Tag: stats

Dion Dublin has BBC studio in stitches with seven-word comment about abusive fan

An unruly fan almost incurred the wrath of Dion Dublin during the half-time break of Aston Villa’s 2-1 win over Tottenham in the FA Cup.

Unai Emery‘s side needed less than 60 seconds to open the scoring at Villa Park as Tottenham goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky failed to keep out Jacob Ramsey’s powerful strike.

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Ramsey got Villa off to a dream start in their FA Cup tie against TottenhamCredit: Getty

Although Heung-Min Son had a golden chance to equalise denied by a superb save by Emi Martinez, the majority of chances in the opening 45 minutes belonged to Villa.

In total, the hosts fired off 11 shots with four on target while Spurs mustered just three overall.

However, Tottenham made it to half time down just one goal thanks to a number of impressive stops from Kinsky.

As is customary, the half-time break led to analysis from the BBC‘s studio panel of ex-Villa striker Dublin, Jermain Defoe and Joe Hart.

But it seemed one supporter decided they would look to steal the limelight during the interval.

The broadcaster’s studio was situated next to the away section at Villa Park and the fan, evidently annoyed at what his team served up inside the first half, let his frustrations known.

As Hart began to speak, a loud banging was heard on the studio glass.

He sat back in his chair and looked unsure what to do, while Defoe and Dublin turned to see who was behind the mischief.

The fan could then be heard yelling: “W******!”

But Dublin eased the tension with a hilarious quip.

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Dublin was ready to have it out with an unruly supporterCredit: BBC

“I’ll take him outside in a minute,” Dublin said.

Perhaps the fan was still angry with Tottenham’s midweek performance against Liverpool in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final tie.

Having beaten the Reds 1-0 in the opening leg, Tottenham were no match for their rivals’ energy in the return leg at Anfield.

Cody Gakpo‘s strike in the 34th minute levelled the tie before a three-goal onslaught in the second-half booked Liverpool a spot in the Carabao Cup final.

Tottenham’s loss also came at the cost of yet another injury after Richarlison was forced off late in the first half.

Things didn’t get any better for Spurs in the second half with Morgan Rogers extending Villa’s lead on 64 minutes when he fired into the roof of the net from close range.

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The loss to Villa meant another chance for Postecoglou to win a trophy for Tottenham was goneCredit: Getty

Mathys Tel netted late on for the visitors to spark a nervy finish, but Villa held on to progress to the fifth round of the FA Cup for the first time in a decade.

Villa also handed out debuts to Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio as the pair entered the contest midway through the second half.

Although neither got on the scoresheet, both showed numerous glimpses of their immense quality and no doubt left the Villa supporters excited for more.

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February 9, 2025
Chelsea gifted opener by rival’s ‘stinker’ but still crash out of FA Cup

Troy Deeney labelled Bart Verbruggen’s error against Chelsea ‘an absolute stinker’ but his Brighton teammates bailed him out of jail.

Coming off a 7-0 mauling at the hands of Nottingham Forest in their last fixture, Brighton secured a much-needed win to book a spot in the fifth round of the FA Cup as they beat the Blues 2-1 at the Amex Stadium.

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The Brighton goalkeeper produced a woeful error to put Chelsea in frontCredit: AFP

However, they had to come from behind as the Seagulls’ best-laid plans were wrecked after just five minutes.

Jadon Sancho fizzed a diagonal pass towards Cole Palmer, who was stationed out on the left flank.

Palmer looked to catch Brighton’s backline off-guard and volleyed the ball across goal with a first-time effort.

However, the Chelsea star’s effort was directed towards Verbruggen and looked like it would be a routine save for the Dutchman.

Instead, the Seagulls goalkeeper misjudged the flight and bounce of the ball as it cannoned off his shoulder and into the back of the net.

A number of the Brighton players put their hands on their heads in sheer disbelief at their teammate’s shocking error.

Speaking on commentary, talkSPORT’s chief football correspondent Alex Crook labelled it as ‘an absolute calamity from Verbruggen.’

Former Watford striker Deeney was equally ruthless in his analysis.

“What a stinker,” Deeney said.

“What an absolute stinker the fella has had there.”

Deeney added: “He [Palmer] actually shanks it into the ground, it bounces into the keeper and he falls backwards towards his goal, hits his shoulder and goes in.

“It’s awful, awful goalkeeping. The best part about it as we’re watching the replays is seeing all the Brighton players, all the confidence has just gone.

“They must be feeling 7-0 is coming again.”

It is not the first time this season Verbruggen has been shaky at the back.

In fact, the 22-year-old has made four errors leading to a goal in the Premier League, with only Robert Sanchez and Ipswich Town goalkeeper Arijanet Muric producing more (five).

Luckily for Verbruggen, Brighton found an equaliser just seven minutes later.

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Verbruggen will have wanted the ground to swallow him whole after his errorCredit: Getty

Seagulls defender Joel Veltman popped in a cross from just outside the box and was deftly flicked on by Georginio Rutter.

The pace on Rutter’s header left Chelsea goalkeeper Sanchez with no chance as the hosts swiftly got back on level terms.

Brighton then took the lead in the 57th minute through Kaoru Mitoma after he deftly controlled a lofted pass from Rutter before lifting it over the on-rushing Robert Sanchez.

The Japanese international’s second-half strike ultimately proved to be the winner in a much-needed boost for Fabian Hurzeler’s side.

For Chelsea, the loss means they have failed to qualify for the fifth round of the FA Cup for just the second time since the 2014/15 season.

As for Brighton, they have now reached the fifth round of the tournament for the fourth time in the last five campaigns.

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Mitoma scored his third goal of 2025 as Brighton avoided a third-straight lossCredit: Getty

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February 8, 2025
Bellingham doesn’t hesitate in giving one-word response to Chris Wood’s heroics

Jude Bellingham was every football fan as the Real Madrid star reacted in awe to Chris Wood’s hat-trick.

The Nottingham Forest striker was in blistering form as he netted three times in the Reds’ 7-0 mauling of Brighton at the City Ground on Saturday.

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Wood had a game to remember against a woeful Brighton

Thanks to his goalscoring exploits, Wood became the first Forest player to score a hat-trick at home since club legend Nigel Clough in December 1987.

Wood bagged his first of the afternoon in the 32nd minute before he struck twice in the space of five minutes during the second half to take his season tally to 17 league goals.

The New Zealand international rightly earned plenty of plaudits for his display, including from Forest icon Stuart Pearce.

“This football club has had some legendary forwards,” Pearce told talkSPORT.

“But that performance this afternoon was wonderful.”

Now Bellingham has added his voice to the chorus of praise for Wood.

A Forest fan on X captured Real Madrid‘s star-studded squad walking through the team hotel, with Bellingham one of the last out alongside Thibaut Courtois.

Sensing the opportunity, the fan asked: “Jude, what about Chris Wood’s hat-trick today? Talk to me.”

Bellingham flashed a smile before he turned back to the camera and replied: “Top.”

Perhaps Bellingham and his Madrid teammates could’ve done with someone of Wood’s ruthlessness in front of goal as they slumped to a shock 1-0 loss to Espanyol.

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Bellingham was left extremely impressed by Wood’s exploitsCredit: @raggs_ on X

Carlos Romero’s strike in the 85th minute proved to be the difference as Los Blancos simply could not find a way past Espanyol goaleekper Joan Garcia – despite firing off 21 shots in total.

Despite the loss to Espanyol, Madrid remain first in LaLiga on 49 points – one point ahead of cross-town rivals Atletico Madrid.

Barcelona sit third on the table on 42 points, but have a game in hand, meaning they could close the gap to four points.

In further bad news for Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti, he lost star centre-back Antonio Rudiger to injury in the 15th minute.

The German, who already had his hamstrings wrapped going into the game, went down clutching his thigh.

He was replaced by 21-year-old defender Raul Asencio.

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Rudiger’s injury couldn’t have come at a worse timeCredit: Getty

Rudiger’s early exit comes just ten days out from the first leg of their Champions League play-off match against Manchester City.

Both sides failed to finish in the top eight of the league phase, meaning they were forced to play two extra games to book a spot in the round of 16.

It won’t get much easier for the victor, as they will face either Atletico Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen in the next stage.

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February 1, 2025
Dorgu says goodbye to Lecce fans and teammates as Man United move looms

Patrick Dorgu has bid farewell to his Lecce family in style ahead of his imminent move to Manchester United.

The Red Devils have agreed a £29million deal with the Serie A outfit for Dorgu, with the defender due to fly out for his medical on Saturday.

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The Danish international waved goodbye to the Lecce supportersCredit: Getty

But Dorgu got to enjoy one last game for Lecce after their request to name the left-back in their squad for one final time was granted by United.

Dorgu was an unused substitute in Lecce’s 3-1 win away to Parma, as a double from Santiago Pierotti and a first-half strike from Nikola Krstovic helped the team to its sixth league win this term.

Despite not featuring in the contest, all eyes were on the 20-year-old after the full-time whistle knowing his future lay elsewhere.

Dorgu was captured waving goodbye to the travelling supporters in emotional scenes.

As if any further confirmation about what’s to come was needed, Lecce boss Marco Giampaolo stated the youngster is indeed bound for Manchester.

“It’s true, Patrick Dorgu will be flying to Manchester on Saturday,” Giampaolo said.

“He’s a fantastic player and guy. He always did his best for us.

“I didn’t play him tonight as his mind could be already there, Old Trafford.”

Provided there are no issues with Dorgu’s medical, the Danish international will be the first signing of the Ruben Amorim era at United.

Dorgu was a main target for Amorim, evidenced by the fact United had two bids rejected by Lecce before they eventually got their man at the third time of asking.

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The Danish international waved goodbye to the Lecce supportersCredit: Getty

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Dorgu was then pictured with his teammates one final time as they celebrated the winCredit: X: @OfficialUSLecce ·

Amorim anticipates Dorgu will be an ideal fit for his 3-4-2-1 system which relies heavily on wing-backs providing width on the flanks.

Dorgu also provides a solution to United’s longstanding woes at left-back due to the long-term unavailability of Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia.

In Shaw and Malacia’s absence, Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot – two right-backs by trade – have been forced to fill in on the left side of defence.

The 20-year-old’s pending move to United is the latest step in his rapid rise having made his senior professional debut against Lazio last season.

He went on to make 34 appearances in all competitions for Lecce in his debut campaign, scoring twice and providing one assist.

Dorgu’s impressive performances were rewarded with an international debut for Denmark in a Nations League fixture against Switzerland on September 5.

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Amorim will hope Dorgu’s arrival can speed along his Old Trafford revolutionCredit: Getty

The Dane marks the third high-profile investment in United’s backline this term following the arrivals of Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt for a combined £102m in the summer.

Dorgu is likely to be a spectator at Old Trafford on Sunday as the Red Devils host Crystal Palace.

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January 31, 2025
Rudiger was left stunned that his toughest opponent didn’t play at higher level

Antonio Rudiger took a sly dig at Tottenham as he revealed his toughest opponent.

Having played in the Premier League, LaLiga and the Bundesliga, Rudiger has had the unenviable task of keeping some of the deadliest strikers quiet.

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Rudiger has had his fair share of battles against the world’s best strikersCredit: Getty

The Real Madrid star has come up against the likes of Luis Suarez, Karim Benzema, Harry Kane and Robert Lewandowski throughout the course of his career.

However, it was not a forward that Rudiger declared as the most difficult rival he’d encountered.

Instead, it was a midfielder he played just twice.

Speaking on an episode of The Inside Scoop, Rudiger revealed former Tottenham midfielder Mousa Dembele was his toughest opponent.

But the 31-year-old was left in disbelief that the north London side was the highest level he played at in terms of clubs.

“Like, wow,” Rudiger said.

“This guy, that he didn’t play, no disrespect to Tottenham, but that he didn’t play at a bigger club, I don’t know how. I really don’t know how, because he had everything.

“This guy, I’ve never seen someone so strong like him. He was like a wall.

“And technique, he doesn’t know pressure. You can pass him the ball, two men can be behind him, no problem.”

The only times Rudiger and Dembele came up against one another was in the 2017/18 Premier League season.

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The Belgian was a standout during his seven-year stay at TottenhamCredit: Getty

Chelsea got the better of Tottenham in the first encounter in August 2017, winning 2-1 as both played the full match.

But Tottenham got their revenge in the return fixture at Stamford Bridge as they won 3-1 in April 2018.

Rudiger is not the first person to have made such a strong claim about Dembele’s remarkable ability.

Martin Jol, who was in charge during Dembele’s stay at Fulham, waxed lyrical about the Belgian after Tottenham triggered his £15million release clause in August 2012.

“We’ve had a few players over the last few years who are a class above,” Jol said in 2012.

“Dembele is probably the best player on the ball I’ve ever seen, and we lost him.”

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Dembele was a colossus in Tottenham’s midfield

Following his move from Fulham, Dembele went on to make 249 appearances in all competitions for Tottenham.

But his time in north London came to an end in January 2019 as Dembele joined Chinese Super League side Guangzhou R&F for just £11m.

He only turned out 47 times for the Chinese outfit before electing to retire at the end of the 2022 CSL season.

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January 31, 2025
Spurs stand by under-fire Postecoglou but here’s what could happen if he’s axed

Tottenham’s stance on Ange Postecoglou hasn’t changed, talkSPORT understands.

It is understood the club’s board remain behind the embattled Australian despite a 2-1 defeat to Leicester City on Sunday.

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Postecoglou is safe as Tottenham manager, for nowCredit: AFP

However, should Tottenham change their minds, assistant coach Ryan Mason stepping up as the interim boss remains a strong possibility.

Should that situation transpire, it would mark Mason’s third stint as Tottenham’s caretaker manager.

The 33-year-old first stepped in following Jose Mourinho’s sacking in April 2021.

Mason was thrown into the deep end as he led Tottenham in the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City in just his second game in charge.

Unfortunately the Tottenham academy product could not end the club’s trophy drought as City prevailed 1-0.

Mason ultimately finished his first caretaker stint with a record of four wins and three losses.

He stepped in once again after Cristian Stellini had departed following Antonio Conte’s axing in March 2023.

Mason’s record during that spell was less successful as he won twice, drew once and lost three games.

The 33-year-old was also heavily linked with his first full-time managerial role earlier this season at Anderlecht.

However, the Belgian giants and Mason mutually decided not to go ahead with the appointment.

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Mason is in line for a third caretaker stint in charge of Tottenham should Postecoglou be axedCredit: Getty

The calls for Mason come amid Tottenham suffering their 13th loss in the league this term as the result left the north London outfit languishing in 15th, one point and one place ahead of Everton.

What made the loss all the more humiliating was the fact Leicester were winless in their last eight league matches and had lost seven on the bounce.

But goals from Jamie Vardy and Bilal El Khannouss after Richarlison opened the scoring for the hosts gave the Foxes a much-needed boost to snap their horror streak.

As for Tottenham, the stats behind their recent run are damning.

Since the beginning of December, only Southampton have lost more games (nine) than Postecoglou’s side (eight).

However, a mitigating circumstance amid Tottenham’s dire run is the fact they have been ravaged by injuries.

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Postecoglou is under huge pressureCredit: Getty

Key trio Guglielmo Vicario, Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven remain sidelined with injuries while midfielder James Maddison was absent from Sunday’s defeat.

Despite the ever-growing casualty ward, Tottenham picked up a midweek victory in the Europa League away to Hoffenheim to keep the boo boys at bay, at least momentarily.

But Tottenham fans made their displeasure known following the Leicester defeat, with one supporter particularly angry as they shouted at the Australian: “You’re taking us down, we’re going down with you.”

Former Tottenham player Jamie O’Hara also voiced his frustrations regarding the state of the team and believes the club is opting to stick with Postecoglou rather than twist because they’re ‘scared of making a change.’

“You can’t keep sticking with a manager when you’ve got relegation form, just because of who’s going to come in,” O’Hara said on talkSPORT Breakfast.

“That’s your job as the chairman to find a manager to come in.

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Tottenham are eight points clear of relegation, but 16 away from European places

“There’s plenty of great young managers out there, plenty of coaches all across Europe that would love to have the opportunity to manage Spurs.

“I feel like we’re just sticking with Ange Postecoglou because we’re scared of making a change.”

Postecoglou is under no illusions he is under the pump either.

“I’m a football manager and I get judged on results, that is the way of the world,” Postecoglou said following the defeat.

Tottenham will be back in front of their own fans on Thursday as they welcome Swedish side IF Elfsborg for a Europa League clash.

Another loss could prove to be one too many for Postecoglou.

Next Tottenham Manager Odds

Andoni Iraola – 11/8

Edin Terzic – 5/1

Mauricio Pochettino – 6/1

Marco Silva – 10/1

Kieran McKenna – 10/1

Thomas Frank – 10/1

Xabi Alonso – 10/1

*odds subject to change

See full list of next Tottenham Manager odds at talkSPORT BET

18+ gambleaware.org

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January 27, 2025
Haaland makes Sanchez admission after Chelsea goalkeeper’s latest blunder

Manchester City star Erling Haaland admitted Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez’s antics even caught him by surprise.

Sanchez’s questionable positioning proved costly as it allowed Haaland to score the go-ahead goal in City’s 3-1 victory at the Etihad Stadium.

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Haaland couldn’t believe his luck when he saw Sanchez in no-man’s-land

City goalkeeper Ederson fired a long ball up the other end of the park in Haaland’s direction.

The Norwegian got the better of Chelsea‘s Trevoh Chalobah as he flicked the ball on and sprinted after it down the right flank.

But what caught Haaland off-guard was the fact Sanchez had come flying off his line in anticipation of the ball.

However, once Haaland gained possession, the Spaniard was caught in no man’s land.

Sanchez got as far as the left corner of his box before being forced to rapidly backpedal as Haaland sat Chalobah down and clipped an effort into the empty net.

The Chelsea goalkeeper smacked the turf in frustration having gift-wrapped the lead for City in the 68th minute.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Haaland confirmed he was surprised at Sanchez’s actions as he walked the panel through his decision-making process.

“Yeah, I thought he was going to go and get it at first because I saw him in my eyesight,” Haaland said.

“But then I quickly saw that he stopped. Then it was about trying to stay calm and put it in the back of the net.”

Haaland also revealed his process for how he out-dueled Chalobah.

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Sanchez had only himself to blame for Haaland’s goalCredit: Getty

“It’s difficult because you have to take the decision right there, what you’re going to do, if you’re going to try to take it (the ball) down or if it’s going to come and pull you down,” Haaland said.

“But I thought there was space in behind so I tried to just let it go because he (Chalobah) didn’t quite go for the ball.

“Then it was about running. Sanchez was mistiming it and the opportunity was there to just shoot it in the back of the net.”

Haaland’s goal took his season tally to 18, one behind Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah in the race for the golden boot.

The 3-1 result was also City’s fourth win in their last five league games as they continue to build some much-needed momentum.

City’s win was also their first over a team with a higher league position since a 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest on December 4.

Pep Guardiola‘s side had to do it the hard way though having conceded after just three minutes.

New signing Abdukodir Khusanov was behind the nightmare start as his attempt to head the ball back to Ederson lacked power and allowed Nicolas Jackson to swoop in.

Jackson squared the ball to Noni Madueke and he tapped into an empty net to send the travelling Chelsea supporters wild.

Khusanov then picked up a yellow card just minutes later when he mistimed a tackle on Cole Palmer.

But City found the equaliser in the 42nd minute via Josko Gvardiol when he smashed home the rebound after Sanchez had stopped Matheus Nunes‘ initial effort.

Haaland nudged City in front as Phil Foden added the cherry on top three minutes from time.

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Foden sealed the three points in style with his sixth goal in four matchesCredit: Getty

The win helped Guardiola’s side leapfrog Chelsea and go up to fourth on the table with 41 points.

As for Chelsea, they sit sixth on 40 points.

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January 25, 2025
Aston Villa’s asking price for Duran revealed as league leaders weigh up move

Aston Villa have named their price for Jhon Duran as a European giant weighs up a move in the transfer market.

Duran was the subject of heavy interest before the season began from West Ham United and Chelsea.

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Duran’s impressive form this term has caught the eye of a major European teamCredit: Getty

The Colombian even made an Irons-shaped gesture during an Instagram live video while on holiday, adding fuel to the fire he was headed to the Hammers.

However, Duran provided an apology in the best way possible as he scored the winner for Villa against West Ham in their opening match of the current season.

He has since gone on to score 11 goals across all competitions, including winners against Leicester City, Everton and Southampton.

But none of his winning goals were as iconic as his late strike against Bayern Munich in the Champions League, lofting the ball over Manuel Neuer from distance to record a famous victory at Villa Park.

The hype surrounding the 21-year-old has now sparked interest from French behemoths Paris Saint-Germain, talkSPORT understands.

It is also believed Villa could be tempted to part with Duran for £60million.

Should a move to the French capital eventuate, Duran would join an attacking unit boasting the likes of Bradley Barcola, Ousmane Dembele and Lee Kang-In.

PSG celebrated a Trophee des Champions victory on Sunday as Dembele’s stoppage-time strike secured a 1-0 win over Monaco.

The French side also sit unbeaten at the top of Ligue 1 on 40 points, seven ahead of second-placed Marseille.

Aside from Duran, Villa look likely to be active in the January market as Unai Emery seeks fresh additions to his squad.

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Duran has enjoyed his best season in front of goal since he joined in January 2023

One player who appears a likely arrival at Villa Park is Borussia Dortmund’s Donyell Malen.

talkSPORT understands Villa have verbally agreed personal terms with Malen.

However, a fee between Villa and Dortmund is yet to be agreed, with the Premier League side believed to be £10m short of the Germans’ asking price.

Emery’s side have already had one bid worth around £15m turned down.

Another area Villa is reportedly looking to strengthen is the right side of defence.

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Villa have ‘started talks to explore a move’ for Celta Vigo’s Oscar Mingueza.

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Emery hopes to bring in a versatile forward and a right-sided defender in JanuaryCredit: Getty

Mingueza, who has two caps for Spain, is believed to be one of several right-sided defenders under consideration as Emery looks to provide some much-needed competition to Matty Cash.

The 25-year-old is a La Masia product and made 66 senior appearances for Barcelona before he joined Celta in July 2022.

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January 6, 2025
Gabriel delights fans as Arsenal star rubs further salt into Tottenham’s wounds

A cheeky grin from Arsenal star Gabriel Magalhaes was all it took to rub further salt into Tottenham’s gaping wounds.

After Arsenal‘s dominant 3-1 win over Brentford on Wednesday evening, the Brazilian defender decided to wind down by playing FC 25 on his PlayStation.

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Gabriel was in fine form for the Gunners during their 3-1 win over BrentfordCredit: Getty

Fans were given an insight into Gabriel’s gaming session as he was recorded on Instagram live.

One supporter decided they would try their luck and see if they could get Gabriel to bite on a brutal dig aimed at Tottenham.

In the top right corner of the video, the comment read: “Look at camera if Spurs are s***.”

Within three seconds of seeing the comment, Gabriel turned to the camera and flashed a smile.

If he wasn’t enough of a fan favourite already, Gabriel’s brutal trolling of Tottenham will undoubtedly have endeared him even further to Arsenal supporters.

Gabriel’s thinly-veiled dig is also the last thing Tottenham fans will have wanted to see given their worrying form this season.

Ange Postecoglou’s side have won just once in their last seven league fixtures, with the only victory coming against last-placed Southampton.

In that alarming run, Tottenham have shipped 15 goals, with six of those coming in a brutal defeat against Liverpool.

Tottenham have also developed a worrying trend that has filled supporters with a sense of unease.

The north London outfit became the first team in Premier League history to concede the first goal in 15 games across a single calendar year, pointing to a serious defensive issue.

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Gabriel has irked Tottenham supporters with a simple gesture during a live streamCredit: Instagram

Postecoglou’s second season in charge is also markedly different to his first at Tottenham.

After 18 games last term, Tottenham had 37 points thanks to 11 wins, three draws and just four losses.

At the same point this campaign, Tottenham had seven wins, two draws and nine losses to their name for a total of 23 points.

In Postecoglou’s defence, his side has been ravaged by injuries to key players such as Guglielmo Vicario, Cristian Romero and Micky Van de Ven to name three.

Making Tottenham’s woes even worse is the fact their north London neighbours continue to excel.

Arsenal’s win over Brentford helped them leapfrog Nottingham Forest and move up to second in the Premier League as they began 2025 in style.

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Tottenham are in the midst of an alarming run of formCredit: Getty

Goals from Gabriel Jesus, Mikel Merino and Gabriel Martinelli did the business for Mikel Arteta’s side.

Jesus’ strike was his sixth in his last four games across all competitions for the Gunners and helped close the gap to six points behind league leaders Liverpool.

Tottenham will not have to wait terribly long to get revenge on Gabriel over his Instagram live gesture as the north London sides collide on January 15.

Arsenal already hold the bragging rights in the north London derby this season, with Gabriel’s 64th-minute header proving to be the difference on September 15.

Tottenham’s last 10 Premier League games

November 3: Tottenham 4-1 Aston Villa

November 10: Tottenham 1-2 Ipswich Town

November 23: Manchester City 0-4 Tottenham

December 1: Tottenham 1-1 Fulham

December 5: Bournemouth 1-0 Tottenham

December 8: Tottenham 3-4 Chelsea

December 15: Southampton 0-5 Tottenham

December 22: Tottenham 3-6 Liverpool

December 26: Nottingham Forest 1-0 Tottenham

December 29: Tottenham 2-2 Wolves

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January 2, 2025
Aston Villa in shock talks to sign ex-Arsenal youth star in £25million deal

Aston Villa are in talks with Borussia Dortmund over a move for Donyell Malen, talkSPORT understands.

Dortmund are willing to sell Dutch international Malen for a fee in the region of £25million.

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Villa have Malen in the crosshairs as they look to do some early January businessCredit: AFP

Chief football correspondent Alex Crook believes Malen would represent a ‘decent’ bit of business for Villa should the move eventuate.

“He brings a level of experience,” Crook said on talkSPORT.

“A full Dutch international, played a lot of European football as well.

“He’s been part of a Borussia Dortmund side that’s usually there or thereabouts in the Bundesliga, so he could be a decent signing for Villa.”

Villa have been on the lookout for a versatile forward that can play across the front three since the £60m summer departure of Moussa Diaby to Saudi Pro League Al Ittihad.

Diaby, who moved to Villa Park from Bayer Leverkusen only 18 months ago, dovetailed with Ollie Watkins up top or would cut in from the right wing.

However, the need to comply with UEFA‘s profit and sustainability regulations, which are separate to the Premier League’s rules, led to Diaby’s departure from Villa.

Villa signed Jaden Philogene from Hull City last summer but the 22-year-old has started only two Premier League matches from 19 played this season.

Leon Bailey has been the primary option at right wing, while the likes of John McGinn and Morgan Rogers have also played there at various stages this campaign.

Bailey has struggled to match his impressive performances from last term so far and is yet to score in 22 appearances across all competitions.

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Unai Emery is in need of a versatile attacking option to reduce the load on Leon BaileyCredit: Getty

By this stage in the 2023/24 season, Bailey had six goals and five assists in the league.

The signing of Malen would no doubt ease the burden on Bailey and provide him with some much-needed competition that could help kick the Jamaican into gear.

Malen joined Dortmund in 2021 from Dutch side PSV Eindhoven, where he scored 55 goals in 116 appearances across all competitions.

The 25-year-old was Dortmund’s top scorer in the Bundesliga last season with a tally of 13.

However, Malen has started just ten of Dortmund’s 22 games this term and may feel he has a better chance of regular game time at Villa.

A stint with Unai Emery‘s side also wouldn’t be Malen’s first time playing in England.

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Malen has 41 caps for the Netherlands to his name and bagged two goals at Euro 2024Credit: Getty

The Dutch international was in Arsenal‘s youth set-up from 2015 to 2017 and represented the Gunners in the Youth Premier League, FA Youth Cup and UEFA Youth League.

Malen made his senior debut for Arsenal during a pre-season friendly in 2017 against Australian side Sydney FC but never made a competitive appearance for the Gunners.

He was sold to PSV in August 2017.

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January 2, 2025