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The consistent inconsistencies of Chelsea Football Club came to the fore once again last night.

Mauricio Pochettino's side bounced back from their disappointing draw at Brentford last week to claim all three points against Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge.

It wasn't the Blues' best performance of the season, as some questionable moments allowed the Toon back into the game at points, but a number of stars put in a good showing during the 3-2 victory.

One of those was Cole Palmer, whose brilliant displays on the night saved the blushes of one of his less-than-impressive colleagues.

Cole Palmer's game in numbers

The former Manchester City prospect put in another barnstorming performance for the Stamford Bridge faithful last night. While a few other players, such as Mykhailo Mudryk and Nicolas Jackson, deserve some praise, the Englishman was named Sky Sports Player of the Match, and rightly so.

The 21-year-old was involved in practically everything good about the Pensioners' display, spearheading attacks, playing key passes, and even making a number of important tackles.

GOAL's Matt O'Connor-Simpson was so impressed with the Wythenshawe-born ace that he awarded him a 9/10 on the night, describing the youngster as 'sensational' and claiming that 'Chelsea would be lost without him.'

It might sound hyperbolic, but his statistics from the night show just how important he was to the win. In his 86 minutes of action, he scored one goal, provided one assist, took 49 touches, played three key passes, took two shots on target, succeeded in two of his dribbles, made one interception, and even made three tackles.

Overall, without Palmer, Chelsea wouldn't have won the game and had that happened, another of the club's star attackers would have received a lot more criticism for his performance on the night.

Raheem Sterling's game in numbers

Yes, the Blues star who was saved by Palmer's brilliance against Newcastle was Raheem Sterling.

The 82-capped Englishman was named in the starting lineup after being dropped for the game at the Gtech Community Stadium, and it's fair to say he didn't do his chances of starting against Leicester City on Sunday any good.

It might sound harsh, but it's an opinion shared by O'Connor-Simpson, who awarded the former City ace a 4/10 on the night. He criticised him for a 'petulant foul', being 'pretty wasteful in the final third', and argued that he needs to 'start stepping up more regularly as a senior member of this young team.'

The 29-year-old's stats from the game don't make for pretty reading, either. In his 71 minutes of action, he took just 15 touches, completed seven passes, completed zero long balls or crosses, missed one big chance, won none of his six dues, lost the ball five times, committed one foul, and was dribbled past three times.

In all, it was a horror performance by the experienced professional, and were it not for his younger teammate on the opposite wing, he'd be getting a lot more criticism for it.

Chelsea played a blinder selling £34m gem who's worth less than Sterling

The Cobham star has had a rough couple of years away from Stamford Bridge.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Mar 6, 2024

At the end of the day, Chelsea have a real chance of reaching the semi-finals of the FA Cup on Sunday, and after last night, Pochettino should be starting anyone else on the left flank.

Barcelona could struggle to convince Euro 2024 star Nico Williams to join them from Athletic Club this summer.

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• Williams not guaranteed to sign
• Barcelona may have to reconsider
• Deco trying to persuade winger

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Signing Williams may not be as straightforward as first hoped. His €58 million release clause (£49m/$63m) represents value for a player of his ability, age and potential, but reports that the Euro 2024 winner is having doubts about linking up with Barcelona this year and could postpone the move by 12 months.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  After Hansi Flick and his playing squad flew to Orlando to begin a pre-season tour, sporting director Deco is reported to have stayed behind to persuade Williams to move this summer. Previous reports have suggested Barcelona are ready to trigger the release clause, although with the winger now not so sure, instead rate the chance of signing Dani Olmo higher.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  As a result of injuries, delayed returns and international duty, Flick is without as many as 10 first-team players in his first tour as Barcelona coach. Gavi, Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, Ronald Araujo and Ansu Fati have not made the trip while they recover from various issues, while Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres are still on leave following Euro 2024. Pau Cubarsi, Eric Garcia and Fermin Lopez are also part of Spain's squad at the Olympics right now.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA?

  If Williams really is doubting whether to join Barcelona this year, the club have a decision to make. Pursuing could end up being a waste of time when Flick's squad needs strengthening if the club are to have any chance of competing with Real Madrid.

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou is "likely" to go and sign a Champions League-winning forward on a permanent deal in the summer, according to a report this week.

Lange making Spurs transfer plans as he targets attackers

A lot of the rumours concerning Spurs' transfer activity have revolved around possible new attacking additions.

Tottenham player out injured until mid-April after sustaining foot fracture

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By
Emilio Galantini

Mar 14, 2024

Reliable media sources claim that Tottenham want to make a winger their "major" signing of the summer window, leading to interest in both Wolves star Pedro Neto and Crystal Palace ace Eberechi Eze.

There are some suggestions that Spurs are keen on a new striker to replace Harry Kane, despite the fine form of Richarlison when the Brazilian is fit and available.

He's bagged an incredible nine goals in his last ten league appearances for the north Londoners, so Richarlison could perhaps feel hard done by there. However, with months remaining until the summer window opens, technical director Johan Lange's transfer plans could still change.

Whichever position Spurs end up reinforcing later in the year, reports suggest that supporters could expect at least one addition further forward – whether that be an outright number nine or wide player.

Interesting names are consistently emerging on Lange's radar, like Athletic Bilbao forward Nico Williams, who is also attracting interest from Arsenal and Chelsea amid claims his contract includes a £43 million release clause.

There is also the small matter of in-form January loan signing, Timo Werner, who has really impressed since arriving from RB Leipzig. Werner's bagged two goals and two assists in his last seven league appearances under Postecoglou, and appears almost tailor-made for the Australian's system.

The German's endured a few years to forget, ultimately failing to become the prolific goalscorer Chelsea wanted when he signed for them in 2020. After making a move back to Leipzig, Werner wasn't able to rediscover his very best goalscoring form, but we're now seeing real glimpses of his attacking potential in north London.

Spurs boss Ange "likely" to sign Werner permanently this summer

The 28-year-old's temporary Spurs contract includes a £15 million buy option, and a report by GiveMeSport indicates that Postecoglou is personally "likely" to trigger the £15m clause and sign Werner permanently.

Lange, speaking on Tottenham's official social media, suggested that the club are already that impressed with the Champions League-winning forward.

“I think Timo [Werner] is an offensive player who has a massive experience from top level football," said Lange. "The Bundesliga, the Premier League, the Champions League and of course with the German national team.

“He’s also a player who, for most of his career, has played in a style not too dissimilar to ours which means his level of adaptation period could be relatively short and it has been good to see him already effecting games quite early on.”

Paredes scored two brilliant left-footed efforts, leading the U.S. to victory over Guinea and spot in quarterfinals

The U.S. men's Olympics national team have advanced to the knockout stages of the 2024 Paris Games after a 3-0 blanking of Guinea in their final group stage match of the tournament. For the first time since 2000, the U.S. U23 squad will play in a win-or-go-home contest in the tournament, where they will take on Morocco at 9 a.m. ET Friday in the quarterfinals.

The U.S. opened the scoring against Guinea through Colorado Rapids midfielder Djordje Mihailovic, who scored an absolutely stupendous free kick from 19 yards out in the 14th minute of the match. Their lead was doubled in the 29th, after Wolfsburg winger Kevin Paredes was unleashed through the middle of the pitch off a brilliant through ball by Paxten Aaronson.

He finished tidy, cutting onto his left foot, with a strike that set the tone for the remainder of the match.

After a series of second half substitutions, Paredes wrapped up his cameo with his second of the day, making it 3-0 with a lovely left-footed strike into the top-right corner in the 75th minute.

A clean sheet and a victory meant the U.S. finished in second place in Group A, with their path to the Olympic podium now clear. U.S. coach Marko Mitrovic will now look to lead his team towards a medal, an feat last accomplished by the USMNT in 1904.

GOAL rates the U23 USMNT players from Stade Geoffroy-Guichard in Saint-Ettiene.

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  Goalkeeper & Defense

  Patrick Schulte (7/10):

  Kept a clean sheet, was solid when called upon. Good distribution.

  Nathaniel Harriel (6/10):

  Locked down his flank, but was a tad sloppy on the ball with his passing.

  Walker Zimmerman (7/10):

  A brick wall at the back, was sensational anytime Guinea threatened.

  Miles Robinson (7/10):

  His best game yet. Distribution was pinpoint and was accurate when on the ball. Big confidence boost.

  John Tolkin (8/10):

  Another really great performance from the RBNY youngster. Fantastic in transition.

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  Midfield

  Maxi Dietz (7/10):

  A very solid introduction to the XI, replacing the injured Gianluca Busio. Played his role very well.

  Djordje Mihailovic (8/10):

  Scored a stupendous free kick and carved up the opposition defense. His best performance in this kit yet.

  Tanner Tessman (7/10):

  Avoided a yellow card, which was the key to his performance. Played in a higher central role and ran the tempo immaculately.

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  Attack

  Griffin Yow (8/10):

  Brilliant in his first start of the Games. Lively and all over the pitch.

  Paxten Aaronson (8/10):

  Another game, another assist. Was brilliant in a center-forward role, and showed Mitrovic why he's best suited in this spot.

  Kevin Paredes (8/10):

  Sensational first goal of the tournament. His best performance in the Olympics, and much more comfortable playing off Aaronson.

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  Subs & Manager

  Joshua Atencio (6/10):

  Replaced Dietz and was solid to close out the match.

  Jack McGlynn (6/10):

  Wasn't as lively as he was against New Zealand, but replaced Mihailovic early in the second half and was composed.

  Taylor Booth (6/10):

  Replaced Yow, but was not as lively. Impactful with possession, still.

  Duncan Mcguire (6/10):

  Replaced Aaronson and closed out the match. Little to no service centrally, once again.

  Marko Mitrovic (8/10):

  Fantastic first half and his changes in the XI paid off. Yow was brilliant and Aaronson centrally helped lead to both goals. A perfect result for the young manager.

Everton have excelled defensively under boss Sean Dyche, with the Toffees having the best defensive record of any side outside the Premier League's top four.

The club's good defensive record is partially down to Jordan Pickford, with the England international making 86 saves in the top-flight – the ninth-best record of any 'keeper in the league.

Pickford has also kept the joint second-most clean sheets in the division, with Arsenal's David Raya the only 'keeper to register more.

The combination of Dyche's back-four and Pickford have given the Toffees a fighting chance of preserving their record of being in every Premier League season, despite the club's six-point deduction earlier this campaign.

However, the club have struggled in front of goal this season, with the Toffees only scoring 29 times in 28 games, with only bottom-of-the-table Sheffield United scoring less.

The club may have missed a trick by selling one player, who was on the books at Goodison Park with the former Toffee in great goalscoring form this season.

Ellis Simms' stats at Everton

After joining Everton's academy at 16, striker Ellis Simms instantly became a success within the club's academy, scoring 32 times in 21 U18 Premier League games – a truly staggering record.

He rapidly progressed at Goodison, scoring eight times in 15 games for the club's U21 side during the 2019/20 season, before making his first step into senior football with Blackpool just a year later.

Simms notched up ten goals in his 24 games for the Tangerines, a record that would see him make his Premier League debut for the Toffees during the 2021/22 season.

The striker started and featured for 62 minutes in the 1-1 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, but he would have to wait nearly 18 months for his next opportunity within the Toffees' first-team setup.

The youngster enjoyed a 17-game stint on loan at Championship side Sunderland, scoring seven times before being recalled by boss Dyche.

He would go on to make 11 appearances for Everton between January and May, only featuring for 219 minutes, starting just twice.

However, the forward did score his first Toffees goal in the 2-2 draw against Chelsea – a real full-circle moment for the youngster as he scored against the side he made his top-flight debut against.

Ellis Simms' stats since leaving Everton

The club decided to sell 23-year-old Simms for £8m to Championship side Coventry City during the summer of 2023, with the marksman enjoying a brilliant scoring season.

Where Are They Now

Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast's Where Are They Now series.

He's bagged 14 goals so far this campaign – a tally higher than any member of Everton's first-team setup, with Abdoulaye Doucoure achieving the most with just six.

Simms' has scored five of his goals in the FA Cup, including a double against Wolves at the weekend that secured the Sky Blues' place in the semi-final.

The "unbelievable" striker, as dubbed by Sky Sports pundit Karen Carney, allowed the Toffees to make a sizable amount of money on a player who had only shown glimpses of quality during his time at the club.

However, his form in the Championship this season could see the club regret selling the striker, with the 23-year-old having the potential to become a top-quality forward in the years to come.

As Crystal Palace appear destined for another season of mid-table obscurity in the Premier League, Steve Parish looks set to give the Eagles whatever is necessary to take them to the next level.

Palace need a new striker this summer

Ever since Wilfried Zaha's departure from Selhurst Park, the Eagles have struggled to replace the Ivorian's attacking influence. No Palace player has scored more than six league goals this season, with the south London outfit relying heavily on goals to come from midfield and wide areas.

Crystal Palace were rinsed by £170k-p/w signing who earned more than Eze

The highly-rated star cost the clubs millions and offered nothing in return.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Mar 22, 2024

Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise have been Palace's standout performers this season, but have both faced injury problems and have struggled to get on the pitch. Jean-Philippe Mateta and Odsonne Edouard are the closest thing the Eagles have to a traditional number nine, though both have failed to impress during the campaign.

With this in mind, there is no wonder why signing a striker is at the top of Parish's shopping list as he looks to back Oliver Glasner in the transfer market.

Eagels set to make swoop for Nketiah

As first reported by Football Insider's Pete O'Rourke, Crystal Palace look set to put in a bid for Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah. The Eagles have been interested in signing the 24-year-old for some time, however, this news is the first mention of the south London outfit putting in an official bid ahead of the summer.

Nketiah has been on the radar of numerous Premier League clubs including Wolves and Brentford, with the Gunners reportedly setting a minimum price tag of £40m for the striker. In a modern game in which young strikers easily fetch north of £100m, signing Nketiah for the figure quoted could represent a major coup for whichever side lands him.

The Englishman has operated on the peripheries of the Gunners' starting XI for much of his senior career, normally limited to appearances in the cup and brief cameos off the bench. Whilst this will have satisfied Nketiah in his early days, the 24-year-old is clearly now itching for regular first-team action.

In his limited appearances this season, the striker has managed to find some success, in particular a first career hat-trick in Arsenal's 5-0 victory over Sheffield United back in October. Speaking after the game, ex-Palace and Arsenal striker Ian Wright was full of praise for Nketiah on Match of the Day, saying of his performance:

"I thought he was fantastic. I like it when he stays in and around the area, and he looked very sharp. The defenders were very poor but, at the same time, he was very sharp."

"It's about having composure and think that is what Eddie has got. He is very aggressive and I don't think Luke Thomas was strong enough to deal with the mood Eddie was in."

With Palace clearly in the market for a new number nine this summer, there would be few better options than snapping up an established Premier League talent like Nketiah.

The 24-year-old center back has garnered attention with strong performances for the Rapids and Canada, with a transfer to France now on the cards.

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• Bombito's time in MLS appears close to an end
• Was named 2024 MLS All-Star
• Nice hope to fill void created by Jean-Clair Todibo's exit

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The fastest man in MLS appears set for a move to Ligue 1.

  The Colorado Rapids and OGC Nice have reportedly agreed to a €7 million transfer fee for Moises Bombito, pending successful completion of the contract and medical phase.

  The 24-year-old center back has significant strides in his second season in MLS. He was named to his first MLS All-Star game and went viral on social for being the fastest player in the league, clocking at an impressive 23 miles per hour. Bombito has been a crucial part of the Rapids' turnaround this season, helping a team that won just five games in 2023 go up to fourth in the Western Conference standings with 12 wins in 26 games played.

  Fabrizio Romano was first to break the news.GOAL US reached out to the Colorado Rapids for comment.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Bombito's rise has been nothing short of astonishing this season. His performances in the 2024 Copa America, which helped Canada make a run to the semifinals, garnered praise from his national team manager Jesse Marsch.

  “For me, the best example of what’s wrong with the sport in our country is that Moïse Bombito never really was identified until 23 years old. Like, that can’t be," Marsch said.

  “I’ve coached some of the best centre-backs in the world: (Dayot) Upamecano, (Ibrahima) Konaté, (Joško) Gvardiol. And [Bombito]’s talent level is in that category."

  Romano reported Bombito is seen as the potential replacement for France international Jean-Clair Todibo, who just secured a high-profile loan to buy move to the Premier League with West Ham United.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Bombito was the No. 3 selection in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft. His rise proves there is still value to be found in scouting college soccer, despite some criticisms.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR THE RAPIDS AND OGC NICE?

  The MLS transfer window comes to a close at midnight on Aug. 14. There is a chance the Rapids could aim to purchase Bombito's replacement.

  Nice's season starts Sunday as they travel to face AJ Auxerre in Ligue 1 action as manager Franck Haise looks to get their campaign underway.

Nottingham Forest's Danilo suffered a horror injury during the club's season opener against Bournemouth on Saturday.

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• Danilo suffered shock injury in season opener
• Provided update on his condition
• Forest held Bournemouth to a 1-1 draw

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Premier League fixture between Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth got halted within eight minutes from kick-off as Danilo sustained a horror injury. The Brazilian midfielder went for an aerial challenge with Antoine Semenyo inside the centre circle and then landed awkwardly on the ground. The referee immediately stopped the game and medical help was rushed onto the pitch.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  At first, it was believed that the 23-year-old might have suffered a very serious injury that could keep him sidelined on a long-term basis, however, the player confirmed on Sunday on social media that he is already back home from the hospital and expects to stage a comeback to the pitch soon.

• WHAT DANILO SAID

  On Instagram, Danilo uploaded a story where he wrote, "'Hey guys. I'm just stopping by to say that I'm fine, thank God, and I'm already home. We'll be back soon. Thank you for all the messages of support."

  Danilo Instagram

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  WHAT NEXT FOR NOTTINGHAM FOREST?

  After holding the Cherries to a 1-1 draw in the season opener, Forest will be back in action on August 24 as they take on newly promoted Southampton.

Glasgow Rangers failed to secure all three points in what was a crucial Old Firm derby on Sunday, but they still remain in control of their own Premiership title destiny after the 3-3 draw.

If they can win their remaining seven games – including a clash against Celtic at Parkhead – then the Light Blues will claim their first league title since 2021, completing a remarkable turnaround from where they were at the end of September.

If they play like they did during the first half on Sunday, however, Philippe Clement will have to wait until next season to get his hands on the title, as the performance was abysmal, which is putting it politely.

The right side of the defence was targeted time and time again with plenty of success – Daizen Maeda opening the scoring from that channel – and the Gers were lucky to go into the interval just two goals down.

The team talk delivered by the Belgian clearly worked wonders as they put in a more astute second-half display, scoring three legitimate goals, which included a last-minute screamer by Rabbi Matondo.

Despite a much-improved performance during the second 45 minutes, several players were underwhelming, with Fabio Silva one who failed to offer much going forward.

Fabio Silva’s performance in numbers vs Celtic

The Portuguese forward will be remembered for his theatrics following every foul, rather than his actual performance.

Silva was fouled three times during his time on the pitch, with each accompanied by a series of rolls on the ground, exaggerating everything.

He did win the penalty in the second half, which James Tavernier converted, yet even John Beaton cautioned him for simulation before VAR intervened and overturned his decision.

Silva had two shots on target, missed a big chance and completed just nine passes in what was a lackadaisical performance against Celtic.

The on-loan Wolves starlet also lost possession 16 times in just 69 minutes, while winning only four of the ten duels he contested, being bullied off the ball more often than not.

It was his first ever Old Firm experience, yet the 21-year-old couldn’t quite cope with the pressure as he was replaced with Rabbi Matondo with 20 minutes remaining.

Fabio Silva’s stats since joining Rangers

Prior to the game, Silva had been one of the Gers' finer performers of late, especially as he was deputising for the injured Abdallah Sima on the left wing.

In his first 14 games for the Ibrox side, he scored four goals and proved to be a real menace out wide, giving Clement an extra attacking option.

He may have even added to his goal tally in the top flight, missing five big chances, while the forward averages 1.9 shots, succeeds with 0.5 dribbles and averages 0.6 key passes per match.

On Sunday, however, Silva’s performance was dismal and with a big clash against Dundee on Wednesday evening – giving the Gers a chance of moving two points ahead of Celtic – some changes will be required to the starting XI, absolutely no doubt about that.

Matondo definitely deserves a chance from the first whistle after netting a sublime equaliser, but it is Sima – the replacement for Scott Wright against Celtic – who has proven he is undroppable after his cameo appearance.

Abdallah Sima cameo vs Celtic in numbers

The winger made his return to the first team for the clash against Hibs last weekend, coming on for the final ten minutes in a bid to give him some much-needed minutes on the pitch.

He had missed the previous 13 games due to suffering a hamstring injury while away on international duty with Senegal, but it looks as though he has recovered in time for the climax of the season.

Sima offered a sense of urgency when he came on every time the Gers were attacking, something that Silva couldn’t quite grasp during the first half.

He attempted two dribble attempts, but failed with both while delivering three crosses during the second period as the Light Blues began to slowly get into the game.

With the score still 2-1 to Celtic, Dujon Sterling pounced on a poor pass from Callum McGregor to create a chance, with the ball eventually ending up with Sima, who struck a delicious shot which took a deflection into the net.

It was another goal to add to his collection since joining on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion last summer, with his second-half performance surely convincing Clement that he must be unleashed from the start against Dundee.

Abdallah Sima’s statistics at Rangers

His goal against Celtic was Sima’s 16th of a wonderful campaign, with more to come over the remaining seven Premiership matches, hopefully.

It isn’t just his goals that have made him one of the club’s most dangerous attacking options. When compared to his teammates in the top flight, Sima currently ranks third for shots (2.8) along with ranking first for successful dribbles (1.4) per game, showcasing his talents on the wing throughout the season.

In two previous meetings with Dundee, the 22-year-old has scored once and registered an assist, particularly impressing in the 3-1 at Ibrox in December.

Along with his goal, Sima won a penalty, succeeded with two of his three dribble attempts, managed four total shots, and won ten of his 12 aerial duels contested during the match.

A complete display and there is no doubt he can terrorise their backline once again should he be unleashed in the starting XI.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

The Senegal international has clearly worked hard to get back to full fitness following a few months out, but it looks as if he hasn’t been away at all, especially judging by his display in the Old Firm match.

Dropping to the bench may stand Silva in good stead, giving him a rest ahead of a clash against Ross County in the highlands on the weekend, where Clement will need every one of his players firing on all cylinders.

Another goal or two by Sima on Wednesday will see Gers leave Dundee with all three points, with Premiership glory in their own hands.

On Sunday, Manchester United's co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe embarked on his journey to complete the famous London Marathon.

He crossed the line in four hours and 30 minutes but somehow that would not have been the most stressful and strenuous task of his day.

Just an hour later he was at Wembley for the club's FA Cup semi-final clash with Coventry, a match that very nearly ended in tears for the Red Devils.

Erik ten Hag's men were cruising. 3-0 up and coasting into a showpiece final with rivals, Manchester City, their Championship opposition staged one of the most amazing comebacks we've seen in football.

Truth be told, United should have lost. The encounter went to extra time and as we ticked into the 121st minute, it looked as though Mark Robins' team had stolen a remarkable place in the final.

Cue VAR. Dreaded VAR. Damn you VAR for robbing us of one of the greatest upsets in this great competition's history. Alas, the goal was ruled out for offside and to penalties we went. Casemiro stepped up first but was his spot-kick saved. Surely not? Thankfully not for those in red. United still made it through, by the skin of their teeth.

It is a second final in as many seasons for Ten Hag who notably lifted the Carabao Cup last term. However, should that save him? Arguably not. This United team looks like a sinking ship under the Dutchman and the new ownership must look to get rid this summer, regardless of whether a trophy is brought home.

Where it's gone wrong for Erik ten Hag

How long is a piece of string? Ten Hag arrived in English football with a fine reputation from his days with Ajax but it's safe to say he is not doing a great job this term.

The 20-time English champions may well be into the final of the FA Cup but they have been miles off for large parts of the campaign. They failed to make it through the Champions League group stages and are now seventh in the Premier League, a whopping 16 points off a place at Europe's top table next season.

Finishing in the top four should be a bare minimum for any manager at United. This is one of football's great institutions and they should be challenging for the title.

Sadly, they are a great distance from even being close to that. There are few signs it'll get better in the future either.

Yes, they have suffered long-term injuries to both Luke Shaw and Lisandro Martinez but that shouldn't alter the way the entire team plays.

Defensively is where they are sorely lacking, however. The Old Trafford club have staggeringly conceded seven goals in injury time of matches since the beginning of February. That could well be seen as bad luck, but it isn't.

Indeed, Ten Hag's defensive methods leave plenty to be desired. According to Understat, Man United are the fifth worst side in the Premier League as far as expected goals (xGA) are concerned with a haul of 63.61. To put that into context, the only sides worse in that department are Luton, Burnley and Sheffield United – the three teams in the relegation zone – and West Ham.

If you're seeking the best result in the division then look no further than Arsenal whose xGA sits at just 25.89. The disparity between the two figures is incredible.

They're not very good at scoring goals either. United may well have found the net three times at Wembley on Sunday evening but in the league, they rank 12th for expected goals (xG) with 50.36. That's even worse than lowly Everton who have been bravely fighting against relegation.

The stats don't paint a pretty picture, and then there are the substitutions. Just before Coventry's comeback started to gather speed, Ten Hag withdrew Garnacho for the ever-dull Antony. Then, at 3-1, off came Kobbie Mainoo, replaced by the ageing Christian Eriksen.

Yes, they should still have been able to see out of the game but it said a lot that the Dutch manager was willing to sacrifice two of his most vibrant players this season.

Omari Forson and Amad Diallo were both introduced in extra time, but by that point, it was too late.

Ten Hag was already fighting for his job before this remarkable encounter at Wembley, but he should really be feeling the pressure now.

Criticism is mounting; Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News even went as far as to hand him a 1/10 rating for how the semi-final played out. Harsh? Yes. But either way, Ten Hag has to go. They are only falling further and further behind the Premier League's best outfits.

Man Utd lining up a potentially "incredible" Erik ten Hag replacement

He will be available for free this summer.

By
Joe Nuttall

Apr 16, 2024