Manchester United’s Carabao Cup campaign for the 2024/25 season came to an end on Thursday night. The Red Devils lost 4-3 to Tottenham Hotspur in North London, in one of the most chaotic games of the season so far.

Tottenham were 3-0 up with half an hour to go, but two goalkeeper blunders from Fraser Forster gifted two goals to United, with Joshua Zirkzee and Amad Diallo profiting from his errors to give United hope. Spurs scored directly from a corner to make it 4-2 and managed to avoid a late scare despite Jonny Evans scoring in stoppage time.

United played well on the night but there were some poor performers. Two of their worst players were signings made by Erik ten Hag.

The Ten Hag signings who struggled vs Spurs

Former Red Devils manager Ten Hag loved to sign his players from his old club Ajax. Two of those he brought with him to the Red side of Manchester were Antony, who cost £81.3m, and Lisandro Martinez, for whom the club paid £56.7m.

It was those two who struggled against the Lilywhites in the Carabao Cup. Antony put in an incredibly frustrating performance and was subbed off after 55 minutes. Playing as a number 10, he failed to create any chances, which was noted by the Manchester Evening News journalist Samuel Luckhurst.

He gave Antony a 4/10 for his efforts against Spurs and was incredibly critical of the United number 21. He explained that he ‘did not make United play’ even though he was one of the key attacking players in the team.

Martinez was also poor, and at fault for arguably two goals. His clearance for Dejan Kulusevski’s strike to make it 2-0 essentially put it on a plate for the Swede.

Then, for Dominic Solanke’s second of the night and Spurs’ third, he played the striker onside and then failed to put in a challenge, as the England international burst past him and fired home.

Just as he did for Antony, Luckhurst gave the Argentine World Cup winner a 4/10 for his performance. He was critical of Martinez’s ‘weak clearance’ for the opener, before explaining he was ‘even worse’ for Solanke’s finish.

Those two Ten Hag signings certainly let United down at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but there was arguably one who was even worse, goalkeeper Altay Bayindir.

The Man Utd star who needs to be sold

It was a tough night for Turkey international Bayindir, who has barely played this season or last, acting as second choice to Andre Onana. In total, the 26-year-old has played just four times, conceding eight goals in that time.

Against Spurs, he was poor. The Red Devils’ number one received a 3/10 rating from Luckhurst for his performance, who left him a scathing review. He described his efforts for the first goal as ‘shoddy goalkeeping’, and explained he was ‘pathetic’ for Son’s strike.

Indeed, the former Fenerbahce man had some dismal stats from the game according to Sofascore. His kicking was inaccurate, and he completed just 61% of his passes, which included two from 12 long balls. The goalkeeper also made one error that led to a goal.

Stat

Number

Pass accuracy

61%

Touches

38

Passes completed

17/28

Long balls completed

2/12

Saves

2

High claims

1

Errors leading to goal

1

Interestingly, however, his value has risen by 100% since he joined. He cost the Red Devils £4.3m two summers ago, and is now valued at €10m (£8.6m), according to Transfermarkt.

Given that spike in value, perhaps Ruben Amorim will choose to cash in on Bayindir as he looks to freshen the squad up.

It might well be time to cash in on this calamitous Ten Hag signing. Bayindir – who reportedly wants to leave in January – has not exactly covered himself in glory for United, although his opportunities have been limited during his time at the club.

Amorim must axe 4/10 Man Utd star who looks a "shadow of his old self"

Man Utd crashed out of the Carabao Cup after a crazy encounter…

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Former Manchester United and England star Jesse Lingard endured a mixed day with FC Seoul as he scored a penalty and missed one.

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• Seoul won 3-2 against Daegu
• Lingard scored penalty before half-time
• Missed one in the second half

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Lingard played for Seoul on Saturday as they faced Daegu in the K-League. Lingard opened the scoring from the penalty spot before half-time, but missed a second spot-kick after the break. Seoul were still able to win all three points, however, as they scored twice in injury time.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Seoul were 2-1 down in the 80th minute as Daegu mounted a comeback, but injury time goals from Jeong Seung-won and Moon Seon-min spared Lingard's blushes. The ex-England man has played in all six K-League games this season, scoring twice.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Seoul play Ulsan next weekend. Lingard and his team-mates are currently third, two points behind early pace-setters Daejeon Hana.

MatériaMais Notícias

da realbet： A vitória do Palmeiras sobre o Coritiba por 4 a 0, pelo Brasileirão, foi especial para um dos ‘Greengos’ do elenco comandado por Abel Ferreira. Piquerez superou uma marca atingida por Matías Viña, outro uruguaio que marcou a lateral-esquerda palmeirense.

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Com 39 vitórias em 62 jogos, Piquerez passou a ser o quinto uruguaio que mais venceu com a camisa do Verdão. Já Viña, que defendeu o clube entre 2020 e 2021, acumulou 38 triunfos em 70 partidas e se tornou o sexto.

Agora, o uruguaio ficou atrás apenas de Ventura Cambon, com 40 vitórias, Héctor Silva, com 47, Diogo, que tem 62, e Villadoniga, que lidera o ranking, com 85 triunfos.

> Clique e confira a tabela completa e simulador do Brasileirão!

O atual dono da posição foi anunciado justamente para suprir a ausência do compatriota, em agosto de 2021. Desde então, assumiu a responsabilidade e se tornou peça fundamental para o sistema defensivo do time de Abel Ferreira.

Pelo Palmeiras, Piquerez já foi campeão da Libertadores de 2021, do Paulistão e da Recopa Sul-Americana de 2022.

continua após a publicidade

Confira os dez uruguaios que mais venceram pelo Palmeiras:

Villadoniga – 85 vitórias em 138 jogos
Diogo – 62 vitórias em 147 jogos
Héctor Silva – 47 vitórias em 80 jogos
Ventura Cambon – 40 vitórias em 55 jogos
Joaquín Piquerez – 39 vitórias em 62 jogos
Matías Viña – 38 vitórias em 70 jogos
Eguren – 16 vitórias em 28 jogos
Maidana – 11 vitórias em 32 jogos
Darío Pereyra – 11 vitórias em 32 jogos
Aguirregaray – 9 vitórias em 24 jogos

Sunderland are reportedly close to their first signing of 2025 after manager Regis Le Bris personally made contact with a target.

Sunderland eye January signing to help push for promotion

The Black Cats have the chance to bolster their squad for the second half of the season in the winter window, with Le Bris’ side firmly in the mix for automatic promotion from the Championship.

Fabrizio Romano: Sunderland now keen to sign versatile 21 y/o in January

He could leave his current club.

ByHenry Jackson Dec 29, 2024

However, speaking earlier this month on any potential incomings, Le Bris said that nothing was imminent and that patience was required.

“Nothing at the moment. We are focused on the next game. Patience is exactly the word I used with the owner and sporting director. It’s very important to find the right players rather than just focus on recruiting now. We have to be very accurate.

“The dynamic of the team is always very subtle so we knew a new player will have an influence, but it’s not easy to find the right pieces of the jigsaw. Rather than being fast, we have to be accurate. Our strength is the connection. We have to find a player who can connect. It’s possible to add new talents but we have to remember our identity. If we can find the right player in three days I’m happy. But it’s not easy to find.”

One heavily linked player backed to make the move to the Stadium of Light is versatile midfielder Enzo Le Fee.

The AS Roma ace worked with Le Bris at Lorient, making 57 appearances, scoring seven goals and providing nine assists, and the Sunderland boss has reportedly requested Le Fee’s arrival. Contact was recently made over a potential transfer, and now, a positive development has emerged which involves Le Bris.

Sunderland close to signing Le Fee after Le Bris contact

According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, Le Bris has now been in contact with Le Fee over a move to Sunderland.

The report states that talks between the two were positive and how ‘the deal is getting closer to being closed’. Le Fee also had discussions with Real Betis, but it is Sunderland who are on course to sign the Frenchman on loan for the second half of the season.

This will come as a major boost for Le Bris and Sunderland, with Le Fee commanding a whopping €23m (£19m) fee just last summer when he joined Roma. The 24-year-old caught the eye of Football Talent scout Jacek Kulig during his season under Le Bris at Lorient, describing his campaign as “incredible”.

Capable of playing as a central midfielder, left midfielder or attacking midfielder, Le Fee would provide Sunderland with a versatile option and one that could help make the difference in the second half of the campaign.

يعيش نادي برشلونة حالة من التوتر الصامت بشأن مستقبل حارسه وقائده الأول مارك أندريه تير شتيجن، بعد أن خرج من حسابات المدرب هانز فليك، وسط صعوبة واضحة في تسويقه خلال فترة الانتقالات الصيفية الحالية.

وكانت الأنظار موجّهة نحو تير شتيجن في اليوم الأول من استعدادات الفريق للموسم الجديد، بعد المواجهة التي جمعته بفليك يوم الجمعة الماضي داخل المدينة الرياضية “خوان جامبر”.

ورغم انتظار الجماهير ظهوره كباقي اللاعبين، اكتفى برشلونة بنشر لقطة خاطفة لتير شتيجن لا تتعدى ثانيتين، ظهر فيها بابتسامة باهتة تلقي بظلال من الشك حول حقيقة وضعه داخل الفريق.

وبحسب ما ذكرت صحيفة “آس” الإسبانية، فإن فليك أبلغ الإدارة بأنه لن يعتمد على تير شتيجن في مشروعه الرياضي للموسم المقبل، وهو ما يضع النادي في ورطة.

اقرأ أيضًا | رسميًا.. برشلونة يُعلن عن صفقته الصيفية الثانية

ويأتي ذلك في ظل أن الحارس الألماني لا يحظى باهتمام كبير في سوق الانتقالات، بسبب تقدمه في العمر وسجله الطبي الذي يشمل أربع عمليات جراحية، إلى جانب راتبه المرتفع وعقده المستمر حتى صيف 2028.

السيناريو الأقرب حاليًا هو إعارة تير شتيجن، خاصة أن بيعه بشكل نهائي يبدو مستبعدًا، لكن تعقيد الموقف قد يصل إلى حد اصطحابه في الجولة الآسيوية الصيفية دون أن يحصل على دقائق لعب، وهو ما قد يُحرج النادي ويزيد من التوتر الداخلي.

ورغم أن الأزمة تبدو رياضية في المقام الأول، فإنها تحمل بُعدًا ماليًا أيضًا، إذ أن خروج تير شتيجن سيساعد برشلونة في تخفيف الضغط على سقف الرواتب، وهو ما يجعل القرار الفني في مصلحة النادي من الناحية الاقتصادية كذلك.

لكن تير شتيجن ما زال يملك ورقة قوة، إذ يمكنه التمسك بالبقاء وفرض واقعه كلاعب وقائد للفريق، وهو ما يضع الإدارة في موقف بالغ الحرج، في وقت تسعى فيه لهيكلة جديدة تحت قيادة فليك.

Zak Chappell encourages hopes that he can lead Derbyshire to better things

ECB Reporters Network16-Apr-2023

Lewis Hill registered a career-best 162*•Getty Images

Leicestershire 451 for 9 dec (Hill 162*, Ackermann 114, Chappell 4-115) drew with Derbyshire 254 for 7 (Guest 92, Wright 4-38)Centuries from Colin Ackermann and captain Lewis Hill, followed by a fine spell of seam bowling by Chris Wright, saw Leicestershire secure the bonus points they needed to go to the top of Division Two in their severely rain-affected championship fixture against Derbyshire.No play had been possible on the previous two days, and with the pitch still relatively new and the outfield still very damp, there was no serious prospect of Hill and opposite number Leus du Plooy agreeing to set up a final day run chase for the visitors.Instead it was a case of maximising the bonus point return, and led by Hill, whose undefeated 162 was his first-class best, Leicestershire did just that before leaving Derbyshire 48 overs of batting.The visitors responded in kind through Brooke Guest (92) and Wayne Madsen (75), before Wright’s 4 for 38 helped the Foxes secure a further two bowling bonus points.Resuming with their partnership already worth 141, Ackermann and Hill continued where they left off on Thursday. Ackermann, who had made 67 and 72 in Leicestershire’s opening match victory over Yorkshire at Headingley, looked back to his considerable best, hitting 18 fours in reaching his century off 165 balls before falling leg before to Anuj Dal.As on day one, Derbyshire’s seamers struggled to bowl a consistently threatening line and length, with the honourable exception of Zak Chappell, whose endeavour was rewarded when he had Peter Handscomb caught at second slip – one of four catches in the innings for Madsen – and going on to pick up the wickets of Rehan Ahmed, Wright and Michael Finan to ensure Derbyshire picked up three bowling bonus points.Hill, however, remained admirably unflustered, reaching his hundred off 211 balls, before accelerating after lunch and passing 150 for the first time in first-class cricket.With nothing to lose, Derbyshire’s batsmen went for their shots, Madsen and Guest putting on 143 for the third wicket after Wright had had Haider Ali leg before wicket. At one stage it looked as though Derbyshire might reach 300 and a second batting point of their own, but Wright came back to dismiss Madsen bowled off the inside edge, and Matt Lamb and Anuj Dal caught at slip, before the players shook hands with two overs remaining.

Leicestershire bowled out for 99, Steven Croft anchors simple chase for hosts

ECB Reporters Network25-May-2023Lancashire’s star-studded line-up gave Liam Livingstone the perfect start to his spell as Lightning’s Vitality Blast captain with a landslide eight-wicket win over Leicestershire at Emirates Old Trafford.A team with seven internationals blitzed the Foxes early on thanks to Luke Wood’s pace in the powerplay after the visitors had elected to bat, limiting them to a measly 99 all out inside 19 overs.Livingstone didn’t bat or bowl in this lunchtime fixture, with his England white-ball team-mate Wood setting the tone with two wickets in the third over. He got openers Sol Budinger and Nick Welch caught pulling as the score fell to 17 for 2.Left-armer Wood finished with 3 for 11 from four overs, while another England quick Saqib Mahmood finished with 3 for 17 from 3.5 before the chase was completed inside 12 overs thanks to Steven Croft’s unbeaten 46 off 34 balls.Lancashire have started their bid for what could be a record-breaking 10th Finals Day appearance – Hampshire have also previously qualified for nine – by winning two from two at the start of the North Group.Wood’s fiery new-ball spell seemed to scramble the minds of Leicestershire’s batters, with nine of the 10 wickets falling to catches in their first game of the competition. Wiaan Mulder’s 25 was the only score above 20.When the easier-paced seam of Colin de Grandhomme was introduced in the fourth over, Arron Lilley chipped to midwicket and later Colin Ackermann was bowled aiming a big heave at a slower ball from the former New Zealand allrounder – leaving Leicestershire 35 for 4 after seven.Wickets continued to fall, three in four overs, as Leicestershire slipped deeper into trouble at 74 for 7 in the 14th. Matthew Parkinson struck with his third ball in the 11th when Rishi Patel tried to break the shackles and miscued to Wood at long-on before Mahmood had Mulder caught at deep midwicket pulling in the next.Wood then returned to get Rehan Ahmed caught behind trying to uppercut a short ball in the 14th over, the England allrounder falling for 6.That brought about a battle of the Parkinson twins, Matthew and Callum, the latter attempting to retrieve what already looked a lost cause. Callum survived against his brother, picking up a couple of singles off him on the way to 9. But he then fell caught behind off a top edge against Lancashire’s other New Zealand allrounder Daryl Mitchell.As the Foxes fell to 94 for 8 in the 18th over, Parkinson became the fourth batter out attempting to pull.Mahmood then wrapped up the innings – Leicestershire’s fifth-lowest in Blast history – with two more wickets caught off miscues in the 19th over, Pakistan debutant fast bowler Naseem Shah and Will Davis falling.South African Mulder took the new ball for the Foxes and struck in the second over when Luke Wells followed a number of visiting batters by falling caught on the pull, leaving Lancashire at 8 for 1.Croft and Phil Salt then shared 60 inside six overs for the second wicket, both hitting sixes. Salt was then superbly caught at backward point by a diving Patel off Ahmed’s legspin for 28, but it was nothing more than a consolatory wicket at 68 for 2 in the seventh.Mitchell later hit a six off Davis over backward square-leg to seal victory and finish 25 not out.Such is the strength of the Red Rose county’s team, captain Livingstone’s contribution was limited to captaincy alone upon his return from IPL duty. And England limited-overs skipper Jos Buttler will be added to the mix in time for next Thursday’s Roses clash at Headingley.

Chelsea hold a Premier League star in very high regard, and it is believed they’re prepared to battle for his services, as those within Stamford Bridge believe he could be an imperative addition to the squad.

Chelsea prioritise centre-back with Wesley Fofana out for a long period

Enzo Maresca confirmed the news that Chelsea supporters really didn’t want to hear, with mainstay centre-back Wesley Fofana facing a lengthy absence for the second time in his career at the club.

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The Frenchman has partnered Levi Colwill to brilliant effect so far this season, but Maresca will now have to cope without him for a very long time, which could even be for the rest of this season, despite Chelsea’s boss originally predicting he’d miss just “three, four, or five weeks”.

“Unfortunately, he could be out for the season, so we don’t know exactly for the entire season, but unfortunately he could be out for part of the season,” said Maresca on Fofana’s injury at Chelsea.

“And we are together here since we start, and every time you ask me about Wes, I said many times that I’m in love with Wes.

Bournemouth (home)

January 14

Wolverhampton Wanderers (home)

January 20

Man City (away)

January 25

West Ham (away)

February 3

Brighton (away)

February 14

“I was in love with Wes, also because Wes is that kind of defender that gives you the chance to press and be aggressive and to leave him 1v1 with Watkins on pitch.

“We did exactly the same when Wes was injured with Benoit Badiashile, 1v1 with Solanke on pitch, and they can deal with that, and it’s very difficult to find that kind of defender, but now unfortunately both are injured. We are trying to find different solutions, but for sure for us Wes is a huge loss.”

Chelsea are believed to be prioritising a centre-back in January, even before Fofana’s injury, but there are also some suggestions that they have their eyes on reinforcing their forward options.

Ipswich Town star Liam Delap is a target for Chelsea, and they’ve had some contact with his club in the build up to this window (Simon Phillips).

Chelsea view Newcastle star Isak as "key" potential signing

According to reports out of Spain, Newcastle United star Alexander Isak is on their striker shortlist too. It is believed Chelsea view Isak as a potential “key” signing for Maresca, and they’re “ready to compete” with Atlético Madrid and Arsenal for his signature.

The Magpies will demand a price tag of around £99 million, or perhaps even more going by other reports, which is hardly surprising given Isak is arguably the division’s best centre-forward right now.

“Alex is a world-class talent,” said Newcastle boss Eddie Howe recently.

“The way he took his goals, he has that coolness and composure very few have. When you add into the mix his technical skills, I think he’s got it all. He has unique skills, and the challenge is to get him into the game as much as we can. Earlier in the season we weren’t doing that, but now the team are performing much better.

“He’s a player with a real confidence and we’re seeing a return to his really best levels – that’s highlighted by the goals he has scored.”

Enzo Maresca has fully turned things around at Chelsea since his arrival, the Blues finding themselves second in the Premier League after 16 games played, and top of the UEFA Conference League after five games.

In their five Conference League games, Chelsea have scored 21 goals, including an 8-0 victory against Noah. Meanwhile, they have only conceded four goals in five games.

Maresca has shown faith in the squad options he has, including academy graduates, making 11 changes in most games, in order to keep his entire squad fresh, and competing on all fronts.

The same is expected against Shamrock Rovers in their next game, with plenty of rotation set to take place, as one eye is already on the weekend.

Chelsea team news

Wesley Fofana and Reece James both remain out through injury. Whilst neither would likely play in cup competitions, the knock-on effect on the squad means Tosin Adarabioyo is likely to start in the Premier League, meaning he is less likely to also feature against Shamrock.

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Benoit Badiashile is also unavailable due to an injury picked up last week, further adding to the centre-back issues when rotating the team, and Mykhailo Mudryk is also out for the time being through suspension, which could see minutes for Tyrique George at left-wing.

João Félix is also a doubt, whilst others such as Cole Palmer and Roméo Lavia aren’t available due to not being selected in the Conference League group stage squad.

The absence of Felix could be a big one which requires multiple rejigs to Maresca’s plans, as the Portugal international has often taken the Palmer role in this second unit.

Maresca's attacking options

Christopher Nkunku has been playing as a striker in the Conference League, with Nicolas Jackson being rested for Premier League games. The 27-year-old Frenchman has made 23 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring 12 goals and providing two assists in 903 minutes played.

But in the absence of Felix, Nkunku would likely drop slightly deeper, playing in his preferred number ten position, able to drop deep, link play, get on the ball more often, and create for others alongside himself. This would see the striker position become available, with Marc Guiu being the player who has benefited from these sparing minutes this campaign.

Nkunku vs Guiu comparison
Stats (per 90 mins)	Nkunku	Guiu
Goals	1.03	1.03
Assists	0.19	0.00
xG	1.09	0.71
xAG	0.26	0.11
Progressive Carries	2.58	1.79
Progressive Passes	3.33	1.43
Shots Total	3.27	5.17
Goals/Shot	0.26	0.20
Key Passes	1.52	1.07
Shot-Creating Actions	4.55	2.86
Aerial Duels Won	0.91	0.00
Stats taken from FBref

Guiu has made nine appearances since joining the Blues this summer for a fee of around £5m, scoring three goals, all of which have come in the Conference League, where 224 of his 382 minutes have been played.

The 18-year-old striker has shown his ability to be a nuisance in the box, willing to get his shots off (shown by his 5.17 shots per 90), and pressing with high intensity, always looking to do his part off the ball, as well as on it. Nkunku has shown his creative numbers are far superior, and by dropping him to the number ten position, he will have even more chances to impact the game in this way.

But there is another option Maresca could choose to hand those minutes to upfront, with an academy graduate who has been called “the next big thing from Cobham” by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Why Shumaira Mheuka must be unleashed

Shumaira Mheuka made his debut against Astana last week, coming from the bench in the 78th minute, taking one shot (off target) and winning two of his three ground duels.

The 17-year-old has made 14 appearances for the U21 side this season, scoring two goals, providing one assist and totalling 1,003 minutes played.

The young English forward thrives in and around the box, having excellent movement to find himself in dangerous positions, having brilliant ball manipulation in order to shift it himself and find a yard to get a shot away, and also using his body well to protect the ball.

Maresca will have a tough decision on his hands, as Guiu will be knocking on the door for minutes after scoring twice against Astana last week. However, whilst Mheuka might not start the game, it should be a good chance to give him more minutes in the senior team, as he looks to gain his reps and experience this season.

And Mheuka isn’t the only academy graduate in line for some minutes against Shamrock Rovers, as two players, in particular, are even expected to start the game on Thursday night, having also started last week against Astana.

Other academy graduates who could feature

Both Tyrique George and Josh Acheampong are expected to be involved in the Conference League game this week, with Mudryk unavailable, and Jadon Sancho likely being rested ahead of the Premier League game against Everton this weekend.

This will likely see George start in his favoured left-wing position, allowing him the freedom to cut inside on his stronger right foot.

In the absence of James and Fofana (both right-side defenders), extra pressure is on the likes of Malo Gusto and Adarabioyo, which will likely mean they are also rested for the weekend’s game. This could see a second consecutive Conference League start at right-back for Acheampong.

Both George and Acheampong are highly rated by the club, with the latter even signing a new five-year contract yesterday, with Maresca stating he believes “Josh needs to stay close with us rather than going on loan”, insinuating the 18-year-old defender is a part of the plans not only for the future, but also the present.

Exciting times, indeed, in both the short-term and long-term at Stamford Bridge.

Beware Jackson: Chelsea chasing "monster" who'd be their own Gyokeres

Chelsea can sign their very own Gyokeres with “true monster”

By
Connor Holden

Dec 18, 2024

Graham Potter delivered his first victory and three points for West Ham United since taking over, beating Fulham 3-2 in his first game at the London Stadium. Goals from Carlos Soler, Tomas Soucek and Lucas Paqueta for the Hammers – and a brace from Alex Iwobi for the visitors – ensured it was an entertaining spectacle on Tuesday night.

Despite having less of the ball (44% possession) and only taking four shots in the game compared to Fulham’s 21 shots, West Ham still managed to score three goals and create two “big chances”. Fulham generated a higher xG (1.90 xG) from their 21 shots and three “big chances” but failed to finish their chances, only scoring twice.

West Ham currently sit 12th in the Premier League following their victory against the Cottagers, but further improvements could certainly be made in this January transfer window, in order to equip Potter with the tools necessary for a strong second half of the campaign, starting with another striker option due to the current injuries in the squad.

West Ham's striker search

According to reports from BILD, West Ham have held intensive talks with RB Leipzig over a potential move for striker, Andre Silva. The Bundesliga side are said to want the 29-year-old off their wage bill this winter, which could work perfectly for the Hammers, who are hunting for a centre-forward this January.

The move would likely appeal to Silva and his camp too, as his limited minutes this season have been coming from the bench, whereas West Ham could clearly offer the Portuguese forward a starting spot, leading the line in the absence of Michail Antonio and Niclas Fullkrug – with the latter man now set to be sidelined for a ‘number of weeks’.

Silva – who has made 15 appearances for Leipzig this season, scoring just one goal, providing three assists and totalling 305 minutes – would represent the arrival of yet another experienced marksman from the Bundesliga, in the mould of Fullkrug, yet hopefully he could prove far more successful than the injury-hit German.

Silva vs Awoniyi comparison

Another name being linked to a move to West Ham to ease their attacking injuries is Nottingham Forest striker, Taiwo Awoniyi, who is currently under contract with Forest until 2027.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

The 27-year-old has made 18 appearances so far this season, scoring one goal in 383 minutes played.

Both Awoniyi and Silva fit the bill for what Potter will want from this centre-forward, being a focal point for other attacking talents such as Paqueta, Mohammed Kudus and Jarrod Bowen to play off of, something that has worked to good effect in his first few games in charge (once with Fullkrug/Danny Ings and once with Tomas Soucek more advanced).

Stats (per 90 mins)

Silva

Awoniyi

Fullkrug

Goals

0.37

0.52

0.49

Assists

0.00

0.26

0.24

xG

0.41

0.41

0.34

xAG

0.04

0.15

0.24

Progressive Carries

0.62

0.69

0.73

Progressive Passes

0.86

1.21

0.98

Shots Total

1.85

1.90

1.95

Key Passes

0.62

0.86

1.71

Shot-Creating Actions

1.11

2.59

2.68

Aerial Duels Won

1.48

1.81

4.88

Silva – who notably scored 45 goals in just 71 games for Eintracht Frankfurt – was described as “ice-cold” by Eintracht Frankfurt manager Adi Hutter back in 2021, saying his composure reminded him of Robert Lewandowski. In the 2023/24 season, Silva generated 0.41 xG per 90 (more than Fullkrug has managed per 90 this season) and on par with Awoniyi’s 0.41 per 90 last season too.

The main disparity in the metrics is aerials won per 90, with Fullkrug winning 4.88 aerial duels per 90. That being said, this is from a much smaller sample size (under 400 minutes) compared to the other two forwards. Silva and Awoniyi have shown their quality in the air, so this won’t be a massive concern for the West Ham scouts.

Whether West Ham decide to go for Awoniyi or Silva, or even elsewhere, they will certainly improve with a centre-forward addition who can apply similar traits to Fullkrug, being a reference point for Potter’s side and bringing others into play, as well as chipping in with some goals themselves.

Indeed, Fullkrug has shown flashes since his arrival from Borussia Dortmund – with two league goals to his name from nine outings – with the hope being that Silva could replicate such qualities upon his potential arrival from Germany, albeit over a move consistent period.

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