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Football.London journalist Tom Clark has been left intrigued by comments made by West Ham defender Ben Johnson following the Irons’ victory over Wolves.

The Lowdown West Ham’s recent form

The Hammers walked away with three points on Sunday after they beat Bruno Lage’s Wolves side at the London Stadium. Midfielder Tomas Soucek scored the only goal of the game in the 59th minute, topping off a more positive performance, following a period of poor form.

West Ham have won just twice in their last six games. This has been enough to maintain fifth place, as David Moyes’ side move within two points of fourth-placed Manchester United.

Arsenal sit on the same points tally as the Irons, with one goal the difference in the table. However, they now have three games in hand over the Hammers, dashing the hopes of West Ham’s top-four push.

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The Latest: Clark’s reaction to Johnson’s comments

Right-back Johnson stepped up in Vladimir Coufal’s absence for the Irons’ clash against Wolves and has since offered his verdict on the game.

Johnson was delighted with the result and admitted that it would not have been possible if it weren’t for Moyes’ tactical change, which they had been working on in training. West Ham had specifically designed their press to counter Wolves’ standard 3-4-2-1 formation and game plan.

Football.London journalist Tom Clark weighed in on the comments. Taking to Twitter, he said it was ‘interesting insight’ and  hailed the defender’s performance, claiming that the first half was particularly promising from Johnson, as he was afforded the freedom of the right flank, which he clearly enjoyed.

The Verdict: Promising by Moyes

The West Ham boss has been on the receiving end of criticism in recent weeks, following a number of poor performances in must-win games.

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However, Moyes’ decision to change tactics ahead of their Wolves clash may suggest a change in the manager’s ways.

With a number of fantastic displays, including those from Kurt Zouma and Pablo Fornals which earned them 8.2 SofaScore ratings, this shows just how much a tactical change can affect the performances of individuals on the pitch – particularly when the West Ham side has remained relatively unchanged as of late.

In other news: West Ham United: Dean Jones makes Philippe Coutinho claim

Leeds United look set to lose the services of Raphinha in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Spanish publication Sport (via TEAMtalk), who claimed that Barcelona have now submitted a £35m (£29m) offer for the Brazilian winger – something to which Leeds are yet to respond – and suggesting that the 25-year-old has already agreed personal terms ahead of a potential switch to the LaLiga side this summer.

The report added that, should the Whites suffer relegation to the Championship come the end of the season, the forward will be free to leave Elland Road for as little as €25m (£21m) due to a release clause in his contract. It is also reported that Victor Orta is hoping to receive a figure of around €50m (£41.5m) from the sale of Raphinha.

Orta must avoid Raphinha disaster

Considering that West Ham United were reported to have had a £50m bid for Raphinha rejected in the January transfer window, it would appear rather unlikely that Leeds will demand as little as £41.5m in order to part with the attacker this summer, as Sport have claimed.

However, if the Spanish publication are to be taken at their word regarding the 25-year-old having agreed personal terms with Barcelona, Orta must ensure that the fee Leeds receive for the £36m-rated magician is one that the club simply could not turn down, as letting a player of Raphinha’s ability go for the figure that Sport suggested would undoubtedly be a disaster for the Whites.

Indeed, over his 27 Premier League fixtures this season, the £63k-per-week forward has been Leeds’ standout performer, bagging nine goals, providing three assists and creating nine big chances for his team-mates, in addition to taking 2.7 shots and making 2.1 key passes per game.

These returns have seen the Brazilian, who Illan Meslier dubbed a “storm” and Gary Neville claimed is “a level above” a number of Manchester United players, average a tremendous SofaScore match rating of 6.97. Meanwhile, WhoScored rank him as the Whites’ best player to have started a league match this term, awarding him a 7.05 rating.

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As such, it is clear to see that Raphinha is more than worth Leeds’ £60m asking price reported by the British media, a figure which Orta simply must not go below when negotiating the sale of the 25-year-old this summer – if the Brazilian star is indeed going to move on from the club.

AND in other news: Huge blow as Phil Hay drops fresh Leeds United update which will leave Jesse March gutted

According to the London Evening Standard, Kieran Trippier will reject interest from Napoli to sign a new contract with Tottenham Hotspur ahead of the 2018-19 campaign.

Trippier, 27, registered nine assists in 35 appearances for Tottenham last term.

There were stages of the season where the Spurs supporters criticised the right-back, but he can be pleased with his overall campaign.

The defender’s form saw him earn a spot in the England squad for the 2018 World Cup, and he is being tipped to start his nation’s tournament opener against Tunisia in a wing-back role.

Trippier, who is valued at £18m by transfermarkt.co.uk, is wanted by Napoli in this summer’s transfer window, according to the London Evening Standard.

[brid autoplay=”true” video=”253261″ player=”12034″ title=”Watch Who could sign Gareth Bale this summer”]

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However, it is being reported that the Englishman is not interested in a move to Serie A, and will look to pen a new contract with Tottenham as soon as possible.

The Spurs supporters have been reacting to the news on social media, and a selection can be seen below:

Transfer insider Dean Jones has dropped some interesting news regarding Leeds United and their pursuit of Red Bull Salzburg attacking midfielder Brenden Aaronson. 

The lowdown: Reunion on the cards?

The Whites have been linked with a move for the 21 year old for some time now, dating back to when Marcelo Bielsa was still at the helm at Elland Road.

According to The Athletic, Leeds had an initial £15m bid rejected for the USA international during the January transfer window.

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However, following the appointment of Jesse Marsch – who selected his compatriot on 25 occasions whilst at Salzburg – Leeds are expected to reignite their interest in Aaronson this summer.

The latest: Kent or Aaronson?

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones has revealed that the Yorkshire club are inclined to prioritise a move for the American over a possible swoop for Rangers winger Ryan Kent, who has also been linked with a switch to Elland Road of late.

The journalist claimed: “Brenden Aaronson is (still high up in Leeds’ summer plans), so I think that one is still more likely.”

The verdict: Get it done

Having joined the Austrian giants from Philadelphia Union in 2021 for just over £4.9m (Transfermarkt), Aaronson has enjoyed a superb start to life in Europe.

With 12 goals and 15 assists in 60 appearances for Salzburg, the versatile midfielder would be a welcome addition to the Leeds ranks, and he should have no issue settling into life in Yorkshire having previously worked with Marsch to good effect.

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So far this season, the American youngster – who was once dubbed ‘unbelievable’ by Thierry Henry – has scored five times and provided 10 assists in 35 appearances across all competitions, all whilst earning invaluable Champions League experience.

Four years younger than Kent, it would come as no surprise if the Leeds board opt to move for the 18-cap USA starlet ahead of the Rangers forward.

In other news: Leeds have been linked with one La Liga striker. Find out who it is here!

Leeds United have no new injury problems ahead of their Premier League clash with Liverpool on Wednesday night, Marcelo Bielsa has confirmed.

The Lowdown: Tough assignment for Leeds

The Whites lost 4-2 at home to Manchester United last weekend and their next assignment is one of the hardest imaginable, with a midweek trip to Anfield on the agenda.

Liverpool have found top form again in recent weeks and are back in the title race, so anything other than defeat for Leeds would feel like a huge bonus for the visitors.

Bielsa has been dogged by injuries to his squad throughout the campaign, but a revelation from the manager prior to the Merseyside clash offers some welcome news for the Elland Road faithful.

[freshpress-quiz id=“383507″]

The Latest: Bielsa delivers positive injury news

Speaking to the media on Tuesday [via Yorkshire Evening Post], the Leeds manager confirmed that there were no new injury concerns among his squad going into the Liverpool match.

When asked about team news update and whether any new injury worries had arisen, Bielsa gave a succinct three-word reply: “None in particular.”

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The Verdict: A welcome positive

This is undoubtedly positive news from a Leeds perspective, with as many players needed as possible for such a tough match tonight.

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While the likes of Liam Cooper, Patrick Bamford and Kalvin Phillips remain sidelined, the only question ahead of the Liverpool clash surrounds Robin Koch, who left the field with a concussion at the weekend and is meant to rest for six days afterwards.

Whether or not Bielsa has ruled out the German in his own head remains to be seen, but it would feel negligent to play him against Jurgen Klopp’s star-studded team if he is not 100%. The last thing Leeds want is for any physical concerns to be needlessly exacerbated.

In other news, a former player has bemoaned an injury update regarding one Leeds player. Read more here.

Everton will host Wolverhampton Wanderers at Goodison Park this afternoon, and Frank Lampard will be hoping his side can capitalise on Burnley’s defeat by picking up all three points from the game to gain some distance from the relegation zone.

Frank Lampard confirmed on Friday that both Ben Godfrey and Demarai Gray will be available for selection after returning to full fitness and training last week.

The ex-Chelsea boss told the press:

“Ben Godfrey is a big player for us and so is Demarai Gray. They are both fit.

“I haven’t really been able to call on them but now I can, and we need our big players.”

With that being said, this is how Football FanCast expects Everton to line up against Wolverhampton Wanderers today…

Pickford, Coleman, Godfrey, Holgate, Kenny, Allan, Doucoure, Gray, Richarlison, Gordon, Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

We predict just two changes to the team that lost 5-0 to Tottenham Hotspur on Monday night, with Michael Keane and Donny Van de Beek dropped from the start line-up.

Godfrey steals the spot in the centre back pairing to replace Keane alongside Holgate, with the defender available for the first time since he sustained a hamstring tear at the beginning of February.

It would be likely that Lampard wants to freshen up his backline after a shocking defensive performance away from home, with Keane scoring his second own goal in two months, Godfrey has given Lampard a fresh perspective to inject into the team against Wolves.

The second change would see Lampard axe his Deadline day signing, Van de Beek, from the starting line-up in the game at Goodison Park.

The “dangerous” 24-year-old underperformed in the disappointing game against Spurs, and Lampard may decide that playing a different formation to reintroduce Gray back into the team to offer a more attacking threat in the game this afternoon.

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The £42k-per-week earner who was hailed a “talent” by Jamie Redknapp, is currently the second-highest goal scorer for Everton this season, so has proven he can be an attacking threat to his team when they need to tally up goals to secure points.

His addition in the team could make the difference in the side picking up their first win in three and stealing an important three points in the relegation challenge.

In other news: Lampard must drop Van de Beek against Wolves

Tottenham insider John Wenham has admitted he is ‘concerned’ over an international break injury to Ben Davies, as per Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Davies’ Wales withdrawal

Davies has been a regular at centre-back since Antonio Conte took over in north London, failing to feature in just one of Spurs’ last 20 Premier League games.

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The 28-year-old started for Wales against Austria last week, playing the entirety of his team’s 2-1 World Cup play-off victory.

The defender even provided an assist for Gareth Bale but has since pulled out of the national squad as a precaution after feeling tightness in his thigh.

The Latest: Wenham reacts to Davies injury

Wenham was asked for his thoughts on Davies’ injury by Football Insider. He admitted that he is ‘concerned’ and claimed it would be ‘really disappointing’ if the defender were to miss domestic action as a result.

“Yeah, not good, I’m concerned.

“He’s been playing a lot in that back three, it’s been very settled in the last few weeks.

“It would be really disappointing if he was unavailable for these last few games, a blow for sure.

“They are all must-win games now and we need our top performers in there.

“Davies has been an unsung hero and no one thought he would play as much as he has this season.

“So fingers crossed he’s OK to face Newcastle at the weekend because that’s when the hard work starts.”

The Verdict: Fingers crossed

Reports have hinted that Davies is expected to be fit for the clash with Newcastle this weekend, which would be a huge boost for Conte.

However, that is yet to be confirmed, so Spurs will be sweating on the defender’s condition over the coming days as they look to put pressure on Arsenal in the race for fourth following the international break.

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Conte is already without Japhet Tanganga for the rest of the season, and although Cristian Romero is set to return to training, Spurs won’t want to rush the Argentine straight back into the starting XI, making Davies’ availability even more important ahead of Sunday.

In other news: Conte handed further Spurs injury woes during international break ahead of Newcastle clash  

When Mikel Arteta decided to alienate Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang from the Arsenal squad, he took the boldest decision of his managerial career yet.

This is not a coach who is afraid to make a bold call, also sending the likes of Mesut Ozil packing during his short time in north London. However, both decisions have seen the Gunners come out the other side a better team.

Martin Odegaard has settled in extremely well in England as his natural heir behind the striker, with only Trent Alexander-Arnold creating more chances than the Norwegian midfielder since the back end of November.

Meanwhile, since Aubameyang was given the freedom to join Barcelona, Arsenal are one of the most in-form sides in Europe.

Although Arteta’s men were given a reality check against Liverpool on Wednesday evening, their hopes of qualifying for next season’s Champions League is still in their hands.

They have two games in hand but there is a sense that their top-four hopes rest on how clinical they can be.

That’s where the Aubameyang topic becomes a bit controversial. Without their former captain, they do lack a cutting edge up top and after missing out on Dusan Vlahovic in January, a big opportunity to strengthen got away from them.

Yet, in Alexandre Lacazette, they have a player who is proving to be a pivotal cog in Arteta’s well-oiled machine. In the words of Albert Sambi-Lokonga, he has been “bringing the fire” to the team ahead of a crucial stage of the campaign.

The Frenchman has only scored twice in his last 11 Premier League fixtures but in that time has registered seven assists. That makes the Arsenal skipper the joint sixth-most creative player in the top-flight this season, showing that he does offer plenty to the team.

Indeed, strikers who give more of a creative threat have been all the range over the last few seasons with Roberto Firmino making a living out of being the supply line to Mo Salah and Sadio Mane.

Parallels can easily be drawn between the Brazilian and Lacazette who is so often the man that the likes of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Emile Smith Rowe look to in order to feed them chances.

Speaking about the 30-year-old following the club’s 2-0 win over Leicester last weekend, Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp went as far as to compare him to Harry Kane’s playstyle too.

Redknapp concluded: “Sometimes you just need that player to show and bring people in to play, but it only works if you have pace going the other way because Lacazette does not have that.”

Although the former Lyon attacker lacks the same cutting edge he had in front of goal before joining Arsenal, he still offers plenty and should Arteta’s team clinch top four in May, he will have played a vital part.

Compared to players in the same position across Europe’s top five leagues in the last year, Lacazette ranks in the top 5% for assists per 90 (0.33), the top 10% for shot-creating actions (3.36), the top 14% for through balls per 90 (0.19) and in the top 13% for successful pressures (29.7%).

What that tells us is that the £46.5m signing provides the side with an awful lot more than just goals, something that is difficult to replace and ultimately why Aubameyang received the axe.

Kane is quite clearly the better centre forward but when comparing the numbers mentioned above, Arsenal’s number 9 performs more shot-creating actions and applies more successful pressures of the ball per 90 minutes than the Spurs striker.

Lacazette also makes more passes that lead to a shot (1.43 per 90) and completes more passes into the 18-yard box over the same period of time than Kane.

Therefore, the only areas that let Arsenal’s main striker down is, of course, his finishing and ability to progress play when running with the ball.

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Once upon a time, an attacker was paid simply to put the ball in the back of the net but if modern football has taught us anything, it’s that every position on the pitch is constantly changing.

To be a goalkeeper you now need to pass well, to be a full-back you need to have good technical ability and possess the quality to put the ball in the box, and as a striker, you need to be able to link the play, something the likes of Kane and Firmino do perfectly.

Lacazette too has benefitted enormously from the changing nature of modern football but at the same time, his lack of natural instinct inside the penalty area could well cost him his place at the Emirates.

His contract expires at the end of the season and despite his efforts, it would be a surprise if either party deemed him staying on as the correct verdict.

As much as his hold up play and creativity benefits Arsenal, they need someone who can also score consistently.

AND in other news, Signed for £30m, now worth £59m: Edu struck gold on “incredible” £79k-p/w AFC “baller”…

Southampton may have finally found their Virgil Van Dijk replacement at last in 6 foot 3 centre-back Mohammed Salisu, who signed for the club last season in a £10m deal with Real Valladolid – but it was another defender who caught the eye yesterday during their 3-1 FA Cup fifth-round victory at home to West Ham.

Yan Valery, who was standing in for Ghanaian 22-year-old Salisu who is out with “a little bit of a problem” was praised by manager Ralph Hasenhuttl, who was running out of superlatives for the Frenchman.

“Valery played a fantastic game as a centre-back,” said Hasenhuttl.

“Valery, very impressed, unbelievable performance. With the ball he can still be a little bit calmer, he didn’t want to take too many risks today, absolutely okay.

“He played a few more long balls, absolutely okay. Against the ball, how he defends now, I know that he can do this. His whole body language and his belief in what he has doing has changed completely for us and this is for me very important.

“When we played at Chelsea in the cup game, when he played in a back-three, I knew he was strong but now getting into a back four, sliding, defending, making decisions, it is much more difficult and you need to have more quality but fantastic, I must say, fantastic.”

The 23-year-old natural right-back was once described as the Saints’ “weak link”, but he’s now finally beginning to prove his harshest critics wrong. He has made just six appearances this season so far, with Tino Livramento and Kyle Walker-Peters ahead of him in the pecking order – so with that in mind, it was an excellent decision to begin transitioning the Saints star into a central defender.

He made a very impressive six interceptions and four clearances against West Ham, as well as making two tackles to win back possession and winning 75% of his aerial duels.

The last match before yesterday he played was against Coventry City in the fourth round of the FA Cup, and he was once again deployed as a central defender, this time on the right side of a back-three, and he also did very well – achieving a 7.4 match rating.

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Should the homegrown defender continue his solid form as a centre-back, he could save the Saints millions on a new defender in the future, and potentially even form a solid partnership with Salisu at the back.

In other news: £10.8m Saints star who lost possession 16x has just given Hasenhuttl a big headache

Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte has apparently been blown away by one player at N17 who he’s barely selected as some interesting news emerges.

The Lowdown: No room in Spurs’ defence…

It appears the likes of Eric Dier, Cristian Romero, Davinson Sanchez and Ben Davies are all ahead of one man in the pecking order with centre-back Joe Rodon unable to get a look-in this season.

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Even Dier’s spell on the sidelines didn’t result in more game time for Rodon despite Conte previously stating that he is seen as a deputy to the England international.

The Welshman has made no Premier League starts this season, playing just 78 minutes in that time, with the vast majority of his minutes coming in the Europa Conference League.

The Latest: Conte now blown away…

Now, according to Wales boss Robert Page, it appears Conte has now been blown away by Rodon’s exploits on international duty.

The 47-year-old claims that Conte was ‘very complimentary’ about the defender’s performance last week during Wales’ 2-1 win over Austria.

“I know Antonio Conte was watching last Thursday,” Page explained (via The Sun).

“He was very complimentary about Joe’s performance, and rightly so. I thought he was outstanding.

“To come in off the back of not playing at club level, Joe deserves an enormous amount of credit for that level of performance.

“It shows he has looked after himself.

“If you are going to be a Tottenham player you have to be fit at this moment in time. I know that for a fact.”

The Verdict: Second chance?

As Rodon looks to battle his way into Conte’s plans, he wouldn’t have done his chances any harm.

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The 24-year-old could be a real asset for Spurs at club level going by his exploits for Wales and former Spurs boss Jose Mourinho has made no secret of what he believes.

Mourinho called Rodon a ‘perfect’ player during his time at the club and it will be interesting to see whether Conte turns to Rodon more over the final stretch of 2021/2022.

In other news: Conte eyeing £25.2m-rated ‘game-changer’ who Spurs once agreed personal terms for! Find out more here.