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It’s not been a year to remember for West Ham United supporters, and there are few signs of encouragement so far this summer.

The Hammers finished 14th in the Premier League last season, sacking Julen Lopetegui in January, having picked up 1.15 points-per-game under the Spaniard, before this actually dropped to 1.11 points-per-game following Graham Potter’s appointment.

As they look to improve ahead of next season, star attacker Mohammed Kudus has been sold to fierce rivals Tottenham Hotspur, while full-backs Kyle Walker-Peters and El Hadji Malick Diouf have arrived.

Now though, with another one of the Hammers’ most high-profile players potentially on his way out, should they replace him with an “exquisite” talent?

West Ham target Lucas Paquetá's replacement

On Friday, it was reported by Martyn Ziegler and Matt Lawton of the Times that Lucas Paquetá is ‘set to be cleared’ of spot-fixing.

As documented by Mario Cortegana and Roshane Thomas of the Athletic, the Brazilian was alleged to have intentionally collected yellow cards in four Premier League matches, thereby ‘affecting or profiting from the betting market’, which, if found guilty, would have seen him handed a lifetime ban by the FA, but this will now not come to pass.

These allegations scuppered Paquetá’s proposed move to Manchester City two years ago, but it is now forecast that the Brazilian will push for a transfer this summer, reportedly valued at around £80m by West Ham.

Should he depart, the Hammers would need to sign a replacement, hence why journalist Ben Jacobs is reporting that they are interested in signing Fábio Vieira from Arsenal, adding the Irons are ‘planning to add multiple midfielders’ to their squad.

Transfer Focus

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Vieira was not included in the Gunners’ squad that is currently in Hong Kong, but that’s due to his exploits at the Club World Cup, starting all three of Porto’s fixtures in the United States last month, providing an assist during their bonkers 4-4 draw with Al Ahly.

So, could he become the latest player to go directly from Arsenal to West Ham, following in the footsteps of Jack Wilshere, Manuel Almunia, Jérémie Aliadière, Marouane Chamakh, Carl Jenkinson, John Hartson, Freddie Ljungberg, Lucas Pérez, Davor Šuker, Nigel Winterburn, Ian Wright, and many others? We could go on!

What Fábio Vieira would bring to West Ham

Vieira joined Arsenal from Porto three summers ago for a reported fee of £34m, and has shown glimpses of why they paid that money, but has never produced on a consistent basis.

The table below illustrates Vieira’s statistics for the Gunners, as well as what he produced last season, having been loaned back to Porto.

Appearances

33

16

42

Starts

14

3

30

Minutes

1,415

561

2,698

Goals

2

1

5

Assists

6

4

6

As the table notes, Vieira never managed to establish himself as a first-choice figure in the Arsenal team, starting just three times during his most recent campaign with the club, his only goal an 88th-minute penalty during a 5-0 demolition of Sheffield United.

Despite this, his talent is obvious, with presenter Adam Keys impressed by his “incredibly clean ball-striking” ability, labelling him “exquisite”, while Lorihanna Balabanova of Total Football Analysis outlines how he is at his best as a ‘creative attacking midfielder’ who likes to ‘occupy the right half-space’.

Well, similarly, Karim Shahine of Total Football analysis notes that Paquetá thrives as a ‘right-sided half-space’ number ten, praising his ‘creativity’ and ‘tactical flexibility’.

Based on that, it would appear as though Vieira would be the ideal replacement for his fellow left footer, so let’s take a look at how the duo compared last season.

Minutes

2,533

2,239

Goals

5

5

Assists

0

6

Big chances created

4

11

Shots

39

59

Shots on target %

7.7%

30.5%

Shot-creating actions

82

116

Goal-creating actions

6

16

Progressive carries

26

32

Progressive passes

155

154

Take-on success %

44.7%

41.2%

Touches per 90

64

56

Average SofaScore rating

6.92

7.29

As the table outlines, in 300 fewer minutes, Vieira’s statistics were, almost across the board, more impressive than Paquetá’s, notably when it came to chances created, shooting and dribbling.

Of course, the caveat is that he was doing so at a lower level, with the Primeira Liga ranked by Global Football Rankings as the seventh-strongest league in the world.

Nevertheless, Vieira is certainly available this summer, no longer in Mikel Arteta’s plans, so the Gunners may well sanction another loan deal, making his signing a low-risk, high-upside move for West Ham.

West Ham now making final checks on £15m "star" GK who's open to the move

The Hammers are lining up a move for a new goalkeeper.

ByDominic Lund Jul 29, 2025

Stats highlights of Australia’s collapse for 85 on the first day of the second Test against South Africa in Hobart

Gaurav Sundararaman12-Nov-201685 Australia’s total, their lowest in a home Test in 32 years. They were bowled out for 76 by West Indies in Perth in 1984. In all home Tests, they have been bowled out for less than 85 only ten times.

Australia’s lowest totals at home

Total	Inns	Result	Opposition	Ground	Year
42	2	lost	England	Sydney	1888
58	4	lost	England	Brisbane	1936
66	4	lost	England	Brisbane	1928
76	2	lost	West Indies	Perth	1984
80	2	lost	England	Sydney	1936
82	4	lost	England	Sydney	1888
82	1	lost	West Indies	Adelaide	1951
83	4	lost	England	Sydney	1883
83	4	lost	India	Melbourne	1981
84	2	lost	England	Sydney	1887
85	1	–	South Africa	Hobart	2016

197 The number of balls South Africa took to dismiss Australia. It was Australia’s second shortest innings at home in terms of balls faced since 1936, after the Perth Test against West Indies in 1984. Till 1936, they had seven such instances.11 Instances of Australia being bowled out in under 200 balls in a Test innings since 1950. Only two of those have been at home, while six have been in England.

Australia bowled out in under 200 balls in Tests since 1950

Score	Overs	Inngs	Opposition	Ground	Year
47	18.0	3	South Africa	Cape Town	2011
60	18.3	1	England	Nottingham	2015
130	30.2	2	England	Manchester	1981
93	30.5	4	India	Mumbai	2004
76	31.2	2	West Indies	Perth	1984
103	31.3	2	England	Leeds	1977
118	31.5	1	England	Birmingham	1997
104	32.1	4	England	The Oval	1997
85	32.5	1	South Africa	Hobart	2016
88	33.1	1	Pakistan	Leeds	2010
106	33.2	2	Sri Lanka	Galle	2016

17 The lowest score at which Australia have lost half their side in the first innings of a Test. The previous lowest was 21, against England at Trent Bridge in 2015. Their score at the fall of the sixth wicket in Hobart – 31 – was also their second lowest at home.1978 The previous instance of Australia losing six of their top-seven batsmen for single-digit scores at home – against England in Brisbane.8 Instances of an Australian batsman scoring a higher percentage of the team’s runs than Steven Smith. Smith contributed 48 unbeaten runs out of Australia’s 85 (56.47%). The last time an Australian batsman contributed a higher percentage was in 1999, when Michael Slater scored 123 out of Australia’s 184 (66.84%) against England in Sydney. In team totals of below 100, this is the fifth-highest contribution ever: only Asanka Gurusinha (63.41%), Mohinder Amarnath (61.85%), Len Hutton (57.69%) and Trevor Goddard (56.56%) have done better.

Highest % of team total for Australia

Player	Runs	Total	%	Opposition	Ground	Year
Charles Bannerman	165*	245	67.34	England	Melbourne	1877
Michael Slater	123	184	66.84	England	Sydney	1999
Graham Yallop	121	198	61.11	England	Sydney	1979
Victor Trumper	74	122	60.65	England	Melbourne	1904
Don Bradman	334	566	59.01	England	Leeds	1930
Don Bradman	299*	513	58.28	South Africa	Adelaide	1932
Clem Hill	188	323	58.20	England	Melbourne	1898
Bob Cowper	165	292	56.50	India	Sydney	1968
Steven Smith	48*	85	56.47	South Africa	Hobart	2016
Stan McCabe	232	411	56.44	England	Nottingham	1938

6 for 43 Australia’s worst first session of a home Test since the 4 for 58 against England in the Boxing Day Test in 2010. There have been only three worse first sessions for any team since then. Australia were dismissed in the first session at Trent Bridge, Pakistan lost 6 for 36 at Edgbaston, and New Zealand were dismissed for 45 at Newlands.15 Wickets that fell on the first day of this Test, which is the most ever in a day at the Bellerive Oval. Thirteen wickets fell on a day in each of the first two Tests in Hobart – on the first day in 1989, and the third day in 1993.2 Runs by Australia’s openers – the fewest they have scored since the game against England in Nottingham in 2015. Before that, both openers were dismissed for no runs against Sri Lanka in Kandy in 1999.3 Number of innings in which the opposition has been dismissed for fewer than 100 and Philander has taken a five-for. Apart from today’s game, Philander took 5 for 7 against New Zealand and 5 for 15 against Australia.

Sam Curran, Will Jacks also in the runs as Surrey post mammoth 236 for 2

ECB Reporters Network07-Jun-2023

Laurie Evans celebrates his century•Getty Images

A record-breaking batting performance from Laurie Evans and his Surrey teammates set up a 65-run victory against Glamorgan in their Vitality Blast match in Cardiff.Evans made the highest score against Glamorgan and the highest score on this ground as Surrey also set a record total at Sophia Gardens.With Sam Curran and Will Jacks both making runs, Surrey set Glamorgan a target of 237 to win. This was a hard enough task but with big hitting all-rounder Dan Douthwaite unable to bat, having only managing to bowl 10 balls before he left the field, it became even harder.Glamorgan eventually reached 171 for 8 as Surrey closed out a comfortable win with Sam Northeast’s 76 the only significant score from the home side.Surrey won the toss and elected to bat and were electrifying from the start of their innings. Jacks gave Evans great support in an opening stand that brought 115 runs from just 64 balls. Jacks was dismissed when he was trapped lbw by Glamorgan’s Australian leg-spinner Peter Hatzoglou for 46 from 29 balls.While Evans had been the aggressor in his stand with Jacks it was Curran who took on the role when he walked into bat at three. In innings that was full of outrageous shots, seven of which were smoked over the boundary for six, it was the three balls Curran hit over the rope in Prem Sisodiya’s final over that will live longest in the memory. The last of these was a shot where Curran danced down the pitch a long way from where the ball pitched and still managed to straight drive it for six.It was in that same Sisodiya over that Glamorgan nearly had some respite from the partnership between Curran and Evans, but Kiran Carlson, playing with a dislocated finger he sustained in Sunday’s match against Sussex, put down a catch at long on when Evans was on 94.Evans made the most of his chance to score his third hundred in T20 cricket and his first for Surrey. His career best 118 not out came from 60 balls and contained 12 fours and six sixes.Curran departed in the final over, caught by Colin Ingram at long on going for another six, as Surrey posted 236 for 2, the highest total made on this ground, going past the 216 for 5 that Glamorgan made against Hampshire in 2019.Glamorgan were left with a near insurmountable task of going at nearly 12 runs an over from the very start of their innings and they were two wickets down inside the powerplay with Carlson and Callum Taylor both falling inside the first six overs.Glamorgan came into this match with four wins from five matches and most of that success has been down to the form of Ingram and Chris Cooke. There was a rare failure for both of them with Ingram dismissed for 11 by Sunil Narine and Cooke clean bowled by Gus Atkinson for 12.With Cooke and Ingram gone it was left to Northeast to try and bring some respectability to the Glamorgan total and his half-century the only bright spot on a tough day for his side.

MatériaMais Notícias

da realbet： Enquanto a torcida se prepara para a final da Copa Sul-Americana, o Sócio-Torcedor do São Paulo ‘queimou a largada’ e disponibilizou rapidamente no fim da tarde de sexta-feira (30/9) prêmios exclusivos de campeão da competição continental aos integrantes do programa.

RelacionadasSão Paulo‘Espero que eles estejam em um dia ruim’, diz Luciano sobre defesa do Del Valle para final da Sul-AmericanaSão Paulo01/10/2022São PauloVÍDEO: Elenco do São Paulo faz reconhecimento de estádio da final da Copa Sul-AmericanaSão Paulo30/09/2022São PauloVÍDEO: ‘São Paulo está pronto mentalmente para final da Sul-Americana’, diz Rogério CeniSão Paulo30/09/2022

da betcris：
+ Torcida do São Paulo invade Córdoba para final da Copa Sul-Americana

O erro foi descoberto por são-paulinos e divulgado através das redes sociais.

Nas opções disponibilizadas, constavam como prêmio aos sócios-torcedores opções como wallpaper e pôster do time campeão da Sul-Americana neste ano.

Pela prévia ‘vazada’ no site, sócios-torcedores que possuem dez pontos poderiam fazer o download dos brindes disponibilizados.

O jogo, claro, acontece somente às 17h (de Brasília), contra o Independiente del Valle, do Equador, em Córdoba (Argentina).

O São Paulo e os responsáveis pelo programa retiraram a falha do ar minutos após o assunto ganhar as redes tricolores.

> Confira classificação, jogos e simule resultados do Brasileirão-22
> Confira todos os jogos da Copa Sul-Americana-22
> Conheça o novo aplicativo de resultados do LANCE!

Chelsea fans have called on the Premier League to 'act and investigate' Todd Boehly over his ownership of an 'unauthorised' ticket resale website.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Boehly part of website selling tickets at inflated prices
• Chelsea fans report club owner to Premier League
• Want action taken against 51-year-old

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Boehly is an investor and director of an "unauthorised" US-based website called Vivid Seats that resells Premier League tickets to foreign tourists at vastly inflated prices which has caused anger among some fans. Chelsea supporters have now written an open letter calling on the Premier League to "act and investigate" in a bid to ensure "that a major shareowner of a Premier League club ceases facilitating the sale of tickets for significantly above face value."

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• Getty Images
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Chelsea fans have complained that Boehly's actions are a "breach of trust" and "a clear conflict of interest." The letter also accuses Vivid Seats of "contravening Chelsea FC ticketing policy" and undermining efforts to combat ticket touting.

  A spokesperson for the Chelsea Supporters Trust said: "Vivid Seats continues to list Premier League tickets for above face value at significantly inflated rates and our members have continued to indicate that Mr Boehly’s connection with Vivid Seats is a breach of trust and a clear conflict of interest. Not only does this undermine the efforts of Chelsea FC, The Premier League, and The Metropolitan Police to combat ticket touting, but Vivid Seats contravenes the Chelsea FC ticketing policy, and is explicitly named by the Premier League as a known unauthorised ticket website. We believe that now is the time for the Premier League to act swiftly and ensure that a major shareowner of a Premier League club ceases facilitating the sale of tickets for significantly above face value.”

• WHAT THE CHELSEA SUPPORTERS' TRUST SAID

  The open letter to Richard Masters, Chief Executive Officer of the Premier League, reads: "We have received a significant amount of correspondence from concerned CST members and supporters from the wider Chelsea FC fan base on this issue that cannot be ignored. Since its inception, the CST has been in regular dialogue with Chelsea Football Club, the Premier League, the Football Supporters’ Association, and other key stakeholders regarding the ongoing battle against ticket touting and the illegal sales of tickets on third-party websites.

  “We were therefore dismayed when, in early February, it was highlighted that Todd Boehly sits on the board of directors of Vivid Seats. It has also been reported that through his holding company, Mr Boehly owns approximately 41 per cent of Vivid Seats. Vivid Seats currently lists tickets for every Premier League fixture for the remainder of the season and most tickets are being sold for above face value at significantly inflated rates. For example, a ticket for Liverpool’s final home fixture of the season is currently listed on Vivid Seats for almost £20k. Most notably, Vivid Seats currently lists hundreds of Chelsea FC general admission tickets at significantly inflated prices. As these tickets are not sold by the Chelsea FC website, they are considered by CFC to be ‘illegal sales’.

  “To further compound matters, Vivid Seats is also explicitly named on the Premier League website as ‘a known unauthorised ticket website’. Many CST members are clearly infuriated by this connection and have written to us to say that Mr Boehly’s association with Vivid Seats is a ‘breach of trust’ and ‘a clear conflict of interest’.”

  “As a director of Chelsea FC and part-owner, Mr Boehly’s connection with Vivid Seats is totally inappropriate and significantly undermines the efforts of Chelsea FC, the Premier League, and the Metropolitan Police to combat ticket touting. Mr Boehly has been contacted directly by the CST and has been offered multiple opportunities to both publicly and privately address supporters’ concerns. Neither Mr Boehly nor his representatives have, however, acted on these requests, and thousands of tickets remain for sale on the Vivid Seats website. 

  “The CST firmly believes that it is now time for the Premier League to act and investigate. We would welcome your views as chief executive officer of the Premier League on this matter and anticipate that the Premier League would take this opportunity to act swiftly and ensure that a major shareowner of a Premier League club ceases facilitating the sale of tickets for significantly above face value.”

• AFP
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA

  The Football Supporters’ Association also backed the call and said: "The Football Supporters' Association is right behind the points made by our members at Chelsea Supporters' Trust. It is crystal clear that the Premier League needs to take action. Clubs, supporters' groups, the police and the Premier League itself has worked hard in recent years to combat ticket touting – there is no excuse for a club owner to be involved in such activity."

  Chelsea's next home game is against Tottenham at Stamford Bridge on April 3.

Liverpool should swallow up a point gained at St. James’ Park and move on. The Reds have seen better days, Arne Slot has seen better days.

But Liverpool are not going to win every Premier League match this season, and have done incredibly well to have claimed such a haul at this stage that victories for Arsenal and Chelsea on Wednesday evening have left them seven points adrift in joint-second place.

Truth be told, Newcastle United were well worth their draw, and that’s just the way it is. Oh, Liverpool had their chances: Mohamed Salah, you might know him, was particularly brilliant, posting two wonderful goals and an assist to extend his scoring streak to seven matches. If Liverpool win the league, he will be the herald of that glinted silver.

But after such awe-inspiring wins against Real Madrid and Manchester City last week, the Merseysiders lacked some of their usual synergy and snap against Eddie Howe’s outfit, invariably dangerous on Tyneside.

Regrettably, there were a few who flattered to deceive.

Liverpool's worst performers vs Newcastle

Caoimhin Kelleher authored the late blunder that cost Liverpool the win. It’s a shame. He’s been brilliant between the sticks this season, covering for the injury-prone Alisson Becker and producing performances that have left onlookers in awe.

But the Irishman came unstuck against the Magpies. Newcastle were impressive with their pressing and duel success but truthfully claimed something against the table-toppers due to a catalogue of mistakes, unusual in the grand scheme of the season.

Inexplicably drifting out in an attempt to claim Bruno Guimaraes’ hoofed set-piece in the dying embers, Fabian Schar’s acute finish restored parity and left the likes of Salah and twice-assisting Trent Alexander-Arnold in despair, whose attacking efforts were countered by shoddy defensive play.

Joe Gomez also struggled, a shadow of the dynamic self that silenced Erling Haaland and the rest on Sunday. Jarell Quansah, pinch-hitting at right-back with Trent not risked from the opening, proved that perhaps some work is needed before he nails down that moonlit role (that’s being generous).

What is there to say about Darwin Nunez? He made “a mess of it,” said The Athletic’s James Pearce. It being his opportunity up top, and it also being missing two more big chances to add to the trove.

He put in a masterful off-the-bench showing last season at St. James’ Park last year but failed to ignite even a flicker of that brace-netting success here.

Darwin Nunez at St. James’ Park (23/24 & 24/25)
Match Stats	23/24	24/25
Minutes played	13′	90′
Goals	2	0
Touches	9	25
Shots (on target)	2 (2)	3 (0)
Big chances missed	0	2
Accurate passes	3/5 (60%)	8/12 (67%)
Key passes	0	0
Dribbles (completed)	0 (0)	2 (0)
Total duels (won)	1 (0)	13 (5)
Stats via Sofascore

And so on. Liverpool failed to live up to their staggering heights here, but that’s going to happen throughout the campaign. It’s paramount that the blip is cast into the background and kept there, with Everton up next.

This collection of stars will be frustrated with their efforts, but Ryan Gravenberch will be more annoyed still after putting in his worst display of the Slot era.

Ryan Gravenberch had an evening to forget

Gravenberch has been one of Liverpool’s best players this year. The 22-year-old completed a £34m transfer to Anfield in August 2023 to complete Jurgen Klopp’s midfield rebuild.

After up-and-down results at Bayern, he failed to nail down a spot last term, starting 13 Premier League matches and struggling to impose himself in a multi-functioning role.

Now, Slot has changed all that, moving him into the deep-sitting position after being arrested by his flair and style and press resistance. Gravenberch sits deep and recycles play, but also has a license to glide forward all swan-like. But like a swan, he also has a bite.

Not against Newcastle. It was an evening to forget. The Dutchman had played every minute of Liverpool’s Premier League and Champions League campaigns under Slot’s wing before being hooked on 67 minutes. He looked knackered, overworked, fizzled out.

Liverpool’s ability to promote existing talent and eclipse their rivals after missing out on their primary summer transfer target, Martin Zubimendi, makes for an interesting comment on FSG’s shrewdness, but with Wataru Endo not favoured, Gravenberch is now running on fumes.

The Netherlands ace was even singled out by The Liverpool Echo’s Ian Doyle as the lowest-rated Redman on the evening, branding him with a lowly 4/10 score.

The journalist put it in no uncertain terms: ‘Lost the ball three times in dangerous midfield positions and appeared massively off the pace with little forward threat. Mild improvement after break but his least effective display for some time.’

Indeed. In fact, a cynical eye could conclude that Gravenberch suffered his worst performance under Slot’s management, having lacked bite going forward and been flimsy in combative sequences.

As you can see from the graphic, Gravenberch lost five of his seven contested duels and failed to register a single shot, key pass or successful dribble. Moreover, the rangy midfielder lacked his patent slickness, picking up a booking and being hooked before the closing stages, an indication of his depleted tank.

Look. Liverpool will drop more points before the end of the campaign. But so will Man City. So will Arsenal. And so on.

Performance in Numbers

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What matters, however, is that Liverpool don’t lose points at Goodison Park on Saturday afternoon. It could cause the pendulum to swing. Liverpool suffered frustration on Tyneside but now must bounce back.

Gravenberch must bounce back. He is the linchpin, the all-consuming machine in the middle. With Alexis Mac Allister now suspended for the Goodison Park clash, his performance will be doubly important.

Imagine him & Salah: Liverpool keen on "one of the best CFs in the world"

Liverpool are still targeting reinforcements despite the superb start to life under Arne Slot.

1

By
Ethan Lamb

Dec 4, 2024

بدأ فريق بورتو البرتغالي مشواره في بطولة كأس العالم للأندية، نسخة 2025، والتي تستضيفها أمريكا في الوقت الحالي، بمباراته ضد نظيره فريق بالميراس البرازيلي.

وتلاقى الفريقان في الساعات الأولى من صباح يوم الإثنين، في إطار منافسات الجولة الأولى من دور مجموعات البطولة، المجموعة الأولى.

واستضاف ملعب “ميتلايف” مباراة بورتو وبالميراس، حيث تعادلا سلبيًا بدون أهداف.

وانتهى الشوط الأول من عمر تلك المباراة بالتعادل السلبي بين الفريقين، حيث لم ينجح أي منهما في هز شباك الآخر طوال الدقائق الـ45 الأولى.

اقرأ أيضًا | “هراء”.. الجماهير تسخر من حصول حارس إنتر ميامي على جائزة أفضل لاعب في مباراة الأهلي

وكاد بورتو أن يستقبل هدفًا قبل نهاية الشوط الأول بلحظات لولا استبسال حارس المرمى، كلاوديو راموس، الذي تصدى لتسديدة ثم ارتدت الكرة لتليها تسديدة أخرى، وتصدى لها، لترتد وتتحول إلى تسديدة جديدة من بالميراس ولكن دفاع الفريق البرتغالي هو من تصدى تلك المرة. 

واستمر الوضع كما هو عليه في الشوط الثاني، حيث لم تتغير نتيجة التعادل السلبي حتى صافرة النهاية.

بتلك النتيجة، تحصل كل فريق على نقطة، في المجموعة الأولى، التي تضم كذلك كل من الأهلي وإنتر ميامي، ويمتلك كل منهما نقطة أيضًا.

كان الأهلي المصري قد افتتح منافسات البطولة، بنظامها الجديد بمشاركة 32 فريقًا، أمس حيث تعادل مع إنتر ميامي الأمريكي سلبيًا بدون أهداف.

ويخوض بالميراس مباراته الثانية في مرحلة المجموعات ضد الأهلي، الخميس المقبل، قبل لقاء بورتو وإنتر ميامي في اليوم نفسه.

West Ham United recorded yet another loss, their seventh of the season, as Ruud van Nistelrooy took charge of Leicester for the first time, guiding them to a 3-1 thrashing over the Hammers.

Julen Lopetegui’s side had more of the ball (61% possession), took more shots (31) and generated more xG in the game (3.10).

However, despite the Foxes only having eight shots in the game, they managed to create seven big chances, more than West Ham’s five big chances, which starts to tell the story of how Lopetegui’s side are struggling this season.

West Ham's big pressing issue under Lopetegui

West Ham are conceding 15.8 shots per game this season, the fourth most in the division. Teams are able to carve through the Hammers press with relative ease, due to the spacing between their lines of pressure.

The front four look to press high, aiming to lock off one side of the pitch, and force play down one side. The issue here is the depth of their midfield pivot and back four during this phase of pressure.

Teams are able to easily find the spare man around the West Ham front four, then attack the big space left between the front four and back six (pivot and back four). This pressing scheme is extremely disconnected and is becoming a key issue for the side.

So much so that Lopetgui’s future looks in doubt, and West Ham already look to be assessing their options for his predecessor.

West Ham looking at Italian manager

According to reports from Calciomercato, former Juventus manager, Massimiliano Allegri, is on West Ham’s managerial shortlist should they sack Lopetegui.

Interestingly, the Italian was in London last week to watch Tottenham take on Roma, and he’s allegedly been taking English lessons too. Perhaps this mean he could be lining up a role in England?

The biggest issue with this appointment, however, would be the money involved, as the reports claim Allegri would demand around £6.6m per year, which is double the £3.3m of Lopetegui.

Manager Focus

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That being said, he would be a great move for the Irons. The Italian coach was with Juventus from 2021-2024, with his side finishing third in Serie A last campaign.

Playing in a 3-5-2 formation, Allegri’s side conceded just 11.6 shots per game, the sixth lowest in the Serie A last season. This could be the extra defensive unity the Hammers need in order to start getting results.

One man who could benefit from this is winger Jarrod Bowen, who could play as the secondary striker in this 3-5-2 system. Bowen has averaged 2.84 shots per 90 this season, generating 0.19 xG, and scoring 0.31 goals per 90.

Last season, the England international was scoring 0.47 goals per 90 minutes, and generating 0.35 xG per 90, often playing as a striker for the Hammers.

By unleashing him in a front two, he would have the freedom to drift into wide channels, link play, and make runs in behind, working off of a more physical striker, such as Niclas Füllkrug, who scored his first goal for West Ham in their 3-1 loss against Leicester.

This new role could allow Bowen to thrive, getting the best out of him, and allowing his output to increase, which could go hand in hand with West Ham climbing the table. Other positional changes could see the likes of Mohammed Kudus playing as a wingback, and Edson Alvarez playing as a central centre-back in a back three.

One thing is for sure, change is needed for West Ham, as they drop ever closer to that dreaded relegation zone, and the owners will want to strike before it is too late, looking to get their season back on track.

West Ham dud may have cost Lopetegui his job after a 4/10 performance

West Ham fell to yet another defeat in the Premier League last night.

1 ByEthan Lamb Dec 4, 2024

Alexander Isak's absence from Newcastle's squad to take on Liverpool on Wednesday night has been explained.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Isak missing Newcastle's game at Liverpool
• Swede has been in superb form
• Absence is explained

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Magpies announced their team for the Premier League clash with Isak nowhere to be seen. They then followed up by explaining that the striker as a minor groin injury.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Isak has been one of the star players across the entire Premier League, scoring 19 goals so far this season. He netted twice in Sunday's 4-3 win over Nottingham Forest and is key to Eddie Howe's sides chances of qualification for Europe and in next month's Carabao Cup final.

• WHAT NEWCASTLE SAID

  On X, Newcastle said: "Alexander Isak misses out through a slight groin problem this evening."

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR ISAK AND NEWCASTLE?

  Howe will hope to have his talisman back involved for Sunday's FA Cup clash against Brighton, before they head to West Ham in the Premier League the following Monday. The EFL Cup final is then on Sunday, March 16.

A report this week has shared what “several” senior West Ham United stars are all feeling about manager Julen Lopetegui right now, with pressure truly on the Spaniard after an uninspired start to 2024/2025.

Lopetegui facing sack calls as West Ham look at other managers

The Hammers sit 14th in the Premier League table and have won just three of their opening 10 top-flight matches, leading to suggestions that Lopetegui may not be the right man to replace David Moyes.

Darren Bent says big-name could replace Julen Lopetegui at West Ham

The Spaniard’s position is increasingly fragile.

ByEmilio Galantini Nov 5, 2024

The ex-Real Madrid and Spain boss has been slammed for his tactics, consistent selection of certain out-of-form players like Guido Rodriguez and all-round approach to games, with West Ham even branded a “complete mess” under the tactician.

If results, performances and unrest continue in this fashion, Lopetegui faces becoming the next top-flight manager to be sacked after Erik ten Hag – who was ironically given his P45 after defeat at West Ham nearly two weeks ago.

While reports suggest David Sullivan and technical director Tim Steidten are eager to give the 58-year-old more time to transform the club’s fortunes, it is also believed that West Ham have sounded out potential Lopetegui replacements, like former FC Porto boss Sergio Conceicao.

Match

Date

Opponent

Competition

Result

#12

02/11/2024

Nottingham Forest (A)

Premier League

3-0 loss

#11

27/10/2024

Man United (H)

Premier League

2-1 win

#10

19/10/2024

Tottenham (A)

Premier League

4-1 loss

#9

05/10/2024

Ipswich (H)

Premier League

4-1 win

#8

28/09/2024

Brentford (A)

Premier League

1-1 draw

#7

25/09/2024

Liverpool (A)

Carabao Cup

5-1 loss

#6

21/09/2024

Chelsea (H)

Premier League

3-0 loss

#5

14/09/2024

Fulham (A)

Premier League

1-1 draw

#4

31/08/2024

Man City (H)

Premier League

3-1 loss

#3

28/08/2024

Bournemouth (H)

Carabao Cup

1-0 win

#2

24/08/2024

Crystal Palace (A)

Premier League

2-0 win

#1

17/08/2024

Aston Villa (H)

Premier League

2-1 loss

The Irons are doing internal groundwork on possible alternative options, in the event they decide to part ways with Lopetegui, and Conceicao is one of a few names under consideration.

“Sergio Conceicao is one name on West Ham’s radar,” said journalist Graeme Bailey to Hammers News recently.

“He is being looked at by a lot of clubs. Sullivan is not ready to accept yet that bringing Lopetegui in was a mistake.

“But, still, work is being done within the club to assess potential alternatives should Lopetegui fail to steer West Ham back on course. And one of the names that has come up in discussions is that of Conceicao.”

What several West Ham stars are thinking about Lopetegui right now

This week, broadcast giant talkSPORT have also backed West Ham’s links to the Portuguese, who clinched Manager of the Year three times in his homeland and won trophies galore during his time in the Primeira Liga.

They have also shared what “several” senior West Ham players are feeling about Lopetegui right now.

Indeed, it is believed all of them are disenchanted by the former Sevilla boss, and not fully on board with his methodology, which makes for grim reading, considering unity and a collective belief in the project is key for any side to perform well.

Next up for West Ham is a clash against Everton at the London Stadium, who are also struggling for consistent form under Sean Dyche, so this represents a significant opportunity for Lopetegui to get fans back on side with a convincing display.