Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s dream reign as Manchester United interim manager doesn’t look like it’ll stop anytime soon.

In his first ten Premier League games, he’s won 26 points from an available 30, only dropping points to Liverpool and Burnley. He’s ignited a fire in United’s belly, something which doesn’t look to be defusing anytime soon.

While there are an uncountable number of things he’s improved upon since arriving in December, there are little things he’s still very raw at. Solskjaer might’ve got United playing like United again, but his timing and knowledge of substitutions hasn’t really been “vintage” yet.

Once a famous substitute himself, Solskjaer’s often created some of his own problems making poor changes. This was evident in Manchester United’s 0-0 draw against Liverpool, which extraordinarily saw three United players limp off before half-time. Ander Herrera picked up an early injury and was substituted with Andreas Perreira, who recovered well from the Burnley despair.

However, it was Solskjaer’s other substitution which came back to haunt him. He prematurely brought on an unfit Jesse Lingard, who soon after limped up after further injuring his hamstring. He should’ve just brought on Alexis Sanchez, who inevitably had to be the third and final substitute before half-time.

The wasted substitution meant Marcus Rashford, who suffered an injury early on, had to play on with much pain. If he and Lingard miss a chunk of games, Solskjaer has to take the blame, as the Norwegian needs to learn more about timing and implementing his substitutes better.

[ad_pod ]Newcastle have put in some stellar performances in recent weeks, not least a 2-1 win over champions Manchester City, and were unlucky not to get a point from their clash with Tottenham. One key factor in their fantastic showings has been Sean Longstaff, who has excelled as a holding-midfielder.

On the chalkboard

Rafa Benitez seems to have found his winning formula at St James’ Park – playing with a back-five and two central midfielders, the Magpies have plenty of bodies between their opponents and the goal but can spring a counter through their wide-men, while Longstaff and Isaac Hayden sit.

The latter was keen on a move away last month but is striking up a solid, young partnership with the former, who has broken through to the first team in recent months, making just his third Premier League start against City.

Pep Guardiola was full of praise for the duo in his post-match interview, saying that his side “could not deal” with them. For a 21-year-old thrown in at the deep end, it surely doesn’t get much better. Longstaff’s emergence though, could be terminal to Mohamed Diame’s Magpies career.

Diame down and out

The Senegalese has made 21 league appearances for Newcastle this season but, with Miguel Almiron set to come in and the aforementioned midfield duo, plus Ki Sung-Yueng and Jonjo Shelvey to compete with for a spot at the base of midfield, he surely won’t make too many more this campaign.

The 31-year-old joined from Hull in 2016 and has chalked up eight goals and three assists in all competitions since, but is yet to contribute this season.

Despite his versatility – the number 10 is capable of playing deep or further upfield – there seems to be no room for him, particularly now that Longstaff has stamped his authority on the starting XI.

The only people more shocked by Newcastle’s 2-1 win over Man City than City fans were the Magpies fans themsleves! Check out their brilliant reactions in the video below…

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Rangers goalkeeper Wes Foderingham has hinted at an exit from Ibrox in search of more game time, as he struggles to dislodge first choice Allan McGregor from the sticks.

What did he say?

The 28-year-old has made just four appearances so far this season, including the most recent game against St Johnstone in which he kept a clean sheet – he was, however, standing in for the suspended McGregor.

When asked about his future, the English stopper said: “I won’t put a timescale on it. I’ll look at all the options that are available to me and make decisions based on that.

“We will see where we are at the end of the season.”

Foderingham has already told boss Steven Gerrard that he needs more game time, although the former Liverpool captain has not given him any assurances that he will drop McGregor in order for him to play.

Do Rangers need to sign a new goalkeeper?

Aside from McGregor and Foderingham, Gerrard has just Jak Alnwick as his only other keeper, although the 25-year-old is currently out on loan at Scunthorpe.

Seeing as he is far from a young, up-and-coming keeper simply going out on loan to get some experience under his belt, one would assume that Alnwick could also potentially need to consider his future upon his return to Scotland.

Additionally, along with the fact that Foderingham has just a year left on his contract and is looking to leave, it shouldn’t be forgotten that first choice McGregor is 37-years-old and surely doesn’t have too many more years left in the game.

It is looking possible that the goalkeeping position at Ibrox could fast become a problematic area for Gerrard, and it would be wise for the Gers boss to consider a complete overhaul in between the sticks to amend this.

If Gerrard doesn’t solve this problem in the summer, then he and Rangers could be left in a real sticky situation in the transfer market before the start of next season, where he will be hoping to mount a real challenge for the title.

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Tottenham welcome Bundesliga leaders Borussia Dortmund to Wembley on Wednesday, and Mauricio Pochettino’s side are perfectly poised to ruffle a few feathers.

On the chalkboard

“It’s the history of Tottenham,” said Giorgio Chiellini shortly after his Juventus side broke north London hearts in the Champions League at Wembley last season.

“They always created many chances to score so much, but at the end they miss always something to arrive at the end.”

12 months later, and Mauricio Pochettino’s side have been forced to adapt after injuries to multiple key players, and they are now one of Europe’s most mentally strong teams.

Dortmund meanwhile have drawn their last three games in normal time (one was a cup fixture that they lost on penalties), and Spurs’ new-found mentality could well be the difference in this epic Champions League showdown.

Which Man Utd star got fed by Salt Bae this week? Check out the video below to find out…

Mentality is key, just ask Real Madrid!

Confidence and form is everything in a Champions League knockout fixture, where a couple of quick goals can decide the tie in a matter of moments, and Tottenham couldn’t have asked for better timing on this one, of course barring a date that would allow Dele Alli and Harry Kane to take part.

The Lilywhites have won their last four league fixtures, all without Kane and three of those without Alli, and if not for Heung-min Son’s last-gasp goal against Leicester all of those games would have been decided by just one goal.

Pochettino’s side have the quality to win while playing beautiful football, but the injury crisis may actually have improved their chances in the Champions League, where the killer mentality they have now developed can go an awful long way.

In fact, one could argue what has separated Real Madrid from the rest of the contenders in recent years is their sheer belief that they will win every game they play.

While Dortmund were blowing a 3-0 lead to draw 3-3 with Hoffenheim this weekend, Spurs were battling it out for another deserved three points, and Chiellini’s comments on the “history of Tottenham” are well and truly just that – history.

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Crystal Palace were unable to build on a fantastic away performance at Burnley as they were beaten 2-1 by bitter rivals Brighton at Selhurst Park – a defeat which compounded their woeful home form further.

The Seagulls took the lead through Glenn Murray, who, aside from his first-half strike, gave a masterclass in target man play – Roy Hodgson must hope that Christian Benteke was taking notes from the bench.

On the chalkboard

Veteran hitman Murray gave Chris Hughton’s side the lead after making no mistake in capitalising on a James Tomkins error, although there was far more to his excellent performance than that.

Drafted in at the last minute after Florin Andone suffered an injury in the warm up, the former Palace striker looked worthy of a start from the off – he dominated Tomkins and Scott Dann, winning 6 aerial duels.

The 35-year-old was essential to the visitors’ game plan – soaking up pressure and hoofing it to the big man up front – as they gave Palace some of their own medicine.

The Eagles have been successful playing in such a way in previous campaigns although the collapse of Benteke’s confidence in front of goal, combined with Hodgson’s less direct style and the arrival of countryman Michy Batshuayi, has seen the Belgian frozen out of the starting XI.

Lesson for Christian

The former Villa striker established himself as one of the Premier League’s most lethal aerial threats prior to arriving at Selhurst Park and looked to be a great signing in the 2016/17 season – the big number 17 chalked up 17 goals in all competitions.

However, he has been a shadow of that player since and has scored just three times. The 28-year-old may not be clinical in front of goal but at least he used to offer a physical presence up front. However, particularly this season, he has been far less effective in the air and his knock-downs are rarely into the path of a teammate.

Which player with “no potential” has just been named Crystal Palace’s worst ever January signing? Find out in the video below…

Murray, though, did everything Palace fans want from Benteke on Saturday and the Eagles man, who watched most of the tie from the bench, should have been taking tips from his opposite number if he is to ever work his way back into the first team.

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David Davis made his first appearance of the season in Birmingham City’s home Championship match with Bolton Wanderers on February 12.

Birmingham lost 1-0, but even the defeat would not have dampened the occasion for Davis, who came on for the final 10 minutes of the match.

The midfielder fractured his left ankle during a training session last July and underwent surgery to repair the problem.

The 27-year-old has made 168 appearances for Birmingham and his return at this stage of the season is absolutely huge for the club.

There is no question that Birmingham will use him sparingly in the final months of the season, but the chance to play again at this level after such a serious injury has been branded ‘a blessing’ by the man himself.

Who are the best away fans in the Championship? Pl>ymaker FC’s Thogden gives his top 10 in the video below…

Indeed, Davis took to social media over the weekend to comment on his return, which led to a number of Birmingham fans lavishing praise on the Englishman.

A selection of the Twitter reaction can be seen below:

Celtic maybe unsettled off the pitch but on it, they’re eight points clear and have another great chance of securing the treble.

Since the turn of the new year, Celtic have been in the mood to charge towards another league title.

That looks to be something they will again obtain this season and that’s down to the hard work put in by the players on the pitch.

Even without the boss who brought them a double treble Brendan Rodgers, Celtic have all they need to still strive towards completing an unprecedented ‘treble treble’.

Whether they complete it or not, Celtic will hope to bolster their squad given the chance this summer.

As yet another quality midfield option, the Hoops would do well to acquire the services of Preston’s Alan Browne.

Browne, (who is valued at £450k on Transfermarkt) is someone who has enjoyed a strong season on a personal level, which could make him a person of interest for a team like Celtic.

The Hoops must be desperately trying to find ways of improving their team and even though midfield is not a position of concern, Alan Browne could offer Celtic something new and original.

The 23-year-old has been a great positive for Preston this season, as he’s scored 11 goals and registered four goals from the centre of midfield.

That is a record any striker would be happy with so it just shows what an impact Alan Browne has made to Preston’s season.

With domestic titles always possible to win, Celtic want to focus on improving their chances in Europe. With that in mind, Browne has without a doubt shown the form capable of bettering the Hoops’ side and that’s a deal all involved should look to pursue this summer.

Do you agree… Let us know!

عاد كلاوديو برافو حارس المرمى التشيلي من جديد للدوري الإسباني،  بعدما رحل في 2016 من برشلونة إلى مانشستر سيتي، قبل أن يعود عبر بوابة ريال بيتيس.

ويواجه ريال بيتيس نظيره ريال مدريد مساء اليوم، ضمن الجولة الثانية من الدوري الإسباني للدرجة الأولى.

وقال برافو في تصريحات نقلتها صحيفة “موندو ديبورتيفو” الإسبانية: “فترتي مع برشلونة كانت رائعة، شاركت غرفة الملابس مع لاعبين رائعين وأشخاص رائعين، لذلك لدي ذاكرة كبيرة لكل شيء عشته هناك”.

وأضاف: “لقد حققت كل شيء في برشلونة، ثم انتقلت إلى مانشستر سيتي، لم يكن هناك اختلاف كبير في أدواري، لكن لا يمكن لأي حارس مرمى اللعب لهذه الفرق”.

وأوضح: “في مانشستر سيتي وبرشلونة هناك متطلبات مختلفة، يجب أن يكون حارس المرمى مدافع آخر، يجيد اللعب بالقدم، ويساعد على بناء اللعب، لن يغفروا لك على إبعاد الكرة خارج الملعب بسهولة، الأهم ألا تجعل الجمهور يشعر بالتوتر لأنك لا تستطيع التحكم بالكرة”.

وأكمل: “في مانشستر سيتي، بيب جوارديولا كان يطلبني بأن أبدأ بالكرة من الخلف، يمكن أن يكون لديك تمرير أكبر عدد من الكرات للمهاجمين، وإذا لا تفهم آليات اللعبة، أو متى تمرر الكرة وأين، فلا فائدة منك”.

واختتم: “لقد انتقلت إلى ريال بيتيس والأمر كان سهلًا، كان وجود بيليجريني مهمًا للغاية، مانويل مدرب رائع، أردت العمل معه من قبل، وأعتقد أنه يمكنني التعلم من اللعب معه الآن”.

تقدم عدد كبير من الحكام بشكوى شفاهية لرئيس اللجنة باتحاد كرة القدم بخصوص المشاكل التي تواجههم في استخدام تقنية الفيديو.

وتسببت تقنية الفيديو في إحداث بعض الأزمات لدى الحكام خلال المباريات بسبب ضعف جودة التصوير الأمر الذي يؤدي إلى صعوبة إتخاذ القرار ومن ثم تتم مهاجمتهم من المسؤولين دائما.

وعلم بطولات أن الحكام اشتكوا إن الزوايا التي تكون مُتاحة لهم في إعادات لقطات الڤار غير كافية، بجانب إن الصورة تكون جودتها ضعيفة وهذا يعود إلى أن أغلب المباريات تُنقل بكاميرات SD وليس HD.

وأوضحت لجنة الحكام لأعضائها إن هذه المشكلة خارج إرادة اتحاد الكرة بشكل عام، وتأتي بسبب قلة الإمكانيات المُتاحة من التلفزيون.

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Everton star Idrissa Gueye has told L’Equipe that he still wants to move to Paris Saint-Germain after a January transfer ultimately failed to materialise.

The midfielder has revealed he’s hopeful of joining the Ligue 1 giants or another top European club in the near future.

The 29-year-old has made 97 appearances for the Merseysiders and has certainly been a good servant to the club, as their most consistent central midfielder since his move from Aston Villa two-and-a-half years ago.

But the Everton fans have been on social media offering their views on Gueye’s comments and they certainly haven’t gone down well, with many now wanting him to leave.

Indeed, one fan even claimed that the 5ft 9in ace should be put in the reserves – the Under-23s – until the end of the season following his comments to the French media.

A selection of the Twitter reaction from Everton supporters can be seen below: