Davinson Sanchez must be on borrowed time after latest Spurs clanger

Many at Tottenham Hotspur will still be hurting from Sunday’s disappointing draw with local rivals West Ham United, especially as they had three points in the bag up until the final eight minutes of the match.

You can point fingers at multiple members of the squad.

Jose Mourinho was perhaps wrong to withdraw Tanguy Ndombele late in the second half whilst the selection of Serge Aurier over Matt Doherty will always raise question marks.

But perhaps the problem lies with Davinson Sanchez, who dropped yet another clanger in the heart of the Spurs defence.

The north London outfit had the second-worst defensive record of any top-seven side last season and are yet to keep a clean sheet in the Premier League this term.

Sanchez has been involved frequently in that time – featuring in 46 matches for the club.

Against the Irons, the 24-year-old lost possession ten times, won just three of eight duels, committed two fouls and netted an embarrassing own goal, via SofaScore.

This is hardly a surprise as for the season, he’s second for being dribbled past and among the worst for successful pressures, interceptions and blocks among the Spurs squad, as per FBref.

With a domestic deadline day move for Wales international Joe Rodon secured, Sanchez must surely be on borrowed time in N17 as he’s just not delivering consistently and could well be the root of all Mourinho’s problems.

The Colombian colossus is valued at a whopping €50m (£45.5m) by CIES Football Observatory, but it’s fair to suggest that Spurs are not getting their money’s worth.

Speaking to the Times, via the Evening Standard, former Celtic and Chelsea forward-turned-pundit Tony Cascarino lambasted the north Londoners’ defensive options, he said: “The centre-half partnership is a disaster zone.”

Mourinho should already know this too having targeted the former Ajax man during Manchester United’s Europa League triumph, which makes his persistent selection all that more baffling.

Cascarino added: “When Mourinho, as Manchester United manager, prepared to face Ajax in the final of the Europa League in 2017, he identified Davinson Sánchez as a weak link and yet he is now placing faith in that very same player.”

He was a weak link then, and he’s a weak link now. It could well be Rodon season way earlier than expected at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

AND in other news, Spurs can thank ONE man for Tanguy Ndombele’s impressive revival…

Coventry: Mark Robins keen to make move for Kayden Jackson

Coventry City are interested in making a summer move for Ipswich Town striker Kayden Jackson, according to East Anglian Daily Times.

Sky Blues manager Mark Robins has followed up his side’s promotion from League One with a number of significant signings.

He initially signed Gustavo Hamer before adding French defender Julien Dacosta. Marcel Hilssner also came to the club, whilst former loan players Callum O’Hare and Ryan Giles also moved back to the Sky Blues, with the latter signing a permanent deal.

Jackson, who signed for Ipswich Town in 2018 from Accrington Stanley, is entering the final year of his deal at Portman Road, with the club having the option to extend by a further 12 months.

Talks are said to have been ongoing between the £720,000-valued striker and his current club over an extension but it is claimed that the Suffolk outfit’s latest offer has been rejected.

That recent stall in talks has prompted the likes of Coventry to show interest in the striker who netted an impressive 11 goals in 32 games last season.

At 26 and with a good scoring record last season, Jackson could be a superb signing for Coventry, particularly for a modest six-figure transfer fee, and one that could hand Robins a consistent supply of goals in the Championship this term.

Whether or not Robins will determine it to be good value, though, is what will determine the likelihood of the Ipswich man joining the Sky Blues.

Do you think Jackson would be a good signing for Coventry? Let us know in the comments section below…

Everton: Fans destroy Martin Braithwaite link; West Ham also in talks

Many Everton fans have been destroying a transfer link to Martin Braithwaite as Mundo Deportivo have reported that the Merseyside club as well as David Moyes’ West Ham United are in talks to sign the FC Barcelona man.

As per the outlet, the La Liga giants are said to be wanting a fee of around €18 million, which is the equivalent of roughly £16.3 million.

However, based off of his stats for the Catalan club, perhaps Carlo Ancelotti should be looking elsewhere. Braithwaite only managed to score one goal in 11 games, hardly a prolific return for someone with that kind of price tag.

Comparing the 29-year old for Barcelona in the Spanish top flight with fellow strikers Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison in the 2019/20 Premier League season, Braithwaite averaged fewer shots and key passes per match, according to Whoscored.

The Danish international has played in England before for Middlesbrough, but his former boss Tony Pulis slammed him for being ‘ungrateful’and disrespectful (via Teesside Live).

These members of the Goodison Park faithful destroyed the news on Twitter, with one EFC supporter even claiming that he would ‘rather keep Sandro’, who has been other Blues calling for him to leave:

Evertonians, would Braithwaite be a bad signing? Comment below!

QUIZ: Can you answer these 10 questions about Harry Redknapp’s stint as West Ham boss?

Following a nine-year spell as Bournemouth manager in the 1980s and early 1990s, Harry Redknapp really established his reputation as a manager at the very top level with West Ham United.

Arriving at the start of the 1994/95 season the former Hammers midfielder spent seven seasons at the club, achieving plenty of success before moving onto Portsmouth, Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur, among other clubs.

Giving debuts to the likes of Frank Lampard, Rio Ferdinand and Joe Cole, Redknapp oversaw the development of a number of talented young players, as well as bringing some established names.

Having allowed the club to establish themselves as a Premier League force, Redknapp left the club in 2001 after his relationship with chairman Terry Brown deteriorated during negotiations over a new deal.

With the Premier League finally returning last weekend after a three-month hiatus, here is a look back into the archives with 10 questions about Redknapp’s spell as the boss at Upton Park…

Newcastle ace Dwight Gayle proved Steve Bruce right

Despite being one of the stars of Newcastle’s promotion from the Championship a few years ago, Dwight Gayle hasn’t had much impact at Premier League level.

The striker was brought in by Rafa Benitez back in 2016, and notched up 23 goals in 32 games back in the 2016/2017 campaign when they were in English football’s second division.

The following season however saw his goals completely dry up, with just six in 35. Despite that however, Steve Bruce was quick to insist that Gayle would have a big role to play just last summer, saying: “Since I came in, I’ve told him ‘Dwight, get yourself fit, and you can be part of this going forward. You’re only as good as up top, and we’ve got some serious options up there now. Dwight could be a big part of that. I just hope he gets fit and proves that.”

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And then, towards the end of last month, Bruce once again waxed lyrical about the centre-forward. He said: “I’ve said on record that I’ve tried to buy him three times. I’ve said all along that I want him to stay fit because as you saw with the way he scored his goal today, he’s got that crucial thing of being able to score. He’s got the knack, and when you’ve got that, it’s invaluable. Let’s hope he stays fit.”

Against West Ham on Sunday afternoon, Gayle proved his manager absolutely right.

Despite only being on the fringes of the game – he had just 25 total touches and only made 13 successful passes – Gayle made his presence known in key moments for the Magpies.

He of course played a huge role in Jonjo Shelvey’s equaliser for Newcastle’s second of the match, and showed his selflessness and creativity by providing two key passes and creating one big chance.

Gayle also didn’t shirk any of the physical battles, winning an impressive five out of his ground duels, and drawing three fouls from the Hammers defence too.

The striker is a real live-wire in and around the box, and Newcastle just seemed to be far more dangerous with his more energetic style of play than having Joelinton play through the middle – in the end, the Magpies registered 11 total shots on goal.

He may not have gotten on the score-sheet, but Gayle proved just why Bruce hailed him as “invaluable”.

Arsenal fans fume at latest Bukayo Saka transfer report

Arsenal fans are in an uproar over the latest transfer news surrounding versatile winger Bukayo Saka this week.

According to the Telegraph, the 18-year-old is on the radar of several Bundesliga teams ahead of the summer as the ongoing situation in Germany means clubs could lose out on money and thus would be limited in the transfer market.

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Many reportedly see Saka as someone who could follow in Jadon Sancho’s footsteps following a breakthrough season in north London.

He has risen to first-team stardom under Mikel Arteta this campaign, proving his worth as a natural left-mid but more prominently at left-back in the absence of the injured Kieran Tierney.

In 29 appearances, Saka has scored three goals and laid on nine assists, per Transfermarkt, but his current contract expires in just 15 months time – something his boss is rather keen to extend.

And it would appear that supporters feel the same way as this fresh information has riled them up on Twitter.

Here’s what has been said…

AND in other news, Arsenal could sign former Premier League star turned La Liga reject…

Newcastle fans react over Mark Douglas tweet on Demba Ba

Newcastle United fans have been reacting to something other than a piece of takeover news this week as ChronicleLive’s Mark Douglas tweeted out an exclusive interview with former striker Demba Ba.

The 34-year-old now plies his trade in Turkey for Istanbul Basaksehir but enjoyed a fruitful two-season spell in the northeast for the Magpies.

Across both the 2011/12 and 2012/13 campaigns, Ba bagged 29 goals in 58 appearances and quickly became a fan-favourite before a switch to Premier League rivals Chelsea.

Many fans have been drooling over him, claiming he’s the best striker Newcastle have had since club legend Alan Shearer.

In the interview, the Senegalese forward talks about the interesting circumstances surrounding his contract at the club and subsequent exit when the Blues came calling.

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Of course, this has led to many slamming the soon-to-be departed chairman Mike Ashley.

It’s no surprise that the Europa League qualifying squad of then has since gone on to suffer relegation to the Championship and a highest finish of just tenth.

Here’s how the Magpies faithful have been reacting…

AND in other news, Newcastle fans react to links with £60m PL RIVAL star…

Newcastle fans discuss why Mikel Merino left the club after just a year

Mikel Merino was signed by Rafa Benitez upon Newcastle’s promotion to the Premier League in 2017, but his departure a year later has led one fan to question why he was let go.

Supporters have responded with a variety of reasons, but the majority point to the fact that his release clause was activated by Real Sociedad and there was little that could be done to stop him from leaving once his mind was made up.

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It is understandable why he left considering he was offered a return to his native Spain, particuarly as he never really nailed down a first-team place for the Magpies, often being left out in favour of Jonjo Shelvey and Mohamed Diame.

Despite that, many fans enjoyed what they saw from the 23-year-old and are disappointed his stint in the north-east was cut short, though with youngsters like the Longstaff brothers coming through currently they may not ponder his departure for too long as it looks to be one of their strongest areas on the pitch under Steve Bruce right now.

Here are some of the reactions discussing the reasons behind Merino’s exit from the club.

Tottenham fans react to Harry Kane comments on future

Loads of Tottenham Hotspur fans have been reacting on Twitter following Harry Kane’s latest comments on his future with the club.

Speaking to Jamie Redknapp in an Instagram Q&A on Sunday, via The Guardian, the 26-year-old said he wouldn’t stay with Spurs “for the sake of it”, if there are no signs that they will match his ambitions.

Part of that, of course, will be to win trophies, which is something he is yet to experience during his spell with the north London outfit.

Having scored 181 goals in 278 appearances in total for Tottenham, it is clear to see how important he has become even if injuries – like the hamstring one he is currently recovering from now – have sometimes hampered him at crucial periods.

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In terms of Kane’s comments, the next transfer window could prove to be a hugely important one for Jose Mourinho and chairman Daniel Levy, with it being clear this season that this is a Spurs squad that is in need of a revamp – especially from a defensive point of view.

Tottenham supporters were asked by fan account SpursWeb on Twitter how they were feeling personally about the situation following the Sunday update, and they were quick to respond.

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One described the comments as “inevitable”, while another suggested “Levy will have blood on his hands if he leaves” – both are pretty spot on.

Here is a selection of the reaction…

In other Tottenham news, Spurs fans have identified the 6 ft 4 colossus they want if Harry Kane does leave the club…

Liverpool: Fans delighted that Sadio Mane will snub Real Madrid

Liverpool supporters have responded to reports that Sadio Mane is set to turn down an approach by Real Madrid for his services and remain on Merseyside.

The Senegal international is currently in his fourth season at Anfield after joining for £34m from Southampton in 2016 and has become one of Jurgen Klopp’s most important players during his tenure at the club.

He recently told TV2 that he wants to stay at the club “forever” and now according to Don Balon (via Goal), Mane will snub a move to the Spanish capital in favour of a longer stay at Anfield.

Mane already has five goals from his first 10 Premier League games this season and has scored a total of 68 goals in 137 outings in the famous all-red strip.

Supporters were delighted with the report and made their appreciations clear on social media. One fan was convinced that he will eventually retire at Liverpool, while another said they will build a statue of him alongside Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah.

Here you will find some of the best responses from Liverpool fans:

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