As Wolverhampton Wanderers stepped out on their first Premier League encounter since May 2012 – to a reception of fireworks, cheers, billowing smoke and 20,000 odd rapidly waving flags, it would have taken a very studied individual to realize the contrasts with the last time the Molineux hosted a Premier League game. Back then, in May 2012, Everton were the opponents like Saturday’s curtain raiser; there were certainly no waving flags, or fireworks to greet an already relegated side.

Everything about that day was so sour, disappointing as Wolves endured such a difficult season in the top flight. While fans wanted a little entertainment from the match, some excitement after the season they had just experienced, their season was summed by Caretaker manager Terry Connor’s comments at the end of the game, “If we couldn’t win then we wanted to take something from the game” which further emphasized Wolves’ lack of quality and end product throughout an abject campaign.

Fast forward half a dozen years later, we find a new and improved Wolverhampton Wanderers, not just within the squad but the backroom staff, a highly ambitious manager, a rich owner further reflected in the huge influx of new players over the summer. Various links to mega agent Jorge Mendes who represents coach Nuno Espirito Santo, has seen Wolves potentially transform into potentially one of the best newly promoted sides ever to set foot in the Premier League.

If you take a close look at Wolves’ additions over the summer, you would understand why many neutrals place Santo’s men in high regard in the lead up to the new season. It’s not only about the quality of players they have brought in but it is fascinating that most of their signings are of Portuguese origin which again all stems from the relationships Nuno Santo and the club’s hierarchy have in tandem with Jorge Mendes. After the takeover of the club by Fosun International, Mendes was implemented as an agent representing the whole club. He is one of the most influential figures in the world of football and amongst his current clients include Cristiano Ronaldo, Jose Mourinho, David De Gea, James Rodriguez to name a few.

The clubs ties with such figures shows their on going progression and the signings made this summer – despite the need for patience to get them gelled together – shows real signs of encouragement for both the supporters and the club itself. Signings such as Rui Patricio and Jao Moutinho, two European Championship winners with Portugal in 2016 will add much needed steel, guile and experience. Belgian midfielder Leander Dendoncker signed from Anderlecht with a lot of potential to be unlocked. Record signing Adama Traore, a player who has been deemed a player with real promise for so long, can he now unlock his true rapid and vibrant nature on the big stage? Diogo Jota really impressed on loan last season in the Championship which led the club to secure his services permanently this summer. Leo Bonatini and Raul Jimenez are players with a real eye for goal with the latter scoring an impressive late equaliser to salvage Wolves a point against Everton last weekend. Both players will be tasked with firing Wolves to Premier League safety – a luxury they could not utilise during their previous efforts in the top flight.

Wolves do hold a number of talents and experience in their star studded squad, throw in players who have graced the club for a number of years such as Connor Coady, Ryan Bennett and Roman Saiss will provide Wolves with the know-how and leadership in the dressing room; players that Nuno Santo can heavily rely on to set the mood amongst his players.

Nuno Santo has pieced together a team that is well balanced and refined. Quality in every department from the goalkeeper to the firepower upfront. But one player who could potentially be the key to Wolves’ ambition this season, a player who has resolutely exerted himself as one of the leaders in the squad despite his tender age, a player who has the cutting edge and quality to gather points on his own – as shown on Saturday – is the Portuguese midfield maestro Ruben Neves. Many were left wondering as to how he did not make the Portuguese squad for the World Cup this summer – probably because he was plying his trade in the English second division. However, his performances alone should have been enough to earn a spot alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and co in Russia.

Neves spent last season negotiating the Championship effortlessly in his first season at the club. Signed for a undisclosed fee from Portuguese giants FC Porto believed to be in the region of £15.8million. Many eyebrows were raised when Nuno Santo secured the deal, after all he did successfully coach Neves while he was at Porto himself. It was a smart move from Santo, investing in a player he knew well and would easily adapt to the style he wanted to bring to the Molineux and Neves has achieved that with consummate ease. Confident, assured in possession, long range passing, shooting, blessed with excellent vision and the ability to pick the right tackles. At 21 years of age, Ruben Neves is already showing glimpses of the complete midfielder.

A player who captained FC Porto at just 18 may have just found his natural habitat in English football. His performance against Everton on Saturday was one for the ages, the perfect performance any midfielder can ask for; a goal and an assist. It’s a shame he only had a point to show for it. The free-kick to put Wolves in front was a peach, an absolute pearl, taken from a player who is a constant menace from outside the box. The stats below tell its own story.

What about the delivery for Jimenez’ equalizer? An absolute gem. The guile and technical craft in which to perfectly lift the ball at the right height for Raul Jimenez to head in was sumptuous. Terry Connor’s team, an honest group who had played above themselves back in 2012 had no one near the ability and quality as close to Ruben Neves’ capabilities. The Portuguese maestro is the perfect poster boy for everything Wolves are aspiring to achieve. Considering the nature of this article, it certainly won’t be an exaggeration to say Neves, who turns 22 in March, would improve any of the top sides in the Premier League. What it would take for any of those sides to prize him away from the Molineux is another matter entirely, maybe even Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid could be in for a sniff for his services in the future. He’s that good a player. A player destined to lead not only at club level but on the international front too, what’s for certain is that barring any injuries, Neves is sure to be a regular in the Portugal XI for the next European Championships in 2020.

Nonetheless, the system Nuno Santo employs is perfect for Neves, and one in which makes him the important pivot in midfield, the one who orchestrates attacks, the one who sets the tempo and pieces all the elements of Santo’s philosophy together like what Kevin De Bruyne is to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Neves is Santo’s midfield enforcer, if football was a puppet show, the Portuguese coach wouldn’t allow Neves out of his sight, he is the highlight reel, the poster boy, the main event. “We build from behind and pass and support”, Santos says when discussing the operation and role of Neves in his puzzle. “Ruben with his quality, has to give us that. And he will do so every moment of the game in every circumstance: losing, drawing, winning.” With players such as Jao Moutinho – another technically gifted performer – by his side, Neves can reach feats that even Moutinho couldn’t reach himself despite his own artistry.

From Saturdays evidence, Wolves will have a lot to work on especially in defence particularly with Santo’s three at the back system. Everton exploited weaknesses that hardly any Championship side identified last season as they waltzed towards the trophy. That’s the difference between both competitions, there is no room for any slump in the Premier League, or else you’ll be punished within a flash as Richarlison’s impressive second goal emphasized. No doubt about it, Santo is an astute tactician and Wolves will have a lot to look forward to this season, and one man central to those lofty ambitions is the midfield general, Ruben Neves. The man tasked with connecting all of Nuno Santo’s jigsaw pieces together.

With the disappointment of the Champions League defeat to Real Madrid still lingering in the air around the club at Liverpool, they were still able to put a smile on fans faces with the impressive signing of Monaco midfielder Fabinho. Catching everyone awares as they purchased the defensive midfielder for a fee believed to be around £39million pounds, announced on Monday night.

The acquisition would have instantly boosted morale around Anfield following the pain of the Champions League final defeat on Saturday night, when a gulf in class in the midfield was clearly evident.

Yes certainly, they were up against the classy trio of Casemiro, Toni Kroos and Luka Modric who have played together for the best part of three seasons, however the midfield has clearly been identified as a weak point. Fans would have only imagined what would have been if Oxlade-Chamberlain had not been injured or even Philippe Coutinho had not departed Anfield when he did, maybe Liverpool would have put up more of a fight once Salah unfortunately went off injured but Klopp has addressed the deficiencies in midfield with the signing of Fabinho and Naby Keita due to arrive also.

If Liverpool’s apparent pursuit of Lyon’s playmaker Nabil Fekir proves successful then Liverpool could be looking at a formidable midfield – completely new, well balanced and a fluid axis for his preferred 4-3-3 formation next season. Before Liverpool fans can celebrate all that, some may not even know the qualities of Fabinho, one things for sure Klopp has made a clear statement of intent with this signing.

The Brazilian international, 24, will officially join the Champions League finalists on the July 1. A further £4m could be added in performance-related bonuses payments and his arrival is likely to be followed by the departure of German midfielder Emre Can to Juventus who’s contract runs out this summer.

Fabinho stated regarding the move; “This is something that I always wanted – this is a giant of a team. I am really excited.”

The Brazilian who emerged as one of the stars of the bright young Monaco team which set the French League and Europe alight capturing the title with ease from rivals Paris Saint Germain in the 2016/17 season. Players such as Kylian Mbappe, Bernardo Silva, Tiemoue Bakayoko and Benjamin Mendy and Thomas Lemar were part of that impressive squad plying their trade under the tutelage of Monaco coach Leonardo Jardim. Only the latter Thomas Lemar remains at the club after Fabinho’s departure. Previously linked with both Manchester clubs in the past – it was Jose Mourinho who granted Fabinho his top-flight debut at Real Madrid. There was also a reported last minute bid from Arsenal for Fabinho’s services which was turned down by the player.

But it is Liverpool who have secured his signature and it does seem a really good fit in foresight. Fabinho will be asked to hold the fort in front of the defence, a job he has done to such aplomb in Monaco. Having been compelled to introduce Adam Lallana and Emre Can from the bench against Real Madrid, Klopp will feel he has the numbers in abundance in the middle of the park with Fabinho, Keita, Henderson, Oxlade Chamberlain once he returns from injury, Giorgino Wijnaldum and James Milner; there will be plenty more quality to call upon especially when faced with difficult circumstances like in the final against Real Madrid.

Fabinho has filled transfer gossip columns for a number of seasons now, commonly described as a ball-winning midfielder of some repute, but it wasn’t always that way. Once a marauding right-back when he first joined the club from Real Madrid, it was not until the second part of the 2014/15 season that Leonardo Jardim deployed him as a defensive midfielder – which has later proved to be a masterstroke.

A 0-0 home draw with Paris Saint-Germain in 2015 was the start of his trade in the position which then followed an impressive performance against Arsenal at the Emirates in their 3-1 victory, which was the game that every football fan stood up and took notice of Jardim’s youthful Monaco side and Fabinho was central to everything – the glue that held every jigsaw of the squad together – the perfect balance in the whole team.

A quick look at Fabinho’s physique and presence, you can see why Jardim instead deployed him in midfield, at six foot two he always looked too tall and rangy for your modern day full-back who tend to be more quick agile against opposing wingers.

The Brazilian was a mainstay in Jardim’s 16/17 title winning team forming a formidable partnership with now-Chelsea player Tiemoue Bakayoko as the two deeper players in a 4-2-2-2 system. Bakayoko was seen as the more progressive of the two, rampaging from box-to-box while Fabinho held his position and orchestrated as the more static midfielder, sweeping up in front of his centre backs. His height and his style of play draws many comparisons with Steven Nzonzi of Sevilla or even that of Gilberto Silva.

Much of Fabinho’s best work is what you expect from a player blessed with his physical presence and abilities, and for one in his position. He ranked very highly in Ligue 1 last season for duel success, tackles won and aerial battles. Breaking up play, reading the game and screening his back four is Fabinho’s principal job but a lot of his on-the-ball qualities does regularly go unnoticed. Jardim’s Monaco is alike Klopp’s Liverpool in the way that they are so hell-bent on counter-attacking football which means getting the ball up to the attacking players with such speed and incisiveness once possession has been regained and Fabinho performs these qualities to great effect.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awHcYPpv8Hs

His days at right-back also meant he could carry the ball high-up the pitch, the license to roam which Jardim loves his full-backs to do, if you need examples just check out Benjamin Mendy and Djibril Sidibe in that 16/17 Monaco team. You only caught them defending when the team was up against it from a corner. Fabinho’s knowledge of that position can only add to Liverpool’s arsenal and grant them such versatility in the right-back position. An added bonus – Fabinho is also a great penalty taker, out of all the penalties he has taken for Monaco – being their assigned penalty taker – he only missed the once. Potent.

So where will Fabinho fit in next season for Klopp’s men? 

As the deepest midfielder in Klopp’s favored 4-3-3 formation, the one protecting and screening the back four and even orchestrating attacks from deep. Klopp may even opt for two holding midfielders and the prospect of both Keita and Fabinho in the midfield is of course a tantalizing prospect for both the German coach and Liverpool – that energy and dynamism will be so key as Liverpool strengthen their aspirations to be considered on par with champions Manchester City. Jordan Henderson and James Milner have performed admirably in the holding midfield role, but now Liverpool hold a specialist in the area who can cover much more space. That is vital given the numbers Liverpool commit when both attacking and pressing. The style which has such high-rewards but is not without its risks, placing the defenders so high up the pitch doing their dirty work in isolation.

Fabinho has shown he can cope in these circumstances and his strong presence will allow Liverpool’s full-backs to press on without worrying about their defensive duties with both Fabinho and Keita having the legs to cover and to thwart the space opponents may try and utilize on the counter. While Fabinho may not add any creativity like a Lallana or a Oxlade-Chamberlain, he will add a lot more control and authority in possession. The reason Liverpool’s play seems such helter-skelter at times is that the midfield do not hold such possessiveness of the ball as they are supposed to. The presence of Fabinho will allow Liverpool to be more patient and potent in possession, picking their passes in the final third to much more effect when the opposing defence is defending deep.

Fabinho’s arrival shows Klopp will not allow the grass to grow under Liverpool’s feet as he tries to claim his first trophy with the club next season. One things for certain, the signing of Fabinho is massive statement of intent for Liverpool. Klopp and his men mean business.

Mohammed Salah is the talk of the town right now. Arguably the player of the season so far alongside Harry Kane and Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne. A former outcast at Stamford Bridge in his Chelsea hay days, deemed not good enough by Jose Mourinho, the Egyptian was farmed out to Italy. A few years on, Mourinho might be thinking how on earth did Salah become this good, 25 Premier League goals this season so far with 10 games is some feat.

Salah has had a magnificent season, and must go down as one of the greatest signings in the Premier League in recent years. Even if he is ultimately unable to overhaul Tottenham’s Harry Kane for the BPL top scorer gong, he is a shoe-in candidate to claim the Premier League player of the season – though City’s majestic playmaker Kevin De Bruyne will have a lot to say about that.

Sure, Salah’s been excellent for Liverpool this season, but there’s one man who’s been just as good – even if he isn’t scoring as much – that man is the Brazilian samba star Roberto Firmino.

Firmino has not been able to match Salah for goals this season, but the Brazilian has been equally important as Mo Salah for Jurgen Klopp throughout the current campaign. Indeed, the Brazilian is perhaps the only Liverpool player who can realistically challenge Mo Salah for the Liverpool player of the season gong, particularly if he carries on with this sort of form. The striker has scored 13 league goals this season, seven in the Europe’s most prestigious the Champions League, as well as assisting a further three goals and six in the Premier League – no other striker has more than the Brazilian.

Not only are his personal stats impressive – his contributions to both the conversion and creation of chances – but its his ability and willingness to press from the front is essential to the way Liverpool play their football. Hunting down lost causes, hustling and harrying defenders when he’s lost possession is one of the reasons why Jurgen Klopp has handed the Brazilian so much praise in recent months.

“Mo Salah: world class, but not every day,” Jurgen Klopp stated in a Newspaper interview. “Sadio Mane: world class, but not every day. Roberto Firmino: world class, pretty much every day.”

You can tell by that comment on the Brazilian that Klopp rates Firmino even more than Mo Salah despite the Egyptian’s formidable form in front of goal. And rightly so, to be frank, Salah won’t be scoring as much if it weren’t for Firmino, his false-9 role as Liverpool’s main frontman gives him a number of responsibilities which involves adding certain aspects to his game – not only his creative and scoring abilities – most importantly, the ability to create space, to roam about the pitch with freedom and to press high as soon as Liverpool lose possession.

On the evidence of the last couple of seasons, Firmino has adhered to those responsibilities with consummate ease. No wonder Daniel Sturridge has been on the periphery in the Liverpool squad, being farmed out to relegation threatened West Brom in January. That is down to the form and brilliance of Firmino. The Brazilian is also capable of the unthinkable and outrageous at times. The 5-0 drubbing of FC Porto in the first leg of their Champions League tie, he was at the centre of everything good about Liverpool on the night, scoring his 21st goal of the season and making another with a sumptuous back-heel pass. An even more astonishing flick to set up Mo Salah again in the game against Southampton. What about his no-look goal against West Ham at Anfield? Is there anything this guy cannot do?

Klopp even further praised Firmino after Liverpool’s victory over Huddersfield in January, stating: “Roberto delivers, delivers and delivers. He doesn’t score all the time, he is not always brilliant, but if he is not brilliant then he works like a horse. It’s very important you have this kind of stability there.”

This is the effect the Brazillian has on his people. He is absolutely adored by the Liverpool faithful. His celebrations are surely a sight to behold, he can no longer be placed in the ‘under-rated’ or ‘unsung hero’ brackets. Though, Liverpool fans have known about Firmino’s ability for some time – but only within the last two seasons has his talent really become mainstream.

The improvement and evolution of his game has been clearly evident after a slow start to life in England following his move from German outfit Hoffenheim in 2015. Signed by Brendan Rodgers who didn’t even know how best to deploy the player, marooning him on the right wing as Liverpool were defeated 3-1 by Manchester United at Old Trafford in an anonymous display. Soon after though, Rodgers was replaced by Jurgen Klopp with the German already having an idea of Firmino’s ability after facing him on numerous occasions during his days of coaching Dortmund. For Firmino, this was a manna from heaven – the perfect relationship, the kind to truly allow his ability and potential to manifest. Soon after Klopp’s appointment, the German fully utilised him centrally, though the goals did not flow, Firmino quickly won over the fans with his workhorse like mentality.

Also, it is not until this current campaign that Firmino has added goals and assists to his – less tangible – but similarly valuable – qualities of harassing defenders and working relentlessly for the team. Even so this season, Firmino’s brilliance has been overshadowed by Salah’s sensational form and also the uncertainty surrounding his now departed fellow countryman Philippe Coutinho. Firmino’s improved output since the start of the season has been stark, hitting the 20-goal mark mid February. More broadly, only Cristiano Ronaldo has notched more Champions League goals than the Brazilian this term (7), while the Brazilian’s combined output of 34 goals and assists is one of the highest amongst the Barclays Premier League based players. Quite outstanding.

Firmino has gradually won over the Kop by his charming attacking sprite and glow-in-the-dark teeth. No doubt it, Firmino had the ‘va va voom’ about his game, or the ‘joie de vivre’, truly reflected and translated by a tattoo on his left arm stating “love life”.

However, the absence of goals in his first few seasons led to much clamour erupting around the issue of Klopp signing an out-an-out striker to further Liverpool’s ambitions for the season. Klopp dismissed such talk, keeping faith with the Brazillian and Firmino has duly repaid the faith shown in him. Back in July, Klopp stated that Firmino is “the best player without scoring with how well he reads the game for the benefit of others. Outstanding!” Of the Premier League’s forwards, Firmino has made the most sprints and made the second most number of tackles reflecting his value to Klopp’s gengenpressing style. Don’t be surprised to see him start at the tip of Brazil’s attack this summer at the World Cup in Russia, many will feel he has deserved his starting spot for arguably the World’s most affluent footballing nation. A massive pressure on his shoulders.

Nevertheless, Roberto Firmino is not quite at the level of former star strikers who have graced the colours of Anfield such as Luis Suarez, Fernando Torres, Michael Owen etc. but having made the transition from cult hero to pop idol, the leap to superstardom is certainly not far away for the Brazillian. As the season draws to a close, Klopp will need every inch of energy left in Firmino in order to finish the season on a high. Mo Salah isn’t the only one making his mark at Anfield this season.

Roberto Firmino…Remember the name.

Another massive weekend of Premier League football is upon us, but that is not the only thing tantalising our appetites for this weekend as Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal come up against Pep Guardiola’s high-flyers Manchester City at Wembley Stadium in the Carabao Cup Final. This Sunday’s fixtures proves to be an exciting and thrilling encounter as Manchester United entertain last seasons Premier League champions Chelsea at Old Trafford before the final at Wembley – a battle which could prove vital come the end of the season regarding the race for the Top 4 and to decide who will finish as runners up to potential champions Manchester City.

Here are my prediction for Sundays enthralling encounters:

Manchester United vs Chelsea, 2pm

Both teams come into this game not in the best form and neither club can afford to lose this spectacle, so don’t be surprised if the game ends becoming a very tight encounter which eventually ends in a draw. You wouldn’t put it past both managers renowned for their tactical efficiency and ability to execute a rigid game plan in order to avoid defeat.

Nonetheless, if United win this, they can almost certainly gain the ascendency to finish runners up behind Manchester City which will represent a massive improvement on last seasons finish outside the Champions League places. Sure, Mourinho wouldn’t be happy finishing second best to rivals City but the Portuguese coach will be happy with the way his team has progressed since he joined. Right now, United find themselves in a dilemma ahead of Sunday’s clash with regards to the future of Paul Pogba, will Mourinho start the midfielder against Chelsea after praising him for his conduct midweek? The Frenchman has not been himself in recent matches, can he regain his form when it matters on Sunday?

Chelsea, on the other hand also have problems of their own. Tuesday’s impressive draw with La Liga leaders Barcelona surely would have lifted the spirits in the camp despite Lionel Messi’s equaliser which absolutely Conte’s game plan out of the window. However, there were instances in that match where Chelsea could have really hurt Messi and co. So can Conte’s men repeat that performance at Old Trafford? Will Hazard be targeted by Mourinho once again like last seasons fixture?

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Man Utd vs Chelsea, February 25, 2018, 2:00pm, Live on

These questions will surely be answered as these two Premier League giants lock horns once again, although I am going for a score draw in this one. A fair result?

Score Prediction: Manchester United 1-1 Chelsea

Arsenal vs Manchester City, 4:30pm

The first piece of silverware is up for grabs on Sunday, but who will come out on top?

To put it simply, both managers Arsene Wenger and Pep Guardiola are in need of a victory in this one. Just like the above fixture, neither coaches can ill-afford to lose. Pep on one hand is desperate to have his hands on his first trophy at City, and what better way to topple Arsene Wenger before topping his other rivals to the Premier League title come May. Will Sunday be the day Manchester City’s domination in English football under Pep Guardiola truly begin?

Bar some miraculous miracle, City are certain to lift the Premier League title, and potentially add to that the Carabao Cup, claiming it from Manchester rivals United – a feat that will be very sweet to the lips of the great Spanish coach. Lets be honest, City have been a class apart all season and Guardiola has spent this second season at the Etihad setting the bar for fellow managers to replicate with the kind of beautiful, eye-catching football that has been on show throughout this season.

Last week’s shock defeat to Wigan will be one Guardiola will hope his team will learn from. They are heavy favourites to capture the Carabao trophy this Sunday although Wenger will have a lot to say about that as he embarks on a tough journey to right Arsenal’s wrongs this season and victory over City will almost set Wenger and his side on a path to redemption – capturing a trophy that has eluded him in his illustrious coaching career. You could argue Wenger needs this victory more than Guardiola as Arsenal’s season is in danger of fading away, but with a difficult tie against AC Milan confirmed midweek for the next round of the Europa League, this may be Arsenal’s only chance of silverware this season.

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Arsenal vs Man City, February 25, 2018, 3:30pm, Live on  

You can’t back against Wenger delivering for the club in this one, considering he does have a fantastic record at Wembley in cup finals. However, you just don’t know who will come up trumps in this one.

I am going for Wenger to upset the odds here, correct me if I’m wrong…

Score Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Manchester City

Crystal Palace vs Tottenham, 12:00pm

Just because this one is last on the list does not take away the importance of the fixture, though it is first on the schedule at midday.

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C Palace vs Tottenham, February 25, 2018, 11:30am, Live on

Tottenham on the other hand, are pushing for a strong finish to the campaign with the top 4 to fight for along with Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United. The Champions League still to contend with – a Wembley second leg against the mighty Juventus coming up on the horizon, Pochettino will want his side to maintain their strong focus for the rest of the season.

I always tell fellow football fans, when you got a certain Harry Kane in your team, you are always in with a chance. The Premier League’s top scorer once again has been a revelation for the third season in a row, in front of goal. There is no sign of the England frontman slowing down or losing form. Throw in Christian Eriksen, Dele Alli, Song Heung-Min, the addition of speedster Lucas Moura from Paris Saint-Germain and the steady rise of Moussa Dembele again, Tottenham are sure to finish the season very soundly.

Palace are my local side, but I can’t see past Tottenham capturing the three points in this one.

Score Prediction: Crystal Palace 1-3 Tottenham

Leicester City’s Riyad Mahrez currently is a broken man, and who could blame him? When a dream move away to a bigger club has been halted, not once but twice, you would argue the Algerian international has a right to feel aggrieved at Leicester’s decision to block his request at a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Mahrez’ grievance at the club has led him to deliberately miss two days of training, which leads us to question whether Mahrez is going about this the right way. The 26-year-old handed in another transfer request once he learned of Manchester City’s interest during the end of January’s window, with the Premier League leaders placing two Deadline Day bids – the last of those understood to be a player-plus-cash offer worth an estimated £60million.

It has been reported by Sky Sports News, that the player has been left depressed by Leicester’s decision not to accept the incoming bids from Manchester City, the club valuing Mahrez at a figure of around £80m. According to various sources, Leicester were keen to pursue Patrick Roberts – on loan at Celtic – as part of the deal to allow Mahrez to leave the King Power but when that failed to materialise, negotiations became a sticking point with City not willing to improve on their £60million bid.

Mahrez’ dream of top-level has been put on hold. The player won the Premier League title two years ago, and wants more success. He thinks he has gone as far as he can with his current club and desperately wants to seek pastures new, and a move to City certainly would have won him his second Premier league winners medal with the Etihad outfit running away with the league. At an age where he is coming towards his prime years, his chance at more glory on the grand stage is one cannot miss out on, especially considering his unerring ability on the pitch.

The immediate addition of Mahrez would have added more salt to the wounds of their rivals, especially after United’s capture of Alexis Sanchez from Arsenal. Even their efforts in the Transfer market may not be enough to catch City with just over 10 games of the season still to play.

But with the injury to Leroy Sane and Gabriel Jesus, Pep Guardiola thought a move for Mahrez will more than make up for their absence – with both players representing key factors in the clubs strong pursuit of the Premier League title. Two injuries he thinks may not grant City the Premier League title sooner than he would like.

Though Leicester’s resistance to sell their star man has not only hampered the ambitions of Guardiola to strengthen his squad but also the ambitions of a player who feels he has given everything to Leicester City, especially in that amazing fairy tale season capturing the Premier League title – a feat that may never be repeated again. Along with the scoring feats of Jamie Vardy, it was Mahrez’ contributions, moments of brilliance that allowed Leicester the opportunity to make history. It must have been a huge surprise to the club that they were able to keep Mahrez after such a fantastic season two years ago.

Nonetheless, Leicester can have no complaints with the way Mahrez has conducted himself until now after his efforts in the summer – going the extreme lengths finding himself in Paris – to secure that dream move away. But with eight goals and eight assists in 24 appearances this season, he has been working towards securing himself a much better future, something he does not see at the King Power. Who can blame him? He famously aided the club in their Premier League title win shortly before placing them on the big stage in the Champions League the next season.

Mahrez has achieved all he can at the club, you can almost forgive him for aggressively pursuing a much bigger opportunity. Though, missing training and sulking may not get you that dream move after all. Managers from those “giant” clubs may change their stance about pursuing a player who could potentially cause damage to their dressing room atmosphere. Who would blame Guardiola for pulling out of a potential deal in the summer after Mahrez’ recent actions?

As seen in the video above, Mahrez on his day is arguably one of the best forwards in the Premier League, it makes you wonder why he is expressing his frustrations at the club in this manner. Why can’t Mahrez just make up with the Leicester hierarchy and get back to playing at his best? Not for the benefit of Leicester but for himself, the Algerian winger can’t secure a move away if he is not playing. Which top manager will tout his services in the summer when he’s in this strop?

The least Mahrez can do for himself is play for personal pride, get back to your best for the rest of the season and then, just maybe, he may get his long awaited dream move. However, Leicester now have a job on their hands getting back on good terms with their main man.

Manchester City’s 22-game unbeaten run in the Premier League came to an emphatic end as Liverpool edged Pep Guardiola’s side in a 7 goal thriller at Anfield. In what was one of the great games of the season so far, Liverpool boosted their hopes of a top 4 finish showing the rest of the Premier League how to come up trumps against Manchester City. A great spectacle and another great advert of what the Premier League has been about this season.

Here are my takes on what was an enthralling and entertaining spectacle:

Coutinho who? Oxlade-Chamberlain impresses when it matters.

Not only were Liverpool impressive against Premier League leaders Manchester City, but it was all started by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain who impressed on Klopp’s first game without the departed Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona. A fantastic drilled finish into the bottom corner after a mazy run kicked off what was an amazing game followed by a wonderful splitting through ball for Roberto Firmino to run onto and chip the onrushing Ederson.

If this performance from Oxlade-Chamberlain is anything to go by, Jurgen Klopp will have no worries replacing Coutinho’s brilliance. With some fine tuning and regular game time under his belt, the Ox will be an ideal replacement for Brazillian playmaker.

His finest game in a Liverpool shirt so far.

Andrew Robertson’s classy and gutsy performance.

One of the finest full-back performances we’ve experienced this season. Andrew Robertson was a class above the rest, not only is he well known for his wonderful deliveries but this evidence against City, he was at his brilliant all round best. The pressing, interceptions, tackling most impressively having the in-form Raheem Sterling in his pocket represents a heroic performance when Liverpool needed it most. There was one instance in which the left-back ran the length of the pitch from his own position to press Nicholas Otamendi in City’s penalty area.

If this performance doesn’t adhere him to the Anfield faithful, I don’t know what will.

Simply Fantastic.

Manchester City unable to withstand the press.

Much was made of Manchester City’s unbeaten run and whether they can match Arsenal’s Invincibles but today, they were outplayed, out thought and outclassed as Liverpool ran them rugged from the first minute. The pressing was too much for Pep Guardiola’s side to handle. I lost of count of how many times City lost possession in their own half due to Liverpool’s aggression. If this is the way to match City then Liverpool have given the perfect example. They may win the title in the end, but if any of Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham want to hamper their stride towards the Premier League crown, try take a leaf out of Jurgen Klopp’s blueprint.

Despite City’s late flurry, you would have thought once Klopp’s men raced into a two goal lead within 5 minutes that Liverpool always had this game in control. City were vulnerable throughout, has the unstoppable bully got blood on his nose?

City to push for Alexis Sanchez?

No doubt about it, Manchester City’s attack is one of the finest in Europe if not the world but their current pursuit of Arsenal’s wantaway superstar Alexis Sanchez just shows that Pep Guardiola believes his fantastic attack needs another dimension, and what a way to add to it if City do get their man.

However, according to reports, cross-city rivals Manchester United are confident of hijacking the deal to take Sanchez to Old Trafford. City are unwilling to pay the amount Arsenal want and would rather get him on the free in the summer once his contract expires. The threat of the Chilean instead heading to the red-half of Manchester may just get under Pep’s skin a little.

Why not pay over the odds for a world-class player wanting a fresh start elsewhere, and secure the Premier League title quicker than expected?

The Anfield Curse

City have now failed to win at Anfield in fourteen attempts dating back to 2003, a whole fifteen years ago. They may have been high and mighty all season so far but once they stepped in front of the Anfield crowd, it seemed as though they froze into their shells as Liverpool pressed and dominated from the first minute.

The Anfield curse has halted Manchester City once again.

“Jesse Lingard is going to be some player.”

“He is 19, came through our youth system and is built like Jean Tigana was for France. But he never got into the limelight there until about 24, and I think that will be the same as Lingard.”

“He will become a player like 22, or so. As an attacking midfielder he has got a really good talent. I think he will be a player we have high hopes for, definitely.”

(Sir Alex Ferguson, 2012).

Those were the words from former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson back in 2012, on a 19 year-old Jesse Lingard before his loan move at Leicester City. 5 years on, and under Jose Mourinho, Sir Alex’s comments on Lingard looks to have been right on the money.

Jesse Lingard was at it again on New Years Day. The in-form midfielder notched his seventh goal in nine Premier League games with a fantastic jinking run and composed finish as United saw off the threat of Everton at Goodison Park to return back to winning ways after a dip in form during the Christmas break – it was the latest in a long line of impressive performances this season for Jesse Lingard.

Lingard’s continued improvement under Mourinho is proving a big boost for United at just the right time. Sir Alex Ferguson comments in 2012 has not only highlighted his huge faith in home grown talent but whether we can call him prophetic remains to be seen depending on whether Lingard carries on his rich vein of form.

“These boys, they jump or they don’t jump”

Said Manchester United coach Jose Mourinho.

“One thing is to be a young talent, another is to be a very good player. Some players are not capable . From great potential young players, they go to normal players . I think Jesse is giving that jump. He is being more consistent. He is being more adaptable.  He understands better the game, the different spaces, the different positions. He is going in a good direction.”

Much has been made of Pep Guardiola’s ability to young players with massive potential to the next level – and rightly so which is reflected in the stunning form of fellow England international Raheem Sterling who is setting the league alight as City take giant steps towards another Premier League crown. Nobody would have thought we would be placing Jesse Lingard under the same bracket as Manchester City’s £50million signing from Liverpool. Lets face it, Lingard has been mightily impressive this season for United and much credit must be given to Jose Mourinho and his coaching staff for their faith and belief in United’s very own.

Lingard has defied plenty of critics by becoming a vital player under the tutelage of Mourinho popping with key goals in key moments over the last couple of years. Many had written off the career of a player who has been at the club since his tender years. With loan spells at Leicester City, Birmingham, Brighton and Derby in his early United years, Lingard has finally found his feet, paying back the faith that has not only been invested in him by Mourinho but by Sir Alex Ferguson who was the one person who saw just what he could do and the talent he held.

Mourinho stated in his praise for the player that a lot young potential players do fail to make that jump to the next stage, but on the evidence of this season, not Jesse Lingard. The statistics highlight just how impressive Lingard’s contribution has been.

The 25-year-old United midfielder ranks amongst the very best in the Premier League for minutes per goal or assist. No surprise to see Mohamed Salah, Harry Kane and Sergio Aguero on that list. But there alongside Raheem Sterling and Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho, stands United’s Jesse Lingard. Seven goals and four assists is no flash in the pan for a player who was considered to be a benchwarmer earlier in the season when Henrikh Mkhitaryan was high flying notching five assists in four games but a few months on, it is Jesse Lingard stealing the show as the Armenian playmaker underperforms.

Lingard’s goals and assists have come at a rate of one every 84 minutes and he has now netted seven of United’s last 14 Premier League goals. As well as his beautiful strike against Everton, there was the clinical double against Arsenal at the Emirates, the double against Burnley on Boxing day – goals that allowed United to draw back from two goals down at Old Trafford continued the impressive trend of Lingard coming up with important goals at important moments. Throw in the goal against Watford, an impressive mazy run jinking past 3 or 4 defenders before subtly and coolly slotting past Heurelho Gomes in the Watford goal. A gorgeous sight to behold.

That evening in Watford turned out to be seismic with regards to United’s midfield pecking order. The man brought in to replace Henrikh Mkhitaryan took full advantage of the space afforded to him by the hosts’ tactical setup. One assist, one goal of the season contender followed by an impressive brace against rivals Arsenal four days later sparking a scintillating run of form.

Lingard has had to fight tooth an nail to finally cement his position amongst the United’s warm embrace and has only recently become a universally accepted figure in the dressing room. Despite developing an exceptionally useful trait of popping up with key contributions in big games, its taken his recent run of form to permanently endear himself to the Old Trafford supporters.

United’s performances with and without Jesse Lingard are like night and day, if you need any examples, just check out United’s Boxing day game against Burnley and you will see the stark contrast when Lingard isn’t on the field of play. 2-0 down at half-time, lacking fluency and that killer edge. Mourinho needed some inspiration, and the fact that he called on Lingard for that spark just goes to show how far the 25-year-old has come over the years. He came on and responded with two goals. Two goals that you will regularly accustom to your modern number 9, the first a sublime flick into the far corner from Ashley Young’s cross, the second a snap shot into the bottom corner, a finish that required such finesse and technical skills.

Like Raheem Sterling at Manchester City, Jesse Lingard has vastly improved his finishing and has already surpassed his highest tally in a season with 10 already so far this year. Whether utilised in a number 10 role behind two strikers or in your modern day 4-2-3-1 set up, Lingard or Mkhitaryan has been tasked with countering into space, using his directness and speed to push United up the pitch, and he has done that to devastating effect so far this season. The former has excelled, the latter has flattered to deceive. No wonder why Mourinho holds Lingard in such high regard right now. If Lingard carries on this sort of form throughout the season, you can’t bank against him becoming a certainty for the plane to Russia at the World Cup this summer.

Against Everton, Lingard made 83 high-intensity sprints – 29 more than any of his Manchester United team-mates and 21 more than anyone on the pitch. Mourinho requires his players to make that jump in progress, and in Lingard he has found a player ready and willing to respond in the right way. With Romelu Lukaku and Zlatan Ibrahimovic out injured, other players would need to step up, and Lingard is doing just that. It may not change Mourinho’s stance on the fact that he needs more money but it is a reminder that getting the best from players that are already there is just as significant if the team can progress.

Jesse Lingard is the perfect example.

Roberto Firmino’s powerful finish earned Liverpool a point at the Emirates in what was a pulsating and frantic fixture which saw Arsenal score three goals in just five second half minutes after Liverpool had raced into a two goal lead. Here I pick out five key topics from a sensational spectacle.

Sensational Start to The Festive BPL Fixtures

What a game. Frantic, Pulsating, Exciting and Edge-of-seat-stuff. A fantastic advert for the Premier League, and a sensational start to the festive Premier League fixtures this weekend. Two teams who will look to battle it out for a place in the Premier League’s top four. This game provided fans with the kind of football and attacking display that has been so evident throughout this season. As Salah had put Liverpool 2-0 up, we would have thought Liverpool could race away with the victory. But a stunning Arsenal comeback turned the game around inside five minutes with goals from Sanchez, Xhaka and Ozil. The Gunners pushed for a fourth but back came Liverpool as Firmino’s strike provide another twist in this fascinating fixture. And that is how it ended as both sides settled for a point both will feel they could have won.

Lets hope the rest of the Festive weekend is like this game. More of the same please.

Maitland-Niles Impresses

At the start of the game, Jurgen Klopp was asked by Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville whether he thought Maitland-Niles inclusion in the side could be exploited by his side. But on this evidence, the Arsenal youngster shone in an unfamiliar role once again despite his inexperience as he matched Liverpool’s on form star Mohamed Salah on numerous occasions during the game. Maitland-Niles was also assured in his tackles and in possession as Arsenal fought back from 2 goals down. Kolasinac may be nearing a return to the line-up but Maitland-Niles may have given Wenger much food for thought.

An impressive display from the Arsenal youngster.

Lacazette Once Again Highlights His Importance to Arsenal

Whatever people might think of Alexandre Lacazette, his overall game is quite impressive. He may not have been on the scoresheet for his side but his hold-up play and understanding with Mesut Ozil is a joy to behold.

His stats as shown above are quite impressive at the Emirates this season with 6 goals and 2 assists in 10 appearances. The link-up play for Ozil’s goals was quite sumptuous, holding off the Liverpool defenders before slipping in Mesut Ozil who expertly chipped the ball beyond the on-rushing Simon Mignolet to give Arsenal the lead.

All the French striker needs to work on now is his record away from home. Aside from that, Lacazette should be a shoe-in starter for this Arsenal side. Giroud is a nice option, but Lacazette’s all round play is an underrated component.

Liverpool Devastating on the Counter, Shoddy at the Back.

When Mo Salah broke away at speed when the score was at 1-0 after half-time, you just knew that the counter would result in a goal for Liverpool. Jurgen Klopp’s side have been electric on the counter at times this season, and most of that is all down to the off the ball movement from Salah, Sane and Firmino. A devastating trio, and add Coutinho to the mix and these four can match it with any of the best teams in World football right now.

However, if Liverpool wanna be winning titles as Klopp talked about this week in his press conferences, his defence is in dire need of a revamp. Liverpool’s fab four up front cannot continue to make the difference if the defence is not on the same wavelength. The January window will be difficult to find top targets but if Liverpool have aspirations for a trophy this season, that defence will need major work.

How many times have we said that about Liverpool this season?

Arsenal in dire need of defensive reshuffle themselves, not just Liverpool…

Much has been said about Liverpool’s defence on numerous occasions, but Arsenal’s defending at times this season has indeed been woeful. Just look at Liverpool’s second and third goals, and that will tell you the reason for their lack of quality in that department. Why on earth did Koscielny allow Mo Salah so much time to roam into the box which allowed Coutinho to grab the opening goal. A man of his experience and quality should allow the Egyptian that much freedom. Also the third goals was a poor one to concede as Emre Can was given so much space 10 yards from the 18 yard area to slot in a incisive eye of the needle pass for Firmino to equalise.

Mustafi, Koscielny, Mertesacker and Monreal as your centre-back options just isn’t good enough. If Arsenal wanna be winning championships, it is based on the art of defending and Arsenal are a few defenders short of that winning formula.

Manchester City’s narrow 1-0 victory over Dutch outfit Feyenoord in the Champions League secured top spot in Group F, and ensured Guardiola’s men maintained their perfect 100% start in Europe’s elite competition this season with one final group game to go.

The goal coming from the sort of wonderful football City fans have been accustomed to so far in the Premier League this season. Raheem Sterling picked up the ball outside the D, played in Ilkay Gundogan, the German midfield maestro then executed a peach of a return pass which split Feyenoord’s defence like a knife through butter. Kevin De Bruyne would have been wondering how on earth could Gundogan attempt such a delightful ball when the Belgian has been shaping up similar passes at a canter this season.

What followed the pass was equally delightful, as Raheem Sterling pounced on the pass and dinked the ball confidently over the despairing Feyenoord goalkeeper to give City the lead, and make it his fourth Champions League goal in four starts this season. Follow that in with the vital winner against Huddersfield on Sunday as City looked as if they would drop points for only the second time this season. A tad fortuitous, but it goes to show the improvements Sterling is making by being at the right place at the right time in the penalty box.

To put it simply, Raheem Sterling is enjoying the most prolific period of his career to date. Check out his goal scoring record this season: 12 goals in just 17 appearances is remarkable for a player who has received countless criticism since his move to the Etihad in 2015. The finish against Feyenoord was of the sort any modern day forward would be proud of even his team-mate Sergio Aguero who endured a rather difficult night in front of goal. The way in which the English international took his opportunity encapsulated his massive maturity and the improvement in his game. Under Guardiola’s guidance Sterling has grown incredibly and his stats tell the reason why.

Few young players have had to cope with the amount of pressure and criticism Sterling has faced over the past few years. He is still a few weeks shy of his 23rd birthday, but he has already been accustomed to his performances being slated and his private life scrutinised to make matters worse. It is now more than two years since his big money move from Anfield to the Etihad, and his switch in allegiance is still bitter on the tongue to many Liverpool fans simply for the fact that they believe he only moved for the money.

This season so far, however, his critics are nowhere to be seen, running low on ammunition. Sterling has starred in what has already been a record breaking start to Manchester City’s campaign. His total of eight Premier League goals so far means he is amongst the leading scorers so far this season, and two behind top scorer Mohammed Salah of Liverpool (10). Throw in two assists as well, and Sterling has been one of the leading lights in City’s fantastic start.

This was a man believed to be down the pecking order when City brought in £43m signing Bernardo Silva from Ligue 1 champions Monaco in the summer. Sterling was even subject of a swap deal with Alexis Sanchez to Arsenal, many thought he would be the fall guy. Despite the brilliance of the Bernardo Silva, Guardiola has kept faith with Raheem Sterling and his belief has been duly rewarded.

Sterling has always had the faith of the man who matters most. A year on from phoning Sterling after his torrid time at Euro 2016 with England, to reassure him that his place on the City would not be in jeopardy, Guardiola rejected Arsenal’s enquiry out of hand. The winger only impressed in patches during Guardiola’s first season in charge, but that hasn’t stopped Guardiola showing his unwavering faith.

The Catalan coach has rotated his attacking players heavily this season, and Sterling has certainly made the most of his opportunities. His recent goals against Feyenoord, West Brom, Napoli, Bournemouth and Everton have proven pivotal. Sterling’s confidence is sky high, and with Leroy Sane on the opposite flank in similar vein of form, Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva causing riot in midfield, City’s forwards will have no complaints about a lack of service. City have service in abundance.

When there was once ageing legs, Guardiola has been quick to get rid, and replace them with youthful exuberance. Gabriel Jesus, Leroy Sane, Sterling, Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva are names that will light up any league in the world. Guardiola must be drooling every single week at the sight of the attacking talent at his disposal.

Nonetheless, Sterling ranked third for most touches in the opposition box last term, but with more willing runners on the overlap this season, he has found himself on the end of attacking moves more frequently. Even more significantly for Sterling though, is how he is making the most of getting into those positions. The lack of composure or conviction that has hampered him in the past seem to be no more. His shot conversion rate has lept from 10.9 per cent to 30.4 percent. Only Leicester’s Jamie Vardy has been more clinical in front of goal this campaign.

Raheem Sterling is comfortably on course for his most prolific season yet, if he carries on this sort of form. It is no surprise in the fact that Guardiola has kept him in the City line up despite the wealth of attacking talent in his arsenal. The signs of improvement and maturity for Sterling is there, he is losing possession more frequently and completing more passes, and it all extends to his dribbling too. His dribbling success rate has significantly increased this season from 49.7 per cent to 60 per cent.

City are definitely reaping the benefits of Sterling’s improvement. From the passing and movement to the dribbling and finishing, Sterling is mastering the art of becoming an all round footballer. It seems as though the criticisms of the past have not only strengthened him but has also matured him to the extent that City can rely on him when needed as Tuesday night showed. An unerring finish from a player ticking all the right boxes so far this campaign.

It can only get better from here for Raheem Sterling.