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The job Gary O’Neil is doing at Wolverhampton Wanderers this season is nothing short of remarkable, especially after losing his two best midfielders last summer.

Ruben Neves and Matheus Nunes both departed Molineux, yet O’Neil adapted and has managed to bring out the best of the players he has at his disposal.

The Old Gold have recorded a Premier League double over Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, while also defeating Manchester City during the early stages of the campaign, and their recent form has been solid.

A home tie against Sheffield United awaits the Midlands side tomorrow afternoon and considering the Blades are propping up the rest of the league, it represents an ideal opportunity for O’Neil to claim another three points.

With that in mind, here's a look at the potential Wolves starting XI that will take to the Molineux pitch tomorrow…

1 GK – Jose Sa

There won't be a change to the goalkeeper as Sa will retain his place in the starting XI.

The Portuguese shot-stopper has missed only two league matches this season and was even named as the captain against Spurs in the 2-1 win last weekend.

Across his 23 matches thus far, however, Sa has kept just three clean sheets and if it were not for the wonderful form of their attacking options, the club may be in a slightly more precarious situation.

2 CB – Max Kilman

The captain has played every minute of every league match so far this season and has been a rock at the back for the club.

The 26-year-old is contracted to the Old Gold until 2028, but if he continues this current rich vein of form, then he may just start attracting attention from potential suitors, that’s for sure.

3 CB – Craig Dawson

The veteran centre-back has played 23 of the 25 league ties Wolves have played this term and against Spurs, he was in fine form.

Not only did he make ten clearances and block three shots, but Dawson won seven of his nine contested duels during the victory and this display was key to Wolves securing all three points.

4 CB – Toti

Like Dawson, Toti was also extremely solid against Spurs last week. He made ten clearances, four interceptions, two tackles and was not dribbled past once, showcasing his physical strength in one-on-one battles.

Toti has already made more league appearances this season than he did during the whole of the 2022/23 campaign, and he is slowly emerging as a key member of O’Neil’s side.

5 RM – Nelson Semedo

The 30-year-old had spent the previous few months playing in an unfamiliar role on the right-hand side of the midfield due to O’Neil utilising either a 3-5-2 or 3-4-2-1 formation.

His attacking talents have not exactly been on show, however, as he has registered just one goal and one assist in all competitions.

6 CM – Joao Gomes

The Brazilian enjoyed one of his finest games for the club last week as he scored a brace which proved to be decisive in the victory over Spurs.

He also made six tackles and four clearances as his defensive abilities were also on show, and he will retain his place against the Blades tomorrow afternoon.

7 CM – Tommy Doyle

Mario Lemina enjoyed a decent game last weekend, yet he may have to make way in order for Tommy Doyle to start against Sheffield United.

The on-loan Manchester City starlet was hailed as “exceptional” by talent scout Jacek Kulig back in 2021 as he discussed the wealth of talent that City possessed in their youth sides.

The youngster has started just five Premier League matches this season, yet when he has featured, the 22-year-old has showcased his talents.

He holds an 86% pass success rate, while winning 56% of his total duels and losing possession just 5.6 per game and a tie against the bottom side in the league could be an ideal opportunity for him to come into the starting XI.

8 LM – Rayan Ait-Nouri

The Algerian did not enjoy the best of games against Spurs last week. He won only three of his ten contested ground duels during the encounter, along with succeeding with just one dribble attempt and losing possession a staggering 17 times.

Due to a lack of options on the left side of the midfield, however, Ait-Nouri will retain his spot in the starting XI and O’Neil will be hoping a tie against the Blades will allow him to perform better.

9 AM – Pedro Neto

In front of the four-man midfield, O’Neil will deploy two attacking midfielders and one will be Neto, who has registered an impressive nine assists in the top flight already, despite playing only 16 games.

The 23-year-old grabbed an assist against Spurs and with the Blades’ defence conceding 65 goals in just 25 matches, he will certainly have his eye on scoring a goal or two tomorrow.

10 AM – Pablo Sarabia

Alongside Neto, Sarabia will be deployed, and the duo have the ability to cause plenty of chaos on Sunday afternoon.

The Spaniard has scored twice and chipped in with nine assists in all competitions, but he didn’t play in the reverse clash against the Blades back in November – although he must be unleashed tomorrow.

The 31-year-old made three key passes last week and missed a big chance, suggesting that with a bit better finishing, he may have added to his goal tally for the season.

Tottenham Hotspur returned to winning ways in the Premier League over the weekend as they beat Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1 at home on Saturday.

The Lilywhites bounced back from a 2-2 draw with Everton by securing a win over Roberto De Zerbi's side, thanks to a stoppage-time winner from Brennan Johnson.

Heung-min Son, on his first appearance since returning from international duty, supplied the assist with a perfect cross to the back post for the former Nottingham Forest attacker to convert into an empty net.

It was a third Premier League goal of the season for the Wales international, whilst Timo Werner failed to register a goal or an assist on the opposite flank.

Both players arrived at Spurs this term, with the former in the summer and the latter in January, but some may wonder what could have been with one of the club's reported targets.

Tottenham's interest in Wolves star

During the January transfer window, it was reported that Tottenham and Liverpool both had an interest in Wolverhampton Wanderers star Hee-chan Hwang.

Football Insider claimed that both clubs were monitoring his performances as the South Korea international had been on fire in the Premier League for Gary O'Neil's side.

The outlet claimed that a move ahead of the second half of the 2023/24 campaign was unlikely but added that Wolves are fearful of a summer exit for their impressive attacker.

There was no mention at the time of how much it would have cost Spurs to sign him in January, or how much they are prepared to demand at the end of the season.

Ultimately, Tottenham did not decide to test Wolves' resolve with an offer to sign Hwang and missed out on acquiring his services last month.

Whilst they may revisit their interest in the summer, Ange Postecoglou and Daniel Levy could have landed an upgrade on Werner, who they signed on loan from RB Leipzig, if they had convinced their rivals to part way with Hwang, who has more goals and assists than Johnson this season.

Brennan Johnson's season in numbers

The Welsh whiz has made 21 appearances in the top-flight since his move from Nottingham Forest and has failed to provide consistent quality in the final third.

His finishing has left a lot to be desired as the 22-year-old winger has scored three goals from an xG of 4.80, which suggests that he has let his teammates down at times with wasteful finishing.

Whereas, his fellow attackers have more than made the most of the chances that Johnson has created for them, as the young gem has recorded four assists from an xA of 1.93.

In total, the Spurs forward has produced three goals and four assists in 24 matches in all competitions, with three appearances in the two domestic cups, which is a return of one goal or assist every 3.43 games on average.

It has been far from a perfect first season at Tottenham for Johnson but he has plenty of time left, at the age of 22, to develop and improve over the years to come.

Whereas, Werner, 27, was brought in to make an instant impact on loan and Hwang would have offered far more than him at the top end of the pitch.

Werner's struggles in front of goal

The Germany international joined the club from RB Leipzig last month and registered an assist on his debut against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Werner is five appearances into his career in North London and is still on the search for his first goal for the club, although he did add another assist in the 3-2 win over Brentford at the end of January.

His lack of consistent quality in the final third should not come as any real surprise given his struggles with Leipzig during the first half of the season.

The 27-year-old winger scored two goals, from 2.36 xG, and failed to provide a single assist, from 0.10 xA, in eight Bundesliga outings for the German side. He also ended up with zero goals and zero assists in four Champions League matches for his parent club.

In total, Werner has two goals and three assists to his name in 19 appearances in all competitions for Spurs and Leipzig combined so far this season, which is just shy of one goal contribution every four games on average.

This shows that the former Chelsea attacker has not provided outstanding quality as either a scorer or a creator of goals for either side, as a striker or a winger.

Why Hwang would be an upgrade on Werner

Meanwhile, Hwang's performances for Wolves this season suggest that Spurs could have brought in a better player than Werner – an upgrade – if they had secured his services in January.

The 28-year-old dynamo has proven his quality in the Premier League with a string of impressive displays for the Old Gold since O'Neil's arrival in the dugout last summer.

He has produced ten goals, three assists, and four 'big chances' created in 20 top-flight appearances, which includes 17 starts, and scored one goal in one EFL Cup match.

This means that Hwang has racked up 11 goals and three assists in 21 outings in all competitions for Wolves, which is a return of one goal or assist every 1.5 games, and that is seven more goal contributions than the aforementioned Johnson has managed.

Appearances

12

20

xG

2.93

5.96

Goals

Two

Ten

xA

1.07

2.34

Assists

Two

Three

Big chances created

One

Four

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the Old Gold star, who was recently hailed as "fantastic" by O'Neil, has offered more at the top end of the pitch than Werner throughout the 2023/24 campaign.

Whilst the German attacker has underperformed his xG with wasteful finishing, Hwang has been lethal in front of goal with roughly four more goals than expected.

The £70k-per-week whiz currently ranks within the top 6% of Premier League attacking midfielders and wingers for non-penalty goals (0.56) per 90, which illustrates how impressive his scoring has been in the top-flight.

Therefore, Spurs missed out on a big Werner upgrade, who has also outperformed Johnson, by opting against a swoop to sign the Wolves dynamo in January.

Tottenham really want to sign a "world-class" new £34 million transfer target as the club's recruitment team and chairman Daniel Levy's plans take further shape.

Spurs enjoy busy January

It's already been a pretty busy month at Spurs, with the Lilywhites sealing deals for RB Leipzig forward Timo Werner on loan and defender Radu Dragusin in a £25 million transfer from Genoa.

All confirmed Premier League done deals: January transfer window 2024

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ByLuke Randall Feb 1, 2024

Coupled with the plethora of outgoings, as a host of Tottenham players secure loan moves away from north London, there have been widespread reports that they were also in talks to sign Club Brugge sensation Antonio Nusa on a buy-to-loan-back deal.

Brentford moved in to hijack that move and agree a deal for Nusa, but in a sensational twist, Nusa'a move to west London unceremoniously stalled after the winger failed a medical – re-opening the door for Spurs to make a potential move if they see fit.

As the Nusa saga drags on, and Spurs' head coach refuses to completely rule out more late activity, Tottenham could potentially still make a late move to sign Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher. This is regardless of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg choosing to stay at Spurs, as confirmed by the player's own lawyer this week.

The north Londoners are also remain in planning for 2024 transfers overall, with manager Ange Postecoglou apparently keen to bolster his defence further after the signing of Dragusin. Tottenham are real admirers of Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite among others in this respect, but another player now turning heads at N17 is Eintracht Frankfurt defender Willian Pacho.

Spurs make approach to sign new target Pacho

Indeed, as per Belgian transfer journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Spurs have made a 2024 approach to sign Pacho and are "strong" in their interest.

They've also scouted him on numerous occasions over 2023/2024, making the Ecuador international a real "one to watch" in terms of potentially joining Postecoglou this year.

Pacho, called "world-class" by manager Dino Toppmoller, has started 19 Bundesliga games as a mainstay for the German side.

Eintracht 2-0 FC Heidenheim

7.68

RB Leipzig 0-1 Eintracht

7.52

Eintracht 5-1 Bayern Munich

7.48

Union Berlin 0-3 Eintracht

7.42

Hoffenheim 1-3 Eintracht

7.22

The 22-year-old is also still very young with high re-sale value if he performs well, and reports suggest Eintracht are willing to do a deal at around £34 million.

Leeds haven't signed any new players so far this month, but Daniel Farke will need a full-back through the door at Elland Road by the time the transfer window shuts on 1 February. He's already lost two from his squad this month, having sent Djed Spence back to Tottenham halfway through what was supposed to be a season-long loan spell and then allowed Luke Ayling to join Middlesbrough on a temporary deal.

The Championship promotion-chasers have subsequently been assessing multiple targets, with Tottenham's Ben Davies among those admired. Elsewhere, there's interest in West Ham's Ben Johnson, and another candidate in Burnley's Connor Roberts is apparently open to joining.

Leeds now "working on" three deals at once

Speaking to GiveMeSport at the weekend, journalist Ben Jacobs revealed that Leeds are actively working on a deal for Davies, but still investing time into trying to sign Johnson and Roberts. Farke feels that the Spurs man could be a "two-for-one" addition due to his versatility, but is keeping his options open by pursuing two more defenders in tandem. There could, then, be a surge of activity in West Yorkshire before the window is out.

"I think that Leeds are keeping across Ben Davies because, if Tottenham are to make some changes in their squad, he might be the one that becomes available.

"The beauty of Davies is that he can play at left-back and centre-back. Given the need to strengthen, and how little time there is left in the window, Daniel Farke would like versatile players. He feels like Davies – or equivalents to Davies – could almost be seen as a two-for-one signing. Versatile players are going to be given preference.

"Davies, Ben Johnson and Connor Roberts are the names that Leeds are working on at the moment. It really wouldn't surprise me if they are active and they get some joy over the course of the next two weeks."

Davies would be a standout coup

Of the three players mentioned, it's surely Davies who would generate the most excitement among the fanbase if he landed at Leeds before the end of the month. With nearly 300 Premier League games (293 to be precise) and 327 appearances for Spurs under his belt, this is a player with real pedigree.

And it's not like he's a fading force either. Davies has started ten of Tottenham's 21 Premier League matches so far this season, but the hope will be that he's made available for transfer following the arrival of Radu Dragusin from Genoa.

In addition to his domestic experience, Davies has played 27 games in the Champions League, including six starts on Spurs' run to the 2018/19 final, and also been capped 85 times for Wales, which ranks him inside the top 10 all time. The table below shows the advantage he over holds Johnson and Roberts when it comes to experience.

Age

30

23

28

PL apps

293

58

38

European apps

72

17

0

International caps

85

0

54

A player like this could make a huge difference in Leeds' push for promotion, with the Whites still in with a real chance of going up automatically after closing the gap on 2nd to just four points with a run of three straight wins.

Of course, even if Spurs greenlight a move, Davies would still have to be persuaded to drop a level to the second tier, but perhaps his international teammates Joe Rodon, Ethan Ampadu and Dan James can play a big part in that.

Sunday's draw against Sheffield United in the Premier League was characterised by a dearth of control, but the crux of West Ham United's season remains the need for a gleaming new centre-forward.

Danny Ings started at Bramall Lane and was lively in a deeper-lying role, making four key passes and providing a consistent outlet, but the 31-year-old is yet to score this term and has just three goals from 42 appearances for the Irons.

The other established frontman, Michail Antonio, 34 in three months, has been sidelined for over two months and is ostensibly declining. Edson Alvarez's absence in Sheffield proved decisive in the failure to win, but for the long-term fluency of a remarkable side, signing a striker must be David Moyes' priority.

West Ham's striker search

According to the Sun, West Ham are ready to smash their transfer record to sign Bayer Leverkusen talisman Victor Boniface, who has been in fine fettle for Xabi Alonso's Bundesliga-topping team this season.

Chelsea and Newcastle United are both interested but Moyes will hope that the promise of a leading role could tempt the Nigerian to move to east London this summer, with a winter transfer unlikely but being pushed by Hammers’ technical director Tim Steidten.

January transfer window: All the deadline day deals from England and Scotland

Stay on top of all the latest transfer deals across the Premier League, EFL and SPFL as the January window closes.

ByCharlie Smith Feb 1, 2024 How Victor Boniface compares to Darwin Nunez

Valued at £52m by CIES Football Observatory and contracted to the BayArena until 2028, it's safe to say that Leverkusen are in no haste to cash in.

The 23-year-old has scored 16 goals and supplied eight assists across 23 matches in all competitions this season, earning praise for his "monster" presence in the frontline by Molde assistant coach Trond Strande, signing him from Union Saint-Gilloise for €20m (£17m) plus add ons last summer.

Invariably menacing in the final third, the four-cap Nigeria international ranks among the top 7% of forwards across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals, the top 1% for assists, the top 12% for shot-creating actions, the top 5% for progressive carries and the top 3% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.

With a hunger for goals and assists in their hordes, a fleet-footed gait and a tendency to drift in from the left, West Ham could finally land a striker of Darwin Nunez's mould, with the Liverpool star considered the 6 foot 2 Boniface's most comparable player of FBref.

In January 2022, six months before the Uruguayan signed for Liverpool in a club-record £85m deal, Moyes fought to land Nunez before the transfer deadline, sadly coming up fruitless after seeing a €45m (£37m) bid rejected.

Nunez has been a polarising figure in the Premier League, and while detractors cherish the wayward finishes and scorn the lapses of focus, the 24-year-old is one of the most dynamic and devastating players around.

Scoring twice against Bournemouth just hours after West Ham's contest against Sheffield United finished 2-2, Nunez has now taken his seasonal tally up to ten goals and ten assists apiece across the board, despite starting just 18 times.

The £140k-per-week phenom also ranks among the top 18% of forwards for goals, the top 5% for assists, the top 14% for shot-creating actions and the top 12% for progressive carries per 90.

Boniface, similarly, might cause frustration among Irons ranks at times, ranking among the top 1% of positional peers for shots taken per 90, but he offers something brilliant, intangible, in the attacking surges.

Goals, assists, disruption, despondency. Boniface unleashes mayhem as Nunez does and pocks the opposition goal with craters after barrage upon barrage of fire, also intelligent and selfless enough to know when to place a pass and provide for his teammates.

Nunez, too, boasts such qualities, more composed and economical in his overall play this season. West Ham might have failed to bring the Anfield talisman to the London Stadium but they could now find the missing piece to complete Moyes' team, with Boniface tailor-made to cause a stir in the Premier League.

West Ham United insider Claret & Hugh have shared a promising transfer update out of Rush Green involving Leeds United and Premier League star Raphinha.

The Lowdown: Hammers make move…

Hammers boss David Moyes, according to reports, was heavily interested in signing the Brazilian playmaker over winter.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-newest-updates/” title=”West Ham newest updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

West Ham apparently made a move for Raphinha in January but to no avail with the South American coming as yet another marquee target GSB couldn’t bring in for the club.

Their bad luck in the last transfer window has even lead to doubts surrounding head of recruitment Rob Newman, according to Claret & Hugh again, with the Irons chief now facing a pivotal summer window.

As Newman aims to take his next set of opportunities to land key targets, C&H have shared an update on Raphinha and West Ham’s interest.

The Latest: Newman could launch ‘cut-price’ move…

According to their information, West Ham, and by extension their transfer chief Newman, are keeping a ‘close eye’ on Leeds’ situation in case they’re relegated.

The club insider goes on to say that the Whites’ drop down to the Championship could allow West Ham to ‘launch cut-price moves’ for Raphinha and another target in Kalvin Phillips.

C&H add that ‘deals will surely be there to be done’ if Jesse Marsch’s side go down.

The Verdict: Promising update…

Signing a player of Raphinha’s calibre for a bargain fee would be pretty special, especially given his serious links to La Liga giants and footballing heavyweights Barcelona.

The 25-year-old has been a revelation at Elland Road and one of their most pivotal figures, with ex-top flight goalkeeper and pundit Paddy Kenny claiming he has been ‘unbelievable’.

Raphinha’s sensational numbers back his obvious quality with the Whites superstar averaging more shots at goal, key passes and successful take-ons per 90 than anyone in Marsch’s squad this season (WhoScored).

If Leeds do indeed drop a division, we believe West Ham shouldn’t hesitate in making a bargain move for the attacker.

In other news: As of now: ExWHUemployee shares West Ham player update after agreement reached…find out more here.

Liverpool are eying a swoop for PSV Eindhoven forward Cody Gakpo in the summer transfer window.

What’s the Word?

That’s according to Dutch media outlet Voetbal, who claim the winger has already spoken with Liverpool regarding a transfer to the Premier League side at the end of the current campaign.

However, the report goes on to state that the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City, and even Bayern Munich are also interested in a move the PSV sensation this summer.

It looks increasingly likely that Gakpo will be leaving the Dutch side and he has no shortage of admirers. The player did recently sign a new contract until 2026 following discussions with manager Ruud van Nistelrooy recently and this could be to secure his club the best possible fee.

Mane 2.0

Liverpool’s recent recruitment has been excellent, with the additions of Luis Diaz and Diego Jota have added extra dimensions to the Reds’ attack and it looks like Klopp is looking to the future.

With Gakpo only being 22, he could well be a fine signing and eventually look to take over from the ageing Sadio Mane.

Indeed, the Dutchman’s attacking output is similar to that of the 30-year-old, having scored a scintillating 18 goals and registered 15 assists over 42 outings in all competitions this season. Although primarily a left-winger, he can play across the forward line.

His performances have gathered a great amount of praise, with the former Netherlands midfielder, Theo Janssen, stating his belief that Gakpo is a talent who “has everything.”

Liverpool could secure his services for £33m which, would be a record fee for PSV.

Indeed, considering the sheer amount of potential the Netherlands international quite clearly possesses, it would not be surprising to see the 22-year-old – if he does indeed secure a move to Anfield this summer – eventually go on to take the place of Mane in the Reds’ starting XI – as it is clear Gakpo is very much a player in the Senegal international’s mould.

AND in other news: Cost £3.5m now worth £19.8m: Liverpool struck gold with “sensational” gem – opinion

Seven games, four wins, two draws and just a solitary defeat. Tottenham Hotspur’s start to the 2025/26 Premier League season has been a far cry from last term, with Thomas Frank certainly getting a tune out of this talented crop of players.

Having slipped to 22 top-flight defeats last season under Ange Postecoglou, the Europa League winners look like a different prospect this time around, with Saturday’s trip to Elland Road once again highlighting their newfound resilience this season.

With Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven holding the fort defensively in that 2-1 win over Leeds United, the Lilywhites can also now rely on the likes of Mohammed Kudus to make the difference in attack, with the Ghanaian notching a goal and assist to maintain his red-hot form this term.

Eyebrows may have been raised following his £55m switch from London rivals West Ham United, although Kudus is quickly proving value for money, having fired home from just outside the box to secure the win in Yorkshire.

Elegant and electric down that right flank, the 25-year-old is swiftly taking on talismanic status in his new surroundings, carrying the mantle even when those around him aren’t exactly at their free-flowing best.

Kudus' game in numbers vs Leeds

Having teed up Mathys Tel for the game’s opener, before getting in on the act with his first goal for the club, Kudus now has six goals and assists to his name in just seven league outings in 2025/26.

Up against Daniel Farke’s stubborn side, the one-time Ajax man was a constant menace from his right wing berth, having also popped up centrally to convert what proved to be the decisive goal on the day.

The man of the moment could and should well have netted earlier following impressive work from Xavi Simons down the left, albeit with Kudus unable to direct his attempt goalwards after lashing over the bar from the Dutchman’s pullback.

That was a rare blot on the copybook on anotherwise eye-catching day for Spurs’ number 20, a fact that was also evidenced as he successfully completed all six of his attempted dribbles at Elland Road, as per Sofascore.

With an 88% pass accuracy rate to boot, the 51-touch playmaker also chipped in defensively for his side, winning ten duels in total – the most of any player for either side on the day.

Minutes played

89

Touches

51

Pass accuracy

88%

Goals

1

Assists

1

Dribbles completed

6/6

Duels won

10/19

That influence both in and out of possession was crucial in clinching the away side’s fourth league win of the campaign, with such a showing perhaps helping to mask the struggles of the man behind.

Why Frank may need to bench errant Spurs star

Battling. Hard-fought. Resilient. All words that could describe the visitors’ performance amid stormy conditions away in Yorkshire.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

This wasn’t vintage Spurs, but a resolute defence – combined with fleeting moments of quality in attack – ultimately proved enough up against their newly-promoted hosts.

When reflecting back on Saturday’s win, Frank may also need to consider how his side can truly begin to kick on and thrive in the weeks ahead, with questions likely to be asked regarding Pedro Porro’s regular role at right-back.

With Destiny Udogie returning to his rightful place at left-back, there is now a straight fight between Porro and Djed Spence on the opposite flank, ensuring Frank could well make that change next time around following the international break.

While the typically influential Porro wasn’t a notable villain on Saturday afternoon, he was also far from his best, having been rather erratic in possession after losing the ball on 26 occasions – more than any player for either side.

That may have come amid his desire to create for his side, having teed up Kudus for the winner with a dinked pass in behind, although his 62% pass accuracy rate does make for grim reading.

Wasteful and erratic in possession, the Spaniard was also found wanting defensively at times, having struggled to contain the lively Noah Okafor down the Leeds left.

Indeed, the former Sporting CP defender ultimately won just four of his ten ground duels, while being dribbled past one two occasions, with football.london’s Alasdair Gold noting that it ‘wasn’t one of his best games’, despite showcasing his usual endeavour and commitment.

While Frank may be wary of changing a winning side, the presence of Spence waiting in the wings ensures that the Dane could make the change against Aston Villa in two weeks time.

There’s certainly no harm in keeping Porro on his toes.

Spurs already have dream Son heir who's yet to play in the Premier League

Tottenham Hotspur could save themselves millions with a Heung-min Son replacement within their ranks.

ByEthan Lamb Oct 3, 2025

Whilst Everton have at least secured their Premier League safety for another season, they look set to face another battle this summer when it comes to keeping hold of one of Sean Dyche's most reliable players.

Everton transfer news

The Toffees could be in for a dramatic few months, with 777 Partners' proposed takeover seemingly now unlikely to reach completion and those at Goodison Park in desperate need of another option. No takeover at all would prove disastrous not only off the pitch but on it too, with the door then likely to be left with no choice but to swing open for top players.

Everton have been rinsed by Moshiri signing whose value has dropped £21m

This Toffee has failed to live up to the one-time hype.

ByAngus Sinclair May 13, 2024

Among those who could leave is Amadou Onana. The Belgium midfielder has reportedly attracted the interest of Newcastle United and Arsenal in recent months and could seal a top move following another solid campaign at Everton. And he may not be the only one to seal such a move this summer.

According to the Daily Mail, Manchester United are prepared to offer £55m to sign Jarrad Branthwaite this summer in a deal that would certainly help ease Everton's financial concerns. The Toffees, however, have reportedly insisted that the defender is not for sale, despite the chance to make 55 times the £1m they initially paid for Branthwaite from Carlisle United back in 2020.

Depending on actions away from the pitch, Everton could be left with little choice but to part ways with such players. Dyche recently admitted that sales could be on the cards this summer, saying via The Guardian: "If the [777] takeover doesn’t ­happen, or a takeover, then it will probably be juggling dust, not sand. Because who knows then?

"You are having to self-generate ­everything then, I would imagine, because it’s not like there is a pile of cash anywhere so you’ve got to self-generate. And if you self-­generate, how do you get in what you are ­losing?

"If­ ­someone leaves, how do you get the next one in who is as good as the one leaving? There is no time for development [of young players] because this club hasn’t got time for that.”

Why Everton may need Branthwaite sale

In an ideal world, Everton would be preparing to welcome improvements this summer to finally hand Dyche the chance to take his side into the Premier League's mid-table and away from a relegation battle. Of course, without point deductions this season, his side would already be there, but instead they've suffered the consequences for actions away from the pitch.

Now, that ideal world is some distance away and those at Goodison Park could be left in a position in which selling Branthwaite and clearing his reported £35k-a-week wage is their most viable option. The centre-back is certainly capable of stepping up for a club of Manchester United's calibre, but his potential success wouldn't take away from the frustration of the sale at Everton.

As the season comes to a close, 777's takeover remains incomplete and United reportedly remain prepared to launch an offer for Branthwaite, so the young star will be one to keep an eye on.

This season feels like it’s do-or-die for Mikel Arteta and Arsenal.

The North Londoners have been a real force in the Premier League over the last few seasons, but after three second-placed finishes in a row, they need to get over the line.

Unfortunately, that is a lot easier said than done, as while Manchester City are no longer as much of a threat, Liverpool look incredible, and with Mohamed Salah and Alexander Isak, arguably have the two best attackers in the league.

However, it is not all doom and gloom, because as long as he stays fit, Arsenal have a player in their ranks who could get to the level of those two.

Salah & Isak's 24/25

Unfortunately for Arteta and Co, the Egyptian superstar had what most would consider to be the greatest campaign of his career in 24/25.

For example, in 52 appearances, totalling 4501 minutes, the Red game-changing superstar amassed an out-of-this-world tally of 34 goals and 23 assists.

In other words, the 33-year-old winger was able to maintain an average of 1.09 goal involvements every game, or one every 78.96 minutes, which was a massive reason the Merseysiders won the league.

Another way to look at it is that, should the former AS Roma ace have another year like it this season, the Gunners may as well give up now.

While it sounds absurd to say, Isak’s campaign, while spectacular, wasn’t quite on the same level.

For example, before he burned his bridges with the Newcastle United supporters, the Swedish international managed to score 27 goals and provide six assists in 42 appearances, totalling 3324 minutes.

That comes out to a brilliant average of a goal involvement every 1.27 games, or every 100.72 minutes.

In short, Liverpool have two world-class attackers in Isak and Salah, but Arsenal have a star of their own who could emulate their importance this season.

The Arsenal star who could emulate Salah & Isak

The good news for Arteta is that he already has a number of players who could be described as some of the best in the world, such as William Saliba, Declan Rice, and Gabriel Magalhães.

Chalkboard

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However, when it comes to the attack, it could be said that there is just one player from his squad who currently falls into that category: Bukayo Saka.

Yes, the player in question is none other than the Hale End superstar, and while he hasn’t quite hit the levels of a Salah yet, he’s getting closer and closer, and there is an argument that he is on Isak’s level already.

For example, in the 23/24 season, the Englishman managed to rack up a brilliant haul of 20 goals and 17 assists, in 47 appearances, totalling 3865 minutes.

That comes out to an unreal average of a goal involvement every 1.27 games, or every 104.45 minutes.

Then, despite missing almost four months of action last season and struggling to regain full fitness towards the end, he still scored 12 goals and provided 14 assists in 37 appearances, totalling 2,619 minutes.

In other words, the Gunners’ “legend in the making,” as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, averaged a goal involvement every 1.42 games, or every 100.73 minutes.

Appearances

267

Minutes

20271′

Goals

71

Assists

72

Goal Involvements per Match

0.53

Minutes per Goal Involvements

141.75′

To do that in a normal season would be incredible, but to manage those numbers in a campaign in which you’re injured for large parts and are without a striker in others is undoubtedly world-class.

Finally, while he is no longer ‘young’ in a footballing sense, he is still two years out from when we’d expect him to hit his peak, per research from The Athletic.

Therefore, as long as he can remain fit, we see no reason why he cannot once again surpass Isak from an output perspective and match Salah in terms of overall impact.

Ultimately, Saka isn’t the finished article just yet, but it feels like a matter of when, not if, he leads Arsenal to glory.

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