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West Bromwich Albion will have been one of a few clubs devastated by the enforced domestic break for the World Cup, given how Carlos Corberan had seemingly turned things around.

The Spaniard was brought in to fix the mess made by Steve Bruce, which had left the Baggies in and around the relegation zone.

In what had been a torrid campaign, they had just one win to their name before his sacking, making their recent resurgence even more impressive.

Losing his first game against Sheffield United, Corberan would then take his side on a three-game win streak before the hiatus.

Then, last night, they finally returned to action with a clash against Sunderland, who boasted similarly impressive form.

It turns out that their month off actually ended up benefitting them, as it offered the necessary time for Daryl Dike to return from his injury.

Having sadly missed out on the World Cup squad due to it, he was deemed fit enough for the bench in their trip to the Stadium of Light.

It marked an important return for the 22-year-old who had been struck down with “really bad luck” with injuries that had left him “devastated”, according to Bruce.

Whilst it has often been John Swift called upon to bail out the Baggies this season, who had been enjoying a characteristically workmanlike performance, it was clear a spark was missing to turn the game in their favour.

Therefore, with 26 minutes left on the clock, the former Barnsley marksman was summoned to help uproot a 1-0 deficit.

His first action was to use his hulking strength to hold off a centre-back, laying the ball off for Tom Rogic to stroke home.

He would then compound this assist with the winning goal, heading past the stranded Anthony Patterson after a fine Jed Wallace delivery.

This display has surely left Corberan considering his striking options now, with Karlan Grant and Brandon Thomas-Asante both having looked rather toothless this season.

In the Championship this term they both have only scored three each.

However, with Dike now returned from injury, performances like last night will ease the selection headache tenfold as he becomes an instant starter.

Having risen to 17th since the win, there will now be hope that, should their blistering form continue, they can start looking up the table rather than be scared about who might be behind them.

Starting Dike regularly will be imperative in maintaining that.

Chelsea are set to be ‘keeping a close eye’ on AC Milan striker Rafael Leao at the World Cup, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: Open to offers

The Portuguese marksman’s contract at the San Siro isn’t set to expire until 2024, but the Italian giants are struggling to convince him to extend his stay at the club and are therefore open to offers in the region of €100m (£87m).

The Blues have recently been credited with a strong interest in the 23-year-old and are reportedly confident of striking a deal to bring him to the Premier League.

The Latest: O’Rourke’s comments

Speaking to GiveMeSport, O’Rourke suggested that Chelsea would be monitoring Leao, who has been chosen to represent Portugal at the World Cup, ahead of a potential move to west London.

The journalist said: “I’m sure they’ll be keeping a close eye on him during the World Cup, and if he does really well for Portugal, Chelsea will be very keen to bring him to Stamford Bridge.

“But on the flip side of that, it will probably only increase his price tag as well if he does have a good World Cup with Portugal.”

The Verdict: Alongside Nkunku?

Christopher Nkunku is said to be closing in on a move to Stamford Bridge next year, and Leao could soon be following in the Frenchman’s footsteps.

Hailed by Jacek Kulig as a ‘difference-maker’, the forward has already provided nine assists and netted seven goals in 20 appearances across all competitions this season, highlighting the threat that he poses in the final third (Transfermarkt).

Whilst £87m could be viewed as too big of a sum to pay for Chelsea, Leao is one of the most in-form attackers in Europe right now, so it’s definitely a fee worth considering.

After Saturday’s disappointing result against Leicester City and the three injuries that Frank Lampard noted after the game, tonight’s EFL Cup fixture with Bournemouth seems to have lost a level of importance to Everton.

The Toffees fell to 16th with their last result, and on the weekend once again travel to the Vitality Stadium to face a side that sits just one point below them.

Instantly the Premier League has regained full focus, as there will be a fear of falling into a similar position that led to such dramatics last season.

With that in mind, Lampard will have a fine balancing act when it comes to the cup game, to put out a side that is competitive but allowing his more important players to rest for the bigger repeat fixture on Saturday.

Both James Tarkowski and Conor Coady have played nearly every minute for Lampard in the league, so it is likely that at least one of them will drop out.

Especially with the recent news that Yerry Mina is back in contention for the match, following his injury sustained in their opening-day defeat to Chelsea.

Although the Colombian would have a tough task displacing either of the aforementioned stalwarts at centre-back permanently, before their summer arrivals he was regarded as the best defender at Goodison Park when fit.

The only issue was, and clearly remains, that he was never fit.

Last season, despite missing large parts of the season, the 28-year-old boasted a 36% win percentage, up from 19% in his absence.

Paddy Boyland outlined this in his tweet, where he claimed that the: “Defence looks much more solid when Mina is there.”

During this time, he averaged 0.9 tackles and 2.8 clearances per game whilst boasting a 67% success rate with the duels he would compete in, via SofaScore.

There is clearly a fine player in there, as outlined by journalist Luis Miguel Echegaray who labelled him “special” as Barcelona completed the deal to sign him.

In the past Everton have been reliant on his fitness to save their defensive woes, but with these newcomers, this burden is somewhat lifted.

Perhaps now he could have the platform to finally build up some fitness without the necessity to rush him back, starting with tonight’s first game of the week against the Cherries.

Former home favourite’s runs and catches help put Warwickshire in strong position

David Hopps13-Sep-2021

If Warwickshire win the Championship, a little patch of earth at Headingley could become hallowed ground. It will be found at first slip at the Kirkstall Lane End and it may be marked by a slight indentation. They could even call it “Bresnan’s Dip”. Yorkshire, their own Championship hopes scuppered in that moment, could be tempted to fill it in, although as the player involved spent the best part of two decades at Yorkshire, they could always be tempted to celebrate the moment and offer grudging praise to “one of our own”.When Tim Bresnan plunged mightily to the ground during the last ball of the day, to hold a splendid catch off Liam Norwell, one-handed to his right, Yorkshire lost Dawid Malan in the process. At 50 for 2, with England’s No. 3 still intact, a chase of 224 on a tough pitch felt gettable. Malan, who sweated 66 balls over 12, certainly felt so. At 50 for 3, England’s No. 3 catered for, Yorkshire probably need a seaming pitch to change character markedly to have a realistic chance of getting over the line. With rain forecast, we may have to wait until Wednesday to find out.Craig Miles, who had earlier removed Adam Lyth via another Bresnan catch, said: “To get someone of Dawid Malan’s calibre out with the last ball of the day took something pretty special from Tim. It was a remarkable catch and great to finish the day on that note.”Bresnan’s catch shook Yorkshire to their foundations, metaphorically if not quite literally. Remarkably, it was his third catch at first slip in the final session. George Hill edged an outswinger from Chris Woakes to give him the gentlest of warm-ups. Lyth’s edge of a full, wide ball from Miles was another gimme. Then, an hour or so later, with the floodlights shining ever more brightly, came the tour de force, rescued an inch from the turf. It was probably the first time a Headingley crowd has ever groaned at a Bresnan success story.Bresnan also had a part in Warwickshire’s second-innings 176. It had three pillars: Dom Sibley played with commendable self-discipline, as is his wont; Michael Burgess, as he had in the first innings, flowed so freely that he might have been playing on a different pitch; and Bresnan, Yorkshire to his core, must have wondered as he picked off late runs why his old county’s attack had waned just as the match was on the line.Yorkshire’s one bowler to possess a permanent threat was Jordan Thompson, who was in combative mood, and who drew maximum life and seam movement from the pitch as a result: Bresnan, who left to make way for the likes of Thompson, an allrounder of character, would have been impressed. Steve Patterson was also in typically parsimonious mood. But Matthew Fisher bowled too many four-balls across both innings and Ben Coad, although highly economical, did not quite carry the threat that might have been expected.Few batters minimise risk like Sibley. He probably also knows where the nearest fire extinguisher is in every dressing room, and only breathes in after carrying out a thorough check of pollution levels. It took him 15 balls to get off the mark and it set the tone – outswing from Fisher and the gentlest of deflections, soft hands, angled bat, through backward point. When the bowlers are on top, he hunkers down like an elderly man preparing for a harsh winter.At 27 for 4 in 17 overs, he must have been feeling bereft. Will Rhodes kept him company for 11 overs before he was gated by Patterson. Thompson, the heavy-eyebrowed firebrand, cleaned up Chris Benjamin and Sam Hain in successive balls. Benjamin’s booming off drive was very T20 and Lyth said thank you at second slip. Hain collected a king pair, a huge bonus for Yorkshire, this time totally squared up as Thompson made one rasp away from him from back of a length. Matty Lamb managed to be lbw and bowled by the same ball from Patterson; the umpire’s finger was raised for lbw at the same time that the off bail was flicked aside. Obsessive students of the Laws, and there are many, might like to pontificate whether “bowled” was the right decision.Sibley ground on. Just because he leaves a ball, it does not mean it is done with. He relives it, digs deep into its character, explores it for every character trait should he meet it again. Despite that, he did include a few thick edges to third man as his score mounted. When he fended just short of Hill at first slip, the bowler, Thompson, screamed in exasperation and his eyebrows blackened like a young Fred Trueman. He dismissed Sibley next ball, an excellent delivery and a catch at the wicket.When Thompson took two wickets in an over for the second time, making one bounce to dismiss Woakes for a third-ball duck, Yorkshire were back in the game. Even more so when Burgess, who had again played with a clever attacking intent – walking down the pitch at times, but never wildly – fell for 37 from 58 balls, driving Fisher to point where Harry Brook had moved seconds earlier.At 108 for 7, Warwickshire’s lead was 155. Quick Kill was the requirement. Instead, Bresnan had something of a gentle homecoming, making 36 from 61 balls as if he had spent his life batting on this square and wondered what all the fuss was about. The umpires examined the ball several times, but Yorkshire never really found one that got them out of the mire. By the time Coad had Bresnan leg before and Thompson removed last man Norwell at mid-off for the first five-for of his career, Warwickshire were favourites.”We knew what Brez can do,” Thompson said. “He’s done it year in, year out for us. He hung around and got them to a challenging score and then took those catches late on.”That counted as a gushing accolade down Yorkshire way. Bresnan will reckon he made room for a good pro in the making. But he was not about to give him the Championship.

West Bromwich Albion continued their winless run today as they could only grind out a 0-0 bore draw against Luton Town.

Steve Bruce employed a tactical tweak by opting for a three-at-the-back system, with Conor Townsend and Matt Phillips as the wing-backs.

This seems to have worked defensively, as they limited the Hatters to just three shots on target. However, it left Albion similarly toothless up front, as they could only mustered the same amount.

The 61-year-old will certainly feel the pressure mounting now, as this result marked a ninth game without a win for the Baggies.

Whilst neither of the aforementioned wing-backs played particularly well, with the former only mustering a 6.5 average SofaScore rating, it was Phillips who was truly terrible today.

Admittedly playing slightly out of position, he showed just how out of his depth he was in a full-back role with a torrid defensive display and an impotent attacking output.

The Scotsman played 86 minutes today and managed to lose possession an astounding 27 times. This can be traced back partly to his two unsuccessful dribble attempts and 25% crossing accuracy, showing how wasteful he was with the ball.

As mentioned already, his defensive display was not much better. He did not make a single tackle or clearance all day, with his only real contribution being his three interceptions.

Townsend also managed no tackles or clearances, but at least he was less wasteful in possession, losing the ball just 19 times by comparison.

Despite the clean sheet, Bruce must see after this performance that he clearly does not have the personnel for a wing-back formation. However, the results of late might mean that he will have few matches left to make such tweaks.

Albion still sits two points adrift of safety in the relegation zone, with Huddersfield Town below them possessing two games in hand as well.

Things are looking bleak for West Brom and Bruce, who may part ways sooner rather than later in an attempt to stop this rut.

The manager can blame both of his wing-backs for a lack of attacking threat today which could have won them the game, with Phillips particularly wasteful and ineffective.

Everton are seemingly already planning their January transfer window business, with reports suggesting that Watford striker Joao Pedro could be on Kevin Thelwell’s shortlist.

What’s the word?

Pedro was heavily linked with a move to the Premier League during the summer but confirmed on deadline day that he would remain with the Hornets as they look to secure an immediate return to the top flight.

However, it seems as if Everton could try and prise the young Brazilian away from Vicarage Road in the winter transfer window, as The Athletic’s Patrick Boyland reported recently.

He said:

“Recruitment staff will already be assessing priorities for the next window. The operation continues 24-7.

“Of course, what happens in January may well be dictated by results over the first half of the season.

“I still feel they may be a goalscorer short, certainly from wide areas. Cody Gakpo, Joao Pedro or even Mohammed Kudus would still make sense. But they are going to have to continue to trim the squad at the same time too.”

Everton were linked with the 20-year-old during the summer so it would make sense for them to try again in January, especially if they continue to struggle in front of goal, with just five goals in their opening six Premier League games.

Richarlison 2.0?

There would be a lot of similarities between Pedro’s potential move to Goodison Park and the signing of Richarlison in 2018.

Both are young Brazilian forwards who have come to prominence at Watford, while FBref suggests that they have similar styles of play.

Before his move to Tottenham Hotspur this summer, Richarlison would contribute 53 goals in 152 appearances for the Toffees, playing. a vital role in their survival last season, as he hit 10 goals in the Premier League.

While Neal Maupay has been brought in as a replacement, Pedro would represent a far more exciting option for Lampard, as the young forward has been in excellent form so far this season, averaging a 7.48 rating from WhoScored for his performances in the Championship, with two goals and two assists to his name.

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Therefore, a move for the “special talent” – as lauded by EFL pundit Keith Andrews – would make a lot of sense for Everton in January, and there seems little reason why he can’t fill the hole left by Richarlison at Goodison Park.

Manchester United transfer target Antony is waiting for the Red Devils to agree with a fee with Ajax so that he can secure his desired move to Old Trafford, according to Florian Plettenberg of Sky Germany reports.

The lowdown

The Red Devils have already seen a £67.9m bid for Antony rejected by the reigning Eredivisie champions.

According to Sky Sports, the Premier League giants are preparing to improve their bid, but not by offering more money. Instead, they will present a payment structure which is more favourable to Ajax.

Antony was left on the bench for his team’s match against Sparta Rotterdam on Sunday, with a source telling Sky Sports News that he’s ‘not mentally right’ to play at the moment.

The latest

Taking to Twitter, Plettenberg has ‘been told’ that ‘negotiations between Ajax and MUFC’ over a deal for Antony ‘are ongoing’.

There seems to be a constructive atmosphere around the talks as ‘both clubs try to reach an agreement’, and the ‘player’s side is waiting’ for them to shake hands on a package.

Antony ‘wants the move’ and ‘Ten Hag is pushing’ for the signing as the final week of the transfer window creeps closer.

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The verdict

Ten Hag has already worked with Antony during his time at the Johann Cruyff ArenA.

He arrived at Ajax in the summer of 2020, making a £14.18m move from Brazilian outfit Sao Paulo.

Antony has since gone on to play 82 games for the club, scoring 24 times and recording 22 assists. The 22-year-old won two Eredivisie titles under Ten Hag, as well as the 2020/21 KNVB Cup.

The United manager has previously referred to Antony as a ‘top class’ player and marvelled at the ‘incredible’ power that the Brazilian can generate.

Clearly, Ten Hag believes that the forward can be a hit in the Premier League, and with pressure coming from both sides, Ajax may sanction the reunion.

Leeds United have a definite interest in Martin Terrier but they’ll need to fork out to secure his signature this transfer window…

What’s the word?

That’s according to Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor, who claims that the Yorkshire giants are keen on the Stade Rennes forward and that he’s one of many targets in the role.

“Terrier is one there’s definite interest in from Leeds. But I do question whether they have the kind of money available to sign him, because he would probably cost £35 million, £30 million,” he revealed to GIVEMESPORT.

“Given the sales or Raphinha and Phillips, that’s doable, for sure. I think there’s a handful of potential targets. But at the moment it’s not clear who exactly they’re going to push for.”

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Marsch needs him

The Whites have enjoyed a busy summer of business off the pitch, bringing in no fewer than six new names, all of which will add a lot to manager Jesse Marsch’s squad.

However, they are still lacking another striker to provide backup and potentially challenge Patrick Bamford to the starting spot.

Both the American and his predecessor, Marcelo Bielsa, had to suffer from the Englishman’s absence throughout last season. He was only able to play in nine top-flight matches with injury and Leeds struggled, largely because they did not have another senior striker.

Winger Dan James and young forward Joe Gelhardt were left to pick up the pieces but ultimately, no one could replace his 17 goals from a season earlier.

Terrier, whilst he would be a sizeable investment, is certainly an exciting candidate to help Marsch’s frontline.

The 25-year-old delivered a whopping 21 goals and four assists across 37 Ligue 1 appearances last season as he enjoyed something of a career year in France. He was largely deployed upfront but also out on the left flank, as per Transfermarkt.

And there are plenty of reasons to why he would be an instant hit in the Premier League, having earned lofty comparisons to that of ex-Arsenal marksman Thierry Henry.

“He’s a very quick, left-sided right-footed attacking player whose trademark is coming in off the left flank and whipping shots in; a-la Thierry Henry,” claimed European football writer Tom Williams to the Sky Sports Transfer Talk podcast.

“Looking at his age and the phenomenal season he had last season, he will probably think that if he is ever going to make a big move to the Premier League, it’s probably going to be now or never.”

Marsch and co cannot afford to go into the rest of the season without another option to Bamford, so the signing of a new frontman must be among the priorities at Elland Road.

Director of football Victor Orta could well seal a “real coup” in Terrier, as claimed by journalist Pete O’Rourke, so it’s on him and his recruitment staff to get this one over the line.

It may cost around £34m, according to reports in France, but it would be worth every penny, given his recent goalscoring record. Marsch needs someone like the Rennes goal machine before September 1st, that’s for sure.

AND in other news, Orta could seal perfect £40k-p/w “liability” heir as Leeds move for £12k-p/w “bargain”…

BBC journalist Simon Stone has shared his view as Leeds United signing Luis Sinisterra picked up an injury in the Whites’ pre-season friendly with Crystal Palace.

The Lowdown: Sinisterra joins Whites

The winger completed a move from Feyenoord to Leeds earlier this month, helping fill the void left by Raphinha, who has joined Barcelona in a big-money transfer.

Sinisterra is an exciting signing, having scored 12 goals and chipped in with seven assists in the Eredivisie last season, and fans have been enjoying watching him in pre-season action.

Unfortunately, things have taken a negative turn in that respect.

The Latest: Injury update

Taking to Twitter during Leeds’ friendly clash with Palace, Stone confirmed that Sinisterra had limped off after picking up an injury, which he believes to be a hamstring issue.

The reporter confirmed it was a non-contact injury and shared a brief moment involving manager Jesse Marsch before the player headed down the tunnel.

“Sinisterra went down with no-one near him. Looked like a hamstring injury. Had a brief word with Jesse Marsch before making his way slowly to the tunnel. Colombian one of LUFC’s big summer signings.”

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The Verdict: Big concern for Marsch

A new signing getting injured is always hugely disappointing and this is especially concerning, given the manner in which Sinisterra picked up the knock.

Nobody was around him when the incident happened, which can mean potential muscle or even ligament damage due to an awkward turn or landing, which will be of big concern for Marsch.

The hope is that Sinisterra’s setback is nothing serious and that he left the field as a precaution, but with the new Premier League season only two weeks away, anyone associated with Leeds will be sweating.

The Athletic journalist David Ornstein has revealed some positive transfer news on Anthony Gordon for Everton supporters.

The Lowdown: Offer made for Gordon

It has been reported that Newcastle United have made a £35m bid to try and lure the 21-year-old away from Goodison Park.

Tottenham Hotspur are also thought to be readying an offer for the England under-21 international, and it will now be up to the Merseyside club whether they sell to the highest bidder.

The Latest: Ornstein’s update on Gordon

However, taking to Twitter in sharing a corresponding article for The Athletic, Ornstein has revealed that Everton have ‘no intention’ of selling Gordon this summer ‘amid enquiries’ from a number of clubs in the Premier League when ‘interest’ was expressed by them ‘during conversations’ with the Toffees.

The reporter tweeted: “Everton have no intention of selling Anthony Gordon amid enquiries from other PL clubs. Interest expressed during conversations but #EFC unwilling to consider 21yo’s exit. Likely new deal will be offered but not result of rival admiration.”

The Verdict: Positive for Everton

It is certainly positive to hear of Everton’s intentions to keep Gordon, and indeed potentially offer him a new contract.

The 21-year-old is a player who has come through their academy, so he would have that extra special connection with the club’s supporters.

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Moreover, he was one of their most important players last season, with up four goals, two assists and two man-of-the-match awards in 35 appearances in the Premier League (WhoScored).

Having already sold Richarlison to Spurs, the Toffees must do everything that they can to keep homegrown talent Gordon at the club for as long as possible.