Liverpool are interested in a move for Bournemouth’s star defender Dean Huijsen, talkSPORT understands.
The 19-year-old centre back has shone on the south coast this season and just had his first Spain call-up after spending his youth career with the Netherlands.
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Huijsen has quickly become one of the most wanted defenders on the planetCredit: Getty
Linked to numerous European giants, the former Juventus and Roma defender has been put at the top of Real Madrid’s summer wishlist, according to MARCA.
Huijsen responded to the news by saying he was ‘flattered’ by links to Los Blancos who are understood to also have interest in Arsenal’s William Saliba.
However, Liverpool may well need Huijsen more and have more game time to offer, given that captain and key defender Virgil van Dijk is approaching free agent status with a new contract nowhere to be seen.
Amsterdam-born Huijsen has a £50million release clause, and Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes previously worked with the Cherries.
Bournemouth left back Milos Kerkez is also on the Reds’ radar, having shone this season while Andy Robertson has struggled on Merseyside.
Hughes will have signed the Hungarian left back at Bournemouth, but not the Spanish defender.
The Cherries are well on course for their best ever season, and look set for a debut European campaign in 2025/26, with a Champions League berth still on the cards.
Andoni Iraola’s side have conceded the fifth fewest goals in the league, with their defence standing out.
Discussing Huijsen, the Basque coach said: “I didn’t know about his mentality because when you sign someone that is 19, you see, okay, it looks like he’s going to be a good player.
“But you are not sure if he’s ready to perform straight away against the best opposition. That is what he’s facing in the Premier League.
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Van Dijk’s contract expires this summer and Konate’s in 2026, meaning a new centre-back may become a priorityCredit: AFP
“And he showed since the first day, I think he started playing the season against Forest. He played really well.
On his best attributes, Iraola said: “I think his mentality, his head.
“I think he’s confident. He is not afraid of marking any forward and I think he’s calm on the ball.
“He knows what he’s doing, he’s under control. Sometimes he will make mistakes like all the others, but there is always a reason for the things he does.
“And for someone that is 19, it’s really strange to find this at this level.”
Despite being on course for just their second league title in 35 years, Liverpool look set for a rebuild in the summer.
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Huijsen’s all-round game as a teenager has been exceptional
The club restructured their management and scouting department in the summer following the departure of Jurgen Klopp, and signed just one player in £14m Federico Chiesa from Juventus.
Speaking to the BBC in January, new head coach Arne Slot said: “I do know that in the background we are definitely working on strengthening the squad in the summer.
“That would mean, in my opinion, that we will be able to challenge for every trophy we play for.”
Van Dijk isn’t the only player whose contract is expiring in the summer, with Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold also approaching departures, the latter to Madrid.
Next summer Ibrahima Konate and Robertson also have contracts expiring, and fill the positions that Huijsen and Kerkez do at Bournemouth.
Wolves talisman Matheus Cunha left his side a man down and out of the FA Cup with a bizarre last minute red card.
With the match level and heading into extra-time stoppage-time, the Brazilian forward lashed out at Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez in shocking scenes.
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Cunha gave the referee no choiceCredit: AFP
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He’d earlier scored a stunner to keep his side aliveCredit: Getty
The Hungarian defender pulled at his shirt and Cunha lashed out with his arms, gifting Kerkez the opportunity to hit the deck, and then he was put back there from a headbutt after standing back up.
Bournemouth’s Tyler Adams had to wrestle the Wolves captain away, and the referee had a simple decision to send him off.
That left Wolves a man down for the shootout, with Cunha playing his part in getting them there.
His earlier equaliser in the 60th minute, cancelling out Evanilson’s opener to force extra time.
And what a goal it was, too, as he beat the keeper from 30 yards with a sweet strike into the top corner for his 15th of the season in all competitions.
Yet with their best player missing, Wolves couldn’t get the job done from the spot and crashed out in dramatic scenes.
Dean Huijsen missed for the hosts to give Wolves a shoot-out advantage, but Matt Doherty then did the same to force sudden death.
There, Boubacar Traore missed again for Wolves, sending the visitors out when Cunha could well have been crucial in the shoot-out.
Cunha has been the difference for Vitor Pereira’s side this season, scoring 15 goals and managing four assists.
Yet they’ll now have to do with their talisman for an extended period thanks to two reasons.
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The referee won’t have an easier decision all seasonCredit: Rex
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He’s earlier scored a stunner to level things up
One is the headbutt being violent conduct, and the other his that the 25-year-old has already been suspended this season.
In December he was handed a three-match ban, reduced to two, for pulling off an Ipswich staff member’s glasses during a touchline scrap.
With that factored in, Cunha is expected to miss at least four games, which are Everton, Southampton, West Ham and Ipswich.
Thanks to Cunha it looked like Wolves were pulling out of the relegation picture, but without their star man the five-point gap to the bottom three could well start to disappear.
As for Bournemouth, the Champions League-chasing Cherries are now through to the FA Cup quarter finals for only the third time in their history, and look well on course for one of their greatest-ever seasons.
Ange Postecoglou‘s men thrashed Pep Guardiola‘s side 4-0 at the Etihad in late 2024 before enduring a terrible run of form.
Read more on Premier League
However, with a few players back from injury, Spurs have won their last three league fixtures.
Meanwhile, City have slightly improved in recent weeks, but a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool on Sunday showed just how far away they are from being back to their best.
Still, they are well in the race for Champions League football, and three points here would be huge.
Elsewhere, Arsenal travel to Nottingham Forest, knowing that the Tricky Trees can move just three points behind them with a win.
The Gunners’ title challenge for this season is all but over after a 1-0 defeat to West Ham at the weekend.
Liverpool then beat City to take an 11-point lead over Mikel Arteta‘s men.
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It has been a season to forget for Guardiola
Of course, Arsenal players will insist the title race isn’t over, but it would require an almighty slip-up from Liverpool for this to even be a possibility now.
Instead, the Gunners just have to ensure they claim Champions League football and second place.
Meanwhile, Forest have lost their last two in the Premier League to Fulham and Newcastle, respectively.
But Nuno Espirito Santo will be encouraged by his team’s comeback at St James’ Park at the weekend, where they came from 4-1 down to narrowly lose 4-3.
Certainly, this won’t be an easy game for Arsenal.
Arsenal’s hopes of winning the Premier League are basically goneCredit: AFP
The Reds have one hand on the Premier League trophy now, but Arne Slot will want his side to keep being relentless.
The chance of a treble is there, but the Toon gave Liverpool a very hard game when they met earlier this season.
At St James’ Park, these two served up a thrilling 3-3 draw, and Eddie Howe‘s men will be looking to make a statement ahead of the Carabao Cup final meeting between the two later this month.
On Tuesday, we have Chelsea taking on Southampton, with the Blues looking to bounce back from their 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa.
There is a south coast derby between Brighton and Bournemouth, which promises to be full of goals.
Wolves are edging away from the relegation places, and they welcome Fulham.
Meanwhile, resurgent Crystal Palace host Aston Villa, with Unai Emery‘s side looking to close the gap on those above them chasing European football.
The Bees couldn’t stop winning at home in the first part of the season but are winless in five league matches at the Gtech, while Everton are finding some form under David Moyes.
And on Thursday, Graham Potter will hope to see West Ham build on their brilliant win over Arsenal, while Leicester must bounce back from being thrashed by Brentford.
So, there are plenty of excellent fixtures, and here is how you can follow them all across the talkSPORT network.
Premier League gameweek 27 fixtures
Tuesday, February 24
7:30pm: Brighton vs Bournemouth – talkSPORT App exclusive
7:30pm: Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa – talkSPORT 2 exclusive
7:30pm: Wolves vs Fulham – talk exclusive
8:15pm: Chelsea vs Southampton – talkSPORT exclusive
Wednesday, February 25
7:30pm: Brentford vs Everton – talkSPORT App exclusive
7:30pm: Manchester United vs Ipswich – talkSPORT App exclusive
7:30pm: Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal – talkSPORT exclusive
7:30pm: Tottenham vs Manchester City – talkSPORT 2 exclusive
8:15pm: Liverpool vs Newcastle – talk exclusive (second half on talkSPORT)
Thursday, February 27
8:00pm: West Ham vs Leicester – talkSPORT exclusive
Cash-strapped Manchester United could be set for a much-needed multi-million pound windfall – thanks to former striker Mason Greenwood.
Greenwood has been banging in goals for fun since leaving Man United to join Roberto de Zerbi’s Marseille last summer.
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Greenwood has enjoyed a bright start to his Marseille career and could land Man United a financial boostCredit: Getty
The ex-England international’s hot streak of 14 goals in 22 games for the French outfit has alerted some of Europe’s biggest clubs, including the likes of PSG and Barcelona.
When United traded Greenwood with Marseille for £26.6miliion they insisted on an unusually high 50 per cent sell-on clause.
With the 23-year-old now valued at around £60m, that means United would bank in the region of £16.5m from any sale.
Bournemouth are braced for a summer battle to keep several of their star men, and manager Andoni Iraola!
The Cherries are enjoying the season of their lifetime and currently sit in fifth place in the Premier League, likely to be enough to secure a spot in the Champions League.
Their incredible rise up the table has not gone unnoticed with centre-back Dean Huijsen, who is believed to have a £50m release clause in his contract, attracting attention from Liverpool and Chelsea.
Left-back Milos Kerkez is another Cherries star on the radar of a number of top clubs, including Manchester United, along with fleet-footed forward Antoine Semenyo, who has admirers at Newcastle.
Then there is miracle-working gaffer Iraola, who talkSPORT understands would be at the top of Tottenham’s list if they parted company with Ange Postecoglou, who is under pressure with Spurs down in 12th.
With Iraola preferring to sign short-term deals and only contracted until the end of next season that could leave Bournemouth vulnerable, although sources close to the Spaniard say he is happy on the Dorset coast.
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Iraola has earned praise for his work at Bournemouth, as well as attracting the eyes of the Premier League’s big boysCredit: Getty
Why Mitoma rejected Saudi revealed
Kaoru Mitoma is a rare breed in modern football, a player who puts ambition before money.
But even if the Seagulls were tempted to cash in on their Japanese international, which they were reluctant to do, talkSPORT has been told he immediately rebuffed the notion of moving to the Middle East.
That’s because the humble 27-year-old, who could have set himself up financially for life by linking up with Cristiano Ronaldo, has his sights set on one day playing in the Champions League.
What the Saudi interest has achieved is to strengthen Brighton’s bargaining position when an elite Premier League or European club do come calling by driving up his asking price.
After being compared to Arsenal’s Dutch maestro Dennis Bergkamp following his stunning goal of the season contender against Chelsea, there is every chance the big boys could come calling.
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Mitoma turned down a life-changing move to Saudi Arabia – because he dreams of Champions League footballCredit: Getty
Spurs coach wanted by Championship club
Swansea could turn to Ryan Mason in their hunt for a new manager.
Tottenham assistant coach Mason was high on the Swans’ wanted list before they appointed Luke Williams in January last year.
And after deciding to give Williams the boot after a run of eight defeats from their last ten games, the ex-England midfielder still has admirers among the Welsh club’s hierarchy.
Mason also held talks with Anderlecht in October before deciding to stay at Spurs, so it remains to be seen if he is willing to leave now.
As talkSPORT reported on Monday, former Oxford boss Des Buckingham is also among the front-runners to replace the sacked Williams.
However, this notebook understands Russell Martin has no interest in a return to South Wales.
Martin Keown believes Ruben Amorim has LOST the Manchester United dressing room
Troy Deeney eviscerated Southampton defender Jan Bednarek and declared the place ‘toxic’ as the club continues sleepwalking towards relegation.
The Saints slumped to their 20th defeat of the season as they lost 3-1 to Bournemouth at St Mary’s on Saturday.
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The Saints edged closer towards relegation following yet another league lossCredit: Getty
Dango Outtara and Ryan Christie scored twice in as many minutes early in the first half to suck the life out of the home support.
However, Kamaldeen Sulemana sparked hopes of a surprise comeback when he scored in the 72nd minute to halve the deficit.
But Bournemouth awoke from their brief slumber as Marcus Tavernier wrapped up the three points with his 83rd-minute strike.
Deeney, who was at St Mary’s on commentary duty alongside Adrian Durham for talkSPORT, did not hold back when asked to sum up the Saints’ meek performance.
“They’re really bad, Adrian,” Deeney said.
“They are really, really bad. I’m sat here. I’ve got my wife and my son who came today, as we spent Valentine’s day down here yesterday. And I just said to my five-year-old son, was that any good? And he said, ‘Southampton are trash, Dad’. That’s what he said to me.
“So, when you think about it, a five-year-old who’s not very up-to-date on football, he can’t see anything that they’re doing.
“And I’m sitting here as an adult who’s been around and understands the game. I can’t see where they win. I think they will win a game, but I can’t tell you how they’re going to win that game or where the goals are going to come from.”
Deeney conceded the Saints did have two bright spots in the form of Sulemana as well as teenage star Tyler Dibling, who has attracted plenty of interest from Premier League rivals.
The Watford legend also praised Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale for keeping the scoreline as low as he could.
However, he was at a loss to explain why Ramsdale wanted to leave Arsenal to join the mess at St Mary’s and felt it could have major ramifications should he seek a move in the summer.
“Yes, he wanted to play,” Deeney said.
“Yes, he’s going to have a lot of shots.
“But do you think someone’s going to take him on next year, if they go down? I don’t think so.
“I think he’s made a real big gamble. Yes, he looks half good, but he doesn’t fill you with confidence that he can go on and kick and be in this England team, which is what he ultimately wanted to do.”
Although Deeney had kind words for Dibling and Sulemana, he reserved his strongest criticism for Bednarek.
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Deeney believes Ramsdale may come to regret his move from Arsenal to SouthamptonCredit: Getty
The Pole started in the heart of Southampton’s defence but had an afternoon to forget.
So poor was Bednarek, Deeney felt he could still run rings around him despite having hung up the boots.
“And finally, the big centre-half, Bednarek,” Deeney said.
“I was running around him three years ago, and I haven’t run in a year. I’d put money on it, mate, that I could run past him now.”
Durham was stunned by the last comment, replying: “Wow. No disrespect to you, but that’s some indictment of the ambit.
But Deeney doubled down: “No, but I’ll be deadly serious. That’s not to give myself a big head. I haven’t ran in a year. I can run past him.”
Shane Long Claims Sadio Mané Was Horrendous When He First Came To Southampton
With the loss against Bournemouth, Southampton remain dead last in the league on nine points, ten behind 17th-placed Wolves.
Barring a spectacular run of form, the Saints appear destined for an instant return to the Championship.
However, Deeney believes the club have much bigger problems on their hands than just relegation.
“It’s remarkable,” Deeney said.
“Again, when I come back to games, I remember playing here. It was like this. This place is toxic at the moment because there’s a massive disconnect between the board, the ownership, the players and the fans.
“What are you here to watch? I came here to do the research. I was thinking, are we going to see a solid defensive unit? Probably not.
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The table paints an incredibly bleak picture for Southampton
“Are they going to be good attacking? Probably not.
“And they kind of do a little bit of nothing all the way through the game. We had a ten-minute spell where they scored. When you watch the goal, it’s more because Bournemouth completely took the foot off the gas, thinking this was job done.
“And then as soon as they scored, Bournemouth went, okay, let’s score another one and get this over and done with.
“I feel really bad for Southampton fans. I sat around a lot of them today, having a lot of talk, but I just don’t see where they’re going to get anything from.
“There’s nothing here now to build. And again, I’m not calling for the manager to be sacked because that’s not right, but I’ll put a hundred quid on it that he’s not a manager by the end of the season.”
Southampton will hope they can muster a result when they welcome Brighton to St Mary’s on February 22.
Fanatics have announced they will be opening their first-ever global flagship store ahead of a stunning new Premier League deal.
The shop will be located on the iconic Regent Street, showcasing the brand to a footfall of around 70 million people when it opens in spring.
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Fanatics will be hosting more events with athletes like Dominic Solanke at their new Regent Street storeCredit: Topps
It marks a big step as Fanatics look to expand further into Europe having dominated America as a $25billion behemoth.
The store, which will showcase the brand’s collectibles which cover UEFA club competitions, including the Champions League, MLB, NBA, WWE, UFC, Formula 1 and more.
Fanatics last year announced that they had beaten Panini to the rights for Premier League trading cards and stickers, which will be made under the Topps brand it bought in 2022.
That deal will begin in June, and their new store in London will allow fans from around the world to enjoy a new interactive community space.
The store will include an a state-of-the-art breaking studio, where creators can open packs and boxes for their audiences, interactive customer education touchpoints, and a personal card creation suite
There will also a central display of the rarest and most-desirable cards, all with a giant suspended circular screen above.
The space, as well as selling collectibles has hosted events, including a night with Tottenham star Dominic Solanke and Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo.
The pair known for their love of collectibles opened boxes of Topps products with fans and creators for an unforgettable experience.
And there will be more of the same to come at the Regent Street store.
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The new store will span 803 square meters (8,647 square feet)Credit: Fanatics
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The breakers studio will allow interactive events within the storeCredit: Fanatics
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The Fanatics store will take pride of place on Regent StreetCredit: Fanatics
“We are incredibly excited to cut the ribbon on this amazing community-building retail space, one that we hope will delight collectors and be a true home for the hobby in Europe,” said Topps President of Trading Cards, David Leiner.
“It’ll be a destination for millions of fans as well as our own internal partners – and team and club partners, the latter using our dedicated space to launch and showcase new products in a way that has never been done before.”
While the store will, in the most part target the enormous trading market, there is going to be plenty more to do and buy.
Apparel from Toppsand Fanatics-owned Mitchell & Ness, will be on sale as well as memorabilia, such as signed kits, jerseys, balls and other equipment.
There will also entertainment stock on sale after the recent success of Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, Garbage Pail Kids, Stranger Things products.
Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo left stunned after he packs himself in Topps cards
Only idiots would have tipped Chelsea to win the Premier League title this season – they might not even finish in the top four.
That’s the view of ex-Blues defender Jason Cundy, who believes the west London outfit were never as good as what was being said.
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Chelsea are currently in a fight for top four after being tipped as title contendersCredit: Getty
Enzo Maresca’s side were held to a 2-2 draw at home to Bournemouth on Tuesday night.
Chelsea went into the break leading but were had to be rescued by a last-minute free-kick from Reece James.
The result leaves them ten points behind leaders Liverpool, and hanging onto fourth spot by two points, though Newcastle can leapfrog them with a win against Wolves on Wednesday night.
Once tipped as title contenders, Chelsea could have briefly gone top of the table before Christmas had they beaten Everton at Goodison Park.
Since that clash in Merseyside, they have failed to win their next four top-flight encounters against Ipswich, Fulham, Crystal Palace and now Bournemouth.
Their form has left the door open for Newcastle, Manchester City and even the Cherries to go above Chelsea should they continue to slip up.
Speaking on The Sports Bar, co-host Jermaine Pennant questioned whether it would now be considered a disappointing season for Chelsea if they now finish outside of the top four – despite not being tipped for a Champions League spot before the campaign started.
To which Cundy immediately rejected the notion that his former employers were ever legitimate contenders to get their hands on the Premier League.
He said: “Anyone talking about Chelsea winning the title are idiots.”
Hitting back, ex-Liverpool midfielder Pennant replied: “No, there was a little period Cundy, you were the closest challengers.”
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Maresca’s side sit ten points behind leaders Liverpool – three weeks after having the chance to go topCredit: AFP
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The Blues have picked up just three points from their last 15 on offer in the top-flight
Not having it, a defiant Cundy insisted: “But that doesn’t mean that you’re in the title race.”
Again, Pennant looked to stress that Chelsea had to be labelled as legitimate contenders as they were the team closest to the Reds in December, while saying if they continued to win matches, they were bang in the race.
But Cundy refused to buy his logic, as he stated: “No we weren’t. Honestly I can’t stress [that] enough.
“The ‘if’ [winning run] was never happening. The only people that wanted that [title talk] were people that didn’t watch enough of Chelsea.
“Because we were never that team, I watched us, we were two goals up away at Leicester [November 23], won it 2-1.
“Two goals up against Spurs [December 8], won it 4-3, we concede late goals, we concede second half goals.
“I think it’s one of those league tables that if you didn’t watch Chelsea, you’d go, ‘Chelsea are in the title race.’
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Cundy has rejected the notion that Chelsea were ever in the running to win the leagueCredit: Getty
“If you watched Chelsea, you’d go, ‘Nah, Chelsea are not in the title race.’
“We just weren’t that team, and I have to say though, I’m going to be disappointed if we don’t get Champions League football.
“I’ll say that much, but the top five might get it [due to coefficient scores].”
Cundy continued: “I think Newcastle will catch us, I think City will catch us right now.
“I genuinely do, I think the pair of them will catch us, I think I’m going to be disappointed.
“But, there’s two different things, not to finish in the top four or five because [top] five might get you in the Champions League.
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca shuts down reporter with five-word response as he laughs off awkward question
“But to win the title? No. Only idiots thought that.”
Attention for Chelsea will now turn towards next Monday’s meeting with Wolves. who they smashed 6-2 at Molineux earlier in the season.
Graham Potter believes Jarrod Bowen is ahead of schedule in his return from injury at West Ham.
The Hammers captain suffered a fractured foot in their 5-0 defeat to Liverpool at the end of 2024.
There were initial fears that Bowen could sidelined for a lengthy period of time, but there appears to be positivity over his recovery.
On Monday, Potter said: “I think if you speak to Jarrod, he will try to tell you he’s ahead of schedule, for sure.
“He’s doing everything he can to get on the pitch as soon as possible. We just need to make sure it’s in a safe way and it’s [in] a good way for him, because we want to get him back and we want him to stay back.
“But you know Jarrod, he wants to be out there, he wants to play and we’re trying to pull the reins on him rather than the other way around. He’s fantastic to have around the place.”
Potter added: “He’s just champing at the bit and he wants to get out and help. But he just has to take his medicine at the moment and just do his rehab properly.
“He was out jogging today with the individual physio, so it’s positive. I think if I’m looking at it now, Jarrod will be ahead of schedule rather than behind schedule.
“It’s not a rocket scientist prediction, that is it really.”
Tottenham and Newcastle kicked off a thrilling day of Premier League action, but Brentford and Bournemouth did their best to steal the headlines.
Spurs continued their ‘Ange-ball’ ways but slumped to a third defeat in four as Newcastle and talisman Alexander Isak continued their climb up the table with yet another victory, this time 2-1 in north London.
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Newcastle made it five wins on the bounce as Spurs went four without a victoryCredit: Getty
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Bournemouth continued their incredible campaign with a goal of the month contenderCredit: Getty
Elsewhere, yet another win for Bournemouth, 1-0 against Everton, saw them stay just a point behind champions Manchester City who thumped West Ham 4-1 to leave Julen Lopetegui in big trouble.
Brentford, who have been stellar at home but terrible away, picked up their first three points on the road in commanding fashion by hammering a sorry Southampton 5-0.
And there was also frustration for title challengers Chelsea and Arsenal, who were both held to 1-1 draws by Crystal Palace and Brighton respectively.
With big wins but even bigger defeats the order of the day, talkSPORT pair Jason Cundy and Jamie O’Hara had plenty to pick from in their winners and losers from the action.
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Winners
Bryan Mbeumo
Long regarded as the most underrated player in the Premier League, Bryan Mbeumo is making sure everyone knows him now as he leads his side following Ivan Toney’s departure.
In Brentford’s 5-0 win over Southampton he scored twice and assisted another to take his total for the season to 13 goals and three assists in the league.
Aged just 25 and with a contract until 2026, it surely won’t be long until Champions League sides come knocking, and Cundy can’t believe they haven’t already.
“Bryan Mbeumo off the right side is as good as anything outside of Mohamed Salah and Bukayo Saka right now, he is so good,” the former Chelsea defender said.
“Thomas Frank was asked about him leaving in January and said something along the lines of ‘good luck with that one’ but let me tell you, they’ve shown in the past they will sell.
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Mbuemo peppered Southampton’s goal in another Man of the Match display
“They don’t want to because Ivan Toney’s already gone, but this boy, his goals, his assists, he’s got the whole lot, he’s as good as anything right now in the Premier League.
“I said Arsenal might look at him, but he’s going to cost a lot, I’m looking at Liverpool if Salah leaves, they should be looking at him.”
Andoni Iraola
It wasn’t Saturday’s most thrilling game, but it certainly saw the best goal when a first-time David Brooks volley earned a 1-0 win for Bournemouth over Everton.
The result made it nine wins and 33 points in 20 games, and the Cherries are well on course to obliterate their best-ever Premier League point tally.
In fact, they could even be heading to Europe for the first time, and Cundy puts it down to manager Andoni Iraola.
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Bournemouth are well on their way to a best ever top flight campaign
“They’re flying high, they are now three points outside the top four, that is unbelievable for them, it’s incredible,” he said.
“For them to be there tucked in behind Man City by one point, without question he deserves to be in there.”
Anthony Gordon
Newcastle extended their run as the Premier League’s form team by making it five wins on the bounce away at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Isak incredibly made it seven-straight top flight games that he’s scored in, matching Newcastle’s all-time record.
Yet it was his wingman that left Cundy most impressed, as Anthony Gordon slots into the winners’ column.
England and Newcastle United star Anthony Gordon responds to Harry Kane calling out Premier League dropouts
“He’s doing good stuff and he could’ve had another goal, he’s had another stellar start to the season and [England manager] Thomas Tuchel was there to see it,” he said. “Well done to him, and Newcastle are a problem.”
O’Hara added: “I like him a lot, Newcastle are back amongst it and flying and Gordon is a big part of that.”
Losers
Ivan Juric
It’s now three games and three defeats for Ivan Juric, but this one was the worst of the lot.
Pumped 5-0 at home by a Brentford side who were yet to win away, O’Hara had to put Southampton’s new manager in the losers’ bracket.
“It’s a disaster class he’s putting out every week,” the former Spurs midfielder said. “They got beaten 5-0 at home by a team that never wins away from home.”
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Juric could combine with Russell Martin for a worst Premier League point total
Cundy wanted to defend the Croat, but quickly changed his mind.
“He’s taken over a rabble, it’s harsh on him. He’s in there for a reason but they’re rabble,” he began.
“He’s in there, though. To lose at home with Brentford’s away record this season, they’ve got more points today than the whole of 2024 so he’s in there.”
Frank Lampard
Stepping away from the Premier League, it was a legend of the division that took the headlines in the Championship.
Frank Lampard was well on course for another win as Coventry manager as Milan van Ewijk had them leading away from home at Norwich into injury time.
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Lampard was left reeling on the Coventry benchCredit: Getty
Yet Amankwah Forson turned the game on its head, not just by equalising in the 91st minute, but by adding an astonishing winner four minutes later.
Feeling sorry for his fellow former Blue, Cundy said: “To be leading that late into the game… the goal and the way Norwich celebrate, they can’t believe they’ve equalised, then a few minutes later they get the winner.
“Brutal. Poor old Frank. There’s a saying in football – if you can’t win it don’t lose it!”
Ange Postecoglou
It’s back to where we started with today’s final pick, and it’s Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou.
The Australian made it one win in eight league games with defeat to Newcastle, and things got particularly bad when a Radu Dragusin injury left him without a centre back on the pitch.
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Postecoglou reacted furiously in an interview with talkSPORT’s Sam MatterfaceCredit: Getty
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Postecoglou was adamant that his Spurs side deserved to win
On top of that, Gordon’s opener came from a ball off the hand of Joelinton, which led to yet another painful interview as he told talkSPORT’s Sam Matterface about the game not being an ‘even and fair playing field’.
Listening back to the interview, Cundy commented: “Big Ange, he’s spat his dummy out there, his toy pig, his thrown his little teddy…
“Sam Matterface has done nothing wrong, they were all valid questions so why is he so chippy?
“The reason he gets the same question every week is because he gets pumped every week. Help yourself out by coming in to get interviewed after a win.”
