If there is one criticism of Chelsea over the Roman Abramovich era it is their inability to promote players from within as opposed to constantly turning to the transfer market.
The Blues have one of the most talented development sides in world football, let alone within the country, however not since John Terry has a player emerged from the academy ranks to establish themselves in the first team.
Furthermore, as opposed to handing their young players a chance to impress they are often shipped out on loan year-after-year before being prematurely sold off.
One player who, especially under Guus Hiddink after Jose Mouirnho’s dismissal, showed real promise of making the cut was Ruben Loftus-Cheek. However, despite featuring heavily in Antonio Conte’s pre-season plans in his first term in charge, the midfielder’s chances were limited.
With the former Juventus manager looking to the transfer market to strengthen the midfield once again this summer there was still little room for the 21-year-old who, it was announced today, has now joined London rivals Crystal Palace on a season-long loan.
Having had to wait so long to see a success story from their own academy, the news hasn’t gone down to well with Blues fans…
According to reports in the Birmingham Mail, Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce has hinted that out-of-favour defender Tommy Elphick could still have a role to play this season after returning from injury.
What’s the word, then?
Well, the Birmingham Mail says the Villa centre-back may well be on the move this summer with arch-rivals Birmingham City, Leeds United and Sunderland all keen on the former Villans and Bournemouth captain.
Elphick fell out of favour under Steve Bruce last season with Nathan Baker and James Chester often preferred at the heart of the defence, but despite the latter joining Bristol City last month his future is still in doubt following the summer additions of John Terry and Christopher Samba.
The 29-year-old hasn’t featured for all of pre-season after picking up a calf injury during their early preparations in Portugal, but the Birmingham Mail says he returned for a behind-closed-doors friendly against Nottingham Forest on Tuesday and Bruce has hinted that he could yet feature in his plans.
What did Bruce say?
He told the Birmingham Mail: “It hasn’t gone so well for him here.
“He is really popular in the dressing room with the coaches and management but unfortunately it was tough for Tommy as he got injured on the first day of pre-season.
“If nothing does I will be delighted to have Tommy around. He is a good pro who still has something to offer.”
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How did Elphick do last season?
The centre-back was brought to Villa Park by previous manager Roberto Di Matteo and he would have likely gone on to be one of their key players if the Italian hadn’t have been sacked in October of last year.
When Bruce came in he quickly chose Baker and Chester as his first-choice pairing and despite spending the majority of the second-half of the campaign on the substitutes’ bench, Elphick still made 26 league appearances in total.
What happens next?
Well, while Bruce has said that Elphick will return to the squad and still has a part to play, it is difficult to see that happening considering that John Terry and James Chester will likely be his first-choice partnership for the upcoming campaign, with Christopher Samba in reserve.
Whether the 29-year-old is willing to sit on the bench for another season remains to be seen and a move is still probably best for both parties, as long as Villa’s valuation of the player is met.
However, it is sure that they would prefer to sell to someone else than Birmingham City, who could be one of their promotion rivals come the end of the campaign.
Philippe Coutinho has dominated the transfer gossip pages during this window amid widespread reports that the Liverpool star is wanted by Barcelona.
The Brazilian seemed to put speculation to bed in January when he signed a new long-term contract at Anfield.
However, according to Sky Sports, Coutinho is now keen on moving to Camp Nou and he recently submitted a transfer request in order to push a deal through.
Liverpool are standing firm, though, and they made it clear in a statement released last week that their star man is not for sale.
Speculation has quietened down over the last couple of days, but now, Barcelona general manager Pep Segura has been quoted saying that a deal for the playmaker is “close”, reports The Telegraph.
The comments seem to have affected the bookmakers, with Sky Bet shortening odds from 4/6 to 8/15 on Coutinho becoming part of the Catalan club before the transfer window shuts in two weeks’ time.
Despite the Reds’ public stance regarding the situation, Betfred believes that the likelihood of the 25-year-old staying put is slim, as it has lengthened its odds to 5/4.
Coutinho, who joined Liverpool from Inter Milan in 2013, missed the Reds’ opening Premier League 3-3 draw with Watford and Tuesday night’s Champions League qualifying first-leg win over Hoffenheim due to a back injury.
After witnessing their team seal progression into the Europa League group stage on Thursday night, Everton fans were eagerly awaiting today’s draw.
Ronald Koeman’s side overcame Hadjuk Split 3-1 on aggregate in the qualifying round, and Gylfi Sigurdsson stole the show with a 50-yard strike in the second leg in Croatia.
The first task has been completed, but they now face an even bigger challenge after being placed in a strong group for the next phase of the competition.
The Merseyside outfit were drawn in Group E alongside Atalanta, Apollon Limassol and this year’s hosts Lyon.
In terms of travel, it is a decent draw for Everton as they will be flying to Italy, Cyprus and France for their away trips.
That will be hugely welcomed by Koeman, who would have been keen to avoid his players racking up the air miles in between crucial Premier League fixtures.
The downside is that the Toffees have some tricky opponents to contend with, and the fans have been tweeting their thoughts on the draw.
Leeds United legend and the late Gary Speed would have been celebrating his 48th birthday on Friday, and Whites fans were quick to pay tribute to one of their heroes.
The Welshman was sadly taken away in November 2011, and looking back he certainly enjoyed some of the best days of his playing career during eight years with Leeds and will never be forgotten by the Elland Road faithful.
Speed scored 58 goals in 312 appearances in all competitions for the Yorkshire outfit and as well as being a key member of the team that won the 1992 First Division title, he was selected in the PFA Team of the Year in the first-ever Premier League season in the 1992/93 campaign.
Leeds supporters were quick to pay tribute to their former midfielder via social media, with many labelling him as a “legend” and others saying that he was their “footballing hero” when they were growing up.
Arsenal’s 4-0 thrashing at Liverpool prior to the international break was one of their eight Premier League losses by four goals or more. Interestingly, half of these hammerings have now come at Anfield and half have come in the last three years. Here’s a look at all eight…
Liverpool 4-0 Arsenal (6 May 1998)
With the Premier League title already secured, Arsenal suffered their biggest defeat in Premier League history at the time as they were thrashed 4-0 at Anfield. Paul Ince had scored twice in quick succession before Michael Owen gave Roy Evans’ side a 3-0 lead before half-time. Oyvind Leonhardsen wrapped up the scoring late on. The likes of Alex Manninger, Matthew Upson, Gilles Grimandi, Stephen Hughes, Luís Boa Morte and Christopher Wreh all started this game for the Gunners.
Liverpool 4-0 Arsenal (23 December 2000)
Liverpool handed Arsenal another hiding, this time the final game before Christmas. Gérard Houllier’s side only led 1-0 at half-time, thanks to an early strike from Steven Gerrard but goals from Michael Owen on the hour, Nick Barmby and Robbie Fowler in stoppage time secured a convincing win for the Reds. Liverpool would go on to finish third in the league, winning the UEFA Cup, FA Cup and League Cup that season.
Manchester United 6-1 Arsenal (25 February 2001)
That same season Arsenal were handed a drubbing by Premier League rivals Manchester United. Dwight Yorke had helped himself to a hat-trick inside the opening 22 minutes, either side of Thierry Henry’s equaliser. Ole Gunnar Solskjær had made it 5-1 before half-time and Teddy Sheringham then sealed Arsenal’s biggest Premier League defeat at the time late on.
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Manchester United 8-2 Arsenal (28 August 2011)
Arsenal’s heaviest Premier League defeat lasted for a decade until they were humiliated at Manchester United once again. Sir Alex Ferguson’s side ran riot against the Gunners with goals from Ashley Young, Danny Welbeck and Wayne Rooney in the first half. Rooney would end the game with a hat-trick and Young a brace. Carl Jenkinson was sent off late on, though Robin van Persie’s consolation in the 74th minute meant this was the first time Arsenal had actually scored twice in one game at Old Trafford in the Premier League era.
This prompted Arsène Wenger to sign Park Chu-young, André Santos, Per Mertesacker and Mikel Arteta in the final two days of the transfer window.
Liverpool 5-1 Arsenal (8 February 2014)
Martin Škrtel scored twice in the opening 10 minutes as Arsenal’s defence went AWOL at Anfield in February 2014. Raheem Sterling and Daniel Sturridge then scored in the next 10 minutes as thoughts of a Premier League record were on the cards. However, Sterling’s strike early in the second half was the only other goal Brendan Rodgers’ side would add before Jack Wilshere scored a consolation goal from the penalty spot for the visitors.
Chelsea 6-0 Arsenal (22 March 2014)
Samuel Eto’o and André Schürrle had already given Chelsea an early 2-0 lead before Kieran Gibbs was mistakenly sent off in the 16th minute for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s handball on the goalline. Eden Hazard scored the resulting spot kick. Oscar bagged a brace while Mohamed Salah scored his first-ever Premier League goal as José Mourinho’s side rubbed salt into Arsenal’s wounds.
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Southampton 4-0 Arsenal (26 December 2015)
Arsenal’s final game before Christmas 2015 was a fine 2-1 victory over Manchester City, but they were then hammered at Southampton on Boxing Day. Cuco Martina opened the scoring with a fine long-range effort before Shane Long scored a brace either side of José Fonte’s goal.
Liverpool 4-0 Arsenal (27 August 2017)
The latest of Arsenal’s heaviest defeats prior to the international break as Liverpool tore them apart from the off. Roberto Firmino found himself free in the box to head Jürgen Klopp’s side into a 17th minute lead. Sadio Mané’s fine strike five minutes before half-time gave Liverpool the 2-0 cushion at the break that they fully deserved. Mohamed Salah finally scored just before the hour having threatened all game, and substitute Daniel Sturridge even found time to get on the scoresheet.
The future of Sean Dyche has been a talking point over the last few days due to his impressive start to the season with Burnley.
The Clarets manager has guided the club to sixth in the Premier League table after seven games.
Burnley have only lost once in the top flight so far in the campaign and are now five games unbeaten having secured a 1-1 draw with Liverpool and and victory over Everton.
Dyche managed to keep the club in the elite division last season, eventually ending the 2016-17 campaign in 16th place, six points above the drop.
Given that Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Arsenal are the only clubs above Burnley in the table right now, focus is turning to Dyche’s next step.
There are no indications that the 46-year-old is considering moving on, but former England Under-21 manager Stuart Pearce believes that the ex-Watford boss is good enough for Everton or Newcastle United.
Pearce told talkSPORT:
“Where could he go? If we turn it around and say he can’t go to one of the top five or six clubs. If we are saying that because for some reason we think because he is English he can’t do that – I disagree with that totally. Why can’t he go to Liverpool? Why can’t he go to Everton? Why can’t he go to Newcastle?”
Ronald Koeman is currently in charge of Everton, but is facing increasing pressure due to a handful of unwanted results.
Meanwhile, Rafael Benitez’s future at Newcastle remains in and out of the headlines following his public criticism of the club’s summer transfer activity.
As reported by The Mirror, Ronald Koeman has just a handful of matches to prove he can turn things around at Everton this season, or faces being sacked.
What’s the story?
After a massive summer spend, the Toffees have won just two English Premier League matches so far this term, leaving them in a disappointing 16th place in the table, just two points clear of the relegation zone.
Everton fans are growing weary of the situation and it seems the hierarchy at the club have also had enough, giving manager Ronald Koeman a short-term deadline to turn things around.
That’s according to The Mirror, who say he has until the end of October to turn things around with the three upcoming top-flight matches against Brighton, Arsenal and Leicester being critical.
A tough schedule
Finding winning form won’t be easy for Everton, with a heavy schedule in three competitions sure to put pressure on the squad and the manager in the coming weeks.
Alongside those English Premier League matches, there are games against Chelsea in the EFL Cup and Lyon in the UEFA Europa League to consider.
If the reports are true and Koeman truly does only have until the end of the October, then the outlook for the Everton boss isn’t great.
Can he prove the doubters wrong and turn his summer signings into a team capable of achieving consistency, or will they be left to find form under new management?
Ireland’s 1-0 win over Wales on Monday night won’t be remembered as one of the most aesthetic international clashes of all time. But what it lacked in quality, the all-or-nothing World Cup qualifier certainly made up for in intensity and excitement, both sides needing a win to bag a place in the playoffs.
It was Martin O’Neill’s boys who got themselves over the line in a masterful defensive display that hinged on commitment in defence and a clinical moment at the other end – Jeff Hendrick capitalising on confusion at the back to slot in James McClean for a powerful finish.
And Middlesbrough’s summer signing Cyrus Christie played a huge part in that. Although his impressive Championship form has mostly rested on his impact going forward, averaging the fourth-most successful dribbles per match of any player in the division, it was his defensive efforts that stood out most at Cardiff City Stadium.
The right-back made the most tackles and the joint-most interceptions of any Ireland player, keeping a firm leash on one of Wales’ more notable creative threats in Tom Lawrence, who has started the season with two assists in seven appearances.
That’s not to say Christie didn’t make an impact on the ball; he recorded the second-most touches of any Ireland player and produced the third-most passes, although his passing accuracy was just 65%.
Having played in every minute of Middlesbrough’s Championship campaign thus far, the 25-year-old – who Transfermarkt value at £1.8million – is already looking like a shrewd signing from Garry Monk and a key part of Boro’s promotion push this season.
According to online bookmakers Paddy Power on Tuesday afternoon, former Everton midfielder Mikel Arteta is one of the outsiders for the vacant manager’s job at Goodison Park and is currently listed at odds of 20/1 to be named as Ronald Koeman’s replacement.
The Dutchman was sacked on Monday following a disastrous start to the season that sees the Toffees lying 18th in the Premier League table after winning just two of their opening nine top flight matches, while they have also taken just one point from a possible nine in the Europa League group stages to leave them on the brink of exiting the competition.
The search for Koeman’s successor will already have begun and while the likes of Sean Dyche, Marco Silva, Carlo Ancelotti and Thomas Tuchel have been linked with the role, Arteta may certainly be an interesting proposition for the board.
The 35-year-old is currently the co-assistant coach of Pep Guardiola at Manchester City and he will certainly be learning a lot from the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss, whose team have made an outstanding start to the campaign and top the Premier League standings.
Having spent six-and-a-half seasons with the Merseyside outfit making more than 200 appearances, Arteta certainly knows the club and what the Goodison Park faithful expect too.