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Despite the scoreline of the game, Alex Iwobi let Carlo Ancelotti down as Everton beat Leeds United 2-1 on Wednesday night.

The Nigerian continued his run of opening the action for the Toffees from the right-flank at Elland Road, having established himself in the role over the festive period in the absence of James Rodriguez whilst the Colombian was sidelined with a calf injury.

Iwobi had impressed greatly from the right-wing during Everton’s 2-1 victory over Wolves last month by providing much of the Blues’ creativity and forward threat, but he was unable to replicate his Molineux exploits in West Yorkshire.

Iwobi initially looked powerful whilst enjoying pockets of space in Leeds territory as Everton controlled much of the early stages, keeping his head up to offer an attacking outlet.

Yet, the more the game wore on, the less involved Iwobi found himself, and ultimately he left Mason Holgate woefully exposed at right-back during a dogged defensive period in the second half, which saw Robin Olsen turn in an inspired display between the sticks to keep the Toffees ahead.

Holgate had been caught out by the Whites when his failed clearance ultimately led to Raphinha pulling one back for the hosts, with his precise strike halving the deficit created by goals from Gylfi Sigurdsson and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Raphinha offering Leeds a route back into the game turned the tide in Leeds’ favour as it triggered a heavy flow of traffic only heading in one way – toward Olsen’s net – that on another day, could easily have seen Everton let a two-goal lead only result in a point.

Iwobi rarely played his part in thwarting Leeds’ efforts and he was fortunate to stay on the field until the 87th-minute when Ancelotti opted to replace the £23m-rated forward to hand Deadline Day arrival Joshua King his Toffees debut.

Iwobi was one of only two outfield Everton players who started at Elland Road to fail at registering a single tackle attempted, along with Sigurdsson. But unlike the goalscoring Iceland international, the former Arsenal attacker also failed to record an interception, per WhoScored.

It marks the third-straight Premier League fixture in which Iwobi has failed to register a single tackle, interception or clearance, while also committing his first foul since Everton’s 2-1 win at Wolves on January 12.

The 24-year-old has averaged at least 1.4 tackles attempted a game in the top-flight this term, and further lagged behind his usual standards with only one successful dribble from two attempts having boasted a 70.8% success rate this season for 1.7 from 2.4 attempts.

Iwobi further registered his only shot of the game in the final minutes of the first half, and offered his only key pass just after the half-hour mark. Goalkeeper Olsen also played a higher total number of passes (32) than the Nigerian (23).

Given Everton’s dominant first half and the volume of defending the Toffees were later forced into, Ancelotti will have expected to see far more from Iwobi at Elland Road at both ends of the pitch.

AND in other news, Carlo Ancelotti faces a continued problem in a £9m man after Everton’s January transfer failings…

MatériaMais Notícias

Nas três vezes em que enfrentou o Palmeiras no Allianz Parque no ano passado, o Santos perdeu. Assim como o Verdão perdeu os duelos de 2015 na Vila Belmiro. Mas para o clássico deste sábado, na casa do Verdão, o Peixe parece ter tirado lições. Ao invés do treinamento convencional, o técnico Dorival Júnior fez diferente nesta quarta-feira, no CT Rei Pelé.

Ao invés do tradicional trabalho coletivo, em que o técnico faz diversas paralisações para dar instruções, o foco da atividade foram as jogadas de lado, a saída de bola e os contra-ataques.

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O time titular, formado por Vanderlei, Victor Ferraz, Lucas Veríssimo, Gustavo Henrique e Zeca; Thiago Maia, Renato e Lucas Lima; Gabigol, Patito e Ricardo Oliveira trabalhou junto quando a defesa aprimorou a saída de bola, desde a zaga até Lucas Lima. Depois, laterais e atacantes se organizaram em jogadas pelos lados e por fim repetiram lances de contra-ataque.

No fim, Gustavo Henrique, Renato e Ricardo Oliveira, o último com sintomas de virose, deixaram o treinamento para as entradas de Valencia, Alison e Joel. Paulinho, que também teve viroso, já está treinando com bola.

O Peixe volta aos treinos na quinta-feira, também pela manhã.

Dean Smith must unleash Ross Barkley against Wolverhampton Wanderers a week on Saturday amid reports Aston Villa could welcome the Chelsea loanee back from injury.

Barkley missed the Villans’ 2-1 defeat at West Ham United on Monday night after sustaining a hamstring strain inside the opening minute of last month’s loss at home to Brighton and Hove Albion.

The blow was expected to see the 26-year-old miss two fixtures but could sit out just the Irons affair, after Friday’s clash with Newcastle United was postponed amid an outbreak of coronavirus at the Toon’s Darsley Park training facilities.

Smith will gain the short-term benefit of having longer to prepare for next week’s Midlands Derby with Wolves as a result of Friday’s fixture being pushed back, and could receive some welcome news once Barkley undergoes further assessments on his hamstring injury.

According to the Express and Star, there is a chance the Chelsea midfielder will be passed fit to face Nuno Espirito Santo’s high-flying Wolves, who sit two points above the Villans in seventh ahead of visiting Premier League title-holders Liverpool on Sunday night.

Smith is mindful of the risk in rushing Barkley back from injury ahead of Villa’s packed festive schedule, which sees the Birmingham-based outfit play five games in 16 days between December 12’s derby with Wolves and a trip to Chelsea on the 28th.

Villa are hopeful scans over the next week will reveal Barkley has overcome his hamstring strain, allowing the £19.35-rated midfielder to earn his seventh Premier League start in claret and blue.

Barkley had started Villa’s last six top-flight fixtures and provided a hand in two goals (one scored, one assisted), having taken over duties in midfield from Conor Hourihane.

Smith accepts Hourihane was disappointed with being benched and left to play just 15 minutes before replacing Barkley at West Ham on Monday, but his reasoning for switching the Republic of Ireland international out for the Chelsea talent would justify doing so again at Wolves.

“Conversations can be difficult but if you’re just speaking to the players with honesty then you usually find a way through that,” Smith said, via quotes by BirminghamLive. “I wouldn’t say it’s easy but it’s part and parcel of your job.

“We’d played two, won two and Conor had come off in both games. We signed Ross and I felt we needed to go a different way against Liverpool given who we were playing against. I explained that to Conor and, yes, he was disappointed because he had been involved in the first two games, but we felt we’d brought in a real, high-calibre, different type of player.”

Smith will need to go in a different direction against Wolves than he did against West Ham, with Hourihane offering no tackles, interceptions, clearances, aerial duels won, dribbles attempted or key balls at the London Stadium while directing one of his two shots off target, per WhoScored.

Barkley, meanwhile, continues to rank highest among the Villans’ midfielders for his number of successful dribbles (2.18), shots taken (2.0), key passes (3.09) and second-most final third passes (14.55) per 90 minutes in the Premier League, per SofaScore, despite his injury.

AND in other news, Dean Smith must demand more from his “erratic” £75,000-per-week Aston Villa favourite.

Any dilemma Jose Mourinho had over his attacking midfield options have surely been put to bed after Tottenham’s draw against Chelsea.

Spurs travelled to Stamford Bridge on Sunday to face off against their London rivals. A point was enough for the Lilywhites, who now reclaim their place atop of the Premier League table.

Whilst the Blues were sharp enough to nullify the threat of Harry Kane and Son Heung-min, one man they didn’t account for was Tanguy Ndombele. Although he didn’t contribute to the attack in terms of key passes or shots on target, the Frenchman was a handful for the Chelsea backline.

The Ndombele debate

According to Sofascore, the Spurs No.28 won an impressive ten of his 13 attempted duels, completed a whopping six dribbles and drew in three fouls, proving just how much of a headache he was for Chelsea. He also did well to backtrack and help out with the defending. Ndombele contributed three interceptions, a block and a tackle.

Between the 23-year-old, Giovani Lo Celso and after Mourinho’s surprise inclusion of Dele Alli against Ludogorets, there’s been debate over who his first choice midfielder will be for the season. However, Ndombele has started the last four Spurs matches whilst others have been demoted to the bench.

With the red-hot form of Harry Kane and Son Heung-min, Tottenham are well-stacked when it comes to scoring goals. However, with Ndombele’s modest yet promising count of one goal and one assist in the Premier League so far this season, Mourinho will be thankful he has options outside of the attacking duo.

If he continues the solid form he has shown so far this term, he will be an untouchable asset to Spurs in their title-challenging mission.

In other news, Steven Bergwijn was all but anonymous in Chelsea stalemate…

According to The Athletic, Tottenham Hotspur defender Danny Rose could stay at the club until the January transfer window or even next summer.

What’s the word?

It’s claimed by Charlie Eccleshare in the transfer deadline day tracker that the 30-year-old is said to be “relaxed” about his future at the club.

Spurs are desperate to offload the veteran left-back but due to a lack of firm interest, he’s set to stay in north London, even despite not being offered a shirt number by his manager, Jose Mourinho.

He could yet leave before the domestic deadline on October 16th if an EFL club comes in for him but that remains unlikely.

Nightmare

This is quickly becoming a nightmare for Daniel Levy as it’s so clear that no one is willing to take onboard the former England international – just like in January when Rose was pushing for a move to AC Milan, one that never came, before settling for Newcastle United.

It’s awfully damning that Mourinho is willing to put him with the youth squad despite him raking in around £60k-per-week, per Spotrac.

The north London outfit are practically burning another player’s wages or even a potential target in allowing this to happen – might have they afforded Milan Skriniar with Rose departing the club?

That very much remains to be seen.

However, Rose is soon going to be the forgotten man at Spurs even despite his 13-year stint and being a much-maligned favourite of Mauricio Pochettino’s.

The 30-year-old has made a total of 214 appearances but hasn’t been seen since the 1-0 defeat to Liverpool back in January, though the writing was on the wall as it was his first start in 12 matches.

Rose is simply wasting away at Spurs and is starting to become the ultimate financial disaster that Levy just cannot shake off.

AND in other news, Spurs heading for unforgivable transfer blunder with Poch favourite…

Celtic will still be hurting from Saturday’s embarrassing Old Firm derby defeat and things may not get easier anytime soon with fixtures against AC Milan in their Europa League opener and Aberdeen in the league to come this week.

Neil Lennon’s side sit four points behind league leaders Rangers, the side they failed to register a single shot on target against at the weekend.

Without the presence of Odsonne Edouard in the attack, the Hoops looked lifeless and devoid of any ideas and whilst that could well change with Albian Ajeti returning alongside the Frenchman in the near future, things aren’t exactly perfect for the Hoops.

The defending champions must be regretting the decision to not sign somebody to add more firepower in the summer transfer window, perhaps Ivan Toney specifically.

Peterborough United wanted £10m for his signature but the Bhoys hierarchy were only prepared to pay half that, leading to Posh chairman Barry Fry launching a scathing attack on the Scottish giants, he said:

“They’ve told Peter Lawwell and Nicky Hammond to go and get him, but they won’t get Toney with what they’re piddling about with, that’s for sure. Toney would be a revelation for Celtic, he’d be a star, for definite. He’d score 30 to 40 goals up there, he really would.”

Brentford, who are known for their expertise in scouting, went on to sign the 24-year-old for an initial £5m, increasing to that £10m figure with add-ons.

On the same afternoon that Celtic fired a dud in front of goal, Toney went on to secure a match-winning brace for the Bees as they defeated Coventry City 2-0.

The former Newcastle frontman also won three duels, recorded one dribble and enjoyed four attempts on target, per SofaScore.

Toney’s two strikes made it five from five in the Championship this season, meaning he’s averaged one goal every 81 minutes, via Transfermarkt.

It’s no wonder he’s been lauded as a “top, top player” as well as a “dream” to work with due to his “phenomenal” workrate.

Lawwell has certainly made a foolish and unforgivable mistake here as an initial £5m upfront would have been an absolute steal – the bloke provided 26 goals and seven assists last term, that alone should’ve been enough to pull the trigger.

Edouard isn’t going to be around forever, and Toney appeared to be an ideal like-for-like successor in the long run, so Celtic could be feeling this one for years to come.

AND in other news, Forget Lennon: Only one figure is to blame for putting 10IAR legacy in DANGER…

Portsmouth are looking to move Paul Downing on after the arrival of Danish defender Rasmus Nicolaisen, according to The News.

With the summer transfer window currently open, manager Kenny Jackett has opted to bolster his defensive options, bringing in the likes of Cameron Pring, Callum Johnson and Sean Raggett.

Following that trio of new signings, Jackett also agreed a deal to bring in Nicolaisen earlier this week..

The youngster’s arrival to Fratton Park has added strength in depth at the back for Pompey but a latest report has now claimed that Downing could be set to leave as a result.

The 28-year-old defender, valued at £225k, arrived at the club in 2019 after leaving Blackburn Rovers and has since made 16 appearances for the first team.

Downing’s chances of appearing for Jackett’s side in the starting eleven do seem to be in doubt with the likes of Raggett, Nicolaisen and Jack Whatmough all vying for a place.

A poor start to the new League One season for Pompey has seen them fail to find the back of the net, but they have kept two clean sheets in consecutive 0-0 draws against Shrewsbury Town and Rochdale without Downing’s involvement.

Downing is better off moving elsewhere and finding first team football, as his Portsmouth spell has not really gone according to plan.

Limited appearances and the fact he is now fourth choice leaves him with little chance of appearing in what is set to be one of Portsmouth’s most important campaigns to date, given that they must ensure promotion.

Do you think Downing should stay at Fratton Park? Let us know in the comments section below…

Everton may have finally found Idrissa Gana Gueye’s successor as reports hint that the club are closing in on their first addition of the summer window.

What’s the word?

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, via Sport Witness, Napoli owner Aurelio de Laurentiis is ‘softening’ his stance over the asking price of defensive midfielder Allan.

He originally wanted around €40m (£36m) and now it’s claimed that they’d accept an offer of around €30m (£27m) plus bonuses, though they suggest that the Toffees are yet to submit such a bid.

The same source finishes the story hinting that the two teams will come to an agreement soon and the Brazilian will reunite with his former manager in Merseyside.

Gueye finally replaced?

This is exactly what Everton have been longing for all season and it’s no surprise to see Carlo Ancelotti look to sort it out as their first priority either.

Neither Andre Gomes nor Tom Davies have stepped up since the departure of Gueye to Paris Saint-Germain last summer – not that either are particularly suited to the role.

During his final season at Goodison Park, the Senegalese international was an absolute brute, averaging 4.3 tackles, 2.2 interceptions and 3.2 long balls per game.

Not a single player in the current squad gets near those figures – not even the centre-backs.

But Allan does.

Per game, the Brazilian powerhouse managed 3.8 tackles in the Champions League and 2.2 in the Serie A and also has a passing success rate of just under 90% across both competitions, via WhoScored.

Once likened to Arturo Vidal, Allan “mobile,” “good in transition” and “brings protection defensively” according to Brazil national team coach Tite.

He could also be an instant hit in Merseyside, at least on the blue side of things, as he’s twice shutout Mo Salah and co in the UCL.

AND in other news, Toffees have interest in available Juventus star

أشاد مدرب فريق مانشستر سيتي بيب جوارديولا باللاعب برناردو سيلفا بعد أدائه في مباراة السبت الماضي ضد تشيلسي، في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

وتلاقى الفريقان في ملعب ستامفورد بريدج حيث فاز مانشستر سيتي بهدف دون رد، في الجولة السادسة من الدوري الإنجليزي.

اقرأ أيضًا.. روبن دياز: نتمنى تواجد ميسي عند مواجهتنا باريس سان جيرمان في دوري أبطال أوروبا

وقال جوارديولا في تصريحات نشرتها صحيفة “ديلي ميل” الإنجليزية: “يا له من أداء، ما فعله ليس دوره، ولكنه يعرف بالضبط كيف يلعب وكيف يتوقع ما سيحدث، بالكرة أو بدونها”.

وانتشرت التكهنات حول مستقبل اللاعب البرتغالي مع بطل الدوري الإنجليزي خلال موسم الانتقالات الصيفي لهذا العام، حيث ارتبط بخطوة الرحيل.

وأضاف: “كل ما أريده هو أن يكون برناردو سعيدًا، هنا أو في أي مكان، كل ما أريده هو سعادته لأنه رجل يستحق الأفضل، لا يمكنك اللعب بهذه الطريقة إذا لم تكن سعيدًا، فهذا مستحيل”.

وواصل: “ما فعله ليس أمرًا غريبًا، لقد كان توقيعًا رائعًا بالنسبة لنا لأنه شخص استثنائي، لن أنسى أبدًا لقب الدوري الإنجليزي الثاني الذي فزنا به برصيد 98 نقطة، كان أفضل لاعب في إنجلترا، بعد ذلك تراجع قليلًا ولكنه عاد الآن”.

واستمر: “إذا في النهاية لا يزال يرغب في المغادرة وقرر الرحيل، فإن الشيء الوحيد الذي يمكنني قوله هو أن النادي الذي سيحصل على برناردو سيأخذ أحد أفضل اللاعبين في العالم”.

ينتظر مسئولو نادي فيوتشر إف سي موافقة حلمي طولان، المدير الفني لفريق إنبي، لضم مهاجم الفريق البترولي في الموسم المقبل.

وكان نادي الزمالك قد أعلن انتقال حارسه محمود عبد الرحيم جنش إلى صفوف فيوتشر إف سي الصاعد حديثًا للدوري المصري الممتاز طالع التفاصيل.

وعلم “بطولات” إن فيوتشر إف سي يقترب من ضم النيجيري جون إيبوكا مهاجم إنبي، لتدعيم صفوفه في الموسم المقبل.

ومن المنتظر أن يتم الإعلان عن الصفقة عقب إتمامها بين مسئولي فيوتشر وإنبي.