Football News: September 2023

Saturday, September 30, 2023

^ ^ Jurgen Klopp reacts to PGMOL statement confirming ‘significant human error’ led to disallowed goal against Tottenham

Jurgen Klopp insists a statement from the PGMOL admitting Liverpool’s goal against Tottenham was incorrectly ruled out is of ‘no help’ to his side.

Liverpool fell to a 2-1 defeat at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with an own goal from Joel Matip deep into injury time sealing victory for the hosts.

The Reds were reduced to nine men with Curtis Jones and Diogo Jota sent off with Luis Diaz seeing his first-half goal ruled out for offside.

A VAR review concluded the Colombian international had moved into an offside position despite replays suggesting Cristian Romero was keeping him on.

Shortly after full-time, a statement from PGMOL confirmed a ‘significant human error’ had been made in disallowing Diaz’s goal with the referring body set to hold a full review into the circumstances that led to the mistake.

Klopp was in the middle of his post-match press conference when the PGMOL statement was released.

‘Who does that help now? We had the situation in the Manchester United vs Wolves game. Did they get points for it? It doesn’t help,’ Klopp said.

‘We will not get points for it so it doesn’t help. Nobody expects 100 per cent right decisions on field but I think we all thought when VAR came in, it might make things easier.

‘I don’t know why people in VAR are under that much pressure, they made that decision really quickly for that goal.

‘It changes the momentum of the game and that is how it is. It was super difficult. But the boys did extremely well to deal with it.’

Earlier this season, the refereeing body issued another apology after Wolves were denied a penalty against Manchester United on the opening weekend of the season.

Goalkeeper Andre Onana looked to have given away a penalty in the closing moments of the contest but was not penalised by VAR.

Klopp was also furious with both red card decisions. ‘The first red card, Curtis steps on the ball and goes over. Not a bad tackle. It looks different in slow motion. He steps full throttle on the ball and goes over the ball. That is unlucky.

“[For Jota] first yellow was not a yellow. Then he gets a second and to defend with eight outfield players is tricky.

MORE : PGMOL release astonishing statement admitting Liverpool’s disallowed goal vs Tottenham SHOULD have stood

MORE : ‘Ruins the game!’ – Gary Neville fumes after VAR sends Liverpool star off against Spurs

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^ ^ PGMOL release astonishing statement admitting Liverpool’s disallowed goal vs Tottenham SHOULD have stood

The PGMOL [Professional Game Match Officials Limited] has released a statement confirming there was a ‘significant human error’ that led to Liverpool’s goal in their defeat to Tottenham being disallowed.

Liverpool fell to a 2-1 defeat at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday having seen Luis Diaz’s 34th-minute goal ruled out for offside in a game where they also saw two players sent off.

Diaz was judged to have moved into an offside position despite replays suggesting he was being kept on by Tottenham defender Cristian Romero.

‘PFMOL acknowledge a significant human error occurred during the first half of Tottenham Hotspur vs Liverpool.

‘The goal by Luis Diaz was disallowed for offside by the on-field team of match officials. This was a clear and obvious factual error and should have resulted in the goal being awarded through VAR intervention, however, the VAR failed to intervene.

‘PGMOL will conduct a full review into the circumstances which led to the error.

‘PFMOL will immediately contacting Liverpool at the conclusion of the fixture to acknowledge the error.’

Earlier this season, the refereeing body issued another apology after Wolves were denied a penalty against Manchester United on the opening weekend of the season.

Goalkeeper Andre Onana looked to have given away a penalty in the closing moments of the contest but was not penalised by VAR.

Reacting to the statement that followed Saturday’s defeat in north London, Jurgen Klopp said in his post-match press conference: ‘Who does that help now?

‘We had the situation in the Manchester United vs, Wolves game. Did they get points for it? It doesn’t help.’

Just minutes after Diaz’s effort was ruled out, Son Heung-min gave Tottenham the lead. 10 minutes earlier, Liverpool had been reduced to 10 men with Curtis Jones shown a straight red card for a challenge on Yves Bissouma.

Liverpool levelled the contest just before half-time through Cody Gakpo but with 20 minutes of the match remaining, saw another man sent off with Diogo Jota picking up his second yellow card.

Liverpool looked to be hanging on for an unlikely point but an own goal from Joel Matip saw Spurs seal victory deep into injury time.

MORE : ‘Ruins the game!’ – Gary Neville fumes after VAR sends Liverpool star off against Spurs

MORE : Harry Redknapp likens Liverpool star to Steven Gerrard and makes Tottenham game prediction

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^ ^ Roy Hodgson makes Premier League history with Crystal Palace’s win at Manchester United

Manchester United v Crystal Palace - Carabao Cup Third Round — Roy Hodgson’s Crystal Palace won 1-0 at Man Utd (Photo: Getty)

Roy Hodgson made Premier League history when his Crystal Palace side pulled off a shock victory at Manchester United on Saturday.

Joachim Andersen’s sublime strike was enough for Palace to beat United 1-0 at Old Trafford, and condemn the Red Devils to yet another defeat.

It’s another huge setback for Erik ten Hag, and a hugely surprising result given that the Eagles were humbled by United 3-0 just five days earlier in the Carabao Cup.

It also meant that Hodgson has become the first manager in history to go unbeaten in five consecutive Premier League games at Old Trafford.

The run started back in 2018 with a goalless draw and continued with 2-1 and 3-1 wins for the South Londoners, before the 76-year-old was replaced by Patrick Vieira in 2021.

He kept the streak going with another goalless draw while in charge of Watford in February 2022, which has now been followed by this most recent victory.

‘The way the players went about the game today is really praise worthy and has given me enormous pleasure,’ the former England boss told BBC Match of the Day.

‘They have to be so disciplined and so organised. It would be asking too much to come here and dominate.

‘Joachim Andersen is a wonderful technician. It was only a half chance. He had to quickly get his feet right and have the confidence to put his foot through the ball. I’m trying to push him forward for goal of the week!

‘I must add that the real satisfaction is seeing the players work so incredibly hard. The players were tiring enormously towards the end.’

The result has moved Palace up to ninth in the table, two points ahead of United who have now lost five of their opening nine games of the season.

‘I’m really delighted for my players. Their efforts today were exceptional. We scored a terrific goal and as a result we kept that lead throughout the whole game,’ Hodgson told Sky Sports.

‘On Tuesday we didn’t get a chance to show how good we can be. To win at Old Trafford is an achievement. This is one of the temples of football.

‘A lot of running and effort went into the game. One or two of our players had run themselves into the ground. The back four will be first to pay credit to front players and midfield players.’

MORE : Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins sends message to Gareth Southgate after sensational hat-trick against Brighton

MORE : Antony’s ex-girlfriend breaks silence on Manchester United star’s return amid abuse allegations

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^ ^ ‘Ruins the game!’ – Gary Neville fumes after VAR sends Liverpool star off against Spurs

Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool FC - Premier League — Curtis Jones was sent off for this studs up foul on Yves Bissouma (Photo: Getty)

Manchester United legend Gary Neville was not happy after Curtis Jones was sent off by VAR during Liverpool’s clash at Tottenham on Saturday evening.

Just 24 minutes into the match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Jones was booked for a bad foul on Yves Bissouma.

Many at the ground winced when the challenge was made given how the Liverpool midfielder’s studs went into the Spurs star’s shin and soon the Video Assistant Referee was called.

Referee Simon Hooper checked the incident on the pitch-side monitor before cancelling the yellow card and showing Jones a straight red, much to the annoyance of the player and his manager Jurgen Klopp.

Though some agreed with Hooper’s decision, Neville wasn’t convinced, saying on Sky Sports: ‘A yellow is right.

‘I know when you’re doing someone, I’ve done it myself. He wasn’t there to do someone.

‘He is over the top, the ball is moving and it is certainly not a red, it looks worse than it actually is. His foot slips, it is not a red for me and this will ruin the game.

CURTIS JONES IS SENT OFF! ðŸŸ¥

.@GNev2 disagrees… pic.twitter.com/D7Z21Oorvk
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 30, 2023

‘I maybe wrong, but I just do not know any more. In slow motion, you will come to the conclusion it is a red card. I do not think he has gone over the top to do him.’

Neville’s Sky colleagues agreed, with former Liverpool and Tottenham star Jamie Redknapp adding: ‘I think the red card is extremely harsh.

‘Every time you go into a tackle like this you are risking going over the top of the ball. Once he doesn’t get it right it doesn’t look good but he doesn’t mean to hurt him and yellow card would suffice.’

Ex-Spurs player Andros Townsend concurred: ‘Letter of the law, the force it has to be a red card.

‘But he does get enough of the ball and for me, and for a lot of players – football is a contact game, as soon as you get the ball, the rest is history.’

MORE : Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins sends message to Gareth Southgate after sensational hat-trick against Brighton

MORE : ‘It will change everything!’ – Mikel Arteta reacts to Kai Havertz scoring his first Arsenal goal

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^ ^ Mikel Arteta provides worrying update on Bukayo Saka after Arsenal star is forced off in win over Bournemouth

Mikel Arteta has provided a concerning update on Bukayo Saka after the Arsenal star was seen limping during the 4-0 win over Bournemouth.

The Gunners star limped off in last Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Tottenham, missing the midweek Carabao Cup victory over Brentford.

Arteta revealed in his post-match press conference on Friday the England international had not trained this week but was seen arriving in Bournemouth with the rest of the Arsenal squad that evening, starting at the Vitality Stadium this afternoon.

Saka showed no signs of that injury as he opened the scoring after 17 minutes.

Arsenal went onto cruise to victory with Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz scoring from the penalty spot with Ben White adding another in injury time.

Saka was seen limping during the second-half however before he was eventually replaced after 76 minutes by Fabio Vieira.

Speaking post-match, Arteta said Saka had taken a ‘pretty bad knock’, also suggesting Gabriel Jesus was another who was struggling after the game.

‘Yes it was a pretty bad knock,’ Arteta told BBC. ‘I don’t know how he is feeling I haven’t had the chance to speak to him but hopefully we can get him back.’

Arteta added when speaking to Sky Sports: : ‘I think Gabriel Jesus as well, he was limping when I saw him in the dressing room. So let’s see how we can recover players.’

Arsenal had a number of injury concerns this week with Declan Rice, Saliba and Vieira all carrying knocks this week.

Saliba played the full 90 minutes with Rice replaced by Jorginho with nine minutes of the contest remaining. V

Leandro Trossard was also back among the subs after missing the last two games but Gabriel Martinelli remains out.

MORE : Mikel Arteta explains how Arsenal star Bukayo Saka keeps avoiding injury after travelling to Bournemouth

MORE : Frank Lebouef mocks Arsenal star Kai Havertz by naming his best position as ‘on the bench’

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^ ^ ‘It will change everything!’ – Mikel Arteta reacts to Kai Havertz scoring his first Arsenal goal

AFC Bournemouth v Arsenal FC - Premier League — Kai Havertz finally opened his Arsenal account at the 10th attempt (Photo: Getty)

Mikel Arteta has thanked fans for their support of Kai Havertz after the struggling Arsenal star scored his first goal for the club against Bournemouth.

Arsenal cruised to a 4-0 win at the Vitality on Saturday, with Bukayo Saka opening the scoring before Martin Odegaard slotted home from the penalty spot just before half-time.

The away side were awarded another penalty shortly after the break, but instead of Saka or Odegaard stepping up as per usual, the Gunners captain handed the ball to Havertz to score for the first time in red and white.

Ben White completed the rout with a header from a free-kick in injury time.

Havertz made the shock move to the Emirates from rivals Chelsea over the summer in a £65million deal, with Mikel Arteta very keen on the German International who endured a mixed spell at Stamford Bridge.

Fans and pundits have been divided over the 24-year-old, especially after he failed to score or assist in his first nine appearances for his new club.

After scoring, Havertz’s teammates rushed to celebrate with him, with the away end chanting a new song for the midfielder to the tune of Shakira’s Waka Waka, and featuring the lyric: ‘Sixty million down the drain?, Kai Havertz scores again!’

Arsenal fans belting out the Kai Havertz chant at the Vitality Stadium this afternoon. ðŸ‘ pic.twitter.com/GNEIBLfbUV
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) September 30, 2023

‘I’m really happy for the win, but I’m even happier to be part of a team that shows the human qualities that they do today,’ Arteta said in his post-match press conference.

‘To show that empathy to a player that has some question marks they warmed me even more today. I’m so happy with our supporters the way they made him feel.

‘If there’s a player who deserves that it’s him. Probably it will change everything. If he had any question marks about how we feel about him they are out.’

In even better news for Arsenal, they have closed the gap to Manchester City in the table to just one point after the Citizens suffered a shock 2-1 loss at Wolves.

Up next, the Gunners travel to Lens in the Champions League on Tuesday before they host City in a huge clash next Sunday.

MORE : Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins sends message to Gareth Southgate after sensational hat-trick against Brighton

MORE : Harry Redknapp likens Liverpool star to Steven Gerrard and makes Tottenham game prediction

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Friday, September 29, 2023

^ ^ Manchester United winger Antony will not be picked for Crystal Palace game despite returning to training

Manchester United winger Antony will not be included in the squad taking on Crystal Palace on Saturday.

The Brazilian international has not featured since 23 August, placed on a mutual leave of absence following domestic abuse allegations. Antony faces allegations of assault made by his former girlfriend Gabriela Cavallin.

The 23-year-old returned to England this week and attended a voluntary interview with Greater Manchester Police.

Antony has strongly denied all accusations – including those made by two further women.

In a statement released on Friday, United confirmed Antony has returned to training and his available for selection.

‘As Antony’s employer, Manchester United has decided that he will resume training at Carrington, and be available for selection, while police inquiries proceed,’ the club statement read.

‘This will be kept under review pending further developments in the case.’

Erik ten Hag Antony — Ten Hag was quizzed on the player’s return on Friday (Picture: Getty)

While Antony is back among the squad, The Sun report he will not be involved on Saturday when United take on Palace at Old Trafford.

United’s statement was released shortly before Erik ten Hag addressed the media.

The Dutchman, who signed Antony from former club Ajax for £85million last year, told reporters: ‘We make the statement so I refer to the statement, everything has been made clear in the statement.

‘No, I don’t think it’s a distraction [on the rest of the squad]. We will focus on the games. He will do as well.’

Asked when Antony could play again, he added: ‘On Saturday, he will be back in training, so tomorrow. I have to see, but I think, yeah [he’s fit].’

Antony started all four of United’s Premier League games prior to his leave of absence. In his debut season at Old Trafford, the Brazilian scored eight times in 44 appearances.

MORE : Erik ten Hag speaks out on Antony’s return ahead of Manchester United vs Crystal Palace

MORE : Man Utd confirm Antony return amid domestic abuse allegations

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^ ^ Talent vs culture & is Arteta overthinking?

Darren Fletcher presents the Friday Football Social. He’s joined by former Premier League players Michael Brown & Kevin Campbell and Aston Villa Women captain Rachel Corsie. With issues at Chelsea and Manchester United, the panel discuss talent vs culture – which is more important? Is Tottenham’s James Maddison the most effective player in the Premier League right now? And is Mikel Arteta overthinking Arsenal’s goalkeeper situation? 1:15 Talent vs culture – which is more important? 7:55 Which one is going wrong at Chelsea? 13:00 Is James Maddison the most effective player in the league? 20:25 Is Mikel Arteta overthinking things? 23:40 Arsenal’s goalkeeping situation – is Ramsdale just not good enough? 34:00 Rachel Corsie on Aston Villa Women ahead of the WSL season

^ ^ Marcus Rashford names Man Utd team-mate who has left him ‘super excited’

Marcus Rashford has named the Manchester United summer signing that has left him ‘super excited’.

The Red Devils brought in a handful of new players ahead of the 2023-24 campaign with Erik ten Hag looking to build on last term’s third-place Premier League finish, in a season which also saw United win their first trophy since 2017.

Rasmus Hojlund, Mason Mount and Andre Onana were United’s three main signings while Sofyan Amrabat and Sergio Reguilon came in on loan and United also decided to bring back free agent Jonny Evans and sign a back-up goalkeeper.

Rashford has been particularly impressed by Denmark international forward Hojlund and is looking forward to developing a partnership with his team-mate.

‘I am honestly super excited about it,’ Rashford told Premier League Productions.

‘At times last year, we were going on counter-attacks and we would just see shirts of other bodies, and usually, the only the cut-back that was on was to Bruno [Fernandes] who was arriving later.

‘Whereas this year, you have to understand the dynamics have changed, so we have spoken to each other and done a little bit of work off the pitch, probably that the coaching staff don’t even know, between [just] me and him.

‘I just want to understand his game and for him to understand my game as quickly as possible. So far it has been good and we obviously had the unlucky one at Brighton that got disallowed, but then in the following game we’ve got one where we have combined for a goal, so I am very happy for him.

‘I’m sure it is a relationship that will help both players, so I am excited for it, excited for the future and I am also so excited that we have so many games coming up because we have so many opportunities to show who we are.

‘He is a big, strong, physical lad, he has good finishing abilities. So when the chances do come to him, he will score goals.’

MORE : Man Utd handed boost with key Crystal Palace duo ruled out of weekend clash

MORE : Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag angry at amount of fixtures after double injury blow

^ ^ Six Arsenal stars not spotted in training ahead of Bournemouth clash

Mikel Arteta — Arteta could be without a number of his key stars (Picture: Getty)

Six Arsenal stars were not spotted in training on Friday afternoon ahead of their Premier League clash with Bournemouth.

The Gunners have picked up a number of injury concerns in the last two weeks. Gabriel Martinelli has missed his side’s last three games with Leandro Trossard ruled out ahead of last Sunday’s derby clash against Tottenham.

Declan Rice was forced off at half-time in that game with Bukayo Saka hobbling off before full-time.

Speaking at a press conference, Mikel Arteta confirmed all four have not trained ahead of the club’s final session on Friday afternoon.

He also revealed William Saliba and Fabio Vieira were also fresh doubts ahead of Saturday’s game.

‘Declan hasn’t trained yet, we have a session in an hour, we’ll get more news about him,’ Arteta said. ‘Gabi [Martinelli] hasn’t trained, Leo same situation, Saka, same. They are all in the same pool.’

He continued: ‘Willy had a knock, Fabio wasn’t involved,’ confirmed Arteta. ‘We have to assess them today.’

In a training gallery shared by Arsenal on Friday evening, none of the six were spotted in training ahead of their trip to the Vitality Stadium.

Arsenal are not the only side dealing with a lengthening injury list with Chelsea, Manchester United, Crystal Palace and Newcastle United all without at least nine members of their squad.

Asked why Arsenal’s problems are suddenly beginning to mount, Arteta said: ‘Different reasons. Some happen in training, some are knocks, some are very small muscular niggles.

‘But as well the load coming from before the national team and then after the national team the load went through the roof and the demands continue to be really high.

‘The fact we had three or four out already didn’t give enough time to some of them to have the exposure they needed.’

‘It’s about now , it’s about Bournemouth which is the most important game of the season we have now,’ Arteta added when asked if next weekend’s game against Manchester City would impact his team selection tomorrow.’

MORE : Mikel Arteta praises underrated Arsenal defender amid William Saliba injury concerns

MORE : Jamie Carragher explains why Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool snubbed move for Tottenham star James Maddison

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^ ^ 72+: Ipswich's bright future and goalless Cheltenham

Aaron Paul and Jobi McAnuff are joined by Phil Brown to talk about Ipswich's fine start to the season, after losing just once in the Championship and knocking Wolves out of the EFL Cup to reach Round Four. They also look at Cheltenham Town's struggles with the League One side yet to score a goal and looking for a new manager. And we hear from James Schooley of the Shrimpers Trust, ahead of potentially a key week in the future of Southend United. 01:32 EFL Cup and the 4th round draw 04:52 Ipswich Town's excellent start to the season 17:20 Goalless Cheltenham 25:16 The future of Southend United 38:13 Troubling times for Scunthorpe United

^ ^ Jurgen Klopp feels Chelsea have a ‘massive advantage’ this season

Liverpool earned a point from their opening day meeting against Chelsea (Picture: Getty)

Jurgen Klopp feels that Chelsea have a ‘massive advantage’ over his Liverpool side this season.

Liverpool, along with Arsenal, are considered by many to be Manchester City’s main rivals for the Premier League title this season.

The Reds have made a strong start to the 2023-24 campaign, winning five of their six games in the top flight.

Their only other result was a 1-1 draw at Chelsea on the opening day of the season.

The Blues, meanwhile, have endured a tough spell since that meeting and have won just one of their opening six Premier League matches this term.

Their poor form comes despite their huge summer spending with Chelsea splashing out £434.5m – the most spent by any club during a transfer window in Premier League history.

Despite problems for Chelsea on and off the pitch, Klopp feels that Mauricio Pochettino’s team, along with Tottenham, have a major advantage in the race for the top four this season as they are not playing in any European competitions.

‘Chelsea and Tottenham have no European football,’ Klopp said on Friday ahead of Liverpool’s match against Spurs on Saturday.

‘Two heavyweights not in European football, they have the whole week to train when others travel. It’s a massive advantage.

‘Getting into the Champions League this year will be a massive, difficult task because they will be well rested.’

MORE : Jamie Carragher explains why Chelsea and Liverpool snubbed James Maddison

MORE : Mauricio Pochettino drops Chelsea transfer hint amid Ivan Toney speculation

Thursday, September 28, 2023

^ ^ The 2023/24 Women's Super League season preview

Ahead of the start of the new Women's Super League season this weekend, Eleanor Oldroyd is joined by former WSL striker and England Women's all-time top scorer Ellen White, WSL record appearance maker Gilly Flaherty and the Telegraph's Women's Football Reporter Tom Garry. They discuss the defending Champions Chelsea, the challengers to their title, whether Aston Villa can improve on last season’s 5th place finish and promoted Bristol City’s prospects 01:00 Ready to go again 03:00 Can anyone stop Chelsea? 09:20 Potential for surprise results early on 11:40 Will Manchester United go one better? 13:20 Mary Earps' future 18:00 Arsenal to recover from Champions League heartbreak? 22:00 Manchester City "to win the title?" - Garry 28:45 Can Aston Villa challenge for European football? 32:45 How much hope can promoted Bristol City have to avoid the drop? 34:00 Season predictions

^ ^ Mikel Arteta hopes to convince Ivan Toney to join Arsenal the same way he landed Declan Rice

Mikel Arteta has a plan to convince Ivan Toney to join Arsenal over their rivals, the same way he lured Declan Rice to the Emirates.

The Brentford striker is currently serving a ban for betting breaches but will return to action in January.

The 27-year-old recently opened the door to a move away from west London with Brentford ready to sanction his sale for a reported fee of £80million.

Arsenal are ready to make a move for the striker who netted 20 Premier League goals last season but will face competition from London rivals Chelsea and Tottenham. Chelsea are still in need of a reliable goal scorer up front despite their heavy spending over the last year while Spurs remain in the market for a new no9 following Harry Kane’s departure.

Manchester United have also been credited with interest in his services in the past.

Toney will likely have no shortage of suitors in January but the Mirror report Arteta hopes to convince the striker to head for north London.

The Gunners boss plans to sell Toney his ambition and vision for the club, hopeful it will be enough to convince him to reject rival clubs.

Arteta had such success in the summer with the club record signing of Declan Rice.

Treble-winners Manchester City made a late move to sign the England international from West Ham but Rice’s preference remained a move to Arsenal, eager to play under Arteta.

Meanwhile, former Arsenal star Paul Merson believes Toney is the only realistic option for his former side In January.

‘Only Ivan Toney is available for them in January – there aren’t many centre forwards around in the world. They’re a dying breed.

‘Years ago you had Michael Owen, Alan Shearer, Teddy Sheringham and Robbie Fowler were getting 20 to 30 goals a season and they didn’t get a million England caps. Ian Wright and Les Ferdinand too. Now you get to 20 goals in the Premier League and you play for England.

‘Toney is a good player – he can hold the ball up, he’s good in the air. Arsenal might have to go for him. But there are not a million centre forwards around.’

MORE : Paul Merson insists Fabio Vieira ‘isn’t good enough’ and says Ivan Toney is ‘only option’ for Arsenal in January

MORE : Emile Smith Rowe intent on fighting for Arsenal place after failed Chelsea transfer

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^ ^ Claude Makelele confirms his Chelsea departure after ‘mutual agreement’ with club

Claude Makelele has confirmed he has left his post at Chelsea after a mutual agreement to move on from Stamford Bridge.

The former France international, who made over 200 appearances for the club during one of their most successful periods, returned to west London in 2019 taking up a role as technical mentor and youth coach.

The 50-year-old has worked closely with Chelsea’s academy stars but he becomes the latest figure at the club to move on in what has been a period of significant change since the club’s takeover last summer.

In a brief statement released on Twitter, Makelele confirmed his exit.

‘After four fulfilling years, Chelsea and I decided, by mutual consent, that it is time for me to seek a fresh, new challenge.

‘I do want to thank the fans for their affection. Blue will always be the colour of my heart, I will share more once I have set my mind on the next chapter.’

Makelele’s exit follows that of coach Bruno Saltor, who stepped up as caretaker boss for one game last season against Liverpool before Frank Lampard’s return as interim manager.

After 4 fulfilling years, @chelseafc & I decided, by mutual consent, that itâ€˜s time for me to seek a fresh, new challenge. I do want to thank the fans for their affection. Blue will always be the color of my heart; Iâ€™ll share more once Iâ€™ve set my mind on the next chapter ðŸ’™ pic.twitter.com/FLt446Kr27
— Claude MakÃ©lÃ©lÃ© (@ClaudeMakelele) September 28, 2023

The Spaniard arrived as part of Graham Potter’s staff but in explaining his departure, Mauricio Pochettino explained last week he ‘did not belong’ to his backroom team.

‘It was a decision that was made between the club and Bruno,’ Pochettino said last week.

‘He did not belong to my coaching staff, and so it is the best decision for him and the club.’

Chelsea secured a morale-boosting 1-0 victory over Brighton in the third round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, setting up a meeting with Blackburn Rovers in the round of 16.

The Blues make the short journey to Craven Cottage in the Premier League on Monday night, having taken just five points from their opening six games so far this season.

MORE : Chelsea struggling to secure future of highly-rated left-back Ian Maatsen

MORE : Tottenham’s rapid reinvention under Ange Postecoglou undermines Mauricio Pochettino’s call for patience at Chelsea

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^ ^ Osimhen, Ajax and the other side of Gattuso

Steve Crossman is joined by Guillem Balague, Julien Laurens and Kristof Terreur. They discuss the social media mess at Napoli that has left Victor Osimhen angry and frustrated. De Telegraaf journalist Marcel van der Kran joins the pod to discuss the situation at Ajax. The team also discuss the appointment of Gennaro Gattuso as the new boss at Marseille, the latest off-field issues at Barcelona and the flying starts made by Girona and Brest. 0 mins: The team discuss their public speaking experiences. 3 mins: Guillem discusses playing crazy golf with Julen Lopetegui. 6 mins: Victor Osimhen – the social media mess and his future with Napoli. 16 mins: Why it has all gone so wrong for Ajax, with de Telegraaf journalist Marcel van der Kran. 28 mins: How Gennaro Gattuso will fit in at Marseille. 33 mins: The latest off-the-field issues at Barcelona. 39 mins: The superb start to the season for Girona and Brest.

^ ^ Napoli break silence over TikTok video mocking Victor Osimhen following threats of legal action from striker

Napoli have issued a statement insisting social media videos appearing to mock Victor Osimhen were not intended to offend the striker.

The bizarre post on the club’s TikTok account showed footage of Osimhen appealing for the penalty in the goalless draw with Bologna on Sunday.

The clip, which has now been deleted, then showed the Nigeria international missing the spot kick.

Osimhen’s agent, Roberto Calenda, slammed Napoli’s social media post and has threatened legal action against the Serie A club.

Five days on from the incident, Napoli have now broken their silence in a statement where they describe the 24-year-old as a ‘treasure of the club’ but with no direct apology forthcoming.

Osimhen established himself as one of Europe’s most sought-after strikers last season with Manchester United and Chelsea among those who considered moves only to be priced out by Napoli’s valuation which was reported to be €150million.

In the statement, Napoli confirmed they rejected a number of offers, insisting those decisions demonstrate how much he is valued by the Serie A champions.

‘Calcio Napoli, wishing to avoid any exploitation of the issue, point out that we never wanted to offend or mock Victor Osimhen, who is a treasure of this club,’ the club said.

‘As proof of that, during the summer training retreat, the Club firmly rebuffed every offer that was received for the striker’s transfer abroad.

‘Social media, in particular TikTok, has always used an expressive form of language with a light heart and creativity, without wanting to, as in the case with Osimhen as protagonist, have any intention of insult or derision.

‘In any case, if Victor perceived any offence towards him, this was not what the club intended’.

Following the release of the video, Osimhen removed any traces of Napoli from his social media accounts but was back in the side for Wednesday’s game against Udinese.

The Nigeria international scored his side’s second goal but made no attempt to celebrate. Napoli head coach Rudi Garcia later declared the former Lille star remains ‘100 per cent invested in our project’.

MORE : Napoli boss Rudi Garcia breaks silence on Victor Osimhen TikTok video controversy

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