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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…

Moussa Sissoko has maintained that Tottenham Hotspur can get back to their best despite a poor start to the season, per the club’s official website.

What’s he said?

The France international has started every single game in the Premier League this season, but Spurs have won just three of those encounters.

Indeed, Mauricio Pochettino’s men are currently 11th in the top-flight, eight points behind both Leicester City and Chelsea in third and fourth respectively.

But Sissoko is confident that he and his team-mates have the ability to turn their form around and begin to climb the table.

He said: “Like always, I give my best for the team and that’s what I will always do, like every player, until the end of the season.

“We are together and we want success together. Of course, the results in the last few weeks haven’t been great for us, but that’s football, that’s life.

“Sometimes it can be like this and we have to work our way through it, stick together and I’m sure good things will follow soon.”

Nonsense quotes

What’s the point of coming out with cookie-cutter quotes that supporters will surely find infuriating?

At the end of the day, all that matters – clichéd as it may be – is the score at the final whistle.

It is all very well coming out with these template words but Sissoko, of all people, needs to start backing everything up on the pitch.

He has been one of the club’s most improved players and, obviously, Pochettino trusts him.

But he has yet to add an end product to his play. On Sunday, against Liverpool, as Spurs lost 2-1, he had a prime opportunity to play in Son Heung-Min in the final 10 minutes but he ended up playing the ball through to Reds goalkeeper Alisson Becker instead.

Indeed, per WhoScored, while he has laid on one assist this season, he averages just 0.5 key passes per game, is dispossessed on average 0.9 times and has 1.7 unsuccessful touches.

Sissoko would do better to work on adding an end product to his game instead of pontificating about his side’s chances.

West Brom are entering the international break on a massive high.

They sit atop the Championship table after 11 matches following their 4-2 victory over Cardiff City at the Hawthorns over the weekend.

Charlie Austin and Romaine Sawyers grabbed their first goals for the club, both momentous occasions for differing reasons, while the likes of Matheus Pereira and Grady Diangana scored and continued to be electric in attack.

The Baggies responded perfectly from losing their unbeaten run at Leeds United a week ago, and the positives don’t just stop there as one of their promising youth prospects has extended his stay in the west Midlands.

Albion have revealed that their U23 forward Jamie Soule has penned a new three-year contract to remain at the Hawthorns.

Watch West Bromwich Albion Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

The 18-year-old is currently the top goalscorer amongst the Baggies’ youth ranks with four goals from six Premier League 2 matches, per Transfermarkt.

Several of the club’s supporters have taken to social media to share their thoughts on the news.

One fan was absolutely thrilled, calling Soule an ‘excellent prospect’ and that it was good to see that other clubs hadn’t turned his head.

Another member of the Albion faithful would like to see the young striker feature in the senior setup, particularly ahead of Hal Robson-Kanu, as he would play with ‘no fear.’

Others described Soule as ‘one to watch’ and as a ‘great young prospect.’

Here’s the best of the reaction:

Another weekend of Premier League football, and we have plenty more VAR controversy to discuss.

The Video Assistant Referee has been implemented since the start of the season in English football’s top tier, and it has been met with much discussion. A lot believe it to be a big threat to the future of the game, and there seems to be a lack of those backing it.

After their match against Manchester United, Liverpool fans will probably be cursing it. At Old Trafford, they were on the wrong end of two VAR decisions. Firstly, they were refused a foul in the build-up to Marcus Rashford’s opener, whilst Sadio Mane was deemed to have handled the ball before he put the ball in the back of the net just before half time.

Watch Liverpool Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

The Anfield outfit’s fans were clearly disgusted with VAR, and they did not hide it. They took to Twitter to share their thoughts, and you can see some of the best comments from the social media platform below.

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Erik Lamela has been lucky enough to be a part of one of the most talented teams in Tottenham Hotspur’s recent history.

He’s played alongside top talents such as Christian Eriksen, Harry Kane, Jan Vertonghen and Toby Aldeweireld. However, none of those players make his dream five-a-side team.

Indeed, the winger was asked to choose a team filled with footballers he has played with throughout his career, and despite spending six years at Spurs, only one Tottenham player makes the cut.

Lamela starts off well enough as he chooses Hugo Lloris as the goalkeeper, but from then on he neglects choosing any Tottenham players.

He goes with two defenders in the shape of Nicolas Burdisso and Marquinhos, both of whom he played with at Roma.

Nobody can argue with his next pick, as he chooses Lionel Messi up top.

Watch Tottenham Hotspur Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

However, we suspect the next choice will infuriate a number of Spurs fans as the Argentine picks Sergio Aguero over Kane as his second attacking option.

For years people have debated which striker is the best in the Premier League, but the fact that a man loyal to north London, who has played with both of the main candidates, has chosen Aguero may just settle it.

Some Manchester United fans aren’t believing a word of a report from the Manchester Evening News about the club’s transfer plans.

According to the publication, the club is targeting four new signings next year: a full-back, a central midfielder, a forward and a striker.

The summer transfer window saw just three arrivals at the club, with two of them in defence. They also fell two priority signings short in the summer, after the sale of Alexis Sanchez and Romelu Lukaku to Internazionale.

Harry Maguire was signed for a world-record fee believed to be £80m, while Aaron Wan-Bissaka was signed for £50m. Daniel James also joined the club for £15m from Championship side Swansea City.

The lack of squad depth this season was criticised by former United star Gary Neville, who said the club need to add ‘three of four players down the spine’ (Sky Sports via Daily Mail).

However, despite the reports, fans weren’t believing that the club are planning four signings next year as they took to Twitter to react.

Here is a selection of tweets from the Old Trafford faithful:

Do you think Manchester United will be busy in the transfer market in 2020? Have your say by commenting below!

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Rangers midfielder Ryan Jack played alongside new boy Glen Kamara in the 5-0 Scottish Cup thrashing of Kilmarnock at Ibrox on Wednesday, and his comments to rangers.co.uk after the final whistle suggest that he enjoyed the experience.

What’s the word, then?

Well, Kamara completed his move to the Glasgow giants from Dundee on the final day of the January transfer window, but didn’t make his debut for the club until the 0-0 draw with St Johnstone last weekend – one Jack incidentally missed because of an injury issue.

However, the duo were both named in the starting XI as Steven Gerrard opted for a 4-1-4-1 system against Killie, and it proved to be a happy night for the hosts as Alfredo Morelos netted four times and Andy Halliday scored another in the comprehensive win.

Speaking post-match about his new teammate, Jack told rangers.co.uk: “Yeah it was good.

“Obviously I’ve trained with him a couple of times, and Glen’s a good footballer.

“I thought he was really good tonight and I really enjoyed playing alongside him. He’s good at keeping the ball, I really enjoyed it and hopefully there’s more of that to come.”

Budding partnership on the cards?

There might well be, with Jack’s comments certainly suggesting that he is keen to play with the Finland international more often.

The fact that Rangers have only just signed Kamara suggests that he has a big role to play at Ibrox in the coming years, while at 26 years of age his Scottish teammate has already established himself as a key man for the club.

The pair are likely to feature prominently in Gerrard’s central midfield both now and in the future with the likes of Scott Arfield and Steven Davis getting no younger.

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Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino delivered a seven-word message his players wouldn’t have wanted to hear during his post-match interview following the disappointing 2-2 draw against Olympiacos in Athens on Wednesday.

What did he say?

After watching his side give up a two-goal lead for the second time in September, the Argentine boss was clearly unhappy following the final whistle, accusing his team of failing to respect the game-plan.

Asked how he was going to fix the lack of intensity, the 47-year-old simply responded, via Football London: “Training needs to be harder, psychologically harder.”

Bad news for Tottenham players

Pochettino appeared angry and frustrated during his post-match press conference, so you have to wonder what he was like with his players behind closed doors having essentially blamed them for the north London outfit being unable to hold onto the three points in Greece.

Sky Sports did an analysis prior to the win against Crystal Palace that said Spurs were pressing less than any of their Premier League rivals, despite that being one of their most recognisable traits under the former Southampton manager in recent years.

Watch Tottenham Hotspur Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

That lack of intensity has been noticeable, but it’s difficult to say whether their training hasn’t been as difficult as it once was or whether they’ve simply lost that sharpness. However, what is clear is that they look set to be worked even harder at Hotspur Way by the coaching staff.

Psychologically and physically the Tottenham players could be in for a draining couple of days and weeks, but perhaps that kick up the behind is exactly what they need to reach the heights again, even if they might not like it.

West Ham United have failed in their attempts to bring Duje Caleta-Car to the London Stadium in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a recent claim made by Claret & Hugh, with the West Ham insider revealing in a recent post that, despite David Moyes’ side’s continued attempts to find an agreement with Olympique de Marseille regarding a deal for the centre-back, sources on both sides of the transfer have stated that a compromise between the two clubs does not look likely to be reached.

It is reported that the Hammers are looking to take the 25-year-old on a loan to buy deal, while Marseille are only willing to part with the Croatia international for an up front fee of £15m.

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In their post, Claret & Hugh said: “West Ham are believed to have finally missed out on signing Croatian central defender Duje Caleta-Car. The Hammers have been chasing the player for several weeks and are likely to continue doing so up until the end of the window.

“But Claret & Hugh’s information from both sides of the deal is that Marseille are unwilling to do a loan to buy option and continue to insist on a £15 million permanent deal. The Hammers have made it clear they have no interest in such a deal at this point and want to take a look at the player over the remainder of the season.

“We are planning to pursue things until the end of the window but Marseille sources insist no deal other than a permanent switch is considered suitable.”

Moyes can kiss top four goodbye

With West Ham’s absolute priority targets in the January transfer window having been a new centre-forward and a new centre-back – neither of which Moyes has managed to land – the news that the Premier League side are set to miss out on a defender they have been pursuing for a large portion of the current market is sure to have left Hammers fans livid with their club’s strategy this winter.

Indeed, with a little under 36 hours until the transfer window closes on Monday evening, each hour that passes from now on looks to reduce the club’s likelihood of bringing a new centre-back to the London Stadium this winter – meaning the stalemate with Marseille regarding a deal for Caleta-Car appears to have been extremely important time wasted.

And, with the Hammers pushing for a top-four finish in the league this season, should Moyes indeed fail to bring in both a new centre-back and centre-forward this month, the Scot may as well kiss goodbye to the prospect of Champions League football next season now – as the 58-year-old’s squad simply does not have enough strength in depth to maintain a top-four push in its current state.

In other news: “I can confirm…”: ExWHUemployee drops huge transfer update, WHU fans will be buzzing

Diego Carlos could reportedly now be tempted with a move to Newcastle United in the summer.

The Lowdown: January not to be

It was no secret that the St. James’ Park faithful were strongly pushing to sign Carlos throughout most of the January transfer window only for a deal to fall through, with the Magpies opting to sign Dan Burn from Brighton and Hove Albion instead.

This came after the Brazilian himself handed in a transfer request at Sevilla in order to try and force through a move to the North East, and so a move to Tyneside in the future should not be ruled out, so long as they can avoid relegation from the Premier League of course.

The Latest: Summer move?

As per La Razon, Carlos could now be tempted again by a move to the Magpies in the summer.

The news outlet cites that the Toon made an offer worth up to €55m (£46.3m) last month to Sevilla for their central defender, which was turned down, but does not specify how much it would take to get him once the summer transfer window opens.

The Verdict: Get it done

Interestingly, Sevilla considered Carlos ‘untouchable’ in January, despite bids coming in for him and his transfer request, but now it looks like he could try and force through a move in the summer instead.

Whatever price the La Liga club set, Eddie Howe’s simply have to pay it, as he would lift the quality of their backline beyond measure.

The six-foot-one colossus has been dubbed as a ‘real leader at the back’ (The Daily Express) by European football expert Andy Brassell, and is appropriately nicknamed ‘The Beast‘, a no-nonsense defender that would certainly help NUFC concede fewer goals next season, having helped Sevilla keep the best defensive record in La Liga so far.

Nonetheless, after the signing of another Brazilian in Bruno Guimaraes, his arrival would further show a statement of intent from the new owners.

In other news, find out which ‘Rolls-Royce’ Newcastle are now planning to sign in the summer here!

Wolves manager Bruno Lage has revealed the latest information regarding the future of winger Adama Traore, who has been subject to interest from other Premier League clubs.

What’s the latest?

According to Lage, Wolves are yet to receive a bid for the Spaniard. Speaking to the media, the 45-year-old said: “No [bids]. For now I know nothing.

“About Adama, the only thing I can say, it’s the same Adama since the first day. Every time training well, being the good professional he is. He is here with us, wants to play for us and always works hard.

“If you look at the 19 or 20 games we have had, he has started at least half the games,” Lage explained. “When he hasn’t been in the first XI, he jumped from the bench to help the team.

“In my mind, yes, nothing changes. But this is football. The club has talked with Adama before, he has one year left on his contract, and I need to understand that.

“It’s not just about Adama, if it’s good for the club and the player, we need to find a solution.”

According to Birmingham Live, Premier League duo Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea are interested as are Spanish giants Barcelona; it is Spurs who are currently leading the race.

Now in the final 18 months of his contract at Molineux, the 25-year-old will need to make a decision on his future soon.

Wolves fans will be relieved

Although the winger has been limited to ten Premier League starts this campaign, Traore is still an important contributor for Wolves and the fact they’ve received no bids for his services will leave the Molineux faithful relieved.

The 25-year-old netted his first goal of the campaign on Saturday in the 3-1 win over Southampton which will now hopefully act as a catalyst for more goal contributions this side of the season.

A lack of goal involvement has been the Spaniard’s major weakness during his time in the West Midlands, managing just 11 goals and 18 assists in 153 appearances for the Old Gold.

However, his lightning pace and colossal strength make the winger a nightmare to defend against, particularly when he’s in form, therefore making him the ideal weapon for Wolves to unleash from their arsenal in the latter stages of a game, particularly if they’re in need of a goal.

To lose a player mid-season is never ideal, especially if a replacement can’t be signed. Should Traore fail to sign a contract extension by the summer, then Wolves fans may be more open to the idea of the winger leaving.

However, to lose him at this stage of the campaign, with the Midlands side chasing European qualification, Lage and co. will be desperate to hold onto Traore this window.

In other news – £33k-p/w Wolves gem, who created two big chances, stars in victory over Southampton