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It was an important result for Southampton on Saturday where they managed to secure their first league win of the season with a 1-0 victory over Leeds United.

A second-half goal from Armando Broja was enough to secure the three points for Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side, putting them in 15th place in the league table with seven points prior to Sunday’s fixtures.

Despite the victory, there was one player that was involved against Leeds that failed to impress.

The player in question was Saints winger Mohamed Elyounoussi, who started the game against Marcelo Bielsa’s side before being taken off and replaced by Nathan Tella late on in the match.

During his time on the pitch, Elyounoussi failed to even have one shot on target while he was also unable to provide one accurate cross or long ball.

His dismal afternoon was capped off by a miss at the back post where he was unable to get his head to what would have been a simple tap in. What made matters worse was the fact he lost possession on 19 occasions and won just ten out of the 21 duels he was involved in. That ultimately earned him a rather disappointing overall match rating of 6.3/10, making him the lowest-rated Southampton player on the day that started the match, according to SofaScore.

Given how Elyounoussi, who is currently earning a weekly wage of £60k-per-week according to Spotrac, was taken out of the starting XI in Southampton’s 3-1 defeat against Chelsea, we feel as though the winger failed to repay the faith that Hasenhuttl showed in him to put him back in the starting XI against Leeds.

Southampton signed Elyounoussi back in the 2018 summer transfer window from FC Basel before sending him out on loan to Scottish club Celtic in the next summer window.

Overall, the 27-year-old, who is currently valued at £10.8m according to Transfermarkt, has made just 26 appearances for Hasenhuttl’s side, scoring four goals and providing two assists along the way.

During his time at Celtic, Elyounoussi was once described as being a “passenger” by Hoops podcaster Paul John Dykes, which is how we feel he was like in the game against Leeds.

Moving forward, if Hasenhuttl decides to stick with Elyounoussi in the starting XI for their upcoming Premier League clash against Burnley next weekend, the winger will have to put in a solid display to show that he is worthy of being a regular starter for the club, or else he could find himself back on the bench, potentially for an extended period of time.

In other news: Forget Broja: £60k-p/w Southampton beast who made 6 key passes stole the show vs Leeds – opinion

With 2021 quickly winding down, it’s time to look back on what has been a very impressive year indeed for West Ham United.

David Moyes’ side produced a superb Premier League campaign last season to break up the so-called ‘big-six’ and finished in a Europa League spot, ahead of the likes of London rivals Arsenal and Spurs.

The Hammers have since followed that up with an equally impressive start to the current season, establishing themselves as contenders once again for a European place – this time perhaps for a chance in the Champions League.

However this season ends, West Ham fans will no doubt look back fondly on the entirety of 2021, and here on FFC, we’ve decided to create a bumper quiz for the most passionate of supporters to sink their teeth into.

With 15 questions to answer, can you somehow manage to get 100% and prove that you’re a REAL West Ham fan?!

Have a go below!

Journalist James Pearce has waxed lyrical over Thiago’s superb performance in Liverpool’s 3-2 win over Manchester City on Saturday.

The Lowdown: Thiago immense in Liverpool win

The Reds beat their title rivals at Wembley in a pulsating clash, with Jurgen Klopp’s men holding on late in the day to reach their first FA Cup final under the German.

On a day full of outstanding individual performances, Thiago was undoubtedly one of the star men, producing a sensational display in the middle of the park.

The Spaniard enjoyed a 90% pass completion rate, according to Sofascore, and also played six out of seven accurate long balls and won eight out of nine ground duels.

The Latest: Pearce lauds Spaniard

Someone who was clearly impressed with what he saw was The Athletic’s Pearce, who took to Twitter to laud the midfielder:

“Thiago was so good yesterday. You could see what it meant to him after the heartbreak of missing out on Wembley in the Carabao Cup final. Such a special player.”

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The Verdict: Truly special player

Thiago’s performance was a joy to watch all afternoon, with the 31-year-old showing exactly why he is arguably one of the best midfielders of his generation.

The level of control he brought was huge in Liverpool outplaying City and he produced some moments of magic, not least one outrageous pass to Mohamed Salah.

Thiago staying fit is vital to the Reds’ hopes of winning the quadruple this season, with the three-man midfield of himself, Fabinho and Naby Keita beginning to purr together.

In other news, one Liverpool player is reportedly on the verge of joining another club. Find out who it is here.

Aston Villa have turned their sights towards signing Robin Olsen after suffering a transfer blow over Darren Randolph…

What’s the story?

Reports in recent days had suggested Steven Gerrard’s side were keen on landing the Republic of Ireland international, with an enquiry having already been made for the West Ham goalkeeper.

But now, according to journalist Alex Crook, Villa have failed in their pursuit of the Hammers man, and have instead lined up a swoop for Sheffield United loanee Olsen.

Writing on Twitter, he said: “#AVFCnow turning their attentions to Robin Olsen after failing to land Darren Randolph.”

Villa making moves

On loan from AS Roma, Olsen has played 11 times in the Championship this season for the Blades, but has fallen out of contention in recent weeks and months after being a virtual ever-present for the opening of the campaign.

With 53 caps for Sweden, the 32-year-old is a highly-experienced campaigner who of course has had previous experience of playing in the top-flight.

Indeed, the 6 foot 5 shot-stopper was impressive over his seven Premier League appearances while on loan at Everton last year, helping to keep two clean sheets, conceding an average of just 1.3 goals and also making three saves per game too.

While the signing of Olsen himself is hardly like to set hearts aflutter in Villa fans – especially when you consider they have just signed Philippe Coutinho in recent days – it should still be a move that has supporters very much impressed though.

Gerrard’s side have been quick and decisive in this transfer window, taking advantage of every opportunity that has arisen and come their way.

Whether it was snapping up Coutinho on loan and Gerrard using his pull and previous links to the Brazilian, or swooping in ahead of the likes of Chelsea to land Digne, Villa have been very fast to act.

Now, Crook’s update that after hitting a roadblock in trying to sign Randolph, they have already lined up an alternative target in Olsen suggests a highly thought-out planning structure that bodes well for their future recruitment.

Meanwhile, this Aston Villa target is now set to join their Premier League rivals…

An update has emerged on Newcastle United’s pursuit of Atalanta striker Duvan Zapata…

What’s the talk?

According to The Mirror, via TEAMtalk, the Magpies are pushing to complete a deal to sign the attacker on loan with an obligation to land him permanently in the summer.

The report claims that the player is keen on a move to St. James’ Park, with the Serie A side wanting a £34m transfer fee and £8m to allow the initial loan.

New Demba Ba

Eddie Howe must ensure that the club are able to get this transfer over the line as the powerhouse could be a sensational signing for the side.

The Magpies could find Demba Ba 2.0 in a swoop for the striker, as he is a proven number nine who can be a talismanic figure for Howe.

Ba, who also played for Chelsea, scored ten headers, two free-kicks, three penalties, 27 goals with his right foot and six with his left foot during his Premier League career.

This shows that he was capable of scoring a variety of goals and was not a one-dimensional attacker for Newcastle, which is something that Zapata could replicate on Tyneside.

Throughout his career to date, the Colombian has scored 35 headers, 52 goals with his right foot and 16 with his left foot. In total, he has scored an impressive 78 strikes and provided 38 assists in 152 games for Atalanta.

This suggests that he could offer a similar level of quality to Ba in terms of his all-around play as a centre-forward at the top level, which is why he could be a fantastic addition to Howe’s squad.

His ex-teammate Papu Gomez once lauded his physical attributes, saying: “Zapata’s shorts look like underwear, he is so big. Sometimes I don’t even want to get close to him in a match because he’s a beast and it hurts. When he is feeling good he’s like a train – you throw the ball forward and ‘ciao!’”

This means that, much like Ba did, he could have the strength and running power to succeed at Premier League level. These comments indicate that he will not be caught out by the physical requirements of the division and that could allow him to thrive in England.

Hopefully, the club will be able to iron out a deal with Atalanta to bring him on an initial loan, as it would mean that they can send him straight back to Italy if they are relegated.

Carrying his wages at Championship level could be a burden, which is why this move could be ideal for the Magpies if they are able to get it over the line.

AND in other news, Howe plotting late NUFC swoop for “outstanding” £61k-p/w beast, fans will be amazed…

Leeds United managed to secure a vital three points earlier on today at Elland Road, which helped keep the pressure on the likes of Sheffield United and Norwich City. 

The Whites are certainly heading in the right direction at this moment in time but they must ensure consistency from here on in, with dropped points possibly damaging their automatic promotion chances.

One thing that has been a worry for some supporters in recent times is Kemar Roofe’s future, as according to The Chronicle, Newcastle United are continuously monitoring the Englishman.

Indeed, it would make perfect sense for Leeds to pack the forward’s bags and send him on his way to St James’ Park if they come calling in the summer transfer window, as he just hasn’t been able to ensure consistency in front of goal in recent times and he could attract quite a hefty fee, which could be used to strengthen in many areas.

Interestingly, the Whites should look to renew their interest in Algerian international Baghdad Bounedjah, who was reportedly (as per Le Buteur) on Leeds’ radar back in the summer transfer window.

Bounedjah is a forward who plays his football for Al-Sadd and it’s safe to say that he’s been simply sensational in the current campaign, having produced an incredible 31 goals in just 17 games in the Qatar Stars League. And, he has been impressive on the international stage with Algeria as he’s scored eight goals in 20 appearances.

He is a tall and physical forward who is aerially dominant and bullies defenders in the opposition’s box. Bounedjah is as well-rounded as strikers get with the ability to pick the final pass and an incredible eye for goal, so he would bring a different dimension to Leeds United’s play in the final third.

What do you think Leeds United fans?

Marcelo Bielsa’s position as Leeds United manager remains ‘solid’ despite a disappointing start to the season, according to journalist Phil Hay.

The Lowdown: Leeds’ early-season struggles

The Whites bounced into the 2021/22 campaign hoping for a repeat of last year’s efforts, when they finished ninth in the Premier League upon their top-flight return.

Instead, Leeds currently sit 17th in the table and have only won two of their opening 10 league games, one of which came at bottom-placed Norwich City on Sunday.

Bielsa might have come under pressure because of this poor form, but it doesn’t appear as though there is any talk of him losing his job.

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The Latest: Hay provides Bielsa update

That’s according to The Athletic’s Hay, who claimed that Bielsa is still seen as the man to take Leeds forward and that results will continue to improve once key players are back from injury.

In an article for the publication, he wrote: “Within the four walls of Elland Road, Bielsa’s position remains solid. There has been no discussion about it at a high level and the prevailing view is that he will find the straight and narrow once certain players dig up their best form and injuries stop biting so deeply.”

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The Verdict: Still the right man

At a time when managers are too readily sacked – Nuno Espirito Santo has become the latest victim – it is refreshing that Leeds are not panicking when it comes to Bielsa’s future.

The Argentine has been a revelation at Elland Road, guiding the Whites back into the Premier League after a 16-year absence and leading them to a strong first season back at that level, and this dip in form doesn’t change that.

Bielsa’s contract expires at the end of the season, and barring a disaster between now and May, he remains the man to take the team forward, having made such a difference since arriving.

In other news, Hay has also provided an update regarding Leeds’ potential interest in one player. Read more here.

Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan has been reacting to the injury that Liam Cooper sustained against Brentford on Sunday.  

The Lowdown: Phillips and Bamford worries

Marcelo Bielsa has had to deal with plenty of injury issues this season and may well have three more players sidelined after the 2-2 draw on the weekend.

Kalvin Phillips had to make way in the second half against Brentford, with The Daily Mail now believing that he could be out until February with a hamstring injury.

Patrick Bamford made his return to action late on against Thomas Frank’s side and managed to salvage a draw with a 95th-minute equaliser. However, he too may be back on the injury table after reportedly suffering a hamstring issue in the celebrations after the goal.

The Latest: Cooper’s injury; Whelan reacts

Cooper also had to be withdrawn early on at Elland Road against the Bees, with Bielsa unsure in regards to the extent of the Scotland defender’s injury. However, reliable reporter Phil Hay believes the Scot is facing a ‘lengthy spell out’ along with Phillips.

Whelan, who contributes as a pundit for the BBC, was talking to Football Insider about the injuries to Cooper and Phillips in a story on Tuesday morning, saying: “It’s a massive worry. One’s our club captain, and the other is invaluable to how we play.”

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Whelan added: “We can’t afford this, to be missing players like them over this Christmas period, they’re vitally important.”

The Verdict: Back to square one…

Bielsa was edging closer to a fully fit squad prior to the latest triple blow, with Pascal Struijk and Robin Koch the only major first-team absentees on Sunday. However, it now seems as if the Whites could be back to square one when it comes to injuries at the worst possible time.

Leeds have five fixtures before the end of the year, and it seems as if Bamford, Phillips and possibly Cooper may end up missing some of those, leaving Bielsa searching for answers once again at a crucial stage of the season. It’s no wonder that Whelan is so worried about the Whites’ immediate prospects given the latest glut of body blows.

In other news: Leeds receive boost in quest to sign 13-cap beast who’s been hailed as a “young star”. 

Celtic moved six points clear at the top of the Premiership table as they beat their rivals 2-1 in the Old Firm clash on Sunday.

Ange Postecoglou may have been fearing the worst when the home side took the lead in the opening minutes of the match, as Aaron Ramsey fired past Joe Hart to make it 1-0 at Ibrox.

The Hoops rallied quickly and soon found themselves level as Tom Rogic followed up on a save from Allan McGregor to make it 1-1.

A scrappy sequence of play in the box from a cross then resulted in Cameron Carter-Vicker smashing the ball past the veteran Scot to make it 2-1 just before half-time, with Celtic able to see out the three points in the second half.

One player who let Postecoglou down badly was left-back Greg Taylor as the defender looked well off his best form on the day.

On the ball, he was not a reliable option for his teammates. As per SofaScore, he gave possession away 17 times as he only completed 64% of his attempted passes. He failed to complete a single long ball or cross in his 71 minutes on the pitch, whilst completing zero dribbles to get his team up the pitch.

This allowed Rangers to intercept his passes and regain possession from his mistakes. He found himself incredibly lucky as the home side were unable to make the most of the attacks that he gifted them, with Carl Starfelt and Carter-Vickers producing colossus displays at centre-back to keep them at bay.

Defensively, he was sloppy. Ally McCoist, in the Sky Sports commentary, dubbed his defending as “very poor” and the statistics back that up. Via SofaScore, he lost four of his five ground duels and only made one tackle in the match, whilst being dribbled past once.

This shows that Rangers were able to get the better of the full-back on the physical side of the game. He was too weak in his individual battles and, again, was lucky that Gio van Bronckhorst’s side did not punish him for it.

Postecoglou will now be hoping that he will be able to turn in a better display against St. Johnstone next time out in the Premiership. This performance was not good enough, defensively or offensively, and he will know that he must up his standards if he wants to keep his place in the starting XI.

AND in other news, £3m wasted: Celtic had a shocker on £7.9k-p/w “loner” who rinsed Desmond for 129 weeks…

Joseph Masi has now revealed some significant off-field West Brom news involving Xu Ke.

The Lowdown: Off-field shake-up

The Baggies have seen an almighty off-field shake-up which started with the departure of manager Valerien Ismael and his assistant Adam Murray this week after just a few months in charge.

Steve Bruce now looks set to take his place after talks, with their next match in the Championship not coming until next Wednesday, when they will face Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.

It was then announced on Albion’s official website that Controlling Shareholder Guochuan Lai would replace the departing Li Piyue as Chairman, while Ron Gourlay was appointed as Chief Executive Officer in place of Xu Ke.

The Latest: Xu Ke remains at West Brom

Taking to Twitter, Express & Star journalist Masi has now revealed that despite Piyue leaving, Ke is staying at West Brom and will now take up the role of a non-executive director. The journalist revealed:

“Understand Xu Ke has been moved aside but remains at the club as a non-executive director.

“Li Piyue, who was chairman but has been replaced in that role by Lai, has left completely.

“Looks like those two men are carrying the can for Ismael and his four year deal…”

The Verdict: Significant

It is certainly significant that Ke has been allowed to stay, despite others around him leaving. He will not oversee the day-to-day running of the club anymore, as that job has now been given to new CEO Gourlay, but as a non-executive director, he will still have a say in board meetings.

With Bruce seeming likely to be appointed, the next step will be whether West Brom will allow him to take his own backroom team with him, and then how much they would want to back him in the summer transfer window.

Nonetheless, given the failed appointment of Ismael, it does seem strange that Ke has not left when Piyue has.

In other news, find out who is now a ‘serious’ managerial option for WBA alongside Bruce