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Carlo Ancelotti may rue his decision to introduce James Rodriguez from the bench during Everton’s 3-1 defeat to Manchester City after the Colombian’s ineffectual cameo performance.

The ex-Real Madrid maestro started the night among the Blues’ substitutes, with Gylfi Sigurdsson initially preferred in the central attacking midfield role, before being called upon to replace Tom Davies with 21 minutes still to play.

Pep Guardiola’s title-chasing Citizens had just moved back into the lead when Rodriguez was introduced, with Riyad Mahrez restoring the visitors’ one-goal advantage after Richarlison fortuitously pulled the Toffees level in the first half.

However, Rodriguez never looked likely to add either his sixth goal in English football or an eighth assist of the season in all competitions, having struggled to get on the ball in dangerous positions.

Ancelotti going aggressive with the introduction of the £90k-per-week star and Deadline Day addition Joshua King also ensured Everton lost the energy and drive in the engine room that Davies delivered, or the width that Alex Iwobi brought to the side.

The Italian tactician’s decision further forced on-the-night captain Sigurdsson to drop back into a deeper role beside Abdoulaye Doucoure, where the Iceland playmaker would fail to track Bernardo Silva quickly enough and gift the Portuguese gem the space to score City’s decisive third.

His brief lapse of attention helped ensure Sigurdsson was criticised by the Liverpool Echo for a poor performance, having also struggled to get on the ball and influence the game in the manner the 31-year-old would have hoped to.

Meanwhile, Rodriguez was awarded the same matching rating of five out of 10 by the Liverpool Echo, for the £31.5m-rated ace did not have the time on the ball to offer a creative touch on Wednesday night.

Yet during Rodriguez’s 21 minutes on the field, no Everton player saw more of the ball than the 29-year-old, who – along with centre-half Michael Keane – registered 20 touches, per WhoScored.

But with the ball, Rodriguez proved immensely wasteful with a sloppy 67% pass competition rate, having only found a Toffees teammate with eight of his 12 passes. He, like all Blues players, also failed to create a single key ball or take a shot as the Citizens stayed in control.

The 80-cap international generally completes 82% of his passes per game in the Premier League this season, along with providing 1.8 key balls and taking 1.1 shots, per SofaScore.

It was part of the reason why the Colombian delivered a hugely ineffective performance, but also due to Rodriguez only recording two touches in the final third of the pitch, one more than he recorded on the edge of Jordan Pickford’s goal.

Meanwhile, Sigurdsson completed 11 of 14 passes in the final 21 minutes despite seeing less of the ball (15 touches, one in the final third), and contributed defensively with an interception – only Keane and Lucas Digne also broke up City’s play before passes were completed.

Rodriguez also struggled in his battles against the rampant league leaders, winning just 33% of his duels, as per SofaScore.

Ancelotti may look back on his decision to introduce Rodriguez from the bench and realise that he could have benefitted more after going behind by keeping Davies and his energy on the pitch.

With Rodriguez unable to help Everton gain ground in a game they were second best throughout.

AND in other news, Carlo Ancelotti is willing Everton to pay £26.5m for a £176k-p/w gem…

Nottingham Forest host Luton Town on Tuesday night in a match that could see them continue their rise away from the Championship bottom three.

Chris Hughton has managed to transform the East Midlands side, with the team having won four out of their last seven league games.

They head into the clash against the Hatters with a man in-form in James Garner and the on-loan Manchester United midfielder could be key to their hopes of victory once again.

The 21-year-old comes into the game against Luton fresh off the back of scoring his first senior goal. It could not have come in a more crucial game – the East Midlands derby.

According to WhoScored, Garner, who is valued at £3.15m, is the best performing Forest player this season with a rating of 6.97.

Whilst his attacking statistics are not the most inspiring with just 0.7 key passes per game and 0 assists, he is still attempting 1.9 shots per 90, which could be an extremely useful asset in a game where Forest will be eyeing victory.

Garner himself has even admitted that he needs to keep ‘adding’ goals to his game. It is not just offensively where the young midfielder could be key though.

His opposite number, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, is having a brilliant season for the Hatters so far. Whilst he hasn’t been as effective recently, Luton boss Nathan Jones has elected to play him through his tough run of form.

Garner’s battle against his opposite number could be key then, and his defensive numbers suggest he could be the victor. Only three players in the Forest squad produce more tackles than his 1.6 per 90, whilst his interceptions are also high at the same number.

If the youngster can operate effectively in midfield and ensure he gets the better of Dewsbury-Hall throughout the 90 minutes, there is an extremely good chance that Forest could earn three points against Luton.

Forest shouldn’t really be worried about relegation given that they are in 16th place, but there are teams below them with games in hand so a run of poor results could easily see them dragged into a dog fight. However, a win over Luton will take them to 43 points, which, given they’ll still have 12 games to play to pick up more points, should kill any talk of relegation.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, Carlton Palmer discussed the counter-attacking tool Marcelo Bielsa has been using at Leeds United this season.

When it comes to goals scored on the counter in the Premier League in the current campaign, Leeds rank among the elite, registering an impressive total of six, and Palmer has put that devastation on the break down to recent signing Raphinha.

The £28,000-a-week Brazilian joined from Ligue 1 outfit Rennes last summer and has managed to make an instant impact in attack. He has been directly involved in 10 league goals and currently averages the most successful dribbles per game in Leeds’ squad (1.7, per WhoScored), and it is that ability to carry the ball that is aiding Bielsa’s side on the counter, according to Palmer.

The former England international told FFC:

“The one thing that happens, and especially when you’re playing away from home, you know, if you’re going to play the way Leeds play, which is on the counter, counter-attacking football, the one thing that breaks the team down is somebody who can dribble with a ball at pace. It really does because a team can set up against you, make it very difficult for you to pass through them, be very solid, very organised. 

“But if you set up that way and you’ve got somebody then who can just dribble past two players, that just breaks that defensive system down. There’s no answer to that and he [Raphinha] gives Leeds United that.”

Leeds have also shown that they are a team capable of taking the game to their opponents, rather than just solely relying on counter-attacks and transitions.

Despite only recently being promoted to the Premier League, the Whites rank in the top five for ball possession, recording an average of 57.2%.

Undoubtedly, thanks to additions such as Raphinha and the brilliance of Bielsa, Leeds have been able to make a seamless transition from the Championship to English football’s top flight.

Fans of Glasgow Rangers have been reacting to a post on Twitter, in which Keith Jackson shared an article of his concerning the celebrations of Rangers fans after the club’s title win.

In his report for the Daily Record, Jackson dubbed the celebrations of Rangers fans a “monumental own goal” before going on to suggest that Scottish politicians now view the Old Firm clash scheduled for Sunday as a “genuine doubt” due to safety concerns.

The journalist continues by stating that the actions of the Rangers fans could soon bring “another surge” of the pandemic, which would have the potential to force “every single one of us back into lockdown.”

However, after Jackson shared his article on Twitter, fans of Rangers flocked to have their say on the matter, with many dubbing the journalist a hypocrite, while others simply appeared not to be interested whatsoever in the message Jackson was attempting to get across.

So, what exactly did these Rangers fans have to say in reaction to Keith Jackson’s report?

“Sssssh.”

@IBoyd1966

“Paaaaaaiiiiiiiiinnnnnnn.”

@JyeB2911

“Is there any bandwagon you won’t jump on? You should be calling out the lies from the SNP & Harvie & actually backing the industry that, at the end of the day, pays your wages instead of helping them try & kill off our national sport. Shame on you.”

@andybearz

“Bore off.”

@Gregmcg29

“Did you write the same when Celtic fans had a riot or party?”

@johnrobbie_2015

“Utter tripe and he wonders why he’s banned.”

@bkerr72

In other news: some Rangers fans slammed this politician’s comments – find out more here!

With all of their horrendous injuries at centre-back this season, it was only natural that Liverpool were going to be linked with a whole host of defensive recruits.

That has indeed come to fruition, with a number of centre-backs linked with a move to Anfield – some of those names spectacular, some not so much.

One of those who has stood out is Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Liverpool are interested in signing the Italian international in the summer and would have no problem paying €50m for his signature. It would certainly be a price worth forking out.

The 21-year-old centre-back has thrived under Antonio Conte this season as Inter continue to challenge for the Serie A title.

He has played 32 matches in all competitions this season, claiming 13 clean sheets – an impressive record for a player so young.

The £45m-rated defender has considerable experience already so bringing him to Anfield would not be too much of a gamble from Michael Edwards or Jurgen Klopp.

Even the player’s agent has been left enamoured by the youngster, stating that he has a “bright future” ahead of him.

Even when compared to Liverpool defender, Virgil van Dijk, the youngster continues to stand out.

According to WhoScored, he averages 1.1 tackles, 1.1 interceptions and 1.8 clearances per match so far throughout the season. These numbers are even higher than the statistics that the current Liverpool centre-back accumulated throughout his dominant 2019/20 campaign – the Dutchman only contributing 0.6 tackles and 1.1 interceptions per 90 minutes in the Premier League.

It goes without saying then that Bastoni is a hugely talented defender and one that could complement Van Dijk once he returns from injury.

Liverpool must make sure that they make him a Red in the summer.

AND in more news, read how the potential arrival of Sander Berge at Anfield could be a huge blow for a current Reds’ starlet…

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, former Premier League striker Dean Windass has backed Manchester City defender John Stones to start at the European Championship’s for England this summer.

Stones hasn’t played for the Three Lions since a qualifying victory over Montenegro in November 2019, meaning he was overlooked for the entire Nations League campaign, missing the last eight internationals altogether.

But having worked his way back into Pep Guardiola’s team after forming an outstanding partnership with Ruben Dias, the former Everton centre-back would appear on the verge of being recalled Gareth Southgate’s squad for England’s World Cup qualifiers later this month, and then the European Championships in June.

Stones has featured 17 times in the Premier League this season, with his first defeat coming in Saturday’s Manchester derby, and Windass has praised the centre-back for becoming first choice once again at the Etihad Stadium.

He told Football Fan Cast: “It’s testament to the kid, and it’s testament to the manager. His attitude must have been spot on because we were all talking about ‘is John Stones finished’? Testament to the kid, but testament to the manager because he’s changed his mindset and said ‘go on then, go and prove me wrong that you can still play’.”

Asked whether Stones should go to the Euros, Windass admitted: “You’d take him all day. You play for England on the form for your football club.

“John Terry was always the centre-half, then it’s who plays alongside him? Is Gareth Southgate’s centre-half Harry Maguire? Who’s going to play alongside him? It’s got to be John Stones for me.”

A number of Liverpool fans are desperate for the Reds to bring Leeds United star Raphinha to Anfield, following another impressive performance.

The Brazilian played a key role in the Whites’ 2-1 win away to Fulham on Friday night, scoring the winning goal at Craven Cottage.

Raphinha has proven to be a superb signing since arriving from Rennes last October, bringing a huge amount of quality to Marcelo Bielsa’s side.

[freshpress-quiz id=“306736”]

His winner on Friday was his sixth goal in the Premier League this season, with the 24-year-old also chipping in with five assists.

Such has been Raphinha’s level of performance in 2020/21, Liverpool have been linked with snapping him up from Elland Road this summer.

The forward is viewed as someone who could add more quality and depth to the Reds’ attack, potentially acting as a long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah, considering he is four years younger.

On Friday’s evidence, Raphinha would be a wonderful addition to Liverpool’s squad, as Jurgen Klopp’s men look to respond from a hugely disappointing defence of their league title.

Liverpool fans react to Raphinha’s brilliance

Here’s how some Liverpool fans reacted to Raphinha’s performance.

“Sign Raphinha I beg you”

Credit: @AnfieldVibe

“I think Jurgen would turn Raphinha into an absolute baller.”

Credit: @smtm_LFC75“I love Raphinha”Credit: @LFCArran“We need to get Raphinha”Credit: @lfc_ik“Get RAPHINHA signed up NOW”Credit: @TLalia“Raphinha took that very well I really want him at LFC next season”Credit: @Bonalbio24In other news, one Liverpool star is expected to leave this summer, but it’s not Gini Wijnaldum. Find out who it is here.

Sheffield Wednesday have a lot to play for before they know which division they’ll be competing in next season but that shouldn’t stop them from making a decision over the future of one of their key players.

As of now, the Owls seem destined for relegation to League One – with nine games left to play, Darren Moore’s side find themselves six points adrift of safety, although they do hold a game in hand on most teams around them.

A run of one win in nine games is hardly encouraging for their chances of remaining in the Championship, either.

Long-serving veteran Keiren Westwood is one of at least 12 first team players who are out of contract in the summer. The 36-year-old has been at Hillsborough since 2014, when signing from Sunderland on a free transfer.

To say that his time in south Yorkshire was a little ropey would be an understatement. He was the first choice between the sticks for the Owls’ back-to-back playoff runs under Carlos Carvalhal, but was exiled during the Garry Monk era.

It is only recently that he’s resurfaced as Wednesday’s main man between the sticks. It is his sort of influence on which Moore will need to lean, not just in the coming weeks but also into next season – especially if they go down to League One.

In addition to that, Westwood is clearly a fan of the new Owls boss and hasn’t ruled out remaining at Wednesday for an eighth straight season. Speaking to reporters, via Yorkshire Post, he said:

“I think the gaffer is the man for the job. From what I have seen and what he has spoken to me about and said to the lads and the way he wants to do things, 100 per cent,” before adding: “Listen, I have loved it here, I really have and I am not saying it is something I wouldn’t consider (it) because I really would, 100 per cent. Of course I would. I have been here ages.”

Westwood has made the League One ‘Team of the Year’ before, so clearly knows a thing or two about the division. Also, as noted by Yorkshire Live’s Dom Howson, he offers an ‘authoritative presence’ between the sticks.

Writing after an unlucky defeat to league-leading Norwich, the Owls reporter said: ‘Westwood more than justified his selection. The experienced shot-stopper constantly organised his defence and bellowed out instructions to his team-mates.’

According to Carvalhal, Westwood is a “fantastic goalkeeper”, and even Tony Pulis said he “calms everything down,” which echoes the above claim.

Having that sort of presence right at the back will be needed, so forget Tom Lees, Adam Reach and many more for now – Westwood should be Wednesday’s top priority this summer.

In other news, Sheffield Wednesday paying price for Aden Flint blunder…

West Bromwich Albion fans have been reacting to comments from Sam Allardyce on whether he will stay with the Baggies if they are relegated to the Championship.

As it stands, the Midlands outfit are staring the drop in the face. They are currently 19th in the Premier League table and, with just nine matches left to play, they are 10 points away from safety (Sky Sports). They will need a big turnaround in their form if they are to survive more than one campaign amongst the elite.

On Saturday, the Baggies face a difficult clash against Chelsea, who are unbeaten in their first 14 games under Thomas Tuchel. Speaking ahead of the match, Allardyce was asked whether he would stay with West Brom if they were relegated. He revealed that he would, but only if the club aspire to return to the top flight immediately.

The comments were shared on Twitter be reporter Joseph Masi, and the fans took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the comments from Allardyce below

“Get rid”

Credit: @davesmith442

“Late April fools? Please?”

Credit: @wba_mitch

“Should be getting rid of him now to be honest.”

Credit: @L330M

“Willing to stay! He has failed, we are his last pay check he will never get another job in the prem. Time to move on”

Credit: @stu_lighty

“We all know its 45m at best again.. sales of Pereirra and Johnston to clear Covid debt. ..bye Sam !”

Credit: @grorty_dickos

“What arrogance, he’s failed, has a better team than Slav to choose from and only 3 points better?Now I know where the @MatheusPereira rumours have come from 17 million so we can get another snodgrass then be staring down the barrel again in 18 months when struggling in prem spam out”

Credit: @Achieving_Goalz

In other news, West Brom fans are far from happy with news on this forward.

A number of Liverpool fans have been reacting to the news that Sergio Ramos will miss the Champions League quarter-final through injury.

The Reds are finally back in action this weekend, following almost three weeks without a match, having beaten Wolves 1-0 at Molineux last month.

While focus is on that game for the time being, there is also a huge meeting with Madrid to look forward to, as the pair lock horns in the last eight.

Liverpool will be out for revenge after the heartbreak of Kiev in 2018, when Jurgen Klopp’s men were beaten 3-1 in cruel circumstances in the final.

Getting one over on the Spanish giants is far from the most important thing, however, with winning the Champions League potentially the Reds’ most likely avenue back into the competition next season.

Ramos was the villain on that sad night in Kiev, injuring Mohamed Salah, but it has been confirmed that the centre-back will miss both legs because of injury.

It is a big boost for Liverpool, considering the Spanish legend’s vast experience, enhancing their chances of reaching the semi-finals in the process.

Liverpool fans react to Ramos news

These Reds supporters have been providing their thoughts on the news on Twitter.

“Running scared I think!”

Credit: @side0180

“How very, very convenient…”

Credit: @parlaywithpad

“Bottled it?”

Credit: @thisisanfield

“Great news”

Credit: @JaneWil94237478
“Ramos being out for the two legs is a massive boost”Credit: @FTSideline_”The best news ever”Credit: @demetozdemir262“This is massive, Ramos may be old but he holds their whole defence together”Credit: @Corballyred

In other news, some Liverpool fans have been reacting to an exciting transfer link. Find out who it is here.