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There have been two significant problems for Arsenal this season: injuries and lacklustre attacking form.

We shouldn’t underplay the importance of the former, as Mikel Arteta has had to cope without the likes of Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Magalhaes for long stretches of the campaign, while Liverpool have been rather fortunate with their star players.

However, the North Londoners’ lack of cutting-edge has been just as problematic, and as things stand, there isn’t a single player in the team who has hit double digits for goals in the Premier League.

So, with this in mind, it’s unsurprising to see recent reports linking the club with an exciting striker who has hit the milestone and could be a real upgrade on Kai Havertz.

Arsenal's striker search

Before getting to the player in question, it’s worth examining some of the other Premier League strikers linked with Arsenal in recent weeks, such as Ollie Watkins and Liam Delap.

Transfer Focus

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

The former might be available for around £50m this summer, and as he’s racked up a sensational haul of 17 goals and 13 assists in 52 games this season, it’d be hard to say that’s not a fair price.

Delap, on the other hand, has a release clause of just £30m in his contract, and with 12 goals and two assists in 38 games, that once again feels rather reasonable.

However, another centre-forward has now been touted for a move to the Emirates, Joao Pedro.

Yes, according to a recent report from journalist Sam Dean, Arsenal are among a number of Premier League clubs interested in the Brighton & Hove Albion star.

Alongside the Gunners, Dean has revealed that Chelsea and Liverpool are particularly keen on the Brazilian striker, who, according to reports from last month, could cost £100m, although that could come down in negotiations.

While it could be a complicated and costly transfer to get done, Arsenal should still pursue it, as Pedro’s shown glimpses of brilliance on the south coast and could represent a real upgrade on Havertz.

How Pedro compares to Havertz

If the last season and a half has told us anything about Arsenal’s attack, it’s that Havertz is firmly ahead of Gabriel Jesus in the pecking order to start up top.

Therefore, if the club were to sign Pedro in the coming weeks and months, he’d be up against the German for a starting berth, but who comes out on top when we compare them?

Well, when it comes to their raw output in the league this season, it’s the “sensational” Brazilian, as dubbed by U23 scout Antonio Mango, who comes out on top.

In 27 appearances, totalling just 1953 minutes, he has found the back of the net on ten occasions and provided six assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.68 games, or every 122.06 minutes.

In contrast, the Gunners’ number 29 was able to score nine goals and provide three assists in 21 league appearances, totalling 1842 prior to his injury, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.75 games, or every 153.5 minutes.

Unfortunately for the former Chelsea star, he also just about comes out second-best when we take a look under the hood and compare their underlying numbers.

For example, in the majority of relevant metrics, the Seagulls’ ace comes out on top, metrics like goals plus assists, progressive passes and carries, shot and goal-creating actions, key passes, passes into the final third and penalty area, successful take-ons and more, all per 90.

Goals + Assists

0.74

0.59

Progressive Passes

3.61

2.89

Progressive Carries

3.06

1.67

Shots

1.94

2.54

Passing Accuracy

72.9%

78.5%

Key Passes

1.39

0.78

Passes into the Final Third

1.94

1.27

Passes into the Penalty Area

1.67

0.39

Shot-Creating Actions

3.32

2.01

Goal-Creating Actions

0.42

0.15

Successful Take-Ons

1.34

0.44

Ultimately, so long as they can bring that fee down somewhat, then Arsenal should be looking to sign Pedro this summer, as not only does he have a better rate of return in the Premier League than Havertz, but he also has a far more impressive set of underlying numbers.

The new Sanchez: Arsenal lead race to sign £85m "world-class superstar"

The serial winner would be perfect for Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes May 15, 2025

Leeds United are said to be interested in completing the signing of a “brilliant” Celtic player this summer, according to a new transfer update.

Leeds eyeing signings amid title push

The Whites have secured promotion back to the Premier League, following a scintillating run of form in the Championship that included a 4-0 win at home to Bristol City on Monday evening.

Daniel Farke’s Leeds side know that victory away to Plymouth Argyle on Saturday will seal the title, too, with their superior goal difference over Burnley meaning the Clarets’ result at home to Millwall will ultimately be meaningless.

Amid all the promotion positivity at Elland Road, the club continue to work on new signings for when the Whites are back in the top flight, with Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone mentioned as a potential upgrade to Illan Meslier and Manor Solomon expected to join permanently.

Bournemouth full-back Max Aarons is another rumoured target for Leeds ahead of next season, with the Englishman spending the second half of the current campaign on loan at Valencia, and possibly not having a long-term future with the Cherries.

Leeds keen on signing "brilliant" attacker

According to an update from The Boot Room‘s Graeme Bailey, Celtic attacker Daizen Maeda is a summer target for Leeds, as they look to strengthen in the final third. He is valued at £25m.

It is claimed that the Whites have “watched” the Japanese star in action, but they are far from alone in that respect, with Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham, Chelsea, Aston Villa, Brentford, Fulham, Crystal Palace and West Ham all getting a mention.

Maeda would be an interesting option for Leeds, possessing blistering pace and end product, having scored 62 goals in 154 appearances for Celtic, as well as registering 27 assists. The 27-year-old is also a five-time league champion, winning four Scottish Premiership titles with the Hoops and one with Matsumoto Yamaga in his homeland, and Brendan Rodgers is a big admirer.

“He’s been absolutely brilliant wherever he’s played, however he’s played, he’s had an amazing season. He earns every penny and we feel as a club he deserves more. He doesn’t give away much, other than saying he’s very happy.”

The step up from the Scottish Premiership to the Premier League is huge, so there would be a risk element in Leeds making a move for Maeda, but the level of interest in him from some of the biggest clubs in the country suggests many believe he is good enough to make the jump.

A sensational Meslier upgrade: PL player wants to join Leeds this summer

Leeds United could be about to land a star who can allow Daniel Farke to forget about Illan Meslier.

ByEthan Lamb May 1, 2025

Still only 27, the 23-cap and four-goal Japan international is at a great age to come in and be a key man for several years – he also knows Ao Tanaka well from international duty and he could help him settle – so it is a deal the Whites should look to strike.

Fabrizio Romano has shared an update on Tottenham Hotspur and their chances of appointing a former Bayern Munich manager who they’ve reportedly contacted.

Tottenham players back Ange Postecoglou amid mounting pressure

Ange Postecoglou faces a very uncertain future in N17, following a disastrous Premier League campaign, where they’ve tasted defeat on 19 occasions in the top flight alone.

Manager open to immediate Tottenham talks after missing out on Man United

He appears pretty keen on Spurs.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 30, 2025

According to The Telegraph, this woeful domestic form means Postecoglou and Spurs could part ways at the end of the season, regardless of their campaign in the Europa League.

West Ham (away)

May 3rd

Crystal Palace (home)

May 10th

Aston Villa (away)

May 18th

Brighton (home)

May 25th

However, midfielder James Maddison has now publicly backed the 59-year-old, stating that the squad are “100 per cent” behind their head coach despite their “unacceptable” 2024/2025.

“We’re behind the manager, 100 per cent. I think he’s a great man,” said Maddison in a press conference.

“He’s the first person to tell you, I’ve heard it myself, that we’ve had a poor season, especially in the league. We’ve been very good in Europe, but the league season’s probably been unacceptable, and we can all take collective responsibility for that.

“But he’s my manager, he’s my gaffer, I respect him an awful amount.

“The narrative is something that we players try and keep away from because it’s not healthy to read into what you lot are talking about – the manager’s position. I just know that I come into work every day and see the lads listening, taking on the messages, how he wants to play and trying to do what’s best for this club.”

Intense pressure has surrounded the Australian for months, and a succession of managers have been linked as candidates to replace him.

According to reports in Germany last week, one of the names under consideration is Borussia Dortmund boss Niko Kovac.

The 53-year-old has helped to steady the ship at Dortmund after Nuri Şahin’s dismissal midway through the campaign, and enjoyed previous success at Bayern, where he won a Bundesliga title, DFB-Pokal and German Super Cup.

According to Bild, Tottenham made recent contact with Kovac via an intermediary, and are believed to be big fans of his intense style of play.

Fabrizio Romano shares update on Niko Kovac's links to Tottenham

Following these reports, the reliable Romano has shared an update on Kovac and his links to Spurs.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, the journalist says that nothing is advanced between Kovac and Tottenham just yet, based off the lack of information he’s heard, but he doesn’t entirely rule out the tactician as an option.

“I’m not aware of anything advanced on this one yet,” said Romano.

“Spurs will not make any decision now with the Europa League semi-finals due to start soon.”

The former Croatia captain could be a solid outside candidate, with Kovac attracting praise for his leadership qualities.

“He [Kovac] has experience, he was a very good player and was the captain of the Croatia national team,” said German footballing legend Lothar Matthäus.

“He has charisma, he has passion, he knows about football. He was a leader as a player and is showing this as a coach too.”

Liverpool and high-class forwards have long stood in a productive affinity, even before Jurgen Klopp changed Anfield’s direction, previously spiralling out of control under Brendan Rodgers’ wing.

There have been many. Mohamed Salah is the cream of the Premier League’s attacking pool right now, indeed one of the greatest players in Liverpool’s history, but Arne Slot’s recognised strikers, Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota, have been beset with problems this year.

Nunez, in particular, has been a massive let-down. No transfer figure spent in Liverpool’s long history stretches north of the Uruguayan, who joined from Benfica for £85m in 2022 but, now aged 25, is set to depart this summer having failed to ever reach his potential.

He certainly hasn’t succeeded in replacing Bobby Firmino, one of the greatest modern forwards to grace Merseyside.

Why Bobby Firmino was so special

Liverpool signed Firmino from German club Hoffenheim for £29m in 2015, months before Klopp’s appointment changed everything.

Silky and stylish, he was perfect for Klopp’s gegenpressing style of football, an industrious worker, an intelligent technician and a balletic dancer across the frontline.

Distinctive and the connecting axis from which Salah and Sadio Mane swooped and struck from either flank, the Brazilian left at the end of his contract in 2023 with a legacy that most players could only dream of.

His brilliance is all the more sorely missed due to Nunez’s failure to live up to the billing, and Liverpool appear to yearn for that presence at number nine, ramping up their interest in the next version of the South American star.

Liverpool lining up their next Firmino

As per Caught Offside, Liverpool are looking to repeat their Firmino trick in signing an up-and-comer from the Bundesliga this summer, with Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike in FSG’s scope.

Ekitike has been one of the most talked-about forwards of the current campaign, with his performances catching the eyes of numerous high-profile suitors. Liverpool scouts, indeed, were in attendance when he scored against Tottenham in the Europa League one week ago.

And it’s thought that Liverpool are now moving the 22-year-old up to the top of their summer shopping list, though they would be required to fork out €85m (about £73m).

Why Hugo Ekitike would be perfect for Slot

Alexander Isak would be the dream. But dreams aren’t often bedded in reality, and Newcastle United’s £150m demands are sure to act as a strong repellent on FSG.

And that’s completely fair enough, especially when Ekitike – who data-driven site FBref record as one of Isak’s most statistically similar players – is ostensibly available for half the price.

One of the most attractive parts about Isak’s skill set is that he can marry varying parts of the striker’s game, unleashing himself as a truly dynamic and fearsome force.

Ekitike can be that focal point for Liverpool, indeed replicating Firmino in the process.

Ekitike, like Bobby Dazzler, would be signed from Germany as an up-and-coming attacking talent, albeit with a higher stock.

But the likeness doesn’t end there. Ekitike is not just “one of the best strikers out there,” according to analyst Ben Mattinson, but his protean approach mirrors that of Firmino’s, with Frankfurt correspondent Christopher Michel piling on the praise and claiming “his technique is one of the best in Europe and his foot is like glue for the ball.”

Having struggled to get going as a youngster at Paris Saint-Germain moved on loan to Frankfurt for the latter half of the 2023/24 season before signing permanently for a reported €35m (£30m) fee.

The first impression at his new home was one of promise. He struggled to acclimatise as winter turned to spring, though he finished the campaign off on firm footing, firing home in four of Frankfurt’s final five league matches of 2023/24, assisting in the other.

This season, the seeds of success have bloomed, with the France native having posted 21 goals and nine assists across all competitions, showcasing a balance of output that Firmino would be proud of.

Let’s look at how the players compare. Firmino didn’t play all that much during his final season at Liverpool but you can clearly see the similarities between the two silky forwards, with Ekitike actually proving he has a charged athleticism that could outstrip the Brazilian even in his heyday.

Matches (starts)

28 (26)

25 (13)

Goals

14

11

Assists

5

4

Touches*

34.9

31.2

Shots (on target)*

3.6 (1.4)

1.6 (1.0)

Big chances missed

12

6

Pass completion

77%

80%

Big chances created

9

4

Dribbles*

1.6

0.5

Ball recoveries*

3.1

4.7

Tackles + interceptions*

0.8

1.0

Duels won*

4.0

2.0

This energetic and clinical quality would give Liverpool exactly what they need next season, easing Salah’s burden while giving the likes of Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz (should he stay put) greater license to strike on goal and raise their scoring numbers.

Ekitike is what Liverpool thought Nunez would be, and while he hasn’t yet step foot on Premier League grass, the talented Frenchman has the perfect skill set to front Slot’s system and the data to back it all up.

As per FBref, he ranks among the top 7% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for pass completion, the top 9% for shot-creating actions and the top 5% for all of progressive carries, successful take-ons and touches in the attacking penalty area per 90.

To put that another, more digestible, way: Ekitike is technically gifted, an able runner who not only drives his way into dangerous positions but maximises his chances of making things happen once arriving at such crucial junctures.

Transfer Focus

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

He’s got Liverpool written all over him, and while £73m or thereabouts would put him among the Anfield side’s most expensive signings in history, the pointers suggest this would be a road worth heading down.

Imagine him & Van Dijk: Liverpool lead race for 'world's most in demand CB'

Liverpool are looking to sign one of football’s biggest talents this summer to partner Virgil van Dijk

ByAngus Sinclair Apr 17, 2025

Leeds United took a gigantic leap towards promotion back to the Premier League with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Preston North End at Elland Road on Saturday in the Championship.

Some of the loudest cheers of the afternoon, however, did not come for Manor Solomon or Jayden Bogle’s first-half goals. Instead, they came from the stands when the news filtered through to fans that Sheffield United had surrendered a 1-0 lead to lose 2-1 to bottom-of-the-table Plymouth Argyle.

Thanks to that result for the Blades, the West Yorkshire outfit are now sat five points clear of third place and only need to rack up seven points from their last four matches to guarantee promotion.

They also have the added insurance of Burnley and Sheffield United still having each other to play later this month, which guarantees that at least one of them will drop more points.

Another one of the biggest roars from the Elland Road stands on Saturday came towards the end of the match when a teasing cross came into the box and was met by the hands of Karl Darlow, who fell onto the floor and removed any danger from the situation, as he continued his Leeds revival.

Why bringing Karl Darlow in has been a masterclass

Whilst some could argue that the English shot-stopper should have been brought into the starting line-up sooner than he was, the former Newcastle United man has been a reassuring figure between the sticks for the Whites.

Illan Meslier simply had to be dropped from the side after his third error that directly led to a goal this season in the 2-1 defeat to Swansea, fumbling a cross that allowed Harry Darling to score.

Daniel Farke replaced him with Darlow for the following match against Luton Town and the experienced colossus has shown his quality in the last three games.

The 34-year-old veteran has proven to be a safe pair of hands in goal, with no thrills or spills, and avoided the kind of controversial moments that have followed Meslier throughout the season.

Appearances

39

3

Goals prevented

-2.73

+0.56

Error led to goal

3

0

Clearances per game

0.9

1.0

Aerial duels won per game

0.5

1.0

Aerial duel success rate

100%

100%

As you can see in the table above, Darlow has been a positive between the sticks with his shot-stopping, compared to Meslier’s underperformance in that department, whilst he has also won twice as many aerial battles per game on average to claim crosses.

These statistics show that Farke has played a masterclass by bringing the Englishman into the team as the new number one because he has been a big upgrade on the French dud on current form, both as a shot-stopper and in terms of the command of his area.

His performances have gained instant respect from the fanbase, who – as shown in the post above – appreciated his cross-claiming efforts against Preston, and he will be hoping to continue this form into the final four matches to propel Leeds to the Premier League.

Darlow, who had only started one league game in more than 18 months at the club prior to the game against Luton, has revived his Elland Road career in recent weeks.

The former Newcastle and Nottingham Forest shot-stopper, however, is not the only Leeds star who has revived his career in West Yorkshire this month, as Patrick Bamford is in a similar boat.

How Patrick Bamford has revived his Leeds career

Prior to the last three Championship games, the former England international had become an afterthought at Elland Road due to his lack of impact on the pitch this season.

Bamford had been an unused substitute in 11 of his previous 19 appearances in the matchday squad in the Championship before that draw with Luton at Kenilworth Road.

TEAMtalk had reported in December that Wrexham and Genoa were both keeping tabs on the £70k-per-week centre-forward’s situation ahead of a possible swoop for his services.

The 31-year-old number nine’s current contract with Leeds is not due to expire until the summer of 2026, though, and this means that an exit from Elland Road this summer is far from guaranteed.

His last few performances off the bench suggest that a move away from the club this year may not be a foregone conclusion, that his prior lack of minutes on the pitch suggested, as he has shown great promise in his cameos.

As you can see in the highlights above, Bamford was incredibly unfortunate not to double the team’s lead against Middlesbrough with 15 minutes to go when he scored a perfectly good goal that was incorrectly ruled out for offside.

The replay showed that the striker timed his run perfectly to receive the pass from Wilfried Gnonto, and he finished equally as impressively, but the linesman got the call wrong – with no VAR to overturn it.

Even without the goal that should have stood, Bamford provided a strong presence at the top end of the pitch in that cameo by winning six of his nine duels in just 17 minutes on the pitch.

Appearances

42

Starts

32

Ground duel success rate

33%

Aerial duel success rate

18%

Duels won per game

1.5

Dribble success rate

31%

Dribbles completed per game

0.3

As you can see in the table above, Joel Piroe – the first-choice centre-forward at Leeds this season – has struggled with the physicality of the Championship this season.

The Dutch marksman, who has scored 15 goals in the league, has been dominated in duels by opposition defenders, losing 74% of his battles overall and only winning 1.5 duels per match.

Bamford, meanwhile, won six duels in just 17 minutes against Middlesbrough and one of his two ground duels in just ten minutes against Preston, which suggests that he could provide more physicality than Piroe.

After that cameo against Preston, Farke told LeedsLive: “You need to handle the pressure and the praise. Everyone senses how much effort Patrick (Bamford) puts in. He deserves all the praise.”

The English attacker appears to have revived his Leeds career, with Farke clearly appreciating the effort the forward puts in on the pitch, and it could even be time to bring him into the starting line-up to repeat the masterclass that has been played with Darlow.

Saved by Bogle: Farke must finally drop 5/10 Leeds dud who lost 67% duels

This poor Leeds United underperformer nearly cost his team dear against Preston North End.

1 ByKelan Sarson Apr 13, 2025

Sheffield United know their hopes of promotion to the Premier League hang in the balance, but Chris Wilder is already hard at work on the transfer front ahead of this summer.

Sheffield United's transfer activity hinges on season outcome

The Championship is famous for twists and turns, which is a statement that rang true yesterday after an eventful afternoon left the Blades second in the league standings following a 1-0 loss to Oxford United.

Burnley claimed three points away to Coventry City, while Leeds United actually gained a point on Sheffield United despite only mustering a draw against Luton Town at Kenilworth Road.

Most importantly, Wilder can take solace in the fact his side are still on course for automatic promotion with five matches left to play. Millwall await at Bramall Lane on Tuesday, offering a chance to take a step closer to the promised land of the Premier League.

What does the current state of limbo mean for Sheffield United’s transfer business? Not much apparently, with the Blades seeking a deal for Sunderland defender Daniel Ballard to strengthen a backline that has been altered since Harry Souttar’s long-term injury.

Elfsborg defender Terry Yegbe is also on the radar in South Yorkshire, even if the Allsvenskan outfit want to recoup a fee of £5.9 million for his services.

Sheffield United plot new contracts for three stars on combined £90k-p/w

This would be fantastic news for the Blades.

ByHenry Jackson Apr 5, 2025

Reading between the lines, solidifying across the rearguard appears to be a central priority for Wilder regardless of what division his side end up in next campaign.

Looking ahead to the window, the 57-year-old has a goalkeeper in his sights that has enjoyed a rapid rise to prominence over the last year, per recent developments.

Sheffield United eye move to sign Barnsley goalkeeper Kieren Flavell

According to The Daily Star, Sheffield United are keen to sign goalkeeper Kieren Flavell from Yorkshire rivals Barnsley. He started the campaign on loan at Farsley Celtic before returning to feature at first-team level in League One.

Fulham and Brighton & Hove Albion are also interested in the Pontefract-born stopper and the former has sent scouts to watch him on several occasions.

Kieren Flavell’s combined statistics in National League North and League One – 2024/25

Appearances

17

Clean sheets

1

Goals conceded

40

Tipped for a promising future in the game, the 21-year-old has previously been labelled “brilliant” by Conor Hourihane after his performance in Barnsley’s 1-1 draw with Cambridge United last month.

Jackson Smith and loanee Joe Gauci’s injury problems could afford the youngster an extended run between the sticks at Oakwell; something that is only likely to accelerate his development amid the backdrop of high-profile clubs showing admiration towards his talent.

From a Sheffield United perspective, he would likely be billed as one for the future behind Michael Cooper and Adam Davies. Nevertheless, learning from two experienced numbers one’s is the ideal scenario for the youngster as he aims to establish himself at a high level in years to come.

Aston Villa are now very interested in signing a “magnificent” striker, amid a major update on his future ahead of the January transfer window.

Villa eyeing striker as Emery drops Watkins update

Ollie Watkins got off to a slow start to the campaign, scoring just one goal in the Premier League prior to the brace against Brighton, and Unai Emery has now opened up about a potential reason for the dip in form, stating the striker has been struggling injury-wise.

Emery said: ‘He has a small pain in his knee from last year when we started the season in August,’

“Now he is feeling the same pain. He is not feeling 100 per cent and we are trying to manage it with him. We are trying to get to the stage where he is completely without pain – and through this, to feel better again and have the confidence to score.”

The England international may be under pressure to continue performing ahead of January, however, given that the Villans are now lining up a move for a new striker, with it recently being revealed that Emery is a huge fan of Brentford striker Igor Thiago.

There has now been a new update on Aston Villa’s pursuit of Thiago, with a report from Caught Offside revealing they are very interested in signing the centre-forward, who is highly likely to leave Brentford during the upcoming transfer window.

There could be competition for the Brazilian’s signature, however, with Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United also particularly keen to snap him up, after scouting him closely.

A deal may not break the bank either, with the interested clubs looking in to getting a deal done for a fee of around €35m – €40m (£31m – £35m).

Aston Villa now make contact to sign "wonderful" midfielder who would cost £0

The Villans have made an approach to sign a highly sought-after central midfielder.

ByDominic Lund Dec 2, 2025 Thiago could be "magnificent" signing for Aston Villa

The 24-year-old continued his fine form as Brentford defeated Burnley 3-1 at the weekend, bagging a brace, and manager Keith Andrews was very impressed with his performance, saying: “[Igor] has been magnificent. He was quiet in the first half. It was down to us too, not giving him enough service, and the opposition was denying him the space and opportunity.”

“But I felt he could impose himself a little more in the game, and he did exactly that in the second half.”

The Brentford star now has 11 goals to his name in the Premier League this season, the second-highest number behind Erling Haaland.

As such, a fee of around £35m could be an absolute steal for Thiago, and Villa should definitely make a January move.

Tottenham Hotspur endured their most embarrassing defeat of the campaign to date yesterday, but doing so against bitter rivals Arsenal at the Emirates.

Thomas Frank’s men suffered a 4-1 loss at the hands of Mikel Arteta’s side, with former transfer target Eberechi Eze netting a hat-trick during the one-sided contest.

Richarlison’s phenomenal long-range effort was overshadowed by the result, with the Dane having a huge task on his hands to prevent such a result from occurring in the near future.

Such a result was the Lilywhites’ first away defeat of the Premier League campaign, but the nature of the North London Derby will be the biggest concern to the supporters.

Numerous players also failed to make a positive impression against the Gunners, which could see their places in the starting eleven be at huge risk in the upcoming fixtures.

Spurs’ poor performers against Arsenal yesterday

Attacker Mohammed Kudus was missing for the last couple of Spurs outings through injury, but the Ghanaian was recalled to the starting eleven for the North London Derby.

However, the 25-year-old struggled to make the desired impact at the Emirates, with his performance one that ultimately failed to impress the fanbase.

He featured for 78 minutes of the contest and was only able to register 30 touches of the ball and ultimately was unable to notch a single effort on David Raya’s goal.

Kudus’ lack of impact will no doubt have been aided by the struggles of the midfield two, with Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur operating at the base of Frank’s side.

The pair were far too ineffective during the defeat to Arteta’s men, subsequently only registering a single pass into the final third between them during the embarrassing display.

The Uruguayan international also lost 100% of the duels he entered against the Gunners, often being dominated by the opposition and being unable to have the desired impact on proceedings.

The Spurs star who had fewer touches than Vicario against Arsenal

Spurs’ display against Arsenal was nothing short of a disgrace, with Frank’s decision to switch to a back five massively restricting the side within forward areas of the pitch.

The defeat against the Gunners has now extended the Lilywhites’ dismal run away from home in such a fixture, with the club now only winning one away game out of their last 33 in the NLD.

Frank’s men only achieved a total xG of 0.07 during the 90 minutes at the Emirates, with Richarlison’s long-ranger goal just one of two shots on target during the contest.

The defensive setup led to the toothless showing yesterday, with the manager needing to take huge responsibility for making such a significant call in a vital clash.

He did hand Wilson Odobert the chance to impress from the off at the Emirates, but like many of his teammates, the Frenchman failed to deliver during the defeat.

The 20-year-old featured for a total of 66 minutes against the Gunners, but he only managed to achieve a total of 23 touches in the process – the lowest of any Lilywhites attacker.

His subsequent tally was lower than that of goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, with the Italian racking up a total of 57 as he tried to prevent the onslaught from the hosts.

As for Odobert, his lack of quality within the final third was evident by his underlying figures, which further showcase his inability to impress during his rare league start.

The Frenchman failed to complete any of his two attempted crosses, whilst also failing to register a single effort on Raya’s goal – subsequently being unable to cause the opposition any trouble at all.

Minutes played

66

Touches

23

Passes completed

7

Crosses completed

0

Shots taken

0

Possession lost

9x

Aerials won

0

Match rating

3/10

Other numbers, such as zero aerials won and nine times possession lost, further highlight his struggles in North London, with the manager potentially wanting to drop the youngster after such a showing.

As a result of his lack of positive impact, Odobert was handed a measly 3/10 match rating by Football London’s Alasdair Gold – topping off a dismal afternoon for the attacker.

His lightweight nature ultimately wasn’t suitable for the Derby Day clash with Arsenal, subsequently highlighting another glaring error made by Frank at the Emirates.

Frank desperately needs to learn from such a selection mistake in the games ahead, otherwise, he could seriously find himself struggling to maintain his position as manager of Spurs.

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1 ByEthan Lamb Nov 23, 2025

Manchester United have managed to get a more consistent run of form together under Ruben Amorim. It took a long time, a year into the Portuguese manager’s reign at Old Trafford, but results have improved in recent weeks, even if consistent performances are yet to follow.

However, one issue United continue to have this season is the fact that they can’t stop conceding goals. The 18 they have let in so far in the Premier League this term are better than just five sides, all of whom occupy 16th to 20th in the top flight.

Despite the defensive frailties, one of the men at the back, Matthijs de Ligt, has been a standout player.

The numbers behind De Ligt's form for Man Utd

It has been a superb second season in red so far for Netherlands international De Ligt. The 26-year-old has been a key man in Amorim’s back three, showing versatility as a central centre-back and a right-sided centre-back.

The Ajax academy graduate has been ever-present in the Premier League. He’s played 90 minutes in all 11 of the Red Devils’ top-flight games, and has surely cemented himself as Amorim’s most trusted defender.

Not only has De Ligt been a colossus at the back, winning 3.55 aerial duels per 90 minutes in the Premier League, but he came up clutch at the weekend. The Dutch defender headed home a stoppage-time equaliser to secure United a late point away to Tottenham Hotspur.

His exceptional performances have not gone unnoticed. Rio Ferdinand, who knows a thing or two about being a top defender for United, was full of praise for the Dutchman recently.

He said De Ligt has been “magnificent” and is “probably the first name on the teamsheet” under Amoirm at the moment.

The defender has been excellent in 2025/26, but it is one of his teammates who could actually be seen as United’s new Nemanja Vidic.

Man United's new version of Vidic

When you think of United’s former captain Vidic, there are a few different things which might spring to mind. He was a colossal defender, and, of course, formed half of that legendary duo with Ferdinand at the heart of United’s defence.

Well, the modern-day version of Vidic under Amorim could be Brazilian legend Casemiro. Of course, he is a midfielder, whereas the former Red Devils number 15 was a centre-back, but there are plenty of similar traits shared by the pair.

Casmeiro, for example, brings a wealth of experience to the United side, which is something Amorim has leaned heavily on this season.

He’s played ten times in the Premier League this season, only missing one game due to suspension after getting sent off against Chelsea.

Games

10

Games started

9

Minutes

620

Minutes per game

62

Goals and assists

4

The former Real Madrid star is also a leader. Of course, he isn’t the club captain, with that title belonging to Bruno Fernandes. Yet, the 33-year-old is a five-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid, and has played under great managers and alongside great managers.

He certainly brings bags of leadership to United’s squad, just as Vidic did all those years ago.

One of the dangers Vidic brought was his set-piece threat. He scored 21 times for United, with many of those bullet headers from a corner or free kick. Casemiro brings the same threat, and even scored from a corner two weeks ago away to Nottingham Forest.

It is easy to see how there are similarities between Vidic and United’s current number 18. The pair are warriors on the pitch, who bring years of experience and a brilliant and important sense of leadership, too.

Casemiro, described as a “monster” player by Statman Dave, has been crucial at Old Trafford under Amorim. Having a player of his calibre in the squad has certainly been vital to their good run of form in recent weeks.

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ByKelan Sarson Nov 9, 2025

In Sandro Tonali, Newcastle United are enjoying the rise of a truly special player. Walk around the city and ask fans for their opinion of the Italian maestro, and many would say he is the very best they have witnessed at St. James’ Park.

It’s just one masterclass after another. Tottenham Hotspur couldn’t cope on Wednesday evening, dumped out of the Carabao Cup following Tonali’s brilliant midfield performance.

Eddie Howe engineered a covert contractual renewal when the star was serving a suspension for betting breaches, and so the Magpies need not worry about their central talisman playing elsewhere any time soon.

But Tonali alone cannot uphold the midfield, and it looks like change is afoot in the engine room, with United gearing up to sign a new central midfielder.

Newcastle angling for new midfielder

Joelinton has been a stalwart at Newcastle for many years, but the 29-year-old has come under fire at times already this season, with his questionable performances leaving some, such as blogger Thomas Hammond, to question whether this is “the start of the end” for the powerful Brazilian, who seems the weak link in this evolving midfield.

The emergence of Lewis Miley certainly suggests Joelinton’s place in the starting line-up is not as secure as it once was, and the continued question marks over Joe Willock’s long-term future in the Newcastle midfield add fuel to the fire.

Well, given that Howe is determined to re-sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, it does seem the cabinet could be set for a reshuffle.

As per Spanish sources, Newcastle are rivalling the mighty Real Madrid for the Three Lions star, who has been valued as high as £120m by Evangelos Marinakis. Technical director Ross Wilson will know he needs to act swiftly.

Moreover, Football Insider have followed reports with the claim that Liverpool and Manchester United have both placed the 22-year-old at the top of their lists.

Why Howe wants Elliot Anderson back at SJP

In the summer of 2024, Newcastle were being pressured by the Premier League’s PSR parameters, and sold two top talents – Anderson and Yankuba Minteh – to divisional rivals, easing away from financial bother.

Anderson signed for Nottingham Forest in a deal worth around £35m, and he’s only gone from strength to strength at the City Ground, with analyst Ben Mattinson hailing him as a “powerhouse” of a “midfield warrior”.

Indeed, you need only look at the metrics to see how he has evolved in his short time in red, with the current campaign seeing him take so many touches of the ball, creating and defending and leading by example.

Matches (starts)

37 (33)

9 (9)

Goals

2

0

Assists

6

1

Touches*

54.2

98.2

Accurate passes*

28.7 (82%)

66.4 (88%)

Chances created*

1.0

1.3

Dribbles*

1.0

1.3

Ball recoveries*

5.6

7.9

Tackles + interceptions*

2.5

3.7

Duels (won)*

6.5 (52%)

7.8 (56%)

He is the complete number eight, and in this, just like Tonali, who is now considered “the best midfielder in the Premier League” by English legend Paul Scholes.

Anderson isn’t there – yet. However, he is earlier in his development and surely on track to rival the likes of Tonali if he continues to add strings to his bow.

Now part of Thomas Tuchel’s England set-up, Anderson is finding a home alongside the more adventurous Declan Rice. Perhaps Bruno Guimaraes could serve as this type of partner, with Tonali elegantly keeping things moving from the side.

This is all to say that Anderson could be a stunning addition to Howe’s team, and maybe even come to surpass Tonali down the line.

Pulling him back over to Tyneside won’t be easy, but Howe has already shown his hand, speaking of his desire to bring the talent back home in a press conference last month, and must now hope that Anderson is swayed toward the nostalgia of returning to his boyhood club.

In any case, that aside, Newcastle might actually be able to canvass the most compelling proposal to the English talent.

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