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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

Flocking to Twitter, many West Ham United fans have erupted in response to an official club announcement that defender Frederik Alves has joined Sunderland on loan.

Alves signed for the Hammers in January from Silkeborg IF with the Denmark Under-21 international even making a few appearances on West Ham’s bench over the second half of 2020/2021.

David Moyes is alarmingly short of central defenders as West Ham gear up for what will be a taxing 21/22 campaign given their involvement in the Europa League group stages.

Only Issa Diop, Craig Dawson and Angelo Ogbonna make up Moyes’ senior defensive options and it now appears that they will be short of a youngster to call upon.

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As per the club, making an official announcement, Alves has signed for The Black Cats on a season-long loan deal and will be a part of Lee Johnson’s squad for the entirety of this season.

Given their current squad depth in that area, it is little wonder many West Ham fans believe this decision to let him go is ‘staggering’.

Find all of their verdicts, in reply to West Ham’s official account, down below.

West Ham fans erupt over Alves news…

“Ridiculous this”

Credit: @HughMoore1997

“wow even less first team players now! what a joke”

Credit: @CaineRussell

“This club is a shambles”

Credit: @Mcglynn7James

“Done with this club”

Credit: @LH_WHU

“IS THIS A JOKE, WE HAD 4 CBs IN OUR ENTIRE FIRST TEAM SQUAD, WE NOW HAVE 3, AND OGBONNA IS INJURED. YOU CANNOT WRITE THIS”

Credit: @MattWallis25

“This club man. Staggering.”

Credit: @WestHamPlace

“Bonkers decision like we need the squad to get smaller”

Credit: @PalazonMark

“Absolute joke club. Just keep pushing them all out the door. We will have the best 5 a side team around. Parasite owners.”

Credit: @BMANWHUFC

In other news: ExWHUemployee says West Ham could swoop for perfect Antonio alternative in 16-goal ‘phenomenon’, find out more here.

Wolves head coach, Bruno Lage, has made no secret that the upcoming transfer window will be something he fully intends to get involved in, as the side attempts to continue their fantastic run of form in the Premier League.

Lage’s side are in impressive form and have managed to sustain a high top half position, putting them into the European spots around sixth in the Premier League so far.

However, many slow starters like Arsenal, for example, are coming up to ruin the party for Wolves and finding their form to compete for the highly anticipated European football spots obtainable just outside of the top four.

Wolves could really capitalise on their position in the league by attracting players to join their developing side in January, to help them carry on their impressive form and successfully secure Europa League football next season.

The lack of defensive depth in the side is set to be challenged and exposed as the upcoming AFCON tournament will see both Romain Saiss and Willy Boly taken from the team for up to four weeks, depending on the length of their countries run in the tournament, with the pair being expected to at least miss two Premier League fixtures during their time away for the African tournament.

There is one player that is on the radar of many Premier League clubs including Wolves, that could squash this fear. That happens to be Fiorentina’s Nikola Milenkovic, a player dubbed “extraordinary” by former team-mate Pol Lirola;

The 24-year-old centre back was previously linked with Wolves in the summer and has continued to impress in Italy with West Ham and Tottenham both interested in swooping in for the 6 foot 5 titan’s signature in the January transfer window.

He stands a gigantic height and thus, is a real weapon in the air, winning a colossal 3.2 aerial duels per game this term, more than anyone in the Wolves team.

The Serbian international’s contract is set to run out next year, so Lage and Shi will need to do whatever they can to offer him a deal he cannot refuse in the winter transfer window, where the asking price from Florentina is reported to be considerably lower than what he would be worth, in a bid to make some quick cash for the club.

According to Viola News, Florentina could accept just €25m (£21m).

Wolves will need to close in on the centre back quickly to bat off their Premier League competitors and secure his signature before a better offer is put to him. The signing could solve one of Lage’s biggest headaches heading into January help the side secure European football in the long run.

In other news: Lage could be exploring other positions for Adama Traore

A number of Liverpool supporters are happy that Jurgen Klopp has hinted at fielding a weakened team in tonight’s Champions League clash with Porto.

The Reds roared back into form last weekend, beating Arsenal 4-0 at Anfield in the Premier League. After dropped points against both Brighton and West Ham, it was the perfect response by Klopp’s men, who performed like title challengers against an in-form Gunners side.

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Domestic commitments make way for European duties tonight, with Liverpool taking on Porto at Anfield, having not only qualified for the knockout stages already but even won their group with two matches to spare.

The hope is that Klopp makes plenty of changes in order to keep legs fresh amid a spate of injuries, and speaking in his pre-match press conference on Tuesday [via journalist David Maddock on Twitter], he hinted at doing as such.

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Liverpool fans happy with Klopp’s team news hint

These Reds fans took to Twitter to react positively to the manager’s comments, claiming it would be a wise decision ahead of a busy schedule, as well as considering the costly three-month injury incurred by a flying Diogo Jota in a similar dead rubber against Midtjylland last December.

“Sense prevails”

Credit: @liamtogher88

“Bring it on. I want to see the most random starting 11 ever”

Credit: @TweetGiffen

“Good, we respected it by qualifying two games early. Play the under 12s”

Credit: @SirLeonP

“Get Carol & Caroline out on the pitch too I reckon”

Credit: @footyyuxun

“VAMOS”

Credit: @tombelcerf

“Get in, love it. Gordon, Kelleher, Morton all start I hope”

Credit: @LFCPG90

In other news, some Liverpool fans are excited about a Reds transfer rumour that has emerged. Read more here.

Sky Sports journalist Michael Bridge believes that Celtic are currently a club in “disarray”.

The Scottish giants have endured a terrible start to the season under new manager Ange Postecoglou.

On Wednesday, they were knocked out of the Champions League in the second qualifying round by Midtjylland, losing 3-2 on aggregate.

Their pre-season has been underwhelming too, as they were thumped 6-2 by West Ham United in a friendly on Saturday, while they have also been beaten 1-0 by Preston North End, and drawn 0-0 with Bristol City.

They have been active in the transfer window, bringing in no fewer than five new players: Kyogo Furuhashi has arrived from Japanese side Vissel Kobe; Carl Starfelt has come in from Russian club Rubin Kazan; Liel Abada has arrived from Israeli side M. Petah Tikva; both Liam Shaw and Osaze Urhoghide have come in from Sheffield Wednesday.

But Postecoglou rued the club’s failure to strengthen properly after their European exit, per The Guardian, in quotes that will hardly fill fans with confidence ahead of their Premiership opener against Hearts on Friday.

And Bridge can barely believe just how bad Celtic have been in recent weeks.

He said: “Celtic now, I look at, and I think what on earth has happened to Celtic football club, they look in absolute disarray.

“The new manager that’s come in, we thought it was going to be Eddie Howe, it’s Postecoglou, the Australian coach, he sounds like a really likeable guy.

“I’ve heard a couple of his interviews, he’s very honest, he’s said ‘look, I need new players’.”

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish has provided an update on the future of star player Wilfried Zaha and it’s not great news for the club’s supporters.

What’s the story?

The 28-year-old has been linked with a move away from Selhurst Park for several years now, but rumours resurfaced in recent weeks, citing fellow Premier League sides Tottenham Hotspur and Everton as potential suitors.

In an interview with BBC Sport, Parish addressed the speculation surrounding Zaha, providing a fresh update on his future.

Fans will be gutted

However, since rejoining the south London outfit on a permanent basis back in 2015, the £40.5 million rated gem has gone from strength to strength.

The Ivory Coast international has been the Eagles’ talisman in recent seasons, scoring 68 goals and providing 72 assists in 393 appearances for his boyhood club.

His impressive form saw Arsenal attempt to acquire his services before settling for Nicolas Pepe a couple of years ago, but links to the Gunners have never fully died, with Mikel Arteta labelling the skilful winger “phenomenal” back in January 2020.

Zaha himself openly admitted that if an opportunity to play for a bigger club arose over the coming months, then he “wouldn’t turn it down” as he wants to win some silverware before he retires.

And Parish’s latest comments are bound to leave the Palace supporters feeling gutted as they prepare themselves for a turbulent off-season.

“We understand his position,” Parish said. “It’s no secret that he would like to challenge himself.”

“But it has to be right for the football club. He understands that as well. If those two things collide then we will have to look at it. But right now, we are two days into the transfer window, so it’s a bit early to talk about it.”

The capital club’s chief appeared to leave the door open to a possible exit for Zaha, which could be extremely damaging to their chances in the Premier League next term.

Palace are entering a transitional period following Roy Hodgson’s departure, and they’ll need their star man around to ensure things don’t turn sour in 2021/22.

The fact that Parish is seemingly willing to listen to offers for Zaha will leave plenty of Palace fans gutted as it opens the door for a club to come in and sign their club’s best player.

And, in other news…Imagine him and Lampard: Palace could form a dream duo with “different class” £15m gem 

BBC Match of the Day regular Danny Murphy has said he is ‘amazed’ that Jesse Lingard hasn’t left Manchester United after a successful loan at West Ham United.

The Lowdown: Lingard remains at Old Trafford, for now

Lingard enjoyed the form of his life in the second half of last season as he scored nine and assisted five for West Ham after joining on loan.

His performances were a key tool in the Hammers qualifying for the Europa League group stage for the first time in their history and he was linked as a Hammers target throughout the summer.

But with only 12 months remaining on his contract and Bruno Fernandes ahead of the 28-year-old in the pecking order, Lingard opted to stay at the Red Devils and fight for his place.

The Latest: Murphy surprised by the decision

Speaking on talkSPORT, former Premier League midfielder Murphy said: “I’m amazed he hasn’t gone, for himself. He’s just got the bug back, he was brilliant at West Ham. I’ve always been a big fan of Lingard, even when people criticise him.

“He’s what I call a really intelligent footballer, when to run behind, when to come in the space. He can play in a variety of positions with his intelligence. I really like him.”

With Cristiano Ronaldo returning to Old Trafford and Fernandes one of the first names on the team sheet, Murphy went on to predict Lingard’s future.

“He’ll probably end up out on loan, first chance he gets.”

The Verdict: Move waiting to happen

Lingard’s departure from Old Trafford seems inevitable given his limited chances and contract situation. Lingard’s belief in his own ability to break into the United team is a testament to his confidence and character, but it looks like he will often be used from the bench.

West Ham’s upturn in form and quality whilst he was out on loan last season was clear and Moyes will be monitoring the situation closely, especially with the added fixtures from participating in the Europa League.

One element of his future that will remain on Lingard’s mind will be his England chances for the World Cup next year, so perhaps another mid-season loan to London could materialise in January.

In other news, a former Hammers defender has praised the ‘consistency’ of international ace. Find out more here.

The Celtic Way writer Tony Haggerty believes that Ryan Christie is enjoying his football under Ange Postecoglou and it may result in him staying with the Hoops. 

The Daily Record reported that Burnley are interested in Christie and have been admirers for some time. Alex Crook of talkSPORT also reported on his Twitter account this week that Southampton have no interest in Ryan Christie and there is nothing in the rumours linking Stuart Armstrong with a return to the Hoops.

Christie has started this season really well under Postecoglou, featuring in seven matches and scoring one goal and providing three assists.

Haggerty believes that Christie is happy playing under Postecoglou, telling Transfer Tavern: “I think Ange recognises that and I think the player recognises that, you know, there’s no substitute for a happy player.

“If you’re producing, the grass isn’t always greener, you might get the money and there’s no denying that, but will he be happy? Will he play? These are things that players have to weigh-up in their mind.”

Christie current Celtic deal expires on January 1, 2022 and the Scottish Sun reported earlier this month that there have been fresh talks between Celtic and Christie, but the 26-year-old has yet to receive a concrete offer.

After an opening day defeat to Hearts in the Scottish Premiership, Celtic have improved with back-to-back 6-0 victories against Dundee and St Mirren and are also just 90 minutes away from the Europa League group stages, as they hold a 2-0 lead of AZ Alkmaar going into the second leg of their play-off match.

West Bromwich Albion have ended their pursuit to appoint Chris Wilder as the new manager at The Hawthorns.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Football Insider, who claim that, after extensive talks with the 53-year-old, the Baggies are set to pull the plug on appointing the former Sheffield United manager as Sam Allardyce’s replacement at the club.

It is reported that the West Brom hierarchy are harbouring serious reservations about installing the Stocksbridge-born manager, and are now prepared to turn their focus to alternative candidates for the role.

This latest development comes after claims last week that a deal between Wilder and the Baggies was all but done, with these reports now appearing to have been rather premature.

Fans will be gutted

With Wilder appearing to be a dead cert for the vacant managerial position at The Hawthorns over the past week, fans have had plenty of time to give their two cents on the potential appointment, with a number of them appearing delighted with the idea of the 53-year-old taking over at their club.

One claimed on Twitter that Wilder’s “proven track record of leaving clubs in a better position than when he took over” was a good sign for the Baggies, while another stated their belief that the former Sheffield United boss “has got the best CV out of all the candidates” who are in the running for the job.

Indeed, it would be hard to argue with either of these points, as, so far in his managerial career, Wilder has taken a mid-table Oxford United side to the League Two play-offs places, a 21st placed Northampton Town side to being League Two champions and a Sheffield United side languishing in League One to a top-half Premier League finish in the space of just four years.

As such, with a wealth of experience in getting teams promoted, the appointment of Wilder at West Brom would have appeared to significantly increase the Baggies’ chances of securing an immediate return to the Premier League next season.

However, if the latest reports are to be believed, West Brom will not be led by the 53-year-old next season, news that will undoubtedly leave fans of the club gutted.

In other news: West Brom dealt transfer blow over “tenacious” £31k-p/w gem that’ll leave fans gutted

Sunderland provided a huge response following their midweek stalemate with Plymouth Argyle by taking an impressive 5-1 victory from Cambridge United yesterday.

Alex Neil and his team are now on a 12-game unbeaten run, with the Scottish manager only losing once since he arrived at the club in February, and they now find themselves fourth in the League One table albeit only one point safe in the play-off position.

The Black Cats put in a phenomenal attacking performance that was boosted when Cambridge went down to ten men in the 12th minute of the game, with Lloyd Jones getting red-carded awarding their hosts a penalty which Ross Stewart scored to make it 1-0 a minute later.

Sunderland were dominant throughout the game holding 75% possession, making ten more shots on target and over 400 more accurate passes than their opponents on Saturday afternoon.

Elliot Embleton, Danny Batth and Nathan Broadhead all joined Stewart in getting on the scoresheet delivering five goals in total, and Embleton, in particular, was an absolute force in the attacking threat his team imposed on Cambridge and offered an unrivalled presence.

The 23-year-old who was labelled “complex” by former manager Lee Johnson, made an impressive 141 touches, 113 accurate passes, four key passes and was successful in the majority of his long balls and crosses (12/21).

Embleton has been integral in Sunderland’s play-off charge as of late and has delivered in the moments when it has been needed most, grabbing his opportunities to impress his new manager following a lack of game-time since the Scotsman took over at the Stadium of Light.

Neil had been playing the midfielder off the bench, but he has now finally integrated him back into the starting eleven over the last two games following an assist to the last-minute winning goal against Gillingham and scoring the winner against Oxford in the final moments in the following game, with his contribution earning the Black Cats six points in just 27 minutes of play.

The fight for a play-off place isn’t over with the North-East club safe by just a point with one game in hand over their competitors inside the top six, and with no room for error in the last two games, Sunderland must continue their unbeaten form to boost their chances of potential promotion.

AND in other news: Speakman howler: SAFC may now be on the verge of repeating brutal Hugill disasterclass