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Former Man City defender Micah Richards has defended Trent Alexander-Arnold, after hearing of the Liverpool star’s omission from England’s latest squad.

The right-back has been a sensational performer for the Reds for a number of years now, almost redefining his role and providing endless quality from out wide.

At just 22, Alexander-Arnold is already a Premier League champion and a Champions League winner, also winning 12 caps for England.

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After a slight dip in form this season, however, Gareth Southgate has dropped the youngster from his squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

It is a decision that has left many baffled, especially as both Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier haven’t been regulars for their respective teams this season.

Richards sticks up for Trent

Liverpool and City may have a fierce rivalry these days, but someone who has stuck up for Alexander-Arnold is former Citizen right-back Richards.

Taking to Instagram on Thursday, the pundit bemoaned Southgate’s decision to drop him, highlighting his quality:

Transfer Tavern take

Southgate’s decision makes little sense, especially as Alexander-Arnold’s form for Liverpool has actually been good recently.

It feels a little like he has been singled out when others often make England squads regardless of their form, and the hope is that it fires the Reds superstar up between now and the end of the season.

From a selfish Liverpool perspective, Alexander-Arnold will now enjoy a much-needed rest in the coming weeks, which can only be a good thing.

In other news, Liverpool fans are keen for the Reds to sign one Bundesliga star, but it’s not Erling Haaland. Read about it here.

MatériaMais Notícias

Um confronto entre facções organizadas de Corinthians e Palmeiras terminou em morte em uma praça próxima à estação de trem de São Miguel Paulista, localizada na zona leste de São Paulo. Um disparo de arma de fogo atingiu o coração de um homem que não participava da briga. Três pessoas foram detidas.

– A Mancha Verde e a Gaviões entraram em confronto na entrada da estação de trem de São Miguel. Houve disparo de arma de fogo antes da chegada do reforço policial. Um senhor, que não é torcedor, foi alvejado no coração e veio a óbito – disse Luiz Gonzaga, tenente-coronel da Polícia Militar, à “Folha de S. Paulo”, referindo-se às maiores facções de Palmeiras e Corinthians, respectivamente.

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Cerca de 50 torcedores dos dois times se encontraram perto da estação São Miguel Paulista da CPTM e então a confusão começou. O pedestre, que não tinha nada a ver com o fato, acabou sendo atingido no peito e não resistiu.Foram apreendidas barras de ferro e pedaços de madeira, de acordo com o “portal G1”. O caso será registrado no 63º DP, da Vila Jacuí.

Outras brigas foram registradas ao redor da cidade. De acordo com a Rádio Bandeirantes, ao menos 25 torcedores foram detidos após confronto em Guarulhos. Além disso, houve um confronto na estação Brás do metrô, com trocas de tiros de rojões, correria e trens quebrados.

Os dois times se enfrentam neste domingo, às 16h, no Pacaembu, em jogo válido pela 14ª rodada do Campeonato Paulista.

O clima ficou tenso nos últimos dias.Um homem, suspeito de agressão ao presidente e ao primeiro-secretário da Gaviões da Fiel no início de março, foi preso na sexta. Ele é integrante da torcida Mancha Alviverde. A polícia o prendeu com 490 pinos de cocaína, uma balança de precisão e dinheiro. Além de agressão corporal ele vai responder por tráfico de drogas. A polícia procura outros dois suspeitos.

– O monitoramento aos torcedores é constante, foi mais enfático em razão da confusão recente. Ficamos alerta, monitorando redes sociais, na sexta houve prisão de um evolvido na agressão a torcedores do Corinthians, houve também punição à Mancha, deixou o ambiente mais tenso – disse o Capitão Arcanjo, responsável pelo policiamento no Pacaembu, à ESPN Brasil.

– Os problemas graves acontecem muito longe do estádio. No Brás, houve confronto com muitos torcedores, com danos aos trens. Não sabemos se eles marcam. Temos quase certeza que eles não marcam, é quase coincidência. Se encontram e acontece. Pode acontecer em qualquer lugar, fruto da intolerância – afirmou Arcanjo.

Everton midfielder Anthony Gordon must step up for Carlo Ancelotti as Bernard reportedly nears a move to UAE outfit Al Nasr.

What’s the word?

According to the Liverpool Echo, Toffees chiefs are in official negotiations with Al Nasr over a deal for Bernard.

The Brazilian has entered into the final 18-months of his £120,000-per-week contract and has fallen out of favour under Carlo Ancelotti, with the Italian only starting him twice in the Premier League this season.

Everton are hoping to see a deal for Bernard finalised before Monday night’s deadline in order to clear his lucrative terms from the club’s wage bill, and may even allow the 28-year-old to secure a free transfer just two-and-a-half years on from joining the Blues.

Bernard was omitted from Ancelotti’s matchday squad as Everton lost 2-0 at home to Newcastle United on Saturday after being an unused substitute in the prior 1-1 draw with Leicester City, the 12th time this season that he had failed to enter a top-flight fixture from the bench.

Previous reports had suggested that Al Nasr had agreed to sign Bernard on loan with a €5m (£4.5m) obligation to turn the deal permanent at the end of the season, despite claims of Everton wanting £9m amid interest from AS Roma.

Everton parting with Bernard before Monday night’s 23:00 shut off is likely to have implications on Gordon’s future at Goodison Park, with the winger unlikely to be allowed to leave on loan following interest from Championship and Bundesliga clubs.

Time for Gordon to step up

Everton retaining Gordon, if Bernard’s deal to join Al Nasr goes through, will leave Ancelotti needing the youth product to step up, after a handful of underwhelming outings from the youngster in recent weeks and months.

David Unsworth has previously backed Gordon to find a home for himself on the wing, for he boasts “unbelievable pace” and a growing eye for the final pass, but the forward let Everton and Ancelotti down when fielded in the FA Cup against Rotherham United earlier this month.

Gordon was criticised for his poor body language during the third-round tie having shrieked into the shadows after a promising start, going from turning defenders inside out and carving the backline apart to rarely completing a pass and offering no end product.

That performance also came in only the 19-year-old’s third start of the season across all senior competitions, while playing a mere 87 minutes of Premier League action thanks partly to being hauled off just 10 minutes into the second-half at Sheffield United.

Gordon failed to create many one-vs-one opportunities at Bramall Lane and Ancelotti will need to see the England U20 do more if he is to offer the threat from the left that £13.5m-rated flop Bernard could not offer Everton.

It was also those performances that have helped to see Lucas Digne emerge ahead of Gordon, as well as Bernard, in Ancelotti’s pecking order for wide-left options, after the French full-back opened the Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leicester games in midfield.

If Gordon is to stay at Goodison Park and not leave on loan in line with Bernard’s exit, it has to be time for the Liverpool-born prospect to step up and make the position his.

AND in other news, a £70k-p/w gem let Carlo Ancelotti down as Everton lost to Newcastle…

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Para o bem e para o mal, o Fluminense transitou na contramão da lógica durante a maior parte da fase de grupos da Primeira Liga: perdeu, em Volta Redonda, para o Atlético-PR, e derrotou o Cruzeiro, em Belo Horizonte. Mas, na última rodada, precisava e acertou o trajeto. Em Juiz de Fora (MG), o Tricolor venceu o Criciúma por 2 a 0, na noite desta quinta-feira, e garantiu sua presença na semifinal do torneio. Gerson foi o autor dos gols que fizeram o técnico Levir Culpi estrear com o pé direito no clube carioca.

Mesmo debutando no Tricolor e pregando a busca por resultados rápidos, Levir optou por mandar a campo um time praticamente reserva para enfrentar um outro com característica semelhante – o Tigre também não escalou sua força máxima. Dos que iniciaram a partida contra o América, pelo Carioca, somente Diego Cavalieri, Henrique e Pierre foram selecionados. Curiosamente, os dois últimos cumprirão suspensão no clássico contra o Botafogo.

Assim, sobrou oportunidade para quem vem passando longe da lista dos 11 titulares nos jogos. Um deles era Gerson. O meia – que já está vendido para a Roma (ITA) e retornou para ficar mais um tempo nas Laranjeiras – tratou de espantar logo qualquer zebra. Com apenas quatro minutos, ele aproveitou a cobrança de escanteio de Eduardo, que foi desviada de cabeça por Renato Chaves, e colocou a bola dentro do gol.

Enquanto Eduardo, Felipe Amorim e o próprio Gerson davam boa movimentação ao Tricolor, o Criciúma tentava colocar a bola no chão. Mas a redonda foi parar novamente na rede catarinense. Aos 32, Gerson (de novo ele) tirou proveito de uma indefinição na defesa e deu um toque suficiente para tirar o goleiro David de cena.

O Fluminense foi para o intervalo com a superioridade sobre o oponente, que demonstrava desentrosamento. Na volta, Cavalieri foi surpreendido por um cruzamento inesperado de Roger Guedes e quase não conseguiu evitar o pior. Era o tempero que o Tigre precisava para apimentar o jogo. Em outra tentativa, Gum salvou uma bola perigosa

O Tricolor ainda voltou a ameaçar, como num gol perdido por Gerson, que, de peito, marcaria o terceiro. Porém, o placar não sofreu mais alteração e o Flu, como mandante, vai encarar o Internacional, no dia 23 de março, por uma vaga na final.

FICHA TÉCNICA

FLUMINENSE 2 X 0 CRICIÚMA

Local: Mário Helênio, em Juiz de Fora (MG)
Data-Hora: 10/3/2016 – 21h45 (horário de Brasília)
Árbitro: Ronei Cândido Alves
Auxiliares: Magno Arantes Lira e Marconi Helberth Vieira.
Público-Renda: 1.623 presentes / R$ 64.900
Cartões amarelos: Gerson (FLU) e Alex Santana (CRI)
Gols: Gerson 4′ 1°T (1-0) e 32′ 1°T (2-0)

FLUMINENSE: Diego Cavalieri, Jonathan, Henrique (Gum, intervalo), Renato Chaves e Léo; Pierre, Douglas, Eduardo (Higor Leite, 14’/2°T), Gerson e Felipe Amorim; Pedro (Danielzinho, 23’/2°T) – Técnico: Levir Culpi

CRICIÚMA: David, Eduardo (Andrew, 14’/2°T), Nino, Ianson Acosta (Gustavo, intervalo) e Marlon; Ricardinho, Alex Santana, Natan (Crispim, 20’/2°T) e Wellington Saci; Roger Guedes e Bruno Lopes – Técnico: Roberto Cavalo

According to The Athletic’s Gregg Evans, Aston Villa won’t be pursuing a move for Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard in the January transfer window.

Johan Lange won’t pay up

Reports over the summer suggested that the Frenchman was a potential target for Dean Smith’s side, with Celtic boss Neil Lennon admitting that he was hopeful he would stay at Parkhead.

In the end, Edouard stayed put, and Evans now claims that Villa won’t be reigniting their interest in the centre-forward when the January transfer window opens in just over a week’s time.

Although it’s claimed that Villa will look to be proactive, they “are not expected to spend the sort of money that would be required to sign” Edouard, and that’s a major mistake from Johan Lange.

Smith must be fuming

Given the incredible start Villa have enjoyed to the Premier League season, Smith will surely feel he’s done more than enough to see the club’s owners and sporting director to release some of the club’s transfer warchest.

The Midlands club currently find themselves in ninth place, but were they to win both their games in hand on those sides above them in the table, would be just three points off leaders Liverpool.

Ollie Watkins has proven to be a masterstroke of a signing since his arrival from Brentford, bagging eight goals in 15 games. And whilst the Englishman has led the line superbly, bringing in Edouard in January would strengthen Villa’s firepower up top no end.

He’s fired in nine goals in 19 matches for Celtic, and the man described as a “special talent” would significantly boost Villa’s chances of breaking up the Premier League’s big six and finishing in a European place this season.

If it comes to the end of the season, and Villa miss out because they didn’t strengthen up front, then Smith would understandably be furious with those in charge at the club.

Meanwhile, Villa must desperately sell this £40k-p/w flop, Dean Smith has “seen enough”.

Leeds United were linked with every man and his dog during the summer transfer window, well, at least that’s what it felt like as even the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Edinson Cavani were rumoured to be on their way to Elland Road.

But there is one realistic name that the Yorkshire giants must reconsider going into January as the door has seemingly opened for them to strike this time around.

According to West London Sport, Queens Park Rangers’ contract talks with attacking midfielder Bright Osayi-Samuel continue to stall, and now their manager Mark Warburton has warned that he isn’t afraid to offer an ultimatum if he does not sign an extension soon.

The 22-year-old saw a £5m move to Belgian outfit Club Brugge fall through early in the summer and as a result, he remained at Loftus Road, where he has continued to display his impressive exploits.

Osayi-Samuel has contributed to four goals in 13 starts in the Championship so far this term while also averaging 3,4 dribbles, 1.5 shots and 1.3 key passes per game when playing anywhere in behind the striker, via WhoScored.

It means he’s well on track to surpass last season’s tally of five goals and eight assists, and his averages for all three facets have improved from 2019/20 too.

You’d have to imagine that Warburton’s ultimatum is said through gritted teeth as the former Brentford manager knows all too well just how good the Nigerian-born Englishman is.

He has previously lauded Osayi-Samuel as a “real handful” who has “sheer pace that terrifies defenders,” which is why Leeds should be all over him again after AllNigeriaSoccer linked the Yorkshiremen with interest back in May this year.

Given that Pablo Hernandez is out of the side right now having not featured in any of their last three Premier League outings, while he has only started two of ten matches, per Transfermarkt.

“He’s going to be a real star of the future. He’s not just got speed, he’s got that end product. He can cross, get assists and can score,” once said Steve McLaren too.

The Rs sensation is out of contract in the summer, so with some forward planning, he won’t even cost Andrea Radrizzani a penny. Not bad when you’re looking for someone suitable to take the reigns from the Spanish veteran.

AND in other news, Leeds must steer well clear of £60k-p/w “monster” in January…

دخل الدولي الإنجليزي رحيم ستيرلينج، جناح مانشستر سيتي، تاريخ ناديه بعد مشاركته في مباراة إيفرتون بالبريميرليج.

مانشستر سيتي يلاقي إيفرتون على ملعب “الاتحاد”، بالجولة الثانية عشر من الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

وذكرت شبكة “أوبتا” العالمية للأرقام والإحصائيات، أن ستيرلينج وصل إلى المباراة رقم 300 مباراة له في الدوري الإنجليزي مع مانشستر سيتي.

وأوضحت الشبكة أن ستيرلينج بعمر 26 عامًا و348 يومًا أصبح رابع أصغر لاعب يصل إلى هذا العدد من المباريات في الدوري الإنجليزي.

اقرأ أيضًا.. ستيرلينج يخبر مانشستر سيتي بقراره النهائي بشأن الانضمام إلى برشلونة

وأشارت الشبكة إلى أنه من سبق ستيرلينج كان الثلاثي واين روني، جيمس ميلنر بجانب جاريث باري.

ستيرلينج انتقل إلى صفوف مانشستر سيتي قبل 6 سنوات في 2015، من ليفربول مقابل 60 مليون جنيه إستيرليني.

ستيرلينج في 300 مباراة بالدوري الإنجليزي تمكن من إحراز 98 هدفًا وقدم 51 تمريرة حاسمة.

A number of Everton fans have welcomed a transfer link to Isco as the Daily Mirror have reported that the Real Madrid star wants to work with Carlo Ancelotti.

As per the news outlet, Isco is keen to link up with the Italian as well as his former Bernabeu teammate James Rodriguez.

The Spain international is reportedly not in Zinedine Zidane’s plans and Los Blancos will apparently put him up for sale in the January transfer window. The Spanish giants plan to initially send him out on loan for the rest of the 2020/21 season, with an obligation to buy set at £18m plus add-ons.

Real Madrid have also spoken with representatives of Isco in the hope that they can sound out possible buyers both in Italy and England. However, the idea of moving to the Premier League is appealing to the attacking midfielder, with the Goodison Park outfit reportedly the most likely candidate.

A four-time winner of the Champions League, and with a combined tally of 105 goals and assists for Real Madrid (Transfermarkt), Isco would seem a shrewd signing indeed by the Merseyside club.

Everton fan reaction to Isco transfer links

These Everton supporters on Twitter were excited by the links to Isco, with one fan labelling the 28-year old as an ‘absolute baller’:

In other news, find out which Toffees outcast Ancelotti has confirmed will stay next season here!

It finished all square at Selhurst Park as Crystal Palace battled to a 1-1 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion in the first A23 derby of the Premier League season.

Palace talisman Wilfried Zaha scored his seventh goal against Brighton, the most he has scored against any opponent before Lewis Dunk received a red card in extra time after a reckless challenge on Gary Cahill, but one player stood out from the rest: Jairo Riedewald.

Much has been made of the 3-cap Dutch international’s time at Selhurst Park, as it is fair to say that he has struggled for consistency so far, as he averaged fewer than one tackle per game in the top flight last term, via WhoScored.

It seems like he played like he had a point to prove in an attempt to try and silence the critics – and boy, did he deliver.

Per SofaScore, the 24-year-old completed a staggering 23 out of 24 passes (96%), whilst he also won four out of seven ground duels, and made two tackles, four clearances, one interception and blocked one shot. Tellingly, he only lost possession five times, unlike Michy Batshuayi.

Playing in the middle of the pitch, the versatile player even picked out the perfect pass to send the Belgian striker through, only for his teammate to be flagged offside, which was checked by VAR.

The Dutchman demonstrated that not only is he capable of putting in a defensive shift but he can also be a useful asset in attack if and when required. It’s just a shame that Batshuayi was leaning offside when the ball was played, but the least said about that, the better.

Sky Sports awarded Riedewald with a high rating of 7/10, whilst football.london went one step further and gave him a grade of 8/10, claiming he “looked at home in the Premier League on his first start of the season, his passing and movement with the ball helping him out of some tight spots.”

It’s hard to argue otherwise at the very least, as Riedewald was perhaps unfortunate to miss out on the Man of the Match award, which went to Brighton striker Neal Maupay instead.

However, Hodgson will have been buoyed by his performance, especially when you consider the fact that James McCarthy picked up a hamstring injury whilst away on international duty with the Republic of Ireland.

The Palace boss has had plenty of faith in Riedewald’s ability on the pitch in the past, so it’s about time he was given a chance to build upon this impressive display.

AND in other news, Wilfried Zaha spares Crystal Palace’s blushes vs Brighton…

The talks linking Chelsea to Kai Havertz continue to tease fans as an official move could be around any corner.

Frank Lampard is expected to finally get his hands on the 21-year-old amid months of speculation. Antonio Rudiger could also be a part of the move, as revealed by SportBild’s Christian Falk.

The German defender played a role in the recruitment of international teammate Timo Werner, who joined the club back in June. In an interview with the club, Rudiger admitted he helped coax the former RB Leipzig man over to West London.

“I did speak to him before because we have known each other for a long time,” Rudiger told chelseafc.com. “We spoke a lot during the lockdown and he told me he was interested in coming to England. Of course then I did my bit, what I had to do.”

The Blues will be an exciting team to watch as they field Werner along with fellow new signing Hakim Ziyech. Kai Havertz seems to be the final piece of Lampard’s attacking puzzle.

“I made my contribution to Timo. I hope that it will happen with Kai too,” Falk reports Rudiger saying.

Signing Havertz will cost Roman Abramovich a hefty £90million in total, which will take Chelsea’s overall spending to more than £200million.

If Rudiger helps get the deal over the line, he could be leaving the club with a huge gift as recent talks could spell out a Stamford Bridge exit for the German.

Lampard has been ruthless in his tactics this window, offering up four senior defenders on the market in order to raise funds for further spending. Rudiger has also been dangled in front of opposition teams and Liverpool are reportedly interested in making a swoop for him.

It’s unclear for now whether the 27-year-old will be packing his bags, but with weeks still left of the transfer window, anything could happen.

Do you think Chelsea should sell Antonio Rudiger this window? Have your say in the comments below!