Newcastle fans can’t decide on red hot Adam Armstrong

Newcastle fans are split over the future of Adam Armstrong, as the young striker has grabbed seven goals in his last seven games for loan club Blackburn Rovers.

Goals have been few and far between on Tyneside this season, with Rafa Benitez’s men only just eclipsing the one goal per game mark thanks to the 3-0 win over Southampton.

Finding the net hasn’t been much of a problem for Adam Armstrong since the turn of the year though, as the Newcastle youngster has found his feet for promotion chasing Blackburn.

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Blackburn currently sit third, locked in a three-way race for automatic promotion alongside Shrewsbury and Wigan. Armstrong has been essential in the push to go up, and was crowned League One’s Player of the Month after four goals and two assists in February.

He hasn’t slowed down since, grabbing three goals already in March. His spell at Rovers now marks two successful loans in League One either side of two relatively unsuccessful spells with Championship clubs.

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Of course, this has prompted comments from some that he’s found his level in League One, and fans can’t decided what to do with the 21 year-old.

Some of the best Twitter reactions can be found below…

Gabriel Jesus a raw talent, but still far from being a complete centre-forward

It would be unfair to argue Gabriel Jesus is overrated, for he is still an exceptional young talent learning his trade, but after an anonymous appearance against Liverpool one thing is patently clear. While the 15-cap Brazilian prodigy may be widely revered as one of the most promising raw talents in European football, he’s still far from being a complete centre-forward worthy of regularly spearheading the attack for this breathtaking Manchester City team.

When deployed out wide or in a supporting capacity, the fact Jesus still hasn’t quite moulded his game around any position doesn’t particular matter, at least not to the same degree. Those roles allow him to play his natural game, albeit within Pep Guardiola’s framework, and pick up the pockets of space in attack that appeal to him most.

But centre-forward is a distinctive craft; there’s a huge responsibility not only to score goals, but also to occupy defenders, to create space for others and to bring the midfielders into the game. And while Jesus has shown his ability to play off others in City’s front-line, the south American struggles when he’s the focal point – even against a defence as notoriously unconvincing as Liverpool’s.

That was painfully evident against at Anfield on Wednesday night. Although it was clearly a bad day for Manchester City, one that even Sergio Aguero would have struggled to provide a glimmer of positivity in, Jesus’ marginal statistical returns as the encounter’s most peripheral figure were incredibly telling. He had the fewest touches of the ball of any starter for either side, despite playing the whole ninety minutes, and only managed two more than Raheem Sterling who came on only for the final 35.

Even more tellingly, in that time Jesus managed just one effort at goal, which failed to test Loris Karius, and didn’t register a single created chance, successful dribble, cross or even a foul won.

More than his impact on attacking moves though, Jesus’ lack of presence in the final third stood out most. It was a difficult night for the 21-year-old, who clearly has a huge career ahead of him but equally clearly still has a long way to go before he can be considered a complete striker of the calibre City need.

The idea of City parting with Aguero in the summer and Jesus naturally succeeding him at the tip of the attack, as many have speculated over the last two years, seems almost preposterous after Wednesday’s humbling performance.

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Which begs an interesting question; as retaining the Premier League title has proved a much tougher challenge than winning it over the last decade, do City need to sign another striker this summer? Let us know by voting below…

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Merson admits he would be shocked to see Pogba in Manchester United lineup

Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has claimed that he would be stunned if Paul Pogba made it into Manchester United’s starting XI against Swansea City on Saturday.

Plenty of debate has been had with regards to the midfielder’s current situation at Old Trafford.

Manager Jose Mourinho has often left the £89m man out of his lineups, which has led to questions over the France international’s future.

Many have claimed that Pogba is being played out of position and is more suited when pushed forward rather than being instructed to drop deep.

In total, the midfielder has made 26 appearances in all competitions for the Red Devils, and in that time has scored three goals and created nine assists.

Eighteen of those outings have included Premier League starts, but in his last seven appearances in all competitions, Pogba gas completed 90 minutes just twice.

There is not too much positivity surrounding United at the moment due to various outburst from the manager, as well as the club’s Champions League exit at the last-16 stage.

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While making his predictions for Sky Sports, Merson backed United to beat Swansea 2-0 on home soil, but does not expect Pogba to play.

“Man Utd just don’t blow teams away. You look at the game and Swansea will sit 11 behind the ball and make it difficult, but Man Utd just don’t have the guile to break teams down. I’ve watched them play enough times this season and I don’t see them winning 5-0 or 6-0.

“For me, Paul Pogba has to play where he plays for his country which is further forward because he’s not a holding midfield player. I don’t think he’s disciplined enough for that job and he wants to get on the ball and make things happen, but I think there is a bit of a risk there now. I’d be shocked if he played, if I’m honest.”

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Man United fans react as Mourinho says he saw West Brom loss coming

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho could apparently sense the complacency among his players all week following their 3-2 comeback win against local rivals City last weekend.

Whatever he said or did in the eight days between that victory and United’s 1-0 defeat at home to West Brom clearly didn’t have the desired effect.

The Red Devils put in a performance as insipid as any seen under the former Real Madrid manager’s stewardship to gift Manchester City the title the day after they had seen off Tottenham 3-1.

For some Manchester United fans, it is not good enough that Mourinho sensed the danger of defeat, he should have done more to prevent it.

After all, it is him who motivates, selects and shapes the team. There isn’t much use in highlighting the problems after the event and some United fans were keen to point that out.

We’ve taken a look back at the best of the reaction from an unhappy fanbase…

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Mitrovic proves Benitez was right in bizarre incident

Aleksandar Mitrovic has once again reminded everyone why Rafael Benitez was correct to send him away, and fans have had enough of the Serbian striker.

Plenty of Newcastle fans disagreed with Rafa Benitez when he loaned Aleksandar Mitrovic to Fulham in January, and the 23 year-old has shown what he can do with the Championship side, grabbing 11 goals in 13 starts.

Of course, Newcastle’s fantastic run of form in the Premier League has quashed any concerns about the manager’s judgement, and even the mysterious loan signing of Islam Slimani could yet come good.

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After showing plenty of the good though, Mitrovic showed the bad and the ugly on Friday night, and fans are praising Rafa’s instincts.

The Serbian striker scored again for his loan club in their 3-0 win at Millwall, but it is an off-the-ball incident with Millwall’s Time Cahill that has really got people talking.

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After Cahill clattered into Fulham’s Tom Cairney, Mitrovic stuck up for his teammate… by flinging an elbow at Cahill’s face.

It is exactly this type of incident that caused Benitez to lose faith with the fiery front man in the first place, and some of the best Twitter reactions can be found below…

Tottenham Hotspur fans baffled by interest in South Korean defender Kim Min-jae

With the summer transfer window just around the corner, Premier League clubs will be working behind the scenes on potential targets.

According to Teamtalk, Tottenham Hotspur are one of the clubs tracking South Korean defender Kim Min-jae.

The 21-year-old is relatively unproven, but he has caught the eye after being named Young Player of the Year in Korea last year.

Despite his young age, Kim has earned five caps for his country, and now Teamtalk claim that Tottenham, as well as Liverpool and Arsenal are interested in signing him.

The fans have been discussing on social media the prospect of losing Toby Alderweireld from the defence.

If the Belgian does depart, it is highly unlikely that Kim will be recruited as a direct replacement due to his age and inexperience.

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Spurs supporters have now got wind of the story, and the majority are confused by the club’s interest.

Tottenham have had success in bringing in South Korean talent before, with Son Heung-min having a starring role this season by scoring 19 goals in all competitions.

Newcastle fans fume as Shelvey set to miss out on World Cup

Reports this week suggest Jonjo Shelvey will not go to the World Cup despite his impressive season, and Newcastle fans are bashing the decision on Twitter.

According to the Daily Mail, Jonjo Shelvey is likely to miss out on the England squad this summer.

The Mail report claims there are “concerns about the midfielder’s temperament and disciplinary record” which will prevent him from getting the call-up.

Shelvey has gone from strength to strength this season, and unsurprisingly the report says there is no question about his quality.

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The 26 year-old two goals and three assists this season, and has completed over five long balls per game in the Premier League, while also creating an average of 1.4 chances per game.

Understandably, Newcastle fans are furious with the claims his disciplinary record will cause him to miss out, as the ex-Liverpool man has not received a Premier League card in 2018.

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Rafael Benitez has done a great job of controlling the fiery midfielder, and it seems absurd to leave him out while taking a player like Jake Livermore, who was of course forced to apologise for stealing a taxi in Barcelona earlier this year.

Some of the best Twitter reactions can be found below…

Rangers fans happy with Morelos contribution despite lack of goals

The battle for second place in the Scottish Premiership is set to go to the final day after Rangers and Aberdeen played out a 1-1 draw at Pittodrie on Tuesday night.

Kenny McLean put his side ahead from the spot after going down under the challenge of Alfredo Morelos in the penalty box before Ross McCrorie levelled midway through the second half to earn a crucial point for the Light Blues.

The two sides are separated by just one point heading into the final match of the season, with Hibs also breathing down their necks.

It could be seen as a point earned for the Gers and while fans were generally dissatisfied with the team performance they did have praise for hard working players like Morelos.

The Colombian striker has scored just once in his last 10 appearances. That lack of contribution is notable but supporters were still happy with his all-round performance on Tuesday, even if he did miss a good chance to net.

Supporters took to Twitter to share their thoughts…

Spurs fans react as Winks commits future to club

Tottenham have announced that 22-year-old Harry Winks has signed a new deal with the club via their official Twitter channel.

Winks, a life-long Spurs fan, joined the club’s youth set up at the age of 8. The central midfielder made his Premier League debut under current manager, Mauricio Pochetinno, at the start of the 2016/17 season.

The academy product is from Hemel Hempstead, a small town 24 miles northwest of London, and is well liked by Spurs fans who amicably refer to the player as “one of our own”.

The player’s progression from U18s captain to first team squad member is testament to the good work Pochetinno has done in North London.

Pochetinno has developed his reputation as a coach who is skilled at bringing players through the academy and integrating these talented prospects within the first team.

The Spurs manager has an unorthodox, Ferguson-esque policy when it comes to bringing through youth players, a policy which he has used to incredible success with Harry Kane.

If the Argentine rates a young player, he does not want that youngster to be coached by anyone else. He will call them up into the first team picture so that he can monitor their progress firsthand and see their  attitude on the training field.

Winks, it would seem, is the next youth product to make the step into the first team picture and Tottenham fans are delighted – taking to Twitter to post their support for the young lad.

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Here is some of the best of the reaction…

Everton fans destroy Williams for post-season comments

Everton fans are absolutely crucifying Ashley Williams, after the Welsh defender had his say on the Toffees’ “frustrating” season.

Everton fans hated the style of football they played under Sam Allardyce, as the ex-England boss instilled his patented uninspiring, defensive, but impossible to relegate style at Goodison.

The Toffees continued to leak goals once Big Sam’s new manager bounce died down though, most notably on the road, where the 5-1 loss at Arsenal in February saw some of the worst defending fans have seen in a long time.

While Michael Keane’s debut season hasn’t been overly impressive, and the January loan signing of Eliaquim Mangala was a bit of disaster, the bulk of the fans’ criticism has been directed towards Ashley Williams, who was brought in to add leadership and experience to the defence.

The 33 year-old definitely failed in that regard, as his poor discipline and apparent lack of effort infuriated the Goodison faithful.

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“Yes, definitely,” Williams told the BBC when asked if it had been a frustrating season.

“It’s always difficult not being involved and you want to play because playing a game is that bit harder.

“But what can you do? I’ve just tried to stay in shape and on Monday I’ll just try and use my experience as best I can and play as well as I can.”

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The Welsh captain was speaking ahead of his country’s friendly match against Mexico, but Everton fans are not too impressed by the comments.

Williams played 30 times in all competitions this season, and while he clearly wants to be playing more, fans are leaning in the opposite direction, and you can find some of the best Twitter reactions below…

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