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The Premier League made its return from the March International Break over the weekend and with it delivered another exhilarating round of fixtures.

Spurs appear to have bottled it again, Liverpool and Manchester City marched on in their neck-and-neck title race, Huddersfield were relegated and Chelsea grabbed all three points with yet another late winner.

With the weekend of fixtures also came a series of historic marks reached, records matched and broken, and a set of remarkable numbers, from the Terriers’ historic relegation to achievements set by Frank Lampard and David Beckham.

Here are the stats from the weekend…

Tottenham Woes

Tottenham’s Toby Alderweireld is the first player to score a match-winning own goal in the 90th minute or later of a Premier League game since Troy Deeney for Watford against Manchester United in November 2015.

Faulty Fulham

The Cottagers have conceded at least twice in their past 12 league games, the longest such sequence in the top flight since a run of 14 by Newcastle between May and October 1977.

Patient Blues

Chelsea have now scored 18 goals in the final 15 minutes of Premier League matches this season, no club in the competition has managed more.

Huddersfield Match Historic Mark

Huddersfield Town have been relegated with six games to play – the joint-earliest in terms of games in the Premier League era (Derby County – 2007-08 and Ipswich Town – 1994-95).

United Attackers Join Impressive Company

This is the first time since the 1995-96 season (Scholes, Cole, Giggs, Cantona) that Manchester United have had four players score 10+ goals in a single Premier League campaign (Martial, Rashford, Lukaku, Pogba).

Brighton Bundled

Brighton had 15 shots without scoring on Saturday; only twice before in the Premier League have the Seagulls attempted moreshots without scoring (21 v Watford in February 2019 and 16 v Watford in August 2017).

Anfield Automatic

Liverpool extended their unbeaten home league run to 37 games (W27 D10) – the joint-second longest such streak in Premier League history (level with Manchester City), behind only Chelsea’s 86-match run between 2004-2008.

Foxes Rolling

Leicester have won three consecutive Premier League games for the first time since a run of four ending in December 2017.

Luka Climbs The Leaderboard

Luka Milivojevic (22) is now the outright third highest goalscorer for Crystal Palace in Premier League history, behind only Wilfried Zaha (30) and Chris Armstrong (23).

Clumsy Cardiff

Cardiff City are only the third team in Premier League history to lose four consecutive matches against a particular opponent (Chelsea) despite opening the scoring each time.Six of the eight Premier League points Chelsea have won from losing positions this season have come home and away versus Cardiff.

It might have only been a 1-0 loss, but Sunday was one of the most damming results of Arsenal’s season.

Not only did the Gunners slip up massively in their pursuit of the top four, but the performance at Goodison Park has left fans feeling disheartened and now worried that Champions League football might be out the window after a few weeks of believing it could be achieved.

From the first minute onwards, Arsenal were useless, it’s as simple as that. The north London side did not create a single clear cut chance against an Everton side who have been embarrassed countless times this season, and the Gunners now must face away games against teams who are on top of the world in the form of Watford and Leicester City.

Sunday’s performance was a stark reminder that Arsenal as a group of players and as a club have a mental problem with passion and urgency.

We have seen this countless times during the Arsene Wenger years when the team walked out onto the pitch uninterested and ready to keel over and let the other side win, and this is something Unai Emery has failed to eradicate from the club.

Sure, we have seen some inspired performances this season, but Sunday showed that when the going gets tough and the pressure is on the club to perform, Arsenal players just stroll about on the pitch and let the fans down for no apparent reason.

Top four is still a possibility for Arsenal, their destiny still remains in their hands heading into the final six games of the season, but if the core group of players show the same lack of passion and desire in even one of their remaining matches, fans can wave their Champions League dreams goodbye, again.

Arsenal fans, can Arsenal still achieve top four? Let us know!

Ander Herrera’s departure seems inevitable at the summer. Like it or not, this means Manchester United need to open to chequebook to get a proper replacement for their industrial midfielder, but they’ve targeted a smart option to fall onto.

According to reports from the London Evening Standard late last week, the Red Devils have their sights set on Idrissa Gueye as Herrera’s replacement next season. Considering the Everton midfielder’s excellent work against daunting opposition this season, it’s could turn out to be the perfect replacement.

Not only has Gueye stood through to give strong performances against the top-six, but he’s also maintained consistency in helping turn defence to attack for Everton. Gueye’s fantastic defensive skills help add a real bite in midfield, with his persistence and high-pressing skills something which can work wonders at United.

Indeed, with PSG having been keen on signing him over the course of the January transfer window, moving for him to replace Herrera could prevent potential Champions League rivals strengthening even further. The road between Goodison and Old Trafford has been a well-trodden one over of the years and affording the former Aston Villa ace the chance to perform on one of the biggest platforms in the world could take him to the next level.

Alongside Paul Pogba, the Frenchman would be liberated. Yes, we’ve been saying that for years, but someone with Gueye’s discipline has been missing at the Theatre of Dreams.

The Senegalese midfielder’s maintained a 63% tackling success, making 121 tackles in his 27 appearances. On top of that, he’s made 213 recoveries, 64 interceptions and won 209 duels in midfield (stats via Premier League). However, not only is he statistically superior to Herrera but even in real-time he’s just as hard-working and clever a ball-winner as the Spaniard.

It’s Gueye’s incredible determination and chasing ability which probably helps him triumph over Herrera. Right now United’s midfield needs that real bite and surge of energy, something he can dutifully deliver.

If Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants his midfield fuming on all cylinders, he needs a relentless figure like Gueye, who is valued at £18 million (by Transfermarkt), to inspire those around him.

United fans, would you be happy with Gueye as Herrera’s replacement? Join the discussion by commenting below…

Ralph Hasenhuttl has given fans a reason to smile since taking over at St Mary’s but things haven’t exactly gone perfectly in recent times, as Liverpool got the job done in the end last time out.  

The Saints are still at risk of slipping into the relegation zone but they can take a giant leap towards survival by getting the better of Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League tomorrow.

One of the rare shining lights for the Saints this season has been Nathan Redmond as his six goals and five assists have been priceless, with his newly-found role in behind the striker getting the very best out of him.

Southampton supporters may be wondering what kind of fee the attacker would attract if he was to be sold in the summer transfer window. According to CIES (via Daily Mail), Redmond is valued at £32 million.

Redmond is enjoying arguably one of the best seasons in his football career but £32 million seems like way too much with plenty of better players out there. His value should be around £25 million at the most as he’s not exactly been prolific in the current campaign, so it remains to be seen as to how he’s worth so much.

Wilfried Zaha is valued at £33 million and he’s produced two more goals and three more assists, so it looks as if CIES have been rather generous with their valuation.

Southampton won’t mind if they can attract that sort of fee for him at some point in the future as they’d make a huge profit after signing him for just £12.25 million (as per Transfermarkt).

Southampton fans, how much do you think Nathan Redmond is worth? Join the discussion by commenting down below! 

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Many Liverpool fans on Twitter think they know manager Jurgen Klopp’s next move ahead of the final three games of the Premier League season.

They believe that the German gaffer will go full strength for clashes with Huddersfield Town, Newcastle United and Wolves regardless of the outcome of Manchester United vs Manchester City, despite the fact the Reds still potentially have three more encounters to face in the Champions League.

Their bold opinions were aired after a fan account asked them if the clash between the Red Devils and the Cityzens will have any bearing on Klopp’s team selection for the last three league matches.

If Pep Guardiola’s men slip up at Old Trafford, the Premier League title will be in the hands of the Merseysiders and all they’ll have to do is beat three inferior teams to lift the trophy for the first time.

However, should the sky Blues take three points from their bitter rivals on Wednesday night, they’ll be left with the same ultimatum from their season-closing trio.

Check out the pick of the reactive Tweets from the Anfield faithful tipping Klopp to go all out, below…

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Lots of Rangers fans have been running the rule over their clash with Aberdeen, and they’re absolutely full of praise for James Tavernier after the star sent a post-match message on Twitter.

The Gers have had a real rollercoaster of a season. At times it felt like Steven Gerrard’s side were destined for something great as they waltzed through the Europa League qualifiers and went on a brilliant domestic run, but a string of dull draws before defeat to Celtic eventually ended their hopes of silverware.

No one has had more of an up and down campaign than Tavernier, who took his tally to 18 goals in all competitions on Sunday with two penalties.

Be sure to check out the incredible story of the man who rose from a Tanzanian refugee camp to become one of Australia’s biggest football stars in the video below…

The skipper has racked up a truly remarkable 38 total goal involvements this campaign from right-back, but his defensive deficiencies have angered the Ibrox faithful at times.

Fans fumed when he neglected his captain duties during their poor run of form, and his defensive lapses did cost goals and points earlier on this season.

Everyone is on the same page after Sunday though, as it seems even those who were critical of the skipper have changed their tune.

The 27 year-old shared his delight on social media after the game, and you can find some of the best Twitter reactions down below…

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This Saturday’s big fixture sees Liverpool travel up to Newcastle to take on Rafa Benitez’s men, where the Reds absolutely have to win in order to keep their Premier League title hopes alive – if they lose and Manchester City beat Leicester, the Citizens will have successfully defended their trophy.

The Magpies managed to secure their Premier League status for yet another campaign recently, so they won’t be playing for anything other than league position and pride – it will be a difficult game for Benitez personally, as he surely won’t want to be the man responsible for his former side slipping up in the title race.

However, all eyes will be on Jurgen Klopp’s men as they attempt to keep the pressure on City.

Does your club have a legend who is criminally overrated? Fans answer this tough question in the video below…

With so much on the line in this fixture, Football FanCast takes a look at the factors that could determine where the three points end up…

The Key Battle – Matt Ritchie vs Mohamed Salah

This match-up should be an enticing one.

Ritchie has been playing as a left wing-back for a while now at St James’ Park, and he has fulfilled the role admirably. However, a player of world-class ability such as Salah will certainly be looking to exploit the natural weaknesses that come with a midfielder playing as a defender.

The Egyptian has four goals in his last four league games, and whether or not the Scotsman can keep him quiet on Saturday may determine the outcome of this fixture.

The Key Dynamic – Liverpool’s midfield intensity without Naby Keita

After having to leave the field with a groin injury against Barcelona, it has now been revealed that Naby Keita will miss the next two months.

Just as the Guinean was starting to hit his stride – he has three goals in his last six games – the cruel timing of his injury will rule him out of the business end to the season and will also see Liverpool lose the biggest contributor to their midfield intensity.

The likes of Gini Wijnaldum, James Milner and Fabinho arguably don’t take the game to the opposition enough, not like Keita does with his close dribbling and directness.

How Klopp replicates the former RB Leipzig’s impact will influence where the three points end up on Saturday; time for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, perhaps?

The Deciding Factor – How Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip contend with Salomon Rondon

It is almost inevitable that Newcastle, with their five-at-the-back system, will see a lot less of the ball than Liverpool will, and will also undoubtedly come under heaps of pressure throughout the game.

As a result, the impressive Salomon Rondon will have to bring his A-game in terms of hold-up play and aerial ability. The Magpies will be desperate for the Venezuelan to make the ball stick, which will then allow their attacking players to push up and support him.

However, if Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip can pocket the on-loan forward and get to the ball ahead of him, the pressure may become too much for Newcastle to resist over the course of the 90 minutes.

The Impact Subs – Kenedy vs Divock Origi

Both men started their respective club’s last fixture on the bench, although the pair can certainly make an impact when given the chance to get out onto the pitch.

Kenedy showed last season that he has the X-factor to throw the Liverpool back four a curve-ball, should he come off the bench and cause problems with his skill and ability in one-on-one situations, although he’s really struggled during 2018/19.

Origi, likewise to Kenedy, is also a direct dribbler who can take advantage of tiring opposition legs from the bench – his physicality, pace and desire to follow in make him a dangerous player in the box.

Leeds United have had a torrid time with injuries this season, haven’t they?

After heading into their play-off semi-final first-leg clash with Derby County on Saturday without the likes of Barry Douglas or Ezgjan Alioski, the last thing the Whites needed was to pick up any more knocks at Pride Park.

However, although Marcelo Bielsa’s side emerged victorious over the Rams, their worst fears where realised as Adam Forshaw had to be replaced midway through the first-half.

Speaking to LeedsLive ahead of the Whites’ return fixture at Elland Road in Wednesday, the Argentine confirmed that the midfielder would miss the game along with top-scorer Kemar Roofe who suffered a calf injury at the weekend.

Although losing Forshaw at this pivotal stage of the year will be a huge blow for Bielsa, the club’s push for promotion could remain on track if he decides to replace the 27-year-old with Jamie Shackleton.

Despite having no previous experience of play-off football, the Thorp Arch academy graduate produced an incredibly impressive display against the Rams after being brought on as a substitute by his manager.

As well as being very calm in possession of the ball, Shackleton’s outstanding movement constantly provided a threat for Leeds in the attacking areas of the pitch as he occasionally moved away from central midfield to the wide areas. Such was the teenager’s impact at the weekend, it could be argued that the Whites were much better when he was on the field when compared to Forshaw’s cameo spell.

Therefore, taking this into consideration, Bielsa must start Shackleton on Wednesday as he could prove to be the difference between the club playing Championship or Premier League football next season.

What do you think Leeds fans? Should Bielsa start Shackleton on Wednesday? If not, who do you think the former Athletic Bilbao boss should pick in Forshaw’s absence against Derby? Get in touch below.

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43-year-old manager Graham Potter has a remarkable story.

The former footballer ended his playing days with League Two Macclesfield in 2005, but five years later he found himself in the Swedish Fourth Division managing Ostersunds Fotbollsklubb, more simply known as Ostersunds.

What was to occur after his appointment is one of the greatest fairytales football has seen. He took his side all the way from the bottom reaches of Sweden to the Allsvenskan. Along the way, he won two league titles. It has the hallmark of a Football Manager save.

But that is history. Potter now finds himself back in England with Swansea. Given the resources, he’s done a fantastic job. His work there and indeed in Swansea has seen him attract the interest of West Brom, according to The Sun on Sunday (05/05: page 59) – via HITC.

In an interview with the FA earlier this season, Potter revealed the main values he bases his management off. All of them are perfectly suited to help him thrive at West Brom, should he rejoin the club he used to play for.

Here’s what he had to say and how his five values can help.

Transparency

“It’s important not to try and hide anything from anybody.”

Potter reveals to English football’s governing body.

Immediately you get a sense of the type of character Albion would be getting. In recent times, there hasn’t been the greatest of transparency at the Hawthorns.

This has never been more evident than in the club’s search for a new manager. Darren Moore’s sacking was a baffling decision and there was a clear lack of communication with fans as to what the next step was.

On the face of it, the Baggies never really had a plan for when Moore left the club but, by appointing Potter, things would certainly become clearer to the supporters.

As he says, he isn’t one to hide anything, and at a club where things have become toxic in the past, this could be an invaluable attribute West Brom can benefit from.

Long-term view

“I like developing, I like seeing people improve.”

This is one of the vital aspects to focus on when assessing what he can bring to the Hawthorns. West Brom’s youth academy has been in the spotlight for a while, mainly for the wrong reasons with players like Izzy Brown leaving easily and more recently with Rekeem Harper’s spell possibly coming to an end.

However, the former Ostersunds boss is someone who can help lay the foundations for a far better future.

You only have to look at the work he’s done with Dan James and Joe Rodon this season to understand the pivotal effect he can have on young careers.

His influence in Sweden is also a fine measure of that. Where West Brom have struggled to bridge the gap between senior and academy level, he’d the perfect man to help solve that issue.

No less than 12 Swansea players left the club during Potter’s first summer in charge. His resolution was to bring through a number of academy players. West Brom could certainly learn a thing or two in this regard.

Sincerity and honesty

“There’s distrust, disappointment, frustration, anger, blame; there are all these negative things and really the only way you can start to get your head around that and change that is by being honest.” 

Those feelings will ring true to many Albion fans, especially frustration which has been lingering around the Hawthorns like a bad smell.

A yoyo period has seen the Baggies bounce between the Premier League and Championship and it’s come as a major disappointment. Not a single manager has been able to sustain West Brom, but Potter, with his honesty and transparency, could be the man to finally do so.

Disappointment is something that will also be felt by the players. Yet, by appointing a manager who is known for keeping his feet firmly on the ground, it can drastically improve attitudes. Without a positive approach, he wouldn’t have achieved numerous promotions in Sweden. West Brom must look to that as an example.

Reliability

“When you’re in a leadership role, people need to know that win, lose, or draw, there has to be a consistency in how you act and behave.”

When was the last time West Brom had a truly reliable figure at the helm? The board at the Hawthorns have seemingly gone through managers like they’re going out of fashion but Potter is someone who can lead a long term project.

The club have achieved a play-off place this season but there is still a feeling of negativity, particularly after the Derby result. In truth, there doesn’t need to be, but it could ultimately prove to be their downfall this term.

Looking at how Potter has turned Swansea’s negativity around, it’s a key value that could completely change the attitude of not only the playing staff at West Brom but supporters and those holding positions of importance too.

Was Darren Moore’s sacking unfair? The Pl>ymaker FC squad name which Championship bosses should have gone instead in the video below…

The fact he spent eight years with one club demonstrates why West Brom would be perfectly set up for the future.

Professionalism

“What we need to do is try to create an environment where the players feel empowered.”

With a constant change of managers, is it any surprise that West Brom fail to achieve anything? The environment hasn’t been good enough but Potter, who created a remarkable legacy with Ostersunds, can generate a culture and philosophy that’s rarely been seen.

West Brom have played safe and gone for the short term option too many times. The former Birmingham player would, therefore, represent a change in thinking.

He’s an individual who has long term visions and by appointing him he can create a culture capable of helping the Baggies stay in the Premier League.

After all, if Ostersunds can reach the top-tier, then anything can be possible at West Brom.

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England’s latest squad announcement sees no place for Leicester’s James Maddison.

The attacking midfielder has been exceptional this season and has been one of the best creative outlets in the Premier League. However, that doesn’t seem to be enough to work his way into Gareth Southgate’s plans.

As such, Leicester fans bemoaned the decision on Twitter as they were left completely dumbfounded that he wasn’t included.

One supporter claimed that the 22-year-old had been robbed whilst another called the situation ridiculous when the likes of Fabian Delph and Jesse Lingard had been called up.

A further fan suggested that Southgate was picking players over who they played for, rather than their form.

Maddison has been exceptional for the Foxes after arriving from Norwich and earned his first England call-up last October. Since then, he’s struggled to force his way into the team.

The Leicester man created 100 chances in the Premier League this term, the most of any player. Therefore, it’s incredibly surprising that he’s not done enough to get into the Nations League squad.

With that in mind, he’ll now likely feature at the U21 European Championships.

Here’s the best of the reaction.