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Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has been accused of lying after claiming La Liga does not protect Los Blancos in between their games.

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• Ancelotti slammed La Liga for lack of protection
• Madrid only had 66 hours rest after UCL win
• League officials accused Los Blancos boss of lying

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Madrid have certainly had a busy week. The Spanish champions secured a dramatic win on penalties over rivals Atletico in the Champions League on Wednesday night, before taking on Villarreal in La Liga on Saturday evening. Ancelotti had some strong words for the decision-makers in the division, suggesting La Liga do not protect his team after being afforded just 66 hours between the games.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Ancelotti said he asked twice for the date and time of the Villarreal game to be changed, but that claim has been disputed by La Liga. Reports from Marca say there was no official request from the club, and that the current Spanish rules to allow at least 48 hours between games has been fulfilled.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  FIFA's guidelines say there should be a minimum of 72 hours between games, rather than La Liga's full two days.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Luckily for Madrid, that was the last time they will play within such a short space. However, rivals Barcelona will be placed in the same predicament when they return from the international break due to their involvement in the Champions League quarter-finals.

Kelly Cates has revealed why landing a Match of the Day role "killed me" and insists Gary Lineker's successors are not entering an "ego-filled world".

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• Lineker stepping down after 25 years
• Cates excited to be taking over
• Logan & Chapman also on presenting team

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Cates, who is the daughter of Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish, is already well versed in the demands of hosting duties having spent several years working for Sky Sports. She also fronts a radio show for the BBC and is involved with various other projects.

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  THE GOSSIP

  She is now preparing to take on one of the most prominent positions in English football. After seeing ex-England international Lineker fill the MOTD chair for 25 years, he is preparing to step down at the end of the 2024-25 campaign. Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan will be forming a three-person Premier League highlights presenting team from next season.

• WHAT KELLY CATES SAID

  Cates has told Kate Thornton’s podcast, , of how she responded to landing that job: "I'm no good at secrets. It killed me. Once the news was announced, I genuinely could have slept for about two days. I found the stress of keeping the secret really hard. And even though it's a nice secret, it was a little bit like the early stages of pregnancy where you feel terrible but you can't tell anybody and you're like, but then every now and again, there's that. You get that little feeling where you go, I've got a really lovely secret, and I can't tell anybody. It was awful. And I was lying to genuinely good friends. Or at least lying by omission.

  "It was awful. I hated it. But I had the conversation fairly early on, all in very vague terms, because I was already doing radio for the BBC. I was already working on Five Live, and so it was natural for me to have meetings when a new boss came in and everything was being changed, and so that was quite natural. And then during one of those meetings, it was, well, you know, we're rethinking how we're going to do Match of the Day and would you be interested in being in the mix? Inside I just couldn't wait for the meeting to end just to go, oh my God this is just incredible."

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  Cates added on why there will be no friction between herself, Chapman and Logan when it comes to filling Lineker’s shoes: "I think people have a perception that it's a massively ego-filled world, and it is at times, and you have to have a certain amount of ego to feel that you can do the job. You have to have a certain amount of confidence. What you don't want to be in a position is to be in the position where you feel that we're all trying to step over each other and scramble over each other, and the fact that we're all, you know, the same age, we're all at the same stage of our careers.

  "We've all got other things outside of Match of the Day that we're passionate about and really invested in. It means that none of us are kind of treading on each other because of our own insecurities. We're all really comfortable with who we are and where we are in our careers. So, it really works for all of us. And we're all at a stage in our real lives as well, where we want to be able to spend time with our families. And we've got, you know, kids at different ages and different things going on in our in our home lives as well, which is nice to be able to keep all that in the mix."

Liverpool and Arne Slot have received a major injury boost in the lead-up to their clash with Manchester City this weekend, with a “one of a kind” player passed fit.

Liverpool prepare for huge Man City clash

On Sunday afternoon, the Reds face a game that could arguably be season-defining come the end of the campaign, with City making the trip to Anfield in the Premier League.

Slot’s Liverpool side know that victory over their rivals will take them 11 points clear of City, as well as retaining at least a nine-point advantage over Arsenal, assuming the Gunners win away to West Ham on Saturday evening.

Pep Guardiola’s side are arguably on their worst-ever run of form under the Spaniard, not only losing five games in a row in all competitions recently but also drawing 3-3 at home to Feyenoord in the Champions League on Tuesday night, having led 3-0 in the second half.

Everything points towards a Liverpool win, given the confidence they are playing with, but Slot will be well aware of the huge threat City still pose, not to mention the fact that he has a number of injury concerns heading into the game. However, he has been given a big boost regarding one player.

Liverpool handed big injury boost before Man City

Taking to X, journalist David Lynch confirmed that Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold is “fit” to face Man City this weekend, having sat in on Slot’s pre-match press conference:

This is fantastic news for the Reds, with the 26-year-old not featuring since the 2-0 win at home to Aston Villa before the international break, when he was forced off with a hamstring issue in the first half.

Alexander-Arnold’s return also times in well because Conor Bradley picked up an injury of his own in the 2-0 win over Real Madrid in midweek. The Northern Irishman knows all about the quality of his Liverpool teammate, saying of him last month:

“Everybody knows how good Trent is. He’s one of a kind as a footballer. But my aim is the same as last season – whenever I get a chance to be on the pitch I’m going to do my best to help the team. It’s about winning the games and giving my all. I know I’ve got some decent competition. If I’m training well, hopefully it can push Trent on and that can only be good for the team.”

Assuming Alexander-Arnold, on £180,000-a-week, starts on Sunday, it will be a tough game to be thrown back into, considering his lack of match fitness, so a bit of rustiness could be expected.

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There is the potential for Slot to play Joe Gomez at right-back instead, should he feel that Liverpool’s vice-captain isn’t quite ready, but he seemed confident that he was in his press conference. A big performance from him would go a long way towards the Reds picking up a massive result at Anfield.

Things might not be going their way in the Premier League at present, but Arsenal have a brilliant opportunity to rebuild some positive momentum in Europe tonight.

Mikel Arteta’s side play hosts to the high-flying AS Monaco, who find themselves third in Ligue 1 and 11th in the Champions League, although a win at the Emirates would send them level on points with second-placed Bayer Leverkusen.

So, while the home fans might be expecting a convincing win from the Gunners, they could be in for a harder-fought affair than they’re expecting, especially with the number of injury concerns the North Londoners have at present.

That said, with how things panned out last time the two sides met in Europe’s premier competition, there could be a desire for revenge…

Arsenal's last Champions League game against Monaco

So, the last time Arsenal played Monaco was in the 2023 Emirates Cup, but the last competitive game between the two teams was the second leg of a Champions League quarter-final in March 2015.

The Gunners went into the game 3-1 down on aggregate thanks to a horror show of a first leg that saw a young Anthony Martial pick up an assist in the first half and Bernardo Silva do the same in the second 45.

The North Londoners knew they had to either win 3-0 or score enough goals to come out ahead on the away goals rule.

Unfortunately, neither of those things happened, as a 36th-minute strike from Olivier Giroud and another from Aaron Ramsey in the 79th minute saw Arsène Wenger’s side exit the competition courtesy of away goals.

So, Arteta will be hoping he fares slightly better against the French side later tonight.

Arsenal team news

Unfortunately for Arsenal fans, the only team news is bad news at the moment.

Seven players missed the open training session yesterday afternoon, and then in his press conference afterwards, Arteta confirmed that they were all doubts for tonight’s clash.

As if it were some cosmic joke, six of the seven who could miss out are defenders and have, at some point or another, played at full-back this season.

We know Takehiro Tomiyasu and Ben White are out and will likely remain so for some time, and it’s now been confirmed that Riccardo Calafiori has a groin issue and Gabriel Magalhaes is suffering from a muscle problem.

Lastly, Jurrien Timber, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Thomas Partey were part of the seven that missed training, so could well also be ruled out for the game.

Arsenal predicted lineup vs Monaco

So, with the club seemingly in the midst of a defensive injury crisis, it looks like Arteta could make five changes to the lineup that drew with Fulham on Sunday.

There is always a chance that the Spaniard could potentially turn to the club’s forgotten man, Kieran Tierney, but history tells us that’s just not going to happen.

Instead, fans could see the incredibly exciting Myles Lewis-Skelly make his full Champions League debut on the left, while fellow academy gem Josh Nichols, who impressed on pre-season, could be called in as emergency cover at right-back should Timber not be fit enough to start.

Given the inexperience of the full-backs, it seems almost certain that Jakub Kiwior and William Saliba will keep their places at centre-back, while Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice could keep their places in the team, with Mikel Merino stepping in for Jorginho.

Up top could see Raheem Sterling given a rare start ahead of Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli, who were poor at Craven Cottage, while Bukayo Saka will likely keep his place off the right, and Gabriel Jesus could get a start in the competition he produced seven goal involvements in last year.

Arsenal predicted lineup in full: Raya, Nichols, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly, Rice, Merino, Odegaard, Saka, Sterling, Jesus.

Havertz upgrade: Arsenal chasing move for one of Europe's 'best young CFs'

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By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Dec 11, 2024

Ella Toone knows all about the pressure of being a Manchester United No.7, but she intends to emulate Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham.

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• England star fills iconic jersey
• Has embraced that pressure
• Pleased with efforts in 2024-25

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Lionesses star, who helped England to European Championship glory in 2022, has taken on the most iconic of jerseys at the club that she grew up supporting. At 25 years of age. Toone is a talismanic presence for the Red Devils – having helped them to lift the FA Cup last season.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Toone is following in some illustrious footsteps when it comes to United’s No.7 shirt, but she claims to thrive under that pressure and wants to help cement the legacy of a squad number that has weighed heavy on some other notable names.

• WHAT ELLA TOONE SAID

  Toone has told the : “It’s a pinch-me moment every time I see it and every time I pull it on, I think, ‘Wow. I was a little girl with a big dream – and one that probably wasn't possible at the time – and now I'm stepping out onto the pitch for Manchester United and wearing my idol’s number seven shirt’.

  “And everyone knows what number seven means to Man United. It's a big number, and a lot of legends have worn that shirt before, and hopefully, I can come under that bracket when I pass it on as well.”

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  The odd question has been asked of United in the 2024-25 campaign, but Marc Skinner’s side occupy a Champions League qualification spot and remain on course to defend their FA Cup crown. With that in mind, Toone said: “Looking back on last season, it wasn't the season that we'd wanted as a club and as players, but we've got some new players in now and we're really hungry to do well. We’ve really bought into Marc’s style of play, and he knows that he’s got an energetic squad with a lot of players willing to run through brick walls for each other, and we’ve really come together as a team and shown that in our performances.

  “I do think we slip under the radar a bit. You’ve got the ‘Big Three’ teams of Chelsea, City, and Arsenal, and we are up there, competing with them. But I think for us, we are not really bothered what other people think. We’ve got a good group of girls, really good staff, and if we’re under the radar, then that's fine. We'll go about our business and get on with it.”

Andre Onana believes Manchester United are "way better" than Lyon in the build up to his team's trip to France for their Europa League quarter-final.

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• Onana insists Man Utd are 'way better'
• Lyon have won eight of last 10 matches
• Red Devils are 13th in Premier League

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Ruben Amorim's men visit Lyon for the first leg of the tie on Thursday off the back of their 0-0 draw with Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  United have won just three of their last 10 matches in all competitions and sit 13th in the Premier League. Winning the Europa League this term is their only hope of competing in next season's Champions League and their haphazard results have sparked plenty of criticism from fans and pundits. Onana has faced criticism for his occasional blunders and his distribution has been scrutinised, but he is confident heading into the European tie.

• WHAT ONANA SAID

  "We all know the importance of this game, we will go there with the winning mentality," he told reporters. "We have to go there and show who we are. If we are focused, stay compact and together and follow the gameplan we will be winning the game. Of course it’s not going to be easy but I think we are way better than them."

  Asked about the criticism he has received from the club's fans, he said: "It doesn’t affect me because the decision I make is to help the team. Sometimes I will make the right decision, sometimes I will make the wrong decision. When I feel my players need to rest I have to take my time; when I feel we need to speed up the game I will do it."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR UNITED?

  United are up against a Lyon side on a run of eight wins and two losses in their last 10 matches. After that clash, they will face Newcastle in the league on Sunday.

Celtic are in action in the Scottish Premiership for the final time in 2024 as they prepare to welcome St Johnstone to Parkhead this afternoon.

The Hoops head into this match off the back of a 4-0 win over Motherwell last time out, thanks to goals from Arne Engels, Daizen Maeda, Nicolas Kuhn, and Reo Hatate.

Despite the impressive win, one player who should be dropped from the team is centre-forward Adam Idah, who Football FanCast published an article on after the match.

The article explained how he fluffed his chance to impress, with zero goals and zero assists in his time on the pitch, and Kyogo Furuhashi should come back in today.

The Ireland international, who lost 100% of his duels in the game, should be ditched from the side, but he is not the only one who Brendan Rodgers should drop.

The Celtic forward who should be dropped alongside Adam Idah

Hyun-jun Yang was handed another opportunity to impress from the start, with Kuhn not deemed fit enough to play more than a bench role, and failed to do enough to justify his place in the team moving forward.

The South Korean winger was largely anonymous throughout his time on the pitch at Parkhead but did play a crucial role in the opening goal, by winning that penalty that Arne Engels scored from. He made a run across the goalkeeper, who appeared to catch him, and that provided the Belgian with the chance to open the scoring.

Outside of that, however, Yang did not create a single chance for his teammates and did not register any shots on target in 63 minutes on the pitch.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

The 22-year-old forward, who also lost six of his nine duels, should be brutally binned from the starting line-up in order for the Hoops to bring Kuhn straight back into the team after his cameo on Boxing Day.

Why Nicolas Kuhn should start

Firstly, the German winger made a greater impact in his 27 minutes on the pitch than Yang did in 63, scoring the fourth goal for Celtic and creating a chance for the team.

Secondly, Kuhn’s overall form in all competitions for the Scottish giants so far this season suggests that Rodgers would improve his side by putting him back into the starting XI.

The former Bayern Munich youngster has racked up an eye-catching 13 goals and 11 assists in 24 appearances this term, which shows that he has provided regular quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals from the right flank.

As you can see in the table above, Kuhn’s performances in the Premiership have been particularly impressive, with more goal contributions than starts.

The German wizard, who was described as “magic” by Rodgers in pre-season, is a star in this Celtic side and should be starting when he is fit enough to do so.

Therefore, Rodgers must bring him straight back into the starting line-up this afternoon against St Johnstone after he impressed off the bench last time out, with Idah and Yang both dropped from the XI.

Rodgers could land big Maeda upgrade in Celtic swoop for £5m talent

Celtic could improve the quality of their attack by making this signing in January.

By
Dan Emery

Dec 27, 2024

Lyon midfielder Nemanja Matic has claimed that Chelsea had more of a winning culture than Manchester United, where "trophies were not the focus".

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• Matic returning to face Man Utd
• Had frustrating stint with Red Devils
• Believes club more commerical driven

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Serbian powerhouse will reunite with plenty of old faces when United face Lyon in the Europa League. However, Matic has made a shocking admission about the difference between the Red Devils and another of his former clubs Chelsea in the build-up to the quarter-final first leg.

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  WHAT MATIC SAID

  Speaking to The Athletic, Matic admits that while he enjoyed his time at Old Trafford, he always felt there was more of a motivation to make money than to win trophies. He said: "The difference I felt after Chelsea was that, at Chelsea, everything was about the result and winning trophies. That was the spirit in the whole club, even from the man who cuts the grass. Roman Abramovich would only ask us about results.

  "At United, it was more commercial-minded. I started to think that after a couple of months in the club. I understand that our salary needs to be paid, but I felt that the results were not the focus like it was at Chelsea. I maybe did two commercial jobs at Chelsea, at United it was far more. I arrived at United with the anger to win trophies like I had at Chelsea, but step by step I started to feel that trophies were not the focus. Maybe I’m not right, but that was my feeling inside. "

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Compared to the position they are in now, Matic's time in red was hugely successful. His words ahead of the match will resonate with how a lot of United fans are feeling now. Since Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS arrived as part owners, there has seemingly been more of an emphasis on saving money than performing on the pitch.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  The Europa League remains the only competition that Man Utd still have a chance of winning this season but Matic and Lyon will be doing everything in their power to stop that from becoming a reality. The French side host the Red Devils on Thursday before heading back to Old Trafford for the return leg of their quarter-final tie next week.

Rumours abound now that the season has shifted into January, with the winter transfer market open for business and clubs perusing their menus as they ascertain whether deals might be viable.

For Liverpool, no news concerning the incoming department. Arne Slot is satisfied with his first-placed squad, and though there’s a clear need for a new left-back, expect movement in that area during the off-season.

Six points clear at the top of the Premier League, the Reds have their sights set on silverware and may launch a winter bid if the right opportunity comes along.

It might just have at that.

Liverpool planning for new forwards

As per Football Insider, Liverpool are plotting a move for Feyenoord winger Anis Hadj-Moussa, with the 22-year-old impressing in the Dutch Eredivisie this term.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Feyenoord, Slot’s old stomping ground, welcomed the Algerian winger at the start of the season after Slot had previously failed to sign him. He’s gone from strength to strength this year, validating the Liverpool coach’s intrigue, and he might even be an excellent backup option for the mighty Mohamed Salah.

Slot has allayed rumours concerning Federico Chiesa’s potential Anfield exit, six months on from his eye-catching £12.5m arrival from Juventus.

In spite of this, Chiesa has only started once for Liverpool this season amid frustrating fitness problems and a player such as Hadj-Moussa could be perfect to maintain the Merseysiders’ exceptional campaign.

Why Liverpool should take a punt on Hadj-Moussa

Feyenoord snapped the clinical left-footer up for a nominal fee and thus would turn a big profit if suitors were to meet their reported £10m asking price – FSG love a bargain and this may be something that entices them.

He’s young and playing with an unfettered avidity that is tempting Liverpool toward lodging an official offer, starting his campaign with Feyenoord on the fringes but growing in stature after showcasing his clinical quality.

Indeed, Hadj-Moussa might have only scored six goals across 19 matches in all competitions this term but each one has been posted in November or later. Talent scout Jacek Kulig has even described him as “one of Europe’s most pleasant surprises” this season.

Given that he’s bagged three goals across five Champions League fixtures, there’s clearly a degree of quality that could elevate Liverpool’s system, and it might actually work out best for Hadj-Moussa if Salah were to extend his stay at the club, for he could absorb rich fruits as his understudy for the next couple of years.

As per FBref, the Algeria star ranks among the top 2% of positional peers performing in the Champions League this term for non-penalty goals (1.06) struck and the top 15% for progressive carries (6.00) per 90 minutes, making a convincing remark upon his chances among Liverpool’s talented forwards.

Equally, he also ranks among the top 5% for dribbles (successful take-ons per 90) among those in his position across Europe’s next best 14 leagues, further emphasising that sense of unpredictability.

There’s actually a sort of similarity to Salah that could see him emulate the Egypt sensation, for he would arrive before achieving greatness with a natural-born goalscoring sense.

Hadj-Moussa – who Dutch legend Ruud Gullit lauded as an “unpredictable player” – is blessed with a high-paced and versatile attacking style, and his directness could serve him well as he acts as a focal point, curving in from the right.

Note that he is also composed. He’s confident and assured in his quality. Sofascore record that his three-goal campaign in Europe’s elite competition has yet to be blemished by a single missed big chance, speaking of a clinical edge that is perhaps already ahead of certain members of Slot’s frontline. No names.

It’s hard to articulate how good Salah has been this season, with the 32-year-old posting 21 goals and 17 assists across 27 matches for his club. That doesn’t tell the whole story, but it paints a relevant picture.

Liverpool are undoubtedly over-reliant on their talisman’s potency, but it hasn’t derailed the campaign so far. Liverpool might feel in command in the Premier League, but what about the Champions League’s dangerous business end? What about the FA Cup?

There’s enough going for the Redmen that they will feel capable of wading deep down each stream, but with Chiesa’s unreliability, it may be crucial for an extra part in the mould of Hadj-Moussa. Hark back to Takumi Minamino, back in 2021/22, whose goals in the Carabao Cup proved invaluable in winning the competition while fighting across every other front.

Salah is one of the finest goalscorers in Premier League history and to say that this relative unknown in Hadj-Moussa, who is only two months into his first real purple patch, could be his successor is quite a brazen claim.

However, he is endowed with similar properties that could see him operate within similar parameters to Liverpool’s biggest threat and were he to perch under the Egyptian’s umbrella, protected by the lashing scrutiny that would be posted with a big-time role in Slot’s squad, there might just be a chance that he could become a major player.

Hadj-Moussa has been on Slot’s radar before, and Liverpool fans have been treated to some expert tactical qualities in recent months. Let’s trust his judgement, and bring him in to serve under Salah’s wing.

Gakpo upgrade: FSG target £90m ace who'd be Liverpool’s best LW since Mane

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By
Angus Sinclair

Jan 7, 2025

Wolverhampton Wanderers’ good momentum under new manager Vitor Pereira stalled on Monday night after a 3-0 home defeat at the hands of Midlands rivals Nottingham Forest. It was a disappointing result for the Old Gold who had previously won two and drawn one under their new boss.

It was the worst possible start for the home side, with former star Morgan Gibbs-White giving Forest the lead. It is fair to say there is no love lost between the Molineux faithful and the Forest number 10, who was greeted with boos from the terraces. It was a poor goal to concede from Wolves, letting Gibbs-White gallop into acres of space in the leadup to his goal.

The Old Gold nearly had their equaliser on two occasions through Jorgen Strand Larsen. His first shot was cleared off the line after some great play by Hwang Hee-chan, and Mats Selz made a brilliant point-blank save to deny him again.

On the stroke of half-time, Forest scored again this time through the in-form Chris Wood. The New Zealand international found space in the penalty box and fired home a cross. Forest got their third late in second-half stoppage time, hitting Wolves on the counterattack with Taiwo Awoniyi scoring.

It was certainly a disappointing night for Pereira’s men, with some poor performances throughout the side.

Wolves’ worst performers vs. Forest

One of the most frustrating performers for the Old Gold on Monday night was the experienced Matt Doherty. The Irishman struggled to cope with the pace and power of Callum Hudson-Odoi, which led to Wood’s goal.

Indeed, that was noted by Birmingham World journalist Charlie Haffenden. The football correspondent gave Doherty a 4/10 rating, explaining that he ‘defended appallingl’” for Wood’s strike just before halftime.

Another player who struggled for Periera’s side was midfielder Tommy Doyle. Starting in place of Andre, the Manchester City academy graduate struggled to make much of an impact in the centre of the park on and off the ball.

That is something that is reflected in his stats on Sofascore at the end of the game. The 23-year-old had 38 touches of the ball but did not create a chance and lost possession six times. He also won just won out of two ground duels and did not win any of his duels in the air.

As disappointing as Doherty and Doyle were for the Old Gold on Monday, there was someone who was arguably even more disappointing. That player was Goncalo Guedes.

Guedes’ stats vs. Forest

It was a frustrating night for the Portugal international, but not for lack of effort. Guedes worked hard but to little avail, running tirelessly all night without any end product. However, he was perhaps to blame for Gibbs-White’s opener, with his poor header the reason Forest could regain possession in the first place.

His grim night at the office was certainly reflected in the stats at full-time. The 28-year-old, who was substituted after 75 minutes, had 42 touches of the ball and lost possession a disappointing 11 times, also failing to complete either of his two dribbles. Guedes also lost all seven of his attempted duels.

His performance earned him a 5/10 rating from Haffenden. The journalist was critical of Guedes’ error for Forest’s first goal, citing his ‘poor header’ as a reason for the goal. He also explained he was ‘unsuccessful with many of his dribble attempts’, which is certainly what the stats say.

Wolves’ next Premier League assignment sees them face a tough trip to Newcastle United, days after an FA Cup clash with Bristol City. It seems as though Periera could drop Guedes from the side after his performance against Forest.

If he does drop the winger, he will not be short of options. Carlos Forbs and Pablo Sarabia are both players who could step into that number 10 role, and Jean-Ricner Bellegarde can also pay further forward.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Dropping Guedes would be a bold call given he has started three out of four games under Pereira so far. However, something needs to give after a poor 3-0 defeat to Forest, and perhaps that is the change the new Old Gold boss needs to make.