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Curtis Jones says Liverpool have to keep calm and carry on as Arne Slot’s side look to recover from back-to-back defeats in Saturday’s “huge game” at Chelsea.

The Premier League champions had made a storming start to the season, having won seven straight matches following their penalty shoot-out loss to Crystal Palace in the Community Shield.

But things have gone awry in recent days for the Reds, whose 100 per cent start to their title defence ended with Saturday’s last-gasp 2-1 loss away to Oliver Glasner’s Eagles.

That Selhurst Park setback was compounded on an ear-splitting evening in Istanbul as Liverpool’s first Champions League trip of the season ended in a 1-0 loss to Galatasaray.

Skipper Virgil van Dijk said “there shouldn’t be panic” after their second straight loss but stressed the need for improvement – sentiments echoed by midfielder Jones.

“It’s just part of the game,” the homegrown star said. “I say it all the time, you must be mad if you think you can win every game.

“You’d obviously like to, but the reality is these teams you play are world-class teams and it’s normal if you lose. It’s just how you bounce back.

“We’ve got a huge game again in three days, the lads have to stay calm.

“It’s part of it, it’s not fine that we lose but we just have to stay calm and it will all change. It will all change, of course it will.”

Victor Osimhen’s first-half spot-kick proved the difference against the sloppy Reds, who looked overawed at times on a hostile evening at rocking Rams Park.

The VAR’s intervention ended up with a late penalty won by Ibrahima Konate being overturned but even if Liverpool had converted it would not have papered over a poor performance.

Jones taking "positives" ahead of Chelsea clash

“If you look left and right, there’s world-class lads all around,” Jones told LFCTV. “But it’s not all about that, it’s about lads who want to go and win.

“It’s OK if you’re nice on the ball and stuff like that but you have to go and win, work hard and run more and that is what the lads know, of course they do.

“But as I have said already, there are games like this, and it won’t be the last as well.

“We would be mad to think we can turn up and just win these games. It’s about how much we want to win.

“Of course we’re upset, but there are positives to take and there is a game again in three days and we have to go again.”

Carragher reveals £200k-a-week Liverpool star must be dropped "right now"

He had another evening to forget.

ByTom Cunningham Oct 1, 2025

Slot’s side stayed in Istanbul following Tuesday’s game, with Liverpool’s starters doing recovery work and the rest of the group training before flying back to Merseyside on Wednesday afternoon.

Goalkeeper Alisson Becker is being assessed after being forced off with an injury that Slot says will rule the Brazil international out of Saturday’s trip to Stamford Bridge.

Lively forward Hugo Ekitike is also being assessed after limping off later in the second half.

A fresh timeline for when Sheffield Wednesday’s takeover could be completed has now been shared after several interested parties presented proof of funds worth £50m.

It’s been a chaotic couple of weeks for the Owls, who finally got the chance to show nightmare owner Dejphon Chansiri the door as he took them into administration. Since then, fans have flocked to the club shop and to Hillsborough in support of Henrik Pedersen’s side as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Norwich City in midweek.

Pedersen shared his pride in Sheffield Wednesday after a well-earned point, telling reporters: “We had courage to play today, it’s the best offensive game we have played this season. We also created big chances after the goal, so proud of the performance and we go in the right direction.

“The first half defensive[ly] we were strong, we were solid. The players are working so hard and I think they deserve better today, but we have to learn, we have to train more. But the positive thing now is we’re creating chances.”

Now on -4 points in the Championship after being hit with a 12-point deduction following their administration, survival seems almost impossible for the Owls, who are paying the price in full for Chansiri’s ownership.

Nonetheless, the good times are at least on the horizon again. The Chansiri era is over and new ownership is on its way. Just who that new owner will be is the big question.

Names such as Mike Ashley and John Textor have both been mentioned in the last week or so, but it remains to be seen whether either of the former Premier League owners make their move to buy the club.

Reporter shares fresh Sheffield Wednesday takeover timeline

The good news for those at Hillsborough is that they may not have to wait long before a new era commences. According to The Star’s Alex Miller, Sheffield Wednesday could have their takeover completed by November 23 when they square off against rivals Sheffield United.

What’s more, at least one well-funded American group has reportedly progressed to the furthest stage of the takeover process in what is a major boost for the Owls.

BBC reporter shares latest £50m step that 3 Sheffield Wednesday candidates have just taken

Things are looking up for the Owls.

ByTom Cunningham Oct 31, 2025

Co-administrator and managing partner at Begbies Traynor, Kris Wigfield also provided a positive update on the takeover process in the build-up to the Norwich game.

Although relegation seemingly looms for the Owls, everything is pointing towards positive days ahead which will feature new owners.

John McEvoy: Who is the American billionaire looking to buy Sheffield Wednesday?

Chelsea are now prepared to sell a “leader” in January so they can sign an £83 million player, with Enzo Maresca’s side already making contact over a potential move.

Chelsea thrash Southampton 5-1 to extend unbeaten Premier League run

The west Londoners have been tipped as potential Premier League title contenders after a fine start to the campaign, even if Maresca continues to rebuff notions that they could end the club’s near nine-year-long wait for a domestic crown.

Chelsea looking at "big name" £62m striker in "better value" deal than Isak

The Magpies have set an enormous price tag.

ByEmilio Galantini Dec 5, 2024

Chelsea haven’t won a title since Antonio Conte led them to the honour in 2016, but they’re making a serious go of it this season – lying just seven points behind league leaders Liverpool and losing just twice.

They came at the hands of Arne Slot’s side and current champions Man City, with Maresca yet to taste a single loss in the league since their defeat at Anfield in October.

Tottenham (home)

December 8

Brentford (home)

December 15

Everton (away)

December 22

Fulham (home)

December 26

Ipswich Town (away)

December 30

Chelsea thrashed Southampton 5-1 at St. Mary’s to extend their unbeaten domestic run to six games, and it is practically impossible to get at least a little bit excited given just how well they’re playing right now.

Since arriving at Stamford Bridge from Leicester City in the summer, Maresca has implemented an exciting, attack-minded style of play which has pleased both critics and supporters – but Chelsea’s boss is still refusing to get drawn into debates regarding this year’s title race.

“We’re not in the title race. We are not, in my opinion,” said Maresca on Chelsea’s prospects of winning the league.

“What I said to the owners and the sporting directors the first time I met them, because of the age, and because of how good the squad is, for me Chelsea in the next five to 10 years will be one of the teams, or the team, that is going to dominate English football.

“This is what I said this to the club the first time I met them. No matter who will be the manager, for the next five or 10 years, because of the age, the squad, you can dominate English football, and I still think exactly the same.”

Nevertheless, Chelsea will be going into their game against inconsistent Tottenham on a real high, with defender Axel Disasi even managing to get on the scoresheet against Southampton after returning to the starting eleven.

Chelsea prepared to sell Axel Disasi in January so they can sign Tomas Araujo

The Frenchman had missed out on a place in their previous five Premier League matchday squads, but was handed the opportunity to start against Southampton by Maresca.

Disasi ultimately repaid his manager’s faith with a solid display, but there have been reports in the build up to January that Chelsea may look to offload Disasi and free up space for another centre-back.

Chelsea are scouring the market for another central defensive star, and they’ve been linked with Benfica star Tomas Araujo.

TEAMtalk have an update on their interest in the Portuguese, as Maresca looks to reshape the squad into future dominators of English football.

It is believed that Chelsea are prepared to sell Disasi in January and have made contact over Araujo, with their defender’s sale seen as crucial to potentially striking a deal for the latter defender.

Despite being called a “leader” in defence at points, Disasi is also seen as “limited” by some behind-the-scenes at Chelsea, prompting their interest in Araujo, who is believed to have an £83 million release clause in his contract.

The 22-year-old, who can also play at right-back, is emerging as one of the Primeira Liga’s most promising defenders – which has apparently turned heads in west London.

Picking up two wins from their last three Championship games, there could still be light at the end of the tunnel for Sheffield Wednesday's survival chances in the second tier when all hope had begun to look lost.

Ike Ugbo has been a standout performer since joining the Owls ranks in January from Troyes on loan, netting his third goal for Wednesday already at Millwall this weekend as Danny Rohl's men pulled off an impressive 2-0 away day win.

With Ugbo coming in and becoming a star man up top, Michael Smith's importance to the Wednesday cause has significantly lessened.

As a result, the second-tier side might well live to regret not trying to offload Smith with more vigour in January as the 32-year-old gradually bleeds the club more and more courtesy of his excessive pay packet despite now being on the fringes.

Michael Smith's salary at Sheffield Wednesday

Smith is currently the fourth highest earner at Hillsborough despite now primarily being an option Rohl brings on from the off the bench, coming in at a handsome £17.5k-per-week which could be better used elsewhere based on his output this campaign.

Rumoured fervently with a move to reunite with his ex-Rotherham United boss Paul Warne at Derby County in January, Smith only has three goals next to his name when he's been in the thick of the action for the Owls away from all this talk.

In stark contrast, Ugbo – from just three games – has managed to match Smith's total for Wednesday with the ex-Chelsea attacker on seven goals for the campaign overall after having his Cardiff City loan cut short to relocate to South Yorkshire.

Rohl and Co will see the deal to land Ugbo on loan until the end of the season as a masterstroke, with the 25-year-old centre-forward a more affordable option to keep on the books than the waning Smith.

Moreover, his clinical edge in front of goal means he comes out on top over the lacklustre 32-year-old attacker.

Smith's wage compared to the rest of the Wednesday squad

Smith's bulky pay packet means he's currently one of the highest earners in the Owls squad, with the likes of Barry Bannan unsurprisingly above him on an even heftier £24k-per-week according to Capology.

The likes of Jeff Hendrick and Kristian Pedersen are also burning holes in the Owls' pocket with their wages on loan – with the Newcastle United loanee specifically coming in at an eye-watering £35k-per-week – but Ugbo thankfully comes in as a cheaper option than this expensively priced duo.

1. Jeff Hendrick

£35k

2. Barry Bannan

£24k

3. Kristian Pedersen

£18k

4. Michael Smith

£17.5k

5. Will Vaulks

£15.9k

Ugbo boasts a reasonable £15k per week wage playing for Wednesday in comparison, justifying his salary with his recent golden streak in front of goal compared to a quiet Smith.

Smith's last two goals for the Owls came all the way back in October, with the likes of Anthony Musaba – who is on a significantly less extortionate wage than the 32-year-old forward at £9k per week – leading the goalscoring charts at Hillsborough with six goals away from the ex-Millers man.

Wednesday will need to look at offloading a lot of their ageing high earners if the South Yorkshire side succumb to relegation come the end of the season, with Smith high up the potential list to ditch.

Ugbo could well be kept around permanently on the contrary based on his current goalscoring heroics, as Rohl and Co aim to assemble a squad for the long-term that doesn't cost excessive amounts.

With the extent of Ruben Amorim’s task becoming clearer by the day, Manchester United are now reportedly interested in beating Liverpool to one of their priority targets in 2025.

Man Utd transfer news

The Red Devils very nearly made it a third-straight game without victory against Viktoria Plzen, only for Rasmus Hojlund’s late second to snatch all three points to avoid what would have been a disaster start under Amorim. The former Sporting boss has so far struggled to make an instant impact, but given the mess left behind by Erik ten Hag, United’s struggles have come as little surprise.

It doesn’t get any easier for Amorim’s side either, who square off against Manchester City in the Manchester derby this weekend in a battle between two sides growing more and more desperate to turn their recent slumps around.

Meanwhile, as the action continues on the pitch, the Red Devils have seemingly turned their attention towards potential reinforcements. According to Brazilian outlet UOL, INEOS are now interested in signing Joao Pedro ahead of Liverpool, who have reportedly made the Brighton & Hove Albion forward a priority target ahead of 2025, hoping to sign an upgrade on the struggling Darwin Nunez.

As bad as Rashford: Amorim must axe 3/10 Man Utd dud who left him dismayed

Manchester United secured a third consecutive Europa League victory last night.

ByEthan Lamb Dec 13, 2024

Manchester United already know all about Pedro’s quality, given that he’s scored three goals in five games against them, including a last gasp winner over the Red Devils from the penalty spot back in August. A thorn in Harry Maguire’s side, the Brazilian came away with the winning goal to his name and on the right end of five duels, whilst his defensive opponent made just one block and was hooked in the 79th minute, as per Fotmob.

"Leader" Pedro would hand Amorim instant Zirkzee upgrade

Whilst Hojlund is beginning to benefit from the arrival of Amorim, the same can’t be said for Joshua Zirkzee, whose best role is yet to be defined as the rumours over a potential exit already commence. By signing Pedro, however, Manchester United would end any attacking doubts and put an end to what is a failing Zirkzee experiment at Old Trafford.

Minutes

589

594

Goals

4

3

Assists

3

1

Expected Goals

2.4

3

Brighton, like they have been with a number of players so often in the past, will be keen to keep hold of Pedro amid such interest, especially following Fabian Hurzeler’s recent verdict.

The Brighton boss told reporters as relayed by The Guardian after his side defeated Bournemouth: “In possession he is unbelievable. He makes the difference for us today. It’s also very important to see how he works against the ball. He invests a lot out of possession. He does a lot of work in the shadow and the work that is unseen. That’s why it is very good to have him as a leader on the pitch.”

Leeds United underwent a big summer of changes at the end of the 2022/23 campaign as they were relegated from the Premier League and dropped back down to the Championship.

49ers Enterprises officially completed their full takeover of the club from Andrea Radrizzani, who had been the majority owner since 2017, in July of last year.

They took over during a difficult period as they had to navigate the transition back to second division football, and they appear to have handled it brilliantly.

German head coach Daniel Farke was brought in and currently has Leeds in third place in the Championship, which means that the club are on course to secure promotion back to the top-flight.

The 49ers also had to deal with a host of first-team players moving on as Tyler Adams and Rodrigo were sold on permanent deals, whilst the likes of Jack Harrison, Robin Koch, Max Wober, Rasmus Kristensen, and Marc Roca, among others, were sent out on loan.

Jack Harrison's future at Leeds

It remains to be seen whether or not any of the players sent out on loan at the start of the season have a future at Elland Road beyond the summer.

Football Insider did recently report, though, that Harrison wants to complete a permanent move away from Yorkshire at the end of the season, having settled in well with Everton in the Premier League.

The Toffees swooped in to secure his services on loan without an option to buy last year, which means that Sean Dyche's side do not have an agreement with the Whites to sign him on a permanent basis.

It was stated that the English winger wants to remain in the Premier League for the 2024/25 campaign and beyond, but does not want to be there with Leeds even if Farke's side win promotion from the Championship.

Football Insider, however, added that Everton's pending takeover from 777 Partners could impact how much the Toffees are prepared to pay for Harrison.

No option to buy in the loan deal does mean that Leeds can look elsewhere and offer the former Manchester City prospect out to interested parties, should they bring more money to the table than the Merseyside outfit.

His market value has soared in recent years and 49ers could hit the jackpot by cashing in on him this summer, particularly when you consider how much the club initially paid to sign him.

How much Leeds paid for Jack Harrison

The Whites splashed out a fee of £11m to sign Harrison from Premier League giants Manchester City, who he failed to make a single appearance for, in the summer of 2021.

That move came after the impressive winger had spent three years on loan at Elland Road, two of which came in the Championship under Marcelo Bielsa.

He endured an underwhelming first season with the club in the second tier with a return of four goals and three assists in 37 league appearances.

Harrison followed that up, however, with six goals and eight assists in 46 matches as Leeds won the title with Bielsa to secure promotion to the Premier League.

The talented whiz then hit the ground running in the top-flight with eight goals and eight assists in 36 games throughout the 2020/21 campaign.

Appearances

36

Goals

Eight

Big chances missed

Six

Assists

Eight

Big chances created

Ten

As you can see in the table above, the Leeds star was effective in front of goal with more strikes than 'big chances' missed, and could have been frustrated with his teammates as they did not make the most of the chances that he created.

His form was impressive enough to convince the Whites to splash £11m on him and that has turned out to be a fantastic move by the club, as his value has soared in recent years.

Harrison remained a regular starter for the Yorkshire-based outfit during the 2021/22 and 2022/23 campaigns after his loan was made permanent.

He racked up eight goals, one assist, and three 'big chances' created in 32 starts throughout the first season, which was followed by a return of five goals, seven assists, and nine 'big chances' created in 34 starts last term.

However, his attacking contributions were not enough to keep Leeds afloat in the Premier League as they were relegated last summer, which led to his move to Everton.

Jack Harrison's current market value

At the time of writing (29/02/2024), FootballTransfers have his Expected Transfer Value (xTV) at a whopping €34m, which works out as around £29m.

This means that his value has soared by 164% from the initial £11m that Leeds paid Manchester City to secure his services almost three years ago.

His soaring market value suggests that Leeds could have the opportunity to hit the jackpot by selling him for a hefty profit on that £11m fee this summer, whether that is to Everton or another club.

The aforementioned report from Football Insider stated that Harrison does want to leave the Whites permanently and stay in the Premier League, which suggests that a move at the end of the season could materialise. However, it remains to be seen exactly how much a team will be prepared to pay for him.

He has enjoyed a solid campaign with the Toffees so far and offered a decent threat at the top end of the pitch for Dyche since his move to Merseyside.

The 27-year-old winger, who was hailed as "relentless" earlier this season by journalist Joe Thomas, has racked up three goals and three assists, along with five 'big chances' created, in 19 Premier League starts.

Harrison currently ranks within the top 20% of Premier League midfielders for non-penalty goals (0.17) and the top 21% for assists (0.17) per 90 respectively.

This shows that he has been above average as both a scorer and a creator of goals from a midfield position for the Toffees so far this term.

The 49ers could now hit the jackpot by striking gold with Harrison's current market value in the summer if they can rake in a big fee from Everton, or another club, for the superb speedster, who has proven himself to be a reliable performer in the Premier League.

Chelsea are now looking at signing a “big name” striker who could be a much more prudent signing than marquee Newcastle United star Alexander Isak, a forward they’ve been repeatedly linked with over these last few months.

Chelsea target Newcastle star Alexander Isak on striker shortlist

Enzo Maresca’s high-flying Chelsea, who are now seven points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool, haven’t exactly struggled for goals lately – scoring 12 in their last four matches across all competitions and averaging three strikes per game.

West Ham could sign "clinical" Chelsea player who's pushing hard to leave

His agents are looking for a new home.

ByEmilio Galantini Dec 5, 2024

Nicolas Jackson has found a new lease of life under Maresca, with fellow attacking stars Cole Palmer, Christopher Nkunku, Jadon Sancho and Noni Madueke chipping in elsewhere across their attacking line. However, we are still seeing reports that Chelsea could look to bring in a new striker in 2025.

Tottenham (home)

December 8

Brentford (home)

December 15

Everton (away)

December 22

Fulham (home)

December 26

Ipswich Town (away)

December 30

The west Londoners are doing due diligence on Ipswich Town star Liam Delap as one option, with the Englishman seriously impressing at the bottom end of the division, young and homegrown.

Reliable journalist Simon Phillips shared news in the last few days that Chelsea have laid early groundwork over a deal for Delap ahead of next year, but he is one of many strikers apparently on their shortlist.

Another potential option, and one which would come as quite the statement capture, is Newcastle United star Isak.

The Swede bagged 25 goals in all competitions last season and is widely regarded as one of the division’s best centre-forwards, meaning the Magpies are set to demand in excess of £100 million for his signature next year.

Despite his quality, BlueCo have already made multiple £100m-plus signings since Clearlake Capital’s takeover a couple of years ago, and there is reason to believe Todd Boehly will wish to avoid paying over the odds with FFP lingering in the background.

Chelsea could attempt to bid for Isak still, but there are a few reports suggesting they’d be willing to hit six figures.

Chelsea looking at signing Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic

Now, as per CaughtOffside, Chelsea could swoop for Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic as an alternative to Isak.

The Serbia international has started 2024/2025 in excellent fashion with nine goals in 16 total appearances, leading to admiring glances from Stamford Bridge as Maresca seeks to bolster his forward line with a prolific number nine.

Chelsea are looking at signing Vlahovic, called a “big name” by the report, and it is believed he’d cost around £62 million to prise away from Turin. However, they could face stiff competition from Arsenal, who may also move for the ex-Fiorentina star in what could be a “better value for money” deal than Isak.

“Yes. I’ve been saying it for a long time. He’s strong, massive, he fills up front, he’s a reference, he’s a ‘left-footer’ full of courage,” said former Juventus striker Roberto Boninsegana, who expressed his admiration for Isak.

“A good centre-forward. I also like Retegui from Atalanta, he scores easily.”

A Manchester United star who Ruben Amorim called “top” is now close to sealing a January exit, with talks advancing.

Amorim looking to reshuffle squad in January

After a shaky start to the campaign, Amorim has managed to buy himself some more time courtesy of a recent uptick in results, with Man United winning four out of their last six matches in the Premier League.

The United boss has settled on Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes as his preferred options in the middle of the park, and the midfield duo certainly played their part in the recent 2-1 victory against Liverpool at Anfield.

Casemiro made three tackles to keep the Reds at bay, the joint-second highest number of any player, while Fernandes was a constant threat, hitting the woodwork and assisting Harry Maguire’s late winner.

However, there have been suggestions that Amorim is less convinced by his back-up options in midfield, with Teddy Sheringham claiming the 40-year-old isn’t a fan of Kobbie Mainoo: “He has a certain style that Amorim obviously doesn’t appreciate.

“He obviously wants more from Mainoo; it’s up to him to try and change his game a little bit to fit in with what Amorim wants.”

According to a report from Spain, Mainoo is now very close to sealing a January exit from Old Trafford, with talks over a move to Napoli recently advancing, amid very limited game time so far this season.

The 20-year-old is determined to make it to the 2026 World Cup, which means he needs to be receiving regular minutes, and Napoli are now in the strongest position to get a deal done, with the youngster potentially in line to follow Scott McTominay to Italy.

The report doesn’t make it clear what sort of fee the Red Devils could receive for their academy graduate, but a £70m asking price has been touted in the past.

Carragher said Man Utd star was "awful" in 24/25, now he's their best player

Manchester United appear to have conducted incredible business with the addition of one star.

ByEthan Lamb Oct 21, 2025 Mainoo needs regular first-team football

It would be completely understandable if the youngster were to push for a move this January, given that he is at serious risk of not going to the World Cup, having not played for England since a 2-0 victory over Ireland over one year ago.

Amorim has previously made it clear he is a fan of the central midfielder, describing him as a “top player”, but the United boss clearly isn’t totally convinced, with the 10-time England international still yet to make a Premier League start this season.

Given that Amorim has staved off the pressure with two wins on the bounce, Mainoo may not be reintroduced into the starting XI anytime soon, but it would be a real shame to see the 2024 FA Cup final star leave, with the display against Manchester City proving he has the talent to succeed at Old Trafford.

Crystal Palace’s squad has been built really well in the past few years, with a mixture of experienced Premier League players being signed, some astute youngsters being poached for good fees, and even bringing some academy prospects of their own through.

Players like Marc Guehi, Adam Wharton, Eberechi Eze and Dean Henderson were all signed for good fees relative to their potential ability.

Alongside clever additions such as Jefferson Lerma, Daichi Kamada, Daniel Munoz, Will Hughes, Ismaila Sarr, and Jean-Phillipe Mateta, who are more experienced members of the squad.

But it’s their academy that has plenty of promise to add more to this squad in the next year or so, adding to Tyrick Mitchell and Nathaniel Clyne who are the only real starters in the squad to come through the academy.

Crystal Palace's upcoming academy stars

One of the brightest stars in the academy is winger, Asher Agbinone, who has made two sub appearances totalling four minutes for the Eagles this season. Oliver Glasner has used him from the bench, stating he has “a lot of pace” and calling him a “very good talent”.

Justin Devenny is another to have broken through this season, making two senior appearances alongside his eight U21 appearances this campaign. The 21-year-old made a heroic impact just last weekend, scoring his first Premier League goal against Aston Villa, as the sides drew 2-2 at Villa Park.

But one academy product who is currently out on loan, and could return to make a real impact for the Eagles, is Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, a player who teammate Marc Guehi praised as a player with “great potential” last season.

Why Jesurun Rak-Sakyi could be the new Zaha

Rak-Sakyi is making waves in the Championship this term, and has impressed of late. Indeed, he notably scored in Sheffield United’s 3-0 victory over Oxford on Tuesday night, also making three key passes in the game.

So far this season, the 22-year-old has made 17 appearances for the Blades, scoring four goals and providing two assists in 884 minutes. Sheffield United currently sit top of the Championship, and Rak-Sakyi has played a big part in that so far this season.

So, how could he fit into the current squad at Selhurst Park?

Goals

0.41

0.27

0.14

Assists

0.20

0.11

0.14

xG

0.36

0.26

0.29

xAG

0.23

0.11

0.27

Progressive Carries

4.51

3.39

3.02

Progressive Passes

1.76

2.95

1.59

Shots Total

2.45

2.65

2.61

Key Passes

1.98

1.46

1.59

Shot-Creating Actions

4.62

3.58

4.29

Successful Take-Ons

2.53

2.17

0.63

When comparing Rak-Sakyi to Wilfried Zaha in his last season at Palace, and new signing Sarr this season, the 22-year-old impressively comes out on top in seven of the ten metrics analysed, providing better output (goals + assists), more progressive carries per 90, and more creative actions such as take-ons, key passes and shot-creating actions.

These are all traits that Palace have been missing since losing Zaha, and also losing Michael Olise in the summer. Rak-Sakyi clearly looks like he could be the man to provide that extra creative edge from wide areas, certainly in comparison to summer signing Sarr who hasn’t had the fastest start to life with the Eagles.

Once the Eagles youngster returns next season, if Sarr fails to impress to a satisfactory level, he could well be given a chance in the first team, enabling him to finally become the Zaha replacement that Palace fans have been craving since his departure.

Their next Olise: Crystal Palace could have a £100m + star in the making

Crystal Palace could have their next Olise with £100m ace in the making

ByConnor Holden Nov 16, 2024

Newcastle United struck victory late on against Fulham to escape from the lower levels of the Premier League and build on the Champions League victory over Benfica, which reminded fans of their attacking quality.

Though injury-hit Fulham proved pests at St. James’ Park on Saturday, nearly escaping with the spoils shared before Bruno Guimaraes’ late goal, slotted smoothly into the net after fine work from substitute William Osula, Benfica were outclassed, and Eddie Howe is beginning to get a tune out of his side.

The Magpies are all about evolution, and the rise of Sandro Tonali and Lewis Miley’s newfound confidence have seen the midfield refashioned, a glimpse of things to come shown over these past few weeks.

But evolution may come at some players’ expense, and Joelinton’s place in the Tyneside engine room is not quite so nailed-on as it once was.

Joelinton's Newcastle future

Joelinton’s is one of the most rousing success stories in the Premier League. Written off after his first couple of seasons in Newcastle as the club’s record signing, the wasteful striker has been repurposed as a physical beast of a midfielder, combining strength and smartness to bulldoze through to the final third.

But the 29-year-old has lacked clarity this season, and Miley’s form at number six and Jacob Murphy’s hints of promise in a dynamic midfield berth suggest the Brazil international may not be quite as indispensable as he once was.

Indeed, United blogger Thomas Hammond has even gone as far as to suggest that Joelinton might have reached “the start of the end”, still as crafty and physical as ever, but undoubtedly the weakest link in a midfield also comprised of Guimaraes and Tonali.

Joelinton has played 11 matches in all competitions this season, and he has only scored twice, both strikes coming against Bradford City in the Carabao Cup.

This is a natural part of any footballer’s career. Joelinton has plied his trade for the club for five years, and he has been an instrumental part of the rise.

But he’s not the only one who might be on borrowed time. In fact, there’s a mainstay who’s been on Tyneside for even longer, and he too is in danger of being replaced.

The Newcastle "legend" on borrowed time

Newcastle have signed some corkers over the past four years, but Howe’s brilliance can be found in the rebirth of several existing stars.

Joelinton is one, while Jacob Murphy is a marvel in polishing his skillset and becoming a purposeful player in a European squad. But Fabian Schar’s rise is just as impressive.

Once hailed as a “walking mistake” by journalist John Gibson, the 33-year-old arrived on a three-year deal from Deportivo La Coruna in 2018 for a nominal fee and ebbed and flowed through those first years on Tyneside.

But he kept working and won Howe over when the English tactician was appointed, not only with 237 total appearances in black and white to his name, but with 21 goals and ten assists and only Guimaraes above him on the outing tally since Howe’s arrival.

1

Bruno Guimaraes

164

2

Fabian Schar

160

3

Dan Burn

159

4

Jacob Murphy

145

5

Joelinton

139

But for all this experience, Newcastle’s newbies are starting to shine. Take Malick Thiaw, who arrived from AC Milan in a £34m deal this summer and has won Tyneside over with strong and dynamic defensive performances. The 24-year-old exudes composure and style on the ball.

A continuation of these five-star displays may make Schar’s berth in the team somewhat redundant. The Swiss international, after all, had sat through three of his past four available fixtures on the bench before being used as a second-half substitute during the weekend win over Fulham.

For Schar and Dan Burn to have forged such a steely alliance at the back is quite the thing. Below you see the partnership listed among the division’s greatest, and that duo have worked wonders in spite of injuries to the likes of Sven Botman.

As things stand, Schar, hailed as a “true legend of the club” by one Newcastle content creator, is among the list of ageing Newcastle players who face the end of their Toon careers come the close of the campaign.

Howe has rooted his project in the experience and intelligence of his mature squad, but with the likes of Guimaraes and Tonali and Botman all younger but cultured members of the squad, it may be that veterans such as Schar could depart having given so much to the city, and leaving at the right time at that.

Everton

19

28.0

Aston Villa

23

27.9

Newcastle

21

27.5

Fulham

22

27.5

Burnley

22

27.0

Whether the defender pens another extension on his current deal remains to be seen, but there’s no question that his significance in Howe’s squad is diminishing after many years of tireless service.

He is less than two months away from his 34th birthday, and while there’s a sense he could still play a part in Newcastle’s journey, Schar may grow warm to the prospect of trying his hand somewhere new before the autumn years of his career.

like Joelinton, Schar might be on borrowed time, with signs that he is falling from a once-untouchable position in Howe’s line-up. But, as with Joelinton, the Switzerland native has worked so hard over the past several years, and if he is approaching the final stretch, he would leave with his head held high and with silverware in tow.

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