he might have got himself an assist and the story would be different.

But given he arrived in the summer for a decent fee, and with Victor Orta having only just recently praised him as a “complete player”, it just wasn’t good enough for a player of his obvious natural talent.

Bielsa would have been hoping that he could be his game-changer, but instead, he just didn’t quite get up to speed.

Steve Bruce is expected to make a handful of key changes to his starting line-up at Arsenal after admitting he “picked the wrong team” for Newcastle United’s midweek defeat to Sheffield United.

The Magpies earned the ignominious honour of becoming the first side to lose a Premier League game to Chris Wilder’s Blades this season when beaten 1-0 on Tuesday, and Bruce accepts he was too defensive in his team selection.

“In hindsight, I picked the wrong team. I have to come in front of you [the media] and accept that, and accept that the performance was nowhere near good enough,” Bruce said, via quotes by The Northern Echo.

Bruce is also facing injury concerns ahead of returning to the Emirates Stadium on Monday night, the place where Newcastle exited the FA Cup just nine days before. So, with that in mind, here’s a potential line-up the Toon may field in north London…

Martin Dubravka returned from a heel injury to make his first appearance of the season during Newcastle’s FA Cup defeat at Arsenal, but will be expected to watch from the sidelines as Karl Darlow chases a fourth clean sheet in what would be his 18th top-flight outing of the campaign.

Jamaal Lascelles also opened the cup affair earlier this month as he made his return following several weeks out after testing positive for coronavirus, and Bruce hopes to have the 27-year-old in the side to face Mikel Arteta’s Gunners this week, likely in place of Federico Fernandez.

“Jamal Lewis could come back into the frame. The captain, Jamaal Lascelles, could come back in – we’ll see how he is after a week’s training after the COVID,” Bruce said. “We’ve got a problem with Fernandez.”

Bruce had fielded a very defensive midfield at Sheffield United with Jeff Hendrick and Isaac Hayden anchoring the unit and Sean Longstaff playing out wide, but will likely only retain Hayden at Arsenal.

Longstaff registered the second-lowest match rating at Bramall Lane by a visiting player on Tuesday night at 5.9 by WhoScored, having failed to create any chances to score, take a shot and only won possession with one of his four tackles.

The £16m-rated dud will likely be replaced by Miguel Almiron, who joins Matt Ritchie in providing the attacking width with Allan Saint-Maximin still weeks away from a return and Ryan Fraser suspended.

Matty Longstaff will hope to be given the call to partner Hayden in north London after sitting out the Blades defeat, having played the full 90 minutes in each of Newcastle’s three prior Premier League games and holding his own in defeat to Leicester City earlier this month.

Callum Wilson will once again lead the line on his own in search of a ninth goal of the season, after firing blanks at Bramall Lane made it three games without a goal for the Toon’s top-scorer.

AND in other news, a £2m-rated Newcastle target’s potential has been questioned by his current side.

Writing on Twitter, club insider and reliable source ExWHUemployee has hinted that a late signing for West Ham United could still be possible as the club confirm Jesse Lingard’s arrival – going on to say there isn’t anyone pending ‘at the moment’ but that could change if a player is ‘presented’ to the club.

Responding to a supporter on social media, ExWHUemployee shared that a late arrival for the Irons this window is still plausible after the signing of Lingard – even if there is nobody imminently joining as things stand.

ExWHUemployee refuses to rule out late signing

Indeed, this is in line with West Ham boss David Moyes’ transfer update from Friday afternoon – with the Scotsman also not ‘expecting’ any more late arrivals ‘at the moment’ as he refused to rule it out entirely (football.london).

ExWHUemployee reiterated that stance but hinted it could change depending on developments – saying no forward is pending to join ‘unless’ there is a ‘late change’ or a decent player is ‘presented’ to the Hammers (Twitter).

Transfer Tavern take

Judging by this claim, it appears there is some hope for supporters who still wish to see a new striker walk through the door at Rush Green – coming after West Ham sold club record signing Sebastien Haller at the start of this month.

Time will tell whether a decent opportunity arises, but the fact a possible late transfer isn’t being completely ruled out altogether could spell late hope for Moyes.

In other news: West Ham are apparently eyeing this ‘exciting’ 51-cap attacker, find out more here.

Manchester City produced a professional display to see off Fulham 3-0 at Craven Cottage on Saturday evening, with Pep Guardiola springing a lot of surprises with his team selection.

The Spanish manager set his team up in a 3-4-3 formation, with Gabriel Jesus featuring on the left-wing, whilst Raheem Sterling was omitted from the squad completely.

The former Liverpool man was also left out against Southampton in midweek following his poor performance in the 2-0 defeat against Manchester United, and after Jesus’ impressive display in East London last night, he may well struggle to force his way back into the team.

As per SofaScore, the Brazilian forward would earn an impressive 7.7 rating for his display, with only Joao Cancelo rated higher of any player on the pitch.

Jesus scored the second goal of the evening by capitalising on a Fulham mistake and rounding Alphonse Areola, before firing into the net, showing the sort of composure that he has often lacked in front of goal.

When playing up front, the 23-year-old is sometimes left isolated, but he was supported by Sergio Aguero and Ferran Torres in attacking roles, which allowed him to get much more involved in the build-up play, whilst also causing problems for the Fulham defence with his runs in behind.

During the game, the former Palmeiras man would impressively complete 6/7 of his dribbles, whilst 25/30 of his passes were accurate, resulting in an 83% accuracy rate.

He also contributed impressively when it came to winning duels, as he was successful in 9/13 of his ground duels during the game, which emphasises that he is more than willing to get stuck in and defend from the front, something which Sterling struggles with.

In his appearance against United, the winger would fail to win a single duel or complete a single dribble, so it is easy to see why he hasn’t featured in the last two games, as he was very disappointing.

Whilst both Sterling and Jesus have been guilty of missing big chances in recent seasonsm if the Brazilian is given more opportunities to impress in a new role on the left-wing, then you could definitely argue that the £99m-rated England international’s place in Guardiola’s side could be under serious threat.

And, in other news… Forget Haaland: Txiki could sign City’s next Aguero in “outstanding” £90m-rated gem

David Sullivan can redefine David Moyes’ West Ham United with a swoop for Olympique de Marseille’s Nemanja Radonjic in the January transfer window.

What’s the word?

According to the print edition of The Sunday Mirror (06/12, p63), Marseille are open to sending Radonjic out on loan in the upcoming winter market after he fell down Andrea Villas-Boas’ pecking order.

Radonjic has only started nine per cent of the Stade Velodrome natives’ Ligue 1 fixtures this season, with his sole opening role coming on matchday one away to Stade Brest before making five substitute appearances prior to sustaining a thigh injury last month.

Radonjic would have hoped to see his opening role in August’s victory over Brest lead to further opportunities to impress Villas-Boas after starting just eight of his 21 top-flight outings last term, but he is now thought to be on his way out.

Marseille are informing any potential suitors of their willingness to strike a mid-season deal, with West Ham and Southampton said to be keen on a temporary transfer.

The 6ft wide man is yet to score and boasts more yellow cards (two) than assists (one) in all competition after eight appearances this term, and had only struck home on six times in 47 games heading into the current campaign.

Chance to redefine West Ham

While Radonjic has struggled to make an impact under Villas-Boas, the 20-cap Serbia international’s potential availability should not be scorned at by West Ham supporters, for he can redefine Moyes’ side if Sullivan gives the green light to a winter deal.

Radonjic enjoyed his best single-season return in front of goal last year despite making 13 of his 21 Ligue 1 appearances from the bench, with the forward finding the net five times before sustaining a groin strain and the campaign being called early amid the coronavirus pandemic.

His strikes included a winning effort against Stade Brest, an equaliser at FC Metz and goals to settle meetings with FC Toulouse and AS Saint-Etienne, too.

The Serbian forward has brought his creativity to the field when given the chance from the bench this season, as well, with SofaScore data showing an average of 0.7 key balls a game despite playing just 24 minutes a match prior to his injury – which is more than Pablo Fornals offers (0.6) at the London Stadium from 82 minutes per Premier League outing.

Moyes could be the one to settle Radonjic down into a regular role and unlock his full potential if West Ham push ahead and sign him, after Angelo Ogbonna recently praised the former Manchester United boss for helping the Hammers to break free of their shackles.

“The potential of the squad here has always been high, always,” Ogbonna told the Evening Standard. “I want to give a big credit to the manager. Since he came in, he changed a lot of things: discipline, hard work and you can see on the pitch. He has a lot of credit on that one.”

AND in other news, a “powerful” West Ham dud has given David Moyes all the evidence in the world to why he will never be trusted.

With no European football on offer this season, Wolverhampton Wanderers go into this afternoon’s clash against Newcastle United well-rested.

Nuno Santo’s side are also in-form having won both of their last two outings 1-0.

Once again, the Midlands outfit find themselves vying with the top six and now they host a struggling Magpies side at Molineux.

But with only Jonny on the treatment table, will the Portuguese boss make any changes to his winning side? Here’s the XI we’re predicting today…

There could be as many as three changes to the side that rocked Leeds United at Elland Road on Monday night.

Summer signing Marcal is in line to reclaim his starting place at left wing-back despite Romain Saiss deputising impressively in recent games, though the Morrocan utility make keeps his place as a centre-back.

That could come at the expense of Max Kilman, perhaps unfairly after picking up a Man of the Match award but he is still only young. It means skipper Conor Coady, Willy Boly, Nelson Semedo and shot-stopper Rui Patricio all keep their places.

There could also be another change in midfield with Ruben Neves coming in to partner Joao Moutinho, he replaces Leander Dendoncker in the two-man engine room.

Whilst in the attack, Raul Jimenez will be the first name on the teamsheet but there’s a decision to make behind him. There are two places for three worthy players.

Daniel Podence could well remain in the starting XI despite being withdrawn during the second half earlier in the week, but £36m-rated sensation Adama Traore gets the nod over Pedro Neto this time around.

Wolves scored within five minutes of the newly-capped Spain international coming on, so it would make sense to start him from the off.

AND in other news, Wolves played a blinder over £90k-per-week Mendes client this summer…

Steve Parish missed the boat with Crystal Palace’s failed pursuit of CSKA Moscow striker Fedor Chalov after the Russians rejected a £14m bid for the centre-forward last year.

What was the story?

According to a report from Sky Sports at the time, Palace were among several Premier League clubs said to be interested in signing the Russia international in the summer of 2019, along with Monaco, Lazio and Valencia, having been impressed by the striker’s prolific top-flight form in the 2018/19 campaign.

Chalov burst onto the scene with 15 goals and 7 assists in 30 games in Premier Liga, whilst he also scored two goals in the Champions League that  same season.

Following their futile attempts to sign Chalov last summer, his agent Christian Emile said: “Fedor is one of the most striking players in Europe, and the increased interest in him is completely justified.

“Especially from the side of one Premier League club, which made a significant offer, but CSKA refused to sell the player.

“The position of CSKA is completely understandable – they have serious goals, and Fedor is the most important player for them.”

It’s believed that Palace boss Roy Hodgson wanted to sign two centre-forwards, having identified the Russian as one of his top transfer targets, as well as then-Brentford striker Ollie Watkins. However, as we all know, Hodgson didn’t end up with either of those options, signing Jordan Ayew in the end instead, before bringing in Michy Batshuayi from Chelsea on a season-long loan deal on transfer deadline day this season.

Missed the boat

Chalov has at times struggled for consistency so far this season, having scored two goals and supplied five assists in all competitions for his boyhood club, as a recurring knee injury has caused him several problems. However, he scored during the 2-0 win over Rostov before the international break, and has bagged two times and produced two assists in his past four games.

Per WhoScored, the 22-year-old has played 11 games in Premier Liga, scoring two goals and supplying four assists, whilst he is averaging 2.3 shots and 1.1 key passes per game.

By comparison, Batshuayi is barely managing one shot and just 0.2 key passes per game in the Premier League, via WhoScored, whilst he has failed to find the back of the net at Selhurst Park this season so far.

Pavel Koval, Chalov’s first coach at CSKA’s youth academy, once said his former charge “has everything a forward needs; speed, dribbling ability, a good scoring instinct – he has it all,” which is high praise indeed for someone who is still at the early stages of his career. 

In Chalov, Parish could have added a natural goal threat in the middle of the pitch to the Palace first-team squad, who can also play as an attacking midfielder, whilst he still has room for improvement at the age of 22.

The £11.7m-rated sensation could’ve become a first-team regular starter for years to come if he had brought him to Selhurst Park and he was able to hit the ground running, although his statistics seem to indicate that he would’ve done this, given his impressive return for CSKA Moscow (41 goals in 139 games), as he has shown he can score goals at the top levels of the game.

However, his contract is set to expire in 2022, and it’s unlikely he will be short of potential suitors if/when the chance once again arises to sign him.

AND in other news, Crystal Palace got rid of Aaron Wan-Bissaka at the perfect time…

According to The Scottish Sun, Filip Benkovic is a “possibility” for Celtic in this January transfer window.

What’s the story?

Neil Lennon’s side suffered a major injury blow when it was revealed that Christopher Jullien is set to miss the next four months of the Scottish Premiership season with the serious knee injury he picked up against Dundee United.

Now, The Scottish Sun claim that Celtic have drawn up a list of loan options with Parkhead sources claiming that Leicester defender Benkovic, who has of course played for the Hoops previously, being deemed a “possibility”.

The report adds that Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers is keen for the 6 foot 4 centre-back to depart the King Power Stadium this month after his loan spell at Championship side Cardiff City was cut short.

Hammond can solve Lennon’s crisis

It was no surprise that after Jullien was forced off against Dundee United, Lennon made no attempts to hide just how big of a blow losing the big Frenchman was, saying: “He’s a very important player. It’s a bad injury, we are going to lose him for a period of time, perhaps three or four months.”

It was a massive statement about how the Celtic boss rates Shane Duffy, that he was more confident in throwing Nir Bitton in the heart of defence in the Old Firm clash against Rangers last time out in the Scottish Premiership.

In Benkovic, the Hoops would be getting a known quantity, with the Croatia international having played 27 times for the club in his time at Parkhead.

And club legend John Hartson was left suitably impressed by the big defender following his early performances for the club after joining on loan, saying: “You have Filip Benkovic in there who looks every inch worth the £13m that Leicester paid for him this summer. I think he has shown already that he exudes composure and confidence at the back.”

Nick Hammond could go a long way to solving Lennon’s big crisis at the back by swooping for Benkovic.

Wolves didn’t have much to celebrate on Sunday evening as they were battered by West Ham United at the London Stadium.

The Midlands outfit were in need of a win after losing to Manchester City last week, but a dismal defeat to the Hammers leaves them with just one win from three to start the campaign.

However, despite the all-round poor showing from Nuno Espirito Santo’s side, there was one man who impressed the fanbase, and that was Pedro Neto.

Watch Wolverhampton Wanderers Videos With StreamFootball.tv Below

Indeed, the youngster did seem to be one of the only bright sparks in the Wolves side, consistently troubling the West Ham defence with dynamic runs, and coming close to levelling the game in the first half with a curling left-footed effort from range.

He once again had a good effort at goal late on, lifting one over the bar from 20 yards, but in a game where Wolves offered next to nothing going forward, that was actually a notable moment.

Unfortunately, Neto’s one-man crusade wasn’t enough for Wolves to get anything out of the game, but despite this, supporters wanted to sound their admiration for him on social media.

There were plenty of fans that were quick to make note of Neto’s efforts, with many saying that he was the only player showing any desire.

It’s hard to disagree with this sentiment, the Europa League quarter-finalist’s usual stars all struggled on Sunday, but Neto was at least putting a shift in.