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Crystal Palace extended their unbeaten run to three games in the Premier League after securing a draw against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Monday night.

It could have been even better for the Eagles, though, as Patrick Vieira’s charges were just moments away from securing all three points before Alexandre Lacazette struck deep into injury time.

The Gunners started the game brightly and dominated the opening 20 minutes, deservedly taking the lead after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang reacted quickest to a Vicente Guaita save following Nicolas Pepe’s curling effort.

But Palace improved after a slow start and began to dominate possession against their north London rivals, although they struggled to create any real chances in the first half. 

However, that soon changed following the interval. Christian Benteke continued his good record in games against Arsenal with a well-taken equaliser, smashing the ball into the corner of Aaron Ramsdale’s net after Jordan Ayew robbed Thomas Partey of possession. 

The visitors once again stole the ball off their hosts to take the lead, with Conor Gallagher dispossessing Albert Sambi Lokonga in his own half before executed a perfect counter-attack, resulting in Odsonne Edouard hammering in a shot via the underside of the bar.

It was an impressive performance from Vieira’s charges despite Lacazette’s late equaliser, and there was a surprise star of the show leading the line for the capital club.

As per SofaScore, Benteke was awarded a match rating of 7.6 out of 10 for his efforts, the highest total received by any player on the pitch. And when taking a closer look at his underlying numbers, it’s easy to understand why.

The Belgium international struck the target with both of his shots during the 90 minutes, successfully completed both of his dribbles and won eight of his ten duels (80%), highlighting his effective and efficient performance at the top end of the pitch.

He bullied the Arsenal defence with his monstrous presence and not for the first time, beat the goalkeeper at the Emirates Stadium.

Benteke hadn’t found the back of the net all season until Monday night, but his expertly taken strike will fill him with confidence in the weeks ahead and provide Vieira with another viable source of goals.

And, in other news…Parish must seal Palace move for “phenomenal” £5.85m-rated gem, fans will be buzzing 

Former Tottenham captain Graham Roberts has told Nuno Espirito Santo to play Harry Kane or let him go.

Kane made his long-awaited return to competitive action at Wolves on Sunday – replacing Heung-min Son off the bench for the final 18 minutes at Molineux.

His late cameo appearance came just days after the striker was overlooked for the victory against Manchester City and UEFA Conference League tie against Pacos de Ferreira four days later.

But Santo ignored the ongoing links with Pep Guardiola’s side and cited Kane’s lack of match fitness as the reason for his absence for the opening two games of the season.

It’s unclear whether Kane will start the second leg tie on Thursday evening or the Premier League clash with Watford on Sunday. He has, however, stated that his intention is now to stay at Tottenham.

Santo may not want to change a winning team against the Hornets, but Roberts exclusively told Football FanCast that Kane must return to the starting XI as quickly as possible:

“Harry Kane is a Tottenham player so he should play him. If we’re not going to pick him, then you might as well let him go. He’s the best striker in the world, so play him.

“Don’t keep putting him on the bench, saying he’s unfit, he isn’t going to get fit coming on for 10 minutes.”

Flocking to Twitter, these Liverpool fans have voiced their opinions as a fresh update emerges on their pursuit of Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong.

The Catalans maestro has been linked with a move to Anfield recently with the club, and by extension owners Fenway Sports Group, seemingly eyeing moves to bolster Jurgen Klopp’s options in the middle of the park.

Borussia Dortmund sensation Jude Bellingham is another midfielder to have been mentioned alongside the Reds but it’s news on de Jong which now has some Liverpool fans talking on Twitter.

Indeed, according to Spanish media outlet Sport, the 24-year-old is not happy at his current club and there are ‘several’ clubs, including Liverpool, who are ‘crazy’ about signing him.

However, as his future hangs in the balance, it will depend on the player himself with Barcelona under some pressure to convince him that their project will eventually be a winning one.

Liverpool fans react…

Reacting to news that their club are ‘crazy’ for the £81 million-valued man, while there are those who doubt whether Liverpool can afford his lofty estimated price tag, others would simply love him at Anfield.

Going by his statistics, it’s not hard to see why, with the defensive midfield sensation proving to be an adept, assuring presence.

According to WhoScored, whilst averaging an impressive 91.4% pass accuracy so far this season, he’s also completed more dribbles per 90 (2.4) than any Liverpool player – including superstars Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.

Taking this into account, it’s little wonder some supporters believe he would come as an ‘insane signing’ for the right price – find all of their reactions down below:

“Would be an insane signing if we could get for around 60m ish. If they want 80m though, I’d rather spend it on Bellingham ngl“

Credit: @LewYNWA

“I’d do anything for this transfer pleasseeeeee”

Credit: @DiogoJotaFC20

“Be a good signing this if it happens”

Credit: @garth_23

“Pleaseeeee”

Credit: @97HassanM

“He ain’t coming to Liverpool would cost too much”

Credit: @andy_shirlaw

“Think he suits a Klopp system tbf”

Credit: @BenHatcher19

In other news: ‘Yesssss’, ‘It’s time’, ‘Finally’ – Many Liverpool fans go wild for club’s teasing two-word message, find out more here.

Patrick Vieira has a very important game coming up this weekend at Selhurst Park against Everton, where the Eagles could really do with taking all three points after losing their last three games.

The south Londoners currently sit 14th in the Premier League table, just six points clear of the relegation zone. Whilst not appearing to be in immediate danger of the drop currently, it would be reassuring for Vieira if his team could pick up a few more points to go into the New Year full of confidence.

One player who will be hoping to come in and make a positive impact on the team this weekend is Will Hughes. The next game against Everton could be the perfect opportunity to refresh the side and offer starts to players who haven’t had much chance to make an impact. Especially during the current losing streak, making some changes could inject a new lease of life into Vieira’s side on Sunday.

Hughes was signed this summer, completing a move from Watford to Palace in a three-year deal believed to be between £6m and £10m, but he has failed to get much game-time so far with only one appearance in the Premier League this term.

The £6.3m-rated gem sustained a minor back injury in early November and also competes with James McArthur for a spot in the team. However, the Scot has picked up a hamstring injury, so Vieira will need to shuffle the pack and could give Hughes a rare start this weekend.

Vieira has been full of praise for the 26-year-old upon his arrival to the club, saying: “He’s a player that we know quite well. He’s really comfortable on the ball. He’s a really good link with the play going forward. I’m really glad and really pleased to have him in the squad.”

Unfortunately for Palace, if they lose to Everton they could fall as far as 16th, should Southampton and Leeds take at least a point from their games this weekend, and this is a position that Vieira will be hoping to avoid, especially with the advantage of being at home.

Hughes could offer a fresh impetus to the midfield for the Eagles this weekend, and if picked he would have a point to prove to his manager as he seeks to gain a more regular spot in the team.

In other news: Vieira must axe this Palace player in January

David Norris has criticised Ezgjan Alioski for turning his back on Leeds United in favour of a move to Saudi Arabia, claiming money was the decisive factor in his decision.

Alioski’s Elland Road career came to an end last month, when it was announced Leeds had been unable to agree fresh terms with the left-back.

His departure came having made 171 appearances since joining the Yorkshire club from Swiss side FC Lugano four years ago.

The 29-year-old, who played every minute of North Macedonia’s Euro 2020 campaign earlier this summer and got on the scoresheet in the defeat to Ukraine, has since completed a move to Al-Ahli.

His destination has been questioned in some quarters, with ex-Leeds right-back Danny Mills alleging Alioski has chosen to join the Saudi Arabian outfit to treble his wages.

Norris, who was on Leeds’ books between 2012 and 2015, believes the finances involved in joining Al-Ahli is the main reason for his Premier League departure.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, he said: “It’s all to do with the money, 100 per cent.

“I don’t think you go to Saudi Arabia to develop your football career or try to win big trophies.

“He must be getting weighed in big on the financial side. I don’t think you leave Europe, or the Premier League, unless you’re getting massive dough to go to Saudi Arabia.”

Steve Howey reckons that Chris Wood would score even more goals should he sign for Aston Villa.

The New Zealand striker is on the back of another impressive campaign in Burnley colours – scoring 12 Premier League goals to not only help keep the Clarets in the league, but to continue his record of having returned double figures in every season at this level.

Wood had only managed four goals in his opening 19 appearances but hit red-hot form by netting eight goals across an eight-game spell between March and May, including a treble in Burnley’s fine win at Wolves.

Such is Wood’s goalscoring exploits for the struggling Clarets, he’s been linked with some bigger sides in the shape of Everton and Aston Villa, whilst he’s also on West Ham’s radar.

All three of those possess far more creative players than Burnley, with Jack Grealish perhaps the best of which at Villa.

And Howey exclusively told Football FanCast that Wood could top his goalscoring tally from this year should he end up at Villa Park this summer:

“He’s awkward to play against. If I’m being critical, not the best at holding the ball up, but very good at flicking on and gets his goals. Strikers that score goals, the amount that he’s scored in the Premier League, is a good striker.

“And if he goes to a team that are more creative, he could get a lot of goals.”

While Dean Smith looked to have enjoyed a fine summer transfer window at Aston Villa, securing the signings of players such as Emiliano Buendia, Leon Bailey and Danny Ings, Villa have not exactly got their 2021/22 Premier League campaign off to the best of starts.

Indeed, having picked up just four points from their opening four fixtures of the season, Smith finds his side languishing in the bottom half of the table, with one recent report even claiming that the 50-year-old could be fighting to keep his job should results not improve before the next international break.

However, there have been some plus points for Villa so far this season, with new signings Ings, Buendia and Bailey all impressing over their first few appearances for the club, although, perhaps the biggest bonus for Smith this term has been the early-season form of 20-year-old academy product Jacob Ramsey.

He could save Villa millions

Indeed, over Ramsey’s three Premier League appearances so far this season – only two of which have come as starts – the £4.5m-rated youngster has highly impressed for Villa, making an average of 0.3 interceptions, two tackles, 1.3 clearances and winning six duels per game.

The 20-year-old has also looked sharp going forwards, taking an average of 1.3 shots, making one key pass and completing one dribble per league fixture.

These returns have seen the player Gabby Agbonlahor dubbed an “outstanding” talent earn an average SofaScore match rating of 6.90, ranking him as the club’s joint fourth-best performer in the top flight of English football this season.

As such, should the £7.5k-per-week midfielder continue his current rate of development, he could well cement his place in Smith’s starting XI before the season is out, something that could end up saving the 50-year-old millions of pounds in the transfer market.

And, with the former Aston Villa talisman Jack Grealish having recently departed for Manchester City, the Villa Park faithful could well already have found a new homegrown hero to worship in the shape of the 20-year-old.

And in other news; Villa’s board could be heading towards a making a huge error…

Newcastle United ‘would have to consider’ appointing Steve Cooper if he applied for the manager’s role at St James’ Park, according to Lee Ryder for Chronicle Live. 

The lowdown

Newcastle have endured a poor start to the new season, with just one point on the board from their first four matches. They conceded twice in the final 10 minutes against Manchester United on Saturday, falling to a 4-1 defeat.

Cooper is currently out of work after leaving Swansea City at the end of 2020/21 season. He navigated them to the play-offs in back-to-back seasons but they twice fell short of securing promotion.

The Welshman was on Crystal Palace’s shortlist following the departure of Roy Hodgson, but they opted for Patrick Vieira instead.

The latest

According to Ryder in Chronicle Live, Cooper was in attendance at Old Trafford on Saturday, ‘probably’ to support Freddie Woodman after coaching the Newcastle goalkeeper at Swansea.

The journalist claimed that the 41-year-old would ‘fit the bill’ for the Magpies given his ‘expertise’ in developing young talent and his Barcelona-inspired style of football.

Southampton are thought to have identified Cooper as a possible replacement for Ralph Hassenhuttl should they part ways with the Austrian.

In a subsequent tweet, Ryder labelled the former Swansea manager as ‘the watching would-be boss’.

The verdict

Cooper is a talented manager whose work at youth level included guiding England to Under-17 World Cup glory four years ago, and it feels like a matter of time before he gets a crack at the Premier League, whether that’s at Newcastle or elsewhere.

It seems inevitable that Bruce’s tenure will come to an acrimonious end, but question marks over his future may still be premature. The Newcastle hierarchy may decide to give him until the mid-point of the season to demonstrate that he can keep them in the Premier League once again.

In other news, Chris Waugh reveals the in-house reaction to this Bruce decision. 

Pundit Danny Mills has suggested that Tottenham midfielder Harry Winks could sign for Wolves or Aston Villa, after spotting him playing golf in Birmingham [Football Insider].

Speaking to the publication about Winks’ need to go and play consistent first-team minutes, the former Leeds United man Mills stated:

“I don’t see him getting into that Spurs side,”

“It depends who comes and goes this summer but he’s down the pecking order. He has been for some time now.

“He needs to get playing. I see him going to Wolves and Aston Villa. He was seen playing golf at The Belfry.

“Let’s assume he was househunting. I can confirm he was there.” [Football Insider].

Making 30 appearances in 2020/21, the 25-year-old contributed to the Spurs fold with two goals and two assists [Transfermarkt].

With both Spurs and Wolves set to be under new management next season, it remains to be seen how the respective manager’s of each club wants to build his squad and if Winks could be an option for either.

The midfielder has experience of playing in the Champions League and for England but despite this, loads of supporters did not take too kindly to Mills’ comments. No wonder these Wolves diehards took to Twitter to fume at the quotes from the former England right-back.

Wolves fans react:

Replying to a post from the popular Wolves fan outlet Talking Wolves, here is what some Wolves fans thought about Mills’ comments:

“No”

Credit: @BasyYung”Gettt ouut”Credit: @BrunoLages442″Harry Stinks”Credit: @ad_but”Absolutely not. I’d rather use that money on someone better”Credit: @Harley_V12″No tar”Credit: @DodgyWolf”Not for £30m, there’s no point selling Neves for £35m and buying him for £30m”Credit: @stig4881In other news, fans react as a Wolves striker speaks out on his Molineux future.

Premier League safety is within touching distance for Leeds United but by no means is it guaranteed.

The Whites’ 0-0 stalemate with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Monday night moved them five points clear of Frank Lampard’s Everton, meaning their destiny is firmly in their own hands with five games left to play.

They won’t be easy fixtures either as the Yorkshiremen face league leaders Manchester City this weekend before heading to north London to face a red-hot Arsenal side, with Chelsea to come after that.

Failure to pick up any points during that run, combined with the possibility of the Toffees and Burnley making up ground, could leave manager Jesse Marsch sweating heading into the final few weeks of the 2021/22 campaign.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-leeds-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-marsch-raphinha-dest-philhay” title=”Read the latest Leeds news!”]

He could do himself a favour, though, by axing two of his faltering stars in Mateusz Klich and Daniel James.

Both players were hooked prematurely on Monday.

The Poland international lasted until half-time before being replaced by Robin Koch, largely due to him being left an absolute passenger, whilst the Welsh winger was taken off for academy gem Sam Greenwood, a rather damning indictment on his performance.

Leeds’ disastrous duo have struggled for form throughout the season, and perhaps one is more worrying than the other given he is the club’s record £30m signing.

During his time at Manchester United, pundit Darren Bent described the winger as “headless” in his decision making and with only three direct goal contributions in the last 11 games, we’re starting to see that – none of which have been him finding the net either.

Some of his poor form can be attributed to the fact that he’s been filling in for the injured Patrick Bamford but apart from his speed, he has offered very little threat otherwise. Indeed, he currently ranks 12th for average WhoScored rating. Eight players are managing more successful dribbles per game than him, too.

Meanwhile, Klich ranks 17th, which is the worst of any player to have started 21 or more league games this term.

Earlier in the year, Sky Sports pundit Clinton Morrison described the Pole as being “non-existent” in midfield and we caught another glimpse of that earlier this week as he managed only 26 touches and 13 accurate passes in the 45 minutes he was on the pitch, per SofaScore.

It’s hard to make a case for either of the two stars to keep their place amongst the starting XI heading into some tough encounters. City, Arsenal and Chelsea all possess the firepower and strength to devour the struggling duo.

As such, Marsch must look to axe the pair of them as they continue to hold back his side during this relegation dogfight.

AND in other news, Alan Nixon: Leeds plot bargain bid for “special” 18 y/o, he could be the next Cancelo…