Nathan Tella
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Nathan Tella ‘looking forward’ to Southampton return amid uncertain future #SAINTSFC

May 13, 2023
The 24 year old scored 17 Championship goals and became a fan favourite in the process as the Clarets secured promotion back to the Premier League as title-winners. Saints academy graduate Tella, who signed from Arsenal as a teenager, now faces the prospect of returning to the second division with the soon-to-be-relegated St Mary’s side. Burnley retain an interest in the forward while he is enjoying his new life, living in the north of England. Any deal struck would, however, require a sizeable fee. He has been asked about his future and could not give a definitive answer, telling BBC Radio Lancashire: “I haven’t really thought about it, I know I’m contracted to Southampton so I’m looking forward to going back there and doing pre-season. “I’m looking forward to seeing my family and friends and going on holiday with them, that’s it. It’s a very good question but one I don’t have the answer to right now.” Asked about his time at Burnley, Tella added: “Individually and as a team this season has exceeded everyone’s expectations. “When you get relegated you want to go straight back up into the Premier League. The fact we were able to do that first time and play the way we did has been an amazing feeling. “It’s a bit of a 50/50, I wanted to score goals and I’ve not been prolific growing up. Playing in a team like this they can find me and I can find them so we have scored so many goals this season, I’m happy to score but more importantly, I’ve got the winners medal.”
Mikel Arteta Arsenal
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- What Mikel Arteta said about Brighton with Roberto De Zerbi #BHAFC

May 13, 2023
But there is no scope for his Arsenal side to drop points when the Seagulls go to the Emirates. William Saliba is once again missing from the Gunners’ back line with a back injury which has ruled him out in recent weeks, while left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko (calf) is also absent. Midfielder Mohamed Elneny and defender Takehiro Tomiyasu are out for the rest of the season with knee injuries. Arsenal boss Arteta said: “The way Brighton play under manager Roberto de Zerbi is remarkable. It is just a joy to watching them play. “What they have brought to the league is a different idea, a different way of playing and a different challenge to manage against. "What the manager has done with the team is incredible, so it will be a very tough match. "They pose an extremely tricky challenge, with the way they play, so we will have to handle the things they do, but it will be the same for them, managing the way we do it. "They have been ahead of other clubs in the way they have made decisions, the way they have developed players and recruited talent. “It's been really impressive, I think they have done extremely well." Arteta was being quizzed about contractual matters in the run-up to the weekend. He said: “Obviously where we are with each individual is probably different in terms of timing but the clarity is there,” he said of deals for players that may be in the offing. “We have communicated to each of them what the intentions are and we are trying to get that done as quickly as possible but respecting and not losing any focus on what is the real deal right now. “The moment there is anything to announce with any individual, we will do that as a club like we always do. It’s not the moment to talk about that.”
Roberto De Zerbi
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Roberto De Zerbi takes pressure off Brighton at Arsenal #BHAFC

May 13, 2023
The Seagulls have already achieved the club's previously stated targetd of a top-ten finish. But De Zerbi has set the bar higher and aimed for European competition. Ahead of Sunday's game at Arsenal, the head coach said: “We don’t feel the pressure because we fixed our target higher than normal situations. “Before I started to work here, the target was tenth place and after two months I fixed the target in Champions League, Europa League and I am not afraid if we don’t achieve our target. “You lose when you don’t fight, when you don’t compete, when you don’t try and you don’t fix the target higher. “If we don’t achieve our target, we will lose nothing in my head. “If I don’t achieve my target, you will say: ‘Roberto, you lose your target’. But I have a different vision, I have different opinion about this." “To play five games in 15 days will be impossible, I think. But impossible was to achieve Europa League three or four months ago.”
Gary O’Neil
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- AFC Bournemouth’s Gary O’Neil on planning for next season as relegation survival is confirmed #AFCB

May 13, 2023
Cherries’ fantastic April form has taken them away from danger, with nine points separating them from the relegation zone with three to play. A point at Selhurst Park tomorrow (kick-off 3pm) would mathematically confirm their spot in next season's Premier League. Whilst Cherries seem all but safe, O’Neil wants his side to make sure of their top-flight status. He shared: “We've got 39 points, and 39 should be enough, but until it's done, the longer it goes, the more nervous you can start to feel again. “So let's get it done officially as soon as we can, take care of it ourselves on Saturday with a point or three, and then importantly for me, the performance and trying to put a few things right that we've suffered with recently. “The main focus is getting points tomorrow, definitely, but of course, if we were on 29 points going into tomorrow's game, there would have been 100 per cent focus. “Like, we have to take something from this game, whereas now there is we are desperate to take something from this game, but next season is coming and there are things that we can start to put in place.” O’Neil has already identified the area needing the biggest improvement, with Cherries’ poor record at set pieces highlighted.   He continued: “There's been a big thing made about defensive set plays and the amount of goals we've conceded, so it has to improve by next season. “Sometimes difficult to change that in a short period of time. “Next season will come and we can't concede as many goals next season from set plays as we have this season, defending the penalty area, crosses and things. “So, a lot of work this week on trying to move things on, whereas maybe if the situation was different, maybe we'd have held off on that till the summer.” Premier League prize money is distributed in such a way that the difference between final positions is worth around £3million, with O’Neil sharing: “I'm well aware of how important it is that we finish as high as possible, but there's probably £200 million at stake next year for trying to stay up again as well. “Things that we can do now that can help us as we look at next season as well. “As always, a real focus on this game and what it needs to look like from us, but because of the work that the lads managed to do, we do come into the last few games of the season with less pressure on every result. “We can go into games, we can start to add things, maybe things that I've wanted to add that we haven't been able to because of the nature of the next game being another cup final and every point being so precious. “So the next few weeks does give us a little bit more freedom to have a look at some things as well as try and get results.”
Ruben Selles
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Southampton boss Ruben Selles shares insight into next steps following relegation #SAINTSFC

May 12, 2023
Monday night’s 4-3 defeat at Nottingham Forest all-but confirmed Saints’ relegation with Selles’s side now eight points adrift with just three games to go.  Failure to beat Fulham on Saturday would officially curtail Saints’ 11-season stay in the top flight and boss Selles has provided insight into how the club could react to that eventuality.  "The club will present an agenda in the coming days or weeks on how they are going to deal with the situation in case that happens," Selles said following the slender defeat at the City Ground. "And that's for the club to respond on that. "I can tell you what we did until this moment right now and what we are going to do for the next week - we are going to just keep working as much as we can, and then keep the situations for the future, for the people that need to be responsible for that.” It’s been a tough spell for Selles who stepped into the managerial role after Nathan Jones was sacked following just eight games in charge. After winning two of his first three games, Selles has now overseen a ten-match winless run, Saints’ longest of the season. The Spaniard’s contract expires at the close of the current campaign and addressing his own future, the Saints manager said: "I expected to win more football matches. "And I think we put some good performances in to do that. And it's a decision that the club need to make. I will be happy to be here for the next ten years, as I say many times to you. But it's not for me to make a decision."
Kaoru Mitoma
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Roberto De Zerbi and Kaoru Mitoma give insight on their ambitions #BHAFC

May 12, 2023
The Japan winger aims to return to match-winning form on Sunday at Arsenal, where he has already scored this season in the Carabao Cup. De Zerbi have a somewhat cryptic message at a recent junior press conference about Mitoma having plenty of time to work within the Albion set-up. READ MORE: BRIGHTON DUO HEAD TO WORLD CUP WITH ENGLAND The head coach has since told reporters: “Mitoma is one of the best players in Brighton. “He can improve because he has started to be an important player this year, especially when I started to work here because before he wasn’t in the first XI. “He needs to stay here one more year for him and for us.” READ MORE: QPR CONFIRM TAYLOR RICHARDS' MOVE FROM BRIGHTON Speculation over summer transfer activity has already kicked off but everything points at this stage to Mitoma staying with the Seagulls into next season. He has been a huge hit this term although his end product has dipped below peak levels in recent games. Mitoma is delighted De Zerbi sees him as big part of his plans, as will be his large Japanese following within the Albion fanbase. He told an in-house interview: “That is something you always want to hear as a player, to be wanted by the club. “It’s proof that I have grown as a player but it’s still my first year playing at Brighton. “I need to keep improving so I can carry on playing in the Premier League. “While I have high ambitions, I have to stay grounded too.”
Dominic Solanke Bournemouth
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- AFC Bournemouth’s Dominic Solanke on finding form at right time #AFCB

May 12, 2023
A return of 15 points from seven games in April has seen Cherries all but confirm their place in next season's Premier League, with an nine-point gap over the bottom three with three games remaining. Solanke himself was in fine form during last month, scoring three goals and assisting three more as he was nominated for the Premier League player of the month award. Appearing on Match of the Day X, Solanke shared: “The main goal was to stay in the Premier League. “We’re pretty much there now, which is good, but when you get to that point of the season, you just know that it's like now or never. “So I think everyone's done their work, the players, the management staff, the staff behind the scenes, everyone's just come together. “We hit form at the right time. Towards the end is where you want to be on form. And we found that.” After a heart-breaking late loss at then league leaders Arsenal, Cherries returned to Vitality Stadium and defeated one of Solanke’s former clubs, Liverpool. “That Liverpool win was a massive one for us,” restarted the former Liverpool and Chelsea man. “Obviously, beating a team of that stature just gives us ultimate confidence, really.” Joint leading goalscorer with Phil Billing on seven goals, Solanke has also turned into a key provider for his teammates, setting up a further seven. “I think my game has always been like that,” he continued. “Obviously, being a striker, everyone always looks at the goals, but not many people really look at the other side of the game. “I think my game is a lot more than just goals. I think I bring a lot to the team, and especially this season, that shows that in the amount of assists I've managed to rack up.”
Gary O’Neil
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Gary O’ Neil reveals that AFC Bournemouth’s Jefferson Lerma is undecided on future at the club #AFCB

May 12, 2023
Sources close to the player have told the Daily Echo that he has doubts on leaving Cherries due to a strong affection he holds for both the club and fanbase. A club record signing, Lerma arrived at Vitality Stadium in the summer of 2018 for a fee believed to be in the region of £25 million from then La Liga outfit Levante. With his contract expiring this summer, the 28-year-old has been free to discuss a pre-contract with clubs outside of England since January. After reportedly making no headway in earlier talks over an extension, negotiations between Cherries and Lerma's representatives were seemingly paused to focus on the clubs’ bid for survival. As it appears Cherries have all but confirmed their Premier League status for a second successive season, there is now an opportunity for talks to restart. Speaking on Lerma’s future at the start of May, head coach Gary O’Neil commented: “No decision made at the moment, as far as I'm aware, so hopefully he'll be here. “Jeff's a great guy, so incredible around the place, incredible around the group, especially if you're in a relegation battle when you need to get in the trenches. “And me, Jeff, the club, have been fully focused on that up until this moment. “I think you've seen in Jeff's performances that there was just no doubt that he was fully committed to the cause. “Now that the relegation stuff is all but beyond us, then hopefully we can start to put something in place where he stays, but no confirmation either way.” Whilst the Daily Echo understands that there are numerous European clubs that have made proposals to the midfielder, no agreement has been reached with any side. In March, Lerma told Spanish outlet AS.com that he was open to a return to Spain, but while Spanish clubs have enquired into the availability of the Colombian international, they are unable to match the potential wages on offer in the Premier League. Although teams based in England must wait until the expiry of a player’s contract before making an official offer, there are also numerous Premier League clubs that have registered an interest in Lerma. Reportedly London clubs West Ham, Crystal Palace, and Fulham are keen on Lerma. Since arriving from Spain, the Colombian has made 181 appearances for Cherries, the majority of which have come in the top-flight. One of the first names on the team sheet under five different bosses, many expected Lerma to depart Dean Court when Cherries were relegated from the Premier League in 2020. However, the former Atletico Huila man remained at Cherries, helping them to a return to the first tier at the second attempt last season. At the age of 28, Lerma is regarded to be in his prime, with the likelihood that his next contract will be his last chance of a financially lucrative deal.
James Ward Prowse
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- James Ward-Prowse accepts responsibility but points to Southampton mistake at start of season #SAINTSFC

May 11, 2023
The 28 year old cut a frustrated figure as he chatted through Monday’s 4-3 defeat at a sodden City Ground, Nottingham Forest. Ward-Prowse converted an added-time penalty after having set up Lyanco with a corner-kick delivery at the start of the second half but Saints could not salvage a result. The defeat leaves them eight points adrift of safety with only nine more to play for – relegation could be confirmed as early as this weekend. READ MORE: Orsic nearing exit to bring to end puzzling Southampton transfer saga Ward-Prowse, who admitted he does not know where his future lies next season as he told the Daily Echo his focus is on the remaining games, assessed how the club have reached rock bottom. Obviously, a disappointed captain as James Ward-Prowse insists his focus is on "giving my all for the club – which I always have done".But he says "what happens beyond, who knows? I don’t know." A side note sadly but very good performance from him at City Ground. #SaintsFC — Alfie House (@AlfieHouseEcho) May 9, 2023 “Ultimately it is players on the pitch that reflect where the club is,” he said. “But we all know the changes that happened at the start of the season have had an impact. “They have had an impact going into the season in terms of where we are as a group with the players we lost and the players we brought in.” Saints doubled down on their policy of signing talented young players to replace experienced leavers such as Fraser Forster, Oriol Romeu and Nathan Redmond. The St Mary’s side have been beaten by one goal in all but one of their meetings versus relegation rivals in 2023, just not exhibiting enough to get over the line in key moments. They have also suffered definitive physical breakdowns in young players such as Romeo Lavia, Armel  Bella-Kotchap, Juan Larios and Tino Livramento over the last 13 months. “Of course, the young players we have brought in are going to have fantastic futures and we are all hoping that they will do,” Ward-Prowse added. “But equally the players that we lost and the experience that we lost in the dressing room, and not just on the pitch, did take an effect and has led us to where we are now. “We gave away two sloppy goals, pulled a goal back and to concede four goals says a lot about where we are as a team. “We know the situation we find ourselves in. It is not over until it is over. I don’t think it is any different to the previous weeks. “We know we have to take maximum points now and hope results go the right way. That is our focus going forwards now.” Ward-Prowse also addressed some interesting full-time scenes at City Ground after the defeat, which saw Saints players standing rooted to the spot staring blankly back at their supporters. Many of the travelling contingent applauded their players while others made their feelings known with a season in the Championship next campaign almost a guarantee. “There was a lot of frustration. As players you feel the responsibility of why the club is where it is,” Ward-Prowse explained. “Decisions can be made off the pitch about personnel or managers but ultimately it is you as players going out to deliver on the pitch in those fine moments. “We all know the fine margins of the Premier League. Right from day one of pre-season we have not done that as a club. Not just the players, but as a club and that is why we are where we are.”
Gary O’Neil
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Gary O’Neil happy with progress of Jaidon Anthony #AFCB

May 11, 2023
It has been a rapid rise for the 23-year-old, who just three years ago was out on loan at non-league Weymouth, helping them clinch promotion from the sixth tier. The talented winger played a bit-part role for Cherries the following campaign, before starring under Scott Parker in the Championship last season. Anthony missed just one league game in 2021-22, starting 38 of the 46 fixtures, providing eight goals and six assists. With the arrival of Marcus Tavernier, Anthony has found starts harder to come by this term under O’Neil, but has still played a big role. The former Arsenal youngster has played 27 Premier League matches in his first year at this level, starting 10. He has netted three league goals and provided an assist. With his contract winding down, Anthony penned a new deal in February of this year, which runs until the summer of 2027. “I think he’s had a very successful first Premier League season,” O’Neil told the Daily Echo, when asked about Anthony. “Last season was obviously an incredible success for him, from the journey that he’d been on through youth set-ups and academy, to come into a team trying to get promoted and to have the impact that he did was incredible. “To take that on again this year and record some decent numbers around assists and goal involvements and chances created that he has, still shows his quality every day.” Previously seen as one of Cherries’ main attacking outlets, Anthony has at times this season been utilised as a wing-back, adding more defensive responsibility to his game. “I don’t see us using him overly differently,” said O’Neil, discussing Anthony’s role on the pitch compared to his time in the Championship. “Of course, we’ve been at the different end of the league, which means we have a little bit more defending to do than we did last season. “And then occasionally, you’re right, we lost Tav for a long spell and I do like someone being able to do that role within the squad where you’re attacking player, but you have some sort of responsibility to sometimes turn us into a back four-and-a-half type thing, which Tav is very good at and Dango (Ouattara) is also very good at and Jaidon was used in that a few times. “He’s so diligent, so hard-working and then still brings you the quality going forward that he has no problem with it. “I’m sure if you ask him, after the end of the season, when he’s reflected, he’ll be really happy with the first season that he’s had in the Premier League, because it’s a tough step up. “I expect more from him again in the next few weeks and especially next season.”
Ruben Selles
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Southampton boss Ruben Selles after defeat by Nottingham Forest: ‘I think the boys showed character’ #SAINTSFC

May 10, 2023
Despite a promising start, Saints gave themselves a mountain to climb when sloppy defending allowed the hosts to take a two-goal lead inside 21 minutes. Charly Alcaraz’s fourth goal since his January move gave Saints a lifeline but Forest regained their two-goal advantage shortly before half-time when Morgan Gibbs-White slotted home from the penalty spot. READ MORE: Selles told 'calm down' by former Premier League man amid 'anxious' pitchside antics On a back-and-forth night at the City Ground, Saints made it 3-2 six minutes into the second half as Lyanco headed in his maiden goal for the club. But once again, they were pegged back, this time Danilo finishing a superb Forest move to make it 4-2 with just over 15 minutes left to play. James Ward-Prowse then made it 4-3 deep into stoppage time with a well-taken penalty but Saints were unable to snatch a late point as they suffered their 23rd defeat of the Premier League season to fall eight points adrift of safety with eight games remaining. And speaking after the match, Selles was full of praise for the way in which his side approached the game while pointing to the flurry of individual errors that cost them a chance of taking all three points. "It was really hard. It's really hard for us, that result,” the Spaniard said. “To control the game in the very beginning, we came here with a clear idea what to do. And then in two situations, we gave away two goals.  “And then it's always a situation to fight back into the game. I think we did it. I think we stayed in the game. I think we saw the togetherness, the work, the things that we want to do, but it's really difficult when we give away the situations like we did today. Saints are now winless in their last ten Premier League matches. (Image: PA) "We fought back in the game, we scored the goal. The last action in the first half was a penalty again, in a situation that we need to defend better and then it's always difficult.  “But I think the boys showed character. They wanted to come back, they wanted to play and we were in the game at 3-2. We had some chances and then again, we gave a goal away and again we had the character to come back and put the ball under pressure but there was not enough time." The bank holiday defeat marked the 13th occasion that Saints have been beaten by one goal in the Premier League this season. It once again displayed Saints’ ability to stay competitive before folding in the crucial moments. "Well, I think we need to be more robust in the way that we get the game,” Selles told the Daily Echo of why he feels this trend of single-goal defeats has continued all season.  “We need to be more competitive, we need to want it because as you say, it's just those details, it is just one goal.  “It is not anybody that played better than us and was dominant against us. It is actually the opposite because I think we had a good first part of the game and I think in a lot of moments we were in control. "But those key moments that we need to defend better as a team, those key moments are when you control better. And then we emphasised that but unfortunately it happened again today."
Jan Bednarek
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Jan Bednarek admits losing a lot of games that Southampton could have won #SAINTSFC

May 8, 2023
Saints enter the weekend six points adrift of safety with just four games remaining in their Premier League season, making them firm favourites for the drop.  Yet, despite the disastrous nature of their campaign, they could end the round of bank holiday fixtures just three points away from a survival spot. READ MORE: Saints predicted XI for Nottingham Forest trip as time ticks on Premier League status Granted, results would have to fall their way and they would have to beat Nottingham Forest and that is no certainty considering Ruben Selles’s men have failed to emerge victorious in any of their last nine league matches. But speaking to BBC Radio Solent, Saints defender Bednarek insisted that they have a chance of getting back into the survival fight as long as they put in a ‘perfect’ performance at the City Ground. “In my life, I’m used to noisy stadiums. I played in Poland in derby games, that’s really noisy,” Bednarek said of the atmosphere that will greet his team.  “So yeah, there will be pressure but we have pressure every day. For us, it should be a normal game, we can only win three points and we have to focus on the task.  “We have to focus on the things we have to do on the pitch, what the manager asks us to do, and that’s the most important thing: not to focus on what surrounds us, what sort of game it is, we just need to go and enjoy it.  “The game is 90 minutes, you can’t start the game in the 10th minute and you can’t finish the game in the 70th minute. The most important thing for us is to go there and from the first minute to be consistent, to be dangerous, to keep the ball well. I think we need to have a perfect game to win it and I think we can do it.” Saints have struggled desperately for consistency this season, both in individual games and across the campaign as a whole. They are yet to win back-to-back Premier League matches while last weekend’s Jekyll and Hyde performance at St James’ Park yet again showcased how good they can be in individual moments before crumbling. Honest in his verdict of Saints’ disastrous season, Bednarek admitted that they just haven’t been good enough - even if the margins are incredibly tight at times. “We’re in a tough situation,” the 27 year old added. “I think a lot of things were against us, a lot of games we should have won we lost. It’s tough, it’s a really difficult situation for the club, for each player, because we all care and all we want to do is win.  “But I think we’re just not good enough and not consistent enough in the games. I think - like against Newcastle or Arsenal - that we can perform at the highest level for the majority of the game but there is a little bit missing and that is the decider.  “In the Premier League, the quality of the opposition, the intensity of the game is so demanding, so we are missing those things. But also I think we are learning. We have a really young group and it’s not easy.  “I think from the outside, some people don’t realise how demanding and how tough the Premier League is. And for the younger players who came here in the beginning of the season or the winter, now they understand how demanding and how tough this league is.” READ MORE: Saints squad exodus could be blessing in disguise - Sport Republic must make that true Bednarek has been something of a revelation since returning to St Mary’s from his failed Aston Villa loan in January.  The Polish international has now started each of his side’s last 14 Premier League matches and while he would no doubt be a valuable asset to keep regardless of Saints’ fate this season, Bednarek refused to be drawn into a discussion about his personal future. “It’s still four more games to go and I’m not thinking about it. It would be really unprofessional and disrespectful to the teammates, to the staff, to the club.  “We have four more chances and it’s not done yet. We are aware of the situation, I’m aware of the situation but the most important thing is to win the next game.  “I have my agents who take care of my future, they will see what the situation is like but for me, this is the club that gave me a lot. I learned here, I grew up as a player, so I just try to give my best on the pitch, I try to learn and listen, and give my best for the club.”
Dominic Solanke Bournemouth
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- AFC Bournemouth’s Dominic Solanke on defeat to Chelsea #AFCB

May 8, 2023
Frank Lampard picked up his first win as interim boss at the seventh attempt at the Vitality on Saturday, Conor Gallagher’s opener for the away side cancelled out by Matias Vina’s sublime effort in the first half before Chelsea snatched the points late on with goals from Benoit Badiashille and Joao Felix. Solanke started his career with the Blues, coming through their Cobham academy to make one first team appearance for the club, a cameo off the bench against Maribor in the Champions League. Speaking to BBC Radio Solent, Solanke shared: “It was a good game. “A top club, a lot of great players and we knew that they would change their fortunes and get a win at some point. “Obviously we didn't want it to be (against us), but I think we gave them a good game and just conceded two late goals which killed us a bit, but we could have definitely got something from the game. “We're not going to score every chance. “We had some good chances today that we didn't take, and they managed to take a couple late on. “But that's just football. There's still a lot of positives we can take, but it's never nice to lose in a game. “So we'll look back and try to get a win next week.” With Cherries all but safe, there might be the suggestion that Cherries have nothing to play for with three games remaining. However, Solanke reiterated that the side were just as disappointed at losing a dead-rubber as they were earlier on in the campaign, with confidence remaining high. He continued: “I think how we've been playing recently and the results we've been picking up, we're full of confidence. “Even after the game, even though we've had such a great spell and pretty much safe, there's still disappointment in there. “But I think that shows the character of our team that we believe we can go out there and win against anyone at the moment. “So, it was an unfortunate defeat, but we'll dust down and go again next week.”  
Frank Lampard
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Chelsea’s Frank Lampard on AFC Bournemouth victory #CHELSEAFC

May 8, 2023
Former England international Lampard picked up the first win of his second stint in charge of the Blues at Vitality Stadium, with goals from Conor Gallagher, Benoit Badiashile and Joao Felix ending a run of six defeats for Chelsea. After Matias Vina’s 20th minute equaliser the game proved to be quite even, with both sides having to wait later into the game for their chances. Dango Ouattara headed over from close range 11 minutes before the final whistle, whilst Chelsea were more clinical from their chances. Badiashille bundled home a free-kick on 82 minutes, before Felix made sure of the result minutes later. Reflecting on his side ending their losing streak, Lampard began: “I think the Arsenal first half wasn't good enough. I said that, no point in harping on about that. "The second half, reaction was better. "So in the days between games, we can't work much, but we can talk and have meetings and talk to players individually. "And (beating Bournemouth) was a nice small step forward. "I think we controlled a lot of the game. “Bournemouth will always give you some problems here, they’re a good team, top end of the pitch playing through quickly, got a lot of energy in their team. “Set pieces are dangerous, so you never feel safe at 1-1. “But I think we controlled it a lot and maybe a little bit of a sign of us controlling the first half without the killer instinct, like we're running inside their box a lot. “In the first half we had a lot of overloads on the side of the pitch. “And as this team develops or as we add to the squad, I think you have to be more killers at the top end of the pitch. “You do look at the top half of the table. “That's what you'll see all across it. At the moment, we haven't got that, but you saw nice individual performances today in a positive direction.”
Nathan Tella
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Southampton’s Nathan Tella reveals Thierry Henry and Walcott inspiration #SAINTSFC

May 7, 2023
Tella began his career in the Arsenal academy before joining Saints in 2017 where he went on to make his Premier League debut three years later.  But he struggled to nail down a consistent starting role in the two seasons following his breakthrough and was allowed to depart on loan to Burnley last summer. Moving down to the Championship Tella has flourished, scoring 17 league goals and earning a place in the division’s Team of the Year as his side coasted to the title. READ MORE: ‘Lost our philosophy and consistency’ Bednarek on issues with Saints manager carousel Capable of playing up front or out on the wing, Tella has finally started to showcase the talent that caused Saints to give him a new three-and-a-half year contract last January and speaking to Football Daily he offered some insight into his journey. “I’ve always been an Arsenal fan and at that time I’d look at Thierry Henry and say he was my biggest inspiration in football,” the 23 year old explained.  “He’s someone I tried to model my game after. Of course, at seven years old you can’t really say you play like someone but the stuff he was doing in games I would try to do with my local team.  “Sometimes it worked, sometimes it wouldn’t but just having the confidence to try it, I feel like that’s what made me stand out a bit at an early age. “And then as I was growing up a bit and getting older I started to look at Theo Walcott who moved from Southampton to Arsenal.  🗣️ "Always been an Arsenal fan, Thierry Henry was my biggest inspiration. Growing up I started to look at Theo Walcott who moved from Southampton to Arsenal." 🔴Nathan Tella reveals the footballers he looked up to from an early age pic.twitter.com/9riEcDb8Ir — Football Daily (@footballdaily) May 6, 2023 "For me, being young and being at Arsenal at the time, I wanted to envision myself having that sort of exposure at such a young age. He was someone I looked at and I wanted to play my game like, especially because I moved to the right wing where he played.” It remains to be seen what the future has in store for Tella who no doubt has admirers at both St Mary’s and Turf Moor.  With Burnley going up to the Premier League and Saints almost certainly headed for the Championship it would be no surprise if Vincent Kompany’s side pursued a permanent move but Sport Republic hold the cards and will be able to demand a major fee for the attacking sensation.