Paul Robinson calls for Pellegrini to take Roberto out of the firing line

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

Paul Robinson has suggested that Manuel Pellegrini should take Roberto out of the West Ham United team for his own good, as reported by Football Insider.

What did he say?

The Spaniard has had a very tough time of it since coming in for Lukasz Fabianski, with the Hammers taking just one point from the six games he has started.

There are no signs that things are getting better for the 33-year-old either, as he has conceded three goals in each of his last three games, making errors that have made a large contribution to that concerning number.

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Paul Robinson has suggested that enough is enough, feeling that Pellegrini needs to think of Roberto’s lack of confidence, as quoted by Football Insider: “He can’t just leave Roberto in there, I feel sorry for him, Pellegrini has to take him out.

“I think the manager has to take him out regardless of if you put Martin in or someone from the U-23s, he has to change it.

“He is devoid of confidence, he doesn’t want the ball anywhere near him, you can see he is a bag of nerves, whatever he is trying to do it just doesn’t work.

“Unfortunately, when you get in situations like that as a keeper and the crowd are on your back, there’s not a lot you can do.

“It’s a very very difficult situation and he needs to be taken out of the firing line straight away.”

The correct call

Robinson is making the right call in this situation, as it is difficult to see how Roberto can carry on in goal with his current form.

Not only is this detrimental for the team, but it can be imagined that playing such a large role in losing points week-in week-out must be soul-destroying for the goalkeeper.

This will only be added to by the amount of attention that is being placed upon him, as indicated by the fact he was heavily criticised by West Ham fans after the loss against Tottenham Hotspur.

Regarding Robinson’s suggestion of who could come in, Joseph Anang may be a better option than David Martin.

The 19-year-old will be filled with confidence, having kept five clean sheets in 11 Premier League 2 games this season.

That is a trait West Ham haven’t seen in their goalkeeper for quite some time now.

In other news, there has been an update on Lukasz Fabianski’s injury situation.

Three iconic goals that Liverpool fans will never forget

Liverpool and its fans have been waiting patiently for their first ever Premier League title and once football resumes, it looks like the Reds will finally get their wish.

So to highlight the stellar season they’re having, lets open the vault and have a look at some iconic goals that have created history…

Steven Gerrard vs West Ham (2006 FA Cup final)

The Reds’ most recent FA Cup to date was won in truly spectacular style. As the clock ticked down, Liverpool were trailing 3-2 to the Irons who had one eye and indeed, one hand on the trophy. Until the hero of the hour struck on the cusp of full-time and netted a goal that fans will never be able to forget.

The skipper sent a magnificent strike hurtling into the back of the net from outside the box. A goal that maybe wouldn’t have happened without Gerrard carrying an injury, after he admitted he ‘gambled’ with the attempt because he was too tired to run with the ball.

The goal forced extra time, after which the Reds snatched what looked a certain victory from West Ham and lifted the cup after winning 3-1 on penalties.

Divock Origi vs Barcelona (2019 Champions League semi-final)

Corner taken quickly… ORIGI!

Arguably the most iconic comeback in European history and indeed one of Liverpool’s most important wins.

After taking a 3-0 thrashing at Camp Nou, Jurgen Klopp’s side already looked down and out – with little hope resting on the second semi-final leg at Anfield. But a dream was born and the men in red were determined to recreate the club’s most famous European night… an unbelievable 4-0 win took Liverpool into the final where they eventually went on to lift their sixth Champions League trophy.

Alexander-Arnold’s delivery and Origi’s finish to find Liverpool’s fourth goal has etched itself into the history books forever. Has the Anfield win overtaken that night in Istanbul?

Steven Gerrard vs Olympiacos (2005 Champions League – Group A)

Another European evening in the history books and another astonishing comeback to create one of the club’s most successful seasons. The Reds looked as though they wouldn’t make it out of Europe’s group stage, with their position in the competition resting solely on their second meeting with the Greek outfit.

After a goal from Rivaldo, Liverpool needed three to secure their progression into the knockouts. Florent Sinama-Pongolle and Neil Mellor netted the first two before the captain hammered the nail in the coffin. Gerrard’s late strike was enough to send his side into the Round of 16 in superb fashion, onwards to become eventual champions of Europe for the first time since 1984.

Not only did the Merseyside local help create history with the club, but his goal was the birth of some truly iconic commentary.

What other iconic Liverpool goals do you remember watching? Let us know in the comments!

Man Utd fans react to links with Napoli’s Hirving Lozano

After seeing the success of one former Mexican ace in Javier Hernandez, could Manchester United be set to experience something similar with a move for Napoli’s Hirving Lozano?

According Italian publication Corriere dello Sport (via The Sun), Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side could reignite their interest in the winger this summer, and that added to his abilities on the pitch, view him as a potential success in respects to marketing.

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The report claims that Hernandez’s appeal back in Mexico and “commercial value didn’t go unnoticed by United bigwigs, who feel that Lozano could perhaps have a similar effect both at home and abroad”.

After hearing about their interest in the former PSV ace, United fans took to Twitter to voice their thoughts on their rumoured summer transfer target.

One United fan in particular even suggested the club sell Daniel James and bring Lozano to the club.

If Lozano goes on to enjoy the kind of career that Hernandez had at Old Trafford, then it would be money well spent.

As per Transfermarkt, Chicharito struck an impressive 59 times in just 157 games, a stat made all the more impressive by the fact he came off the bench on numerous occasions.

Lozano could also help not just with his quality on the pitch, but further boost United’s global profile too.

Liverpool fans discuss Alexander-Arnold’s Sancho comments

If Jadon Sancho ends up joining Liverpool this summer, then the Reds may have to thank Trent Alexander-Arnold for doing his best agent work.

In an Instagram Live chat with Michael Dapaah, the England international said (via Sky Sports): “If he came to us, he’d make our team better. So, I’d be more than happy for him to come because I played with him at England and he’s a special, special, special, special talent.”

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Sancho of course has been linked with a big-money to Liverpool’s rivals Manchester United, but the Reds have also been previously credited with an interest in the Borussia Dortmund sensation.

And after hearing about the right-back’s comments on Sancho, Liverpool fans took to Twitter to share their thoughts on what he had to say.

One Liverpool fan however questioned whether Sancho would even make it into their starting eleven, and suggested that their front three would remain the same even if he arrived.

With the likes of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane as wide options for Jurgen Klopp, a move for Sancho isn’t exactly an absolute priority for Klopp this summer.

He already has two bona-fide world class wingers to call upon, and with finances set to be restricted all across the board given the circumstances, getting a deal done for Sancho shouldn’t necessarily be their number one focus.

So whilst Alexander-Arnold may have planted the seeds for Sancho to consider Anfield, it may not pan out to be the case in the long-run.

Meanwhile, Jamie Carragher has given his verdict on this Liverpool starlet.

Charlton: Fans slam latest Q&A session with Marian Mihail

Charlton director Marian Mihail has answered another batch of questions from the club’s supporters about their current situation and many Addicks fans are far from pleased.

In his latest Q&A session via Charlton Athletic’s official site, the former player and manager has faced pressing questions from fans who are eager to know what is in store for them once the football season resumes.

One hot topic among supporters is whether Tahnoon Nimer will be in a position to provide funds for the Addicks to spend in the upcoming transfer window. Mihail has stated that he is confident that a lack of funds will not be a situation with which the board must look to deal, but he has delved into the consequences should Charlton’s owner not be able to offer funding.

“If there is a negative outcome on the source and sufficiency of funds,” the Romanian said. “Or indeed from the EFL investigation, it would likely come with sort of instructions from the EFL. At that stage Tahnoon would have to consider his options which may include selling the club, however, we don’t think it will come to that.”

Some Addicks fans are fearing the worst for their upcoming transfer window and are furious with Nimer. One supporter has commented that ‘Nimer is a fraud’ whilst another at the end of their tether has replied ‘just liquidate us’.

Check out further replies from some of the Charlton faithful below:

What’s your opinion on the current financial situation, Charlton fans? Join the conversation in the comments below… 

Spurs fans react over Mike Maignan transfer report

A transfer report has sparked fresh debate amongst the Tottenham Hotspur fanbase this week.

According to Tuttosport, which has been relayed by several accounts on Twitter, Spurs boss Jose Mourinho sees Lille goalkeeper Mike Maignan as a priority in the summer.

Soccer Link have also claimed that the Ligue 1 ace has been offered to the north London outfit.

This backs up previous reports that emerged in May, linking the shot-stopper with a move to north London (as per La Voix du Nord via Sport Witness).

And there are plenty of supporters who would like to see the Frenchman replace his fellow countryman, Hugo Lloris.

The 24-year-old has been Lille’s first-choice glovesman this campaign, playing in a total of 37 matches in all competitions, where he has helped keep 13 clean sheets, via Transfermarkt.

Meanwhile, Lloris’ season has been a struggle through both inconsistent performances, which has led to the odd clanger as seen against the likes of Southampton, Brighton and Villa whilst injuries haven’t helped his cause either.

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Which might be why some are absolutely desperate for an upgrade between the sticks this summer.

The 33-year-old veteran has played just 18 times this term, keeping only two clean sheets.

However, not all of the Spurs faithful were particularly keen on Maignan whilst some simply played down the report completely.

One fan even suggested that the Lille man was worse than Lloris, quite a bold claim with Spurs currently ranking tied-worst for goals conceded in the Premier League’s top ten.

It remains to be seen whether the interest in the Ligue 1 keeper is legitimate, but evidently, his arrival would cause a bit of a divide amongst the Spurs faithful.

Lloris will need to be replaced at some point, and there’s little to suggest that Paulo Gazzaniga is ready for a regular starting berth, so Mourinho could do little wrong in bolstering his goalkeeping department this summer.

AND in other news, Spurs fans go wild over Giovani Lo Celso footage…

TT Predicts: Liverpool vs Crystal Palace

Liverpool will take to the Anfield turf for the first time since the Premier League returned as they host Crystal Palace tonight.

The rust showed against Everton in Sunday’s Merseyside derby as the Reds failed to snatch a win over their bitter rivals. A 0-0 draw marked a sobering return for the champions-elect and they will be hoping for a better result tonight.

Roy Hodgson’s side, on the other hand, will look to continue their positive run of form. The Eagles came away with a win over a struggling Bournemouth after Luka Milivojevic and Jordan Ayew both scored early in the game.

It will be a tough ask for Liverpool to shrug off the disappointing derby and do a number over Palace. Despite their last five meetings being wins for the Reds, they have all been by small margins (via 11v11). Can Hodgson and his men catch the runaway leaders with their pants down? Transfer Tavern have predicted how they think the fixture will unfold…

Georgia Goulding (2-0)

The derby was a learning curve for the Reds and they will know where they went wrong. They missed the presence of Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson, so hopefully the duo are fit to start against Palace.

With some extra pace and maybe some better thought-out substitutions, they should be able to snatch a win. It won’t be comfortable, but I think they will get there in the end.

Liam Togher (1-0)

Liverpool looked disjointed against Everton and need Salah and Robertson back at their sharpest if they are to rediscover their fluid best. They got into good positions a few times on Sunday but were let down by indecision and poor first touches.

Palace travel to Anfield free of any pressure and on a fine winning run, and they’ve had plenty of joy at this ground in recent years. If the Reds have key men missing at the back, the likes of Zaha and Ayew could capitalise.

Still, Klopp should have given his Liverpool team a rocket and demanded a much-improved display for tonight. It will be tense but I think the Reds will just about get over the line.

Luke Seychell (1-1)

Liverpool will expect a tough match against a well-drilled Palace side who have not conceded in four. Salah and Robertson back in the side will provide the Reds with a greater attacking intent but I still see the Eagles bucking a point.

Adam Clancy (2-1)

This will not be easy for Liverpool. Palace have upset them before at Anfield and are perhaps the unsung heroes of the Premier League having moved up to ninth after another impressive win away from home.

However, Klopp will surely be looking to bounce back from the tame Merseyside derby and at home they are a different animal, even without the Kop cheering them on. Salah will be hungry for minutes too, so the Reds just scrape this one for me. 

How do you think the Anfield fixture will play out? Let us know your predictions in the comments below!

Sheffield Wednesday: Fans react as Prime Minister announces date fans could return to stadiums

It has been hard for supporters since football has returned due to the fact that fans have not been allowed to go to the stadiums to watch games, and many Sheffield Wednesday fans are reacting to the latest update on when they can return to Hillsborough.

The Prime Minister recently spoke in a briefing and announced the Government’s intention to allow fans back into football stadiums in October.

The Owls currently sit 15th in the Championship with two games left to play in what has been a very average season. However Wednesday’s poor record at Hillsborough has seen them pick up only one win since December 22, via Dom Howson, and they have also scored the fewest home goals in the division (18) this season as well as only scoring two first half goals from Garry Monk’s 21 home matches in charge.

Due to this poor record, a lot of the fan base are making light on the Government’s new plans, with one saying ‘how unfortunate’, whilst others cannot wait to get back. It is good to see they can make light of their poor form, but they will be hoping that when they are allowed to return, they will be seeing some better performances in S6.

Here is what they had to say following the tweet:

Owls fans, what are your thoughts on this news? Comment below!

Tottenham Hotspur: Ex-Spur lauds ‘absolutely unreal’ Serge Aurier after his ‘tragic’ loss

Paul Robinson has lauded Serge Aurier for his ‘unreal’ efforts after he played twice for Tottenham Hotspur following the death of his brother.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Spurs star insisted Aurier showed real courage and determination in the face of such adversity.

His younger brother Christopher was shot dead in the French city of Toulouse, reportedly outside of a nightclub, a day after Tottenham beat Arsenal 2-1 at home.

Nevertheless, the Ivorian played the full 90 minutes against Newcastle United and Leicester City respectively.

Robinson admitted he did not expect to see him back so soon and gave Aurier credit for his mental strength. The player-turned-pundit told football writer Dylan Childs “it is absolutely unreal.

“The mental strength that the lad must have is absolutely sensational.

“People deal with things in different ways but after the tragic news that we heard you did not think for one minute that we would see him in a Tottenham shirt again this season. That would have been completely understandable.

“You cannot comprehend something like that and you cannot understand what he has had to go through. So to play two games of football is absolutely incredible.”

It is hard to argue with Robinson on this one, as Aurier has started twice in a row since the shocking news first broke.

The right-back has recently returned to France to grieve with his family following the death of his brother and promised not to seek revenge. He posted a picture of himself on social media consoling his mother.

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While the Ivory Coast captain was at fault for the error that led to Newcastle’s equaliser, he didn’t allow this to deter him, making 3 clearances, completing 4 tackles, and earning a pass accuracy rating of 85% by the time he had finished (via SofaScore).

The 27-year-old has played 32 games in the Premier League this season, scoring one goal, supplying five assists, providing one key pass per game, averaging 2.8 tackles, and registering 2.6 clearances on average (stats provided by WhoScored).

Jose Mourinho had been prepared to use Gedson Fernandes, Oliver Skipp and Moussa Sissoko as possible replacements in case Aurier couldn’t play, but the ex-Paris Saint-Germain ace showed he is willing to put his personal life aside to push Spurs towards a spot in the Europa League.

The Lilywhites are currently seventh in the table, merely a point behind Wolverhampton Wanderers, with everything left to play for in the last game of the season.

Tottenham fans, has your opinion of Serge Aurier changed in the past couple of weeks? Let us know down below!

Manchester United: Red Devils ‘fear’ Borussia Dortmund are trying to spark a bidding war for Jadon Sancho

Manchester United ‘fear’ Borussia Dortmund are trying to spark a bidding war for Jadon Sancho this summer, reports say. 

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has identifed the 11-cap England international winger as the missing piece of the puzzle he needs to revamp the Red Devils but Man United are concerned they could miss out on Solskjaer’s top target.

According to The Daily Star, as cited by The Daily Express, United believe Dortmund want to open a transfer auction which would make Ed Woodward’s job a whole lot harder.

It’s no secret that Solskjaer wants to sign the 20-year-old in the summer, but the Old Trafford hierarchy are cautious amid reports tipping Liverpool to launch a last-minute bid.

United tried to sign Sancho during Jose Mourinho’s infamous tenure but they missed out the first time round as he moved to the Signal Iduna Park instead.

Now, they are worried that Lucien Favre’s side will try to start a transfer battle to raise the asking price of their most prized possession.

The Englishman is the club’s top scorer this season, having scored 20 goals and supplied 18 assists in all competitions so far (via WhoScored).

The Bundesliga giants are in no rush to sell the right winger as his contract will run out in 2022.

However, United are ‘confident’ of completing a deal for the former Manchester City academy graduate, even though the transfer saga has already rumbled on for several months.

The Red Devils believe they will win the race and will be able to prise him away from the Westfalenstadion for £80m in the summer, which would make him the club’s second-highest signing of all time, just behind mercurial midfielder Paul Pogba.

Solskjaer’s side have qualified for the Champions League after clinching third place in the Premier League table on the final day of the season. Their chances of signing Sancho have improved as their transfer budget has significantly increased as a result, although there is still a long way to go until the transfer window closes in October.

United fans, do you think Ed Woodward will sign Sancho this summer? Let us know down below!

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