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Nathan Patterson was left incensed by a Kevin De Bruyne tackle in Everton’s 1-1 Premier League draw at Manchester City.

The Lowdown: Blues shock City

Frank Lampard’s side faced the reigning league champions on Saturday afternoon, in what looked like a horribly daunting challenge from the off.

Unsurprisingly, City looked likely to be comfortable winners in the first half, creating little but completely bossing the ball, finding the opener through Erling Haaland after 24 minutes.

The Blues struck back through an incredible solo strike from Demarai Gray as the match turned sour, with several yellow cards dished out to both teams by referee Andrew Madley.

The Latest: Patterson left ‘incensed’

One incident that stood out in the first half was a bad challenge by De Bruyne on Amadou Onana, with journalist Joe Thomas taking to Twitter to note Patterson’s reaction to it:

“De Bruyne in the book for a late challenge on Amadou Onana as Everton sought to counter. Patterson incensed by the tackle, which was quite cynical. De Bruyne and Onana were teammates just weeks ago at the World Cup.”

The Verdict: Some fight at last

It was nice to see Patterson show some passion at the Eithad, and after not getting close to Pep Guardiola’s side in the first half, the Blues showed some serious fight after the interval.

Lampard has had faith shown in him by the Everton board and it looks like his players are still fighting for him too, which should grant fans some relief after a shocking run of form.

Manchester United are undergoing a rebuild under the tutelage of Erik ten Hag, with a host of areas identified in order to fortify Old Trafford and return the club to its former glory.

With the likes of Cody Gakpo and Joao Felix being heavily touted on the offensive front, the Red Devils are poised to rekindle the very best of their flair up front with the signature of some of the very best forward’s about.

But bolstering the departments dipping lower down the pitch would also bear fruit for the United, with Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur target Sofyan Amrabat one player who must be considered in the scrap for stability at the forefront of the Premier League.

With United’s centre midfield options of Fred and McTominay failing to cut the mustard on frequent occasions, indeed Fred holds a rating of 6.71 in the Premier League and his Scottish teammate only 6.63, a fresh conductor at the centre of the park is vital.

With Morocco defying expectations at the World Cup in Qatar, Amrabat has been the “monster” in the middle, completing 87% of his passes, and recording an average 2.5 tackles, and 1.5 clearances and interceptions.

His work at the centre has been imperative to the African nation’s success, allowing the likes of Hakim Ziyech and Youssef En-Nesyri the freedom to roam up front and search for openings.

Against Spain, where Morocco doggedly saw out a goalless draw before triumphing in a penalty shootout, earned Amrabat praise for his defensive “masterclass”, winning all seven of his ground duels and making four tackles.

And having kept three clean sheets from their four matches in the competition, against salient outfit’s Belgium, Croatia and Spain, his orchestrating of the play is integral.

For Fiorentina, at domestic level, Amrabat has played 20 times this term, maintaining an exceptional passing accuracy of 91%.

Statistical site FBref also further illustrate his supreme ball-playing prowess, ranking him within the top 4% for passes completed and 3% for progressive passes when compared to positional peers across Europe’s big five leagues.

Signing Amrabat would be a real statement of intent, striking a blow into the hearts of Premier League rivals with similar aspirations and instilling a calm, composed presence into the engine of the Red Devil machine.

United must consider the “world-class” ace’s signature, and at a reported fee £50m, United should swoop soon, and welcome him to the fold.

PSV Eindhoven winger Cody Gakpo has named Manchester City as one of his potential future transfer destinations. 

The Lowdown: Transfer interest in Gakpo

Back in January, it was reported that Gakpo had held talks with City over a potential future transfer move. The Dutchman was then linked with a move away from PSV during the previous summer transfer window, with clubs such as Leeds United and Southampton looking to secure his signature.

Having stayed with his current club, it appears that the player has been speaking about his future and has even named some clubs that he would dream of joining.

The Latest: Gakpo’s future

NOS relayed comments from Gakpo, who had this to say about potentially leaving PSV in the summer and the clubs he’d like to join. He said:

“I think I’ll be ready to take that step by the end of this season. I feel like I was at the beginning of this season, but after this season I’m even more ready to take that next step.

“Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool. It would be an honour to be able to play there, but I also have to look at what kind of team I would best come into my own.”

The Verdict: A smart investment for City

With 222 appearances for the Dutch club across their senior and youth sides, the 23-year-old has scored 82 goals and delivered 61 assists along the way.

Hailed as an “electric” player by journalist Josh Bunting, Gakpo will be hoping to showcase his attacking talent for the Netherlands in the upcoming World Cup in Qatar having been included in Louis Van Gaal’s squad.

Having scored 13 goals and supplied 17 assists in 24 games across all competitions this season for PSV, the winger has also racked up the highest overall performance rating in the entire Eredivisie (8.52/10). [WhoScored]

Taking all of this into account, securing a potential transfer deal for the winger in the summer, would be a smart investment for the Manchester club, given his age and the clear attacking talent he has.

Nottingham Forest journalist Paul Taylor has reacted to the ‘pre-match tension’ before the Reds’ Premier League game against Brentford on Saturday.

The Lowdown: Tempers flare in the warm-up

The Garibaldi played out a 2-2 draw against Thomas Frank’s side at the City Ground over the weekend, although tempers flared on the field before the ball had even been kicked.

The Bees’ goalkeeping coach Manu Sotelo was conducting drills with his team’s shot-stoppers in the penalty area and was unexpectedly approached by a club groundsman.

Frank admitted during his post-match interview that he was ‘surprised’ by the incident and that his staff member had suffered an injury as a result of the altercation.

The Latest: Taylor’s reaction

Taking to Twitter, Taylor reacted to that flashpoint and revealed Forest’s stance on the situation.

He wrote: “This was all a bit odd… #NFFC are adamant that no Forest staff were at fault here. But there was a bit of pre-match tension at the CG today.”

The Verdict: Unnecessary distraction

Forest have already launched an official investigation into the incident and are awaiting referee Andre Marriner’s report, but it’s important that Steve Cooper’s side address their on-field issues rather than getting distracted by such flashpoints.

The Reds are currently bottom of the table after recording just two wins from their opening 14 games and are the division’s second-lowest scoring team (Premier League).

Nonetheless, they only require one win to get out of the relegation zone as things stand, and with Crystal Palace the visitors to the City Ground for their final game before the World Cup break, this could be the perfect opportunity for Forest to capitalise.

An update has emerged regarding Newcastle United’s plans for the January transfer window as they close in on their first signing of 2023…

What’s the talk?

Journalist Guido Bortolomasi has claimed, via Brazilian youth football expert Andre Noruega, that the Magpies are closing in on the signing of Angelo Gabriel for a fee in the region of £22m.

The teenage forward is poised to arrive at St James’ Park as their first signing of the January window from Santos, with the deal able to go through as he can sign a professional contract from December onwards.

Noruega tweeted: “According to @gbortolomasi, Santos will sell Ângelo Gabriel to Newcastle for €25m, transfer to happen in January as the player turn 18 in December. Ângelo is one of the most promising talents in Brazil and has already played 92 professional games for Santos aged just 17..”

Eddie Howe’s own Neymar?

The Magpies head coach could be set to land his own version of Neymar if the Tyneside club are able to get a deal over the line for the attacker, who talent scout Jacek Kulig believes has “crazy potential”.

His former coach Betinho previously lauded the young gem and compared him to the Paris Saint-Germain star, saying: “He is like Neymar in terms of his dribbling at speed and his change of direction.”

This is backed up by his statistics in the Brazilian Serie A, as he has completed 3.3 dribbles per match at a success rate of 68%, which shows that he excels at taking the ball past opposition defenders.

Meanwhile, Neymar has completed 4.3 dribbles per game across his career, and Gabriel is showing that he has a similar drive in possession of the ball.

Argentine coach Holan also heaped praise on the Santos youngster, saying: “I see a lot of potential in Angelo. he is a boy who likes to go for the goal. I really like Brazilian football, and Angelo plays Brazilian football. This essence of dribbling, of taking on the opponent, is very important.

“He has a huge future. By working hard, he will be able to play not only at Santos, but I believe that, in the future, he will be able to play in major leagues around the world.”

Gabriel has already played 92 matches for his club by the age of 17 and has chipped in with three goals and seven assists. His goal contributions do not stand out as being particularly impressive on surface level, but to rack up 92 senior games before turning 18 is an astonishing achievement, which highlights his vast potential.

Therefore, Newcastle could land their own version of PSG and former Barcelona forward Neymar – who has scored 287 club career goals – by signing the 17-year-old. It is a gamble at such a young age, but the statistics and quotes around the gem suggest that it could be a phenomenal signing for the future of the Tyneside club.

Glasgow Rangers have been gifted another injury boost before they play in the Premiership at lunchtime.

The Lowdown: Roofe back in training

Speaking to the media in his pre-game press conference ahead of their match at Hearts, Giovanni van Bronckhorst has confirmed that Kemar Roofe is back in training, doing ‘big parts’ of the session with the squad, adding that they will keep assessing him ahead of the next set of fixtures.

The striker has not yet featured this season as he continues his recovery, but will be hoping to be involved before the World Cup starts in Qatar in the middle of November.

The Latest: Davies back in squad

Van Bronckhorst also confirmed that Ben Davies is ‘back in the squad’, having injury in August, although John Souttar is now expected to be out until after the World Cup.

The Rangers boss stated: “Ben [Davies] is back in the squad. John [Souttar], we expect him after the World Cup. Kemar Roofe is back in training now, doing big parts of the session with us. We will keep assessing him.”

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The Verdict: Big boost

With Souttar now out until after the World Cup, having Davies back in the squad is a big boost for Van Bronckhorst, as it increases his central defensive options.

In the three games that he played prior to his injury, Rangers won two, scoring seven goals and keeping two clean sheets in the process (Transfermarkt).

Davies has come with a reputation since signing from Premier League giants Liverpool, and supporters will surely want to see more of him in this upcoming run of fixtures, starting at Hearts this lunchtime.

Crystal Palace have been shrewd and calculated in the transfer window this season, making four additions in key areas of the pitch to strengthen the foundations of what already made them a success.

The particular addition of Cheick Doucoure marked a wise coup and strengthened their midfield tenfold.

However, a reported swoop for Manchester United’s unwanted Scott McTominay could undo all of their hard work this summer.

It was transfer insider Dean Jones who gave the update just last week, as he said the following to GIVEMESPORT: “Soumare has a lot of interest from French clubs too, most looking at a loan. Palace might yet be another club that look at McTominay If they can’t get someone like Soumare.”

To move for the £60k-per-week man who will undoubtedly be looking for the exit after the Red Devils’ signing of Casemiro would be a huge mistake by Patrick Vieira, and one he should avoid at all costs.

Branded “consistently useless” by one Manchester United writer, the Scotland international does not excel in any particular area that is useful for a central midfielder. The metric which is regarded as his most impressive would be clearances, of which he ranks in the top 6% among midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues.

However, with how Vieira has his team set up, it can be assumed that he would prefer his midfielder’s to cut attacks out at the source before a clearance is needed.

That would explain his signing of Doucoure, who instead excels at interceptions as his defensive metric, where he ranks in the top 16%.

But the fact that he sits in the top 10% for both progressive carries and passes is what sets him apart from McTominay, who boasts little to no creativity in the United midfield.

In his 30 appearances, he only created one big chance all season last year. This is a damming statistic and one which surely does not attract Vieira.

He must avoid this big six reject at all costs, as he would not improve his young, hungry squad at all, and would likely demand a huge fee and wages given the club which he is set to leave.

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their interest in Christian Pulisic in the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards has revealed that the Magpies are discussing a swoop to sign the USA international on loan from Chelsea.

He is one of a number of players the club are looking at as a potential signing with the window slamming shut next Thursday.

Edwards said: “#nufc still pushing for signings. Pedro & Harrison remain in play. Pulisic & Gallagher loans being discussed. Conversations held over last few days about Paqueta but no bid. Alvarez at Ajax of interest. But gap in valuations remain too big to get any deals done at this stage.”

Eddie Howe’s wizard

Journalist Nicholas Mendola dubbed him a “wizard” in the past and he could weave his magic on Howe’s team this season if he signs.

The 23-year-old has the potential to be an excellent signing for the club, if they can land him on loan, as he has the ability to make things happen in front of goal.

His statistics for Chelsea suggest that the quality is there for him to make a big impact in the final third, which cannot be said for some of Newcastle’s current attackers.

Miguel Almiron’s goal against Manchester City was only his second since the start of the 2021/22 Premier League campaign and Ryan Fraser has also scored twice in that time – registering three assists between them.

Last season, Pulisic made 22 appearances in the top-flight and chipped in with six goals and two assists, whilst scoring twice and assisting one in seven Champions League outings.

The £150k-per-week talent, who Ian Darke claimed is often “electric” when fit, caught the eye in his debut campaign for the Blues. In the 2019/20 season, the American plundered nine goals and four assists in 25 league matches, along with one goal and three assists in five European outings.

These statistics show that he is a proven Premier League performer and could, therefore, hit the ground running for the Magpies. He would not need a period of adaptation as he has spent just over three seasons in England and could make an instant impact on the team by offering more than Almiron and Fraser in the way of end product.

Former Premier League goalkeeper and USA international, Brad Friedel, once claimed that Pulisic would thrive in Liverpool’s system due to their pressing and the winger’s pace and willingness to run between lines.

This suggests that he would be perfect for the pressing style of play Howe wants to deploy, which is precisely why the Chelsea attacker would be a magical addition for the head coach, both in terms of what he offers on and off the ball. He suits what the team is trying to do and his quality at the top end of the pitch can help him to shine on Tyneside.

Therefore, he could be the manager’s very own wizard on the flanks, pressing teams and then breaking with pace to use his magic touch in the final third to score and create goals.

Wolverhampton Wanderers captain Conor Coady is now ‘closing in’ on a move to Premier League rivals Everton, according to reliable journalist Paul Joyce.

The Lowdown: Coady’s career

After joining the west Midlands club in 2015 for £2m, the England international has gone on to become a fantastic servant for the Old Gold.

During his seven-year tenure at the club, the 29-year-old has amassed an incredible 317 appearances for Wolves, with 152 of those coming in the English top flight.

The Liverpudlian led Wolves out for every single Premier League game last season, illustrating his reliability and consistency to perform at the highest level.

The Latest: Joyce’s news

Despite Coady having three years remaining on his current contract at Molineux, Joyce has revealed that the Wolves captain is now set to make the move to Goodison Park.

Taking to Twitter, the reliable journalist claimed: “Everton closing in on deal for Wolves’ captain Conor Coady. Could be loan initially with view to permanent.”

The Verdict: Massive loss

Coady’s statistics alone demonstrate his importance to Wolves’ defence – during the 2021/22 season, the centre-back averaged 3.7 clearances and 1.1 blocks per game (via WhoScored), placing him second and first respectively for those metrics among Bruno Lage’s squad.

In addition, when compared with positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year, the 29-year-old ranked in the 88th percentile for non-penalty goals and the 85th percentile for pass completion (via FBRef).

Off the pitch, Lage could soon be missing a huge presence in the dressing room, a quality for which he has hailed his captain as ‘one of the best’.

Therefore, the news that the 29-year-old’s departure now looks quite likely will surely come as a big blow to the Molineux faithful.

Celtic have held internal talks over Argentinos Juniors midfielder Fausto Vera and updates could be imminent in the ‘coming days’, according to journalist Fraser Fletcher.

The Lowdown: Vera impresses in homeland

The 22-year-old has matured into a key player for his current side, impressing in a defensive midfield role and winning eight caps for Argentina’s Under-23s.

Vera also appeared three times for Argentina at last year’s Olympics in Japan and has clearly impressed enough to draw links with a move to Celtic in recent times, as well as other clubs.

A new update has now emerged – one that further suggests that the Hoops could look to snap up the midfielder this summer.

The Latest: Celtic eye up move

Writing on Twitter on Monday, Fletcher claimed that Celtic are holding internal discussions about signing Vera, but fans may have to wait a few days for news:

“Fausto Vera is a player Celtic are certainly aware of. He’s been discussed but I have not been told of any bids/offers as of yet. One to watch over coming days.”

The Verdict: Strong midfield addition

Midfield is an area of the pitch that still needs strengthening at Celtic this summer, with the departures of the influential Tom Rogic and Nir Bitton leaving an understandable void.

Vera could be the man to help plug that gap, coming in as a long-term acquisition who could both flourish from the off and also be around for many years in front of the defence.

The Argentine has averaged 1.7 tackles and 1.6 interceptions per game for his club in 2022, while an average of one dribble per match also shows he has ability on the ball to accompany his combative style.