Many Liverpool fans have been voicing their thoughts on what must change with the Premier League’s use of VAR after several key incidents from the latest round of fixtures, including their encounter with Aston Villa.
Jurgen Klopp’s Reds fell behind in the 21st-minute at Villa Park through a tap-in at the back post by Trezeguet, after the Virtual Assistant Referee deemed there to be no offsides in the build-up to his strike, despite several Villans standing beyond the last defender when the free-kick was taken.
The Anfield natives also saw a goal of their own chalked off the board before they would go on to equalise, with Roberto Firmino adjudged to have been in an offside position through his armpit, as the Brazilian’s outstretched arm appeared to edge marginally ahead of Tyrone Mings’ knee.
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Everton’s meeting with Tottenham Hotspur at Goodison Park on Sunday also put the spotlight on the VAR protocol in place by the Premier League, with Toffees boss Marco Silva demanding a review after several controversial decisions.
Play was stopped for around three minutes to review a potential penalty for handball in the second-half, but no spot-kick was given after it was decided that Dele Alli’s arm did not make illegal contact with the ball.
VAR had already been called on several times at Goodison Park for checks to be carried out, too, with one incident for a potential Spurs penalty being reviewed twice.
The current procedures in place are dividing fans around the country, and some Liverpool supporters have been debating what can be changed to improve VAR – with some suggesting to outright get rid of it!
Some Newcastle United fans took to social media to share their thoughts on Steve Bruce’s decision making after the Toon boss opted to start Jonjo Shelvey over Matty Longstaff against West Ham on Saturday.
Longstaff had started the Magpies’ previous three Premier League fixtures against Manchester United, Chelsea and Wolverhampton Wanderers, but fell to the bench for his side’s trip to East London.
Shelvey, meanwhile, had not featured in the starting line-up since the North East outfit were held to a goalless draw by Brighton & Hove Albion, with his only outing since the Seagulls clash coming as a late substitute against Wolves.
Take a trip down memory lane to a time when Newcastle were giants on the European stage in the video below…
Bruce had to make changes to his midfield to face West Ham, though, as he was without Sean Longstaff after the 22-year-old was issued a three-game ban for his red card issued against Nuno Espirito Santo’s Molineux natives.
The returning Isaac Hayden, who had served a three-game ban for his red card shown against Leicester City, replaced the 22-year-old. Bruce also opting for Shelvey over the younger of the Longstaff brothers caused some uproar on social media, though.
Longstaff had been one of Newcastle’s better-performing players against Wolves last week, when the Toon product consistently called for the ball and picked out a couple of incisive passes, earning a 7/10 rating from Chronicle Live.
Shelvey, on the other hand, featured for just five minutes after drawing with Brighton.
So when Newcastle shared that Bruce had opted for a midfield partnership of Hayden and Shelvey against West Ham, these were some of the reactions…
The Athletic recently urged Chelsea supporters to partake in a survey that revealed that 80% (from 1,105 responses) were less confident in the ownership following the events of the summer transfer window.
Indeed, fans are discontented with the club’s approach, and though Enzo Maresca is working night and day to inculcate his tactical style into the team, his scope is limited.
The Italian is Chelsea’s head coach, not manager, which means that he does not hold the same influence across the board as, say, Thomas Tuchel did. He does have some say, however, and having deemed Conor Gallagher to perform outside the tactical sphere fitting for his ball-playing style, he was sold.
Why Chelsea sold Conor Gallagher
Gallagher had been hailed for bringing "balance and chemistry" to the Chelsea first team by reporter Liam Twomey, but now plies his trade elsewhere, for Maresca could not promise the England international a starting role in his team, and he had entered the final year of his contract.
Atletico Madrid signed the 24-year-old in a £33m deal, ending a career-long permanent residence at Stamford Bridge and commencing a career in Spain, where his energy and multi-functionality in the engine room appear well suited to Diego Simeone's tactical approach.
Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher
The robust midfielder has recently countered claims that he is not technically sharp enough to thrive under Maresca's wing, though refused to engage in a diatribe against his boyhood club.
Will Chelsea come to regret his departure? It's hard to tell, but the Blues are certainly not short of options, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was signed in a £30m deal in what seems to be a like-for-like switch, but there's no question that Gallagher's loss has stung the fanbase, for he was a talismanic figure, straight from Cobham.
Matches (starts)
37 (37)
44 (41)
Goals
5
12
Assists
7
14
Pass completion
92%
84%
Touches*
70.4
62.3
Key passes*
1.4
2.5
Ball recoveries*
6.0
5.1
Tackles*
2.3
1.0
Dribbles*
1.0 (68%)
1.3 (63%)
Duels won*
5.7 (50%)
4.6 (54%)
And anyway, Chelsea's financial dealings in recent years have meant that cashing in for pure profit was always going to be an option hard to resist, with Dewsbury-Hall signed for less and offering more creative and ball-playing qualities that, in Maresca's mind, will positively impact his west London outfit.
Perhaps, considering the different facets, it wasn't the worst piece of business conducted over the summer. Indeed, Gallagher has been replaced, whereas Chelsea have something of a conundrum at right-back, and it could have been solved by keeping hold of Trevoh Chalobah.
Chelsea must regret loaning Trevoh Chalobah
Chalobah was a non-entity throughout the opening months of the 2023/24 campaign, with thigh problems isolating him on the sidelines until finally making his debut under Pochettino in February, away against Manchester City in the Premier League.
Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah
Once hailed as a "soldier" by former boss Graham Potter, Gallagher's fellow Cobham graduate has rejected numerous bids from interested suitors across the years, notably turning Nottingham Forest down in the summer of 2023 despite having been told he would sit on the fringe at Chelsea, who had even agreed to a £25m sale with the Tricky Trees.
Chalobah, moreover, has the kind of technical control that Maresca craves. As per FBref, the Englishman ranks among the top 21% of positional peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for pass completion and the top 13% for passes attempted per 90.
However, he has moved away following a lack of assurances that he would earn minutes under Maresca's wing, joining Crystal Palace on a season-long loan move. The deal doesn't include an option to buy at the end of the term but it might give the 25-year-old the taste of regular action that he has been craving and convince him to push for a permanent move away.
From a shorter perspective, it could prove to be a damaging move for the Blues, who have plenty of depth in central defence but might come to regret his leave given the issues that Stamford Bridge is currently beset with at right-back.
Trevoh Chalobah
Reece James' interminable wait for a lasting run of fitness continues, with the club captain still yet to play a minute this term, albeit he has been out of action due to suspension, superimposed over a recurrence of a hamstring injury.
Malo Gusto has excelled in his stead, though the 21-year-old was forced off during the side's 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace last weekend and might be set for a period of recovery himself, consequently withdrawing from France U21 international duty and building himself back up in the English capital.
Chalobah's ability to shift between central and wide defence would make him the perfect third fit for Maresca, especially since he completed 90% of his passes and won a whopping 65% of his ground duels in the Premier League last year, denoting his passing quality and combativeness.
He's been described as a “monster” by talent scout Jacek Kulig in the past and has the dynamic and versatile qualities to succeed under Maresca, so it's perhaps frustrating that another academy graduate has been allowed to leave – albeit on a loan deal.
Gusto's injury puts a magnifying glass on the potential quandary that's apt to bubble and surface on Chelsea's defensive right flank, and with the Frenchman's return to match action uncertain, Maresca may well be wishing that Chalobah was kept on the books.
Cost £0: Maresca must revive Chelsea star who's worth more than Madueke
The Blues will rise to the next level if Maresca gets the most out of this star…
The transfer window is set to come to a dramatic close in just a matter of days, and plenty of teams are looking to conduct some last-minute business, including Manchester United.
The Red Devils have been incredibly busy this summer, bringing in many talented additions, including Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro and even Manuel Ugarte, who should be announced any minute now.
However, it would appear that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Co want to bring in even more new faces to help speed along their revolution, and one of the most surprising players to be touted for a move to Old Trafford in recent weeks has been Raheem Sterling.
Chelsea forward Raheem Sterling.
The Chelsea ace has been frozen out of things at Stamford Bridge and could get back to his best at Old Trafford, which could happen if United also pick up the latest young star touted for a move to the club.
Manchester United transfer news
According to a recent report from Spain, United are one of several teams interested in Girona ace Miguel Gutierrez.
Girona defenderMiguel Gutierrez.
Alongside the Red Devils, the report claims that Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund are all keen on the talented left-back, while Real Madrid, who own 50% of his rights, have the option to come back in for him.
A price is not mentioned in the report, but the 23-year-old is valued at €24.5m – £20m – by Football Transfers, and while the La Liga side would undoubtedly want more than that, it does suggest that a move might not completely break the bank for a big club like United.
Miguel Gutierrez for Girona against Barcelona.
It could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Gutierrez's incredible form last season, it is one worth pursuing, especially if Sterling makes his way to United, as the young full-back could help revive the Englishman's fortunes.
Why Gutierrez could revive Sterling
Okay, so let's get straight to the point with this one. There is one reason, above all others, why Gutierrez might be able to help Sterling get back to his best at United: his attacking quality.
Yes, the five-capped Spaniard is a more than capable defender, and his ability to do so on the left would, in turn, give the Englishman more license to roam forwards, but it is his impressive level of output that would see him strike up a brilliant partnership with the former Manchester City ace.
For example, in his 40 appearances for Girona last season, the 23-year-old "weapon", as dubbed by U23 scout Antonio Mango, scored two goals and provided nine assists, meaning that he averaged a goal involvement every 3.63 games, which is unreal for a defender.
Appearances
35
5
Goals
2
0
Assists
7
2
Goal Involvements per Match
0.25
0.40
Moreover, according to FBref, which compares players in similar positions across Europe's top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League, the former Real ace sits in the top 6% of full-backs for expected assists, non-penalty expected goals plus assists and pass completion, the top 16% for total shots and the top 18% for actual assists, all per 90.
This helps to show that he wasn't just running hot last season, and if anything, playing in a team with more talent around him could help his numbers improve further.
Just imagine a left-hand side with the 82-capped Englishman flying down the wings to get on the end of a brilliant pass from the Girona ace; it could provide another option to Ten Hag during hard-fought encounters.
Ultimately, it could be a challenging transfer to get over the line, but if United really are going to bring Sterling in on some kind of swap deal this summer, then signing the incredibly exciting Gutierrez to help get the most out of him on the left seems like a brilliant idea.
Fabrizio Romano: Man Utd may make "last-minute" signing after Manuel Ugarte
Popular West Ham United insider ExWHUEmployee has delivered a deadline day update on the Hammers' move for PSG and Spain midfielder Carlos Soler, after a deal was agreed on Friday morning.
Carlos Soler to West Ham latest
The Irons, led by Julen Lopetegui and Tim Steidten, have been one of the busiest clubs in the Premier League this summer, bringing in nine new faces. There has been a mixture of young talent, like Mohamadou Kanté, along with experienced stars such as Max Kilman, who has already shown his worth with a Man of the Match display in the victory at Crystal Palace last weekend.
Max Kilman West Ham graphic
Now they are closing in on likely their final capture of the summer, as reports revealed on Friday Soler will join the East Londoners on loan with a buy option for the end of the season worth roughly £17m. The Hammers will cover the Spain international's £107,000-a-week salary, and Ex has now provided an update on the transfer as fans grow impatient for updates on the deal.
It now seems only a matter of time before the 27 year-old attacking midfielder, once holding a stunning release clause of £140million during his time with Valencia, is holding up the claret and blue.
How good is Carlos Soler?
It's fair to say the Spanish playmaker has struggled to find his feet at PSG, only starting 12 matches in Ligue 1 last season to go with 14 the year before, and just five goals and four assists came his way across those appearances along with a smattering of cameos off the bench.
However, his per 90 statistics actually paint the picture of an elite pass-master who, along with the likes of Lucas Paqueta and Jarrod Bowen, could unlock top flight defences for fun.
Stat (per 90, via FBRef)
Soler rank vs midfielders in comparable competitions
Non penalty goals
90th percentile
Assists
82nd percentile
Shot creating actions
67th percentile
Pass completion
66th percentile
Progressive passes
77th percentile
The former Valencia prodigy, who was back then likened to Arsenal fan favourite Santi Cazorla and Manchester City legend David Silva, ranks extremely highly for chance and shot creation, and the fact he is superior at progressing the ball versus simple pass completion suggests he is not afraid to take risks, something fans at the London Stadium have been crying out for after their football grew stale at times under David Moyes.
Aston Villa have been linked with another newly relegated Premier League star after confirming an agreement to sign Youri Tielemans from Leicester City.
The Villans have had a host of talent on their radar early into the transfer window and with Monchi and Unai Emery at the wheel, it’s set to be a busy summer in the Midlands.
The latest speculation ties the club with another ace that’s Championship bound, should he not be released from his shackles.
What’s the latest on Rodrigo to Aston Villa?
As reported by journalist Ben Jacobs last weekend on the Leeds United Ultras Youtube channel, Aston Villa hold an interest in Leeds United forward Rodrigo.
Jacobs revealed (21.19) that the Midlands club are watching the 32-year-old “very closely”, with Paris Saint Germain and Brighton & Hove Albion also listed as interested clubs.
Signed for £26m in 2020, Leeds are expected to offload the £100k-per-week talent to transition to the financial difference between the top and second division.
What could Rodrigo offer to Aston Villa?
Hailed as an “absolute top talent” by Leeds managing director Angus Kinnear, the Spaniard has been an integral member of the club’s short journey in the Premier League.
The 32-year-old has contributed to 30 goals in 88 appearances in the top division, scoring 26 and assisting four across three seasons via Transfermarkt.
His highest goal tally came this term where he netted 13, however, his contributions were not enough to keep the Whites from relegation on the final day.
Villa could snatch themselves a versatile forward in the Rio de Janeiro-born star, in a talent that is capable of playing wide as well as through the middle as a traditional centre-forward.
When speaking to The Athletic in April, Emery revealed his desire to sign a second striker to add depth to his squad, in a role that could see the favoured individual partner Ollie Watkins or rotate with the Englishman.
With European competition due next season, it’s imperative that the Spaniard recruits to add depth to his squad which is what he could do by capturing Rodrigo.
The 32-year-old has significant experience playing in Europe, including a standout season in La Liga in the 2017/18 campaign in which he recorded 23 goals and assists to show his capabilities in the final third.
When comparing the Spaniard and the Villa star, the numbers suggest that they could become an influential pair at Villa Park whether playing together or in rotation.
As per FBref, over the past year the Leeds gem averaged 1.86 progressive carries to Watkins’ 1.44 per 90 as well as 0.56 non-penalty goals per 90 to the Englishman’s 0.40, showing his ability to match the Villa favourite if called upon in his absence.
While their similarities are declared through their numbers, their differences suggest that they could form a strong partnership together, with the 27-year-old falling short of the Spaniard in terms of progressive passes, registering 1.12 to his 2.05 per 90.
The Leeds star shows strengths in his ability to link play as highlighted through his numbers of progressive passes in comparison to Watkins, suggesting he could act as an encouraging option to feed the 15-goal Villa star.
Monchi could land his first signing at a low price in securing Rodrigo, who could be a strong introduction for Emery’s plans to add depth to his squad.
Liverpool have been credited with an interest for Southampton star Romeo Lavia for several months now, with the Belgium international on the club's shortlist of options this summer.
Jurgen Klopp has received all the plaudits for the exceptional job he has done on Merseyside since arriving in 2015, but the Reds collapsed this season after chasing a historic quadruple last year, and major surgery is now paramount.
World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister has already been signed for a bargain £35m following the departures of midfield trio James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, but further firepower is expected, with Fabrizio Romano confirming that the outfit are in the market for two more midfielders.
And according to The Athletic's James Pearce, the 19-year-old Lavia could soon don the Liverpool shirt, and is considered a part of the core cluster of centre-midfield targets for the club.
Football Insider have also recently claimed that contact has been made with the player's representatives, with Chelsea and Manchester United also both intrigued – a fee of around £40m would likely be enough to prompt the relegated Saints to seriously consider allowing their prodigy to leave.
How good is Romeo Lavia?
While the former Manchester City youngster suffered the ignominy of Premier League relegation last term, the teenage gem can hold his head high after belying his tender age and top-flight inexperience with assured and composed performances from the anchoring role in the south coast club's midfield.
Reporter Benjy Nurick had high praise after one performance earlier this year, saying: "Romeo Lavia was an absolute monster tonight. Quite possibly the best midfielder on the pitch."
The one-cap prodigy has recorded an average league rating of 6.8 – as per Sofascore – and exhibited his skills by completing 86% of his passes, making 2.1 tackles per game and succeeding with an extraordinary 68% of his dribbles, which bodes well as Klopp seeks out progressive players to enhance his midfield.
He could be the "perfect" – as stated by reporter Nick Emms – component to ensure that Trent Alexander-Arnold's late-season purple patch is cemented after a year which highlighted his defensive frailties and left the full-back at the epicentre of Liverpool's woes.
As per The Athletic, the crux of Liverpool's strife this year has been down to the midfield's inability to protect the defence, sapped of vitality and devoid of confidence, and Lavia could fix this and subsequently unlock the full might of Alexander-Arnold's creative arsenal.
As per FBref, Lavia ranks among the top 4% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for rate of blocks per 90, which only further strengthens the claim that, despite still being a budding prospect, he is en route to becoming one of the most dogged in the midfield business.
With Alexander-Arnold now flourishing in his new, inverted role – providing seven assists in the last ten league games of last season, the youthful exuberance of Lavia could ensure that Anfield steps into the new season firing across all cylinders, holding the centre of Klopp's squad together with an iron-clad grip and acting as the midfield 'monster' to allow his creative-centric teammates like the right-back to thrive.
Last summer, Manchester United signed Brazilian midfielder Casemiro from Real Madrid in what was a massive statement of intent from new boss Erik ten Hag.
This was a player who had just won La Liga and the Champions League in the same season and was arguably one of Madrid’s integral players, therefore, bringing him to Manchester was seen as an excellent move and one that would pay dividends.
A fee of £70m certainly raised a few eyebrows at the time as he was the second most expensive player over 30 in history, behind his former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, however, he has been worth every penny.
The midfielder helped United win their first trophy in six years by securing the League Cup, while he ranked as the second-best player in the squad for overall rating in the league while also ranking second for big chances created and first for tackles made, suggesting he has made a positive influence in the Old Trafford side.
Could Ten Hag repeat this masterclass during the summer transfer window? As the Red Devils are reportedly keen on making a move for midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, and they are prepared to offer up to €150m (£129m) in order to make a move happen.
Could Manchester United sign Eduardo Camavinga this summer?
Never say never, especially with the way the club lured Casemiro to England last year, however, Ten Hag may decide to use these funds for a striker or two.
The youngster is an exciting prospect and has enjoyed success at the Spanish side since joining from Rennes in 2021, winning the Champions League and La Liga title in 2021/2022, alongside Casemiro.
He doesn’t offer much in terms of goal contributions, yet his passing and defensive abilities are among the finest on the continent.
Across the big five European leagues, the Frenchman ranks in the top 3% for pass completion rate (89.8%), top 3% for tackles won per 90 (2.14), top 8% for percentage of aerials won (64.1%) and in the top 3% for carries into the final third per 90 (3.06), showcasing his wonderful talent in the heart of the midfield to not only help out defensively, but to also make accurate passes and carry the ball into the final third often.
It's no wonder he was dubbed “special” by Sky Sports reporter Nubaid Haroon just last year and if Ten Hag could somehow pull a move off for the Madrid sensation, he would be repeating his Casemiro masterclass, that’s for sure.
Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in a summer move for Bayer Leverkusen defender, Edmond Tapsoba, albeit with chairman Daniel Levy set to face competition in the battle for the Burkina Faso international.
What's the latest on Tapsoba to Tottenham?
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Lilywhites – as well as rivals, Arsenal – are said to be among the clubs who have been keeping a close eye on the 24-year-old of late.
Writing on Twitter, the transfer insider stated: "Premier League clubs are now tracking Edmond Tapsoba ahead of the summer transfer window — he’s one of the CBs to keep an eye on. Arsenal and Tottenham scouts have monitored Tapsoba in recent games but the race is absolutely open — Bayer will only sell for huge bid."
While the coveted centre-back has a market value of around £26m – as per CIES Football Observatory – as Romano alluded to it could take a 'huge bid' for Spurs to be able to pull off a deal, with the player having reportedly been valued at around €70m (£60m) back in 2021, amid interest from the Gunners.
What's Tapsoba's style of play?
It will be of intrigue to Spurs supporters that the 6 foot 4 ace is said to share a number of stylistic and statistical similarities with current first-team asset, Cristian Romero, according to FBref, amid his displays in the Bundesliga.
That likeness is showcased by the two men's defensive ability, with Tapsoba having recorded 50 tackles, 38 blocks and 36 interceptions in 32 league games this season, while the current Tottenham man has enjoyed a similar record, having racked up 68 tackles, 38 blocks and 44 interceptions from his 27 league appearances.
Tottenham's Cristian Romero
That comparison may be of some concern to those at N17, however, with Romero having endured an underwhelming campaign at the heart of the backline, forming part of a defence that has shipped 62 goals in the league this season – the sixth-worst record in the division.
The World Cup-winning warrior has been described as a "liability" by pundit Jamie O'Hara since making his return from Qatar back in December, while journalist Sam Dean dubbed the 25-year-old as like a "reckless teenager" amid his errant displays.
To think that the club may bring in Romero 2.0 in the form of Tapsoba would be of concern, although the Leverkusen man does possess his own quality, having been described as "complete" and "elegant" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, while ranking in at least the top 7% among his European peers for both progressive passes and progressive carries.
Even so, Spurs may be wary of bringing in a Romero-esque talent into the heart of the defence, such have been the £165k-per-week man's recent woes.
Newcastle United have cemented the foundation of a lasting dynasty under the tutelage of Eddie Howe this season, and could now complete a league-shattering signing by pulling off a deal for Real Madrid phenom Vinicius Junior.
According to Spanish sources, Newcastle are joined by Liverpool and Manchester United in their interest in the Brazilian whiz, who would possibly command a fee as tall as €200m (£174m) to prise him away from Los Blancos' clutches.
The 22-year-old is one of football's hottest commodities and has been integral in Madrid's illustrious success over the past several seasons, and procuring his signature could be the perfect way for Newcastle to stamp their authority after a tremendous campaign that will see them return to the Champions League next term.
Indeed, the Magpies have qualified for the competition for the first time in two decades, and following the PIF takeover in October 2021, now boast an opulence to give St James' Park a palatial feel, one that could entice someone of Vinicius Junior's ilk into joining.
How good is Vinicius Jr.?
When Real Madrid signed 16-year-old forward Vinicius Junior from Brazilian outfit Flamengo for £38m in 2018, several eyebrows arched skyward after such a heavy sum was spent on a player still within their formative years.
However, the 21-cap menace has now forged 224 appearances for the Spanish giants, winning the Champions League, two La Liga titles and the Copa del Rey.
This season, Vinicius has scored 23 goals and supplied 21 assists from 54 appearances, confirming his stature as a "top player" and the "catalyst" for his outfit, as lauded by Daniel Sturridge.
The threat that the £348k-per-week gem would cultivate on Tyneside is a terrifying prospect for the rest of the Premier League, with the flanker ranking among the top 8% of positional peers over the past year for non-penalty goals, the top 8% for assists, the top 1% for progressive carries and the top 1% for successful take-ons per 90, also demonstrating his driving prowess by ranking among the top 1% for touches in the attacking box per 90, as per FBref.
Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior in action against Liverpool.
He would, quite candidly, be the ultimate upgrade on Magpies wide-man Allan Saint-Maximin, whose future on Tyneside yields a more tenuous link by the week as the forthcoming transfer market opens its stalls.
Saint-Maximin is a fleet-footed winger and an enigmatic figure, but has scored only once from 30 appearances this season, starting just 11 times in the Premier League.
It goes without saying that Vinicius Junior would bring a somewhat more direct threat than his French counterpart, concurrently enriching the Toon ranks with his guile and aura as a superlative force.
His signing would embody the shifting of the wind, the changing of direction and the navigation toward prominence and silverware – securing Newcastle's ascension to the forefront of the global game.