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Paul Robinson has issued an honest assessment of Joelinton as the Brazilian continues to struggle for the Magpies.

What did he say?

The former England international made his comments after Joelinton once again failed to influence the match against Wolves with just one dribble and zero key passes made.

He has featured out wide over recent weeks but that shouldn’t take away from the fact he has just a single goal in 23 appearances in return for his £40m fee.

Robinson made reference to his outing against League One opposition last week, where a pitiful finish from yards out meant that his dry spell continued, and ultimately contributed to Newcastle drawing the match.

However, his problems have been more widespread than that, as the ex-keeper told Football Insider:

“He’s yet to find his feet in the Premier League, he’s struggled.

“He’s missed a number of chances, he’s been very, very wasteful with a lot of chances, including the Rochdale game, and I think he’s really struggling for confidence and it’s hard as a goalscorer.

“If it’s not going right you try a lot harder and that’s when it gets worse for you. He seems to be in a rut and he just needs something to go his way.”

Misguided faith?

Despite his poor run of form the 23-year-old is seemingly still one of the first names on the team sheet, and has only failed to start one league game under Bruce.

It should be a concerning sign of Bruce’s management, as although players need their manager to show faith in them, Joelinton is clearly letting down his boss time after time.

However, the Newcastle manager appears as though his mindset won’t change, with a belief that Joelinton will only begin to show his true colours by getting on the score sheet once again.

There could be some truth in that, as Miguel Almiron looks a different player now he has broken his goal duck – scoring in back-to-back Premier League games after a fine finish gave Newcastle the lead against Wolves on Saturday.

Joelinton has had his fair share of chances to end his terrible run, though, yet the likeliness of him scoring seem to be diminishing.

As a result, Dwight Gayle and Andy Caroll should feel slightly aggrieved at their comparative lack of game time, and Bruce should perhaps make a decisive step to reduce his dependency on the former Hoffenheim man by adding a new striker this month.

Meanwhile, Lee Ryder has provided an update in regard to an exciting transfer target that interests Newcastle.

Tottenham Hotspur fans have reacted to a report claiming that Matias Vecino could be included in Inter Milan’s deal to sign Christian Eriksen from Tottenham Hotspur.

The Mirror claims that the Italian club are attempting to include the midfielder in the move as they attempt to bring the Denmark international to Serie A.

Forever a Spurs legend: Honour Pochettino by getting 100% on this all-Poch quiz…

It remains to be seen if that offer will be successful but a number of supporters are not happy about the prospect of bringing the midfielder to the club if the Dane leaves.

And a number of others fans are not actually sure who Vecino is.

The 28-year-old has made 88 appearances for Inter, with 17 coming this season.

He has also won 41 caps for Uruguay and has a contract that runs until 2022 at the San Siro.

Vecino is, of course, a defensive-minded central midfielder, the profile of a player that Spurs need to acquire.

Moussa Sissoko is out until April and the only other options are Eric Dier and Victor Wanyama, with the latter yet to play in the Premier League under Jose Mourinho.

It will, naturally, be interesting to see if Vecino ends up in north London.

Meanwhile, Spurs fans have piled in on one player.

Sheffield Wednesday have made their first signing of the Garry Monk era, and it is one that puts one long-serving squad member at serious risk.

What’s the word?

The club announced late on Wednesday evening that they had signed Argentinian winger Manuel Hidalgo from Italian outfit Triestina for an undisclosed fee following a successful trial period.

Speaking to the club’s official website about the move, the 20-year-old said:

“I know I need to take some steps towards the first team. I played for the first team in Italy and I know it’s not the same here.

“I want to play first for the Under-23s but my main goal is to play for the first team.”

It is the first time that Monk has been able to operate the transfer market, and as a result, departures are expected.

Tick-tock

The Owls currently have three wingers in rotation in Adam Reach, Jacob Murphy and Kadeem Harris, so some depth is needed in the role.

They are also able to call upon Fernando Forestieri, when available, but that’s been an all too infrequent matter this campaign.

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One of Carlos Carvalhal’s first signings at the club back in the summer of 2015, Forestieri quickly became a cult figure at Hillsborough as he finished as the top goalscorer in back-to-back playoff campaigns.

However, under Monk this season, the 29-year-old has hardly been seen – in part down to a six-match suspension and also injuries playing havoc – he’s started just one game since he took charge in September and hasn’t been involved the end of October, per Transfermarkt.

It’s the dawn of a new decade in the Premier League, but how much do you know about the last 10 years?

Forestieri can play in the middle or out wide, as can Hidalgo; with his contract set to expire in the summer, it would make sense to think of the future ahead especially as the veteran midfielder doesn’t appear to be in his direct plans.

Sheffield Star reporter Dom Howson believes it isn’t out of the realms of possibility that late interest can come in for the Owls’ players closer to deadline day, of which Forestieri could be one.

And in other news, this Premier League loan move isn’t Wednesday’s main and only focus…

Manchester United are seemingly in the market for a new forward after Marcus Rashford picked up an injury that could sideline the young striker for quite some time.

And currently, Inter Milan’s hot attacking prospect Lautaro Martinez appears to be a target for the Red Devils according to reports in the English press (via Calciomercato).

The big fat United quiz of 2019 – how much do you remember about the last year at Man Utd?

But the 22-year-old Argentine may have dealt the Red Devils a big blow with his recent comments, stating that he’s quite happy at San Siro despite being flattered by both Manchester clubs’ interest, as quoted by TycSports (via Manchester Evening News):

“Today, I’m an Inter player and I’m happy here. The fact that they speak well of me means that I’m doing something right and the intention is to continue on this path. I’m calm, happy and at ease with Inter.”

Still, regardless of whether Man United actually manage to scoop him up or not, Martinez looks like someone who could be a competent Rashford substitute or even replace him altogether while offering a somewhat different set of skills.

For this specific comparison, we’ll be using both players’ career stats to get the full picture of their respective profiles.

Another thing to note is the disparity between their overall game time as Rashford has already tallied 11500 minutes in 182 appearances under his belt as opposed to Martinez’s 6947 minutes across 109 appearances.

But with that being said, we can immediately notice that even though he doesn’t seem to be as prolific in front of goal as his counterpart, the Red Devils’ star is more of a creative presence for his team.

This is evidenced by his superior 1.4 dribbles per game and 78.6% passing accuracy as opposed to the Argentine’s one dribble per game and 65.9% passing accuracy.

On a similar note, Rashford is also safer on the ball, averaging fewer unsuccessful touches per game with two compared to Martinez’s 2.6.

But the young Nerazzurri star offers a different array of skills to his team – he boasts a better goal to game ratio with 46 strikes in 109 appearances compared to Rashford’s 54 in 182.

He is also much better in the air, winning 1.2 aerial duels per game as opposed to the Englishman’s 0.5, which is another dimension he could potentially add to Man United’s attacking repertoire.

Overall, both players have their strengths and weaknesses and Martinez’s arrival could certainly give Solskjaer something different to what he currently has at his disposal.

According to Sky Sports News (31/01/2020), Tottenham have now agreed a fee for Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud.

What’s the word?

Heading into deadline day, Sky Italia (via the Daily Mail) claimed that the Frenchman was set to boycott training in a bid to finally exit the Blues in the final hours of the deadline.

That, however, doesn’t look as though it will be necessary after Sky Sports News claimed on Friday morning that a fee had been agreed between the two clubs for Giroud to move across London.

The former Arsenal man looks like he’ll be returning to north of the capital in a move that is certain to cause a few stirs at his former employers.

Graeme Bailey claimed earlier this week that the forward’s agent was trying to engineer a move – something which now looks as though it’ll happen.

Progressing quickly

Recent reports have suggested that Spurs were also trying to bring Real Sociedad striker Willian Jose to the club on loan but they had initially been put off by the £25m price tag put on his shoulders.

The price on Giroud’s head hasn’t yet been revealed but with the player out of contract at the end of the season, it’s presumably far cheaper.

Calling all transfer experts! How much did each of these Deadline Day signings cost?

Providing the 33-year-old arrives, he will provide a much-needed body to the centre-forward position left behind by the injured Harry Kane.

Lucas Moura and Son Heung-Min have both been charged with playing in that role but the addition of a proven striker will definitely aid their cause.

Giroud is yet to score in the league this season but has 78 Premier League goals to his name.

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Mbwana Samatta scored Aston Villa’s first headed goal in the Premier League this season, during their 2-1 loss against AFC Bournemouth.

On the chalkboard

Villa’s game against Bournemouth was their 25th Premier League match of the season, but somehow, Samatta’s goal was their first scored with a head this term, as said by the commentator on Sky Sports’ highlights.

Jack Grealish had played the ball into Keinan Davis, who turned and took a shot that looped up off of Simon Francis’ foot, which allowed Samatta to get in ahead of Aaron Ramsdale and head the ball into the back of the net.

The main takeaway from the game is that Villa walked away without securing any points, which means they are still just one point above the relegation zone, however, when looking for positives, the nature of this goal is where it can most likely be found.

Watch Aston Villa Videos With StreamFootball.tv Below

A good sign

First of all, Samatta’s anticipation is superb. As soon as the ball leaves Davis’ foot, the Tanzanian is already aware that he may be able to sniff out a chance.

Then there is the bravery and focus to watch the ball onto his head and guide it past Ramsdale, despite the fact that it was highly likely he would get a clattering from the Cherries goalkeeper.

There is also the fact that he has already done what no other player in the team has been able to, whether that is Wesley in the box or the likes of Tyrone Mings coming up for corners.

Did he really play for us?! No Villa fan has managed to name all of these obscure Villans….

If Villa are to stay up, they will need to find various ways to score goals, in addition to keeping them out with greater regularity.

Therefore, the fact that it has taken them so long to score a header is surprising, though it will be encouraging that Samatta has managed to end that record.

Meanwhile, Villa fans reacted to their deadline day signing.

West Ham United winger Jarrod Bowen should take inspiration from Tottenham Hotspur’s Steven Bergwijn, as he prepares to face Manchester City.

On the chalkboard

Coming up against the reigning champions may be a daunting task, especially when a player is making their debut in the Premier League, stepping up from a lesser league.

In Bowen’s case, he also has the pressure of coming into a side that is currently in the relegation zone, having joined in a deal worth over £20m, as reported by BBC Sport at the time.

However, he has definitely shown useful qualities in order to get himself into this situation, scoring 16 goals and assisting a further seven for Hull City in the Championship throughout 2019/20.

He can take inspiration from Spurs’ new man Bergwijn if he makes his debut against City, as the Dutchman proved that an instant impact can be made after his move that cost in excess of £25m.

Taking inspiration

The Dutchman didn’t necessarily make the biggest impact in general play against City, after producing no key passes, one dribble and completing 71% of his attempted passes.

However, his debut will be remembered for the goal that he scored to open Spurs’ account in the game, as they went on to get a massive result, winning 2-0.

After Lucas Moura had sent a dinked ball to him, the 22-year-old chested it down and volleyed it brilliantly, before racing off in jubilation.

Call yourself a West Ham expert? How much did each of these January signings cost?

Bowen has shown that he has the quality to do something similar for the Hammers, as hinted at by his tally for the Tigers.

There will also be hope that he can translate some of his creative talents if he makes his debut, having averaged 1.5 key passes and 1.8 dribbles per game this term before his departure.

Going from producing that in a lesser league to doing it against Pep Guardiola’s side is a massive challenge, but Bergwijn has already shown that can be done.

That being said, the task for Bowen, who has not played in a continental competition as Bergwijn has, will be more difficult.

Meanwhile, West Ham’s past shows that any delusions of grandeur are foolish.

Tottenham Hotspur fans have reacted to a list from Soccerex claiming that they are the fourth most “financially powerful” club in world football.

Spurs are ahead of the likes of Real Madrid, Arsenal, and Liverpool in the list, which takes into account, per Soccerex’s official website, the “playing assets, tangible assests, cash in the bank, potential owner investment and net debt”.

And several supporters believe that the list should serve as motivation for chairman Daniel Levy to splash the cash in the summer in a bid to improve the squad, with some going so far as to suggest potential targets, including Juventus’ Paulo Dybala and Borussia Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho.

The Argentine almost joined the club in the summer but a deal collapsed on deadline day.

Other fans have merely expressed their doubt as to the validity of the list.

Indeed, some believe that there has been a lack of investment in the squad over the years, and others have claimed that this is evidence that Levy can spend big.

It remains to be seen if Spurs will be on the list next year as they continue to fight for Champions League qualification.

They are currently sixth in the Premier League, four points behind fourth-placed Chelsea.

Meanwhile, Spurs have missed out on a baller!

The Athletic’s Jack Pitt-Brooke believes Tottenham defender Toby Alderweireld is starting to show his age following the north London club’s 3-2 win against Aston Villa over the weekend.

The football journalist was discussing a phase of play where the 30-year-old was struggling to contain attacker Jack Grealish, highlighting his lack of pace after his opponent had managed to beat him on the outside.

Speaking on The View From The Lane, Pitt-Brooke said: “There was a moment in the first half right down in front of us, where Jack Grealish ran outside Toby Alderweireld. And watching Alderweireld like turn and try and choke back slowly towards Grealish, you had a moment of wow, he’s actually really old as well.”

Of course, at 30, Alderweireld is not getting any younger. That being said, the Belgian is still of use to Tottenham.

He has played more Premier League games than any other Spurs player this term and is averaging 1.1 blocks per match, the highest amount in the squad (via WhoScored). Signing a new contract until 2023 following Jose Mourinho’s appointment, the Portuguese coach clearly sees him as an important part of his first-team plans for this season and the ones ahead.

Tottenham fans, do you think Alderweireld is on the decline? Give us your thoughts in the comment section below!

Rangers suffered another morale-sapping defeat on Sunday afternoon as they were held to a 2-2 draw away at St Johnstone in a game in which Florian Kamberi impressed from the substitutes bench.

What’s the word?

Kamberi was signed on loan from Hibernian on January deadline day but he is yet to be included in Steven Gerrard’s starting XI.

The 24-year-old striker, though, got his longest run out since signing for the club on Sunday, completing a full 45 minutes after being sent on at half-time to replace Andy Halliday.

And Gerrard’s decision was thoroughly vindicated as Kamberi got the visitors back into the game after 50 minutes before he provided the assist for Joe Aribo’s 71st minute strike.

It was the type of performance which will give the Gers boss food for thought ahead of Thursday’s trip to Braga, and BBC Sport pundit Brian McLauchlin has suggested he could have played his way into the starting XI.

“For the visitors, Kamberi showed he has a real talent for finding the net and may find himself in the XI in Braga in midweek.”

Time to drop Morelos?

Given the quality of his display on Sunday, it’s difficult to argue against Kamberi’s credentials for a starting berth next time out.

But the suggestion from McLauchlin begs one key question: who will make way for the Albanian attacker?

Alfredo Morelos has been in dismal form since returning from the international break and is yet to bag a single goal in the SPFL in 2020.

The Colombia international has often been perceived as an undroppable talent, but his performances of late raise serious questions about his place in the side amid Kamberi’s promising opening to life at Ibrox.

Naturally, Gerrard could also start both strikers in a 4-4-2 formation, but that would be a big gamble in such a high-magnitude fixture.

Either way, Kamberi has made a huge statement to his boss ahead of Thursday’s exciting second-leg showdown in the Europa League.