Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 05/03/24...

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Results

Monday 04/03
Sheff Utd	0-6	Arsenal

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Buchele brace beats Havant and Waterlooville
Ede Buchele's brace and another fine finish from George Heasman helped Fulham Women past Havant and Waterlooville this afternoon and into the next round of the Combined Counties Women's Cup.

Steve Jaye rotated his side for the rescheduled fixture, with Ellie Parker returning in goal, Tessa Allen and Emily Bird part of a rejigged defence, Rebecca Barron-Clark being brought back into central midfield and Ruby Murtagh joining Buchele in the forward line. Heasman, who grabbed the only goal of the game as the Whites beat Dorking Wanderers last weekend, was the first to threaten but Emily Paines comfortably dealt with the winger's shot.

The lively Murtagh was denied by Paines before Buchele got the deftest of touches to a terrific cross from Heasman but was unable to direct it goalwards. Barron-Clark struck an effort narrowly wide as the Whites continued to apply the pressure, but a determined Hawks defence made them wait until six minutes before the interval for the breakthrough. Buchele's anticipation and movement saw her beat her marker and blast high into the roof of the net to give the hosts a deserved lead.

A second goal arrived five minutes later as Murtagh intelligently found Heasman, who found the left corner of the net with real precision. The Hawks, only reconstituted three seasons ago, defended diligently and were only breached once more. Buchele kept her cool to finish past Paines in a one-on-one midway through the first half. Fulham should have made their victory more comfortable, but credit must go to Havant and Waterlooville for their spirit and organisation. Substitute Sasha Adamson came close to grabbing a goal of her own, but was twice thwarted in a lengthy period of added time.

FULHAM WOMEN (3-4-3): Parker; Bird, Southgate, Dale; Allen, Parsonson, Barron-Clark, Lambird; Heasman, Murtagh, Buchele. Subs: Gibbs, Tagliavini, Huntrods, Lewis, Adamson.

GOALS: Buchele (39, 68), Heasman (44).

HAVANT AND WATERLOOVILLE WOMEN: Paines; Potvin, Lake, McNamara, Key, Hooper, Wernham, May, Hier, Lee, Gardner. Subs: Wells, Marsh, Hoggett, Downing, Humphrey.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/03/buchele-brace-beats-havant-and-waterlooville/

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Alan Pardew tips Manchester United to sign the Premier League's 'second-best central midfield player'
Alan Pardew has suggested that Fulham defensive midfielder Joao Palhinha could join Erik ten Hag's Manchester United in the summer transfer window.

The former Newcastle United and West Ham United manager thinks that Joao Palhinha is the best holding midfielder in the Premier League at the moment.

The talkSPORT pundit has tipped the 28-year-old Portugal international to leave Fulham in the summer of 2024.

And, according to Alan Pardew, the former Sporting Lisbon star could end up at Manchester United, who lost to Manchester City in the Manchester derby this past weekend.

Fulham star Joao Palhinha tipped to join Manchester United
Pardew said about Palhinha on talkSPORT (8:30 pm, March 3, 2024): "In my opinion, the second-best central midfield player, holding midfield player, in the country, Palhinha.

"I mean, everybody wanted him last year, Munich almost did the deal, Bayern Munich, and now it looks like a good move by him to stay at Fulham because he will probably go this summer, and who knows, he could end up at Man United."

My View: Joao Palhinha would be a good signing for Manchester United
In my opinion, Fulham defensive midfielder Joao Palhinha would be a very good signing for Manchester United in the summer transfer window.

Palhinha is one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League. At the age of 28, he is at the top of his game and would be able to make an immediate impact at United.

The Portuguese star has been a success at Fulham, and he has proved that he can withstand the rigours and demands of the Premier League.

Yes, United have a very good defensive midfielder in Casemiro, but the Brazilian has not been at his best for a while now.

There is also the prospect of the former Real Madrid star leaving at the end of the season.

Kobbie Mainoo is just 18 now, so United manager Erik ten Hag cannot expect him to play well week in and week out.

I believe that a move to United from Fulham would be hugely appealing to Palhinha, who has made more tackles than any other player in the Premier League so far this season.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2024/03/04/alan-pardew-tips-manchester-united-to-sign-the-premier-leagues-second-best-central-midfield-player/

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Leeds United keen on 21-year-old defender along with Fulham and Brentford
Leeds United are among a host of clubs keen on Gent defender Archie Brown, according to a report by HITC Sport.

Leeds United are interested in luring the left-back back to England at the end of this season.

Brown, 21, has made 32 appearances in all competitions for Gent so far in this campaign and has chipped in with a couple of assists.

According to HITC Sport, the Whites are admirers of him ahead of the next transfer window. However, Premier League sides such as Brentford, Fulham, Chelsea and West Ham United have also been keeping tabs on his progress.

Leeds United eye left-back
Brown is under contract at Gent until the summer of 2027 meaning they are under no pressure to cash in on him anytime soon unless an offer that they can't refuse comes in for his services.

Leeds could see him as someone to bolster their ranks ahead of next term. He is a decent age and has potential to grow and develop in the future.

He started his career on the books at Derby County and rose up through the academy ranks of the Rams.

The Birmingham-born man was a regular at various youth levels before he was sold to Lausanne-Sport in Switzerland.

Gent then lured him to Belgium last year on a four-year deal and he hasn't looked back since. He has become one of their most prized assets in the Belgian Pro League.

His decision to move abroad has benefitted his career and he has managed to get plenty of game time under his belt despite his young age.

Leeds are aiming for promotion to the Premier League and drew 1-1 with Huddersfield Town away last time out. They are battling it out with the likes of Leicester City, Ipswich Town and Southampton at the top end of the Championship table.



https://the72.co.uk/2024/03/04/leeds-united-keen-on-21-year-old-defender-along-with-fulham-and-brentford/

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Ex-Fulham winger suffering injury nightmare, now set to miss Craven Cottage return
Former Fulham winger Manor Solomon continues to have a rather frustrating season at Tottenham Hotspur.

We saw Solomon make a real impact last season.

The Israeli winger joined Fulham after having his Shakhtar Donetsk contract suspended thanks to a FIFA ruling.

Solomon missed a large chunk of the season through injury but really exploded around this time last year, smashing four goals in four consecutive games.

Whilst Solomon couldn't add to his tally before the end of the season, he certainly showed promise as a left-sided winger at Craven Cottage.

Reports suggested that Fulham wanted to turn Solomon's move permanent but that didn't happen – and he joined a London rival instead.

Manor Solomon still out for Tottenham
Solomon ended up joining Tottenham Hotspur and made a bright start to the season.

The 23-year-old racked up 12 key passes in his first five appearances for Tottenham and was showing a real spark on the wing.

Solomon then picked up a knee injury and underwent surgery, expecting to miss around three months.

We are now five months on from that injury and Solomon still isn't back, and likely won't feature against Fulham later this month.

So what is going on with Solomon?

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou has noted that Solomon is 'sort of progressing' but 'still not anywhere near' returning to full first-team training.

Postecoglou told Football London that the situation is 'frustrating' for Solomon and whilst he is working hard to get back, he has suffered setbacks along the way.

"Manor is sort of progressing but is still not anywhere near rejoining the group," said Postecoglou. "He still has a bit of a way to go. Again, it is another frustrating one for him. He is working really hard, keen to get back and we were hoping for an early return date, but it's been little things along the way that have set him back. Fair to say, he is still a fair bit away from the group," he added.

This season has been a torrid one for Solomon, who will surely miss out on a return to Craven Cottage now.

Fulham fans may still have one eye on Solomon's career but won't exactly feel like missing out on him was a major blow after such a disappointing campaign.

Solomon now joins fellow ex-Fulham man Ryan Sessegnon on the Tottenham treatment table and their return dates are ultimately unknown.



https://www.fulham.news/2024/03/04/ex-fulham-winger-suffering-injury-nightmare-now-set-to-miss-craven-cottage-return/

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Exclusive: Fulham considering AFCON winner as cheap alternative to £35m Chelsea transfer deal
Habib Diallo is not part of Al-Shabab's 2024/25 plans despite only joining in August from Strasbourg for close to €20m, with Fulham among the Premier League clubs considering a move for him.

The 28-year-old Senegalese striker has scored just twice in the Saudi Pro League this season, but managed 20 goals in Ligue 1 last campaign.

Al-Shabab plan to try an audacious move for in-form Atletico Madrid striker Alvaro Morata this summer, and Newcastle's Miguel Almiron is still on their radar as well.

Shabab had a verbal agreement with Newcastle for close to €30m in January, but Almiron didn't want to move. It remains to be seen if his mind can be changed this summer.

Wolves enquired about Diallo in January, but nothing advanced. Brentford – who explored a deal last summer – Burnley and Fulham are also considering Diallo.

All four Premier League clubs value the 2021 AFCON winner at around £10m and it's unlikely Shabab will get their money back.

Diallo transfer could derail Chelsea efforts to sell Broja
ulham may try and instead sign Armando Broja permanently, but Chelsea want a minimum of £35m making Diallo a cheaper option.

Diallo also has some suitors in France and is open to going back to Ligue 1. But a Strasbourg return has been ruled out even though fans may welcome the move. Chelsea's sister-club have a pretty strict youth-led recruitment policy and Diallo is seen as too old an profile.

A return to Metz is possible if they stay up – and Diallo is willing to take a pay cut. Diallo scored 48 goals in 115 games for the club between 2015 and 2020.

Brest are also keen. They are flying in Ligue 1 in second place, and thus on course for Champions League, but goals have nonetheless been a problem, having scored 35 in 24 games. Should they qualify for UCL then a move to the port city in Brittany might prove attractive.

Diallo certainly won't be short of options this summer despite his lack of output in Saudi to date.



https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/03/04/diallo-transfer-fulham-eye-broja-alternative/

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Chelsea's dream €35m sale looks impossible as Fulham close in on Senegal star
Caughtoffside are linking Fulham with a big for Habib Diallo as the man to lead their line.

That's bad news for Chelsea, who loaned striker Armando Broja there in January and were hoping to see him play regularly and juice up his value ahead of a sale that the club desperately needs, from an FFP point of view.

Diallo got 20 goals in Ligue 1 last season, before an ill-fated move to Saudi Arabia.

Broja's loan is already looking like yet another disaster from Chelsea's sporting directors, or whoever it was who sent him there.

He was the only true striker left on our books once it was determined that Nicolas Jackson looks better playing off the left, and instead of playing and raising his value at Fulham, he's just sitting on the bench there as he was at Chelsea.

The £35m we're re reportedly asking simply looks silly for a player who can't get into the first team there.



https://chelsea.news/2024/03/chelseas-dream-e35m-sale-looks-impossible-as-fulham-close-in-on-senegal-star/

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Fulham's in-form forward Rodrigo Muniz draws comparisons to Aleksandar Mitrovic
Andreas Pereira has drawn parallels between Rodrigo Muniz and Aleksandar Mitrovic following the Brazilian forward's starring role in Fulham's 3-0 victory against Brighton.

Muniz nodded past Jason Steele after he assisted Harry Wilson's opener before Adama Traore came off the bench to score his first goal of the season.

Muniz has netted five goals in his last five games and Pereira likened him to former Fulham forward Mitrovic, who scored 14 times in the Premier League last season.

"We know what he is capable of," Pereira said.

"He's doing what he's doing in training, he got the opportunity and now he's showing what he can do.

"He's a little bit similar to Mitrovic I'd say and we know how to play with that kind of striker. He's come in and it has been perfect."

The result marked Fulham's first back-to-back wins since December after last week's 2-1 victory over Manchester United.

Manager Marco Silva lauded his players' second-half efforts to keep the clean sheet.

He added: "In the second half they pushed us back and some of our players were quite tired and our pressure wasn't as effective.

"They had some moments but throughout the game we were dangerous and we got the third with Adama.

"To have back-to-back wins and a clean sheet is really important for us and it was a great afternoon."

Sasa Lukic had another impressive performance in midfield next to Harrison Reed after the Serbia international filled in for the suspended Joao Palhinha for a second straight game.

"They were both fantastic again," Silva said.

"The spine was important and it worked well this afternoon. Sasa, Harrison and Andreas all did a fantastic job off the ball.

"Sasa on the ball is a great player."



https://www.planetsport.com/soccer/news/fulhams-in-form-forward-rodrigo-muniz-draws-comparisons-to-aleksandar-mitrovic

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Iwobi returns to Instagram after AFCON criticism
Super Eagles player, Alex Iwobi, has finally returned to the social media platform, Instagram.

This was after he recently deleted all posts on his account following attacks targeted at him after the team's defeat to Ivory Coast in the final of the recently concluded Africa Cup of Nations.

The Fulham midfielder was a target of cyberbullying due to what Nigerians perceived as unsatisfactory midfield performance during the game.

Some Nigerians directed blame towards him, resulting in a barrage of threats and insults on his Instagram page.

In response, the 27-year-old chose to delete more than a hundred posts from his profile.

However, the football star on Saturday night shared a video on his account.

Within the video, Alex Iwobi tantalised viewers with a preview of what seems to be an unreleased rap song.

In the snippet were clips of his football games and among others  – there he was exuberating on his self-confidence and disregard for those who felt he wasn't good enough.

Among those who lent their voice and gave their support to Iwobi was the Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh, who urged him to keep his head up after facing heavy criticism from fans in the wake of Nigeria's loss to Ivory Coast in the final.

Also, his uncle, Austin Jay Jay Okocha, and football star, Ahmed Musa among several others backed Alex Iwobi to stay strong and urged the attackers to stop.



https://punchng.com/alex-iwobi-returns-to-instagram-after-afcon-criticism/

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Fulham prepared to disappoint Chelsea, £10m AFCON striker now wanted at Craven Cottage
Fulham are now considering a move to sign Al-Shabab striker Habib Diallo as an alternative to Chelsea loanee Armando Broja.

Marco Silva was rocked last summer as star striker Aleksandar Mitrovic completed a big move to Saudi Arabia with Al-Hilal.

Raul Jimenez came in as an experienced striker to fill the void but Silva still wanted another forward in January.

Armando Broja arrived on loan from Chelsea but has found first-team chances hard to come by with Rodrigo Muniz now in red-hot form.

Broja will head back to Chelsea at the end of the season and Fulham are now exploring other striking signings – even with Muniz in the form of his life.

Fulham want Habib Diallo
Reporter Ben Jacobs has now told Caught Offside that Fulham are interested in signing Al-Shabab hitman Habib Diallo.

It's stated that Diallo has been informed that he will not be part of Al-Shabab's plans moving forward despite only joining from Strasbourg for around €20million (£17million) last year.

Fulham are joining Burnley, Brentford and Wolverhampton Wanderers in the race for Diallo, but all four value him at around £10million.

Seemingly sensing that Al-Shabab want to move Diallo on in order to pave the way for the signing of Alvaro Morata, Fulham may push for a bargain deal.

Diallo was outstanding in France, smashing 48 goals in 115 games for Metz and another 41 goals in 103 outings for Strasbourg.

The move to Saudi Arabia hasn't really worked for Diallo, scoring just once in 21 appearances.

Diallo and Al-Shabab will likely want to part ways this summer and a move to the Premier League may well appeal to the 28-year-old.

A Senegal international with six goals in 26 caps, Diallo – who played at the Africa Cup of Nations – would be much cheaper than Broja, with Chelsea seeking around £35million for the Albanian.

Fulham looking elsewhere will seemingly disappoint Chelsea as they look to raise funds, but it's hard to justify paying that kind of money with Broja stuck behind Muniz.



https://www.fulham.news/2024/03/04/fulham-prepared-to-disappoint-chelsea-10m-afcon-striker-now-wanted-at-craven-cottage/

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Fulham, West Ham United in transfer tussle to sign Wilfried Zaha

Fulham and West Ham United are reportedly keen on bringing 31-year-old Galatasaray attacker Wilfried Zaha to the Premier League.
Wilfried Zaha left Crystal Palace as a free agent in the summer transfer window, joining Galatasaray. A report from Fichajes has claimed that Fulham and West Ham United are now hoping to bring him back to the Premier League.

The 31-year-old has 15 goal contributions across all competitions this season, and he should prove to be a quality addition to the Fulham attack. The Londoners need more cutting edge in the final third, and Zaha knows the league well. He should be able to hit the ground running and make an immediate impact if he moves to Fulham.

Despite impressive performances this season, Fulham have not been able to grind out the three points consistently because of the lack of quality in the attack. Someone like Zaha could transform them in the final third.

Meanwhile, West Ham United sanctioned the departure of Said Benrahma this past winter, and they need to bring in a top-quality attacker in the summer. Zaha could complete their attacking unit alongside Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus. The 31-year-old still has a few years left at the top level and he could improve both teams.

Zaha will be tempted to return to England
West Ham are currently competing in Europe, and they are pushing for European qualification next season as well. They could be an attractive destination for the former Crystal Palace star. It will be interesting to see if Galatasaray are prepared to sanction his departure in the summer.

The 31-year-old would have expected to join the top club when he decided to leave Crystal Palace, but he ended up in Turkey. The opportunity to return to the Premier League once again could be a tempting proposition for him. Meanwhile, Aston Villa have also shown interest in him recently.

West Ham and Fulham would both represent excellent opportunities for him at this stage of his career, and it remains to be seen where he ends up. The Hammers might have an edge in the transfer race given the fact that they might be able to offer him European football next season.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2024/03/04/fulham-west-ham-united-in-transfer-tussle-to-sign-wilfried-zaha/

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Garth Crooks' Team of the Week: Foden, Van Dijk, Odegaard, Soucek, Watkins, Wissa
After every Premier League weekend, BBC football pundit Garth Crooks gathers his thoughts and gives you his Team of the Week.

Here are this week's choices and, as ever, Garth also discusses the game's big talking points in the Crooks of the Matter.




Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool): Caoimhin Kelleher makes my team selection once again this time ahead of Alphonse Areola, whose penalty save against Everton and general performance placed him in contention for the number one spot. However, the importance of Liverpool's clean sheet in their 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest cannot be overstated. Anthony Elanga was clean through on goal, but the forward couldn't get past the Republic of Ireland keeper. By this time in the match it was pretty obvious that Kelleher was still basking in the afterglow of his Carabao Cup final performance and it was going to take something quite special to beat him.

The fact that Forest were incapable of putting the ball into the back of the Liverpool net having created so many chances should be of far greater concern to manager Nuno Espirito Santo and the club's owner Evangelos Marinakis, than the controversy surrounding the referee Forest are claiming cost them the game.


Kurt Zouma (West Ham): He gave away the penalty but that didn't faze him in the slightest - Kurt Zouma returned to Goodison Park and played a blinder in West Ham's 3-1 win. His headed goal from a corner was as good as I've seen from a defender. He was head and shoulders above everyone else in the box. The West Ham skipper may not be the most comfortable defender on the ball but has an enormous leap from a standing jump and he is a ferocious competitor. The Hammers don't play around at the back - they keep it simple and it suits them.

Meanwhile, Everton have gone nine Premier League games without a win but must hold their nerve and not lose confidence. They played well against the Hammers and deserved to get something out of the fixture.

Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool): If ever there was a sign that teams are desperately searching for points as they start their sprint for the end-of-season finishing line, then Liverpool's win at Nottingham Forest was it.

Forest almost pulled off what would have been a shock draw had it not been for missed chances and Virgil van Dijk producing a commanding performance once again in defence. The Liverpool skipper got back brilliantly to block a shot from Morgan Gibbs-White that even the brilliant Kelleher in the Liverpool goal would have struggled to save.

The past 11 days may well define Liverpool's season. To have won all four games when they have had so many injuries to contend with is impressive. All eyes now turn to Anfield this Sunday when they take on Manchester City. Whoever wins that match the title suddenly becomes theirs to lose.

Micky van de Ven (Tottenham): Cristian Romero may have got the goal in open play that sent Tottenham on their way to victory against Crystal Palace but it was Micky van de Ven who provided a moment of sheer audacity.

Very occasionally you see a defender who is so comfortable on the ball he can play almost anywhere on the pitch. Van de Ven is one of those players. I'm not one for defenders taking unnecessary risks, especially when you're the last man in defence and outnumbered by the opposition, but the way Van de Ven drew in Matheus Franca in the 88th minute, dropped his shoulder, and went past the Crystal Palace forward as if he wasn't there was stunningly brilliant. What was odd was that no-one seemed to mention it. The only other defender I've seen perform this skill with such ease was Dutch compatriot and Ajax legend Ruud Krol. Now he was a player.


Tomas Soucek (West Ham): I remember when Tomas Soucek scored the winner at Goodison Park in 2021, but his goal that put the visitors 2-1 up against a desperately unlucky Everton on Saturday was better.

The cross from Mohammed Kudus left Soucek with an awful lot still to do but the Czech produced a two-touch finish that was off the charts. Soucek's strike became even more relevant due to his fantastic defensive clearance off the West Ham goalline moments earlier. This was another impressive performance by the Hammers, with back-to-back wins and playing as well as I've seen them do all season, but I don't see it cutting any ice with their fans over David Moyes. The manager still hasn't signed a new contract and the old one runs out at the end of the season. Meanwhile, I haven't seen one placard or banner asking him to stay. Not one.

Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool): Jurgen Klopp called it a "super, super assist" at Nottingham Forest, and who would argue with him? Alexis Mac Allister didn't just see the pass, he executed it brilliantly. Saves, assists and last-minute goals are all going to contribute to the final tally on the last day of Liverpool's season. However, I doubt there will be a better or more important assist than the one created by the Argentine World Cup winner, for Darwin Nunez.

As for the controversy surrounding referee Paul Tierney and where the game should have restarted. The referee made a mistake, however once the ball was back in play it was incumbent on Forest to defend their goal regardless of the referee's decision. They had numerous opportunities to clear the danger and failed.

As for former official and now Nottingham Forest analyst Mark Clattenburg, asking to see the referee after the game was an interesting request. What was he intending to do - compare career mistakes?

Harry Wilson (Fulham): It's been a while since Harry Wilson made my team selection. He was impressive last week at Manchester United and even better in the 3-0 win against Brighton at Craven Cottage. His goal was also superb, as was his all-round contribution to Fulham's victory over the lacklustre visitors. The Seagulls look like they are suffering from the mental and physical fatigue associated with competing in Europe, which Newcastle have also felt. It's not simply having an impact on both clubs' injuries, but the ability to produce the expected result or retain their performance levels. It will be interesting to see where Brighton and Newcastle finish this season. A year out of European competition might do them good and give them a chance to recharge their batteries.

Martin Odegaard (Arsenal): Arsenal had cut Sheffield United open on two occasions in the 6-0 win on Monday before Martin Odegaard scored their opening goal. The ball he then sent to Gabriel Martinelli from inside his own half was sensational and a statement of intent if ever I saw one. Arsenal were 3-0 up in a matter of 15 minutes, Sheffield United had made their first substitution and home fans were streaming out of Bramall Lane in droves. Arsenal were brutal, Bukayo Saka was having the time of his life and by the time the Gunners were 5-0 up Sheffield United were praying for the half-time whistle. This was a walk in the park for the visitors and I could have selected anyone in an Arsenal shirt, but the star of the show was Odegaard and that's why he's in my team.


Phil Foden (Manchester City): The goal, as spectacular as it was from Marcus Rashford, wasn't enough to clinch victory. As Manchester United went 1-0 up against their biggest rivals you couldn't help thinking what United fans would prefer at that point - three points to help them in their pursuit of a Champions League spot, or deny Manchester City three points and practically hand Liverpool their 20th league title. However, City's ability to remain unflappable in these situations remains their unique quality, and eventually they broke down United to win 3-1. Phil Foden was immense and this young man is now producing the kind of performances we tend to associate with Kevin de Bruyne and Bernardo Silva. Foden has come of age.

Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa): When you score 16 top-flight goals and it is only March it suggests you're on for 20 for the season. That is a milestone that has always been of significance for any striker who considers himself among the game's elite. Ollie Watkins is on fire and Aston Villa are the beneficiaries. What is most interesting about the two goals Watkins produced against Luton was the quality of the finish. Both goals were brilliantly dispatched; not scuffed or deflected but finished with aplomb. Luton's 3-2 defeat by Villa has provided Everton and Nottingham Forest with some breathing space between them and the Hatters, who yet again failed to close a game having fought their way back into the match.

Yoane Wissa (Brentford): The goal by Wissa in the 2-2 draw with Chelsea was superb. Overhead kicks, when executed properly, have always looked spectacular and so was his. It's important that they had Wissa back from the Africa Cup of Nations because the Bees were in desperate need of a lift having lost three games on the bounce - and that's what the DR Congo forward gave them. The Bees did well against a side keen to put the disappointment of the EFL Cup final behind them, and Chelsea had to dig deep to get a point out of the game.

Thomas Frank's rallying cry in his post-match interview about his team's commitment and passion for the cause was heartfelt, if not slightly overdone. Brentford players have never lacked those qualities and they still have plenty of points to play for. The Bees will be fine.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/68464491

[filham]

Rumours linking Palhinha to big clubs Munich, Spurs, Liverpool , Arsenal, and now Man.u have been widespread since December and I suspect could continue all through the summer.
With such interest we should be able to land a record club fee for him but think of the prestige it would bring to the club if we persuaded him to stay at the Cottage.

[hovewhite]

Think he will move ,also wth Lukic performances improved he can be the replacement alongside Harrison read and we get a cover player that can do the job .
Palhinia if he wants a move he will never be forgotten.