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Back in May 2018, a solitary Tom Cairney goal saw Fulham promoted to the Premier League at the expense of Aston Villa.

What followed was the Cottagers spending £100m on players and subsequently being relegated from the division. Villa on the other hand, are right in the mix to be promoted this term.

As a result of Fulham beating the Villans in the play-off final last season, their fans have taken great delight at the London club coming straight back down, reacting on Twitter.

One fan called the club embarrassing whilst another said he enjoyed seeing them relegated.

A certain supporter chose to bring Joe Bryan into the equation, laughing at the fact he decided to join Fulham after making a U-turn from a potential move to Villa Park.

The attack on their play-off final opponents from last year was a savage one but the clubs could end up facing each other again soon unless Dean Smith’s men can find a way to go up.

Fulham were relegated from the Premier League on Tuesday evening following a woeful 4-1 defeat against Watford. It signifies one of the earliest relegations in the history of the division.

Here’s what Villa fans have been saying.

All of you Arsenal fans reading this will be holding their breath in the coming days to see how their players perform on international duty, mainly hoping to see them return to London Colney later this week without any major injuries.

But, supporters and manager Unai Emery will already be a bit worried after Aaron Ramsey missed Wales’ two matches last week and Sead Kolasinac, as well as Sokratis, missed their countries’ respective matches against Armenia and Liechtenstein due to nursing injuries.

Although he is expected to feature for Bosnia this week, Kolasinac has been struggling with a shoulder injury since the Gunners beat Rennes almost two weeks ago to qualify for the Europa League quarterfinals.

Emery, though, will be monitoring Kolasinac’s performance this week and will be hoping to see him fit and ready before Arsenal host Newcastle United at the Emirates this coming Monday. The 25-year-old has been superb for the Gunners this campaign and has been thriving under the management of Emery, who has used him as a left-wing-back for the majority of the season.

Having missed the start of the season due to an ankle injury, Kolasinac surprised many with his aggressive style of playing, both in defence and in attack. Despite being more dangerous on attack, the £18m-rated (as per Transfermarkt) has shown great improvement in his defensive game, which normally is a bit more difficult if playing as a wing-back.

But, he’s showed great resilience and determination to test himself against some of the best players in the league and he’s handled those type of players with good success.

Arsenal also seem to be a lot more threatening in attack when Kolasinac presses up the pitch and his linkup play with Alex Iwobi on the left flank has reaped a lot of success for the club due to the width the pair attacks with. If the Gunners are to secure a spot in next season’s Champions League then the manager will need Kolasinac to stay fit and injury free for the remainder of the season.

Arsenal fans, just how impressed have you been by Kolasinac? Join the discussion by commenting below… 

With the absence of Virgil Van Dijk, Liverpool needed someone to inspire their unit against the dangerous Bayern Munich on Tuesday night.

Enter Jordan Henderson, who gave his answers to critics with a commanding performance.

While Liverpool couldn’t get the job fully done against a gritty German side, Henderson’s output was nothing less than superb. The Liverpool captain not only kept an eye on to keep the tricky James Rodriguez quiet but also dictated the tempo of their game. He did so admirably, while also elevating the performance-level of Naby Keita and Georginio Wijnaldum.

Allowing his midfielders to press high up, Henderson displayed urgency and energy from his deeper role. Not only did he sniff out dangers and eliminate threat, but also tried to create from his deep role. Henderson played a stunning long-ball to Mohamed Salah in the early minutes, but the Egyptian couldn’t divert it towards goal.

While he was gutted not to gain an assist for that brilliant pass, Henderson kept his head down and claimed his authority in the game. He distributed possession really well, maintaining an 81% passing accuracy. However, his defensive work was brilliant, as he made three tackles and recovered possession eight times. (stats via Fotmob)

An encouraging, vocal figure in midfield, Henderson proved how important he is to Liverpool. He reaffirmed his ability to get the best out of those around him, while also saving his side from doom multiple times and prove himself as the undisputed leader of Jurgen Klopp’s side.

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Leeds United forward Kemar Roofe has revealed that he is hopeful of returning to action ‘for the final six or seven games’ of the 2018-19 Championship season.

What’s the latest?

Roofe said on Radio X, via the Yorkshire Evening Post:

“I’ll be back for the final six or seven games, maybe a bit sooner. I suffered damage to my lateral ligament and I’ll be out for six to eight weeks.”

The striker picked up a knee ligament injury during his team’s 2-1 win over Swansea City in the Championship on February 13.

Roofe completed the 90 minutes, but it soon became apparent that he had picked up an issue, which will see him miss a key period of the season.

Leeds have another 14 league games to play this term, starting with a home fixture against Bolton Wanderers on Saturday afternoon.

Roofe has revealed that he is aiming to return ‘for the final six or seven games’, although he is remaining confident that it will be before that.

Which match could mark Roofe’s return?

If Roofe misses Leeds’ next seven Championship matches then he will be back for the trip to Birmingham City on April 6.

The Whites travel to Preston North End after visiting Birmingham, before facing Sheffield Wednesday, Wigan Athletic, Brentford, Aston Villa and Ipswich Town in their final five matches of the regular campaign.

The fact that Roofe will miss games against the likes of West Bromwich Albion, Bristol City and Sheffield United is far from ideal.

However, it had been feared at one point that the team’s leading scorer could miss the entirety of the campaign, which will not be the case if everything goes as planned.

Liverpool’s sporting director Michael Edwards needs to rethink his stance on Kai Havertz.

The London Evening Standard’s Reds correspondent, David Lynch, suggests that the transfer guru is unlikely to make a move for the Bayer Leverkusen ace in the coming summer transfer window, namely due to the “ridiculous” price tags that are being attached to the versatile 20-year-old.

The Daily Mirror has reported that Leverkusen will aim to receive upwards of £70m for the 20-year-old, who has been an electric presence during his time in Germany.

He has already made 139 appearances for the club, having developed within their youth system, and has scored 38 goals and registered 30 assists.

Call yourself a Liverpool expert? How much did each of these big-money January signings cost?

Havertz has also won seven caps for Germany, and has captained Leverkusen twice this season.

His versatility is exceptional – he can play in central midfield, attacking midfield, on the right wing, and as a central striker – and he offers just about everything one would need from a genuinely creative talent.

Havertz has 10 goals to his name this season, plus eight assists, and he could well be a natural fit in Jurgen Klopp’s system.

Indeed, his compatriot’s success relies on versatility; his front three often dovetail beautifully, swapping flanks, going through the middle, and even dropping off to help the midfield.

That Havertz offers the ability to play centrally and on the flanks should be a boon to both Edwards and Klopp.

Of course, the price tag could well be eye-watering but his stats are superb too; he averages 2.6 key passes per game, plus a passing accuracy of 87.1%, per WhoScored.

Only Trent Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool’s superb right-back, has a higher rate of key passes in the Premier League, with 2.7.

Havertz is a creative outlet, a goal scorer, and a dazzling dribbler when given the chance.

Former Germany international and Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack has given Havertz a glowing recommendation, too, telling Sport1 that he is “exceptional”, and a “top player” already.

Edwards ought to rethink his stance, and try to get this deal over the line this summer.

Meanwhile, this Liverpool flop could be on his way in the summer!

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has provided an update on Manchester United’s transfer plans for this January transfer window.

What did he say?

The summer window saw the club sign just three players on permanent deals, Daniel James, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Harry Maguire. They also let go of numerous first-team stars, including the likes of Ander Herrera, Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez amongst others.

Now, the Red Devils have been linked with a whole host of players in recent weeks, with names like Donny van de Beek and James Maddison being mentioned amid speculation over a potential move to Old Trafford.

However, ahead of the club’s Premier League clash against Norwich, Solskjaer moved to downplay any rumours of major deals, instead admitting that people shouldn’t be expecting too much action from the Manchester side.

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He said (as quoted by The Evening Standard): “We’ve still got the same thoughts we had a month ago. We’ve got the players we have and are working with the ones we have. I can’t say yes or no, but I wouldn’t expect many ins and outs.”

Worrying times

Whilst United may be fifth in the table and still well in the race for the top four, the lack of urgency shown by Solskjaer in regards to potentially bringing new players in, is worrying to say the least. The Red Devils have numerous holes in their squad that need addressing, not least their issues up front.

The club are relying upon an 18-year-old in Mason Greenwood to be their third-choice striker, whilst they still haven’t bought a genuine replacement for Lukaku who left in the summer to join Serie A giants Inter.

Quickfire Quiz: How much do you know about Man Utd’s history in the January transfer window?

This is the exact time for Solskjaer to loosen the shackles, and be dominant with his voice. Publicly address how new signings are an absolute must for him, and put some much-needed pressure on the likes of Ed Woodward and the Glazers. Instead, the Norwegian has effectively chosen the coward’s way out by tiptoeing around the issue of the transfer market.

Being non-committal with his phrasing, saying “I can’t say yes or no”, and effectively implying he is happy with what he has currently got. A stronger voice is needed, or else United risk seeing this season petering out into nothing.

Meanwhile, this Man Utd target’s big-game mentality is exactly what they need.

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Loads of Everton fans have been giving their verdict on Saturday’s defeat, and fans are split on the performance and future of Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Everton are absolutely crying out for a proper centre forward, but could they already have one under their noses?

Calvert-Lewin started 18 league games last season and made a further 14 substitute appearances, but he has started just five times in the league under Marco Silva.

Former Wigan & Fulham man, Jimmy Bullard recently showed that he’s still got it! Check out the video below...

The lanky England Under-21 international has all the tools to become a top Premier League striker, but he just hasn’t put it all together on the big stage.

That was until Saturday, when he was arguably the Toffees’ best player in the 3-1 defeat at the Etihad.

Manchester City were two up shortly after half time courtesy of brace from Gabriel Jesus, but Calvert-Lewin got his side back in the game with a well-taken goal.

Raheem Sterling’s header then put the game out of reach, but there were plenty of positives to take from Calvert-Lewin’s display.

The 21 year-old won five aerial duels, fired three shots at Ederson’s goal, and also made one key pass.

Fans still seem split on the young forward though, and you can find some of the best Twitter reactions down below…

[ad_pod ][ffc_insert title=”Check out the Big Interview with Ben Dinnery & Johnny Wilson” name=”Fixture In Focus Podcast Special” image_ link=”https://fixtureinfocus.podiant.co/e/369d9b4fb86294/” link_text=”Click here to play”]Arsenal fans have reacted to new signing Bernd Leno’s first performance for the club. Leno started in goal on Thursday evening in Arsenal’s 4-2 win in the Europa League over Ukrainian side Vorskla.Gunners fans expected the 6ft 3in tall 26-year-old to get the nod ahead of Petr Cech at the start of the season but Cech has been captaining the side in all five of their Premier League matches so far.Leno looked comfortable with the ball at his feet on Thursday, although he wasn’t really tested until the final 15 minutes of the game. Despite conceding two goals in that final stage of the game, the club’s fans have continued their support for the German, saying he should be used in the Premier League as well.Cech has been struggling to adapt to manager Unai Emery’s tactics of playing out from the back, where as Leno looks as if he is used to playing that style of football.Here are some of the Twitter reactions by Arsenal fans, following Thursday night’s match:

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Everton manager Marco Silva is looking to strengthen his defence during this transfer window with the signings of a left-back and centre-back said to be top priority. And according to Goal, Barcelona’s Yerry Mina is one player Silva could look to in the coming days now that the 23-year-old’s World Cup duties with Colombia are over.

The Breakdown

Most recent transfer speculation surrounding Everton has been about the club bringing in a long-term successor for Leighton Baines. The Daily Mirror reports the Merseyside club are weighing up a bid for Celtic’s Kieran Tierney, while Sky Sports have suggested Bayer Leverkusen’s Wendell and Hertha Berlin’s Marvin Plattenhardt are also targets for the position.

However, Mina’s World Cup exit has now prompted a bid from Everton as they look to improve their central defensive options, and the £8.1m-rated (via Transfermarkt) Colombia international could be the man to do just exactly that.

Despite his struggles at Barcelona, Mina showed a lot of promise in Brazil with Palmeiras before departing for the Camp Nou back in January, while his aerially dominant and goalscoring displays in Russia were also impressive.

Everton, though, are likely to face competition for Mina with SPORT reporting that Turkish side Fenerbahce have made a £26.5m offer for the Colombian’s signature.

Considering Everton’s current options at the back, the Toffees simply cannot afford to lose out on a defender of Mina’s ability.

And if – although highly unlikely – Fenerbahce remain the only other team interested in Mina’s services, then the Goodison Park hierarchy should really be getting a deal over the line.

As reported by the Manchester Evening News, Manchester United are being held to ransom on one of their big summer transfer targets.

What’s the story?

Manchester United are on the hunt for players that can allow them to compete in both the English Premier League and UEFA Champions League next season.

They’ll be scouring clubs big and small across the world for players Jose Mourinho feels can bring them to the next level.

One they’re interested in is Inter Milan winger Ivan Perisic. That’s according to Manchester Evening News, who say that the Red Devils rate the player at £30m.

However, there’s a difference in valuation with Inter Milan holding out for £45m for the 28-year-old according to the report.

Is he worth that kind of cash?

Worth the money?

There’s no doubting that Perisic is an elite player. He’s played at the highest level for Borussia Dortmund, Wolfsburg and Inter for years now, often an effective presence across the attacking midfield.

However, the reported £45m is a lot of money for a 28-year-old and although he has great versatility, there’s perhaps better value on the market.

His return of 11 goals and 8 assists for the Italian club last season is decent but there are plenty of other players who offered more direct goal contributions that may be available for the same sort of money.

If Man United can talk Inter down to their reported valuation of £30m then the deal starts to make a lot more sense but the higher the fee, the more we reckon that Mourinho should move on to other targets.