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Ricky Sacks and former Eastenders actor (and Spurs fan) Ricky Norwood discussed Tottenham Hotspur’s latest defeat to Chelsea and they were not really happy with the performance their team mustered against the Blues.

Jose Mourinho has so far managed 22 games for Spurs since his appointment and the ‘Special One’ so far has 11 wins, four draws and seven losses under his belt. Even though the team is currently in sixth, only four points below Chelsea in fourth, this was their big chance to jump over their rivals and make that claim for the top four spots. However, Frank Lampard outclassed Mourinho once again by masterminding a 2-1 Blues victory, which urged Norwood to rip into the gaffer’s tactics and being too defensive.

He joined Sacks on The Last Word on Spurs (24/02/2020), saying: “It was like a nothing game. It was like if Tyson Fury went in and just held his hands up against Wilder and just waited until he got clocked before he threw anything back. It’s not gonna work out you know? I mean, it’s not gonna work. You gotta be on the offensive. You gotta give them things to worry about. Chelsea were never worried about any one of our players. Not once.”

Looking at the statistics following the clash, it’s difficult not to agree with Norwood’s statement. Indeed, Spurs only managed five shots (per SofaScore) on the day and had no big chances while Chelsea registered 17 and three respectively.

The problem is, even though he’s been accused of being too passive and defensive by Norwood, 36 goals conceded in 27 matches played in the Premier League would suggest they’re struggling on that front as well.

Spurs fans, do you agree with Norwood’s verdict or do you still believe Mourinho’s tactics are going to come good eventually? Let us know in the comments down below!

Whilst Tottenham managed to get Christian Eriksen out the exit door in the January transfer window, one man whose future was also intense scrutiny but didn’t end up leaving, was Jan Vertonghen.

The Belgium international’s contract expires this summer, and barring there being a change in situation, is likely to leave the club on a free transfer – reports in recent days have even suggested that the 32-year-old could be heading to Inter too.

With such speculation hanging over his head, and all the off-the-pitch rumours surrounding him and Eriksen, it is baffling to see him still take to the field under Jose Mourinho.

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Spurs find themselves four points behind fourth-placed Chelsea after their defeat to the Blues at Stamford Bridge last weekend. As they look to chase down a coveted Champions League spot, the last thing they need is for an individual player to be dominating the conversation and acting as a distraction.

But that is exactly what is happening with Vertonghen. Since returning from a muscle injury at the end of November, the Belgian has featured in all but two of his side’s Premier League games, including even taking the armband for the clash against Watford at Vicarage Road.

What statement does that send to the rest of the squad, that a player whose long-term future looks to be destined elsewhere, is still playing a prominent part in the first-team and even taking captaincy duties too?

Premier League experts will get full marks: The ultimate quiz on top flight transfer flops…

Spurs were ruthless in their decision-making over Eriksen, with Daniel Levy cutting his losses on the Denmark international, and ensuring that a) they at least received some money for him and b) they got rid of a player whose performance levels were beginning to be questioned.

Where was that similar thinking when it came to Vertonghen? Instead, Spurs are now seemingly resigned to losing him on a free transfer, but are still relying on the centre-back to perform for them week-in, and week-out.

Mourinho’s involvement of the defender is a damning indictment on the mess that Levy has created.

Meanwhile, Jose Mourinho can create a fresh legacy if Spurs land this starlet.

Andriy Yarmolenko should be available for West Ham United’s match against Tottenham Hotspur on March 20, as suggested by Claret & Hugh.

What’s the story?

The 30-year-old has missed 11 Premier League matches after suffering from a tear in the abductor muscle against Southampton.

However, after the games against Arsenal and Wolverhampton Wanderers, there is the possibility that he will be available to be selected by David Moyes.

He is said to already be back in training and could make his mark during a vital time period for the Hammers, as they bid to maintain their Premier League status past the current campaign.

This also provides him with a chance to show Moyes that he deserves to stay at the club, as the winger has been touted as somebody who could potentially depart during the summer transfer window.

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Trouble for Lanzini

While having Yarmolenko back can be a boost for him, Moyes and the club, this injury news could spell trouble for Manuel Lanzini.

The Argentinian has been poor since retuning from a shoulder injury, failing to record a single goal or assist in eight appearances.

This poor form, as well as attacking players returning from injury and Jarrod Bowen joining the club, has seen the 27-year-old drop to the bench for the last three games.

During the 3-1 win over Southampton, Felipe Anderson and Robert Snodgrass joined him as attacking options on the bench, and it was that pair who was called upon to enter the field of the play, indicating that Lanzini is below them in the pecking order.

Therefore, unless Lanzini turns things around quickly, if Yarmolenko is available, then it could be the Argentinian’s spot on the bench that he is vying to take.

The fact the Ukrainian has three goals and an assist from 15 Premier League appearances this season indicates that it may be worth giving him a go, so Lanzini could find himself struggling to even get a place on the bench.

Meanwhile, West Ham fans have been underwhelmed by another injury update.

Football is in absolute disarray at the moment.

The professional game in England has been called off until at least the start of April, and unfortunately, it’s hard to see the sport getting started again anytime soon as the height of the current pandemic has been predicted to be 10-14 weeks away.

Of course, three months without a game being played is going to affect so many aspects of the sport, and Sheffield Wednesday could be hit hard by it.

The Owls’ current financial situation is poor to say the least, they’re under investigation for financial misconduct due to the sale of Hillsborough, and without that sale, they’d have recorded a £22m loss in their most recent financial accounts as they received £60m for the stadium while recording an overall profit of £38m.

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The Yorkshire club aren’t going to be buoyed by the stadium sale again this year, and with the Owls failing to get a large number of players off their wage bill, they’re likely set for another loss.

However, that loss may be even worse this term due to the postponement of these games.

Gate receipts are big income drivers for every team in the country, and Wednesday won’t have those for the next few weeks while still having to pay their players.

Even if the games that are being missed now are played at a later date, the financial year ends at the beginning of April, so the Owls’ yearly accounts will still be hit by it.

The problem is that FFP is calculated by looking at a club’s records over the past three years, and this loss of income could plague Wednesday for the next three seasons.

Hopefully, the powers that be account for this and change the FFP calculations for these special circumstances, otherwise the Owls could be affected long-term.

In other news, Wednesday quite clearly made one mistake in the summer.

Crystal Palace tweeted about their incredible comeback against Liverpool in 2014, which has led to Yannick Bolasie responding.Liverpool had been 3-0 up with just 11 minutes left, following goals from Joe Allen and Luis Suarez, as well as an own goal from Damien Delaney.However, panic ensued for the men in red in the latter stages, with Delaney’s deflected effort from outside the box starting off the Eagles’ incredible comeback, which was completed by two goals from substitute Dwight Gayle.

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This was a game that was heartbreaking for Liverpool, as it took the Premier League title a step further away from them, but it is one that will live long in the memory for Palace and their fans, with the game being dubbed ‘Crystanbul’.

Bolasie, who is now on loan at Sporting CP from Everton, played the full 90 minutes in that game, and he even assisted Gayle’s first goal with a pinpoint pass in the box that allowed him to hit the ball first-time.

Bolasie’s original tweet can be seen below:

Meanwhile, one Palace man showed appreciation for a fan.

Leeds United fans are not only missing football, but their cult hero manager Marcelo Bielsa, too after footage has emerged of the Argentine on Twitter this week.

It’s coming up to a month since football was last played at Elland Road, and it’s not expected back until the end of April at the very earliest, so for now, the Whites’ promotion charge is on hold.

Bielsa has guided his side to the top of the table, holding a seven-point advantage to the playoff positions, meaning they have a real chance of ending that 16-year wait for top-flight football, should the campaign resume anytime soon.

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Here’s how fans have been reacting to the footage from a press conference last term…

Despite not yet achieving success with the west Yorkshire outfit, it’s clear to see that Bielsa is adorned by many at the club.

There were even a few supporters missing his former translator Salim Lamrani, who was alongside the 64-year-old throughout his first season at the club at pretty much every opportunity.

Missing football!? There’s still plenty of Leeds discussion going on in the Vital Leeds Forum! Click here to get involved!

“Quality” and “brilliant” were just two reactions that summed up the video to a tee.

Although many at Elland Road will be waiting a while before they hear from their chief-in-command again.

Can you name the result these iconic Liverpool images belong to? Give it a go now…

AND in other news, Were Leeds right to sell Pontus Jansson?

Liverpool are lacking the presence of a quality left-back to deputise for Andrew Robertson but a recent report suggests the club are hoping to resolve that this summer.

The ever versatile James Milner has been a trustworthy option at left-back when called upon, but he is a midfielder by trade and, despite being fantastic on his weaker side, is a natural right-footer.

Hilariously obscure Premier League players – Can you name them all?

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With that in mind, it’s perhaps no surprise that the Reds are eyeing a move for Layvin Kurzawa, who has won Ligue 1 on three separate occasions since leaving AS Monaco for the French capital.

According to Spanish media outlet Sport, the Paris Saint-Germain full-back has been offered to Barcelona, but Napoli, Inter Milan, Liverpool and Arsenal are also interested in signing the 27-year-old.

Kurzawa’s contract is due to expire this summer and will therefore be available on a free transfer, a factor that naturally adds a significant weight of appeal for any potential suitors.

While not every single Liverpool fan is convinced by his talent, plenty of supporters offered their endorsements ahead of a potential deal.

Indeed, fans on Twitter suggested he’s a decent option on a free transfer, with one even suggesting that the France international has the ability to give Robertson a run for his money.

Here’s what the Liverpool fans had to say…

Leeds United took on Liverpool on November 4th 2000 and a new hero was born: Mark Viduka.

The Australian ace, a burly, barrelling striker, scored all four goals as the Elland Road side won 4-3, downing an entertaining Reds side in the process.

This was the year when Liverpool, under Gerard Houllier, were absolutely superb, taking it upon themselves to single-handedly provide football with every memorable moment. They won the UEFA Cup in a final containing nine goals; they won the FA Cup with a sensational late turn-around against Arsenal; they won the League Cup on penalties. They even threatened to win the league in stages.

As for Leeds, the first throes of the 21st century saw them ramp up their ambition to unchartered heights. Already blessed with a brilliant nucleus of young players they had little hesitation in breaking the British transfer record for Rio Ferdinand, additionally bringing in Oliver Dacourt from France and, of course, Viduka.

In December they further added to an already fearsome frontline by loaning in Robbie Keane from Inter Milan and if their third-place finish the previous May had revealed they meant business they now clearly had a title in their sights.

True of False: Do you know these Premier League records?

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It was inevitable, then, that this clash was going to be a ferociously competed, highly engaging contest.

Sami Hyypia broke the deadlock early with a glanced header and then on 18 minutes Christian Ziege –sporting the worst haircut since peroxide was invented – doubled the visitor’s lead. Viduka pulled one back shortly after and it was very much game on.

As impressive a squad as Leeds had it was to their enormous credit that David O’Leary’s men didn’t crumble after falling two behind. They were, after all, ravaged with injuries.

Ten starters were unavailable and on the bench sat four debutants with the fifth spot not taken. There was an extra dimension of resilience to the celebrations, then, when their Australian striker headed home an equaliser just after the break.

Now it was Liverpool’s turn to receive credit. Having seen their lead snatched away, Vladimir Smicer restored it on the hour mark with a neatly dispatched finish. This time it lasted barely ten minutes before Viduka was at it again, controlling a strong pass on the edge of the box and confusing Patrick Berger with an unorthodox turn before firing home a third.

The game had only just resumed when a simple through ball had Viduka one-on-one with Sander Westerveld but hampered by a wide-angle. A deft flick saw the ball nestle into the far corner and carnage ensued, with Leeds sealing a 4-3 win.

What happened next?

Liverpool completed a famous treble, entertaining one and all along the way. Their incredible season was tainted, however, with the sad news of Joe Fagan’s passing at the age of 80. Their former manager had also guided the Reds to three trophies back in 1984.

Leeds were very much a team on the up, finishing fourth in the Premier League and surprising the continent by reaching the semi-final of the Champions League. Surely it only got better from there, right?

A number of Rangers fans have begged the club not to sell goalkeeper Robby McCrorie amid reports of interest from an English Premier League outfit.

The Daily Record reported that West Ham want to sign the 22-year-old as a long-term successor to Lukasz Fabianski, with the ex-Scotland under-21 international currently on loan at Livingston. News of the Hammers’ interest was later shared on Twitter by @RangersCulture.

The Daily Record added that Rangers have commenced preliminary talks with McCrorie about a new deal, with the youngster currently contracted to Ibrox until 2022. He was named as Queen of the South’s player of the season in recent days despite his loan spell at the Doonhammers ending in January when he was recalled by Rangers.

He has had a solid record between the sticks during his two loan moves this season, conceding only 30 goals in 27 league games across Scotland’s top two divisions, although he is still awaiting a senior debut for his parent club.

These Rangers fans took to Twitter to express their desire to see McCrorie, who has been touted as a long-term successor to Allan McGregor, staying at Ibrox rather than making the move to London:

Rangers fans, are you worried that McCrorie might leave the club? Do you want him to remain at Ibrox in the long-term? Share your views in the comments section below!

A new gem has been unearthed from the EFL Championship.

Indeed, Birmingham City’s Che Adams’ name is doing the rounds for his fantastic goal-scoring form for Birmingham City, where he’s almost single-handedly guiding them into securing a playoffs spot. Adams has been almost unstoppable and attracting surmounting transfer interest due to his heroics in the Second City.

Last month, almost 12 Premier League clubs had scouted Adams( via the Mirror) and the likes of Southampton (via Sky Sports) and Burnley (via the Mirror) even made an approach for him. While The Blues fought valiantly towards retaining their hitman, repeating the same in the summer will be difficult. Adams is coming up as an emerging youngster in English football and has the talent to prove it.

The 22-year-old forward’s scored 19 goals for Garry Monk’s side, which included a sensational hat-trick in the weekend in a thrilling 3-4 win over QPR. The youngster’s been practically unplayable at times, with his clinical touch in front of goal reaping him rewards this season.

Adams possesses a superb striker’s instincts and his unpredictable movement in an around the final third has troubled almost everyone he’s faced so far. He’s been able to create chances for himself with his clever positioning and hit some clean strikes this season. A wily forward with a powerful striking ability, he can also operate as an attacking midfielder due to his excellent link-up play, which has garnered him 2 assists as well.

The youngster’s entirely focused on gaining Premier League promotion with Birmingham City. However, regardless of whether he can do that or not, Adams is destined for top-flight football next season.