Right on cue...
Football Insider has learned that Dougie Freedman has turned down the offer to become the sporting director at
#NUFC
.
He will remain at
#CPFC
.
#CPFC
director of football Dougie Freedman told fans at Palace v Aston Villa that he would be staying at Selhurst Park, despite interest from
#NUFC
.
Obviously, nothing is confirmed, but could be big news for the Eagles.
Arsenal look like a very promising side and have come a long way since Mikel Arteta took over. They were just a few subtle but effective tweeks away from causing Liverpool some major issues at Anfield.
A Thread 👇
#CPFC
director of football Dougie Freedman told fans at Palace v Aston Villa that he would be staying at Selhurst Park, despite interest from
#NUFC
.
Obviously, nothing is confirmed, but could be big news for the Eagles.
@Carra23
It also doesn't change the tight margin in decisions. Instead of being "is the toe offside", it'll just be "is the heel on?"
Does nothing to solve the supposed issue around the current rule.
Leeds United are considering a move to sign Crystal Palace winger Jesurun Rak-Sakyi.
Palace are keen to send him out on loan after turning down a bid from Southampton, who are expected to return.
#CPFC
#LUFC
#SaintsFC
Full story:
EXCL: Sheffield Wednesday, QPR, Millwall and Swansea are racing to sign Rotherham centre-back Cameron Humphreys.
#SWFC
#QPR
#Millwall
#SwanseaFC
The 25-year-old impressed last season despite Rotherham's relegation.
Full story:
The frustration from
#CPFC
fans comes from:
Owners constantly talk about ambition, including before this season setting aims of a top-half finish, before a lack of investment in the summer. (🧵 1/?)
Freedman had spoken previously about his regret leaving
#CPFC
to join Bolton in 2012, and expressed a desire to make up for his mistake and win back the trust of the fans.
You have to wonder whether that played a part in rejecting
#NUFC
in favour of staying at Palace.
Right on cue...
Football Insider has learned that Dougie Freedman has turned down the offer to become the sporting director at
#NUFC
.
He will remain at
#CPFC
.
EXCL: Peterborough United have rejected a six-figure bid from Bolton for Joel Randall.
Bolton are now expected to return with an improved bid after Randall's standout displays in League One last season.
#BWFC
#PUFC
Full story:
EXCL: Will Still remains a top contender to take over at Sunderland following an interview.
#SAFC
He had previously held talks with Norwich City but is no longer in the running.
Full story:
A third issue in this Arsenal side, specifically in games like this, comes via Bernd Leno.
The German is an expert shot stopper - but that's about it. Poor distribution, a lack of command of his area, and the lack of ability to claim a high ball all make him highly volatile.
Sam Johnstone's injury now means he joins Marc Guehi, Michael Olise, Ebere Eze, Odsonne Edouard, Chieck Doucoure and Jefferson Lerma in having missed significant periods of this season.
Awful luck at Selhurst Park - particualrly with regard to Olise, Eze and Doucoure.
#CPFC
The transition between pressing and reverting to a deep block is something that's clearly been worked on to counter the top teams such as Liverpool and City, and is something that Arsenal do extremely effectively in most cases.
@irayanshak
@Carra23
That's my point - it doesn't!
Checking if a heel is in line with a knee is no different to whether a toe is further ahead than a shoulder.
EXCL: Alex Neil is in pole position to be named Birmingham City manager after an interview.
Neil has been out of work since leaving Stoke City in 2023, but is ready to return to management with the Blues.
#BCFC
Full story:
However, as was seen yesterday, Lacazette is inconsistent in front of goal and can cost Arsenal a few chances which, in games like this, are precious
He scored their opener (a scuffed volley), but also missed a couple of big chances which would've swayed the outcome at full time
Crystal Palace have lost just two of their last 11 Premier League home fixtures.
The losses came against Manchester City and Arsenal, with both games ending 1-0.
The run includes results against Brighton, Newcastle, Manchester United and Liverpool.
#CPFC
#MCFC
#AFC
After the release of
#FootballDreams
, I've decided to publish my investigation into football talent in South London - originally my dissertation.
Stats true to the end of the 2021/22 season.
London Football: Overcoming Obstacles, and a Fight to Survive
The owners have also spoken about the need to use the academy, but hired a manager who would rather use Schlupp on the wing and Hughes at a 10 than the hot prospects coming out of that academy.
In my opinion, Ceballos should have started as it would have provided The Gunners with much needed energy in the middle, as well as the ability to beat the tight press without the need for an out ball - as is often where Xhaka and Elneny struggle (the need for an out ball)
Granit
#Xhaka
has had a remarkable turnaround in his
#Arsenal
career and is now playing some of the best football of his career.
I looked at why some people still don't like him, and why they really should start.
Most Disrespected, Vol 1: Granit Xhaka
It was seen in game as David Luiz made his frustrations clear after having to clear a Van Dijk header, which should have been at least closed down by the keeper, behind for a corner.
Again, not the most pressing issue but a key one nonetheless.
Arteta has said previously that the tactics in a game can be perfect, but the difference in quality is hard to overcome.
Last night, he said "you can have a perfect high press but then Van Dijk plays an 80 yard pass on to Salah's chest"
If there's one key point to take from last night's game, its that Arsenal, while they are impressive in some aspects, have a fair way to go before they can really challenge at the top. Certain additions and adaptations need to be made to enable the step up.
I also think, as much as I've thought quite a lot into this thread, it's important to remember it was against Liverpool.
The undisputed best side in the country, and they really showed why.
Adding extra goal threat to that of Aubameyang isn't necessarily one of the most pressing needs for this side, but could be one they should be looking to make as it would elevate them from a good side to becoming world class.
The front line puts pressure on the opposing defense and drops in to help out the midfield duo if they're being overwhelmed. Lacazette's presence in the team provides them with an out ball and a source to build their counter attacks. We saw again yesterday these can be crucial.
Arsenal's lack of quality squad depth is also telling. Mohammad Elneny, although he is a useful squad option, was previously likely to be sold at Arsenal. Now, he's started 2 of Arsenal's 3 opening Premier League games.
Lots of the depth comes from youth, which isn't necessarily a bad option long term, but the immediate influence is minimal. Eddie Nketiah gets goals, but cannot be considered an instant replacement for Lacazette. Similarly, Reiss Nelson and Joe Willock are still raw and not ready
The possible arrival of Houssem Aouar will be a big step to improving this, and allows Arsenal to play a stable 3 in midfield, rather than the 2 which seems to become a choice of defensive structure or expressive transition, rather than the ideal blend of the two styles.
In midfield, Arteta started Xhaka alongside Elneny. This is presumably due to the more solid defensive structure they provide in midfield, to help keep them stable in a deep block and overload in defense when called upon.
EXCL: Jose Cordoba has told friends he would like to move to Rangers this summer despite an offer from Norwich City.
The Levski Sofia defender is in advanced talks over a move to Ibrox.
#RangersFC
#NCFC
Full story:
On multiple occasions, one of the midfield duo would find themselves surrounded by the high press, with no clear out ball, and end up conceding possession either by being dispossessed or by forcing a pass that wasn't on. This led to inconsistencies in Arsenal's playing from deep.
If Arsenal want to become a top team, it'll either be when these players develop further, or if they invest in quality depth players like those at Liverpool and Manchester City.
Right-back and left-wing were clear problem positions before the season started. Zaha left and was not replaced, meaning Jeff Schlupp has had to play out of position.
Ward and Clyne remain the right-back options despite both being past their best.
Fans like to say 'that's where Palace belong' and fair enough maybe mid-table is their place, but after ten years in the Premier League, the ambition should be higher than just staying up.
The reappointment of Roy and lack of investment prove that's not the case.
But it's not just about buying players. They let Hodgson leave the club in 2021 with the aim of moving in a new direction and allowing the club to progress.
At the first sign of trouble, they threw the project in the bin and went back to the safe hands of Roy.
Neymar still became every inch the footballer people expected him to be. A ridiculous talent, with plenty of strings to his bow, and a work ethic that gets ignored by the sway of public opinion.
The PSG move didn't work out the way he expected, but as a player, he's no failure.
He impressed in that ten-game spell, but then was the opportunity to bring in a new manager for a new direction.
Once again, they turned back to Roy. That has resulted in the turgid and boring football we have seen this season.
EXCL: Derby County are plotting a move to sign Karamoko Dembele from Brest.
The former Celtic gem, now 21, impressed in League One while on loan at Blackpool last season.
#DCFC
#Celtic
#UTMP
Full story:
It's not the fans being picky about the style of play, either. If they played defensive football but got results, then fair enough.
With 2 wins in 17 across all competitions, they look lost at both ends of the pitch.
Crystal Palace heavily linked to both Bright Osayi-Samuel and Michy Batshuayi over the past couple of days.
#CPFC
fans, with those two plus Eze and Ferguson, what do you rate this window out of 10?
On
#Chelsea
's interest in Wilfried
#Zaha
:
Chelsea have likely been in contact with plenty of players' representatives. That doesn't mean anything other than they are interested.
Given there are no talks with
#CPFC
, any transfer would still have a long long way to go yet.
Wrote this previously about why
#LCFC
striker Kelechi Iheanacho would be perfect for
#Everton
But with
#CPFC
now seemingly front runners in the deal, these stats still apply to the South London club:
This is what Iheanacho could offer to Crystal Palace:
EXCL: Crystal Palace, West Ham and Everton have entered the race to sign Bosnian midfielder Armin Gigovic.
#CPFC
#WHUFC
#EFC
Gigovic, 22, impressed in midfield against England at St James' Park on 3 June.
Full story 👇
#CPFC
Links emerging with
#WHUFC
striker Danny
#Ings
.
Roy Hodgson is an admirer, but he’s the highest paid player at West Ham on £150k p/w, and regularly suffers with injuries.
Not sure he’s the answer.
The 2nd edition of Most Disrespected, this time featuring
#Neymar
.
I looked at his career, why people dislike him, and why he really should be more respected by football fans.
One of the best of his generation.
Most Disrespected, Vol 2: Neymar Jr
EXCL: Arsenal under-21 forward Nathan Butler-Oyedeji is wanted by Swansea and Bristol City this summer.
#AFC
#BCFC
#Swansea
Multiple 2.Bundesliga clubs are also interested in securing his signature.
Full story:
Norwich City have agreed terms with Johannes Hoff Thorup to take over as their new manager.
#NCFC
Talks will now take place with his club over a compensation fee.
Full story:
EXCL: Charlton, Reading and Stockport are racing to sign Sheffield Wednesday attacker Mallik Wilks.
#CAFC
#ReadingFC
#StockportFC
The winger struggled for game time last season and could leave on either a permanent or loan deal.
Full story:
Possibly the longest year of all time, feels like ages ago this happened.
Hopefully we're back on track now after what's quite frankly felt like an awful year.
#CPFC
There is no way Roy Hodgson is still Palace manager tomorrow. A tight win against an awful Sheffield United might have been enough for some, but nobody can back him after this result.
A crucial night for Steve Parish and the
#CPFC
decision-makers.
EXCL: Newcastle, Everton and Crystal Palace are interested in signing Kasey McAteer this summer.
The Leicester City winger has just one year remaining on his contract at the King Power.
#LCFC
#CPFC
#EFC
#NUFC
Full story:
Ebere Eze on Palace's exciting players:
"I remember watching Bolasie and Zaha in the championship and just thinking, that's where you'd wanna be, that's the goal."
How excited are you about this signing,
#CPFC
fans? A real statement of intent
Emi Buendia - relegated with Norwich, Buendia was a shining light, getting 8 assists (0.26p90) and 1 goal in all competitions. With 49.5 passes per 90, and 21.6 of those being into the final third, he could be the creative spark PSG need to feed their superstar attacking line
The over-analysis and TV-focused brand football built for itself is exactly why
#VAR
was introduced - and why it hasn’t worked.
Every single decision is analysed to the highest degree, with fans watching on TV able to see 100 replays, so there will always be a problem.
1. A good defensive coach. There's no doubting PSGs attacking prowess, Neymar and Mbappe are 2 of the best attacking players in world football. They're good enough to essentially be told "do what you want" and still be effective. If a defensive coach came in, they get freedom.
Only just catching up on the Man City news - I know I'm late to the party - but the consequences of this case could genuinely be catastrophic for the Premier League as we know it.
Every other club, bar City and Newcastle, would be left in the dust.
James Maddison to Newcastle would be a huge power move from the new ownership.
To take the star player from a team who they'll clearly view as the first target to overtake in terms of their standing in the league would be huge.
#NUFC
#LCFC
I struggle to see why he'd entertain a move to United, or Chelsea for that matter, over Liverpool.
Whoever gets him for £60m will have a bargain on their hands, I just can't see why it would be them over anybody else given their situation.
Michael Olise has a release clause of around £60m in his deal, which any club can activate.
He has admirers at Chelsea and Liverpool but it’s a move to Man Utd that he’s the most receptive to.
@jac_talbot
#CPFC
Lots of talk about a possible transfer move for
#CPFC
defender Marc Guehi this summer.
Reports claiming a deal would be "upwards of £50m" are simply based on the club saying his exit would be for a record fee - hence the £50m which they received for Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
... spot the runs and the positions that Neymar, Mbappe and Di Maria got themselves in to. Neymar is often forced to take this role upon himself and drops very deep to pick the ball up which then takes him away from the attacking options to feed.
Willock actually might be that missing piece for Arsenal. Shame they couldn't get Aouar in, but before that happens/if it doesn't, Willock can develop to be that player.
Just needs trust and playing time.
EXCL: Liverpool have rejected the opportunity to sign Palmeiras forward Luis Guilherme.
#LFC
The Reds had been tracking his progress since January but will look elsewhere despite being made aware of his availability.
Full story:
@EvertonNewsFeed
I know, I watched. The questions they did ask weren't much better in all honesty, personally think they let him get away with some pretty basic answers instead of grilling him properly.
🏴 tournament knockout wins between 1966 WC and Southgate: 6
🏴 tournament knockout wins during Southgate’s reign: 8
🏴 penalty record before Southgate: 1 win from 7
🏴 penalty record under Southgate: 3 wins from 4
Is he entirely responsible? No. But it’s not a coincidence
3. A Natural Leader
Ronaldo/Messi - Both definitely unlikely candidates for PSG, but both have been rumoured to want to leave their respective clubs. The two best players in the world, they have a balance of being able to lead by example as well as vocally in the dressing room.
2. Creative Influence:
Thiago - likely to leave Bayern, although probably to England, but would provide the creativity they need.
Houssem Aouar - again likely to move to England, but his ability to read the game would be crucial to PSGs game, creating room for the attackers
Ahead of the new Premier League season, I've predicted 3 teams who will have good seasons, and 3 that won't.
Give it a read and let me know if you agree or disagree.
3. Experienced Leaders. With the departure of Thiago Silva PSG will lose their real leader. Neymar can lead by example, but other than him, they are left with a big void to fill. A leader to keep them composed and focused is arguably the most important aspect of any winning team.
If they had a solid foundation of defensive ability- that includes tireless midfielders and stable defenders- it gives them a proper base on which they can thrive with their attackers. Goals are garunteed, if they can stop as many goals as possible, they'll be a real force.