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Queens Park Rangers were dumped out of the Carabao Cup last-16 after losing to League One outfit Sunderland on penalties following a 0-0 draw in the 90 minutes.

The west Londoners were denied a place in the quarter-finals of the competition after a hugely controversial offside decision went against them in the closing stages of the match.

Substitute Charlie Austin headed the ball into an empty net, but his effort was disallowed despite Dennis Cirkin clearly keeping the 32-year-old and Albert Adomah onside.

Both sides had chances to break the deadlock at Loftus Road, though. Sunderland goalkeeper Lee Burge kept out Yoann Barbet’s half-volley and Lyndon Dykes’ shot after he latched on to a misplaced pass.

While Carl Winchester failed to capitalise on two decent chances at the opposite end for the Black Cats before Aiden McGeady went close to stealing the victory for the visitors in the final minute.

Austin, Ilias Chair and Barbet then missed their spot-kicks for QPR in the shoot-out, condemning the west London outfit to a disappointing defeat.

However, one player let Mark Warburton’s charges down more than most.

So often, creative midfielder Chair is the one charged with providing the spark to unlock stubborn defences, but he was woefully below his usual best on Tuesday night.

As per SofaScore, the 23-year-old was awarded a match rating of just 6.0, the lowest total received by any player on the pitch. And the lowest of any Rs player by quite some margin, even despite their defeat, highlighting just how much poorer he was compared to the rest of his side.

And when taking a closer look at his underlying numbers, it’s easy to understand why.

Chair found a teammate with just two of his nine attempted crosses, lost possession a whopping 22 times (the most in the match) and failed to win any of his eight duels.

It was certainly a night to forget for the Morocco international, but with Nottingham Forest coming up on Friday, he won’t have to wait long before getting a chance to make amends.

And, in other new, Alan Nixon drops QPR claim on “outstanding” £4k-p/w beast that’ll surely have fans buzzing…

While results under the new leadership of Ange Postecoglou were somewhat mixed in the early stages of the season – with Celtic being dumped out of Champions League qualifying in the second round, as well as losing three of their opening seven Scottish Premiership fixtures and both of their opening two Europa League group stage games – things are finally starting to look on the up for the 56-year-old at Parkhead.

Indeed, the Bhoys are now on a run of three straight victories in all competitions, a series of games that has seen the club secure their first and second domestic away wins of the season, as well as a crucial 2-0 victory over Ferencvarosi TC in the Europa League – a result which keeps Postecoglou’s hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages of the competition alive.

However, while results are ultimately the most important metric a manager is judged on, it is not only Celtic’s accumulation of points that has improved for Postecoglou in recent weeks, but also the implementation of the Greek-Australian’s much-fabled brand of football.

Upon his arrival at Celtic this summer, Postecoglou’s appointment promised Celtic fans a style of play that was possession-based, relentlessly high intensity and extremely attacking – and, while there was some evidence of this during the early stages of the season, with the Bhoys typically dominating possession of the ball, the results did not always follow.

Indeed, in the 2-1 defeat to Heart of Midlothian back in July, Celtic enjoyed a whopping 73% of the ball and completed 429 more passes than their opposition, however, despite this domination, Postecoglou’s side created just one big chance over the course of the 90 minutes – the same number Hearts managed.

It was a similar story in the 1-0 loss to Livingston, with the Bhoys having 79% possession and completing 497 more passes than the Lions, although this time the Hoops failed to create even one big chance in the match.

However, the tide has certainly turned during the last three fixtures, with Celtic enjoying 61% possession, creating four big chances and completing 217 more passes than Aberdeen in the 2-1 win. They then boasted 73% of the ball, created one big chance and completed 443 more passes against Motherwell in the 2-0 victory, and had 67% possession, created seven big chances and succeeded with 371 more passes than Ferencvarosi in the 2-0 win.

And, while FBref does not track data for Scottish Premiership fixtures, there is a clue in the Bhoys’ Europa League win as to how Postecoglou has managed to improve his side’s creativity.

Indeed, when looking at Celtic’s pressing in the early stages of the season, the Hoops often applied pressure to opposition players in their defensive and middle thirds a greater number of times than in their attacking third – something that is not surprising, as Postecoglou likes his side to apply pressure extremely high up the pitch.

However, against Ferencvarosi, it would appear as if the 56-year-old instructed his side to change tact somewhat, with Celtic registering the most pressing in their own defensive third – 23 pressures were made in the defensive third while 46 in the middle third and then 61 in attacking third. That’s something that would suggest the manager wanted to draw the Hungarian side out of shape by allowing them to have more of the ball, before springing a counter-attack to catch them on the break.

And, considering both the result and display on Tuesday afternoon was arguably Celtic’s most impressive of the season, perhaps this is something we will more of from the Hoops in the coming weeks – as, with the Bhoys creating seven big chances against Ferencvarosi, it is certainly a tactic that appeared to work.

In other news: McGregor 2.0: Celtic’s 20 y/o “gem of a player” may cause Ange real problems next term

Tottenham Hotspur stalwart Moussa Sissoko completed his move to newly promoted divisional rivals Watford on Friday evening [Sky Sports].

The Lowdown: Nuno means business

With the new era at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium well underway, Lilywhites boss Nuno Espirito Santo has wasted no time in re-shaping his roster as he bids to restore his sides’ place amongst the elite in English football this campaign.

Holding no place for sentimentality, the ex-Porto coach has cut loose experienced figures at the club this summer such as Toby Alderweireld, Joe Hart and Danny Rose [Transfermarkt].

Now, another casualty has been added to his list after news of Sissoko’s next move was confirmed ahead of the weekend’s top flight fixtures.

The Latest: Sissoko completes move to Watford

Sissoko has swapped North London for Hertfordshire to join Watford on a deal worth just £2.5 million [Sky Sports].

Despite having two years left to run on his contract at Spurs, he was not deemed to be part of the management team’s plans this season, prompting them to cash in on the France international.

The former Newcastle United anchor man brings the curtain down on five years at Tottenham, following a £30 million move from the North-East in 2016 [BBC].

The Verdict: Best scenario for player and club

Unlikely to be a regular fixture in Nuno’s line-up in 2021/22, recuperating some form of income for 6 foot 2 Sissoko may prove to be a wise move by Spurs chiefs as they seek to blood a younger squad – all of their outfield arrivals this summer are 23 or younger.

Over the course of his time at the club, the 32-year-old was a reliable figure despite his lack of end product – he managed to add 21 goal contributions in 202 games for the club; five goals and 16 assists [Transfermarkt].

Last term Sissoko was particularly efficient from a defensive standpoint, managing to obtain a tackle success rate of 73%, something Tottenham will miss in the forthcoming months [Premier League].

Once labelled as ‘fantastic’ by Mauricio Pochettino, his impact during his five years will be appreciated by supporters after plenty of ups and downs [SB Nation].

Having seemingly already replaced his energy and endeavour by signing FC Metz midfielder Pape Matar Sarr, Spurs look to be adopting a long-term vision of success.

Sarr will remain on loan with Ligue 1 outfit FC Metz in 2021/22 however, signifying that Tottenham may need to add another midfielder to their ranks before Tuesday’s deadline.

In other news, Tottenham Hotspur have received a huge boost in a transfer chase. Find out more here.

Flocking to Twitter, many Liverpool fans have erupted over the latest transfer claim involving Borussia Dortmund sensation Jude Bellingham.

Jurgen Klopp’s side are currently flying high near the top of the Premier League table and have also set a Champions League footnote, becoming the first English team to win every one of their group stage matches in a single season.

However, despite their fine form, many fans are still eager to see how the squad may strengthen in future, with Dortmund youngster Bellingham reported to be a prime target.

The England international is said to be attracting interest from Liverpool, with The Mirror now dropping a pretty promising transfer claim. It is believed that the Reds, and by extension owners FSG, are ‘making plans’ to bring the teenager back to England and currently ‘lead the race’ for his services next summer.

Indeed, Klopp has apparently personally identified the 18-year-old as a target to strengthen his options in midfield.

Liverpool fans erupt…

Dortmund defender Mats Hummels is certainly full of admiration for the teenage talent, describing him as a leader and “serious” at such a young age, leaving little wonder why so many Reds fans are joyous at the prospect of signing him.

Only the Anfield front three Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota and Sadio Mane have averaged a higher rate of completed dribbles per 90 than Bellingham this season (WhoScored). Meanwhile, the midfield maestro sits just behind Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold at Liverpool in terms of league assists, racking up five in just 13 Bundesliga starts.

Taking into account his age and his homegrown status, it is little wonder that some Liverpool fans even believe he would be a ‘dream signing’ – check out some of their best reactions below:

“I beg”

Credit: @BrandonWoofy

“Don’t give me hope if this club is actually buying the right player for a good amount of money”

Credit: @RitsonLfc

“He’s my dream signing and would be unreal but my only worry is that I know how we’re run, someone big would have to leave to fund it and a certain Egyptian hasn’t signed a new contract yet….”

Credit: @LFC_James

“Don’t tease me.”

Credit: @PleasantPups

“I will cry”

Credit: @have_alice

“I’m on my knees”

Credit: @HottraGatto

“please happen”

Credit: @Ac1984Ross

In other news: ‘Wow’, ‘No way’, ‘Please’… Liverpool fans erupt as FSG also eye ‘bargain’ signing, find out more here.

Sky Sports pundit Kevin Phillips has urged Tottenham Hotspur to stump up the funds for Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez, regardless of whether Harry Kane chooses to stay in North London this summer [Football Insider].

The Lowdown: Spurs seek positive changes in 2021/22

Needing to step up the ante in 2021/22 after a disappointing campaign last year which resulted in UEFA Conference League football, newly crowned Spurs boss Nuno Espirito Santo will have aspirations of raising standards at the club through high-profile additions.

In regard to the centre-forward position, Kane’s future creates another unsettling dynamic at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium amid continued interest from Manchester City [Guardian].

Spurs have however also been heavily linked with Martinez alongside arch-rivals Arsenal [Football London].

The Latest: Phillips urges Tottenham to pursue Martinez

Ex-England striker Phillips responded bullishly in an interview with Football Insider, adamant of the need to bring the Argentina international to north London: “You have to make provisions in the case Kane leaves.

“It’s a matter of time so Tottenham are lining up someone else to come in.

“If it was Martinez, Inter are getting £160million in the space of a week with Lukaku going.

“How much are Tottenham paying? £60million? £70million? That’s not bad.

“They aren’t in a position to turn that down, we know about their financial troubles.

“They need a great signing like him even if Kane doesn’t go so I can see it happening for £70m, they won’t reject that.

“It might not end up being him but they need a player like that to push on.”

The Verdict: Spurs should look to acquire Martinez as a matter of priority

Correctly, the former Sunderland frontman identifies that the Lilywhites can’t wait on Kane forever to clarify his future.

In 2020/21, Martinez was in excellent form, registering 30 goal contributions in 48 appearances; 19 goals and 11 assists [Transfermarkt].

Regularly involved both as a goalscoring threat and creator, the 23-year-old managed to accomplish a respectable 2.9 shots per fixture across the year [WhoScored] while supplying one key pass per match,

Martinez should indeed be acquired if possible whether Kane stays put or moves on to pastures new, but whether Daniel Levy will stump up the cash to make it happen is another matter entirely.

In other news, Spurs are interested in a La Liga ace.

West Ham look set to sign Celtic attacker Armstrong Okoflex, according to the Glasgow Evening Times.

The Lowdown: Okoflex’s Celtic career

Okoflex, who can play anywhere across the front three, joined Celtic from Arsenal back in 2018.

However, the 19-year-old struggled to force his way into the Hoops’ senior squad and appeared to mock the club last year due to his lack of game time on Tik Tok.

His two senior Celtic appearances came last season after multiple members of Neil Lennon’s side were forced to isolate following Christopher Jullien’s positive result, leaving the Hoops with the bare bones.

It now seems as if the attacker is now set to leave Celtic Park for good.

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The Latest: Okoflex in London; Two-year deal

The Glasgow Evening Times shared the story on Wednesday afternoon, claiming the youngster was in London to finalise a move with the Hammers.

David Moyes is a big fan of Okoflex, who looks set to sign a contract with the Premier League side this month.

Mark Hendry was the reporter behind the Glasgow Evening Times’ story, and he added some more information on a proposed deal on Twitter.

“Okoflex looks like he’ll sign a two-year deal at West Ham, with a one-year extension option.”

The Verdict: Will it prove to be a big loss?

Okoflex never got the chance to impress with the Hoops at senior level in a full-strength squad. For whatever reason, it hasn’t worked out for the youngster up in Scotland, but Moyes clearly thinks there is potential with Okoflex, with the Hammers offering a two-year deal.

Over the next few years, we’ll see if the Hoops will regret not giving the youngster more of a chance at first-team level.

Should he go on and break into Moyes’ plans at the London Stadium, Celtic may well end up kicking themselves. Only time will tell.

In other news: Alan Nixon drops Ange Postecoglou transfer hint, find out more here.

Tottenham Hotspur have received a huge defensive boost ahead of Sunday’s Premier League tie with Chelsea.

The Lowdown: Problems at the back

Despite winning their opening three league games of the season, Nuno Espirito Santo suffered his first defeat as Spurs boss last weekend as Crystal Palace ran out 3-0 winners.

Tottenham were without Cristian Romero, Davinson Sanchez and Giovani Lo Celso due to their involvement with Argentina and Columbia, with the trio currently training in Croatia with a member of the Spurs coaching team.

With Japhet Tanganga being sent off and Eric Dier limping off after only 12 minutes at Selhurst Park, Nuno’s options at the back are slim, but he is now set to be handed a huge boost ahead of the meeting with the European champions.

The Latest: Defensive boost

In a report by the Daily Mail, Spurs’ defensive concerns will be eased as Romero and Sanchez are set to return to the side, with the duo arriving in England on Saturday.

Sanchez and Romero, alongside Lo Celso, have been training in Croatia together to avoid having to self-isolate for ten days after returning from red-list countries.

The report claims that the trio will arrive in London 24 hours before the meeting with Chelsea so are available for selection against Thomas Tuchel’s side.

The Verdict: Eases the blow from Palace

Spurs’ defensive woes were evident in the drubbing at Selhurst Park, with Tanganga losing his head and receiving two yellow cards and Dier being forced off the field.

The return of Romero and Sanchez, the latter of whom was lauded as ‘a beast’ by Mauricio Pochettino, will be pleasing news for Nuno.

Last season, Sanchez produced 2.2 tackles per game, 4.7 clearances per game and won 60% of his aerial duels, and he has started the current campaign off in top form too.

With Romelu Lukaku bagging goals for fun at the moment for Chelsea, having the return of these two extremely physically strong defenders will certainly make Sunday easier and potentially help Spurs return to winning ways.

In other news, Spurs top target for 2022 has been announced after making no bid this summer. Find out more here.

Flocking to Twitter, many Liverpool fans have erupted over news involving Real Madrid forward Marco Asensio, with FSG already preparing a January bid.

By way of transfers, incomings were among the quietest in the Premier League at Anfield this summer, with only Ibrahima Konate arriving on a permanent deal from RB Leipzig.

Aside from that addition along with some exits, Jurgen Klopp’s side are unchanged from last season, with most of the focus having been on tying down their first team. Indeed, Liverpool wrapped up new deals for Alisson, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Fabinho, Virgil van Dijk, Andrew Robertson, Nat Phillips, Adrian and Jordan Henderson in recent months.

Now that many players’ futures are secure, perhaps the Reds can turn more of their attention to potential new signings in the winter transfer window, with Spanish outlet Fichajes sharing news.

They claimed that FSG and Liverpool are already preparing a €35m (£30m) bid to sign Asensio in January, and it’s safe to say there has been no shortage of Reds fans with opinions on the link with a forward who has scored 37 goals for Real Madrid and won two Champions League crowns.

Check out some of the best replies in response to Anfield Edition below, with one fan believing that the fee quoted would be a “steal” for the 25-year-old.

Liverpool fans erupt as FSG prepare bid…

“Ooo”

Credit: @RedArmy42904059

“steal at 30 million”

Credit: @Maltby77

“please”

Credit: @lfcdanny21

“I’d love him ngl”

Credit: @kloppboy23

“No way”

Credit: @___nurzhan

“What”

Credit: @LiverpoolDan654

“Quality player if possible would be a fantastic addition”

Credit: @ian76274972

In other news: ‘Praying’, ‘We are serious?’…Liverpool fans flock to £85.9m claim, find out more here.

Many Everton fans have been left to fume as a transfer update emerged on Marcelo.

As per the Daily Mirror, the Goodison Park faithful, as well as Leeds United, lead the chase to sign the Real Madrid man in the summer window.

The Brazil international is not in the plans of new boss Carlo Ancelotti, and given that his current deal at the Bernabeu runs out in June 2022, Los Blancos will likely be looking to move him on this summer.

Marcelo would prefer a move to either England or Italy, and an asking price has been quoted at £5m.

There is no doubt that the left-back has had a decorative footballing career both at Madrid and at international level, but he is 33 years of age now, and the Merseyside club already have Lucas Digne, Niels Nkounkou and Thierry Small who play in his position.

Thus, it would be a strange move for them to try and recruit Marcelo, who is certainly past his best.

Everton fans on Marcelo transfer update

These Toffees fumed as the transfer update was shared on Twitter, with one Blues supporter even going as far as to claim that it was ‘silly’:

“Start of the madness”

Credit: @benjwinstanley

“Rubbish”

Credit: @AndyVale27

“Most pointless signing ever!! Digne, Godfrey can cover there, Nkounkou and Small, no thanks even though in his prime he was superb”

Credit: @efcbigdunc

“Makes no sense”

Credit: @Official_ESCA

“Obviously, as a left-back is what we’re crying out for. Silly season is truly upon us”

Credit: @sickleclown

“Ridiculous”

Credit: @alandean1878

In other news, find out which Euro 2020 ace EFC are in pole position to sign here!

Leeds United have been heavily linked with Red Bull Salzburg star Brenden Aaronson in 2022, and his performance on Sunday will certainly have caught Victor Orta’s eye.

This forms part of our Transfer Watch series, where we react to a performance from a current transfer target.

The Lowdown: Leeds hoping to wrap up Aaronson deal

Aaronson has been the Whites’ main target this year after the club made two bids for the USA international in the January window.

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As we know, the attacking midfielder remained in Austria with Salzburg but is still on Leeds’ radar ahead of Jesse Marsch’s first full season in charge at Elland Road.

Aaronson made 25 appearances under Marsch last season and reports have suggested that the Whites are hoping to wrap up a move for the 21-year-old this summer.

The Latest: Impressive display from Aaronson

Salzburg clinched a ninth straight Austrian Bundesliga title on Sunday following a 5-0 win over Austria Vienna. Aaronson returned to action after a six-week layoff with a knee problem and impressed, ending with a SofaScore match rating of 7.3/10.

The attacking midfielder scored a penalty and registered three key passes, one of which led to a big chance.

He only had 30 touches of the ball during his 64-minute display but he starred upon his return and even showed off his pace after the final whistle when looking to dodge a beer shower from his team-mates.

The Verdict: Sign him

Should they stay in the Premier League, Leeds should be looking to wrap up a move for Aaronson as soon as possible.

Marsch doesn’t have an out-and-out attacking midfielder to choose from at Elland Road, making the 21-year-old’s arrival even more crucial.

Described as a player with a ‘monster mentality’ by Salzburg manager Matthias Jaissle, Aaronson has now contributed to 28 goals in 61 games for the Austrian champions, and with an impressive record under Marsch already, he could slot in perfectly at Elland Road.

In other news: Leeds and Orta may agree fee for ‘quality’ target ‘this week’ after Phil Hay’s reveal