All posts by h79snht.top

Manchester City have stolen the headlines on Deadline Day by confirming the capture Pep Guardiola, who will take over from Manuel Pellegrini in the summer.

The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss has won 19 trophies in just 384 games as a manager, which translates in to a trophy every 20 matches – making him the most decorated manager in the game right now.

Although speculation over the last couple of years have been rife, City’s announcement has somewhat caught everyone off guard on what was quickly becoming a pretty uneventful final day of the transfer window.

But while Man City fans celebrate getting the best manager in world football, Man United fans are understandably gutted it’s not them. It’s well known how much the red side of Manchester wants Louis van Gaal out of Old Trafford, and there were some hopes of them beating their arch rivals City to Pep’s signature in the summer.

But it’s the Etihad club who have come up trumps in this saga, and will undoubtedly become something of a unstoppable force in world football under Pep’s tutelage.

And everyone’s laughing at Man United on Twitter…

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England manager Roy Hodgson has revealed that Manchester United wonderkid Marcus Rashford is in contention to make the Euro 2016 squad this summer, according to reports from the Daily Mail.

Rashford has suddenly become a global icon after scoring four goals in his first two games including a brace against Arsenal, instantly seeing him set to earn a new contract with the Red Devils.

And after his displays, Hodgson has opened the door for the 18-year-old to feature for the England national side this summer, claiming that he has been monitoring Rashford ever since he was 16.

Hodgson said: “I have been watching Rashford for two years.

“I wouldn’t rule him in or rule him out. I’ve taken chances by giving young players opportunities and what they have done is taken it. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was at Euro 2012, (Raheem) Sterling was in our squad when he was only 18, 19.”

The former Liverpool boss went on to add that the media should keep calm amid the current hype, so as to not put so much pressure on his young shoulders.

“Most of all, I hope he is allowed to develop as an 18-year-old should and people don’t put him under enormous pressure,” he added.

Scoring four goals in three games is a great achievement and if he can keep that up, it is great for Manchester United and England.

“My hope, and it is a vain hope, is that he will be allowed to develop in peace and it wont suddenly be ‘you’re going to be the next Cristiano Ronaldo’ or that every time he has two or three bad games he is a flash in the pan.

“Lets hope the lad gets a chance to develop the same as Raheem Sterling, Ross Barkley, Wayne Rooney, David Beckham, Paul Scholes… and isn’t lifted up so high that the inevitable fall will have to follow.”

Meanwhile, Hodgson revealed that Arsenal star Jack Wilshere, who hasn’t played all season, and Wayne Rooney, who is currently recovering from an injury, are almost certain to be on the plane to France this summer.

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114 caps for Germany, a World Cup winner, eight Bundesliga titles, seven DFB-Pokal titles, a UEFA Champions League medal, a FIFA Club World Cup win and two DFB-Ligapokals.

This is Bastian Schweinsteiger, who joined Manchester United from Bayern Munich last summer on a three-year contract for a fee of €9m (£6.5m). His debut was embarrassing, his general play uninteresting and within a few months the German midfielder was punished with a three-match retrospective ban by The Football Association for striking West Ham United’s Winston Reid in the throat in their meeting two days earlier.

In his first season with Man United, you have to ask the question – what has Schweinsteiger done for the team? From first glance, much of what he has achieved can be written on the back of a postage stamp, but he has been unfortunate with injury and is currently sidelined having suffered a partial tear to a medial ligament in his right knee while on international duty. This injury has ended his season and will mean that Schweinsteiger will also likely miss the EUROs in France.

Schweinsteiger has been a topic of conversation due to his injury record and also his failure to make much of an impact since moving to Old Trafford last summer.

However, Sami Khedira has defended his international team-mate: “Bastian Schweinsteiger is still our captain. Everyone who writes him off makes a big mistake.”

Schweinsteiger largely operates in the centre of midfield, but he is versatile enough to provide an option on the wing, either left or right and he is, or was, regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world. Schweinsteiger possesses a fearsome shot from range as well as a wicked delivery from set-pieces and his boundless energy served him well. He is also a superb reader of the game and has scored spectacularly due to his good positioning. He has been called ‘the brain’ of the German national team by his coach Joachim Low.

However, his club boss. Louis van Gaal has criticised his midfielder. The 31-year-old has struggled for fitness and form since joining from Bayern Munich in the summer, where he played under LVG, but the Manchester United manager has previously said he does not recognise the midfielder from his younger self.

Discussing Schweinsteiger’s fortunes at Old Trafford, Oliver Bierhoff told Bild: “Every player needs the backing of the coach, the same goes for Bastian. Generally, I find it unfortunate if a coach publicly criticises a player so hard.”

Even his former boss voiced concerns over his injury record, just as he was signing for the Old Trafford club. “When he does not have injury problems, I am completely convinced he will do very well at Manchester United. He is a top, top player,” said Pep Guardiola.

“Unfortunately, during the last three years he was never in good condition. He is going to play really well there (at United). I really hope that is going to happen.”

It hasn’t really and that’s a shame for a player of his calibre and ability. The Premier League deserves players like Schweinsteiger, but in all reality, he just hasn’t performed.

And Guardiola knew it and that is why Bayern were willing to offload one of their most illustrious players of the past decade for a lowly fee.

You could suggest that both the player and the club are a fallen great trading on past reputations and that wouldn’t be too harsh.

In the 3-2 Champions League defeat by Wolfsburg in December that ended United’s involvement in the competition, Paul Scholes, in particular, was damning about the absence of leadership from Schweinsteiger at a time when there were numerous young heads in need of a steadying hand. Michael Carrick, at least, provides that assurance and, even at 34, remains – worryingly – United’s most accomplished midfielder, despite the sands of time starting to catch up with him.

Too often Manchester United fans have seen Schweinsteiger receiving the ball off his centre-half and then passing it backwards or sideways, despite having acres of time and space in which to turn and push forward with no opponent near him.

Manchester United appear lost when it comes to buying players. The days have long since gone when the very best pulled on the famous red shirt, now it’s almost like they have to make do, as their Premier League rivals sign the players that United used to.

When you spend £6.5m on Schweinsteiger, but had already spent £20m+ on Marouane Fellaini, something’s not right and now United fans need to understand the fact that Schweinsteiger’s best days are now behind him.

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His time at Manchester City dwindling down, Yaya Toure is expected to leave the club soon, and he will be paid handsomely wherever he may go. Toure, 33, has been a staple of the Sky Blues’ midfield since 2010, when he was acquired from Barcelona for fee of £24m.

Toure’s most successful showing for Man City came in 2014, when he produced 24 goals, culminating in a Premier League title. Toure also played a prominent role in helping lead Man City to a title in 2012, breaking a stretch of 42 seasons where the club had failed to do so.

Although his role diminished as the 2015/16 season wore on, Toure still contributed eight goals over the campaign, pushing his total with Man City to 72. Despite still having a year left on his contract, Toure is expected to leave, opening up a gap in the Manchester City midfield.

He’s been offered as much as £300,000-a-week by evolving Chinese Super League side Shanghai SIPG.

But, who is the most likely candidate to replace the presence of the Ivory Coast native? Here are FIVE options…

Ilkay Gundogan

While nothing has been confirmed, it appears that Gundogan will be on the move to Manchester City for a £17.8m fee. The Germany international seems to be on the radar of Guardiola as he plots to rebuild his new midfield.

Gundogan has spent the past five seasons with Borussia Dortmund, scoring 10 goals over his tenure with the club. This season, he has three goals and registered six assists in 42 appearances.

Gundogan would have been a member of Germany for the EURO 2016 campaign, but instead is sidelined with a dislocated kneecap. He is expected to return by the end of August.

Thiago Alcantara

It’s documented from his last managing gig that Pep Guardiola is a fan of Thiago Alcantara.

So will Thiago follow him for a second time in his career?

Thiago has been a valuable component for Bayern’s three of four straight Bundesliga titles, although he was plagued by knee injuries for a good share of 2014 and 2015. Thiago has since returned to form and inked a four-year deal in August of 2015, one that is scheduled to take him to 2019. Thiago is in his prime and it would take a hefty sum of money to remove him from Bayern. However, Man City have a strong enough financial backing to make a solid pitch for the Spanish international, who is a technically astute playmaker.

They also have the manager that has the greatest chance to make it a reality.

Paul Pogba

Manchester City would be smart to try and acquire the talents of Pogba, a French international, although getting him won’t be easy.

Juventus have captured the Serie A title each of the past five years, with Pogba being a central component of the midfield for the past four. The Old Lady also captured the Coppa Italia the past two seasons.

Pogba is was named to the UEFA Team of the Year in 2015, and if he decides to leave Juventus, a return to Manchester United, his first club, is seen as unlikely.

Pogba will enter the new season on the heels of being the top assist provider in Serie A, registering 12 helpers.

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Arturo Vidal

If Thiago isn’t brought to Man City, Guardiola may look elsewhere, perhaps In the direction of Vidal, the 29-year-old Chilean.

The Blues aren’t the only Premier League powerhouse interested in the former-Juventus star’s services, as both Manchester United and Chelsea are in the pursuit of the box-to-box midfielder.

This season, Vidal helped lead Bayern Munich to the double, scoring seven goals in 47 appearances this season. During his four year stint with Juventus, he won a Serie A title each season while registering 48 goals.

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Toni Kroos

Kroos, one of the more distinctive playmakers in Europe and will be entering year three of a six year contract with Real Madrid.

The Germany international shouldn’t be heading anywhere, but not for a lack of those wanting him.

He has been a documented target of Man City, having spent one season under Guardiola in 2013-14 with Bayern Munich, where they won a league title and a cup double.

That season under Guardiola propelled Kroos to becoming a world star, as he followed the league title with a World Cup win with Germany, starring in Brazil. After joining Real Madrid, he won the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA World Club Cup, all in the same calendar year.

Kroos finished with the most assists in the 2014 FIFA World Cup, tying Columbia’s Juan Cuadrado with four.

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Arsenal star Mikel Arteta looks set to join Manchester City in a coaching role this summer, according to reports from the Daily Mail.

It was revealed earlier this year that Arteta would leave the club once his contract expires at the end of the season, but now it seems that he could be retiring from football altogether at the age of 34 to become a coach.

WANT MORE? >> Arsenal transfer news | Manchester City transfer news

During the an emotional farewell at the Emirates, the Spaniard confirmed after the Gunners’ 4-0 victory over Aston Villa that he has received three offers for his services.

“I am going to leave (it open) by one per cent because in football one per cent is a lot and things can twist very quickly,” he said.

“But I have different options now to be related to football which I am very grateful for. It is very unusual to have opportunities at this level.

“As well, that made me think it was probably time (to retire) and the way I have been watching football in the last few months – or probably over a year – it was not as a player, it was more as a coach. Then you have to think about it.

“You have to be honest with yourself. That’s why I haven’t been upset with the manager (by not playing), I have been upset with myself.

“When you can’t get it right and you have been through injuries and difficult moments at this level… for me to play at this club you have to be the best in your position.

“When you lose that, I think you should be away from this place. I have probably been here too long. In the last few months, I probably didn’t deserve to be here but at least I got the chance against Aston Villa to stay in touch with them and it has been amazing.

“For me, the standards you need to play for this club, it cannot be eight out of 10, it has to be 10 out of 10. When you cannot deliver that, it is not good enough.

“Sometimes people get away with it. Inside myself, my gut wasn’t clean and when you are like this, I prefer to make the decision myself.”

One of the offers is believed to be from incoming Man City manager Pep Guardiola, but he could also consider working with Mauricio Pochettino at north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur due to their previous relationship.

Arteta has missed much of the campaign with injury, making only nine appearances in the Premier League mostly coming off the bench.

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For all teams, the centre of the park is as important as any other facet of a side, but being the engine room of a team, it needs inspiration.

It also needs creativity and that’s what Manchester United lack in their midfield. That area of the team appears mediocre at best and wholly uninspiring. When you consider the talent and experience, it is difficult to conceive the likes of Bastian Schweinsteiger, Marouane Fellaini, Ander Herrera, Juan Mata, Morgan Schneiderlin and co, being so lethargic and lamentable.

With Jose Mourinho at the helm, the United team will be a different animal and with one signing in the door already, you can bet your boots that Jose has a longer shopping list… and that midfielders are a part of it.

Like every other manager, Mourinho won’t do very much in terms of transfer deals until the EUROs and Copa America are finished – for obvious reasons and just in case a gem comes to light.

But should a star player not emerge, then just who has Mourinho got his eye on. Here are FIVE players that are just right for the Portuguese boss:

Joao Mario

The Sporting Lisbon ace could well become a part of the Manchester United revolution. The 23-year-old powerful central midfielder features prominently on Mourinho’s shopping list ahead of his arrival at Old Trafford.

The Portugal international impressed for Sporting last season, alerting a host of Europe’s elite. Mourinho will feel Mario’s energy can prove a vital component in his midfield, but he won’t come cheap, as Sporting want more than the £26m that Bayern paid for ex-Benfica star, Renato Sanches.

Paul Pogba

Well, everyone wants Paul Pogba, but only a handful will be able to afford his fee and wages. Since Pogba’s free move to Juventus from Manchester United, his star has risen and his abilities will be further highlighted during the EUROs. Talking of Euros, it will take over 70m of them to potentially prise the 23-year-old away, but Real are said to be offering over €100m and it’s doubtful that Mourinho will battle Real for his signature on that basis.

Andre Gomes

Funnily enough, the 22-year-old Valencia player’s agent is the same agent that looks after Mourinho – Jorge Mendes. However, Valencia will surely be demanding close to £50m for the Portuguese international and with only £200m to spend and £30m splashed out, Mourinho will need to consider expensive purchases wisely.

The midfielder scored nine goals in 77 appearances for Valencia since signing from Benfica in 2015, but is now being heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford.

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Marco Verratti

The PSG man probably shouldn’t ask Angel Di Maria what he thinks of the Old Trafford club before talking to Mourinho. Man Utd are willing to bid £79m for the former Pescara man according to the Corriere dello Sport.

The 23 year old Italian, who has missed the EUROs due to injury has played a key part in the last four Ligue 1 titles for PSG and would be just right for the Red Devils.

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N’Golo Kante

Another player linked with several clubs, but when you consider his performances for Leicester last year and his eventual inclusion in the French squad this summer, clubs will be alerted. Costing just £5.6m from Caen last summer, his fee will now be closer to £25m.

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Manchester United have a had a hugely successful transfer window this summer.

They got their man in the dug-out, Jose Mourinho, before embarking on signing some of the game’s brightest talents with the aim of winning back the Premier League title.

Stars like Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba have joined the Red Devils as they look to banish the last three years of under-achievement as soon as possible, and the new signings certainly seem to have already restored some of the club’s old swagger.

Their manager certainly helps that effect and will always be on the look out for players he deems worthy enough of helping turn his new side into champions.

Many think that the Old Trafford club now have the squad to clinch the trophy in May but, ever the competitor, Mourinho won’t be resting on his laurels in the market until the transfer window shuts if he feels he can find some extra options.

He may be tempted to have a look at Ligue 1 so we’ve decided to bring you five players from France the Red Devils should be looking at…

Fabinho

Mourinho likes to have specialists in each position on the pitch, of that he has left little doubt, so it’s curious to see Antonio Valencia still be played as a right-back.

United have the resources to get in a player whose position is the right side of defence and Fabinho could be the one they go for.

The Monaco right-back is only 22 but with Mourinho building a defence for the future, he might just be perfect.

Marquinhos

Marquinhos has good pace for a defender and also reads the game well so it’s a real mystery why he finds himself having to compete with David Luiz for a starting spot in PSG’s back-line.

Ultimately there’ll come a point where the Brazilian will want to move if he can’t shift his compatriot and United should be ready and waiting.

He’s a very good player – he just needs to platform to show that off.

Adrien Rabiot

Mourinho has always been a fan of holding midfield players. He was part of the reason Claude Makelele had the role named after him by so many during his time at Chelsea and a player that could do that at United would be a hit.

Marouane Fellaini has started well enough in this position but whether he can continue is another prospect all together. United, then, should be looking at Rabiot. He’s young but very talented and Mourinho will be confident that he’ll be able to mould him into another Makelele

Clement Grenier

At the age of 25, Grenier has been at Lyon all of his career and has become a very clever technical player in this time.

He doesn’t score many but he’s got a cultured right foot and can play in behind the striker or down the right side of midfield meaning he’s versatile.

He clearly as an affection for Lyon but if he wants to challenge himself in a different league, a move to Manchester United would certainly allow that.

Sergi Darder

For a 22-year-old footballer Darder has certainly got a lot of experience.

He came through for Espanyol B in Spain in 2011 before working his way up at Malaga and then going on to end up at Lyon last season.

The Spanish central midfielder made 26 appearances last season and looks as though his career his progressing nicely so United may want to have a look to see what he could be.

It is that time again that our landlord here at the Football Transfer Tavern loves! It’s time to prepare and think about the potential team you would love to put together for your side in Football Manager 2017…

Whether you are the type of person that likes to start at the bottom of the ladder and work your way up to world glory – or you like to start in and amongst the elite and build your youth system into a team worthy of the future of your club – we have you covered here at the Tavern.

Our bar staff have been in discussion all week about the impressive youth side at Southampton. We all know the potential they have in and around their developmental side – having produced the likes of Lallana, Walcott, Bale and Oxlade-Chamberlain in recent years.

Our landlord thinks the current crop of Saints youngsters could be the best yet…

With that said, here are our 3 must have Southampton wonderkids in Football Manager 2017…

 James Ward-Prowse

This may seem like an obvious choice, and you are probably thinking that he’s not quite a kid – but at the age of 21, he is still a young player and he would be a great addition to your side whether you’re at Reading or a top club like Manchester United!

The England under-21 star would be a great investment for any club – he is the type of player who could slot into any side.

Ward-Prowse has been a brilliant player in the first team for a few years now and his potential on the game will undoubtedly be through the roof.

Excellent as a deep-lying playmaker.

 Matt Targett

With the injury to Ryan Bertrand, Matt Targett has been given a chance to have a run in the first team at Southampton.

If the game portrays his real life development at all, you can expect his stats to increase very quickly with game-time, and you could find him in and around your first team in no time.

His young age certainly does not reflect his experience nor his quality; he could become a superstar in the years to come.

A must have in the new game! Well worth your virtual money.

 Jason McCarthy

Jason McCarthy would be available in the second season after his loan spell at Walsall, but he would be worth the wait.

Having the experience of playing in League One would see him improve on the game and progress due to playing regularly.

A solid defender that likes to get forward whilst also maintaining vigilance at the back – McCarthy has real potential.

If like the majority of our bar staff here at the Football Transfer Tavern you want to start out in League 2 or League 1, McCarthy would be a wise investment or a brilliant player to bring in on-loan with the view to a permanent deal should he impress.

It may not be nearly as illustrious as the Champions League, but Manchester United have some business to attend to on Thursday night.

Jose Mourinho is clearly more focused on the Premier League this season but a shock defeat to Europa League opponents Zorya Luhansk could have a hugely detrimental impact on squad morale going into the weekend’s fixtures.

Zorya finished fourth in the Ukrainian Premier League last season but are in second place this year, behind only Shakhtar Donetsk, after winning six and drawing two of their first nine games.

Therefore, it’s imperative Mourinho chooses a starting XI that gives some of his fringe players the chance to pick up game-time but also guards against a debasing upset at Old Trafford.

With that in mind, Football FanCast have selected the starting line-up Mourinho should pick to claim all thee points against Zorya – with six changes from the team that thumped Leicester City 4-1 last weekend.

GOALKEEPER

Argentina international Sergio Romero is about as solid as it gets when it comes to understudy goalkeepers but his participation this season has been limited to just one outing in the League Cup.

Jose Mourinho needs to afford his second-choice as much game-time as possible to keep him happy, or the United gaffer could find the 29-year-old pushing for a move away in the new year. Should all go to plan against Zorya, Romero won’t have too much to do anyway.

DEFENCE

They say consistency is key at the back but we’re making two changes in personnel from the defence that featured in the 4-1 win over Leicester City, with fresh legs coming in on both flanks and utility man Daley Blind moving inside.

Timothy Fosu-Mensah was borderline phenomenal last season after being brought into the side by Louis van Gaal but he’s made just one appearance under Jose Mourinho thus far. We’d love to see the Dutch prospect get some game-time, especially against rather modest opposition.

Likewise, although Matteo Darmian clearly isn’t a huge part of Jose Mourinho’s plans, his versatility could pay dividends here. With Luke Shaw out injured and summer signing Eric Bailly in need of a rest, the Italian can fill in at No.3 – allowing Blind to link up with Chris Smalling, his partner from last season, once again.

DEEP LYING MIDFIELD

Michael Carrick may be 35 years of age but he’s still an absolute maestro whose vast experience could well be the difference against Zorya, especially if United don’t go on to dominate in the manner expected and the crowd begin to turn.

Likewise, should the Red Devils see plenty of the ball – which seems more than likely – Carrick has the quality to unlock the Zorya defence from deep positions whilst protecting his own backline.

In terms of partners, we see Ander Herrera as the ideal candidate. He’s got the mobility to make up for Carrick’s ageing legs and as a slightly more advanced playmaker, can push further forward to really pile the pressure on the Ukrainian visitors.

ATTACKING MIDFIELD

It’s been a tough few weeks for Wayne Rooney and a back issue may unfortunately rule him out of Thursday’s game. That would be a massive shame because the out-of-form United skipper needs a chance to get back to his best and Zoyra could be the ideal team to face in that regard.

In a similar vein, Anthony Martial is due a run-out after a short stint on the sidelines. The Frenchman remains one of the most exciting young attackers in world football but he’s not quite transitioned to life under Jose Mourinho just yet. Some more time on the pitch could do the Frenchman a world of good – especially if he pops up with a goal.

With Marcus Rashford, meanwhile, it’s a slightly different story. The 18-year-old simply can’t stop scoring at the moment so having him on the pitch, even in a somewhat unfamiliar position, could be what guarantees the Red Devils all three points.

STRIKER

Jose Mourinho has already told reporters that Zlatan Ibrahimovic will start up front on Thursday night, so we’re not going to try and second guess the Manchester United manager – although we wouldn’t be too surprised if he had a last-minute change of heart.

The iconic Swede has enjoyed a strong start to his Red Devils career, netting five goals in nine appearances across all competitions and partaking in some exemplary link-up play. But without a goal since the start of September, Zorya represents a chance for Zlatan to rediscover his scoring touch.

Tottenham are having another wonderful season.

This time last year, very few would have anticipated the campaign they embarked on. They pushed Leicester City close for the Premier League title but ultimately fell short in their pursuit.

Somehow, they managed to sour one of their best seasons in the Premier League by surrendering second place to arch rivals Arsenal on the last day of the season, courtesy of a 5-1 drubbing at the hands of already relegated Newcastle.

People have underestimated Spurs again this season, suggesting the big clubs would come back bigger and stronger, and whilst they have, it hasn’t disturbed Spurs’ momentum.

While the champions Leicester are still adjusting to being champions, Spurs have continued their upward rise and are still unbeaten after eight Premier League matches.

They cut it close last weekend against Tony Pulis’ West Brom as they required an 89th minute Dele Alli equaliser to save the day and rescue a point.

Nevertheless, they sit one point off Manchester City and Arsenal, who lead the way in the Premier League with 19 points.

These stats give even more proof to the notion that Spurs are not to be under-estimated anymore. They are genuine title contenders, if not favourites.

Most shots per game in the Premier League

Despite all the talk regarding Guardiola’s delightfully silky Manchester City side and Jurgen Klopp’s energetic, blitzing Liverpool team, the one with the most shots on goal in the Premier League ths season is Mauricio Pochettino’s Lillywhites.

According to Whoscored, Spurs have had the most shots on goal per game, narrowly more than the Saints and Liverpool. Whilst that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re going to win every game, it sure helps you on your way.

As they say, if you don’t buy a ticket, you can’t win the raffle.

Best record for accurate long balls in the division

Not only are Spurs top of the table in terms of shots on goal, they also have the best record for accurate long balls in the division.

Now, this could be taken as just another aimless stat that in the scheme of things, doesn’t mean very much.

However, it’s not even a close contest. Tottenham top the charts according to Whoscored with 43.5 accurate long balls per game – whilst Chelsea are second with 37.

That’s quite a gap and when you consider the ability of Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghan with the ball at their feet, it does make sense.

You only have to see this goal from last season to understand.

Third-best for saves made in the penalty area

Also crucial to any title winning side is a brilliant goalkeeper and in Huge Lloris, Tottenham have one.

Lloris was reportedly close to leaving Tottenham if it wasn’t for Pochettino’s intervention and Spurs’ impressive season last time out.

Now he’s hoping he can guide his side to an incredible title victory and the stats look good in his favour.

According to Whoscored, in terms of shots saved in the penalty area, Spurs come third behind Burnley and West Ham – who do tend to have more saves to make than Lloris does.

This shows that with Lloris in net, the few chances a team might create in the Spurs box are still likely to be kept out by the Frenchman.

If you support any of the other title challengers, be wary of Spurs.