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Gabriel Martinelli has been named as Arsenal’s player of the month for October, and although the club’s results have been extremely inconsistent as of late, these fans have been stating their appreciation for the forward’s goalscoring contribution so far in 2019/20.

Martinelli has scored seven goals since arriving from Ituano in the summer transfer window, whilst also particularly impressing in the Europa League, scoring three goals in three European appearances.

Yet despite this, the 18-year-old is yet to start a Premier League game in the current campaign. 

Although the last month has been a difficult period for Arsenal, with Unai Emery’s side now sitting in fifth, six points off Champions League qualification, the form of their Brazilian youngster is unquestionably a positive element of an underwhelming campaign so far.

Following the announcement that Martinelli had won the club’s player of the month award, these fans were quick to sing his praises.

Here are some of the best reactions following an official club tweet.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more… 

Sheffield Wednesday return to league action this weekend, but manager Garry Monk may be wishing he could call on the services on one former Owls player.

The south Yorkshire side face a trip to the west Midlands to face the Championship leaders West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns on Saturday, and they do so knowing that Slaven Bilic will be without both Romaine Sawyers and captain Jake Livermore – a boost perhaps.

However, Wednesday need to improve on their last few outings as they have too often let points slip from their grasp as game management has become somewhat the main issue.

Annoyingly for Monk, he can’t make any significant squad changes until January, which may have him rueing a decision made back in August.

On the Chalkboard

After playing and scoring against Reading, Lucas Joao soon swapped Hillsborough for the Madejski Stadium as the club sold him for £5m just days after their Championship-opening duel.

In hindsight, he probably would have been an absolutely ideal fit in the 40-year-old’s system this campaign…

Goalscoring and chance creation are probably the two big problems facing this Wednesday squad at the minute – they have bagged just 14 goals in ten league games, with four coming in one match alone.

Top scorer Steven Fletcher is facing a barren run of six games without a goal too.

Joao would have been the perfect player to either lead the line on his own or play alongside a partner – in the 2018/19 campaign, the 26-year-old averaged 2.19 shots, 2.86 dribbles, and 2.75 touches inside the opposition box per 90 minutes, via the PFSA.

Clearly, he was a threat last season, having also bagged ten times.

No player this season has managed more successful dribbles while only Fletcher betters the shots per 90 number, per WhoScored.

Reading’s chief executive described him well upon signing him earlier in the year, he said: “He is incredibly strong on the ball, a threat in the air, has pace and power in abundance, and he’s an instinctive finisher.”

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It is this sort of presence that would thrive in Monk’s system regardless of what formation it is. He can be played to feet or in the air, so both crosses from the wing and holding the ball up are just two options from his playbook.

The fact he is a handful is shown by how many times he was fouled last season (1.53 times per 90), which no player in the squad with two starts or more can match.

If only Wednesday could still call on the exploits of the 6 foot 4 forward, he’d have certainly lessened the increasing striking crisis under Monk.

According to Football Insider, West Ham United want to sign a new goalkeeper in January and will target a player ‘with Premier League experience’.

Lukasz Fabianski’s hip injury means that Roberto has been thrust into the spotlight in recent weeks, and the Spaniard’s performances have not gone down well with the fans.

Roberto is expected to keep his spot between the sticks for the clash with Tottenham Hotspur this weekend, much to the annoyance of the supporters.

However, according to Football Insider, the Hammers will be in the market for a new goalkeeper at the start of 2020.

The report claims that the London club do not believe that Adrian was adequately replaced during the summer and will attempt to correct the issue in January.

A number of West Ham fans have been on social media reacting to the speculation.

And it would be fair to say that a number have seen the funny side, picking out David James, Rob Green, Kyle Walker and Neville Southall as potential arrivals.

A selection of the Twitter reaction can be seen below:

Wolves have impressed on the pitch once again this season but their transfer business also deserves praise, with Nuno Espirito Santo appearing to take a new direction by signing young players.

Max Kilman, Pedro Neto and Bruno Jordao all arrived in the summer and have each been given minutes on the pitch to varying degrees, which shows that the strategy is working.

Luke Matheson became the latest youngster to sign when he joined on deadline day in January, before being loaned back to Rochdale, for whom he has already made 36 appearances for despite being 17.

That shows his potential, and given Nuno’s track record it may only be a matter of time until be begins to realise that at Molineux.

He faces difficulty due to the presence of Matt Doherty, but he should use the Irishman as an incredibly positive influence as he could learn a great deal from the 28-year-old.

Kilman’s jump from non-league to the Premier League shows anything is possible under Nuno, so we asked our writers to assess whether Matheson could break into the first-team next season, while it is also possible that he will be loaned out once more.

Lewis Blain

“The short and simple answer is yes, I can very much see Luke Matheson breaking into the first-team fold at Wolves next season. Matt Doherty is a divisive figure amongst fans yet has regularly found the net, scoring seven times in all competitions, but that doesn’t make up for his defensive frailty – averaging 1.4 tackles and 1.2 interceptions isn’t great for a full-back whilst he loses possession 1.4 times a game too.

“The 17-year-old is arguably a generational talent and is likely to sit behind the Irishman for the time being, and whilst mentoring him to fit Nuno’s system, he should be looking over his shoulders, too, as that position is by no means guaranteed come next season. There’s a real chance that Matheson will be battling Doherty for that starting berth.”

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Jonathan Radcliffe

“Quite clearly, Matheson has talent – he didn’t look out of place against Manchester United for Rochdale, and he even scored – but it is far too soon to be talking about him as a potential starter for Wolves, especially with Matt Doherty in front of him.

“The Republic of Ireland international has been in stunning form this term, and even from a defensive position he has plenty of goal threat – he has seven goals to his name already this campaign. Matheson may be the future, but he is not the here and now – sending him on loan and letting him develop is the best possible option.”

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Charles Jones

“I think all you can do in this situation is wait and see.

“Matheson hasn’t even taken part in his first training session at Wolves yet having been loaned straight back to Rochdale, and with all due respect to the League One outfit, it’s hard to really tell if someone will make it in the Premier League when they’re playing at that standard.

“All I can say is that Wolves have a manager they can trust to make the right call. Nuno has never been shy to test young talent and if Matheson shows himself to be good enough in training, he’ll get a shot.”

Kealan Hughes

“There is every chance that Matheson will get his chance to shine at Molineux next season, particularly if Wolves are once again competing in Europe.

“The youngster has already got a taste for life in the Premier League by coming up against Manchester United and Newcastle this season, and he looked assured in both matches as his side took the Red Devils to penalties and also drew with Newcastle.

“Starting him regularly would perhaps be placing too much responsibility on his young shoulders but he is likely to play some kind of role rather than being loaned out, as at this stage of his development being involved in an environment full of quality players is likely to have a positive influence on his progression.”

In other news, Raul Jimenez has issued an update in regard to his future…

With Jan Vertonghen looking increasingly likely to leave Tottenham this summer when his contract comes to an end, it’s unsurprising to say the least that Jose Mourinho’s side appear to be on the look-out for a new first-choice centre-half.

And according to Football.London journalist Alasdair Gold, the north Londoners have earmarked a potential move for Benfica star Ruben Dias.

Gold claims that Mourinho is keen on raiding Benfica once again – the club brought in Gedson Fernandes on loan in January – and that with Dias’ agent being Jorge Mendes, Spurs “would hope to agree a lower fee for a player who is rated at around the £40m mark”.

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After hearing about their latest potential target, Spurs fans took to Twitter to share their thoughts on their interest in the 22-year-old.

Some fans of the north London side raised the prospect of seeing Dias line up in a back-three for Spurs alongside Japhet Tanganga and Davinson Sanchez.

A couple of Spurs supporters referenced the fact Spurs are hoping to agree a lower fee for Dias, with one fan seemingly suggesting that considering they spent big money on Sanchez, that really shouldn’t be a factor.

Dias has enjoyed an impressive season in the Portuguese top-flight, with his average match rating of 7.06 only being bettered by one other centre-back (Porto’s Ivan Marcano).

At only 22, Dias could come straight into the first-team and become a permanent fixture in the starting line-up, as well as being someone who Mourinho can build around for the years to come.

Losing Vertonghen on a free may be a blow, but getting Dias in would more than soften that.

Meanwhile, Alasdair Gold has provided an update on Spurs’ interest in this Premier League starlet.

As transfer talks escalate and clubs hone in on their target, it’s looking more and more likely that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang won’t be in an Arsenal shirt for much longer.Due to the current financial climate and with Mesut Özil still on the club’s books with his mammoth £350,000 per week wage, the Gunners may not be able to afford to keep Aubameyang at the club. The Gabon international’s current contract is almost up, meaning unless a sale is finalised quickly, Arsenal could see their star player leave the Emirates next summer for nothing.With three clubs very interested in his signature, Mikel Arteta and co have options in Real Madrid, Barcelona and Chelsea. But while a move for Aubameyang may be easy, finding a replacement will be much trickier.However, according to Sport (via Metro), Barca are looking to offload Ousmane Dembele, with Liverpool and Arsenal reportedly interested. Football FanCast has delved into why the Frenchman could be an ideal signing for the Gunners.

Proven in Front of Goal

Although Dembele has only featured nine times for Barcelona this season, his previous years do all the talking. Last campaign, the 22-year-old netted 14 goals and assisted nine from either a left or right-wing position. He had less playing time in the previous season but still tallied four goals and nine assists.

But his season with Dortmund is arguably his most impressive. Dembele earned himself an impressive ten goals and 21 assists in the 2016/17 term, finishing the third highest assister in the Bundesliga with 13. Ten of those assists were to tee up former teammate Aubameyang (via WhoScored).

During his time in Germany, the then-teenager was praised for his keen eye and ability to put goals on a plate for his teammates. His partnership with Aubameyang made them the most clinical duo in terms of assist-to-goal combinations across the top five European leagues.

Lacazette Links

With the club unlikely to let both their senior strikers leave, the 28-year-old could flourish working alongside fellow native Dembele. The winger would be perfect for creating chances into the box. Lacazette – who will more than likely become Arsenal’s focus man up front – will need a pacy teammate with the vision to help create goalscoring opportunities.

As demonstrated with Aubameyang, Dembele is able to create golden chances whilst also netting them with ease himself. Although his creativity is a huge threat, his most desirable asset is arguably his versatility. Able to play across any of the three attacking positions, the 22-year-old’s ability to adapt will help cater to Arsenal’s squad against tougher opponents.

Teamed up with fellow versatile forward Eddie Nketiah, who can also play in any front three position, the two could be deadly in dominating the wide spaces.ÂLacazette could also find himself operating in the No.9 role in every game, supported by the two young wingers. That will certainly be a welcome thought after spending the majority of this season on the bench.

Potential to Grow

Barcelona have made their stance on Dembele clear and are looking to offload him in the next transfer window. The Frenchman is open to a move elsewhere and has revealed he is interested in joining the Premier League.

With Arteta giving chances to young talent such as Nketiah and Gabriel Martinelli, Dembele could see himself become a regular starter and eventual ever-present figure in this Arsenal side. The winger has proved he can adapt to new challenges after previously playing in Ligue 1, the Bundesliga and La Liga – it makes sense for an ambitious player to take on a move to the Premier League while he’s still young.

Barcelona haven’t announced Dembele’s price but are reportedly wanting to make back as much of the original £135.5million as they can. His price tag may be steep but his current Transfermarkt value is just £50.4m at the moment.

Arsenal should view the Frenchman as an investment to their current project and someone who should almost definitely be able to get them results.

Despite the uncertainty about what will happen to the Championship season, Victor Orta and co will no doubt be drawing up plans for the summer transfer window at Leeds.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side currently occupy top spot in the league, so promotion to the Premier League is very much on the cards. But whilst big-money signings and high-profile names may be a major statement of intent from the Whites, they would do very well to turn their attentions to one of the hottest properties in European football: Adil Aouchiche.

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According to 90min, PSG are facing a battle to persuade Aouchiche to stay at the club, with his contract coming to an end this summer. However, it’s suggested that the European giants remain hopeful they can convince him to put pen to paper on a new deal, and that they are exploring the option of potentially sending him out on loan to get first-team football – and Leeds have been name-checked as one possible destination for the youngster.

The 17-year-old has already shown flashes of greatness, with his performances at the 2019 U17 European Championships the real highlight of his fledgling career. His incredible tally of nine goals in the tournament only matched that of France icon Michel Platini back in EURO 1984.

Predominantly a number ten, the teenager could provide some goals from that attacking midfield position, with French journalist Loic Tanzi saying: “Aouchiche is better when he plays behind the striker. He’s not very tall, but very quick, he understands the game and has the right timing when it comes to playing the final pass.”

Such has been his impressive performances, that The Athletic writer Jack Lang waxed lyrical about his talents, even claiming that he has “echoes of Zinedine Zidane”. Leeds have had their fair share of inspirational figures, not least in Eric Cantona all those years ago. Those kinds of players get fans on the edge of their seats, and exude a sense of brilliance.

Having someone like Aouchiche who can provide a touch of magic in the Premier League could be the difference to securing priceless wins when opposition defences look like they’re on top. It may only be on loan, but Orta must surely make this one of his summer priorities.

Loads of Sheffield United fans have reacted to a tweet from the club’s official Twitter account, as Friday marked 17 years to the day since Paul Peschisolido’s iconic goal against Nottingham Forest in the Division One play-offs.  

Whatever your opinions may be on the Canadian, it is fair to say Peschisolido scored plenty of stunning goals throughout his career, but it is his solo run that has supporters drooling on Twitter.

The Blades tweeted footage of his goal in the second leg of the playoff semi-final, an effort that gave the South Yorkshire outfit a narrow 3-2 lead. Taking a long ball from goalkeeper Paddy Kenny, ‘Pesch’ went on a “mazy run” and struck a low finish into the bottom corner of the net. Neil Warnock’s side went on to win the tie 4-3, and the striker’s heroic display certainly stole the show (Examiner).

Peschisolido scored 19 goals in 83 appearances for United, before leaving for Derby County on a free transfer all the way back in 2004.

Clearly, loads of fans still haven’t forgotten about the performance, as many raved over the “fantastic” video on social media. One fan even suggested he was “better than Messi on his day.”

Scroll through some of the glowing reactions down below…

United fans, what is your favourite memory at Bramall Lane? Let us know in the comments section!

Leeds United’s promotion push is set to get back on track this month after the English Football League announced that Championship action would return on June 20th.

It means Marcelo Bielsa’s side are merely nine games from a potential return to the big time after a 16-year absence. They sit seven points clear of the playoff positions and arguably have a favourable fixture list to contend with.

However, with matches set to be played behind-closed-doors, there’s a worry that supporters could rock up to Elland Road on the game that could clinch promotion, so might they have to play away from west Yorkshire?

Premier League front-runners Liverpool are facing a similar situation with some of their fixtures being deemed “high-risk”.

The Athletic’s Phil Hay has discussed the matter in a recent Q&A after one fan asked if it could be a possibility, he said:

“That’s something which needs to be discussed still Connor – and it will depend on the local authorities as much as anything. But it was telling in the statement tonight that they spoke about the June 20 date being subject to clubs receiving ‘receive clearance from their local authorities in order to stage matches at their home grounds.’ The EFL evidently wants the games to be played at the right venues.”

The reliable Whites reporter claimed that the local authorities – ie. the police – will need to give the club clearance to play each and every game that’s left to fulfil at Elland Road.

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It’s an unfortunate situation for those who have been waiting so many years for a glimmer of success at Leeds, but given the circumstances across the world let alone the country right now, it is a sacrifice that has to be made.

AND in other news, Noel Whelan reveals why Victor Orta has a difficult job at Leeds…

Leicester are preparing for their return to Premier League action as they look towards their match against Watford.

The Foxes are currently breathing down Manchester City’s necks as they push for a second place finish this season. As it stands, they are on 53 points after winning 16 games, drawing five and losing eight.

It seems the club are eager to get fans excited for their side’s return, and have posted photos to Instagram of their players in action. In a snap of Wilfred Ndidi and Caglar Soyuncu celebrating a goal, loads of Leicester fans have flocked to the comments and they can’t wait for their upcoming match.

/CBistTLKD5T/

The Foxes will travel to Vicarage Road to face Watford, who are fighting against the pull of the relegation zone. The Hornets are currently just one place above the bottom three, safe only by the benefits of goal difference.

Watford will see this as a must-win, but Leicester will be eager to get back to their scoring ways. Jamie Vardy currently leads the race for this season’s Golden Boot, on a total of 19 goals for the term, two ahead of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (via BBC Sport).

Will Leicester mark their return to Premier League action with a win over Watford? Let us know your score predictions in the comments below!