All posts by h79snht.top

We’ve all seen Fat Sam patrolling the touchline, Madonna live-in-concert mic tucked inside his lug‘ole, looking every inch the modern man we all know him to be. The most self-confident man in Britain is known to be just one of a growing army of managers to enlist the help of ProZone – a means by which to attain statistical analysis on everything from the amount a player has run in a match to his use of the ball when in possession to name but two minute points. But in this modern age of ours, can stats prove everything in football, or is there still room for differing perspectives and the use of the naked eye to dissect the beautiful game?

The truth lies somewhere in between. Stats are great. On a personal level, I’m a huge believer in them. They’re crucial in helping to disprove some of football’s accepted truths – such as Owen Coyle’s Bolton side play passing football, Man Utd’s defence is watertight and that Jermain Defoe is anything other than a deeply average striker. I’ll beat these drums until my last dying breath, and all with the help of statistical information.

However, stats can also be deeply misleading. They can distort an argument because for without applied in the ‘right’ context, they can change turn a point completely on it’s head. They are merely a tool to be used to disprove theories and assists in arguments for the casual armchair pundit.

Just the other day after Frank Lampard’s wonderful display against Bolton in their 5-1 drubbing of Coyle’s side at Stamford Bridge, which included a Lampard hat-trick, did I see such an instance of deeply misleading and reprehensible statitude.

It was over on Twitter (you can catch me at JamesMcManus1 if you’re asking @shameless plug #hangsheadinshame) where a fellow Tweeter, Twitterer or Twatter depending on your preference, in a state of euphoria confidently declared: “Lampard now has 175 league goals in 350 games for Chelsea. Brilliant.”

Now, I know he’s been a prodigiously prolific goalscorer in the Premier League for nearly a decade now, but that still seemed a bit off to me. A quick glance at Wikipedia then proceeded to tell me that Lampard had indeed played 350 Premier League games for Chelsea, but that the 175 goals came across all competitions, for he had only a measly, hardly worth talking about 119 league goals for the club. In 518 career games for the West London side he had indeed scored 175 goals, a fine record, but did it really need the falsities to make it stand out as particularly impressive?

There is of course still room for the naked eye. Otherwise coaches all over the land may as well just pack up and go on home. We shall indeed surrender to the machines just over a decade after the Terminator films correctly prophesised. But instead of Skynet, it shall be the almighty ProZone’s altar that we bow down to in hushed and humbled prayer.

OptaSports provide the shining light by which others should look to follow. They offer up little nuggets of statistical gold without any inherent bias towards this club or that club as is often the calling card of those that cry out ‘lazy journalism‘ at the drop of a hat (yes, I am fully aware of what I‘ve left myself open to now).

Stats aren’t everything in football, they’re merely there to apply the context amidst all the fawning and bias that takes place in the media today. You can’t keep a good stat down, no matter how hard you try. It may not be sexy, it may not be what gets readers reaching for the paper in the morning, but context is everything.

You can follow me on Twitter @JamesMcManus1

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Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has quashed rumours that he could move to Manchester United this summer, insisting that he is happy in Spain.

The 25-year-old has been linked with the Red Devils for some time, which has led some to speculate that the Premier League champions could make a move for his signature if Wayne Rooney leaves Old Trafford in the coming months.

Benzema’s future is uncertain at the Bernabeu, with the La Liga giants believed to be preparing mega money moves for Liverpool front-man Luis Suarez or Edinson Cavani of Napoli.

If either were to move to the Spanish capital, the Frenchman’s position would be under serious threat, which has led to suggestions that he could look to a move away.

But, Benzema says that he is content at Real and is not thinking about a transfer.

“Of course I’m staying,” he told Marca.

“I’m happy at Real Madrid and I’m not going to leave.”

Benzema was criticised by sections of Real’s support last season, with his 11 La Liga goals deemed to be a below-par output for such a talented player.

Even if Los Blancos sign big name players this summer, the ex-Lyon man is said to be keen to stay and battle for his place.

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Manchester United fans, is missing out on Karim Benzema a big blow? Or would you rather see Robert Lewandowski leading the line?

Join the debate below!

[cat_link cat=”manchester-united” type=”grid”]

Tottenham manager Antonio Conte has delivered an injury update on Oliver Skipp ahead of his side’s Premier League clash against Everton on Monday night.

What’s the story?

Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the game against the Toffees on Monday night, the Spurs boss said: “Bentancur is available and the same for Lucas Moura. Skipp and Tanganga still not available.

“He’s (Skipp) still not ready. Still having a problem with a groin pain. He’s fighting and he could recover before but maybe something was wrong and now we have to wait.”

Big blow for Spurs

While news of Rodrigo Bentancur’s return is a welcome boost for Conte, Skipp’s absence is surely a worry for the 52-year-old.

The midfielder has enjoyed far more opportunities in the Premier League this season following his loan spell at Norwich last year, making 18 appearances in the top flight. His absence in the past five top-flight games for Spurs has coincided with a real drop-off in form, with the Lilywhites suffering three defeats in that span.

When he has been on song, Skipp has provided a measure of calm to the Spurs midfield, and given how much progress he has made in recent years, that is no surprise.

Speaking after the youngster’s debut against Burnley way back in December 2018, then-Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino waxed lyrical about the club’s latest prodigy.

He said: “He’s a proper midfielder, a very talented midfielder. He links the game well, always looking forward, very aggressive, his energy is amazing and he’s such a clever guy off the pitch as well as on it, that’s so important for the team. He’s a top player and a top kid and I’m sure he will have a very successful career.”

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With the Premier League season heading into the final sprint, Conte will be desperately hoping to keep players fit, and news of Skipp’s continued absence is a big blow for him and Tottenham.

Meanwhile, Spurs are leading the race for this starlet…

Ange Postecoglou hasn’t found life easy when it comes to injuries at Celtic and ahead of their clash with Livingston on Sunday, it’s not good news for Kyogo Furuhashi.

What’s the word?

The Japanese forward was set to miss this weekend’s game anyway but it’s now thought that Kyogo may well have suffered yet another setback in his bid to return to full fitness.

That’s according to injury expert, Ben Dinnery, who spoke to Football Insider earlier this week about the Hoops’ star striker.

He said: “The club are suggesting it’s likely to be after the international break [his return].”

Dinnery continued: “But with these types of injuries, there are no guarantees. They have high recurrence rates, particularly when someone has been out long-term.

“Postecoglou has almost backtracked on his initial comments where he said he was nearing a return.

“Has he suffered a setback? Is there another problem? It’s possible. Or is it the same issue niggling away?”

Huge blow

Football Insider described this news as a ‘crushing’ blow for Celtic and indeed, it’s hard to argue with that assessment.

After all, the summer signing is still the club’s top goalscorer despite not featuring in the entirety of 2022 so far.

The 27-year-old has found the net on 16 occasions in 26 outings this term, bagging two more than Israeli youngster Liel Abada.

On that evidence, the news that he still won’t return for another few weeks is unlikely to please Postecoglou or the club’s fanbase.

Fortunately, the Bhoys will welcome Giorgis Giakoumakis back into the fray this weekend after a bout with illness but when you consider Celtic’s sluggish attack at presence, the return of Kyogo too will have been a welcome boost.

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The Glasgow giants have scored just twice in their last three matches and as they sit dead level on points with fierce rivals Rangers in the race to win the Premiership crown, Postecoglou will need all the firepower he can get.

That’s exactly why the continued absence of the Japan international will be a devastating blow and one that could come back to haunt them come the end of the campaign.

AND in other news, Sold for £990k, now worth 500% more: Lawwell call on 6ft4 “weapon” will haunt Celtic

West Brom have enjoyed picking up points in their last two games in the Championship after a season of poor and inconsistent form that has seen the side drift from potential automatic promotion to now struggling to pick up a play-off spot in the league, currently 14th in the table.

The addition of Andy Carroll in the January transfer window on a free transfer after his contract with Reading expired in the turn of the year, and his impact on the side is something new manager, Steve Bruce, has been vocal about following the draw with Huddersfield on Friday.

The Baggies manager was happy to answer questions about the ex-Liverpool striker’s future, and when asked he responded:

“We’ll address all that,” Bruce told BirminghamLive.

“When the end of the season comes, there are a lot of decisions to be made on a lot of people. It’s good to see him fit, keeping well and keeping healthy.”

There is no doubt that West Brom have been lacking leadership on the pitch, with the West Bromwich Albion journalist for The Athletic, Steve Madeley, criticising the squads “inbalance” writing:

“It is light on durability and toughness and sorely lacking in any clear signs of leadership and players ready to demand high standards from their teammates.”

With that being said, the arrival and integration of Carroll is clearly beginning to pay off when you look at his effectiveness. The 6 foot 3 colossus is currently top of the Championship for aerial duels won and is joint top for headed clearances since he joined Albion a few months ago.

The £23k-per-week brute rated himself as “unplayable” and he is clearly on a mission to prove his point for his current club, by becoming a presence on and off the pitch with The Athletic reporting that he has become a vocal figure in the West Brom camp.

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Bruce will surely be relieved to have this kind of presence in his team as he endeavours to pick up the pieces at the club after a disappointing season for the Baggies, it’s clear that a leader is needed going forward for the team to gain as many points as possible in the remaining games that are left.

With that in mind, he’d surely be a useful cog next term too and with Albion likely to remain in the second tier, securing an extended deal for Carroll makes all the sense.

In other news: Jay Rodriguez’s market value has plummeted since Hawthorns exit

Former Leeds United loanee Alfonso Pedraza has certainly come on leaps and bounds since a disappointing loan spell at Elland Road during the 2016/17 season.

The Spanish left-back joined the Yorkshire club on a temporary basis from La Liga outfit Villareal in January 2017, scoring just one goal in 14 appearances for the Whites before returning to his homeland that June.

Five years on, and the now 25-year-old Spaniard is a regular for the Yellow Submarine who, this week, sensationally knocked out Italian giants Juventus of the Champions League with a 3-0 victory in Turin.

Although the left-back was a late substitute at the Allianz Stadium, he did play 79 minutes in the first leg at left-wing and has made a total of 28 appearances so far this term, contributing six assists in that period with his side seventh in La Liga.

This is a stark contrast to his period at Leeds which saw the then 20-year-old accumulate just 735 minutes of action for Gary Monk’s side, scoring one goal against Birmingham City with the Spaniard deployed as a left-winger. Although he was once dubbed a “threat” by Phil Hay, it never quite happened for him.

Given his unsuccessful loan spell, Pedraza left Elland Road at the end of that season and subsequently joined Alavés and Real Betis on loan for the 2017/18 and 2019/20 campaigns respectively before becoming a regular for Unai Emery’s side.

However, now seeing what the £19k-per-week Spaniard has gone on to achieve with his side winning the Europa League last term and now being Champions League quarter-finalists, it was certainly a mistake to neglect the winger/full-back.

Over the course of his career thus far, the 25-year-old has seen his market value rise and dip regularly, with Transfermarkt currently valuing Pedraza at £15.3m.

The former-Leeds player’s peak valuation came in June 2019 when worth £19.8m, which has subsequently fallen by £4.5m.

Alas, it certainly appears as though allowing the Spaniard to return to his parent club without much fuss was an error by Leeds and Victor Orta, who have struggled defensively this term.

The Whites currently have the second-worst goal difference in the Premier League at -33 whilst conceding 67 goals in their 30 league matches this term, the highest tally in the division at an average of 2.23 per game.

This has seen manager Marcelo Bielsa replaced with former RB Leipzig boss Jesse Marsch who has been entrusted to ensure the Yorkshire outfit survive relegation.

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After back-to-back wins against Norwich and Wolves, the American appears to have made an impact at Elland Road with his side 16th. However, 17th placed Everton have three games in hand and are four points behind whilst 19th placed Burnley have also played three games fewer and are eight points behind; the job is from over.

In terms of current left-back options, summer signing Junior Firpo has underwhelmed whilst Stuart Dallas has been entrusted on that side of the defence regularly, despite the Northern Irishman also being called upon at right-back and in central midfield.

It’s certainly an area that could do with strengthening, which will further frustrate fans when seeing Pedraza doing so well.

In other news: Source drops huge behind-scenes Leeds update that will have supporters over the moon

West Ham will be looking to strengthen their attack in the summer, with Pablo Fornals having transitioned into a deeper role and Ukrainian hero Andriy Yarmolenko’s contract currently set to expire at the end of the season.

Michail Antonio also remains the only natural striker at the club, meaning that position will likely be a priority in the next transfer window, and manager David Moyes will already have a number of transfer targets in mind.

One player that could prove to be the solution to the Hammers’ current problem, is former Everton and Watford forward Gerard Deulofeu, who has impressed this season with Udinese in the Italian Serie A.

What’s the news?

According to Italian news outlet Messaggero Veneto, Deulofeu is being targeted by the East-London club, and would be available for €20m (£16.6m).

Having transitioned into a striker role for his club, the 28-year-old would be a perfect addition for the Irons, with him also being able to play out on the wing.

Bullied West Ham before

Quietly, the Barcelona youth academy graduate has been one of the most impressive and improved attackers in Europe this season – going perhaps under the radar playing for a team stuck in 14th in the Italian Serie A.

Averaging a 7.11 match rating according to SofaScore, for his club in league football, he also has scored three goals in his last five games, taking him to a total of nine goals for the season in 25 appearances, having also created two more himself.

Among other attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues and continental competitions over the last year, he ranks in the top 3% for key passes per 90 (2.49), top 2% for passes into the penalty area per 90 (2.15), and top 1% for crosses per 90 (2.78).

His progressive passing isn’t the only area of his game which has massively developed, as he also ranks in the top 3% for dribbles attempted per 90 (4.36), top 1% for carries into the penalty area per 90 (2.30), and top 5% for shot-creating actions per 90 (4.31).

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A hero among Watford fans for his “exquisite” FA Cup semi-final goal against Wolves, the forward has also terrorised West Ham before, scoring for the Hertfordshire side in a 2-0 away victory at the London Stadium back in 2018 – so the Irons fans will know all about him already, and he would certainly be a hit among the crowd if he makes the move.

In other news: West Ham plot bid to sign £27m-rated “beast”, he can be a “top player” for Moyes

Champions League chasers West Ham United could move as high as fifth place in the Premier League with a win against Everton today.

The Hammers’ form has been rocky of late, though, with just two wins in their last six games in all competitions bound to be a concern for David Moyes.

The 58-year-old’s side will need to show ruthlessness against his former employers, with the Toffees’ precarious position in the table bound to give the home team a boost of adrenaline.

On the chalkboard

As Moyes sets his team up for the all-important clash against Everton, we hope he is considering on-loan Paris Saint-Germain and former Real Madrid goalkeeper Alphonse Areola. The £138k-p/w Frenchman, who is blessed with “incredible reactions”, has performed superbly in West Ham’s cup commitments this season.

Areola has endured a somewhat bit-part career but, at 29 years of age and with 280 club appearances to his name, has all the experience and attributes needed to replace the ageing 36-year-old Lukasz Fabianski to become the Irons’ number one.

Although his appearances have been limited at the London Stadium, the Frenchman has demonstrated his ability as a natural shot stopper, with his PSx-GA total (post shot expected goals minus goals allowed) placing him within the 92nd percentile among ‘keepers in Europe’s top five leagues, as per FBRef.

When he has been afforded consistent minutes, the on-loan ‘keeper has made the Europa League his own, conjuring an outstanding 82.6% save percentage which has seen him keep four clean sheets in seven appearances as West Ham go marching on towards the latter stages of the competition.

In contrast, current domestic number one Fabianski boasts a save percentage of 69.7%; whilst still a solid metric, it is not a patch on Areola’s return.

As we approach the business end of the season in both competitions, Moyes will need a goalkeeper whom he can trust with his life, and at 36, Fabianski cannot stick around as the Hammers’ first-choice netminder for much longer.

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Today’s crucial clash against Everton could well be the best opportunity for Moyes to instil confidence and match sharpness into Areola, who will also be expected to perform in the first leg of the Europa League quarter-final against Lyon on Thursday night.

With that match coming up in four days’ time, so it should be in Moyes’ best interests to give Areola a run-out against the Toffees today and have the Frenchman sharp, as he will be needed to offer a reliable last line of defence, just as he has done whenever trusted this season.

In other news – West Ham handed lift ahead of Everton clash, David Moyes will be buzzing

Newcastle have a number of talented academy prospects who are currently fighting to make their way into the first-team at St. James’ Park.

The likes of Joe White, Dylan Stephenson and Elliot Anderson are just a few of the local lads making their way through the youth ranks at the moment, aspiring to emulate those who have come before them.

One of the club’s finest pieces of academy work to date came in the form of towering centre-forward Andy Carroll in the 2000s.

The striker broke through into the first team in the 2006/07 campaign, playing four times in the Premier League for the Magpies. He then spent half of the following season on loan at Preston in the Championship, before truly making his mark at St. James’ Park.

In his first two full seasons in the senior team, Carroll scored 20 goals and provided 13 assists in 53 matches across the top-flight and the second division. He then caught fire in the Premier League under Alan Pardew as he found the back of the net 11 times and produced eight assists in just 19 games at the start of 2010/11.

This incredible run of form caught Liverpool’s attention and they moved to snap him up in the January transfer window for a fee of £36.9m (Transfermarkt).

His big move did not go to plan as he scored 11 goals in 58 games before the flop was shipped off to fellow Premier League outfit – initially on loan – West Ham in 2012. With the London-based side, Carroll ended up playing 142 matches and scoring 34 goals in a whopping seven-year stint.

Hammers full-back Aaron Cresswell previously dubbed the forward as “unplayable” but that can, unfortunately, be used to describe him in more than one sense. Whilst the full-back was talking about the player’s quality on the pitch, it could also be used to sum up a large portion of his career as he was unavailable through injury.

Between his time with Liverpool, the Hammers and Newcastle, he picked up 23 separate injury problems that caused him to miss a stunning 198 games. He has proven to be unreliable throughout his playing days and that has been reflected in how his career has tailed off.

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His spell at West Ham came to an end in 2019 as he left on a free to re-join the Toon, but his second stint on Tyneside was nothing to write home about as he was released after two years and he now finds himself at West Brom in the Championship.

At the time of writing (31/03/22), Transfermarkt value him at a measly £720k. In fact, he has never been valued at more than £18m since leaving the Magpies in 2011 and has been valued at £9m or less since 2014, which shows that the Toon enjoyed a blinder with their decision to sell him to Liverpool fo a whopping £36.9m.

AND in other news, Body blow: Craig Hope “told” worrying NUFC update that’ll leave supporters fuming…

Manchester United’s scouts have now been spotted keeping close tabs on a wing-back target who Ruben Amorim already knows well, according to reports.

Amorim "really disappointed" by Bournemouth draw

Saving the best Premier League game of the weekend until last, Man United and Bournemouth played out a frantic 4-4 draw on Monday night. It laid bare the Red Devils’ attacking improvement, but also exposed the problems that will feel all too familiar for those watching on at Old Trafford.

Related Man Utd ready to move quickly to sign £280,000-a-week Real Madrid star

The player is open to the move…

Posts ByBen Goodwin

After battling to take the lead before the break, United found themselves behind just seven minutes after half-time as the Cherries put them to the sword in shocking fashion. But it was then the visitors who collapsed courtesy of quickfire goals as Bruno Fernandes stunningly struck before Matheus Cunha broke his goal drought in timely fashion.

Alas, even at 4-3, the hosts were yet to learn their lesson and Eli Junior Kroupi emerged from the bench to level it up at 4-4 and have the final say. Amorim, stuck with a point, could only express his disappointment at full-time.

With their defensive issues exposed, it’s no shock that United are chasing key upgrades within Amorim’s back five and that has reportedly taken them back to Portugal and towards Maxi Araujo.

Man Utd now plotting Maxi Araujo move

As reported by TeamTalk, Man United are now plotting a move to sign Araujo after sending their scouts to watch the Sporting CP wing-back in action as his side defeated AVS 6-0 last weekend.

Scouts certainly picked a good game to watch, given that Araujo netted twice in that 6-0 thumping and once again showcased exactly why he’s a wanted man by the Red Devils.

He’s caught the eye over a number of years now, no less so than in 2024/25 when his displays in the Champions League saw him compared to Bayern Munich sensation Alphonso Davies by FBRef.

What also helps is the fact that Amorim already knows the 25-year-old well, having worked with him during his time at Sporting. Now, he could secure a reunion to finally welcome an upgrade on Diogo Dalot.

League stats 25/26

Araujo

Dalot

Minutes

744

957

Goals + Assists

3

3

Tackles Won

16

10

Blocks

9

3

Whilst Dalot has shown some promising signs of improvement, Amorim should welcome Araujo and the chance to either replace his current option or push him to new levels. Competition, as proved by United’s improved front line, may well be the key to turning Man United around once and for all.

As bad as Shaw: Man Utd star had his worst game for the club vs Bournemouth