Palmer’s injury gives Maresca problems upfront
Cole Palmer’s groin injury, which he sustained during the warm-up session against West Ham a week ago, was scanned three days ago and showed positive signs, but the game against Fulham this weekend might be too soon for his return. The problem for Coach Enzo Maresca remains the No.10 position. Estevao Willian replaced Palmer, with […]
Cole Palmer
Cole Palmer’s groin injury, which he sustained during the warm-up session against West Ham a week ago, was scanned three days ago and showed positive signs, but the game against Fulham this weekend might be too soon for his return.
The problem for Coach Enzo Maresca remains the No.10 position. Estevao Willian replaced Palmer, with Joao Pedro taking up the No.10 role. However, moving him into a deeper role meant that only Liam Delap was available as the out-and-out striker; and he is yet to hit top form.
Bringing in RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons after a month of negotiations was Maresca’s solution, and selling Christopher Nkunku would finance Simons’ arrival. Nicolas Jackson is on his way to Bayern Munich; and although talks are advanced, no contracts have yet been signed.
I hear from inside Stamford Bridge that Simons has rejected approaches from both Manchester City and Bayern Munich because he wants to come to London and Chelsea is his preferred club.
If Chelsea do not follow up on the agreed terms they have negotiated with Simons, it is likely that Tottenham will pursue him as a cover replacement for the injured James Maddison. When I spoke with my Chelsea insiders, I was told they had cooled their interest in Simons, so everything has changed and they are yet to make a final decision.
Both Simons and Chelsea’s other target, United’s Alejandro Garnacho, will relieve the No.9 pressure and give Maresca options upfront, but they are not there yet and must continue this weekend at home to Fulham with his plan B frontline.
Rio Ngumoha – what a talent!
What a game between Newcastle and Liverpool on Monday evening. A spicy affair with plenty of fouls and Anthony Gordon receiving a red card after a reckless challenge on Virgil van Dijk, which left the Liverpool captain with two long stud marks down his calf.
The sensation, however, was the introduction of Liverpool’s 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha – another star in the making who Chelsea have let slip through their fingers. Chelsea were so angry at losing Rio to Liverpool that they banned their scouts from Stamford Bridge.
Liverpool trainers are claiming their new-buy is even better than Barcelona’s much heralded Lamine Yamal and his superbly taken curling shot on goal did nothing to disprove that.
Newcastle also have a striker who Eddie Howe says is going to be a big star. William Orsula levelled up the scores at 2-2, dribbling past Liverpool defenders time and again after coming on in the 90th minute.
Jumping Jack Flash is back in the groove
Jack Grealish is back! The talented winger and midfielder says he is enjoying his football again after two pretty thin years at Manchester City. Pep Guardiola couldn’t make him tick but Everton’s David Moyes is getting value for money after signing Jack.
Kicking off the season at their new stadium was the perfect day, with the Toffees winning 2-0 against Brighton and Moyes experimented by playing a centre-back and central midfielder in the two full-back roles. It worked and James Garner, who is hugely admired by Moyes, even chipped in with a goal.
Grealish had a hand in both goals and the fact that the club has finally bought winger Tyler Dibling from Southampton does not worry him at all. There is plenty of room for both, says Moyes. Jack actually made more assists in 52 minutes during this game than he did all last season!
When he was substituted in the 94th minute, he was given a standing ovation – Evertonians appreciate their players who put in 100 per cent effort and Grealish certainly did that and was loudly cheered.
Saudi club approach Bruno Fernandes again
Bruno Fernandes turned down a mega offer from Saudi Pro League club, Al-Hilal a couple of months ago, but now, Al-Ittihad are talking to his agents about a contract worth £33 million a year; and Fernandes said he would be willing to go if the club wants to sell him. It is more unsettling problems for United to deal with
West Ham in panic after two thrashings
There was a hastily arranged meeting on Monday morning at the London Stadium, the former Olympic Stadium, now home to West Ham. The subject was Coach Graham Potter and West Ham’s disastrous start to the season conceding eight goals in their first two league games. Panic and concern are already evident, and although it might seem ridiculous after only two games, the club is already being tipped for a relegation battle. To make matters even worse for Potter was their 3-2 defeat to Wolves in the midweek EFL Cup competition.
During the previous week, and as I reported to you, the club’s vice chairman Karen Brady, had given her public support to Potter and said how exciting this season was shaping up after accompanying the team on their pre-season tour.
Regrettably, those words seemed hollow; and after the Hammers were destroyed by Chelsea in their 5-1 defeat, many West Ham fans left at half time and Potter and the team were loudly booed at the final whistle.
West Ham do not arbitrarily sack managers. They stuck with David Moyes through a tough time, but wrongly, in my opinion, finally showed him the door; and he has since gone on to turn Everton around. Potter’s situation is going from bad to worse. This Sunday, they meet Nottingham Forest away, who have their own set of problems, but it will be tough for West Ham to come away with a result.
Palace coach and chairman disagree on incoming players
Crystal Palace chiefs cannot agree on who should replace Eberechi Eze. Coach Oliver Glasner wants Club Brugge winger, 23-year-old Christos Tzolis, but club chairman, Steve Parish wants Spanish right-sided Villarreal forward, Yeremy Fino, who is only 22 years-old.
Glasner is not sure where Fino would fit into his squad. However, I am told that if both players can be bought at £20 million, they would probably arrive at the Selhurst Park Stadium together.
Glasner has been angry at the club’s failure to bring in players during the transfer window with only £3 million spent on Borna Sosa as cover for Tyrick Mitchell at left wing-back and Walter Benitez as back-up to goalkeeper Dean Henderson.
Liverpool vs Arsenal
This game is of vital importance to both clubs because it might indicate who will lead the race for the title this season. Arne Slot beat Arteta to win last season and the Arsenal boss is under intense pressure from the fans to win something this year. Both clubs are on maximum points and share top spot with Tottenham, except for goal difference, which gives the Gunners the lead at the moment.
Liverpool have not reached their usual level of performance yet. Full back Milos Kerkez, very brilliant for Brighton last season, looks a little overawed playing for such a huge club, but he will settle and is a real fighter when fully involved.
Florian Wirz, Cody Gakpo and Hugo Ekitike have not yet gelled perfectly upfront, and training this week, they have concentrated on attacking moves against the Arsenal back four. William Saliba, Jurien Timber, Riccardo Calafiori and Gabriel Magalhaes should be able to hold them at bay if Liverpool repeat their low level against Newcastle on Monday.
Declan Rice is Arsenal’s ace card and he is playing with superb confidence. Martin Odegaard might be able to play despite the injury he picked up last weekend. Bukayo Saka is doubtful, which leaves Viktor Gyokeres and Noni Madueke to drive forward.