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Ademola Lookman and Ivan Juric were involved in a heated touchline confrontation during Atalanta’s tense 1-0 win over Marseille in the Champions League. The Nigerian forward reacted angrily to being substituted, prompting an exchange that required staff intervention. Juric later downplayed the incident, insisting the pair were caught up in the “heat of the moment”.

Lookman’s substitution sparks tense touchline clash

Atalanta’s 1–0 victory over Marseille was overshadowed by a fiery confrontation between Lookman and head coach Juric. The flashpoint arrived in the 75th minute when Lookman was withdrawn for Yunus Musah. The Nigerian forward, visibly frustrated, muttered toward the bench and then turned directly to Juric as he made his way off the pitch. Juric reacted instantly, stepping toward the player and briefly grabbing his arm, sparking a tense exchange that required backroom staff to intervene before the situation escalated further.

Lookman had earlier seen a potential opening goal ruled out for offside after VAR intervention, adding to the striker’s frustration. Atalanta also missed a first-half penalty through Charles De Ketelaere, meaning the pressure remained high throughout the match. Lazar Samardzic’s late strike eventually secured all three points, but the touchline confrontation became the main talking point of the evening.

The incident highlighted the emotional intensity surrounding Atalanta, who entered the match needing a morale-boosting performance amid patchy domestic form. Lookman’s reaction, while dramatic, also reflected his personal frustration during a season that has yet to fully settle for him.

AdvertisementGetty Images Sport'Heat of the moment' – Juric plays down incident

Speaking to after the final whistle, Juric dismissed suggestions of a deeper conflict with Lookman, insisting that such episodes are normal in high-pressure environments. "We've all experienced these situations. They happen. It can get a bit exaggerated in the heat of the moment, but what matters is Atalanta, the team, and the fans," he said. "We have to behave well and give our all. For me, anything goes. The important thing is to win against Sassuolo.

“These are things we discuss more or less every Sunday. The players don’t want to come off and don’t accept substitutions. These are somewhat uncoordinated reactions.”

Winger Raoul Bellanova echoed the manager’s sentiments, telling reporters that the situation had already been resolved behind closed doors. “Everything was resolved in the dressing room. We’re a family, we’re like brothers,” he said, reinforcing the club’s desire to avoid unnecessary tension or speculation.

Tension remains after Lookman transfer debacle

This emotional flashpoint arrives during a difficult spell in Lookman’s season, as the Nigerian international has struggled to consistently find scoring rhythm, registering just one goal so far. His summer desire to explore a move to Inter created uncertainty around his status in Bergamo, and although he remained with Atalanta, the ongoing adjustment to Juric’s tactical demands has not been seamless.

Yet Lookman remains a crucial figure in Atalanta's attacking structure, and with his pace, ability to isolate defenders, and direct threat in transition are qualities few in the squad replicate. Against Marseille, his movement helped stretch the French side’s defensive line even if his final contribution was ultimately cut short.

The incident also highlights the competitive edge Atalanta have been trying to restore. After weeks of inconsistent results and questions about identity under Juric, the emotional charge suggests players are fully engaged, though fine emotional balance will be key moving forward.

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AFPFocus shifts to crucial Sassuolo clash

Atalanta now turn their attention back to Serie A, where they have struggled to convert performances into results. Their upcoming match against Sassuolo represents a vital moment in their effort to climb the table and stabilise form. Juric emphasised the importance of carrying momentum from the Marseille win, noting: “We needed an emotional victory. We’re happy. Now we’re back in the league where we’re lagging behind. We’ll try to climb back up.”

Sassuolo have shown resilience in recent weeks and possess enough attacking strength to challenge Atalanta’s defensive discipline. With Lookman expected to remain in contention for the starting XI, how he responds to this flashpoint will be closely watched. A positive reaction could help rewrite the narrative quickly, while a lingering rift could create complications in an already delicate phase of the season.

He will take over the position from Jon Lewis at a franchise that has struggled since reaching the playoffs in WPL’s inaugural season

Nagraj Gollapudi and Ashish Pant25-Jul-2025UP Warriorz (UPW) have appointed former India allrounder Abhishek Nayar as their head coach for the next edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL). Nayar’s appointment comes after the franchise parted ways with Jon Lewis, who had been at the helm for the last three seasons.Nayar comes to the set-up with an extensive coaching background. A Mumbai stalwart in first-class cricket, Nayar also played three ODIs for India before his retirement in 2019. Since then, he has transitioned into coaching. He was the lead coach of the Kolkata Knight Riders academy in 2018 and then joined the KKR support staff as assistant coach. Nayar also served as the Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) head coach in CPL 2022.While Nayar has never coached a women’s team, he oversaw a week-long off-season camp with UPW in August 2023 in Bengaluru. He has also worked on a one-on-one basis with several international and uncapped Indian players over the years.”I really enjoyed my time working with the UP Warriorz before and I’m thrilled to take on this new role,” Nayar said. “WPL is a fantastic platform for women’s cricket and I’m looking forward to working closely with the management to build a strong team for Season 4. UP Warriorz already have a strong foundation in place, and I believe we can build something truly special. There is incredible potential and I will give it my all to help win their first-ever title this season.”During his stint at KKR, Nayar built a rapport with mentor Gautam Gambhir, and their partnership helped the franchise lift their IPL third title in 2024. When Gambhir was appointed the head coach of the Indian side the same year, Nayar joined it as assistant coach, but his contract was terminated less than a year into the job. He subsequently returned as KKR’s assistant coach for IPL 2025, having been a part of their backroom staff from 2018 to 2024.Related

UP Warriorz and coach Jon Lewis part ways

“Bringing Abhishek Nayar on board as head coach feels like a natural and exciting step forward for UP Warriorz,” Kshemal Waingankar, COO and director of cricket UPW, told ESPNcricinfo. “When someone of Abhishek’s calibre became available, it was a no-brainer. Few in Indian cricket bring the same depth of experience when it comes to shaping players and shaping winning cultures.”In just the past 18 months alone, Abhishek has been part of three championship-winning campaigns, each in a different role, each leaving a lasting impact. We are thrilled to have him lead a Warriorz side that’s united, fearless and hungry to grow. With Abhishek at the helm, we believe this group can do something truly special.”Nayar played a crucial part in unlocking Dinesh Karthik’s potential as a finisher in T20 cricket. At various times, Rohit Sharma, Shreyas Iyer, Venkatesh Iyer and Angkrish Raghuvanshi have also credited Nayar for their batting resurgence.More recently, KL Rahul also thanked Nayar: “I’ve worked really hard on my white-ball game the last year or so. Big shoutout to Abhishek Nayar. I’ve worked a lot with him ever since he’s come into the Indian team.”UPW haven’t had the best of times at the WPL so far. They made it to the playoffs in the inaugural season in 2023, where they lost to eventual champions Mumbai Indians in the eliminator. Since then, they have finished second to bottom and bottom of the five-team points table, in 2024 and 2025 respectively.UPW have played 25 matches in the WPL across seasons, of which they have lost 15 games and won ten. Deepti Sharma was named their captain for WPL 2025, after Alyssa Healy was ruled out of the tournament due to injury.

Three wickets from Freya Davies, half-century from Rhian Southby set up home side

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay06-Jul-2025Freya Kemp proved Hampshire Hawks’ last-over hero to edge a nail-biter against winless Somerset in the Women’s Vitality Blast.Rhianna Southby’s 57 and Ellyse Perry’s 40 had given Hampshire the advantage in chasing 154, but accurate bowling had seen them fall behind the rate.With 11 runs needed off the last over, Kemp pumped a six down the ground before knocking off the remaining runs to give Hawks just their second win in the last seven matches to give them renewed hope of qualifying for finals day.Fran Wilson had given Somerset a defendable total with 55 but it wasn’t enough for the bottom-placed side.Somerset chose to bat first under grey skies, and found a consistent tempo to build partnerships and accumulate runs. Bex Odgers set up the innings with a quickfire 18 filled with cuts to the boundary before Wilson took over to provide the backbone of the innings.Former England batter Wilson had only scored 103 runs in her previous seven innings but a delicious straight drive got her moving. Wilson isn’t known for her power-hitting, with her touch-play a defining part of her international career. That was also the case on this occasion, with deft ramps and paddles helping her reach a 30-ball fifty.She had seen Niamh Holland, Sophie Luff, and Jess Hazell come and go – the former two to the impeccable Bex Tyson – before Amanda-Jade Wellington entered to kick-on in the last six overs.Wilson was run out after a mix-up and a direct hit from extra cover, and while Wellington tried to put off the bowlers with her moving around the crease and funky stances outside off stump, boundaries were hard to find at the death.Somerset managed to find 43 runs off the last five overs, mainly through hard running, with only three boundaries off the bat in that time. Freya Davies capitalised on the last over bat flailing by picking up the wickets of Wellington and Alex Griffiths, and with the earlier wicket of Odgers, returned 3 for 38.Somerset’s 153 felt below par and when Australian superstar Perry got the Hawks off to a flier around short rain delays it appeared to confirm it. Perry, on her home debut, used her immense quality to power the ball to the boundary seven times but met her downfall attempting to scoop Erin Vukusic and was pinned lbw for 40. It was the Croatian’s first Blast wicket.Her opening partner Southby struggled with timing but slowly managed to accumulate and with Kemp found their way to around the required rate with a 68-run stand. But Somerset’s tight bowling, especially from Vukusic and Griffiths gave Hawks 27 to chase in the last three overs.Kemp was dropped on the boundary edge for four, but when Southby was bowled for 57 with 16 still needed in 11 balls, the result was in the balance. But Kemp smashed the second ball of the last over, bowled by Griffiths, over long on before two twos got them over the line with two balls to spare.

Leeds United have now joined the race to sign a “spectacular” goalkeeper, having missed out on Caoimhin Kelleher, according to a report.

Leeds looking to sign new GK amid Meslier concerns

Some of Meslier’s performances in the 2024-25 campaign were cause for major concern, with the Frenchman making a number of key errors, which could’ve been costly in Leeds’ push for promotion, although they were ultimately able to get over the line.

Perhaps most memorably, the 25-year-old made a huge blunder to gift Sunderland a late equaliser at the Stadium of Light back in October, while there were also suggestions his time at Elland Road could be over after being dropped for Karl Darlow in April.

Daniel Farke ultimately opted to give Darlow the nod in goal for the remainder of the campaign, highlighting a lack of trust in Meslier, and with the Whites going on to achieve promotion, they have set out to sign a long-term replacement between the sticks.

A report from Leeds United News has revealed that a new target has entered the frame, namely Santos goalkeeper Brazao, with Farke’s side now making efforts to try and sign the Brazilian shot-stopper.

The 24-year-old only returned to his home country in 2024, leaving Inter Milan, but he could now be set for a return to Europe, although Leeds are not the only English club in the race for his signature.

Indeed, Chelsea have also set their sights on the goalkeeper, with the Blues expected to make a formal offer for his services in the near future, which could pose a problem for the Championship winners.

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ByDominic Lund Jun 3, 2025 "Spectacular" Brazao could be Meslier upgrade

Once lauded as “spectacular” by former coach Carlos Amadeu, the Santos shot-stopper has put in some impressive performances since returning to his home country, keeping 21 clean sheets in 57 matches.

Not only that, but there are signs the former Inter Milan man could be an upgrade on Meslier, having maintained a better save percentage per 90 than the former Lorient man over the past year.

At the start of April, it was revealed the Leeds goalkeeper had single-handedly cost his side 10 points, which could’ve been extremely damaging in their quest for promotion, and he simply cannot be trusted in the Premier League.

Farke’s side may have gotten away with slipping up in the Championship, but with the Whites looking to avoid relegation next season, every single point will be valuable.

As such, Brazao could be an upgrade on Meslier, having impressed for Santos in recent times, but there may be some concerns over the fact he is unproven in a major European league, and Leeds will undoubtedly be disappointed to have missed out on Brentford-bound Kelleher.

West Bromwich Albion fans would have been anticipating that their team would be participating in the drama of the Championship playoffs, but their team’s 2024/25 campaign didn’t quite go as smoothly as they would have hoped.

In the end, the Baggies would finish four points shy of Bristol City in that final playoff position, with Tony Mowbray actually facing the wrath of the Hawthorns hierarchy by losing his job for not steering the West Midlands side into the long-sought-after top six.

Alongside talk of a new manager coming in to replace the axed Mowbray, there are now murmurs of fresh faces entering the building to boost matters on the pitch, with the rumour mill churning out new potential bosses and players aplenty.

West Brom could sign Premier League youngster

With Albion in need of a new manager, the likes of Marti Cifuentes and Ryan Mason are now being linked to the Baggies vacancy, with Portsmouth manager John Mousinho also reportedly on the West Brom radar after successfully guiding Pompey away from Championship relegation danger.

Moreover, a slightly more left-field shout comes in the form of ex-Manchester United coach Eric Ramsay.

Transfer Focus

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

But, earlier talk suggesting that Tottenham Hotspur coach Mason could be handed the reins hasn’t died down completely, with the 33-year-old perhaps linking up with a Spurs youngster along the way if he does take on the second-tier job post.

Indeed, a report from Birmingham Live has stated that West Brom have lodged an enquiry over the loan signature of 20-year-old Jamie Donley, off the back of the exciting attacker starring on loan in League One this season with Leyton Orient.

Whilst the jump up is significant from League One to the EFL’s elite division, there will be a hope that Orient number 17 can dazzle defences moving up a league in a similar vein to standout Baggies ace Tom Fellows, with the pair constantly want to create openings to put their team on the front foot.

How Donley could be Fellows 2.0

The homegrown Baggies product will know all too well how formative a loan switch can be down to the lower reaches of the EFL, having once donned Crawley Town colours for a singular season.

This campaign so far for Richie Wellens’ promotion chasers, Donley has amassed a mightily impressive eight goals and ten assists from 47 overall contests, with Fellows amazingly finishing his sterling individual 2024/25 season on 18 goal contributions too.

Games played

40

45

Goals scored

8

4

Assists

10

14

Touches*

45.9

27.2

Shots*

1.4

1.0

Accurate passes*

20.5 (70%)

12.5 (87%)

Big chances missed

4

7

Big chances created

17

13

Looking at their numbers in the EFL this term, both the 20-year-old and his Baggies counterpart have been massively influential for their sides this season in attacking areas, with a mammoth 30 big chances accumulated between them, indicating that they certainly love creating for others.

Hailed for his “sensational” form in the third-tier by scout Jacek Kulig, there is no doubt that the Spurs starlet will be able to take to the pressures of the Championship swimmingly.

After all, Fellows never looked frozen by fear when he was first given chances here and there in the senior mix at West Brom.

Therefore, if a loan switch does occur, those at the Hawthorns will pray Donley can also jump up to the standard required of him, with the promising number ten perhaps linking up with the entertaining 22-year-old winger very soon as his new employers hunt promotion once more.

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Newcastle United are now considering a move for a £27m striker, who could be brought in to partner Alexander Isak, according to a report.

Race for Isak heating up

It is no surprise that so many clubs are keen on signing Isak this summer, given just how impressive the Swedish forward has been this season, most notably scoring against Liverpool in the EFL Cup final to help end Newcastle’s 70-year wait for a trophy.

Competition

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Premier League

33

23

6

EFL Cup

6

3

0

FA Cup

2

1

0

Arsenal are now ramping up their pursuit of the striker, with a jaw-dropping £127m offer now being prepared, while he has also been identified as a dream signing for Liverpool, having left manager Arne Slot impressed at times this season.

That said, the Magpies remain in a strong negotiating position, with the 25-year-old contracted until the summer of 2028, so they may be able to retain his services beyond the end of the campaign.

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BySean Markus Clifford May 12, 2025

However, according to a report from Spain, Newcastle are now considering a move for Atletico Madrid striker Alexander Sorloth as a potential replacement for Isak, should their talisman move on this summer.

Alternatively, the report adds Sorloth could be brought in as a partner for the Sweden international, should Eddie Howe’s side secure a place in the Champions League, with the Tynesiders weighing up the possibility of forming a top-level attacking duo.

There is a belief that the Atletico forward would be able to adapt to life in the Premier League, and his qualities make him a good fit for Howe, who is looking for a strong and aerially dominant forward.

"Stellar" Sorloth impressing in La Liga

The Norwegian has not been at Atletico for long, arriving in a €32m (£27m) deal last summer, but he has certainly caught the eye during his debut campaign with the Spanish side, netting 21 goals in all competitions, including 17 in La Liga.

The 29-year-old didn’t manage to make the desired impact in the Champions League, with Atletico exiting the competition at the hands of Real Madrid, but the Spanish side should be encouraged by his first season in Spain.

The Norway international ranks in the top 1% for non-penalty goals per 90 over the past year, when compared to other strikers, while also placing in the 95th percentile for aerials won, showcasing the threat he poses in the air.

Lauded as “stellar” by journalist Zach Lowy, there are signs that Sorloth could be a fantastic signing for Newcastle this summer, but it seems unlikely that Atletico would be willing to cash-in, given his exploits in his first campaign with Atletico.

And just like that, Tottenham Hotspur’s worst season in a generation is just one game away from becoming their most memorable.

Last night, Ange Postecoglou’s side travelled to the Arctic Circle to play the second leg of their Europa League semi-final against Bodo/Glimt, and while they were still favourites, all the ingredients for an upset were there.

However, as they have in so many of their European games this season, the North Londoners rose to the occasion and ran out comfortable winners in the end.

While practically the entire team did themselves and the manager proud last night, two players, including Pedro Porro, really stood out.

Porro's performance vs Bodo/Glimt

While Porro has come in for plenty of criticism for his defensive failings this season, much of which has been justified, the Spanish full-back has massively stepped up both legs of this semi-final.

He was instrumental in the home win, providing a perfect pass for James Maddison to score the side’s second goal, and he was arguably even better last night.

Not only was he pretty solid in defence, but he was a complete menace in attack, testing the keeper with a brilliant free-kick in the first half and then getting his just rewards with a cross-come-shot that sailed into the top corner in the second 45.

It was practically the complete performance from the former Sporting CP star, which explains the 9/10 match rating Alasdair Gold gave him at full-time.

It might sound hyperbolic, but we can assure you it’s not, as exemplified by his statistics from the game.

Minutes

95′

Expected Goals

0.11

Goals

1

Expected Assists

0.12

Clearances

3

Interceptions

1

Dribbled Past

0

Ground Duels (Won)

3 (2)

Fouls

0

Key Passes

2

Shots on Target

2

Dribbles (Successful)

1(1)

In 95 minutes of action, he amassed a combined expected goals plus assists figure of 0.23, made three clearances, won two of three ground duels, made one interception, wasn’t dribbled past, played two key passes, took two shots on target, was successful in 100% of his dribbles, won one foul and didn’t give any away himself.

Overall, it was a superb display from Porro, but there was another starter who might just have pipped him.

Performance in Numbers

Want data and stats? Football FanCast’s Performance in Numbers series provides you with the latest match analysis from across Europe.

Spurs' best player vs Bodo/Glimt

Now, there are certainly a few players you could pick from for this title, like Dominic Solanke, Micky van de Ven or even Rodrigo Bentancur.

However, for our money, the player who really stood up and stood out last night was Cristian Romero.

The Argentine international has not had a great season, with constant injuries and the odd mistake defining it thus far, but just like he was in the first leg, he was sensational for Postecoglou last night.

It goes without saying that the World Cup winner is undoubtedly built for big games, and from the first to the last minute, he was incredible in the Arctic Circle.

On top of being a wall at the back and cheering every block or tackle like it was a title-winning goal, he also managed to provide the assist for Solanke’s opener, which all but ended the tie then and there.

Unsurprisingly, Gold was just as impressed, awarding the centre-back a 9/10 match rating at full-time, while Spurs fan and content creator Ben Bowman simply described him as “unreal.”

Such appraisals are more than backed up by his statistics as well, as in 95 minutes of action, he made five clearances, blocked one shot, wasn’t dribbled past even once, made one interception, won three of four ground duels, lost the ball only once, completed 96% of his passes, played one key pass, was accurate in 100% of his long balls and created one big chance.

Minutes

95′

Clearances

5

Shots Blocked

1

Dribbled Past

0

Interceptions

1

Ground Duels (Won)

4 (3)

Lost Possession

1

Passing Accuracy

26/27 (96%)

Key Passes

1

Long Balls (Accurate)

2 (2)

Big Chances Created

1

Ultimately, the entire team played well last night, but Porro and particularly Romero were even better, so much so that the latter may now be the club’s best player.

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Leeds United can somewhat relax across their final two Championship games, knowing their position in the Premier League for next campaign is already set in stone.

Of course, there is still the tantalising prize of the title, but it won’t be the end of the world for Daniel Farke and Co if this isn’t won with the hard work already done.

Farke will hope – regardless of recent rumours popping up surrounding his future – that he is backed in the transfer market ahead of Leeds voyaging up to the big time, with the Whites already being linked with this Premier League regular.

Leeds eyeing up move for top-flight stalwart

As per a report from Football Insider, Leeds are eyeing up a move for West Ham United stalwart Tomas Soucek, with experience added into the building seen as key, who could be signed for a fee of up to £15m.

Indeed, the report states that Soucek is viewed as an ‘ideal’ option in terms of giving Farke some more seasoned Premier League heads, with the long-standing Hammers servant also keen on a move away, having found his game-time as of late limited under Graham Potter.

Soucek has also been linked with a move to Everton to reunite with former West Ham boss David Moyes, but Leeds will pray the Czech enforcer chooses Elland Road over Merseyside, knowing that the 30-year-old could potentially strike up a healthy relationship with Ao Tanaka in the holding midfield positions.

Sealing the £15m signature of the ex-Slavia Prague man could also see Leeds move away from attempting to bring Kalvin Phillips back to West Yorkshire, with Soucek a definite improvement on the hot-and-cold Ipswich Town loanee.

What Soucek would offer Leeds

Gaining a player of Soucek’s calibre would undoubtedly help Leeds navigate the choppy waters of the Premier League, considering the 30-year-old has tallied up 189 top-flight appearances for Potter’s side.

Across 240 games in total, Soucek has also been a constant, reliable, source of goals and assists for the Hammers, with 39 strikes and 13 assists notched up proving his importance to the cause over many seasons.

Therefore, winning such a comfortable performer in the tricky division is a no-brainer move for Farke, with Soucek able to gift Leeds grit and quality in equal measure alongside the likes of Tanaka in the midfield areas.

After all, the Japan international will be beaming at the prospect of challenging himself in England’s elite league having impressed throughout the Whites’ promotion success story, seen in the new fan’s favourite picking up four goals and two assists across 41 Championship encounters.

But, away from his impressive output, Tanaka is also tuned into his dogged game as much as Soucek, with the number 22 winning 4.5 duels per league game this season on average. To add context, his potential new Czech teammate playing in the division above has won 5.1 on average.

With seven goals under his belt too in the Premier League for 2024/25, Soucek is more than proving – despite talk of him exiting the London Stadium – that he is still a composed performer at the level deep into his playing days, with another of Leeds’ targets in Phillips unfortunately not able to boast such glowing numbers donning Ipswich blue.

Games played

30

18

Goals scored

7

0

Assists

1

0

Touches*

37.5

42.7

Accurate passes*

19.9

23.2

Total duels won

5.1

3.6

Playing a background role in Ipswich’s fight against the drop, Phillips is now way off what his previous best once was at Elland Road, with Soucek way more effective and impactful in games compared to the former England international.

Therefore, gambling on him to come good again would be an almighty risk, away from any sentimental reasons for a move being back on the table.

Winning Soucek would show that Leeds are serious about staying put in the top-flight, meaning his signature should be a top priority to obtain.

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1 ByCharlie Smith Apr 25, 2025

The race to finish inside the coveted Champions League spaces in the Premier League is really starting to heat up with Chelsea staring down the barrel of a disappointing 1-0 defeat at Fulham on Sunday.

Thankfully for the Blues supporters who made the short journey over to Craven Cottage, their side managed to dramatically fight back to pick up a crucial three points.

That was thanks to 19-year-old sensation Tyrique George making himself an instant hero off the bench with the equaliser before Pedro Neto thumped home the last-gasp winner.

Chelsea fans packed into Fulham’s home ground would have been largely impressed with the showing of Cole Palmer too, away from Neto and George stealing the limelight, with the ex-Manchester City attacker guilty of putting in some rather subdued displays prior to this 2-1 victory being clinched.

Chelsea's Palmer problem

Amazingly, the once unplayable 22-year-old is now without a Chelsea goal since netting versus AFC Bournemouth all the way back in January.

But, he was still lively in spurts versus Fulham to show Maresca that he warrants a first team spot, with Palmer involved in the slick passing move that resulted in the 20-year-old forward grabbing his side’s much-needed equaliser.

Moreover, the hot-and-cold number 20 would trudge off the Craven Cottage turf at the close of the dramatic victory with only six misplaced passes, alongside firing two efforts of his own at Bernd Leno’s goal to try and guide his team to a less nervy win.

Of course, Palmer is stil some way off the blistering best that has seen him tally up a stunning 14 goals and eight assists overall this season in league action, but there is enough on show to indicate that other underperformers are costing Enzo Maresca more dearly.

Instead, there is a bigger problem right now at the Bridge…

4/10 Chelsea star is becoming a problem

The Champions League chasers haven’t been the most front foot team in recent matches, considering Maresca’s side have only bagged five Premier League strikes across April to date.

Nicolas Jackson, unfortunately, finds himself deep in a barren spell up top, with the low-on-confidence forward now up to 13 games without a goal after firing even more blanks away at Fulham. Considering they rely on him so much to find the net, one could argue that he’s becoming a bigger problem than the aforementioned Palmer.

Minutes played

78

Goals scored

0

Assists

0

Touches

21

Accurate passes

12/16 (75%)

Shots

1

Big chances missed

1

Total duels won

1/4

Jackson just never looked confident leading the line for the Blues against Silva’s tricky hosts, with the Senegalese attacker failing to find the back of the net again by mustering up just one effort all contest.

He was also anonymous in large patches in an attacking capacity when attempting to find openings, with just 12 accurate passes accumulated, alongside weakly winning just one of his four duels.

Amazingly, within five minutes of the number 15 coming off the pitch, the Blues would celebrate hitting the back of the net through the aforementioned George, leaving Maresca with an almighty conundrum as to who he should select here moving forward.

Of course – much like Palmer – Jackson has displayed his class in the not so distant past at Stamford Bridge with nine goals powered home this campaign alone, but the scathing post-match reaction to his shoddy showing says it all, with London Evening Standard journalist Malik Ouzia dishing out a low 4/10 rating to the striker who he labelled as a “shadow” of his former lethal self.

There were jubilant celebrations at the final whistle as Chelsea picked up their 16th league victory of the season, but if they are serious about cementing a spot inside the top five, blindly sticking by a wasteful Jackson might prove to be a costly call.

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ByEthan Lamb Apr 20, 2025

Manchester United appear to be advancing in their move to replace Andre Onana with a top goalkeeper target following a new transfer update.

Man Utd regret signing Onana and are looking to sell goalkeeper

The Red Devils decided to replace David de Gea with Onana back in 2023, however, that has been a decision that has arguably been the wrong one with the way things have gone for the Cameroon international at Old Trafford.

The former Inter Milan shot-stopper, who helped the Serie A side to the Champions League final against Manchester City, is thought to be unsettled in Manchester and has been for a long time.

In fact, there have been claims that Man Utd regret signing Onana and he is on course to be sold this summer with interest from Saudi Arabia.

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The 29-year-old has still been a regular under Ruben Amorim, however, with Onana looking likely to exit Old Trafford, a replacement will be required.

Again, it looks as if the Red Devils could go shopping in Italy for a number one and in Milan specifically, but this time with AC Milan.

Man Utd progressing in talks to sign £67m Mike Maignan

According to a report from Spain, Man Utd have taken a ‘giant step’ to sign Mike Maignan from AC Milan.

It is believed that the Frenchman is the ‘top priority’ to replace Onana and that ‘negotiations’ between the player and the Red Devils have ‘progressed significantly’.

Now, United are planning to make contact with AC Milan to discuss the terms of a transfer, but it looks as if Maignan is keen on swapping Milan for Manchester.

Previous reports have valued Maignan at £67m, although there could be a 50% discount if he refuses to sign a new contract over the coming months, with his current deal set to expire in 2026.

AC Milan signed the ‘keeper back in 2021 from Lille and he has gone on to make more than 150 appearances for the Italian giants.

Maignan is also France’s first-choice goalkeeper and recently starred in a penalty shootout against Croatia to help his country qualify for the Nations League semi-finals.

Kylian Mbappe was quick to praise Maignan, saying: “We know we have a goalkeeper who makes the difference in penalties, so we’re at an advantage.”

Meanwhile, France boss Didier Deschamps added: “The French national team players know very well that Mike is very effective in penalties. He has that quality, the better. It’s a technical skill. He’s a goalkeeper who performed well in this penalty series, we owe him our qualification. It would have been frustrating to lose because we had the opportunity to have a bigger gap earlier.”