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Sunderland extended their unbeaten run in League One to 10 matches as they held Plymouth to a 0-0 draw away from home on Monday.

They had the chance to move above Steven Schumacher’s side with a win but failed to make the breakthrough in an attritional match as they played for the second time in four days.

Neither side came particularly close to scoring as both goalkeepers enjoyed relatively simple afternoons with both attacks failing to catch fire.

The result leaves Sunderland sixth in the table as it stands and six points off the automatic promotion places, with it now being almost mathematically impossible for them to finish in the top two.

Nathan Broadhead was the brightest spark in the final third for Alex Neil’s side. The Welshman, as per SofaScore, completed four of his six dribbles, won seven individual duels and managed one shot on target as he showed flashes of quality throughout the game.

However, his striking partner flopped badly against Plymouth. Ross Stewart continued his struggles in front of goal as he was unable to showcase his true ability in the match.

The £2.7k-per-week gem has now gone nine games without a goal from open play in League One and eight games without a goal by any means.

In possession, he failed to make the most of the opportunities that came his way. Elliot Embleton clipped a sublime ball over the top to him in the first-half and his poor control meant that the goalkeeper was able to take it off his feet before he could shoot.

As per SofaScore, he only had 27 touches of the ball – fewer than shot-stopper Anthony Patterson (36) – and he only completed 55% of his attempted passes. He was also unable to complete any dribbles and did not manage a single shot on target.

Off the ball, he was a lightweight for Sunderland. As per SofaScore, he lost seven of his eight duels (87.5%) and committed five fouls. This shows that he was outmuscled and outpaced out of possession as Plymouth’s defenders got the better of him in the majority of their battles, which meant that he did not provide a focal point at the top end of the pitch.

It was a disappointing display for the Scot and his form is beginning to falter at the worst possible time with games running out and the Black Cats chasing a play-off spot. Hopefully, he can get back to his best sooner rather than later…

AND in other news, Neil must avoid disaster on £1.4k-p/w “young Paul Gascoigne”, he’s SAFC’s biggest hope…

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Leeds United midfielder Carlton Palmer cannot see his old side getting relegated this season.

It has not been the best of starts to the campaign for Marcelo Bielsa’s men, who have taken just two points from their first four games.

They have struggled at the back, conceding five goals to Manchester United in a 5-1 defeat and three to Liverpool in their recent 3-0 loss over the weekend.

It is still early days, though, while Manchester United and Liverpool are capable of scoring multiple goals against anyone. Considering that and how weak some of the other teams in the Premier League are, Palmer is backing Leeds to avoid relegation this term.

“Bielsa plays one way. That’s the only way he knows how to play,” the ex-Leeds star told FFC. “You know, I think this is a very important season for Leeds United.

“The one thing they don’t want to do is be playing catch up, but I certainly don’t see Leeds getting relegated. I think there are three worse teams than Leeds in that league, but I do feel that it’s going to be a tougher season for them.”

Next up for Leeds is Newcastle United, who have also had their struggles in this early part of the campaign. The Magpies are currently in the relegation zone with one point, so Bielsa may feel that this could be a good opportunity to really get the ball rolling.

A number of Leeds United supporters have laid into Robin Koch’s first-half performance against Manchester United.

The White have started their Premier League season with a trip to Old Trafford, in the latest chapter in a long rivalry between the two clubs.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side are aiming to replicate last season’s performance, in which the Whites finished ninth in the table and impressed neutrals with their style of play.

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An entertaining opening 45 minutes saw the hosts have the better of the chances though, and Bruno Fernandes’ goal is the difference between the sides.

Bielsa has opted to play Koch in midfield, but it looks a decision that hasn’t paid off, with the centre-back struggling in an unfamiliar role.

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Leeds fans react to Koch display

These Leeds fans took to Twitter to lay into Koch’s display against United.

“Koch is a CB not a midfielder. Doesnt put the hard work in”

Credit: @IDWakefield

“Really not impressed with Klich/Rodrigo/Koch so far. Leeds have been awful in the middle”

Credit: @jackelderton

“Koch cannot play the Phillips role at all. Not good enough in possession or tackling.”

Credit: @FragMeh

“Koch is nowhere”

Credit: @JHHorton

“Koch over Phillips was a mistake”

Credit: @yungyeetgod420

“Koch caught flat-footed not tracking & the midfield’s absolutely all over the place”

Credit: @scott08067

In other news, Leeds are still reportedly interested in signing a player who shone at Euro 2020. Find out who it is here.

Football Insider pundit Alan Hutton has been having his say on Leigh Griffiths’ deadline day exit from Celtic Park.

The Lowdown: Dundee move

The Hoops were extremely busy in the final hours of the summer window, with three incomings and three outgoings going through.

One of those departures was Griffiths, who, after signing a new one-year deal at Parkhead earlier in the summer, left to join Dundee on loan.

Odsonne Edouard and Ryan Christie also left, while Georgios Giakoumakis, Filipe Jota and Cameron Carter-Vickers arrived at the club.

However, it was Griffiths’ departure that had former SPL right-back Hutton baffled.

The Latest: Hutton reacts

Hutton was talking to Football Insider about Griffiths’ move on deadline day.

The 36-year-old described it as ‘very interesting’ and backed the Celtic big earner to thrive at Dundee under James McPake.

“It’s interesting. I think the whole situation surrounding Leigh is very interesting.

“We know he had his issues last season. He has been in and out. He signs a new one-year deal and then is nowhere to be seen.

“What’s going on in the background? This boy needs to play football. When match fit and playing week in, week out, he will score you goals. It’s as simple as that.

“He’s a goalscorer but he wasn’t getting the opportunity at Celtic. Whatever the reason might be, we don’t know.

“It’s a club he knows well, he’s been at Dundee before, familiar surroundings. Obviously, James McPake, the manager, has got the confidence of him coming in and scoring goals.

“He needs to play football. He’s at an age now where he doesn’t want all this nonsense behind him affecting his game.

“He just wants to play and score goals. I think this is a move which can help him do that.”

The Verdict: The right decision

It was strange that the 31-year-old signed new terms under Ange Postecoglou and departed without kicking a competitive ball this season, but it is for the best.

Postecoglou has Kyogo Furuhashi, Albian Ajeti, Giakoumakis, Jota and Liel Abada as attacking options and appears to be building for the future with youngsters Karamoko Dembele and Mikey Johnston in the squad.

Griffiths obviously wasn’t in his plans going forward as he didn’t feature, so moving him on to Dundee was the right call.

You’d expect there’s every chance that we have seen Griffiths in a Celtic shirt for the final time with his deal up in the summer, but it will be interesting to see how he gets on at Dens Park.

In other news: Another Celtic summer signing, as well as Urhoghide, isn’t impressing under Ange, says Devlin.

Leeds United youngster Jack Jenkins has extended his stay with the Whites, signing a new deal that will keep him at Elland Road until 2024.

The Lowdown: Jenkins excites at Leeds

Kalvin Phillips may be Leeds’ undisputed main man in midfield for the first team, but Jenkins has similarly caught the eye for Under-23s.

The 19-year-old has made 24 appearances for the Whites’ youth team in total, including 22 in Premier League 2, registering five assists along the way.

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The Latest: Youngster rewarded with new deal

On Monday, Leeds’ official Twitter account confirmed that Jenkins had penned a new deal that will see him remain at the club until at least 2024.

The midfielder joins Whites duo Charlie Cresswell and Liam McCarron in agreeing new contracts.

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The Verdict: One for the future

It is important that Leeds build towards the future and Jenkins is someone who could become a key figure if his form at youth level translates to the senior game, highlighting the importance of tying him down.

Granted, he won’t necessarily be a first-team regular for a while – it may even be after Marcelo Bielsa eventually moves on – but long-term planning is essential.

Jenkins has one first-team appearance to his name, coming against Crawley Town in the FA Cup last season, and the hope is that it is the first of many.

In other news, Graham Smyth was disappointed with one Leeds player against West Ham. Find out who it is here.

Liverpool supporters face a nervous wait over midfielder Jordan Henderson’s future at Anfield, after a recent report from The Athletic’s James Pearce. 

Henderson has been with the Reds since 2011, and is contracted with Jurgen Klopp’s side until the summer of 2023. It remains to be seen as to whether he’ll commit his future to the club, but Liverpool are believed to have tabled a contract offer.

It is claimed that Henderson wants to remain an integral part of the Liverpool team moving forwards, which is understandable for a player who has captained the side for a number of seasons.

But James Pearce reports that Liverpool’s current contract offer to the former Sunderland midfielder suggests that he wouldn’t be that integral member of the team.

Henderson has made 392 appearances in total for Liverpool’s first-team, which includes 28 outings during the 2020/21 season, where the Reds finished third in the Premier League table after a an injury-hit campaign for Klopp’s men.

Henderson and his Liverpool team-mates are set to take on Norwich City in their opening match of the 2021/22 league campaign, in what could potentially be a tricky test against Daniel Farke’s side, who won promotion from the Championship last term.

Plenty of Liverpool supporters were quick to take to social media to react to this recent update on the club’s talks with Henderson over a new contract.

Take a look at the best of the reaction from the LFC Transfer Room Twitter page, who shared Pearce’s recent update on Henderson’s future.

Liverpool fans discuss Henderson

“I’m the biggest fan of Henderson on this bird app but there’s no way anyone would sanction this deal. There’s only one player in the history of football I’d do this for and it’d be for Messi.”

Credit: @RevivedDanny

“If a 33-year-old Jordan Henderson is ‘absolutely integral’ to a Liverpool team in 2023 and beyond, then something would have gone very, very wrong.”

Credit: @DMARTINEZ_85

“FSG Out.”

Credit: @Dj67776349

“Support the current regime in what they do based on business. But not seeing the impact of Hendo in two years actually has me worried they don’t know what they are doing.”

Credit: @CliveTRoberts

“We need to keep him. Captain and such an influence on the younger players.”

Credit: @jamiecharlesle7

“Being integral part is shown on the pitch, may be if he shows that beyond 2023 he will get a contract.”

Credit: @Sadio_Mane_10

“He should definitely stay this season to prove his point, I don’t think he’s leaving this summer.”

Credit: @passingmfer

“Will be hard to forgive the owners if they mess this one up after what happened with Gini.”

Credit: @MattHirsch08

Flocking to Twitter, many Liverpool fans slammed the performance of defender Neco Williams during their dramatic penalty shoot-out win over Leicester City in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.

Jurgen Klopp’s side continue their fight on all fronts despite fielding a very weakened team on Wednesday evening and finding themselves down and out at one point.

An early brace from Foxes striker Jamie Vardy gave the home side a mountain to climb before Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain pulled a goal back, but it wasn’t long before James Maddison restored Leicester’s two-goal first half cushion.

Fighting back from 3-1 down, Diogo Jota’s strike mid-way through the second half gave Liverpool hope before a dramatic 95th minute equaliser from Takumi Minamino made it 3-3.

Following no further drama in extra time, the match went to penalties as Klopp’s men eventually secured a very memorable shoot-out win on Merseyside.

Liverpool fans slam Williams…

During the contest, however, Reds supporters saw fit to criticise Williams for his display – and it’s not hard to see why going by his numbers.

The 20-year-old, losing possession a seismic 23 times, also won just 25% of his aerial duels and lost nine out of his 13 duels on the grass – all while finding just one out of his eight crosses from out wide (SofaScore).

Following a difficult evening, Liverpool supporters criticised the player’s display – find all of their verdicts from Twitter down below:

“It has been obvious since he debuted. Neco williams will never be good enough for Liverpool. a player who excels at nothing. needs to be sold immediately”

Credit: @AntonLFC9

“Neco Williams is actually bare slow”

Credit: @JoshC_LFC

“Neco Williams just isn’t good enough for Liverpool.”

Credit: @SrinzzzLFC

““Neco Williams is terrible at football.

Vardy’s 2nd goal came because he doesn’t know to to control a football.”

Credit: @LFCSlimbo

“Never understood any hype around Williams just because he had a decent game against Belarus. Every time he’s played for us he’s been poor.”

Credit: @Brad_LFC

“Honestly get williams off the wing he’s offered nothing going forward”

Credit: @myywrld999

“Neco Williams is just a short Wijnaldum on the wings!”

Credit: @sivaprakash78

In other news: ‘Ahhhh’, ‘Oh my days’, ‘On my knees’ – Many Liverpool fans erupt as FSG eye ‘perfect signing’, find out more here.

West Bromwich Albion have been in a ‘will they, won’t they?’ saga with the transfer rumours surrounding Dwight Gayle and there have now been further reports connecting the Championship goal machine back to the club yet again.

West Brom have been heavily linked to offer a return opportunity for Dwight Gayle to assist the side in gaining promotion back into the Premier League this season and now that the 32-year-old has reportedly been made available for loan, it’s time for Ismael to swoop in for the striker.

The last time the £40k-per-week player went on loan from Newcastle to West Bromwich Albion was the 2018/19 season in the Championship where he scored 24 goals and bagged eight assists for the Baggies, albeit not enough to get them promoted that term when they finished fourth, losing to Aston Villa in the playoffs.

Now the Magpies centre forward could be set for a return if Valerien Ismael can seal the deal to bring him back to the club in the winter transfer window, as it appears Newcastle have given the green light for him to depart for the rest of the season.

Gayle’s former teammate and West Brom defender, Kyle Bartley, was full of praise for the striker calling him a “proven goalscorer” when he was asked about him in an interview, hailing qualities that would make him a phenomenal addition at the Hawthorns.

“Dwight is a proven goalscorer and he is always going to get you goals and his work rate off the ball is also immense.”

Fans have been buzzing at the speculation of a return for the former Baggies player, with many taking to social media to express their desire to get him back in January.

One Albion fan tweeted; “Gayle HAS to be better than Hugill and Zahpoor so yes. Wages though…. Hmmmm.”

West Brom are desperate to add a prolific goal scorer to their side in January, as they attempt to climb the table into one of the two automatic promotion spots.

Gayle does have the experience and tenacity to handle the Championship, with a proven record of scoring important goals in the second tier for both the Baggies and Newcastle.

Ismael will be working closely with the board to ensure that the right players are brought into the club in January and West Brom can get a healthy run of form going with more goals being scored and better finishing in the side going forward into the second half of the season.

It’s evident that their former loan star would fit the bill. They’ve scored 21 goals fewer than league leaders Fulham this term so need all the additional help they can get if they want to seal promotion back to the promised land of the Premier League.

Although Gayle hasn’t exactly been on fire for the Toon, failing to score this campaign, his tally of 59 Championship goals is something for fans to get excited about.

They simply have to sign him, or a player of his proven calibre, in order to better their current league position.

In other news: Lai still wants to sell the Baggies

An insider from Tottenham Hotspur has now revealed that Oliver Skipp is the player particularly impressing Nuno in training.

The Lowdown: Showing authority

As cited by The Evening Standard, Skipp demanded a reaction from his more senior teammates while with the England Under 21s, as they threw away a two-goal lead against Slovenia a few days ago.

Despite being just 21 years of age, he has already established himself in the first team under Nuno Espirito Santo, playing in ten games in total over all competitions so far this season (Transfermarkt).

The Latest: Impressing in training

Speaking to Football Insider, Spurs insider John Wenham, who regularly breaks news about the North London club on his Lilywhite Rose social media channels, has now revealed that Skipp has been impressing in training, and does not think it will be too long until he forces himself into the England squad under Gareth Southgate:

“He showed excellent leadership skills.

“I’ve spoken about this before. There were reports of how he grew up while on loan at Norwich last season.

“He has also grown up over the summer and taken the leadership into training.

“He was demanding the ball from the senior players like Kane and Son, he’s no longer this academy kid.

“Skipp was right in there with Kane and Son. I don’t think it’s too long before he’s in the England squad. I think that will happen very soon.

“I rate him very, very highly. I don’t think it will be long before he’s pushing Kalvin Phillips out of the England side.”

The Verdict: Sky’s the limit

The sky is the limit for Skipp, and if he can keep impressing in training and getting more minutes on the pitch too, there is no doubt that Southgate will be highly considering bringing him into his next squad.

Of course, there is competition there with the likes of Declan Rice, Kalvin Phillips, Jordan Henderson and Jude Bellingham, but at 21, he has plenty of time still to develop and will likely make future Three Lions squads.

For now, he just needs to concentrate on using those leadership skills for the Lilywhites, and get them climbing back up the Premier League table.

In other news, find out which ‘devastating’ £49.5m-rated powerhouse Tottenham are eyeing for free here!

Leeds United have been watching Nottingham Forest star Brennan Johnson and could seek to bring him to Elland Road over the summer, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: Johnson’s fine season

Primarily an attacking midfielder, Johnson has shone in a breakthrough campaign at the City Ground, scoring 14 goals in 39 Championship games. The 20-year-old has also chipped in with seven assists, helping the Reds into a play-off position.

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Victor Orta recently confirmed that he tried to sign Johnson when the player was just 16 years of age, and it looks as if he is still on the Leeds chief’s radar ahead of Jesse Marsch’s first full season in charge at Elland Road.

The Latest: O’Rourke’s comments on Johnson

Talking to GiveMeSport, O’Rourke had this to say on Johnson and Leeds, claiming that the 20-year-old could be viewed as a replacement for Raphinha, who has been heavily linked with a move to Barcelona:

“I know Leeds scouts have been watching Johnson for a while, so I’m sure they might be thinking he could be a good addition to the team, especially if they lost someone like Raphinha.”

The Verdict: Sign him

Johnson has starred under Steve Cooper at the City Ground and, as it stands, he will be entering the final 12 months of his contract in the summer.

Should that stay the same and Forest fall short in their pursuit of promotion, then a move for the attacker could be a shrewd call by Leeds, especially with Raphinha in advanced talks over a move to the Nou Camp.

The Wales international has played everywhere in attack and midfield and boasts 28 goals already in his fledgling career; and with Leeds set to go back in for Brenden Aaronson, Marsch’s attacking ranks could be bolstered by the arrival of the two exciting youngsters.

In other news: Phil Hay has his say on ‘horrible’ Leeds ace who Marsch and Orta now want to offload