Khan Research Laboratories were propelled to the top of the table with 12 points after securing a draw against State Bank of Pakistan. KRL put SBP in, with the decision seemingly vindicated after Yasir Arafat bowled opener Raheel Majeed for just 1. A 53-run stand for the second wicket between Kashif Siddiq and Umair Khan saved early blushes, before an imperious 202 from Usman Arshad wrested the match in SBP’s favour. SBP finished their innings on 420, with Sadaf Hussain and Umaid Asif taking three wickets a piece.KRL’s effort proved even between, led by Ali Khan’s 187 at No. 6, with a pair of seventies from Shoaib Ahmed and Nayyer Abbas book-ending the innings. KRL finished on 481 despite Mohammad Naved taking 5 for 129. Facing a deficit of 61 runs, SBP did well to get past the mark with just a wicket lost. Majeed scored 50 while Umair Khan just missed out on an eight first-class ton when he was out for 97. SBP were 199 for 5 when stumps was called and the match was declared a draw.Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited beat Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited by 93 runs in Islamabad to register their first win of the tournament. ZTBL batted first, but found themselves in a jam when they were placed at 42 for 3. Haris Sohail and Haseeb-ur-Rehman steadied the innings with a 75-run stand. However, once both batsmen departed, the rest of the order failed to put up a fight as ZTBL were dismissed for 210. Imran Ali led the bowlers with 5 for 31 while Hussain Talat chipped in with 3 for 24. SNGPL’s innings was marked with the inability of their batsmen to push past double figures, with only Naeemuddin and Azhar Ali the exceptions. ZTBL needed just three bowlers to dismiss SNGPL for 80, giving them a lead of 130 runs. Usman Khan took four wickets, while Imran Khan and Mohammad Khalil chipping in with three a piece.ZTBL posted a strong second innings when Sharjeel Khan and Babar Azam put on 166 runs for the second wicket, with Azam having to retire hurt on 80. Sohail remained unbeaten on 50 as ZTBL declared on 236 for 2. SNGPL were given a target of 367 to chase, with things started abjectly when SNGPL were 35 for 3. Things got even worse when they were placed at 103 for 7, but a stunning counter-attacking 106 from Bilawal Bhatti scored 106 at No. 9, but despie that performance, SNGPL still ended up falling short by 93 runs.A nerveless unbeaten 49 by Naeem Anjum in the second innings saw out a tricky 178-run chase for Pakistan Television as they held on to a four-wicket victory over Port Qasim Authority in Lahore. PQA batted first, with the openers putting on 64 for the first wicket. Innings from Faraz Ali (69) and Mohammad Waqas (88), pushed them to 316. Mohammad Ali’s took best figures of 5 for 75. Despite losing their openers with the score on just 11, and then suffering further set backs to be reduced to 51 for 4, Pakistan Television looked under the cosh, but Zeeshan Mushtaq (105) and Yasim Murtaza (70) rallied the team, helping them secure a slim 43-run lead. Mohammad Sami and Sohail Khan chipped in with three wickets a piece.PQA’s second innings didn’t go to plan as they kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Despite a stirring effort from Shahzaib Hasan, with 105 off 110 balls which included seven fours and four sixes, none of the other batsmen, aside from Sami’s 30, were able to contribute significant scores as PQA were rolled for 220. Waqar Ahmed and Wasim Murtaza did chief damage, taking three wickets each. With 178 runs for victory, Pakistan Television lost opener Haroon Ahmed with the score on just 17. Imran Ali and Nawar Ahmed also went out in quicktime, before a double-strike of consecutive balls from Mohammad Sami left them at a precarius 102, with 76 still required. A calm 59-run partnership between Fahad-ul-Haq and Naeem Anjum ensured they got to the mark, with Anjum finishing off the chase with consecutive boundaries.United Bank Limited beat Water and Power Development Authority by 176 runs to post their first win of the tournament. UBL batted first, with Abid Ali leading the way with his 76. Each of the UBL batsmen chipped in, but failed to go on to post a meaningful total. A couple of forties from Asif Raza and Tariq Haroon were the only notable performances other than Abid Ali as UBL reached 319. WAPDA started promisingly with some good stands up front, but lost their way after reaching 218 for 6, losing the remaining four wickets for the addition of just 42 runs. Aamer Sajjad, the captain, top-scored with 84 while Mohammad Ayub chipped in with 50. Both Mohammad Irshad and Tariq Haroon picked up four wickets each to lead the UBL bowlers’ efforts.UBL’s second innings was anchored by Abid again as he bettered his 76 in the first innings with an unbeaten 101. Khaqan Arsal scored 70 at No. 5, as UBL declared their innings at 242 for 6 with a lead of 302. WAPDA were never really in the chase, as they succumbed to 68 for 7. Only their captain, Sajjad, fought valiantly with his 64 as WAPDA were bundled out for 125, giving UBL a 176-run victory.Some imposing first-innings totals resulted in the match between Pakistan International Airlines and Habib Bank Limited finishing as a stalemate. Both sides were seeking their first win after losing their respective tournament openers. It was PIA who batted first, where innings from Fahad Iqbal (52), Anop Santosh (51) and Anwar Ali (61) helped PIA to 343. Sarmad Anwar and Ehsan Adil took seven wickets between them.Habib Bank’s innings started well, with opener Shan Masood and captain Imran Farhat adding 114 for the second wicket. Masood and No. 6 Rameez Aziz then put on 169 runs together, with Masood finally falling for 140. After Rameez was out on 78, Mohammad Aslam and Abdul Ameer were left not out as the match petered to a draw, with Habib Bank on 411 for 8.

Tottenham Hotspur’s short trip west towards the Madjeski Stadium this Sunday offers Andre Villas-Boas’ side the perfect opportunity to finally get their stuttering league campaign off the ground. Life hasn’t been easy on both club and manager so far this term and glimmering pre-season optimism has been dealt something of a reality check, as the Lilywhites have racked up a disappointing two points from three games.

But what exactly has Villas-Boas learnt from the first three games so far? Brian McDermott’s Reading side will be no pushovers but the Portuguese should have more than enough in his side, to head back up to North London with all three points.

Although there has been room for encouragement in the first few fixtures, his side has been blighted by a lack of balance and a lack of fluidity. The Portuguese has to learn from these lessons demonstrated since the beginning of his stewardship:

The holding pair must create, not just negate

It may not seem like the most cutting of observations to be made over the past three games, but the dynamic between Sandro and Jake Livermore has been a real issue in the balance of this Tottenham side. Many supporters have raised eyebrows at Villas-Boas’ perceived insistence on playing two defensive midfielders at home, but the truth is, they’re not both supposed to simply snuff out danger and break up play- they’ve got to create it aswell. At times during the Norwich game, it seemed as if neither particularly knew when to sit and when to go and the lack of a puppet-master or a man to start moves from deep has harmed the side going forward. Both Sandro and Livermore have great credentials defensively, but without a more creative influence in the holding pair, the 4-2-3-1 is rendered relatively ineffective. Moussa Dembele has the skillset to possess a massive influence from deep and he must start with one of the existing two, most likely Sandro, this Sunday.

Defoe has a role to play in this squad, but not in this formation

Jermain Defoe always seems to represent one of the most uncomfortable realities at Spurs; his almost unrivalled popularity within N17 sometimes caters to more than a little bit of rose tinted vision. But the truth is that the England hitman simply can’t be leading the line for Tottenham up on his own and Emmanuel Adebayor must be drafted in as soon as he’s match fit. Defoe’s skillset is unique and any player with his finishing and ability to create something out of nothing will always have a place in the squad. But Spurs need a frontman with a more varied set of tools and Defoe simply doesn’t fit the bill leading the line on his own. He’s at his best chasing on to through balls and running at defenders- not holding the ball up, bringing others into play and playing as a unit. He can’t be faulted for playing in a role that hasn’t suited his natural game in the past three games but he simply doesn’t and hasn’t contributed enough to the rest of the team. With a heavy fixture list and the ever-constant threat of injury, Defoe will play his fair share of football for Spurs this season. But if he is finally match fit, Adebayor must start on Sunday.

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, Andre

Villas-Boas may well be something of a victim to Daniel Levy’s transfer brinkmanship, but that doesn’t mean that he hasn’t been bulletproof himself. You can argue that his most defining tactical decision, the move to a 4-2-3-1, has certainly been harmed by a failure to bring in the correct players to let it prosper. But in some respects, both the goals that Spurs conceded in their home draws to West Bromwich Albion and Norwich Cit,y were catalyzed by his substitutions. His decision to take off Jermain Defoe for both Jermaine Jenas and Tom Huddlestone respectively simply seemed to invite pressure on the side and on both occasions, the Spurs defense caved in the final moments. The subs, made at times when Spurs were under pressure but not necessarily rocking, seemed to be tinged with a sense of nerves. No one can blame Villas-Boas for bestowing such anxiety to get the monkey of a first home win off his back, but in both occasions, it felt difficulty to see why Defoe was taken off. There was method in the madness of bringing on another midfielder to shore things up but we’ve seen time and again what a brilliant outlet Defoe can be in relieving his side under pressure. If the side goes into the last quarter against Reading with a narrow lead, Villas-Boas must stay strong and he must stay positive.

Willie’s G-Force isn’t gone, but it’s certainly dwindling

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

It’s not as if William Gallas has produced a series of DVD bloopers in the first few fixtures, but it’s difficult to see why he continues to command a place in the starting XI. Jan Vertonghen already looks more than assured enough to need the so-called experienced head playing next to him and it’s been hard to see where Gallas’ perceived leadership skills have been, if they were indeed ever there, during the first three games. When Spurs started caving in against West Brom, the Frenchman certainly didn’t seem able to bring any form of cool-headed calm or organization to his back-line- certainly not in the same way Michael Dawson would be able to. His inability to cope with the rampaging Romelu Lukaku also brought back horrifying memories of his performance against Chelsea in the FA Cup last year and he seems to be struggling against the more physical of centre forwards. The argument is of course that Dawson doesn’t fit the new defensive system but whether or not he does have a genuine future under Villas-Boas, they have a ready made, game-ready replacement for Gallas in Steven Caulker. Like with his substitutions, he must remain positive and if he feels like he fancies a more commanding centre-half for the trip to Reading, he can’t hesitate but to field Caulker. He fits the system, he has the ability and he’s more than ready to play.

One of the most notable bits of criticism aimed at him during his time at Chelsea was his perceived inability to learn from his mistakes. Instant fixes don’t exist in this league and the transformation process at White Hart Lane won’t happen overnight. But if he can demonstrate his adaptability and understanding to learn from what has gone wrong, there’s no reason why his side can’t get up and running with a great performance this weekend.

Complete the survey below to be in with the chance of winning a football shirt of your choice…

Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey, the world’s leading questionnaire tool.

Declan Rice and Joe Hart were amongst the West Ham United players to be praised by the fans following Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Chelsea.

The Hammers followed their huge home victory over Southampton last weekend by picking up an extremely welcome point away to the Premier League champions on Sunday afternoon.

Rice and Hart were both excellent for the visitors, whilst Javier Hernandez was widely praised after coming off the bench to net the West Ham equaliser.

Not all of the club’s players have received kind words on social media, however, with Cheikhou Kouyate taking a lot of criticism for his performance.

The 28-year-old has scored twice and provided three assists in 27 Premier League appearances this season, which is not a bad record for a central midfielder, but his form over the last few months has been very inconsistent indeed.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

A selection of the Twitter reaction in relation to the midfielder, who is valued at £10.8m by transfermarkt.co.uk, can be seen below:

Tottenham Hotspur are lining up a summer swoop for Sven Botman…

What’s the word?

That’s according to the Daily Star, who claim that Spurs are desperate to land the Lille centre-back ahead of Premier League rivals Newcastle United in a bid to appease manager Antonio Conte.

The Magpies narrowly missed out on a chance to bring the 22-year-old colossus to St James’ Park last month and remain among the favourites to seal his signature ahead of next season.

A left-sided and left-footed centre-back is one of the Italian’s absolute priorities when the transfer window reopens and Botman fits that exact profile, with Conte giving the club’s hierarchy his seal of approval.

The Dutch international could cost in the region of £30m.

Conte needs him

This would be the sort of signing that could kickstart an encouraging summer of spending as Conte will need to bolster his playing squad in multiple areas if he’s to continue to improve the club on the pitch.

The January window was a little disappointing but only because there were only two incomings for their four outgoings. Sporting director Fabio Paratici called upon his former club Juventus to sign Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur.

Out the other way went Dele Alli permanently, and Giovani Lo Celso, Tanguy Ndombele and Bryan Gil on loan, leaving the 52-year-old awfully light on options, particularly in midfield.

But defensively, Spurs have always struggled and that much has been evident in their four defeats in their last six fixtures. Full-back Ben Davies has been playing in a back three due to him being the only left-footed option in the squad capable of playing as a central defender.

That makes Botman not only an appealing prospect but one that Conte desperately needs.

The young centre-back appears to be an ideal fit for Spurs and an ideal fit for the Premier League, at least based on ex-Southampton star Jose Fonte’s glowing endorsement.

“Fonte has played with an array of top-class centre-backs in his career including Virgil van Dijk, Toby Alderweireld, Pepe in the Portuguese national team and Gabriel last season who is now at Arsenal.

“From what I understand of Fonte’s impression of Botman, he thinks he’s the best of all of them,” revealed The Times journalist Duncan Castles (via the Express).

“He describes him as a machine and a man who doesn’t make mistakes and also indicates that for a young player playing alongside an experienced professional, he’s very open to learning and taking instruction and improving his game.”

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Botman played a crucial role in Lille clinching the Ligue 1 title over Mauricio Pochettino’s Paris Saint-Germain side last season, where he featured in 37 games and averaged 3.2 aerial duels won, 3.2 clearances and 1.5 interceptions, via WhoScored.

Then-manager Christophe Galtier deemed him to be a “leader” and since, he’s continued to impress in the French top-flight. The £27m-rated defender remains among Les Dogues’ top-three performers this term, as per WhoScored.

On the above evidence, Paratici could certainly kickstart Spurs’ summer rebuild with a bang by signing the impressive left-sided centre-half, who Conte absolutely needs for next season.

AND in other news, Spurs’ “utterly thrilling” £10.8m-rated dynamo has just fired a big statement to Conte…

Liverpool are through to the quarter-final of the FA Cup, following their 2-1 win at home to Norwich last night, with Takumi Minamino netting both goals.

That makes it four strikes in his last three games that he has taken part in for club and country, and five in total since the start of the year for the star who currently has a £10.8m valuation.

His first goal, a tidy finish after a neat touch in a tight area, came 12 minutes before the second, a thunderous half-volley from inside the area.

It was two goals who showed why, in the words of Ian Doyle, he could become the club’s “new Luis Suarez”, replicating the Uruguayan’s remarkable record against the Canaries.

The 27-year-old forward, who has been tipped to be replaced in the Summer with the likes of Marco Asensio and Darwin Nunez linked, completed 66% of his dribble attempts as well as 82% of his passes including one key pass.

His goals were also a sign of his clinical nature, having just had three shots all game with the other one blocked during his 67 touches of the ball.

With a scoring frequency of one goal every 47 minutes in the Premier League and one every 68 minutes in the FA Cup, it’s hard not to see why some Liverpool fans are hoping to see the winger get more chances.

Manager Jurgen Klopp was full of praise at the end of the game for his often over-looked midfielder, having made 22 appearances in all competitions this season with 14 of those coming from the bench.

“His [Minamino’s] impression was obvious with scoring two goals and not only that – he had a lot more top, top football moments,” said Klopp.

“He was a constant threat tonight, he was mobile, he was quick. He was technically on an incredibly high level; it was really windy tonight and when you then saw how he controlled the balls when he had to bring down the high balls, that was all really, really, really good.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

“It was really a complete performance. The two goals were great but all the rest he did was top-class as well. It was really good.”

The Reds boss is going to have to rotate his way through the next couple of weeks, with five games in 15 days scheduled – but the Japan international may have just earned himself an important role in the German’s upcoming plans.

In other news: Imagine him & VVD: LFC can save millions in 20 y/o who’s their “very own Gareth Bale”

Everton’s nightmare of being relegated to the Championship could be realised at the end of this season after a torrid run of form, having won just one Premier League game since 6th December and scoring just seven goals in the top flight since the start of 2022.

The lack of creativity will concern boss Frank Lampard just as much as the defensive frailties will, and with the likes of Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin both being tipped for summer exits from Goodison Park among others, the opportunity for a couple of young players to make a mark in the first team could be presented by the former Chelsea manager.

This season might come a little soon for 16-year-old Emilio Lawrence, who has been a part of the U18s set-up for just over a year now, but should he continue to make significant progress, an opportunity in the first team will surely be on the horizon.

Having played for both England and Scotland at youth level, the teenager is regarded as one of the most exciting prospects in the country by some, having been a key player in the U18 Premier League for the Toffees this year, scoring five goals in the process, including one at the weekend during their 4-1 loss to Leeds.

In fact, Lawrence scored his first goal at this age level last season against Wolves when he was 15 – an impressive feat which was praised by coach Paul Tait after the game, with him saying: “Emilio gave us a threat.

“He can hit the ball with both feet and shifted it from right to left to score a smashing goal.”.

The winger has the “ability to manipulate the ball past defenders with ease” according to Mersey Sport Live, and also has the eye for a “defence-splitting” pass.

Combine that with the ability to play all across the frontline, and he certainly has the potential to follow in the likes of Christian Pulisic, a £40.5m-rated talent who became more versatile and filled in a number of roles while Lampard managed him at Chelsea.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Although it might be a little while before we see Lawrence in action with the first team, we’ve already seen some hints that the English coach is willing to give chances to youth players, and the youngster could be given an opportunity in pre-season to impress.

In other news: Everton now plotting swoop for “unbelievable” 13-goal gem, he’d be a huge bargain

According to reports out of Spain, there has been an update on Tottenham Hotspur’s transfer plans as manager Antonio Conte eyes another one of his former stars in Milan Skriniar.

The Lowdown: Conte plotting Serie A raid?

The Italian has been linked with a plethora of his ex-big names in the last few months, not excluding marquee attacking stars Lautaro Martinez and Romelu Lukaku.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-latest-news-copy/” title=”Tottenham latest developments!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Stefan de Vrij and Marcelo Brozovic, who were also key players for his Serie A title-winning side last year, are another San Siro pair recently linked.

Tottenham chief Fabio Paratici and chairman Daniel Levy are said to be under pressure to deliver for Conte, coming after the 52-year-old dropped another hint he could leave this week.

The Latest: Source makes Skriniar claim…

As per Spanish sources, it is now believed that Skriniar is one of ‘five signings that Conte has asked’ for at Tottenham.

The Slovakian has continued to thrive at Inter in Conte’s absence, going on to become an untouchable in Simone Inzaghi’s starting eleven, playing the second-most Serie A minutes out of any Nerazzurri player (WhoScored).

The Verdict: Get it d0ne…

The signing of Skriniar to upgrade Conte’s back-three options would undoubtedly be a statement of intent.

A composed and colossal figure at the San Siro, the 27-year-old has averaged a greater pass accuracy out from the back (93%) than any Tottenham regular and stands out as an elite, ball-playing centre-half (WhoScored).

Serie A critics have had no shortage of praise for Skriniar this season with European football expert Carlo Garganese even calling him a ‘monster’.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

ESPN and The Athletic columnist David Amoyal has also raved over the international’s ‘sensational’ performances since Spurs failed to sign him (Twitter).

Valued at around £59 million by Transfermarkt, it will cost Levy and co significant investment, but we certainly can’t imagine a better partner for Cristian Romero.

In other news: Tottenham ‘monster’ now eyes summer exit as club chiefs already take steps to sign him…find out more here.

Newcastle United are set to give academy starlet Dylan Stephenson a new contract to stay at St James’ Park.

What’s the story?

Writing initially on Twitter, journalist Mark Carruthers revealed: “Newcastle are set to hand a new contract to one of their brightest prospects as EFL, National League and Scottish clubs show an interest in a possible loan deal next season.”

Then, in a follow-up article for Newcastle World, he added: “Negotiations over a second senior deal have been ongoing over the last three months and they are now are set to come to a successful conclusion with Stephenson signing a contract to tie him down until the the end of the 2023/24 season.

“Discussions have also set out the next steps of his career and Newcastle World understands there is a strong possibility a loan move away from Newcastle will be secured over the summer.” Exciting prospect for Newcastle

With the versatility to be able to play anywhere across the front-line, Stephenson has already captured attentions behind-the-scenes in his time with the academy, with the club’s U18 manager, Neil Winskill, left hailing him after a stunning hat-trick against Leeds United in the FA Youth Cup last season.

He said: “I’m thrilled for Dylan because he is such an honest, hard-working lad. He’s the type of player any team would like to have in their XI, who’s going to really put a shift in for you.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

“Every game and training session, the physical stats come through and he’s always top of the charts but we had a chat during the week about the need for him to be consistent with his quality, and he spoke to me about how he thinks people will judge him on goals.”

The Magpies haven’t had much success in seeing an academy product really establish themselves as a genuine Premier League star, or even a main-stay in the first-team, with Sean Longstaff the closest to matching that description.In Stephenson, they appear to have someone who is set for a very bright future, and news that he is set to commit his long-term career at St James’ Park is sure to have fans buzzing.AND in other news: Sold at £2.2m, now worth £90m: Ashley had a big NUFC disaster on “unstoppable” wizard

Farhad Moshiri is onto the sixth permanent manager in six years with Frank Lampard at Everton after sacking Rafa Benitez back in January, and depending on how the season ends for the club, the search for seventh could commence this summer.

What’s the word?

Speaking to Football FanCast, transfer insider Dean Jones, has revealed that there will be a “big decision” made at Goodison Park over the next few months on Lampard’s future.

“It’s a big decision for them to make, and they’re not going to rush into anything right now,” he began.

“But with the way things are going, you wonder how this is going to pan out.”

Supporters will be livid

Everton fans have been on a rollercoaster ride ever since Moshiri took over the club in 2016, with huge investments on transfer signings and a constant cycle of managers being brought in and spat out over and over again, so supporters will be livid that this constant unsettle at the club could potentially continue into next season.

Of course being relegated from the Premier League for the first time ever would be every Evertonian’s worst nightmare, but it is clear the supporters are not happy with the owners management of the club following a number of protests this season against the powers at Goodison, and sacking Lampard at the end of the campaign could cause further disaster for the club.

The 43-year-old manager was appointed on Deadline Day, so hasn’t been given the opportunity to build the squad with a transfer window, inheriting a team in absolute disarray from his Spanish predecessor, lacking confidence, form and quality, with a number of injuries hindering the team. Thus, it would surely not be a fair assessment to judge Lampard on the outcome of Everton’s season considering the hand he has been dealt.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

The Toffees are three points clear of the relegation zone after winning their game in hand that they had over their relegation rivals in the bottom three and are currently 17th in the Premier League table, but there is still work to do to secure safety for the club, if Lampard can keep the side up after such a tumultuous season, it would be an achievement.

In other news: Fresh injury news emerges from Finch Farm, Lampard will be delighted

Sky Sports co-commentator Ally McCoist hit out at Celtic right-back Josip Juranovic during the Hoops’ 2-1 win over Rangers on Sunday lunchtime. 

The Lowdown: Juranovic’s display

Juranovic got the nod by Ange Postecoglou ahead of Anthony Ralston to make his 33rd appearance in a Celtic shirt.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/celtic-updates-23/” title=”Celtic updates!!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The 26-year-old, who was praised for his performance in the previous Glasgow Derby at Celtic Park, struggled this time around.

As per SofaScore, Juranovic lost possession on 21 occasions, was unsuccessful in seven of his eight attempted long balls and failed to put in a successful cross, ending with a 6.5/10 match rating – only Greg Taylor ended with a lower score for the Hoops.

The Latest: McCoist’s comments

McCoist was on Juranovic’s back early on at Ibrox during Sky Sports’ live coverage of the game, labelling his role in Aaron Ramsey’s opener for the hosts as ‘really poor’.

Minutes later, the Croatian almost got caught again, with McCoist hitting out at the defender, describing him as being ‘all over the place’.

The Verdict: Huge

Even with Juranovic’s worrying display and McCoist’s brutally honest comments, the victory at Ibrox could well be season-defining and is all that really matters.

The Hoops are now six points clear of their rivals with seven games remaining thanks to goals from Tom Rogic and Cameron Carter-Vickers in the 2-1 win, and Juranovic has played a key part in the club’s impressive campaign.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

He’s been a regular and has also weighed in with some big performances and goals, so we can forgive the versatile full-back for being slightly under par this afternoon.

In other news: Sky Sports say Celtic set to sign two-footed attacker who shares agent with Jose Mourinho.