Tony Adams hasn’t been able to stay out of the headlines as of late. Whether it’s with regards to his ill-fated spell at Granada, or his appointment as the President of the Rugby Football League, Adams certainly has been a regular feature in the newspapers over the last year or two.

However, his latest comments appear to have generated more discussion than ever. Speaking to Sky Sports, Adams has been discussing Arsenal man Aaron Ramsey’s move to Juventus, whom he is set to join on a free transfer this summer.

Discussing the move, he’s questioned why the Welshman has opted for a move to Italy as, in his words, “Why would you go to Juventus anyway? They’re a smaller club than Arsenal”.

Of course, a comment like this is always going to generate a reaction, and his Arsenal connections aside, a lot of football fans have simply been bewildered by the claim. One fan online has deemed it ‘ridiculous’, whilst another has described Adams as ‘deluded’.

Is he right? Or is he ‘deluded’?

It’s certainly a topic worth discussing, but then, how do you determine the size of a club? Is it regarding the number of trophies won? Has it, actually, got more to do with the current players that are in the squad? Or is it simply to do with fan numbers and stadium attendance? Well, the reality is it’s probably a mixture of the three – so can Arsenal compete with Juventus?

As far as trophy numbers are concerned, Arsenal fall well short of Juventus. As per the official Arsenal website, the Gunners have bagged a total of 13 league titles, which by all accounts, is a stellar run. That, of course, includes an unbeaten season in the 2003/04 campaign. However, Juventus can boast a whopping 36 Scudettos– as per the official Juventus website – including every title since the 2011/12 campaign. Now, you could argue that the Italian league isn’t as strong as the Premier League, but Juventus can also boast 2 major European cups, in addition to 3 UEFA Cups. Arsenal don’t come close in this regard. So, with historic and contemporary success on their side, it’s evident that Juventus are ahead of the Gunners as far as trophies go.

Regarding the personnel at the club, Juventus are given a huge boost by the presence of Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese is arguably the most recognisable player in world football, and he’s the main man at Juventus. However, he’s just one of a collective of Europe’s best players, with individuals including Paulo Dybala, Miralem Pjanic, Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini and Alex Sandro, among many others. Arsenal do possess a lot of individual talent, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mesut Ozil in the squad, but they’ve not really got anyone that can compete with Juventus’s squad.

Fan base is a hard thing to judge, and it’s tough to separate Juventus and Arsenal, at least with objective means. Stadium attendance is an obvious stat to consider, and Arsenal do have Juventus beat with an average attendance of 59,888 in the Premier League (as per TransferMarkt). In comparison, Juventus’ average attendance sits at 39,069 (as per TransferMarkt). However, it’s important to note that Juventus are hamstrung by their comparatively small stadium – so perhaps this isn’t the best measure of club size – making the previous two descriptions more relevant.

Make no mistake, Arsenal are a big club. They’re a huge club. But on paper, they don’t come close to achieving the success that Juventus have, and at present, most reasonable fans would consider the Italian giants to be aÂmore attractive proposition than the Gunners. Adams, of course, is entitled to his opinion – but there is little tangible evidence to suggest that his point of view is accurate.

Arsenal fans – is Tony Adams right? Let us know by discussing below!

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Leeds United’s title ambitions were dealt a blow on Tuesday night as Marcelo Bielsa’s side slumped to a 1-0 defeat against QPR at Loftus Road.

The Whites had their chances to score, with striker Patrick Bamford and full-back Barry Douglas amongst those guilty of spurning clear opportunities. The defeat has seen Leeds lose the initiative in the title race too, as Norwich City now hold top spot and are two points clear.

Leeds were the dominant side against QPR but couldn’t find any end product. All too often their territory and possession fizzled out into nothing as the killer final pass was lacking. Right-back Luke Ayling was particularly guilty of failing to provide quality going forward.

The 27-year-old defender was consistently let down by his inability to accurately pick out his teammates. The No. 2 should now be taken out of the firing line by Bielsa, who ought to turn to Jamie Shackleton in his place.

After the match, plenty of Leeds fans took to Twitter to give their verdict on Ayling’s display…

رد التونسي فرجاني ساسي لاعب الزمالك على انتقاده خلال الفترة الماضية مشيرًا إلى أنه يرفض السخرية منه.

وكان عصام عبد المنعم حارس الأهلي المعتزل قد طلب ترحيل فرجاني ساسي من مصر بسبب موقفه مع الحكم أمين عمر مشيرًا إلى أن اللاعب التونسي يجب أن يحترم البلد التي يعيش بها.

وقال فرجاني ساسي في تغريدة على حسابه بموقع “تويتر”: “حزين بعد الفترة الكبيرة التي قضيتها في مصر أن أسمع كلامًا بهذا الشكل ضدي، ولا يوجد لدي مشكلة في النقد البناء لكن التهكم عليّ غير مقبول (ناقص تعملولي محاكمة عسكرية)”.

وأضاف: “لو كنت ضيفًا في بلدي فلن أتحدث عنك بهذه الطريقة ولكن في جمهور عظيم يحبني وأنا نفس الشيء وألعب من أجل إسعاده وإدارة قوية تجلب لي حقي”.

pic.twitter.com/VSkEHNj00W

— Ferjani Sassi (@FerjaniSassi) October 4, 2020

Fulham were just 10 minutes away from recording an unlikely draw at Craven Cottage against Liverpool on Sunday.

Following Ryan Babel’s equaliser against his former side, it was looking like Scott Parker’s side were heading for arguable their best result of the season. Yet, in typical Cottagers fashion, they let themselves down once again.

Following a harmless strike from Reds forward Mohamed Salah, Sergio Rico somehow managed to drop the ball at the feet of Sadio Mane before unnecessarily tripping the Senegalese star up in the penalty area. James Milner stepped up to take the spot-kick and duly scored the winner, condemning the Cottagers to their 22nd defeat of the season.

However, despite many fans rightfully blaming Rico for his error, he should still keep his place in Parker’s side as he is clearly the best goalkeeper at the club once you look closer at the stats for this season in the Premier League.

In the 22 games that the Sevilla loanee has been involved in, he has conceded 45 goals which averages out at 2.046 per game which is a better ratio than both Fabri (2.5 goals) and Marcus Bettinelli (2.86 goals.)

Furthermore, Fulham’s only clean sheets this season, which came in fixtures against Newcastle United and Huddersfield Town, have come with Rico in between the sticks.

It could be argued that no matter who Fulham have in goal, it simply does not matter as the main reason for why they will be relegated to the Championship at the end of the season is their horrendous defence.

By letting their opponents score 70 goals in the Premier League in just 31 games, they are already well on course to record one of the worst defensive records in recent top-flight history.

Therefore, whilst it would easy for Parker to drop Rico for the Cottagers’ clash against Manchester City on March 30th, he should instead be making alterations to his back four who have been woeful throughout the 2018/19 campaign.

What do you think Fulham fans? Should Rico be dropped by Parker for his error against Liverpool? Or is it the defence who are ultimately to blame for this season? Let us know below.

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Bournemouth visit Huddersfield in a game that is far more important for the hosts – as every clash will be for the Terriers from now on as they look to evade the drop – and Eddie Howe can ensure their opposition don’t secure another shock win by prioritising the importance of Charlie Daniels and Ryan Fraser.

On the chalkboard

Jan Siewert’s side’s surprising victory over Wolves last week, in which they won in stoppage time, showed the Premier League that even the team that is rock bottom of the standings can prove to be a stumbling block.

The Cherries, meanwhile, will be hoping that they can bounce back from their gutting 1-0 loss to Manchester City last weekend and move closer to a top-half finish.

Howe can ensure that all three points are taken back to Dorset by snuffing out Huddersfield’s favoured avenue of attack, to which Daniels and Fraser will both be crucial.

Predictable Terriers

WhoScored names the Terriers’ frequency of attacks through the middle as the lowest in the Premier League (21%) while their assaults down the right flank are a league-high of 43% percent.

Bournemouth must force their hosts to come inside and narrow the pitch as best possible as they clearly aren’t comfortable if they cannot get the ball out wide – Daniels and Fraser will be essential to ensuring that the Cherries’ left-flank is impenetrable.

Fraser has come on leaps and bounds this season, with his pace a huge asset to the Vitality Stadium outfit going forward – he can be of equal importance on the back foot next time out, though, if he can chase back and help out Daniels when Huddersfield inevitably look to whip balls into the box from the right wing.

How much money could you make busking for a week as a freestyle footballer? Find out in the video below…

The Cherries have plenty of talent to take this game well out of their opponents’ reach but they should not be so foolish to assume it will be an easy win – making sure the aforementioned pair are on their A-game will be a huge step towards guaranteeing a victory.

[ad_pod ]After a miserable few months on the pitch, the QPR players were surely relishing the chance to take off their boots for a little while during the international break. There is no time for rest, though, and the R’s played out a thrilling friendly with Southampton on Wednesday instead.The Saints ran out 3-2 winners, with former Loftus Road favourite Charlie Austin netting his side’s opener in the first half. Steve McClaren’s men would go on to pull the score level not once, but twice, although Southampton’s Jake Vokins eventually put the game to bed.Austin left QPR in 2016 for a cut-price fee and how the Hoops could do with their former striker now. With seven league games left to go, they are eight points clear of the relegation zone but anything could happen judging by their recent form.Who are the best away fans in the Championship? Pl>ymaker FC’s Thogden gives his top 10 in the video below…Here’s how the Loftus Road faithful reacted to the 29-year-old’s appearance against them, with many pining for what would be a surprising return to the Championship club…

What do Newcastle United need to do in order to get back among Premier League giants? Make big signings of course!

While the Magpies showed a lot of heart in their thrilling win over Everton recently, in which Rafa Benitez once again proved his ability to turn the Toon Army into a top-six side, heart isn’t enough. The need for quality is of paramount importance, Mr Mike Ashley.

Indeed, for the club to fight against those in the top positions, the Magpies need to sign top players themselves. They’re already looking to do so in the summer and according to reports (via ChronicleLive), United are scouting Roma’s wonderkid Nicolo Zaniolo.

The 19-year-old’s been their breakthrough star this season, dazzling everyone with his majestic ability out in the Italian capital and looks a cut above Newcastle United right now. Even the most ardent Geordie would struggle to disagree with that, though with the likes of Real Madrid also apparently interested, it’d be very hard to appeal to him.

Still, where’s the fun in that? Newcastle United need to be ambitious and, according to a report from the same source, the club are prepared to be in order to keep Benitez at the helm.

Zaniolo’s adapted himself to the brutal Serie A environment effortlessly, having scored three goals and assisted twice so far for Roma. An exciting young talent, Italy’s next great hope is an extremely skilful player full of surprises. His dribbling ability, tendency to score world-class goals and creativity can greatly add to Benitez’s side.

With big sides are on his tail, it’ll be a difficult task for Newcastle to sign him but Mike Ashley needs to show ambition in putting in a surmounting bid for the blooming Italian this summer and charge up his side with a future superstar.

Zaniolo can add swagger to the Magpies game, allowing them to play attacking football with a stunning rhythm. Not only can his link-up with Miguel Almiron and Ayoze Perez be a tantalising one, but a signing like Zaniolo’s can be a statement of intent detailing Newcastle’s future ambitions of getting back among the best.

Newcastle fans, do you think Zaniolo’s signing can be a profitable one? Join the discussion by commenting below. 

أعلنت رابطة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز “بريميرليج”، عن الهدف الأفضل في الدوري عن شهر سبتمبر المُنصرم، بموسم 2020/2021.

وتنافس على جائزة أفضل هدف، كل من محمد صلاح (ليفربول)، بيير إيميريك أوباميانج (آرسنال)، جاك هاريسون (ليدز يونايتد)، رييس جيمس (تشيلسي)، ماتيوس بيريرا (وست بروميتش)، ماركوس راشفورد (مانشستر يونايتد)، رياض محرز (مانشستر سيتي)، جيمس ماديسون (ليستر سيتي).

صلاح كان سجّل ثلاثية “هاتريك”، في شباك ليدز يونايتد، وهدفه الصاروخي الثاني كان من بين الأهداف المُرشحة للأفضل، وتفوق عليه ماديسون.  شاهد هدف محمد صلاح الرائع في ليدز يونايتد

وحصل هدف ماديسون الرائع في شباك مانشستر سيتي، في المباراة التي انتصر فيها ليستر على السكاي بلو بنتيجة 5-2 على جائزة أفضل هدف.

شاهد هدف ماديسون الرائع فى مانشستر سيتي

Tottenham fans have been left frustrated with the lack of signings over recent windows.

Indeed, with the last signing being Lucas Moura more than over a year ago, it’s been one of the most barren times in the club’s history. Clearly, the club aren’t exactly in dire need of a squad overhaul, though it’s hard to argue that Mauricio Pochettino isn’t dragging the maximum out of every single one of his players, so further additions would certainly help ease the burden on the current squad.

In fact, this has led people to believe this is one of the main reasons they lack silverware, having challenged for quite a while now.

So, with the window approaching, we look at some players who could push Spurs to the next level.

Jack Grealish 

Grealish was one of Tottenham’s main transfer targets throughout the whole of the summer window, who in the end, they failed to capture due to miscommunications on price. A year on and yet another transfer window approaching it wouldn’t be a shock if Spurs were to dip back into the pot and try again for the English international.

After having his head turned and his attitude based on a move to the Lillywhites, Grealish has suffered a lacklustre season with only 2 goals and 4 assists in the Championship. However, it is with no doubt that given the move to Tottenham, the forward would find new life and spring into new heights with the likes of Dele Alli and Harry Kane to guide him forward.

With his pace, power and skill it is clear to see why Pochettino wants to sign the 23-year-old and have him playing in an attacking position that could possibly be made vacant by Christian Eriksen.

Matthias Ginter 

Matthias Ginter has been an integral part of Borussia Monchengladbach’s defence during what has been a very successful season for the German side, and with Jan Vertonghen not getting any younger, the 25-year-old German centre-back could fit right into his place as a long term replacement.

Having helped contribute the same amount as clean sheets for Gladbach as Vertonghen has done for Spurs (10 league clean sheets) it is clear to see that the German can provide a defensive stability alongside Davinson Sanchez, which could become a defensive wall that Spurs can rely on for many years to come.

The Spurs faithful will be hoping to see their chairman and manager come together and pull some new players in for the following seasons, and will hope that new signings can push the squad forward into a new level.

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John Hartson has delivered a glowing verdict on Celtic attacker Odsonne Edouard in light of his last gasp winner against Dundee on Sunday.

What’s the word?

The 21-year-old centre-forward has frustrated supporters with his inconsistency throughout his time at Paradise, but his ability to produce moments of magic in the dying embers of proceedings will certainly do his popularity a huge favour.

In an article published by the Evening Times, Hartson bemoaned the quality of the Frenchman’s first-touch in European fixtures earlier in the season, but he suggested that his growing habit of notching late goals is a sign that his career is progressing nicely.

‘I don’t think that he will get too much stick so long as he is digging everyone out of a hole in the last minute of games. We had Henrik Larsson to do that for us – and he done it on too many occasions to mention – so he is going in the right direction.’

Could Edouard’s ability to find the killer moment in the closing moments of the game suggest that he will go on to emulate the achievements of the scintillating Swede?

Last-minute goals the sign of a born winner

Football matches are so often decided in the final ten minutes of proceedings when legs and minds are tired, but the very best players are those who find an extra gear and capitalise on emerging frailties.

Edouard has showcased an ability to do exactly that on more than one occasion this season, much to the delight of the supporters.

It is those last-gasp moments of euphoria which fans remember, cherish and reminisce over time and time again, so if the former PSG attacker can continue the growing trend there is no doubt he can take his reputation to the next level.

It would be premature to predict Edouard to reach Larsson’s level of stardom amongst the Bhoys faithful, but a multitude of late goals will certainly send him on the way towards that.