Few could have predicted that Joelinton, the man written off as a £40million flop, would become a cult hero at Newcastle.
His two first half goals at Carrow Road, on what was his 100th Premier League appearance, and a Bruno Guimaraes strike moved the Magpies up to ninth and Norwich ever closer to relegation.
The Brazilian was serenaded by the travelling Newcastle fans at full-time, who had unveiled a banner before kick-off to mark his 100th top flight game.
Joelinton has reinvented himself under Howe. The 25-year-old was signed as a big-money striker in 2019. Goals were expected, but they did not come. He managed just four in his first season and two in the following campaign. But he has thrived in a deeper role under Howe.
On Saturday, however, he started up front as Chris Wood and Miguel Almiron were rested. But it was a tactical switch on the half hour mark, which saw Joelinton move to the left wing, that brought about his two quick-fire goals before half-time.
The game was over by the 49th minute when Guimaraes pounced on Tim Krul’s weak pass to Kenny McLean before brilliantly chipping the ball over the Norwich goalkeeper.
For Norwich, the Championship beckons. They had chances to open the scoring before Joelinton’s brace. First, Kieran Dowell volleyed over from close range after meeting Mathias Normann’s floated pass.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has insisted that “nothing changes” in the Premier League title race with Liverpool after their win over Watford.
The Reds are now four points behind City in the race for the title after Guardiola’s outfit claimed a 5-1 victory over Watford at the Etihad Stadium. Liverpool will look to reduce the deficit on Sunday when they take on Everton in the Merseyside derby at Anfield.
Jurgen Klopp’s side had moved above City after they beat Manchester United 4-0 in midweek. However, a day later the defending champions beat Brighton to move themselves back to the top and have now extended their lead following their win against the Hornets.
With City now having five league matches left to play, Guardiola was asked about the title race with Liverpool. But when giving his answer, the Spaniard was quick to reiterate his previous message of his side needing to win every remaining match to beat the Reds to the title.
“Nothing changes,” Guardiola told Sky Sports, when asked about the title race. “When we won against Brighton we were two points behind [before the game], now we’re four in front.
“Brighton was a ‘final’. We had another ‘final’ today and we won it. Now we have an opportunity to play a ‘final’ against Leeds.
“Nothing changes. We have to win all five games to be champions.”
Manchester United’s top four hopes are all-but over after they suffered their second defeat of the week to leave them six points off the pace.
Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand(Image: BT Sport)
Rio Ferdinand believes Manchester United have got worse under Ralf Rangnick after writing off their top four hopes following the defeat to Arsenal.
United suffered their second loss of the week on the road as they fell to a 3-1 defeat at the Emirates Stadium. Goals from Nuno Tavares and Granit Xhaka either side of Bukayo Saka’s first-half penalty did the damage, with Cristiano Ronaldo getting on the scoresheet for the visitors.
The result leaves the Reds six points off fourth with just four games remaining, while Arsenal and Spurs still have a game in hand on them. United now find themselves in a battle just to secure a European spot, with West Ham and Wolves still within touching distance of them.
Watching the game for BT Sport, former defender Ferdinand declared United’s Champions League hopes all-but over for next season. And he was less-than complimentary about the job done by Rangnick since arriving as interim manager.
“First of all, credit to Arsenal,” Ferdinand said. “They got the job done, by no means a top performance today but they got what is needed at this point of the season, and that is three points.
“Manchester United, they had an opportunity to get back in this game, they had chances, obviously the penalty. They were there for the taking Arsenal, but Manchester United did not smell blood and big moments like those they need to learn to take. Being brutally honest, (Ralf) Rangnick has come in and it has got worse.”
Asked about the race for fourth, Ferdinand added: “Yeah, that is it for the top four. Manchester United have absolutely no chance, it’s done.”
Tuesday’s 5-0 defeat in front of a record crowd at Windsor Park led to eye-raising comments from the hosts’ coach
Northern Ireland women’s national team boss Kenny Shiels has apologised for his comments suggesting that female players struggle with an “emotional imbalance” compared to their male counterparts.
Shiels’ side was thrashed 5-0 by England in front of a record crowd at Windsor Park, sparking controversial comments from their coach that suggested their lack of composure came down to their gender.
Shiels’ words have been widely condemned in the subsequent period and now the ex-Kilmarnock and Derry City boss has expressed his regret over what he said.
What has been said? “I wish to apologise for my comments made in the post-match press conference last night. I am sorry for the offence that they have caused,” Shiels said on Wednesday.
“Last night was a special occasion for the women’s game in Northern Ireland and I am proud to manage a group of players who are role models for so many girls, and boys, across the country.
“I am an advocate for the women’s game and passionate about developing opportunities for women and girls to flourish.”What happened? Shiels’ controversial words came in the wake of a humiliating defeat for his side in front of a record crowd in Belfast, as the Lionesses put their neighbours to the sword in a five-goal thrashing.
His analysis was met with an immediate backlash across the game, with former Arsenal and England star Ian Wright brandishing him as “foolish” for bringing gender into the conversation.
Former Arsenal and Northern Ireland goalkeeper Emma Byrne also slammed the comments, telling Off the Ball: “I’d be surprised if he is the manager for the next game to be honest.
“You can’t discriminate like that, it’s the one thing you don’t need in women’s football when it’s on the momentum, the trajectory (it is).”
Northern Ireland will face England again at this summer’s European Championship, with the pair drawn alongside Austria and Northern Ireland in the group stages.
The African nations are on Fifa’s black books following what has been termed as third party interference in internal matters of the respective Football Associations.
African football governing body Caf has set tough conditions for suspended Kenya and Zimbabwe ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals.
The two nations were barred from participating in any football competition following what the Zurich-based body claimed to be ‘third party interference’ in the running of the federations.
“Reference to the suspension of Zimbabwe and Kenya by Fifa from all football activities, in case the suspension is not lifted two weeks before their first matchday of their qualifiers; both associations will be considered as losers and eliminated from the competition,” a Caf letter, read.
“Consequently, their groups will be composed of three teams. The first and the runners-up from those groups will qualify for the final tournament.
“Consequently, the two teams [Kenya and Zimbabwe] cannot be drawn in the same group in order to avoid having one group with two teams in case suspension for both associations is not limited.”
Kenya faced Fifa’s wrath following the disbandment of the Football Kenya Federation’s national executive committee by the Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Amina Mohamed.
The government dissolved the FA’s top hierarchy following what it termed fiscal mismanagement by the Nick Mwendwa administration.
Consequently, Mwendwa was arraigned in court and ordered to stay away from the FKF office, not speak to the press, and distance himself from any football activities in the country.
The interim body appointed to assume the FKF’s functions will cease to exist as its six-month mandate is set to expire in May. One of the duties of the Aaron Ringera committee was to formulate a new path for new elections.
Mohamed has been categorical that they will only engage Fifa when they have ‘cleared the mess’ within FKF.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe was suspended after Zifa’s board, led by Felton Kamambo, was ejected from office by the Sports and Recreation Commission in November 2021.
Fifa wants an assurance from Kamambo that they are in charge of the Zifa building before the suspension slapped on the country is considered for lifting.
For the Afcon 2023 draw procedure, Kenya are in pot two while the Cosafa nation is in pot three.
From start to finish, the Blues’ work rate was sensational
Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea side are out of the Champions League despite defeating Real Madrid.
Mason Mount gave the Blues the lead early in the first half after his curling effort beat Thibaut Courtois.
The rest of the first half saw Chelsea in control. However, Antonio Rudiger’s long-range effort was the closest they came to testing Courtois.
Antonio Rudiger’s header gave the Blues a 2-0 lead early in the second half to level the tie on aggregate.
Timo Werner’s strike late into the second half gave the Blues the aggregate lead for the first time over the two legs. However, Rodrygo netted late on to level the tie and force extra time. In the first half of extra time, Vinicius’ cross found the head of Benzema who gave Madrid the aggregate lead.
The Blues will now turn their attention to Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final against Patrick Viera’s Crystal Palace.
Here is five things I learned from Wednesday’s defeat:
1) The importance of rebuilding for the future
Going into the summer, there are a few players who may leave on a free. At the top of the list is Andreas Christensen, who looks set to join Barcelona. With players going, it’s essential to think forward. It’s no secret that the Blues are after a defender. However, it could be a chance for some of the loan players to come back and impress Thomas Tuchel. Both Conor Gallagher and Armando Broja have impressed at Crystal Palace and Southampton respectively. Therefore, Tuchel will have to have one eye going into next season.
2) The front three have to start going forward
Against Southampton, Tuchel opted to start Kai Havertz, Timo Werner and Mason Mount up top. After their sensational performance last weekend, the trio started against Real Madrid. From the off, they were quick to test Madrid’s backline and put them under severe pressure. They were understanding of their roles, with Real struggling to get a real grip on the trio. Kai’s work off the ball was second to none, as was Mounts. As for Timo, his runs in behind caused the Spaniards some real issues. If Chelsea stands a chance of winning on Sunday, Tuchel has to start the trio for the third game in a row.
Mount’s recent step up in performances has been evident
3) Tuchel’s tactical switch deserves to be praised
During the first leg at Stamford Bridge, one thing was evident. Real’s midfield had all the time in the world to get both Karim Benzema and Vinicius Junior into the game. However, from the off in Madrid, Tuchel stuck an extra man in midfield to press Madrid’s midfield. Both Luka Modric and Toni Kroos barely had the chance to take control of proceedings due to Chelsea’s willingness to press quickly as soon as they lose possession of the ball. The Blues’ midfield of N’Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic and Ruben Loftus-Cheek all deserve credit.
4) Mason Mount’s recent form is refreshing
This season has been a bit hit and miss for Mason Mount. Many fans have criticised the midfielder in recent times. However, over the last few weeks, the midfielder has stepped up when the Blues faithful desepertely needed him. After a great performance last weekend, Mount’s display against Madrid was breathtaking. His overall game deserves to be praised. From the off, Mount was operating in behind both Werner and Havertz. With that being said, his off the ball work was noticeable. As soon as Chelsea were on the back foot, Mount was on hand to drop in midfield and provide numbers defensively.
Thomas Tuchel deserves praise for his tactical switch up.
5) Simple mistakes over the two legs have costed the side dear
At the Bridge, a mistake from Edouard Mendy gifted Karim Benzema his third of the game. In the second leg, an extra time mistake from Thiago Silva allowed Madrid Vinicius Junior to get in behind and set Benzema up for Real’s second. The attention now turns to the rest of the season. With the Blues desperate to qualify for next season’s Champions League, they’ll have to keep picking up results as both Arsenal and Tottenham are hot on Chelsea’s heels.
Villarreal’s Samuel Chukuweze celebrating his level at Bayern Munich
Samuel Chukwueze scored a late winner in the tie as Villarreal stunned Bayern Munich to reach the Champions League semi-finals for the first time in 16 years.
Unai Emery masterminded a 1-0 first-leg win in Spain, but a dominant Bayern looked seemingly in control once Robert Lewandowski broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute at the Allianz Arena.
But, with just his side’s second shot on target across both legs, Chukwueze levelled on the break in the 88th minute to give Villarreal the lead on aggregate – and earn them a historic victory against the six-time European champions.
They will face the winner of Liverpool versus Benfica in the last four, a contest Jurgen Klopp’s side currently lead 3-1 on aggregate.
Tottenham Hotspur duo Harry Kane (£12.5m) and Son Heung-min (£10.9m) are the standout captaincy candidates in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) Gameweek 32, ahead of their trip to Villa Park on Saturday evening.
However, given Everton’s underperformance under Frank Lampard, is there a case to be made for Bruno Fernandes (£11.6m) or Cristiano Ronaldo (£12.2m)?
And there may be other viable alternatives, too, including Mohamed Salah (£13.3m) and Bukayo Saka (£6.8m).
First, we will assess the fallout of the captain poll, before then analysing the best options, and the Premier Fantasy Tools ratings ahead of Friday’s deadline.
THE CAPTAIN POLL
Harry Kane is the leader of the captain poll in Gameweek 32 ahead of his visit to the Midlands, with 40.31% of total votes.
Team-mate Son Heung-min is in second place, backed by 16.73%.
Mohamed Salah occupies third place with 8.59%, followed by Bukayo Saka and Bruno Fernandes with 7.77% and 7.4% respectively.
HARRY KANE/SON HEUNG-MIN
Harry Kane wasn’t on the scoresheet in last weekend’s 5-1 win over Newcastle United but did provide an assist for Matt Doherty (£4.9m) which put Spurs in front early in the second half. He was also absolutely integral to their performance, which Antonio Conte alluded to following full-time.
After a slow start to the campaign, the England captain has now racked up 12 attacking returns in his last eight matches and has been involved in a whopping 18 Opta-defined ‘big chances’ (11 of his own, seven created for others) in that time. Whether popping up in the box to finish off moves or creating opportunities from deep, Kane seems to be heavily involved week-in, week-out these days.
As for Son, his attacking play over the last two games shows that whatever mini-slump he had is a thing of the past. The South Korean has five goals and one assist in his last six Premier League outings, and probably would have scored a hat-trick in Gameweek 31 with a little more composure. However, he has now reached 20 goal contributions in each of the last six Premier League seasons, while this campaign is shaping up to be his most productive yet.
At home, Son has scored nine goals in his last nine top-flight appearances, while his overall tally of 11 is the most of any player. On the road, however, there have been suggestions that he struggles. In terms of actual returns this season, it’s hard to dispute that theory, with just three of his 14 Premier League strikes arriving away from home, but when examining the key recent underlying numbers, there isn’t a huge disparity.
Chelsea were undone by Karim Benzema’s hat-trick at Stamford Bridge (Image: BT SPORT)
Karim Benzema opened the scoring when he met Vinicius Jr’s cross from the left with a stunning header. The French striker doubled the lead soon after with another fine header from a cross from Luka Modric. Kai Havertz pulled one back before half-time but an Edouard Mendy error allowed Benzema to score a third.
That is six goals in two Champions League games for Karim Benzema. Three against Paris Saint-German, three more last night. What a player he has turned out to be. After the many claims for Gareth Bale, and the emerging talent of Vinicius Junior, it is Benzema who has blossomed outside the shadow of Cristiano Ronaldo.
This was his 37th goal in 36 matches in 2021-22 and his 11th in the Champions League, a record for a French player.
Yet, leave the numbers aside, and this was simply a masterclass in the art of finishing and leading the line. Benzema frightened the life out of Chelsea’s back-line.
He crept up on them, he vanished into thin air and reappeared when they least expected it, he made them jittery and error-prone. His two first-half headers were fabulous, powerful and accurate in equal measure, and his third less than a minute after the second-half restart, ripped the heart out of Chelsea’s revival. They have a mountain to climb now.
For previous losses, Bayern Munich could count themselves unlucky due to refereeing decisions, individual mistakes and other general bad luck.
Not this time.
The team was thoroughly outclassed by Villarreal. From top to bottom. Their defense was on top of our attack. Their midfield dominated ours. Their attack made our defense sweat throughout. We simply did not do the same.
Julian Nagelsmann’s lineups need a rework As soon as the opening whistle went off, everyone was puzzled as to why Kingsley Coman is on the right while Serge Gnabry is on the left. Rightfully so. What was Julian Nagelsmann thinking doing this?
Even later on, the refusal to substitute off Alphonso Davies after an extremely poor showing was just madness. Nagelsmann still does not have a fixed lineup or even a general idea of who goes where. This needs to change pronto.
Alphonso Davies’ comeback was less than impressive Alphonso Davies was a pedestrian today. He was completely pocketed by Juan Foyth, not dribbling past him once, while on the other hand Foyth always managed to scrap his way past Davies. Foyth even outpaced Davies on occasion, which just should not be happening. The most disappointing part was that despite it not working the first half dozen times, Davies continued to try the same thing until the last ten minutes or so of the game, continuing to play the exact same way.
One positive: an excellently blocked shot when Giovani Lo Celso found himself with space to shoot inside the box near the middle of the game.
Robert Lewandowski was persona non grata Poor Robert Lewandowski. When he dropped deep to collect the ball, the defense decided to play it long. When he stayed near the last line, the ball just would not progress. He seemed cursed this game. Barely got a shot in. It is a fault of Nagelsmann’s system too as this simply does not happen to players like him. Whenever he got the ball he was super productive, always playing it extremely well with his usual heel flicks and final balls but his partners just could not do anything in the final third. A poor attacking performance, and it started with the tactics shackling Lewandowski.
Serge Gnabry is not Leroy Sané Serge Gnabry started on the left. An objectively horrible decision from Nagelsmann. The kind that makes every single fan shout at their screen. We would find out later on that Gnabry was being used in a Leroy Sané-esque role, dropping into the hole in midfield to collect the ball and progress while Davies provides width on his flank.
This did not work. Gnabry just is not the same player as Sané. Sané has a different presence altogether. His dribbling is way beyond what Gnabry is capable of, his passing vision is something else altogether, they have different preferred feet (Gnabry prefers his right, Sané prefers his left) causing weird passing angles that usually aren’t as difficult, Sané is much faster than Gnabry and tangentially, contributes a lot more to defending against counter-attacks: something that would prove an important quality against this very structured but pacey Villarreal front line.
Lack of midfield cohesion Tangentially related to the Gnabry issue was this. Gnabry provided less defensive and overall pressing prowess than Sané. On top of this, the midfield was less defensively astute and press-happy as Leon Goretzka was elected to be on the bench in favour of Jamal Musiala. This was not the correct decision, as Musiala simply did not give the same support Goretzka did when he came on later in the game. Kimmich pushed forward like he normally would with Goretzka in the team, but since Goretzka was not actually there, it resulted in no midfield presence behind Kimmich to cover for him as Musiala would always be in an advanced position looking for the killer ball. This left a gigantic gaping hole in the middle of the park which Dani Parejo and Étienne Capoue used to full effect, dominating the game. Nagelsmann seriously needs to re-think his tactics and how he sets up this team. We may win the second leg but we are in for a demolition against Liverpool if this is the level of tactics we are to expect from the team.
THE FOOTBALL HUB 