All posts by n8rngtd.top

West Ham United manager Graham Potter could be sacked by the Hammers very shortly, on one condition, with a potential timeline shared by one media source.

Graham Potter under growing pressure in east London

This time last year, David Moyes’ replacement, Julen Lopetegui, was in a very similar situation to Potter as critics and supporters alike called for the Spaniard to be axed following a poor start to 2024/2025.

Now, his successor, Potter, is facing the same pressure. Under the former Chelsea boss, West Ham have recorded their second-worst win percentage since the Premier League’s inception, with Avram Grant’s relegated side from 2010/2011 coming as the only Hammers team to fare worse.

The east Londoners have also leaked goals left, right and centre — conceding more than any other top-flight outfit thus far — with Potter’s West Ham also looking extremely vulnerable when it comes to set pieces.

Potter did give himself some breathing room with an impressive 3-0 win away to Nottingham Forest, which turned out to be Nuno Espírito Santo’s final game in charge, and the Portuguese is now being linked to the West Ham job after leaving the City Ground.

As well as Nuno, ex-West Ham player Frank Lampard has been mentioned as a candidate to replace Potter, with other reports suggesting Ipswich’s Kieran McKenna was in attendance at the London Stadium during their 3-0 derby defeat to Spurs.

However, any hope of a blockbuster move for big-name serial winner José Mourinho is being quashed by the special one’s imminent move to Benfica, so if West Ham are to sack Potter, they’ll need to decide quickly and avoid the other best-possible free agents being snapped up by other clubs.

Taking that into account, West Ham chair David Sullivan is apparently keen to avoid another Lopetegui-style saga, amid a major concern he has behind-the-scenes.

When West Ham could sack Graham Potter and it may be imminent

That is according to Hammers News, who shared an update on Potter’s future via one of their sources.

The informant, as quoted by HN, reveals that West Ham could sack Potter if they lose to Crystal Palace this weekend.

The 50-year-old’s unceremonious departure would bring his stock down even further after he was sacked by Chelsea, with Potter’s stellar days growing Brighton into an established Premier League side far behind the tactician.

It would be hard to envisage Potter getting another immediate big job if he’s given a P45 after Saturday, but as we’ve seen with ex-West Ham hero Moyes, you can always bounce back in the long-term.

Atlanta United goalkeeper and former USMNT stalwart Brad Guzan announced that he will retire following the conclusion of the 2025 MLS season. Guzan’s decision marks the end of a distinguished career that included 64 caps for the USMNT, a key role in Atlanta United’s formative years, and a significant tenure in both MLS and the English Premier League.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Career spanned two decades

  Guzan confirmed he will retire after the 2025 MLS season, closing a career spanning two decades. His announcement marks the end of a significant era for both Atlanta United and the USMNT, where Guzan was a steady presence in goal and a leader on and off the field. The American international’s statement, on social media, confirmed the news and thanked

  “21 years is a long time. I’m just a kid from Chicago who instantly knew this game was for me,” Guzan posted on his social media. “Today, as I prepare to hang up my gloves, I know this journey was never just about me. THANK YOU – TO EVERYONE.”

Advertisement

• What Guzan posted

• Guzan’s career journey

  Guzan launched his professional career with Chivas USA in 2005, quickly establishing himself as a reliable goalkeeper in Major League Soccer. His performances earned him a move to England’s Aston Villa in 2008, where he spent over a decade, becoming a fan favorite and a consistent presence between the posts. 

  In 2017, Guzan returned to MLS as one of the first signings for the newly formed Atlanta United. His experience and composure were instrumental in stabilizing the team’s defense during its inaugural season. Guzan’s leadership contributed significantly to Atlanta United’s rapid ascent, culminating in the club’s MLS Cup victory in 2018.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  What's next?

  As the 2025 MLS season draws to a close,  Guzan’s retirement signals the end of an era for both Atlanta United and the USMNT community. His contributions on and off the field have shaped the trajectory of American soccer domestically and internationally.

Former Paris Saint-Germain star Rafinha has explained why the era of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe in the French capital never worked. The trio played together at PSG for two years from 2021, when Messi joined the club from Barcelona on a free transfer, and lasted until 2023 when both the Argentine and Neymar left for Inter Miami and Al-Hilal respectively.

• Star trio of Messi, Mbappe and Neymar never clicked for PSG

  PSG chief Nasser Al-Khelaifi grabbed the limelight in August 2021 when he did the unthinkable by signing Messi from Barcelona. The Argentine, who spent close to two decades at the Catalan club, finally left  to sign for the Ligue 1 giants. There he linked up with the likes of Mbappe and Neymar to form the most glamorous attacking trio in European football at that time. Al-Khelaifi also brought in Achraf Hakimi and Sergio Ramos to bolster his backline.

  The star-studded side, however, did not click as they won only the Ligue 1 title in their first season and repeated the feat in their second campaign, along with winning the French Super Cup, but they never delivered the Champions League – the trophy the club was desperate to win at the time.

Advertisement

• AFP
  

  Rafinha explains why famous era never worked

  Speaking on the , ex-PSG and Brazil midfielder said: "During pre-season, in the first training session where everyone was present, I said, 'This can’t possibly work'. Let’s start with the goalkeeper: Keylor Navas or Donnarumma. Whoever doesn’t play will be furious. There will be arguments, discussions with the coach. 

  "In defence: Marquinhos, the starter, no one will replace him, Kimpembe, PSG idol, and Sergio Ramos. The three best full-backs for each. In attack, Di María, Mbappe, Neymar, and Messi. Who do you take off? Di María, for his weight within the team, and even then, he’s not a player you can take off. It can’t work.

  "For a coach, it’s impossible. They were the best team in the world in terms of players, names, but at the same time, difficult to manage. I wasn’t playing, so I was watching."

• Messi was unhappy in Paris

  A source close to L’Equipe recently claimed that Messi was unhappy in the two seasons he spent at PSG and even felt that the club protected French star Mbappe more than any player in the squad. The source was quoted as saying: "He didn’t have one good moment in Paris. He couldn’t go out. He found himself in the middle of the Neymar-Mbappe rivalry. He even felt that the club protected the Frenchman and didn’t even honour his World Cup title. In Barcelona, he was a god. He was used to taking his kids to school, the sun…it was a lot of things combined."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• AFP
  

  PSG finally went on to win the UCL

  After Neymar and Messi exited the club in the summer of 2023, Mbappe remained there for one more year before walking out as a free agent to complete his dream transfer to Real Madrid. The next season, PSG won the treble. including the elusive Champions League title under the leadership of Luis Enrique. Ousmane Dembele was the star of the team as his performances earned him his first-ever Ballon d'Or.

When it comes to summer transfer windows, Arsenal haven’t always been a club that like to go big.

However, this year saw the thrice Premier League runners-up smash open the war chest and make the addition that could finally get them over the line come May.

Andrea Berta oversaw the arrival of eight first-team quality players, and while several of them have the potential to be real game-changers, Viktor Gyokeres might just be the most exciting.

The Swedish shot-stopper could be the missing piece in Mikel Arteta’s attack, but he’ll have to take the league by storm to see his valuation match that of one of his new teammates.

Gyokeres' start to the Premier League season

To describe Gyokeres as prolific during his time with Sporting CP would be a colossal understatement.

In 102 appearances, totalling 8417 minutes, he scored 97 goals and provided 28 assists, which comes out to an average of 1.22 goal involvements every game, or one every 67.33 minutes.

With numbers like these, it’s easy to understand why Arsenal spent £64m on him and why there are such high expectations about what he could do at the club.

Yet, while it is still early days, it would be fair to say that he’s not exactly got off to a flyer in red and white.

For example, in the games against Manchester United and Liverpool, he failed to have a single shot, let alone one on target.

Moreover, while his teammates weren’t providing him with adequate service, he was not helping himself with some lacklustre runs and heavy touches.

Fortunately, we got to see what he can do in the game against Leeds United, as he opened his account with a lovely run early in the second half and then doubled his tally with a thunderous strike from the penalty spot towards the end of the game.

In all, Gyokeres could be a huge difference-maker for Arsenal this season, although there is already someone in the team competing with him who is worth millions more.

The Arsenal star worth millions more than Gyokeres

Even before this summer’s spending spree, Arsenal could boast a team overflowing with sensational talent.

Market Movers

Football FanCast’s Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club’s star player or biggest flop worth today?

From William Saliba in defence, to Declam Rice in midfield and Bukayo Saka in attack, there are superstars all over this team.

However, in this instance, the attacker in question is none other than Kai Havertz, and while he might divide opinion at times, his valuation remains incredibly high.

For example, the CIES Football Observatory prices the German international at a whopping €91m, which is about £79m, or £15m more than Gyokeres cost the Gunners.

That might sound like an awful lot of money for a player who has quite the reputation for being wasteful in attacking situations, but contrary to how many view him, the 26-year-old has quite an impressive record for the club.

For example, since making the move to North London, the former Chelsea ace has scored 29 goals and provided 13 assists in 88 appearances, which is an average of a goal involvement every 2.09 games.

However, when you look purely at the games in which he played as the team’s striker, the numbers become even more impressive.

In those 48 matches, totalling 4004 minutes, the “magnificent” ace, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has scored 19 goals and provided 13 assists.

In other words, when he has played as a striker, the Aachen-born monster averages a goal involvement every 1.5 games, or every 125.12 minutes, which is a brilliant rate of return.

Ultimately, he might still divide opinion among fans and pundits alike, but Havertz’s numbers are undoubtedly impressive and help to explain why he currently has a higher valuation than Gyokeres.

Arsenal sold homegrown Gyokeres for £4m, now he's one of the best in Europe

Arsenal had a promising talent in their ranks who could have been their own homegrown Gyokeres.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Sep 3, 2025

Paris Saint-Germain stars “don’t give a damn” about what opponents have to say when it comes to ‘best team in the world’ titles, with Lamine Yamal and Pedri being made to eat their words as the current holders of the prestigious Champions League crown secured another notable victory over Barcelona. A thrilling contest in Catalunya, which swung one way and then the other, ended in dramatic circumstances as PSG snatched a 90th-minute winner.

• Champions League thriller: PSG snatch points off Barcelona

  Goncalo Ramos was the man to have the final say, as he swept into the back of the net following a swift counter-attack from PSG. Luis Enrique – who was facing his former employers – had seen Barca take the lead inside 19 minutes through Ferran Torres, as Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford added another assist to his tally in 2025-26.

  Teenage forward Senny Mayulu restored parity five minutes before half-time when opening his goal account for the season. Both teams had opportunities in the second-half, but it was Ramos who stole all three points for the visitors.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  What Yamal & Pedri said ahead of clash with PSG

  The Portugal international striker was among those afterwards to respond to pre-match comments made by some prominent figures in the Barca camp. Kopa Trophy-winning wonderkid Lamine Yamal posted a story on Instagram which saw him calmly sitting on a railing while wearing a Spain shirt. His message read, having nursed a knock picked up on international duty: “Pressure? I’m back and the mission is back too.”

  Yamal’s club colleague Pedri said ahead of the game: “PSG is a team that already showed last season what it was, one of the best teams in the world, and I consider us to be the best.”

  He added, having seen the Blaugrana suffer a 4-1 quarter-final defeat to the Ligue 1 giants in April 2024: “All of us Barca fans regret having been so close to qualifying. Football always has revenge, everyone wants to play these matches. Both teams are favourites and we want to win the Champions League. We have the squad to do it and it will be one of the best matches of the moment.”

• Ramos & Vitinha respond to comments from Barcelona stars

  Talk of revenge was fresh in PSG’s mind when they lined up against familiar opponents. Ramos was eager to ensure that the French giants were not knocked from the loftiest of perches. He told reporters: “We're the European champions, I can't say more than that. If you're the best, you have to show it on the pitch, not talk.”

  Midfield maestro Vitinha was also among those to speak in the mixed zone, as he faced questions from the likes of . He said when asked about the comments made by Yamal and Pedri before a ball was kicked: “It happens sometimes. There are often statements made before matches, and it can happen. We don't give a damn. We don't care, we just want to play the match, we won, and we're happy about that.”

  He went on to say of downing Barca while missing a number of senior stars: “It's incredible, I'm proud of this team because it's happened several times before to turn the result around. You have five players who normally start who aren't there, you have some kids who play, others who come on very well. Other players who play less often came on and gave a great response. We were behind against one of the best teams in Europe away from home, and even then, you manage to come through in the second half and turn the game around. It's a great statement from our team. I want to thank all my team-mates.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty
  

  What next for Barcelona & PSG? Upcoming fixtures

  Barcelona will be back in La Liga action on Sunday when taking in a trip to Sevilla – with their unbeaten record in domestic competition, which sees them sat top of the table, being put on the line there. PSG, who have suffered one defeat in Ligue 1 this term, are due to face Lille on Sunday. The latest round of fixtures will take clubs around the world into the next international break.

Birmingham City have found their return to Championship life to be comfortable so far.

Unlike fellow promoted new side Wrexham, who have already been made well aware of the jump-up in quality, Chris Davies’ Blues look ready for the challenge ahead of the 46-game marathon, having recently fought back dramatically to win 2-1 at Blackburn Rovers.

Having also just been acknowledged at the PFA Awards with seven members of the Birmingham first team squad in League One Team of the Year, everything appears to be rosy currently at St. Andrew’s.

That’s the case even after rumours linking the Blues to an audacious move for Aleksandar Mitrovic were rubbished, with the temporary thought of Mitrovic leading the line for another Championship side a terrifying prospect.

Birmingham's rumoured interest in Mitrovic

There may well have been some weight behind Birmingham plotting a stunning move for the ex-Fulham attacker, considering they have forked out a notable £10m on Kyogo Furuhashi’s services in recent times.

However, landing the Serbian would have undoubtedly been the signing of the summer from the Blues’ perspective – away from the former Celtic man’s arrival on to the scene – when you assess his unbelievable goalscoring exploits in the EFL’s elite division previously.

In total, Mitrovic has managed to bag an insane 83 strikes from just 126 career appearances in the competitive league, with 43 of those coming during just one Championship season.

Of course, it wasn’t just Birmingham taking a look at Mitrovic in isolation, unfortunately, with Leeds United and Sunderland also named as other parties keen on snapping up the imposing centre-forward.

The Al-Hilal attacker wouldn’t be joining the Blues camp on a cheap deal, either, with reports suggesting that he had a £26m price-tag above his head, before you even factor in his wild £414k-per-week salary in the Saudi Pro League, as per Capology.

Therefore, it’s safe to assume – despite Journalist Alex Crook hinting on talkSPORT (17:55, 17th August) that it could have been a possibility – that Mitrovic leaving the luxuries of the Middle East behind for St. Andrew’s was always going to be far-fetched to pull off.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

However, going back in for this former target does seem more realistic and a perfect way to get over this ambitious switch not happening.

Birmingham can forget Mitrovic by signing £13m star

For half of Mitrovic’s extortionate valuation, Birmingham could set their sights on this alternative figure up top instead, with Che Adams – who is worth £13m according to Football Transfers – tipped for a return to St Andrew’s.

As was reported earlier this month, the Championship newcomers still hold some interest in bringing their former striker back to the West Midlands, having been in the race for his signature earlier in the transfer window.

While he might not boast a 43-goal season at the unforgiving level, the Scotsman certainly knows how to find the back of the net with some venom in the EFL’s top league to be seen as an adequate move to go after, instead of landing a more expensive Mitrovic.

Indeed, Adams has managed to register a healthy 49 Championship strikes across his well-travelled career to date, with his last season at the punishing level seeing him bag a career-best 17 goals as his then employers Southampton soared up to the Premier League.

This will surely pique Birmingham’s interest as they try to make the best possible moves to ensure back-to-back promotions occur, with the 29-year-old proving himself to be a reliable goal machine wherever he’s been across his playing days so far. Indeed, ex-Torino manager Paolo Vanoli hailed him as “perfect” for the Serie A side’s system when powering home ten strikes from 39 clashes in Italy.

Rather than Mitrovic ditching the Saudi Pro League for a chance back in England, therefore, it could soon be Adams tempted by a second chance at glory with his ex-side.

In an ideal world, Birmingham might well have shown more purpose as they attempted to bring Mitrovic into the building on a statement deal.

But, any potential lost move for the ex-Championship menace irking Birmingham will be swept under the carpet if Adams joins Davies’ camp last minute, especially if he powers home more crucial second-tier strikes to add another promotion up to the Premier League on his resume.

Birmingham eyeing "great player" with 44 Premier League goal contributions

What a signing this could be.

By
Henry Jackson

Aug 19, 2025

Michael Owen has raised doubts over England’s ability to go all the way at the 2026 World Cup under Thomas Tuchel, warning that age, declining form, and testing conditions could hinder their chances. The former Liverpool striker expressed concern that several key players, including Harry Kane, may be past their best by next summer, while questioning whether the squad is improving.

• England enter new Tuchel era

  England have enjoyed a strong run in major tournaments in recent years, reaching two finals and a semi-final since 2018. However, following Gareth Southgate’s departure after Euro 2024, Tuchel has now taken charge. Owen believes that with several players ageing and others struggling for form, England could face a tougher challenge than before.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Owen warns Tuchel about his ageing Three Lions squad

  Speaking to , Owen cautioned: “Star players such as Kane are getting older — he’s not going to be getting any better. While world-class players such as Kyle Walker will no longer be there. Even players like Foden are not at the top of their game compared to what they were a year or two ago. Defensively, I worry too. We used to have a lot of good defenders. Now I’m thinking who’s going to play left-back? Who’s going to play centre-half? John Stones isn’t getting any younger.”

  He added: “I think we were probably better a year or two ago. But a lot changes in football. It might turn into a big year for us, but no, I wouldn’t be confident about us winning the World Cup at this stage. We’re knocking on the door – finals, semi-finals – we’re a top footballing nation, but I think other nations may be better suited to the conditions this time.”

• England warmed about 'baking hot' conditions

  Owen also went on to warn England fans that the conditions in the United States, Mexico and Canada may not be suitable to Three Lions stars: “There’s a lot going against us at the moment. A World Cup in America and Mexico at that time of year is going to be absolutely baking hot. The conditions won’t be to our advantage at all. I’m not sure our team’s getting better at the moment. You could argue it’s slightly getting worse.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Tuchel working on improving squad ahead of 2026 World Cup

  Tuchel’s immediate priority will be ensuring England’s younger core — including Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham, and Bukayo Saka — step up to replace ageing stars like Kane and Stones. The German coach is expected to experiment with new tactical setups in upcoming friendlies to build chemistry before qualifying resumes. England’s preparations for 2026 will be closely watched, as fans hope this generation can finally turn promise into a major trophy.

Everton have got themselves up and running over the past couple of matches in the Premier League, having won at their new home against Brighton & Hove Albion before securing a win on the road against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Integral in both victories was new loan recruit Jack Grealish, assisting twice and then twice again. Everton are looking to make real headway under David Moyes’ wing this season, challenging high up the table, away from the relegation dog fight.

A range of exciting signings have been made, Grealish so far proving the cherry on the cake, but Moyes appears keen to land another midfielder before the window slams shut.

Everton still searching for midfielder

Having emerged as a top target at Everton since Moyes replaced Sean Dyche in January, it looks like the pursuit of West Ham United midfielder Tomas Soucek is going down to the wire.

However, Graham Potter might want to keep him on the books for depth, and so the Toffees may want to make a lunge for an alternative.

And perhaps that could be Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo. The 20-year-old wants to leave Old Trafford on loan before the deadline, and Everton have been credited with an interest over the past few weeks.

Man United have informed their academy product that he is expected to stay and fight for his place over the coming campaign, but much could change at the eleventh hour of the transfer window.

Newcastle United have also shown interest in signing the Red Devil, but Everton might feel that Mainoo could best foster his clear talent at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Why Everton must sign Mainoo

Mainoo might be out of favour at Man United, but he has been described as a “generational” talent by journalist Andy Dunn and as a future “£100m-plus footballer” by United writer Alex Turk.

Why? He’s already played 74 times for the senior side, scoring seven goals (including a crucial strike in the 2024 FA Cup final against Manchester City).

Even if Everton only manage to land him on a loan deal, they should consider opting for Mainoo ahead of Soucek, even though the Czech Republic international has a wealth of experience in Moyes’ former Hammers system.

Mainoo struggled last year, but he showcased remarkable quality when breaking onto the scene in 2023/24, and given his strength when carrying the ball forward and technical quality, he could add that physical shine that Moyes covets while adding some flair to the side too.

He’s less of a goalscoring threat than Soucek, but more active in the duel, more energetic and more fluid with his passing.

Indeed, even though he endured a tough campaign, Mainoo ranks among the top 11% of midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.

Having watched Grealish hit the ground running as a loanee from Manchester, Everton might want to sign Mainoo in the coming hours, adding some youthful exuberance and plenty of technical quality besides.

Beto upgrade: Everton battling PL rivals to sign “unstoppable” £17m gem

Everton could continue their summer spending spree with another centre-forward addition to replace Beto

By
Will Miller

Aug 30, 2025

A number of top clubs are said to be taking “concrete steps” to complete the signing of a Manchester United attacker in the summer transfer window.

Man Utd's attack unconvincing all season

While the Red Devils can still win the Europa League this season, which would save their campaign and see them qualify for the Champions League, it has still been a bitterly disappointing past nine months or so.

United have struggled to convince all over the pitch, and in attack, far too many players have flattered to deceive, either lacking consistency or simply not offering anywhere near enough quality.

Bruno Fernandes has been a star performer, in fairness, but the fact that the Portuguese is his side’s top scorer in the Premier League with just eight goals highlights the issues they have had in the final third. Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have netted just four and three times in the competition this season, which is particularly poor.

For that reason, it is vital that significant attacking reinforcements arrive at Old Trafford when this season comes to an end, with additions needed both centrally and out wide. Now, an exit rumour has emerged regarding one under-fire player.

Juventus pushing to sign Hojlund from Man Utd

According to Calciomercato journalist Daniele Longo [via Sport Witness], Juventus are taking “concrete steps” to sign Manchester United striker Hojlund in a quick exit this summer. The report states that contact has already been made with the £85,000-a-week Dane over an immediate switch to the European giants, having previously reportedly had an agreement in place with Zirkzee.

At just 22, Hojlund is still such a young player, so selling him now would bring with it some risk for United, but there is an increasing feeling that he isn’t at the level required, following a tough campaign. This is despite former Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner lauding him as “top class” and scout Jacek Kulig calling him a “Danish beast”.

United simply must put a lot of their focus on signing an elite striker in the summer window, from Victor Osimhen to Viktor Gyokeres, and in truth, it makes sense to move on either Hojlund or Zirkzee. While the latter has hardly set the world alight this season, he has arguably offered more than the former, and the fact that the Red Devils could still receive good money for Hojlund means now could be the logical time to move him on.

Worse than Bayindir: 2/10 flop must now never start for Man Utd again

Manchester United suffered their 16th league defeat of the season, losing 4-3 to Brentford.

2

By
Matt Dawson

May 4, 2025

His passion and commitment cannot be called into question, and the idea of him staying this summer is far from a disaster, but there is plenty of sense in bringing an end to his time at the club.

Tottenham Hotspur lost for the 19th time in the Premier League this season when they were hammered 5-1 by champions Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.

Spurs took a shock lead on Merseyside when Dominic Solanke found the back of the net with a brilliant header from James Maddison’s corner, but it was not a sign of things to come for Ange Postecoglou’s side in the game.

Defensive frailties were on display yet again for the Whites on a dismal afternoon at Anfield, as Liverpool had 25 shots on goal and seven efforts on target.

The Daily Mail recently reported that Postecoglou is ‘likely’ to move on from the club at the end of the season, and results like this will not do his chances of keeping his job any favours.

Tottenham’s manager cannot be spared any blame for the team’s poor form this term, because they have lost 19 matches in the division, but he has not been helped by the performances of some of the players on the pitch.

Spurs have an incredibly youthful squad, with the hope that they will develop and improve over time, and that was on display at Anfield, as Archie Gray struggled.

Why Archie Gray has struggled this season

Tottenham reportedly splashed out a fee of £30m to sign the 19-year-old midfielder from Leeds United last summer, and it has been a difficult year for the teenager.

Gray made his 24th appearance and 15th start of the Premier League season against Liverpool on Sunday, and he is still trying to establish where his best position on the pitch is.

It was his fourth start as a defensive midfielder, to go along with five starts at left-back, eight starts at right-back, and 19 starts at centre-back due to the injury issues Spurs have had in that area of the park.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Gray, who played as a right-back typically for Leeds last season, has not had a settled position that he could make his own and deliver consistent performances in, which may be why his campaign has been fairly unimpressive on paper.

As you can see in the table above, the England U21 international has failed to deliver much in the way of quality on or off the ball, with zero goal contributions and a below-average success rate in duels.

His first-half display against Liverpool before being withdrawn at the break was more of the same. Gray did not create any chances or register a shot on goal, and he only won one duel, whilst completing 80% of his attempted passes.

As you can see in the clip above, Ryan Gravenberch found it far too easy to hold off the midfielder to allow Alexis Mac Allister to fire in from range to put Liverpool 2-1 up.

It was a disappointing display from Gray, who is still learning and adjusting to Premier League football at the age of 19, but his fellow 19-year-old Lucas Bergval was even worse than him.

Why Lucas Bergval was even worse than Archie Gray

The teenage talent was selected alongside the Englishman for the trip to Anfield, leaving Spurs with a very young midfield despite having Yves Bissouma available and on the bench.

It was a difficult match for both Gray and Bergval, and that is reflected in their statistics, as the Swedish flop was even worse than the former Leeds man, notably taking fewer touches (43) than even goalkeeper Vicario (49).

As you can see in the table above, the Sweden international was far more wasteful with the ball at his feet, completing a lower percentage of his passes, failing with his only attempted dribble, and losing the ball almost three times as much.

Bergval did win more duels than Gray but had a worse success rate and was dribbled past once, in what was a disappointing overall display from the youngster.

Sky Sports commentator Gary Neville went as far as to say that his efforts to clear the ball from a corner for Cody Gakpo’s goal were “appalling”, as his weak headed clearance fell straight to the Dutch forward inside the box.

Going to Anfield to face the champions is never an easy task, and it was a big ask from Postecoglou to put Gray and Bergval in midfield together without an experienced midfielder alongside them, as they only had James Maddison, who is an attacking player by nature, around them.

That resulted in a poor evening for both players and Spurs, who now have to prepare for a first-leg clash with Bodo/Glimt in the semi-finals of the Europa League on Thursday.

Tottenham cannot afford for their midfield to be as below-par as it was against Liverpool, as this is their last chance to win a trophy this season, and that is why Postecoglou must ruthlessly ditch Bergval from the starting XI for the clash with the Norwegian outfit.

Bissouma was an unused substitute against Liverpool on Sunday and may, now, be in contention to come back into the side after Gray and Bergval’s disappointing performances in the middle of the park.

The former Brighton & Hove Albion man has averaged 3.1 tackles and interceptions per game and won 61% of his duels in the Europa League so far this term, which suggests that he could provide some steel at the heart of the midfield on Thursday night.

Worth more than VDV: Spurs have struck gold on their "Swiss army knife"

The incredible talent will be a superstar for Spurs.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Apr 25, 2025

It is now down to Postecoglou to drop Bergval from the starting line-up in order to make room for Bissouma to come back into the team against Bodo/Glimt.