All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

David Moyes can address West Ham United’s leaky defence by unleashing Angelo Ogbonna in the starting line-up at home to Leicester City on Sunday.

The Irons boss has expressed concerns over how his side have become susceptible to conceding goals once they’ve opened a commanding lead.

West Ham let slip a three-goal advantage over Arsenal in last month’s 3-3 London derby draw, and had to hold on to beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-2 on Monday night after the Molineux outfit threatened a comeback from three behind.

Moyes’ men were able to weather the storm at Wolves and hold on to clinch all three points to move fourth in the Premier League table, and could go to within a single point of Leicester with a win at the London Stadium this weekend.

The Hammers head coach does not intend to change his attacking style to overcome the Foxes’ challenge, but is worried by how his team has allowed leads to wither away in recent weeks.

“I’m really concerned about the fact we have conceded goals after going into 3-0 leads in our last two games,” Moyes said during his press conference on Friday.

“I want us to score five or six goals instead of three, but we have to say it’s something we have to consider.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/the-latest-west-ham-news-and-views-2″ title=”The latest West Ham news and views!”]

“We have an attacking team at the moment, and we are trying to keep scoring goals, we know what’s at stake and if the players keep winning 3-2, why would I tell them to do anything different?”

An off-night for Issa Diop was one of the reasons why Wolves were able to threaten a comeback from three goals down on Monday, as the Frenchman and centre-back partner Craig Dawson were both out of sorts.

An early yellow card meant Dawson had to be careful to avoid a sending off in the Black Country, but Diop had no excuse as he came close to costing West Ham the win. The £16m-rated enforcer frequently switched off and failed to cover the space in behind his teammates, which allowed Fabio Silva the time needed to drill home past Lukasz Fabianski.

Diop may now be out of chances to lock down a starting role in the Irons’ backline, as Ogbonna could be fit to face Leicester after seven games out with a high ankle sprain.

West Ham assistant manager Alan Irvine revealed following an open training session on Wednesday that Ogbonna was closing in on a return to fitness, having taken part in the work at Rush Green.

“Yes, he’s getting very close, and it’ll be great to get him back again,” Irvine said. “Obviously he’s a big part of the team, big part of the squad and he will have a part to play between now and the end of the season.”

Moyes re-introducing Ogbonna to his Premier League plans for the first time since February’s goalless draw with Fulham could now see the Scottish coach fix his leaky defence.

Ogbonna had started all 23 available top-flight fixtures before being forced off 16 minutes into his team’s FA Cup defeat to Manchester United, which came as a huge blow for Moyes, who lauded the 32-year-old as being “magnificent” and an important leader.

He may now need that leadership to keep Fabianski’s net protected against Leicester, who have scored five goals in their last three away games.

AND in other news, West Ham have eyes on a “tactically intelligent” gem once backed to become “world-class”…

At the turn of the year, everything looked rather rosy for Sunderland.

They had just welcomed a new owner in Kyril Louis-Dreyfus to the club while Lee Johnson was leading a rejuvenated Mackems.

He took them to third place as April rolled around and they looked the favourites for automatic promotion.

However, the Black Cats now haven’t won for five straight matches in League One. As it has done in recent years, promotion is looking an arduous task for Sunderland.

Their 2-2 draw with Hull City on Tuesday evening wasn’t the worst result on paper but a solitary point after three straight defeats is unlikely to do much for their cause.

Callum McFadzean was tortured all night by Mallik Wilks but if we are searching for positives, we need to look no further than Jordan Jones and Lynden Gooch.

Jones has been a revelation since joining on loan in January and after scoring against the Tigers, he now has three goals and four assists in nine starts.

Though, Gooch is now beginning to come to the party too. He can be found guilty of being inconsistent this term but he has stood up when it’s really mattered.

It was the Sunderland academy graduate who scored the crucial goal at Wembley when they ended over 40 years of hurt on the trophy front.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-sunderland-transfer-rumours-and-news-grigg-denayer-louis-dreyfus-sanderson-melamed” title=”Latest Sunderland transfer news and views!”]

Gooch then stepped up against Hull on Tuesday night. He was a constant thorn in their defence and put in a number of crosses that Black Cats reporter James Hunter described as “dangerous.”

Aiden McGeady has been Sunderland’s chief creator this term on 13 assists but with the Irishman missing in midweek through injury, Gooch took on the mantle excellently.

He claimed the assist for Jones’ opening strike as the winger whipped in a delicious ball that was volleyed home. The £5k-per-week earner then played a pivotal part in winning the penalty that Grant Leadbitter scored from.

Gooch flicked the ball over Callum Elder before the Hull left-back handled the ball and the referee pointed to the spot.

In total, the attacker played three key passes, taking his tally to 36 chances created in League One this season.

The 25-year-old was in menacing form all evening, attempting two dribbles and being fouled a considerable five times. For context, no player was brought down more than Gooch in the entire game.

He came to life at a crucial point in Sunderland’s season but if McGeady is out for longer, they will need even more from him.

The forward needs to continue this type of form if Johnson’s men are to secure promotion to the Championship.

AND in other news, Worse than Wright: Johnson surely fuming with SAFC flop who lost 80% duels yesterday…

Fans of Glasgow Rangers have been reacting to a post on Twitter, which highlighted footage of an Allan McGregor save in the club’s recent Europa League fixture.

In the footage, which was originally posted by the UEFA Europa League Twitter account, a Slavia Prague corner is whipped in during their clash against Rangers, with one of the attacking players subsequently getting a powerful header on target only for McGregor to somehow claw the ball out from the bottom corner, helping his side leave the Czech Republic with a 1-1 draw.

The Rangers Twitter account then quote-tweeted the footage, adding the comment: “Perfect from every angle.”

And, in response, fans of Rangers flocked to have their say on McGregor’s remarkable save, with many claiming that the 39-year-old’s acrobatics are up there with any save a goalkeeper has ever made, while others simply heaped praise on the ‘keeper for his general level of performance so far this season.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, one supporter even requested the club announce an extended contract for the Ibrox hero.

So, what exactly did these Rangers fans have to say in reaction to the footage of Allan McGregor’s save?

“Announce new contract for McGregor.”

@55ilverFox_55

“Incredible.”

@CraigCrgrob83

“Legend.”

@Theo93473341

“Insane goalkeeping Allan McGregor.”

@Blabber08756401

“Superglue gloves!”

@iain_renton

“Save of the century.”

@karentay3x

“Show me a better save…. I’ll wait.”

@Allan111Allan

“It gets better every time you see it.”

@legendsofibrox

In other news: many Rangers fans have slammed this Union Bears statement – find out more here!

Glasgow Rangers fans are livid at an article from The Daily Record journalist Gordon Parks saying this season has been a “joyless” one.

For the Gers supporters, this has undoubtedly been a fabulous campaign. They currently lead the Premiership by a huge 18 points with just eight games to play (BBC), while they are also within touching distance of the Europa League round of 16. They have lost just one game in all competitions (Sky Sports) – Steven Gerrard’s side have passed almost every test this term with flying colours.

However, Parks does not seem to be sharing the Gers’ pleasure. He has called this a season without enjoyment, saying that nobody appears to be having fun. His article was shared by The Daily Record’s official Twitter account, and it has infuriated the Rangers fans.

They took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the article from Parks

“Joyless for Rangers haters”

Credit: @BarryMa89455852

“get well soon Gordon.”

Credit: @ShanksyRuns

“Plenty of joy here, pal! Your pain is delicious!”

Credit: @alrocks1978

“I’ve quite enjoyed this season. After 9 years of vitriol from certain media members it’s particularly amusing watching a certain fanbase struggle to cope with it being directed at them and their club. In short Gordon Park take your medicine”

Credit: @derekj79

“What a pointless piece of garbage. These papers are so out of touch it’s unreal.”

Credit: @Paulrei240682

“”Joyless” – Not a chance.”

Credit: @jamesblack1986

In other news, Rangers fans rage at this SFA statement.

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Dean Windass has praised Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard’s “attitude” and “application” during his loan spell at West Ham.

Following just three appearances for Manchester United in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, the England attacker was loaned out to the Hammers in January and has made a significant impact during his first month at the London Stadium.

Lingard enjoyed a dream debut when scoring twice in the victory at Aston Villa before netting the winner in West Ham’s London derby win over Tottenham.

The United loanee then assisted Michail Antonio against Manchester City on Saturday to take his goal contributions to four in just five matches, which doesn’t include the penalty he won in the Sheffield United game.

Lingard hadn’t been used in the Premier League by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer all season – with the 5 ft 9 man’s last United start coming on New Year’s Day last year.

But when speaking to FFC, Windass was full of praise for Lingard despite his lack of opportunities at Old Trafford prior to his move. He said:

“It’s testament to his application and his desire to prove [Ole Gunnar] Solskjaer wrong. And Ole has probably said to him ‘go prove to me, and come back pre-season and then you know, then you’re back on the list again, and you’re back in my thoughts again’.

“Some players sulk, some players go ‘well you don’t want me’. But he’s obviously kept himself in peak condition whilst he’s not being playing. He’s probably played a lot of bounce games behind closed doors, and probably asked to play a lot of bounce games – I used to when I got injured, I’d ask to play the reserves before I started getting back in there in the first-team to get up to speed so I don’t look stupid. So testament to the kid, his attuite has been spot on and it shows now. 

“And Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be on the phone with him saying ‘brilliant, well done, keep it going’. If West Ham then decide to take him permanently, then it’s up to the two clubs.

“But at the minute, Ole, Moyesy, will be going ‘you carry on the way you are and at the end of the season you make a decision’. West Ham might want to buy him permanently, Jesse might want to go back to Manchester United and go ‘I want to prove it to you gaffer that I want to be in Man United’s team again’, but he’s not doing himself any harm at the minute.”

Fair play to Lingard. Following the best part of five months without playing, he’s come in at West Ham, knuckled down and is reaping the rewards on the pitch.

There’s never a bad time to be playing well, but with the European Championships around the corner, and a manager in Gareth Southgate that trusts him following his exploits at the 2018 World Cup, who knows where Lingard’s form might lead him to.

Kevin Phillips expects Leeds United to pursue Glasgow Rangers winger Ryan Kent once again this summer.

Phillips expects Leeds pursuit

The English Premier League outfit were heavily interested in Kent last year, with the Gers even turning down a £10m bid from the Whites for Kent (rte.ie).

Speaking to Football Insider, Phillips expects Steven Gerrard to have a big job on his hands to keep the 24-year-old in Scotland. The ex-Sunderland striker said:

“I think there will be a few teams sniffing around a few of the Rangers players.

“It’s just natural. How many times have we seen it over the years? If you go up there and do well then your next move is to the Premier League.

“Ryan Kent, Leeds have obviously been linked with him and made moves for him before. He’s a Scottish champion now so why would Leeds not look at it again?

“He’s certainly a player that a lot of Premier League teams will be looking at. The big job for Stevie G is to convince him to stay and go again.”

Tough ask

Valued at £7.2m by Transfermarkt, Kent has been an ever-present for Rangers so far this season. He has played in all 33 of their Premiership matches and has scored 11 times and provided 13 assists in all competitions (Transfermarkt). He has grown into a player Gerrard can rely upon, and with Champions League football potentially on the cards for the 55-time Scottish champions, Kent may believe his work is not yet done at Ibrox.

However, the Premier League may seem a far more attractive proposition than the Scottish Premiership. At Leeds, Kent would have the chance to work with one of the most renowned managers in the world in Marcelo Bielsa, and he could well receive a far bigger salary to boot. As Phillips says, Gerrard could have his work cut out to hold on to the winger.

In other news, some Rangers fans hammered this man’s performance against Celtic.

Whilst Liverpool will be frustrated to have suffered defeat in the FA Cup at the hands of their old rivals Manchester United on Sunday afternoon, one positive from the game was the performance of Roberto Firmino.

The Brazilian looked back to his best at times during his time on the pitch and was arguably Liverpool’s best performer at Old Trafford.

As per SofaScore, the former Hoffenheim striker would earn an 8.7 rating for his display, which comfortably ranked him as the best player on the pitch from either side.

For comparison, Mason Greenwood would earn an 8.3 match rating, whilst the scorer of both Liverpool goals Mohamed Salah picked up an 8.1 rating.

Firmino picked up two assists during the game, as he found Salah for the opening goal with a perfectly-timed through ball, before cutting the ball back for the Egyptian to make it 2-2 in the second half.

The 29-year-old was easily the most creative player on the pitch, as he played four key passes and created three big chances for his teammates at Old Trafford.

Considering he has averaged just one key pass per game in the Premier League this season, it definitely seems that Firmino was at his creative best on Sunday afternoon.

The striker, who earns £180k per week at Anfield, was far more involved than his opposite number Edison Cavani, as he had 48 touches compared to the Uruguayan’s 31 and played 16 more passes than the former PSG man, despite playing fewer minutes.

Firmino would also impressively win all three of his ground duels during the game suggesting that he was able to get the better of the Manchester United midfielders and defenders, as he regularly picked the ball up deep in order to create opportunities for the Liverpool wingers.

The only thing missing from his performance was a goal, and it could definitely be argued that he did not deserve to be on the losing side.

Hopefully, he will be able to start adding more goals to his game, as the Reds look to turn their form around in upcoming Premier League fixtures.

And, in other news… Worse than Williams: £67.5m-rated LFC gem who lost all of his duels was Klopp’s worst vs MUFC 

If anything summed up Celtic’s incredible season so far, it would be the Scottish Cup final on Sunday evening.

This has been a horrible campaign for Neil Lennon and co. His job has been under permanent pressure and he’s received no backing from supporters.

13 points adrift in the league and conceding goals at will, it was unsurprising when so many fans took to the exterior of Parkhead to complain.

Fortunately, the huge toxicity that has engulfed the club this season can now be extinguished – certainly for a few days at least as they celebrate a historic Scottish Cup win.

They were 2-0 up and cruising at half time but Hearts rallied and managed to take the game to extra-time. Leigh Griffiths popped up with what looked to be a winner but then the Edinburgh based side equalised again, this time through Josh Ginnelly.

It was a poor moment for goalkeeper Conor Hazard, someone who rescued his team with two penalty saves in the resulting shoot-out. The young goalkeeper had been shocking in normal time, making a high profile mistake for the third but once all was said and done, he was the hero and the man to take the plaudits.

However, Celtic’s real hero was an outfield player, someone who ran Hearts ragged all afternoon.

The man in question is Ryan Christie, someone the Hoops will be desperate to keep hold of after he was linked with a move to English shores in the build-up to the final.

The winger gave Celtic the lead in the first half with a stunning strike. 29 yards from goal, the Scot let fly with a lovely curling drive which found the corner of Craig Gordon’s net.

Christie was a rampant ball of energy, proving to be Lennon’s major source of creativity. He also earned the ultimate praise from former Celtic boss Martin O’Neill.

Speaking to the BBC, he said: “Ryan Christie is a real quality player with the potential to move into that sphere of greats like Henrik Larsson.”

He did miss a penalty in the shoot-out but fortunately, it didn’t prove decisive. What did, however, was his performance in normal time.

It’s no surprise Christie has been linked with the Premier League.

AND in other news, Lawwell MUST SELL “outstanding” Celtic ace with “dangerous episodes”…

Manchester City highlighted their title credentials as they eased to a 3-1 win against Chelsea on Sunday afternoon, despite several first-team players missing after an outbreak of the virus in their camp.

The Citizens were without the likes of Ederson, Kyle Walker and Gabriel Jesus for the game against Frank Lampard’s side after they tested positive for the virus, whilst Aymeric Laporte and Nathan Ake both missed out through injury, leaving Oleksandr Zinchenko to start at left-back.

However, Pep Guardiola’s side blew Chelsea away in a 20-minute spell which saw Ilkay Gundogan, Phil Foden and Kevin De Bruyne score to effectively seal the three points, before Callum Hudson-Odoi’s late consolation goal.

Although both De Bruyne and Foden will get a lot of plaudits for their superb displays, which earned them 8.3 and 8.2 match ratings from SofaScore respectively, it was perhaps the performance of Gundogan which will have pleased Guardiola the most.

As per SofaScore, the former Borussia Dortmund man picked up a 7.7 match rating for his display, which was joint-third with Ruben Dias as the highest of any player who started the game.

During his time on the pitch, the 30-year-old midfielder would complete 34/38 of his passes, resulting in an impressive success rate of 89%, emphasising that it was not just his goal that marked him out as one of the better performers at Stamford Bridge.

The German international, who reportedly earns £140,000-a-week, was also successful in all three of his dribble attempts during the game, whilst he impressively won six out of eight duels, which demonstrates that he was just a class above the Chelsea midfield on Sunday afternoon.

Back in 2019, Guardiola heaped praise on the midfielder, saying:

“Definitely, but he gets the credit from all of us, not just myself. He’s an exceptional player. Also, he knows how good he has to play, as there are many others in that position.”

It is clear that the Spanish manager is a huge fan of Gundogan, having urged the Manchester City board to sign him in 2016 despite his injury issues with Dortmund and he will no doubt be delighted that his decision paid off, after what was another superb display from the midfielder against Chelsea.

And, in other news, Guardiola can sign Mendy upgrade in PL beast with a taste for goals…

Aston Villa beat Arsenal last weekend but a moment which might not have sat right with Dean Smith was Ross Barkley lashing out when he was taken off. Andy Gray was fuming at the player following his actions.

What Gray had to say about Barkley

The reaction was not appreciated by Gray, who believes Barkley’s actions could see him not start against Brighton on Saturday. He said: “He’s been given a great opportunity, [he] never got a kick at Chelsea. You can be disappointed but don’t go kicking stuff, especially when the coach sees you. It’ll be interesting to see if the coach plays him in the next game. It’ll be really interesting to see if he plays in the next game.

“It was poor, really poor. What’s he doing [before joining Villa on loan], sitting in the reserves at Chelsea doing nothing, sitting on the bench twiddling his thumbs.“He gets a chance at a fantastic club, and I mean that, he’s gone to a brilliant club who are doing really well, to get his career back on track again, and that’s not going to help him.”It’s a big season for BarkleyThe summer loan signing has had a good campaign as he has managed 2.4 shots, two key passes and 1.5 successful dribbles per game (WhoScored). He has also scored three goals and provided one assist.With Barkley being on loan and an outcast at Chelsea before leaving, he needs to be playing a lot better if he wants to avoid an uncertain future. If he plays well at Villa, then he could manage to get a permanent transfer to the club or even secure a place at Chelsea. The former could be ideal as the Villans are currently battling for Europe.There is also the matter of the Euros in the summer, and poor instances like this will not get him selected in Gareth Southgate’s squad.The stats from Saturday’s game show that it was definitely not his best performance as he only managed 41 touches before he was substituted in the 77th minute. He also lost possession 12 times and lost three ground duels and two aerial duels (SofaScore).Therefore, it is understandable to see him frustrated so Dean Smith will presumably not be too worried or annoyed that his player is showing emotion. It simply shows his passion to play.