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Leeds gave a great account of themselves against Arsenal, losing just 1-0, but perhaps one of the most interesting things to take away from their FA Cup clash is the partnership between Ezgjan Alioski and Barry Douglas down the left side.

Indeed, it seems as if this experiment may have fixed two problem positions within Bielsa’s squad.

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Leeds’ problems

The Whites have struggled to settle on a first-choice left-back this term due to injuries and rotation with the likes of Douglas, Alioski and Stuart Dallas all having to share the workload in that role.

The Yorkshire outfit haven’t been able to settle on a left-back, and they’ve also had problems on the right-wing.

Pablo Hernandez and Helder Costa have both shared game time on that side, but Costa’s form has been ropey all season as he’s contributed to just four goals in 26 games, while the Spaniard has missed 12 matches through injury.

The solution

The main complaints at left-back have been that Alioski is too attack-minded. Phil Hay stated in his most recent Q&A session that he believes the Scot should come in for the North Macedonian for the above reason.

However, the 30-year-old seemingly isn’t trusted by Bielsa and has played just 382 league minutes this term, but partnering down the left side with Alioski seems to have worked a treat.

Both men are just as proficient going forward as they are at the back. The former Wolves man assisted 14 goals for Wolves in the 2017/18 season and his teammate has netted 11 goals over the past season and a half.

This partnership allowed Douglas and the 27-year-old to swap roles as they pleased, and this was never more visible than in the 25th minute.

Nicolas Pepe got the better of the former Wolves defender when Douglas slipped while attempting to tackle the Ivorian and the ball fell kindly to Sokratis. This could easily have been an opportunity to launch a counter-attack, but United had the ball back within seconds as Alioski was there to stop him dead in his tracks.

Another positive of this partnership emerging is the fact that Jack Harrison was able to move over to the right – an area that hasn’t had a consistent threat.

The Man City loanee has contributed to 11 goals this season, and if he can keep up that form on opposing flank side then he can cement that role as his, in turn, allowing this budding partnership down the left to flourish.

In other news, one of Leeds’ striker targets is worse than Patrick Bamford in one crucial area.

Tottenham Hotspur fans have reacted to reports that the club are interested in signing Gerson from Flamengo.

Globo Esporte claims that the club have made an enquiry for the midfielder as they attempt to bring in reinforcements at the turn of the year.

The big fat Tottenham quiz of 2019 – how much do you remember about the last year at Spurs?

The Brazilian club are said to want €30m (£25.7m) to allow the star to leave.

Of course, Spurs are trying to do a deal for Bruno Fernandes, per Football FanCast sources, and are also closing in on the signing of Gedson Fernandes on loan from Benfica.

And a section of fans simply think that the club are targeting players with similar names this month!

The 22-year-old has been capped 10 times by Brazil’s U20 team and was only signed by the club from Roma in the summer.

He has made a total of 36 appearances for the club but some supporters simply don’t know who he is.

Indeed, many have harkened back to a meme that was born when Danny Rose claimed he didn’t want the club signing players that he had “to Google”.

It remains to be seen if Jose Mourinho will get his required reinforcements this month.

Moussa Sissoko, of course, is out until April, as is star striker Harry Kane.

Meanwhile, Spurs fans have hammered one man for his display against Liverpool. 

Another weekend, another Liverpool victory.

This time, Tottenham Hotspur were the victims. This was not the most convincing of victories for the Reds – Spurs actually had more shots come the end of the match – but that doesn’t seem to be too much of an issue these days. In the end, the 1-0 scoreline was enough to pick up all three points.

Call yourself a Liverpool expert? How much did each of these big-money January signings cost?

Roberto Firmino scored the only goal of the match, with a well-taken strike after 37 minutes. There has been speculation about the Brazil international potentially leaving, with Real Madrid said to be interested as they plan to eventually replace Karim Benzema (fichajes.net via calciomercato.com). With this display, the former Hoffenheim man will have added a few million to any potential price tag.

This display showcased the 28-year-old at his very best. The striker played a huge role in his team’s dominating performance. He had 52 touches of the ball, which for a striker is rather impressive – Firmino actually has the most touches amongst all strikers in the Premier League this term, averaging 44 per match – and he landed 87% of the passes he attempted.

Often applauded for his teamwork and ability to link up with his teammates, he showed of those skills once again at the Tottenham Stadium. His four key passes were matched only by Christian Eriksen, who as an attacking midfielder is expected to be far more prevalent in that area. Not only that, he also showed his worth defensively, making one tackle.

This campaign, there have been questions about his form – from some of the club’s fans no less – about whether he is replaceable in this Liverpool team. Yet just when you begin to wonder whether the Anfield outfit could do better, he throws up a performance like this. We may need reminding every now and again, but what he is able to provide to this team is priceless, and that is why Jurgen Klopp has persevered with him despite his lack of goals – he had just four in all competitions going in to December. Now that the 44-time Brazil international is once again beginning to find the back of the net more regularly – he has five goals in his last 12 – he has repaid that faith in him from his manager.

Elsewhere, this Liverpool transfer target would be an upgrade on Georginio Wijnaldum…

Speaking after Arsenal’s clash against Sheffield United, Mikel Arteta has hinted Bukayo Saka’s long-term future could well lie at left-back.

What did he say?

The Arsenal academy product has predominantly played in a more advanced role for the Gunners this season, playing at left-midfield or left-wing on a total of 14 separate occasions as per Transfermarkt, scoring twice and providing five assists.

But with the likes of Kieran Tierney and Sead Kolasinac struggling with injuries – the former being out for the next couple of months with a dislocated shoulder – Saka has been forced to deputise at full-back for his more senior teammates. Despite seemingly playing out of position, the 18-year-old has performed admirably, with his performance against Sheffield United particularly pleasing.

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As per Sofascore, he had 98 touches of the ball, won five of his eight ground duels, and it was his deflected cross that saw Gabriel Martinelli net the opener. And speaking after the game, Arteta delivered a major hint as to where Saka could be playing in the long-term.

He said (as quoted by Football.London): “I think he could (have a future at left-back) because he’s willing to learn, he is applying himself big time. He is someone that’s has never played (that position) before but he’s really trying to do it as well as possible.

“You can see that he’s got many strengths to play in that position. Obviously he needs games, he needs experience and he needs to improve in some areas but that’s very good.”

Promise

For an 18-year-old to come in and play in an unnatural position, and that too in a defence where Arsenal have been so creaky as a whole this season – they have already conceded 32 goals in the Premier League – is a real testament to Saka’s abilities and professionalism.

Quickfire Quiz: How much do you know about Arsenal’s history in the January transfer window?

The starlet is earning rave reviews from his manager because he is taking to his task with little complaint, and striving to learn as Arteta alludes to. It’s the kind of mentality that the rest of the Gunners could do with, particularly in these testing times where a top-four place looks way off. Even if they don’t make it into the Champions League for next season, the way Saka has been performing bodes well for a bright future in north London.

Meanwhile, Arsenal fans are buzzing with this former academy product’s goal.

According to The Liverpool Echo’s Phil Kirkbride, Lewis Gibson is set to sign a new contract with Everton before potentially departing on loan before Friday’s transfer deadline.

What’s the word, then?

The Liverpool Echo says that talks with the 19-year-old have intensified over the course of the last few weeks in order to find an agreement, and one has now been found with the teenager expected to put pen to paper this week.

The report says that Gibson will now focus on sealing a loan move away from Goodison Park for the remainder of the campaign, presumably in order to get some playing time under his belt.

The Liverpool Echo says that there has been interest in him from clubs in the Championship, League One and in Europe.

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Good move by Everton?

It certainly is, and from The Liverpool Echo’s report it seems that they have director of football Marcel Brands to thank for ensuring this new deal has happened.

The report says that discussions over the contract centred around his pathway to the first-team of the Merseyside outfit, with the Dutchman mapping out his future in a blue shirt.

Did he really play for us?! No Everton fan has managed to name all of these obscure Toffees players….

As well as leaving on loan for the remainder of this season, the report adds that a second loan move could follow in the summer for next term, before he would then return to the first-team fold under manager Carlo Ancelotti.

Everton only currently have three senior centre-backs and none of them are right-footed, so the left-footed Gibson looks to have a really good chance of breaking through at Goodison if everything goes right and the manager wants a left-footer at the heart of his backline.

In other Everton news, this is what the Toffees’ starting XI could look like after Friday’s deadline if they sign two reported targets…

Marcos Rojo has completed a move to Estudiantes, where he will spend the rest of the 2019/20 season.

What’s the story?

The Argentina international move to the Red Devils from Sporting Lisbon in 2014 for £16m. In those six years, he has made 122 appearances, scoring two goals.

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However, he has appeared in just nine matches in all competitions so far this term, and as such he has returned to his homeland on a short-term basis.

Leaves United short

On the one hand, given his considerable lack of game-time, it makes sense that he would leave, and a loan is probably the easiest deal for all involved. However, given that he clearly doesn’t seem to be a part of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s plans moving forward, United may have been looking for a permanent switch instead.

Calling all transfer experts! Can you get all 15 questions right on our Deadline Day quiz?

At 29 years of age – he turns 30 in March – his re-sale value will dwindle with each passing year – he is currently valued at £9m by Transfermarkt. However, some good performances for Estudiantes could persuade the South American team to part with some money to sign him for beyond this campaign.

Either way, with a contract that runs out in 2021, he does not seem to have a future at Old Trafford.

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In other news, Manchester United fans think this man should be given more of a first-team chance…

Speaking to Goal, Nigeria legend Garba Lawal has warned Manchester United striker Odion Ighalo of the “massive” task he faces at the club.

What did he say?

The former Watford man joined the Red Devils on deadline day on a loan deal until the end of the season from Chinese Super League side Shanghai Shenhua.

And whilst Lawal – who played 54 times for Nigeria and won the Olympic gold medal in 1996 – backed his international compatriot to deliver on expectations at Old Trafford, he issued a word of warning as to the kind of pressures he will now be under.

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He said: “I want to say congratulation to him and there will be more challenges for him now week-in week-out because Manchester United is not Watford. The expectation from Manchester United will be much higher than Watford. It will be massive. It’s not going to be easy.

“He has to prepare very well. The club will be expecting 100% from him which I believe he is capable of doing. I don’t think he will have a problem to settle quickly in the Premier League because he is a professional and has experience playing in England.”

Immediate impact

Having played Premier League football in his time with Watford – he notched 17 goals in 55 games in the competition – Ighalo should be able to hit the ground running at Old Trafford.

Of course, as Lawal alludes to, the big difference will be the kind of pressure he will be under. It’s one thing scoring the goals for Watford, and another to be doing the business for the Red Devils.

Quickfire Quiz: How much do you know about Man Utd’s history in the January transfer window?

If he can keep his cool and composure, then there is no reason why Ighalo cannot go on to enjoy a relatively successful loan spell at the club. Confidence is key, and if he can get off the mark early in his United career, then that could set him up perfectly for the rest of the campaign.

Meanwhile, Man Utd fans react to this update on their pursuit of this Serie A striker.

Sunderland got the three points they needed against Ipswich on Saturday in League One.

The Black Cats hosted the Tractor Boys at the Stadium of Light in this match between two sides who have seen better days – they have both been in the Premier League this century. As it is, they are now both pushing for promotion back to the Championship. In the end, it was the north-east side that picked up all three points with a 1-0 win – Chris Maguire bagged the only goal.

Calling all EFL experts: Can you get full marks on this stadiums quiz?

The club’s supporters, though, were talking an awful lot about the performance of Charlie Wyke, and it seems they were torn over whether he had a good game. Some were quick to praise him.

It is hard to see what they saw in his display – he was a passenger for much of the game, managing just one shot and winning just five from 15 duels.

Others, though, were far from happy with his showing.

It seems the fans want more from him, and his failure to score on a regular basis is something of a problem – he has struck just five times in 23 matches so far this term.

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Fortunately, his display didn’t matter too much in the end.

Meanwhile, this Sunderland journalist reveals why they can’t sign one League One hot-shot.

Rangers came unstuck against Kilmarnock in midweek as their dream of clinching the SPFL title slipped towards the realm of fantasy.

The title has not yet been decided but it’s fair to assume the Gers are out of lifelines and are likely to require maximum points from now until the end of the season to stand any chance of finishing top of the tree.

The performance against Kilmarnock was underpinned by an alarming lack of creativity as the likes of Ryan Kent and Joe Aribo failed to make any notable impact on proceedings.

One of the more alarming aspects of the defeat was Rangers’ distinct lack of plan b, with Steven Gerrard waiting until the 86th minute to introduce Florian Kamberi as they searched for a winner.

But it’s vital that the Gers have a clear backup plan ready to implement if they are struggle to break Livingston down later today.

With that in mind, here’s how an alternative approach could look in a traditional 4-4-2 system.

While Ryan Jack is a vital component of Gerrard’s 4-3-3 system, he can be sacrificed for the all-action Steven Davis in a midfield duo alongside Scott Arfield.

Alfredo Morelos has struggled to find his feet since returning to the starting XI in recent weeks, and the presence of Kamberi alongside him could facilitate the creation of extra space for the Colombian to exploit in the final third.

Finally, the back-five remains the same from the one which started earlier this week as Andy Halliday and James Tavernier look to provide width on the overlap for Kent and Ianis Hagi.

Rangers centre-back pair Nikola Katic and Connor Goldson have been slated by Jordan Campbell for their performances against Livingston, during a Q&A on The Athletic.

What did he say?

Whenever a team keeps a clean sheet,it can often mean that the defenders end up getting some sort of praise, but that was the case for Katic and Goldson, as Rangers hung onto a 1-0 win by the skin of their teeth.

Before this match, Rangers had gone three in all competitions without a shutout, so there was already some scepticism about the defence’s solidity.

Those doubts were only compounded on Sunday, as Campbell stated when responding to one fan’s grievances about the performance: “I think Katic was poor. One of those games where his deficiencies on the ball are highlighted and he got too tight to Dykes a couple of times too. Goldson the poorest overall he’s been in a while. A ball-playing centre half has to be on the shopping list in the summer.”

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Poor performance

Things could have looked even worse for the pair if Lyndon Dykes’ strike, which hit the post, had ended up in the back of the net.

With that moment coming in the 82nd minute, that could have easily changed the game’s complexion, and would have seen Rangers fall even further behind Celtic.

A football legend: Can you get over 80% on this Gazza quiz? Find out now…

While Campbell feels that the summer transfer window could give Gerrard his answer to this problem moving forward, the manager simply must find a solution before then, because despite the gap having widened, Rangers need to carry on pushing their Old Firm rivals at the top of the table.

A massive test is coming up next for the team, in the form of a Europa League tie against Braga, so this could turn out to be the perfect opportunity for them to change opinions on them.

Meanwhile, Rangers fans reacted to their loanee’s impressive performance.