Josh Brownhill
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Burnley midfielder Josh Brownhill ‘not worried’ about relegation #BURNLEYFC

November 24, 2021
BURNLEY midfielder Josh Brownhill says the squad is determined to push on from their recent performances and start to climb the Premier League table. The Clarets are unbeaten in their last four league matches following Saturday’s thrilling 3-3 draw with Crystal Palace. Brownhill says there have been encouraging signs in their recent performances and insists the side has what it takes to pull away from the drop zone. “It’s been quite difficult with points but performance-wise we’ve been really good. I’m not worried in any way, shape or form,” said the midfielder. “We’ve got such a good squad this year – the quality we’ve brought in and the people we kept hold of is massive. “As much as the points have not been there, the performances have and I think we’re unbeaten in our last four (league games). “We’re really looking to get more points on the board and push up the table.” Last season, the Clarets picked up just two points from their opening seven fixtures but went on to survive comfortably – finishing 11 points ahead of the bottom three. And Brownhill believes their experience of relegation battles gives the Clarets an edge over some of their Premier League rivals. He added: “Burnley Football Club, we know what we are and we’re not going to sit here and say we’re going to challenge for the title. “We need to stay in the Premier League first and foremost, and as soon as we get over the line we’ll start heading up the table as much as possible. “The quality is there, we got into Europe a few years ago so I’m not worried whatsoever.” Sean Dyche’s men are back in action on Sunday afternoon when they welcome Tottenham to Turf Moor (KO 2pm). Brownhill is expecting a tough test against the London outfit but insists there is no reason why they can’t get something from the game. He said: “They’ve obviously been taken over by (Antonio) Conte so they are going to be buzzing and excited. “But we’re at home, we’re in good form, we’ve got the crowd behind us. “So yeah, I’m really looking forward to the game and it would be no surprise if we get points this weekend.” The midfielder was speaking at the North West Football Awards, where he received a mention for his efforts to raise awareness for local businesses affected by the pandemic. “It’s obviously something that’s close to my heart - the community in football. Wherever I’ve been, I’ve tried to be involved in it,” he added. “It’s no different being at Burnley – I wanted to get involved and the pandemic happened and it was a struggle for everybody, not just in football but the community around. “People who support me at the weekend, I can support them and for me it was about creating the series to get it out there to help their businesses really.”
Ralph Hasenhuttl
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Ralph Hasenhuttl wants Nathan Redmond to score more goals #SAINTSFC

November 24, 2021
RALPH Hasenhuttl wants Saints forward Nathan Redmond to add more goals to his game and admitted: “It is not only a frustration for me, but also for him.” The 27-year-old attacker missed out on Saints’ trip to Norwich after the birth of his first child less than 24 hours before kick-off, as the Canaries managed a 2-1 victory. Redmond is yet to hit the net this Premier League campaign, despite missing from merely yards out during the 2-2 draw against Burnley, and has only registered 28 goals in 210 competitive appearances for the St Mary’s outfit. Austrian boss Hasenhuttl has set him the target of adding more. “It is not only a frustration for me, but also for him.” Hasenhuttl said. “He has very often got into a good situation to score and did not find the back of the net so far. “As I always say, it is only a matter of time because he has the chances, and he has the quality to score. “That does not mean you can play however you want and for as long as you want without scoring.” He continued: “If you play as an attacking player, you must either contribute with goals or with assists. “He has had two assists in his last two games so it would be nice if he can now start scoring. He knows that would help us massively. “It is time to do it.” When asked about what he can do to help him find the net more, Hasenhuttl responded: “It is more about being hungry to come into a position where you can score. “I want him to be at the second post and to attack the middle of the goal, to be there. “The more often you are there, hopefully the more the ball will fall at your foot and you will have the chance to score an easy goal. “That is what good strikers always do; they are in a position where they smell that there is something happening.”
Ralph Hasenhuttl
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Ralph Hasenhuttl and James Ward-Prowse assess Saints’ young strike force #SAINTSFC

November 24, 2021
RALPH Hasenhuttl and James Ward-Prowse have both praised Saints’ strike force, which the boss says is “definitely” the best he’s had at the club when you also consider their ages. Although Adam Armstrong and Armando Broja were both kept quiet during the glum 2-1 defeat at Norwich’s Carrow Road on Saturday, Che Adams hit his fifth goal in six matches for both club and country – with his early opener. It rounded off a top week for him individually, after scoring two in two for Scotland to secure a home seeded World Cup playoff tie in 2022. Chelsea loanee Broja had struck two in two starts before an ankle injury disrupted his flow while former Blackburn Rovers frontman Armstrong ended his barren run with the winner versus Aston Villa. And speaking after the Canaries defeat, Ward-Prowse reflected on the only positive you could take, telling the Daily Echo: “Yeah, I think for any team wanting to do well you need strikers who score goals, and recently both Che and Arma have done that consistently for a while now. “It’s up to us to provide for them now, and for Che as well in the week I think everyone involved with the club is proud to see him doing well for Scotland. “It’s good to see him put the ball in the back of the net.” With Adams still only 25-years-old, Armstrong a year younger and Broja only 20 – albeit only on loan at Saints – there is still room for them to grow and adapt to England’s top flight. Fielding questions before the trip to Norfolk, Hasenhuttl was asked if the strike force is the best he’s had at Saints - in terms of age at least. “Yes, definitely,” he responded. “Broja is very young, Nathan Tella (22) is very young, Arma is not old and Che is also not old. “It’s a very young squad in general, and this is what we have tried to rebuild. We lost experienced players in (Ryan) Bertrand, (Jannik) Vestergaard, (Danny) Ings, and replaced them with young hungry lads who like to learn, and they like to get better.” He added: “This is the only way we can go as a club. “We know it takes time, especially scoring goals in the Premier League is the toughest job to do, but the guys have shown now that they are getting better and getting used to adapting to higher quality, and they are showing that they can score there.” Armstrong went 680 minutes without a goal after his opener at Everton, and before his winner versus Villa. Adams himself also failed to score early on in his Saints career. Hasenhuttl revealed how he believes you get strikers out of those barren runs, with experience of playing the position himself. He insisted: “Never question them, never lose the trust in them. That is the most important thing. “I was a striker myself and I know that its normal that you come sometimes into a situation where you don’t score, and things maybe get a little bit more difficult. “When you score it is always easy, performances most of the time are very good, and you don’t think about it too much and score all the time because you automatically get into a position where you can score. “My job is to bring them often into a position where they can score, and then they have to do it. “This is how I can help them with the game plan I give the team, and then the rest is about the team helping them, to deliver balls, bring them into situations, and then they must take the chances.”
Ralph Hasenhuttl
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Ralph Hasenhuttl outlines ‘possible disadvantage’ for Liverpool against Southampton #SAINTSFC #LFC

November 24, 2021
RALPH Hasenhuttl admits Saints need to prepare right for their next game at Anfield but insists Liverpool could have a “disadvantage” due to a midweek Champions League contest. Jurgen Klopp’s side are in action at Anfield on Wednesday night, an 8pm kick-off, when they welcome Portuguese side Porto. However, Liverpool have won all four of their opening four matches in this year’s competition, and already cannot be caught at the top of Group B. Porto are second in their group and know that they will need results in at least one of their remaining two to secure passage into the round of 16. It could mean Klopp is able to rest a few key players ahead of Saints’ visit on Saturday, but Hasenhuttl has said that his side can make the most of a “normal week” of preparation. Speaking after the defeat at Norwich, he said: “We have a normal week now (after the international break’s disruption). “This is a possible disadvantage for Liverpool who in the week plays a top team. “We will prepare good and have to find the right team for competing against them, and this is what we need to do.”
Graham Potter Brighton
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Graham Potter will weigh up Neal Maupay return to face Leeds #BHAFC #LUFC

November 23, 2021
Graham Potter says Albion will look at their attacking work after a blank at Aston Villa. But he has warned the solution is not as simple as just bringing back Neal Maupay. The four-goal top scorer is in contention for a return to the starting line-up for the home game against Leeds. Albion had 63% of possession but struggled to create chances in a 2-0 defeat at Villa Park on Saturday. Maupay has been on the bench for the last three games, including an impressive 2-2 draw at Liverpool in which the side attacked with menace led by Leandro Trossard. There are already calls among some fans for Maupay to be restored as a genuine No.9 after an attractive but relatively toothless display at Villa. WHY BRIGHTON TOOK OFF TARIQ LAMPTEY AT ASTON VILLA Head coach Potter told The Argus: “We have to look at how we attack. “Of course Neal is always in contention. BRIGHTON PLAYER RATINGS IN 2-0 DEFEAT AT ASTON VILLA “He is an important player for us, as are all our players. “We have to be disappointed today (Saturday), be frustrated today. “We have to train this week and push on. “It’s nice to think one person fixes all the problems or provides all the solutions. “But it would be unfair on anybody to put them in that position. “We have to do better as a team.” Albion have played some good football at the Amex this season although their tally of six goals in as many games includes just one from open play. Trossard was again their main striker at Villa but the system was less effective than at Anfield. Potter said: “It wasn’t so effective because we lost. “Whatever you do isn’t so effective if you don’t win.”
Sean Dyche Burnley
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Burnley boss Sean Dyche disappointed not to win Crystal Palace thriller at death #BURNLEYFC #CPFC

November 23, 2021
SEAN Dyche praised his side’s second-half display against Crystal Palace after Maxwel Cornet’s volley earned his team a point in a 3-3 draw at Turf Moor. It could have been even better for the Clarets as well, but Matej Vydra’s late effort was saved. Dyche said: “We didn’t start well, but in the second half it was a different story. We were a lot braver in our performance. “To go in at 3-2 we could be disappointed but we came out in the second half, scored a fantastic goal and Vyds has a golden moment at the end, their keeper makes a fantastic save to be fair.” Patrick Vieira could only chuckle at what he called a “crazy good game” after his Palace side took a point. Palace led, then trailed, then led again a five-goal first half, but Cornet levelled with a stunning volley. It was a result that pleased both managers. Burnley remain in the bottom three but have put their early-season woes behind them to pick up points consistently - the only defeat in their last seven league games coming away to Manchester City - while Palace are unbeaten in seven. Few would have arrived at Turf Moor expecting a goal-fest but that is what they got - Christian Benteke scored twice, either side of headers from Ben Mee and Chris Wood for Burnley, before Marc Guehi gave Palace a half-time lead. “It was a crazy good game,” Vieira said. “Both teams maybe brought a different philosophy to the game but both tried to win it. I think for the neutral it was a good game to watch. “At the end there is a good feeling because of the save, that was the biggest chance they created in the second half and it was an important save from Vince to allow us to go back to London with a point. “I was a little bit disappointed with how we managed the game but that’s just showing the team needs to grow. There is a maturity we didn’t have today to really manage the game better.” Palace led just eight minutes in as Joachim Andersen teed up Benteke for his first, but after Conor Gallagher missed a chance to double the advantage, Burnley hit back. Dyche had identified set-pieces as a potential Palace weakness and Burnley duly exploited them - Mee headed in from Ashley Westwood’s corner to level, then James Tarkowski headed Dwight McNeil’s free-kick across goal for Wood to nod in his 50th Premier League goal. But having taken the lead, Burnley let it slip just as quickly - Gallagher played in Benteke who fired home an equaliser and Guehi lashed home on the rebound just before the break when Nick Pope had denied Andersen. Burnley were much brighter after the break, inspired by Cornet’s volley as they had a number of chances to win it However, Dyche was unhappy with referee Simon Hooper. There was a shout for a Palace red card when Wood, through on goal, went down under a challenge from Andersen in the second half, while Dyche was also unhappy to see Tarkowski booked in a tangle with Wilfried Zaha - ruling him out of next week’s match against Tottenham. “I’m all for allowing some of these soft things, it’s trying to find the balance, but that’s bizarre,” Dyche said of the challenge on Wood. “He’s got two hands around his chest. Whoever’s looking at that, I’ve no clue how they’ve not given it. “The other one is Tarks getting booked when he’s trying to stop the trouble...He had a quiet game today, the referee wasn’t clear-minded. Another day you might get them.”
Nathan Tella
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Southampton’s Nathan Tella credits family and friends for his career #SAINTSFC

November 23, 2021
LIKEABLE Saints youngster Nathan Tella has credited his family and friends for helping him make a career in football, adding that they: “Motivated me to live my dream.” The 22-year-old forward has struggled for gametime so far during the 2021-22 season but has already made himself a stalwart in Saints’ matchday squads. He scored his first Premier League goal against Fulham last year, and added his first notch of this campaign in the EFL Cup tie vs Newport County. And now the smiley former Arsenal academy man has revealed how his family were major motivators, in an interview with club media. Read more He said: “They were massive, my Mum and my Dad and my sister as well. Nathan Tella, 22, is a popular figure of the Saints squad (Pic: PA) “They always tried to motivate me when I younger and there was times when I wasn’t in the mood to train or I was tired after school, they were always like ‘it’ll pay off in the long run’ and at the moment it is. “Credit to them, I’m happy they kept pushing me and motivating me to live my dream.” He joked: “It’s good for my Dad, he can go back to the people in the church and be like ‘I told you so’. “But it’s all good and he really motivated me a lot, he’s probably my biggest influence to where I am now. Even the people in the church all helped me as well.” 👉🏾😃👈🏾 pic.twitter.com/NMEzDwgeGd — tella (@NathanTella_11) August 25, 2021 As well as his family, Tella reveals that he has had the same group of friends since he was a schoolboy and that they keep him “grounded”. “Since about the age of five, six, we’ve all been in the same friendship group,” he said, “we all went to the same schools, all followed each other. “They went off to university and then I came here. We all stayed close and I think that probably brought us closer as the further we were apart the more we wanted to stay in contact. Nathan Tella started in the EFL Cup contests (Pic: PA) “We all wanted to be footballers and I was lucky enough to get picked up and get the opportunity to play. But they still see me as the same boy running around school, being disruptive and messing about. “Credit to them, they’ve kept me grounded, they never let me get too big headed even when I started scoring or have a good game, or even if I have a bad game they keep my happy. great win and a good team performance today. Delighted to get my first PL goal and assist #SaintsFC pic.twitter.com/uPqhyD7nLE — tella (@NathanTella_11) May 15, 2021 “I’m happy I’m still friends with them.”
James Ward Prowse
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- James Ward-Prowse reveals Southampton were not dominant in 2nd half against Norwich City #SAINTSFC

November 23, 2021
SKIPPER James Ward-Prowse has admitted that Saints “stopped being brave on the ball,” and “just got outperformed," as he tried to explain their second-half collapse at Norwich. Che Adams had put Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side ahead inside three minutes but Teemu Pukki’s subsequent equaliser was allowed to stand significant despite a period of dominance. And as has been seen too frequently from Saints, the second-half performance failed to match and was punished when Grant Hanley headed home from a set-piece late on to secure all three points. The manner of the performance was a disappointment after the same thing has occurred during the 1-0 win over Aston Villa last time out – a very early goal and a second-half collapse, that time narrowly escaping with a well-battled three points. Read more Despite looking comfortably on top against the side who were then bottom of the Premier League, only Adams’ one-on-one and a late wide-header from Theo Walcott were really clear sights at goal, aside from the opener. James Ward-Prowse was among those outjumped by Scotland international Grant Hanley (Pic: PA) And Ward-Prowse has looked to explain to supporters what he thinks went wrong. Speaking to the Daily Echo, he admitted: “Yeah I think that we’re aware of that (the difference in halves). In the first-half we were so dominant to create the amount of chances we did. “I think the only disappointing thing was that we conceded a goal, but not to be more than one goal in the game, to create the chances was great but we need to be more ruthless and clinical to put the game to bed. Che Adams had got Saints off to a quick start at Carrow Road (Pic: PA) “We just stopped doing what we were doing in the first half,” he continued, “we stopped being brave on the ball, stopped creating the chances. “We just got outperformed a little bit, we could feel the emotion in the stands, energy in the stands with the new manager (Dean Smith) and the supporters were all backing him. “We did well in the first-half but they kind of overpowered us and the fans definitely played a big part in spurring their team on.” The result saw Norwich lift off the bottom of the table with two wins in two, as well as getting their new era under head coach Dean Smith off to a perfect start. Saints were left dejected in an uninspiring second-half (Pic: PA) Smith had made a change to his shape for the second-half as well as substituting Todd Cantwell for Josh Sargent – but Hasenhuttl’s changes did not have the same impact. The Austrian boss had admitted before the game that it could be a slight advantage to Smith, having faced Saints in consecutive games and knowing what he would be up against. Saints also saw late disruption to their plans with Nathan Redmond, Stuart Armstrong and Moussa Djenepo all ruled out within 24-48 hours of kick-off – but Ward-Prowse has said it’s still a disappointment. “It’s hard to take for sure,” the 27-year-old told us, “with all due respect to Norwich this is a game that we came and wanted to win. “We had a good plan and it went well in the first half. But yeah to not kill the game off in the first-half was disappointing. “To concede a goal in the manner we did at the end was probably the most disappointing factor.”
Steven Gerrard Manager
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Steven Gerrard reveals how Aston Villa set up versus Brighton #AVFC

November 22, 2021
Steven Gerrard said his Aston Villa side allowed Albion possession “in certain areas”. And he felt their eye for a counter-attack ultimately paid off. Villa’s new boss wants his team to be a possession-based outfit eventually. But he was happy enough to see Graham Potter’s team have 63% of the ball and run into cul-de-sacs. Gerrard said: "Graham is an outstanding coach. "He has a lot of support around him. He has implemented a style that are a real possession based team. "It was important that we didn't chase lost causes otherwise you are made to pay for that. “We wanted to own the middle of the park with or shape and structure. "We wanted to block the middle of the pitch and when our moments came we wanted to semi-counter and full counter and wanted to hurt the opposition. BRIGHTON PLAYER RATINGS IN DEFEAT AT ASTON VILLA "It took until the last ten or 15 for us to look like a real threat but we have a lot of attacking players in squad who can run and who are dangerous. "We allowed them to have the ball in certain areas of the pitch and when Brighton tried to win it from us, we made them pay."
Ralph Hasenhuttl
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Ralph Hasenhuttl assesses table after points dropped against Norwich City #SAINTSFC #NCFC

November 22, 2021
RALPH Hasenhuttl admitted “it is not surprising that teams come closer” when asked if he’s looking over his shoulder in the Premier League following the Norwich defeat. The 2-1 loss at Carrow Road came as other sides below Saints picked up points with Aston Villa and Watford picking up convincing wins, and the likes Brentford and Burnley claiming score-draws. Saints had been unbeaten in four in the Premier League and on the ascendancy, but a disappointing defeat to the side who were rock-bottom, with a trip to Liverpool up next, has put a stop to that. And with many of the teams below also employing new managers following the week of sackings at the start of the international break, we could see a resurgence of a few that might have Saints concerned. “It is not surprising when you don’t win that teams behind you come closer,” Hasenhuttl said, speaking after the match. “We know that we have a battle here (Norwich) but it was possible today to take the three points, everything was going in our direction. “But in the Premier League to win games it has to be more than a half where you play well. But we need to step up, learn and change it.”
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Manchester United sack Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after Watford thrashing #MUFC

November 22, 2021
OLE Gunnar Solskjaer has been sacked as Manchester United manager. United, who made the decision in the wake of United’s 4-1 defeat at Watford, have put Michael Carrick in temporary charge while the club look to appoint an interim manager to the end of the season. A statement said: “Manchester United announces that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has left his role as manager. Ole will always be a legend at Manchester United and it is with regret that we have reached this difficult decision. “While the past few weeks have been disappointing, they should not obscure all the work he has done over the past three years to rebuild the foundations for long-term success. “Ole leaves with our sincerest thanks for his tireless efforts as manager and our very best wishes for the future. His place in the club’s history will always be secure, not just for his story as a player, but as a great man and a manager who gave us many great moments. He will forever be welcome back at Old Trafford as part of the Manchester United family.” Carrick’s first assignment after stepping up from his role as assistant manager is a vital Champions League clash away to Villarreal coming up on Tuesday. The decision comes at the end of a torrid run of results for United under Solskjaer, the club great who himself took over on an interim basis back in December 2018 after the sacking of Jose Mourinho. He rode out a chastening 5-0 home loss to Liverpool and appeared to be back in calmer waters after a 3-0 win at Tottenham, but a comprehensive derby loss to Manchester City meant that the Watford game was essentially a must-win. The writing was on the wall for Solskjaer when Watford flew into a 2-0 lead through Josh King and Ismaila Sarr. Substitute Donny van de Beek pulled one back but United’s under-fire captain Harry Maguire was sent off after 69 minutes and late goals from Joao Pedro and Emmanuel Dennis piled on the misery. The struggles were not widely expected back when Solskjaer became the first United manager to win his first six league games, beating a record held by Sir Matt Busby, and was handed the permanent role in March 2019. United finished second behind Manchester City last season but currently lie seventh, six points off West Ham in fourth and 12 behind leaders Chelsea. Solskjaer insisted he could still turn things around in the wake of another chastening afternoon at Vicarage Road, but it appears the club disagree. United keeper David De Gea gave a damning verdict on United’s display at Watford, telling the BBC: “We don’t know what to do with the ball. We don’t know how to defend properly. “It was embarrassing, the way we played. The first half was very poor – it’s not acceptable for this club and the level of players that we have. “It’s another nightmare. There’s been some difficulties but I don’t really know what to say.”
Graham Potter Brighton
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Graham Potter feels Brighton was in control of the game for most part against Aston Villa #BHAFC

November 21, 2021
Graham Potter said Albion must be critical of themselves after their 2-0 defeat by Aston Villa. But he was pleased with much of what they did until Ollie Watkins’ late strike turned the match. Albion had 63% of possession but only two efforts on target, by Leandro Trossard and Tariq Lamptey in the first half. Potter said: “I thought up until 83 minutes we did pretty much everything you can here apart from score in terms of controlling the crowd. “We knew the environment we were going to face and how difficult that is. “I thought we controlled the crowd, we controlled the game. “I thought we attacked better. I thought we created better chances. LEWIS DUNK REACTS TO BRIGHTON'S DEFEAT AT ASTON VILLA “Probably that feeling going up to the first goal was we are going to score, we are going to score. “Then we leave ourselves exposed a little bit and the turnover happens and 1-0 down. “The last seven minutes are disappointing.” Watkins capped a counter attack for the first goal after a low Albion cross had been cleared. Potter added: “We have to be critical of ourselves. We gave ourselves a chance to win the game but, ultimately, if you don’t score, you don’t win. “We need to do a little bit better. I think we can be better. “But that’s something for us to work with and keep trying to work with and keep trying to improve.”
Lewis Dunk Brighton
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Brighton skipper Lewis Dunk reacts to defeat at Aston Villa #BHAFC

November 21, 2021
The Seagulls skipper felt his side dealt well with the occasion as Steven Gerrard Took charge of the hosts - but not well enough. He said: "If you look at the overall game, we controlled the majority of it but that’s the Premier League for you, isn’t it? "It’s no good just controlling the game. We have got to get in front and defend it. "We lacked that today and we got punished. "That was probably their gameplan, what they set out to do, to sit there and counter attack." Dunk felt Albion dealt well with what was initially a loud atmosphere. ASTON VILLA 2 BRIGHTON 0 - HOW IT HAPPENED He added: "We lacked that cutting edge. We weren’t quite there in the final third today. "It’s a frustrating game but we have got a home game next and we have to move on and get out of this little rut we are in."