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Norwich City fans have taken to Twitter to laud their 18-year-old right back Max Aarons, after the teenager’s stunning assist for Teemu Pukki’s second goal in the 4-0 demolition of Sheffield Wednesday saw them reach the summit of the Championship.

The former Luton Town player has caught the eye throughout the Canaries’ impressive season so far, but it was his assist against the Owls at the weekend that has made people sit up and take notice.

[brid autoplay=”true” video=”327140″ player=”12034″ title=”Rafa’s Pub Facts Leicester Trump Man City Chelsea & Liverpool”]

The England Under-19 international, cousin of Newcastle’s Rolando Aarons, made Pukki’s second goal almost entirely on his own, playing two quick one-twos with his teammates and running the length of the pitch in the process before squaring the ball to the Finland international.

Naturally, fans of Daniel Farke’s side have wasted no time in lauding their prospect online, and are perhaps surprised themselves at the wonderkid’s instant impact in the first team having only just been promoted from the youth ranks.

Let’s take a look at some of the best tweets…

While some Arsenal fans might not be interested in seeing Juan Mata move from Old Trafford to the Emirates, the deal could be more than beneficial for the current squad, especially under the guidance of Unai Emery.

Mata is out of contract at Manchester United at the end of the season and there had been no indication if the club is planning on offering him an extension. But should the Spaniard be packing his bags come May next year, then North London could be the perfect destination for him.

Having worked with Emery before when they were both still at Valencia, Mata is the ideal squad-player to have for Arsenal. Having had numerous successful seasons in the Premier League, especially back in his Chelsea days, the 30-year-old will add much needed experience and commitment to a squad that Emery is trying to transform into a competitive force again.

Danny Welbeck’s injury last week and the reaction to that injury, shows how important squad-players are to this Arsenal setup, especially to some of the younger players that Emery have just brought in. Mata would be able to offer a lot of guidance to those players and to some of the older players in the squad that could lead to a competitive edge, especially against bigger clubs that the Gunners have struggled against in the past.

Mata’s tactical ability and creative style of play would also fit in with the way Arsenal are currently playing and the style Emery tends to follow. Free-flowing and quick passing has been a natural type of game for the midfielder, while his decision making is also second to none.

Last week’s spectacular free-kick for United against Juventus in the Champions League showed just why he can’t be considered a too old or over the wall type of player, yet.

For Emery, he could use Mata to enforce his style of playing even more on the Arsenal players due to the understanding that would exist between the two. The player’s qualities will almost automatically add a leadership type of figure in the squad that could lift Arsenal to a level where they might compete for the Premier League and maybe a European trophy.

Indeed, it could be yet another hilarious transfer mistake by Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho. Let’s all laugh.

Arsenal supporters have been reasonably satisfied in recent times after seeing their side extend their unbeaten run to 16 games just prior to the current international break.

Unai Emery’s men went into their encounter with newly-promoted Wolves in the Premier League having won seven and drawn the other two of their previous nine league games, alongside three wins and a draw in the Europa League, and two knockout victories in the Carabao Cup. And the Gunners kept their impressive unbeaten run going with a 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium, needing a late Henrikh Mkhitaryan equaliser to keep that streak in tact.

Thus, there have been many satisfied Arsenal fans up and down the country in recent times, several of whom have taken to Twitter recently to heap praise on young striker Eddie Nketiah, whom many believe is not far away from a place in Emery’s first team.

And those supporters are absolutely spot on, what with the 19-year-old showing the sort of form needed to benefit from Danny Welbeck’s recent injury to thus make his way back into the first team.

Ultimately, the England Under-21 international has been tipped for big things for some now given his impressive goal-scoring record at youth level for the Gunners, not least in scoring a staggering 15 goals in just 16 games for the club’s Under-18 side in the 2016/17 campaign.

And last season saw the striker really come of age given he appeared ten times in Arsene Wenger’s first team, making a name for himself in their Carabao Cup clash against Norwich City back in October 2017 given he came off the bench to net twice and thus rescue a 2-1 win for the North London giants.

But this season has seen Nketiah have to make-do with football in Premier League 2 such is the plethora of attacking talent available to Emery, although the 19-year-old is certainly giving him something to think about with six goals in just seven games for the Under-23s, two of which coming in their 5-4 defeat to Chelsea earlier this month.

Thus, Nketiah is definitely doing everything he can to convince Emery of a first team opportunity, and the path may be somewhat clearer for the 19-year-old following the recent injury to England international Welbeck – after all, Nketiah made the bench against Wolves to suggest he is very close to senior football.

And given he has continued to score goals at a phenomenal rate for the development squad, those Arsenal fans calling for senior appearances are so right to do so – Emery must be bold and give the youngster a first chance in his Gunners team.

Arsenal fans… what do you think? Let us know!

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Aston Villa are facing the prospect of being without James Chester for this weekend’s Championship clash with bitter rivals Birmingham City.

Chester was formed an impressive centre-back partnership with Axel Tuanzebe in recent weeks, and their presence at the back would have left the Villa fans feeling confident entering the clash with Birmingham.

According to Birmingham Live, the extent of Chester’s injury is unknown, but he was replaced just 50 minutes into Wales’ UEFA Nations League clash with Denmark on Friday night.

The former Manchester United youngster was then not involved in Wales’ friendly against Albania on Tuesday night, having returned to his club for treatment.

Check out Playmaker FC’s Joe Street’s unfiltered take on Wayne Rooney’s England legacy in the video below…

Chester’s absence could see Mile Jedinak thrust into action in central defence, although one Villa fan asked if the club could recall Tommy Elphick, who is currently on loan at Hull City.

A selection of the Twitter reaction from the Villa supporters can be seen below:

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Against Bournemouth, Arsenal struggled to get going having drawn their last three games prior to the visit to the Vitality Stadium, relying on a Jefferson Lerma own goal and the woodwork to make sure of the three points. One player who did not feature at all, however, was the club’s top earner Mesut Ozil.

What did Unai Emery say?

Following the win, the Gunners’ first since they beat Blackpool almost a month ago, Emery was quizzed as to why he left the World Cup winning German on the bench when his side were so clearly struggling to create.

The Spaniard said in his post match press conference, “We thought how we can be better in the match today which is very demanding with the physicality and the intensity.”

That is a particularly intriguing statement, seeing as Eddie Howe’s Cherries are by no means the most rugged and physical side in the league, and is even more odd seeing as the German started against the likes of Cardiff, Newcastle and Crystal Palace – all sides who could be deemed more ‘physical’.

What do his words suggest?

Well, there have already been rumours of a rift between the pair in Emery’s short time at the club, after Ozil was left out of the squad to face West Ham earlier in the season due to ‘illness’, despite being present with the squad prior to the game.

The former Paris Saint-Germain boss’ words give the impression that he doesn’t trust the 30-year-old, and may feel pressured to involve him at times simply due to the fact that he is the club’s top-earner – as he is rumoured to earn around £350k-a-week at the Emirates, the board would surely have words with Emery if Ozil was left out on a regular basis.

Playmaker FC’s Matchday with Max caught up with Jamaica’s women’s team. See what happened when he met the history makers in the video below…

He has already had to deny reports of a training ground bust-up with the former Real Madrid playmaker before the aforementioned game against the Hammers, and his excuse for not involving Ozil against Bournemouth reeks of a man who is scampering to justify why he left out a huge player who carries such a big reputation.

Ozil wasn’t Emery’s signing. Ozil didn’t sign his new contract whilst Emery was at the club. For whatever reason, the Gunners boss isn’t happy with what he has seen from the £42m man.

Does the playmaker have a future at the Emirates? Have your say in the poll below…

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Christian Eriksen will see his contract with Tottenham Hotspur expire at the end of the 2019-2020 campaign, and there is a genuine possibly that the attacker might decide to leave his Premier League club in search of pastures new.

The Chalkboard

A 2013 arrival from Ajax, Eriksen has scored 58 times and registered 76 assists in 242 appearances for Tottenham in all competitions.

The 26-year-old has only scored twice this term, but has managed seven assists despite a stomach injury harming his season to date.

When in full flow, there are few better number 10s in European football, and a whole host of clubs will be closely monitoring developments at Tottenham.

Eriksen will be all too aware that he could earn substantially more money with a move away from Spurs, and might decide to leave in search of trophies.

Indeed, for all of the praise that has come Tottenham’s way in recent years, Eriksen’s only medal since arriving at the club is from finishing as runner-up in the 2014-15 League Cup.

Will Tottenham lose him?

If Tottenham do not manage to secure Eriksen’s future by the end of the season then the club will be in a very difficult spot with just 12 months left to run on his contract.

The likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich will all be keeping a close eye on what happens, while Manchester United would also like him.

Eriksen – valued at £72m by Transfermarket – has been an excellent servant to Tottenham, but might decide that he is at the stage of his career where he wants to be challenging for the big trophies.

Tottenham deserve praise for their consistency in recent years, but it is difficult to see where the next piece of silverware is coming from.

Midfielders who can score and assist in equal measure are not exactly easy to find, and Tottenham face the real possibility of losing arguably their most important player after Harry Kane.

Playmaker FC Exclusive: “Wolves absolutely spanked you” – Jermaine Jenas gives damning verdict of Arsenal’s season. Check out the video below…

According to a recent report from The Daily Mirror, West Ham have been told to stump up at least £30 million to sign Miguel Almiron. The 24-year-old currently plays his football in the United States with Atlanta United following his move there from Lanus back in 2016, with his impressive attacking form seemingly attracting the interest of some clubs in the Premier League.

Manuel Pellegrini’s Hammers, alongside Rafa Benitez’s Newcastle United, have reportedly been linked with a move for the £9 million-rated sensation (as per Transfermarkt), while reports recently suggest that it will take at least £30 million to lure the Paraguay international away from the Major League Soccer outfit.

But with that figure highly unlikely to be stumped up by Magpies owner Mike Ashley, the door is very much ajar for West Ham to win the January race for the talented 24-year-old.

The Breakdown

Ultimately, it has been 13 years since Newcastle last broke their transfer record, with the £16 million they paid Real Madrid for striker Michael Owen back in 2005 remaining the most they have ever shelled out on a player – this all despite the inflated prices being banded about in the last few years.

And with the trend of spending little continuing in recent times, even under arguably one of the best managers they have had in years in Benitez, it is highly unlikely and almost impossible that Ashley is going to sanction a £30 million deal for Almiron, almost double their current transfer record.

And with that figure likely to price Newcastle out of the race, Pellegrini’s Hammers, who have flexed their financial muscles in recent times, have the chance to lure the Paraguayan to the London Stadium.

Almiron has been making a name for himself in the United States as a result of his impressive performances in the final third of the pitch, be it netting nine times and laying on eight assists last term for Atlanta, or by going better this time round with 13 goals and 13 assists in all competitions.

And at the tender age of 24, it looks as though the attacker has an extremely bright future in the game, and as such could prove to be a huge asset to West Ham boss Pellegrini as he seeks to build a Hammers side capable of reaching the next level in years to come.

Things are beginning to fall into place at the London Stadium given their recent run of fine form, but one still senses that a few additions here and there are needed to help them move closer to the European spots – Almiron’s arrival may do just that.

And with the Hammers not afraid to splash the cash, which pales into stark contrast to the way Ashley is running Newcastle, the door appears to be very much ajar for the East London outfit to win the race for Almiron in the New Year.

West Ham fans… what do you think? Let us know!

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Whilst many are crying out for Harry Wilson to return to Liverpool from his loan spell at Derby, the Rams’ 0-0 draw against Nottingham Forest showed why the young attacker isn’t quite ready to star for the Reds just yet.

What’s the word, then?

The Wales international has been in stunning form under Frank Lampard this season, scoring eight goals and recording one assist. A number of his strikes have been worldies, and it feels as if the 21-year-old is having his own goal of the season contest against himself at times.

He has become particularly good at set-pieces, scoring three already this season including a phenomenal one at Old Trafford in which the ball swerved in and out before nestling in the top corner – he then proceeded to give the Man United fans the ‘five times’ sign, a homage to Liverpool’s record in Europe, further endearing himself to his parent club.

Despite Wilson’s impressive form, Jurgen Klopp’s side are battling against the best of the very best right now. They’re challenging one of the best Premier League side’s in history for the title in Manchester City, and are looking to go far in Europe again having lost the final to Real Madrid. Wilson is good, but he perhaps isn’t ready for that level just yet.

What happened against Forest?

The former Hull loanee’s passing accuracy was less than 67%, as per WhoScored, while he managed to direct just one of his three shots on target, was offside once and committed two fouls. There were just three points between fourth-placed Derby and seventh-placed Forest before Monday night’s huge encounter, and that gap remains the same after neither side could take advantage.

For Wilson in the Championship, the stage doesn’t get much bigger throughout the season than in games against promotion rivals – if he wanted to prove to Liverpool that he could make the jump, he needed to do it against Aitor Karanka’s side.

The Reds have some of the best players in the world in Wilson’s position; he must step it up in these big games if he wants to break into Klopp’s thinking anytime soon.

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According to a report in The Times, Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino wants to be considered for the Manchester United job in the summer, and it could mean that Southampton already need to worry about losing Ralph Hasenhuttl.

What’s the word, then?

Well, the Red Devils sacked Jose Mourinho on Tuesday morning following a dreadful season to date for the club, and while they are set to appoint a caretaker until the end of the campaign to replace the Portuguese, they seem likely to make a long-term appointment next summer.

Pochettino would surely be one of the names near the top of their shortlist given his success with Spurs, where he has helped them become genuine title contenders, brought through and developed young stars and got them playing an exciting brand of football.

The Times report that the 46-year-old believes the opportunity to take over at Old Trafford would be too good to turn down, but it could cost United £34m to prise him away from the north London outfit.

On the chalkboard

If Pochettino does make the move north then Tottenham will be looking for his ideal replacement, and while it is early days for Hasenhuttl in the Premier League he could well be a contender if things go well over the course of the rest of the season.

The Austrian has already lifted the spirits of the St Mary’s faithful and his players despite only replacing Mark Hughes earlier this month – as shown with the 3-2 win at home against Arsenal on Sunday which was their first league success on their own patch since April.

The 51-year-old is astute tactically and has a big personality – similar to that of Jurgen Klopp which was on display as he ran on the pitch to hug his players following the full-time whistle at the weekend – and he could be an ideal fit at Tottenham as a result.

Spurs already nabbed Pochettino from Saints back in 2014, and they certainly wouldn’t be afraid to do the same again if Hasenhuttl proves to be the real deal.

Check out the video below for Emma Conybeare’s rundown of which clubs need what in the January transfer window…

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Liverpool recorded a monumental victory over Manchester United on Sunday and can attest to delivering the defeat that proved terminal to Jose Mourinho’s time at Old Trafford – the Portuguese was sacked on Tuesday morning, much to the delight of United fans.

The Reds recorded a season-high tally of 36 shots on goal as they battered Mourinho’s men from start to finish, despite the score being level for 4o minutes after Jesse Lingard cancelled out Sadio Mane’s opener – that is until Xherdan Shaqiri entered the fray with 20 minutes of regulation time remaining.

The Swiss bagged a brace – albeit not without the help of a decisive deflection on each strike – scoring just three minutes after his introduction before netting his side’s third seven minutes later to take all three points and, thus, establish himself in Anfield history.

However, few predicted the winger would have such an impact after his £13m switch from relegated Stoke in the summer, with the general consensus being that he would hardly feature unless Mohamed Salah sustained an injury and that he was just a budget Nabil Fekir – Liverpool were linked extensively with the French playmaker but failed to get a deal over the line.

But, with five goals and and two assists in 13 appearances, the 27-year-old is proving to be one of the bargain buys of the summer and, perhaps, Jurgen Klopp’s best signing since Salah.

Alisson has indeed had an enormous impact on Liverpool – the Brazilian is a massive upgrade on both Loris Karius and Simon Mignolet but, despite the points the ‘keeper’s super-saves may have won his side this season, the strength in depth that Shaqiri gives the Reds and his ability to change the game off the bench is what will keep them on Manchester City’s level.

You would struggle to pick City’s strongest XI, such is the quality and depth of Pep Guardiola’s squad and the Spaniard’s consequential ability to rotate means that they have a huge advantage on their ill-equipped rivals, particularly at this stage of the season when fixtures come thick and fast.

Shaqiri – who Transfermarkt value at £22.5million – not only has the ability to change the game coming off the bench, as he did against the Red Devils, but also gives Klopp the opportunity to use a wider variety of formations – this makes them far less predictable as they can play with a five-man midfield or use the signature 4-3-3 with equal effect.

The diminutive left-footer will rarely steal the headlines from Liverpool’s famous front three, but he can become Klopp’s biggest asset as the season rolls on should he continue to display the desire to make a difference, especially with fellow summer arrival Naby Keita failing to live up to the hype so far.

The Guinean should ideally fill the boots of Phillipe Coutinho, who departed Anfield in January for Barcelona – a hard-working, technical midfielder who regularly chips in with goals and assists. However, the 23-year-old is yet to net in red and was particularly ineffective on Sunday as he took on just one shot and completed a single key pass before being hooked.

Liverpool have struggled to replace Coutinho since his big money move at the start of the year, but in Shaqiri they have the closest they can get for just a fraction of the Brazilian’s price.

FFC’s James Jones has identified the one thing that could cost Liverpool the title. Find out what it is in the video above…