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Rasmus Hojlund: Man United loanee pinpoints key difference at Napoli

Manchester United loanee Rasmus Hojlund has had a relatively successful loan spell in Italy this season.

United career

The Dane struggled massively in a red shirt, scoring just 26 goals in 95 appearances for the Red Devils.

He joined the club in 2023 from Atalanta, but with the signing of Benjamin Sesko in the summer, it was decided he would be loaned out.

Hojlund has found a decent level of form in Italy for SSC Napoli, scoring 12 goals in all competitions for the Southern Italians.

He was poor at the weekend, however, as I Partenopei fell to a 1-2 defeat to Atalanta BC.

Thoughts on Naples

Hojlund gave an interview to Italian paper Il Mattino and is clearly happy with his choice to move to Italy.

Commenting on life in the Southern Italian city, he said, “I’m not in the centre, but I’m dying to explore the alleys and heart of Naples, but I know it won’t be easy to get around. I sense the incredible energy the city exudes.”

He continued, “I can feel it every moment – its vitality and personality are everywhere, not just at Maradona when we play. It’s an underestimated city, not even a little dangerous, despite so many rumours from afar.”

Streaky form

Much like the forward’s time at Old Trafford, his goals have come in clusters rather than being evenly spread out.

When discussing this, the 23-year-old stated, “I’m like ketchup. When the sauce doesn’t come out, you’re there, struggling to get it out, then suddenly it all comes out at once. It’s the same when you don’t score for a long time. It’s an incredible joy to score, but when the team and the coach believe in you, the goal is like a flower that has to bloom, it’s just a matter of time.”

Antonio Conte effect

Hojlund also had kind words for his current boss, Antonio Conte, and hinted that he now has a manager capable of getting the best out of him.

He claimed, “when I was in Bergamo, I was impatient; I wanted to get everything done quickly. I pressed constantly, as if I didn’t have a second chance. Now I manage my energy better; Conte guides me consistently. I always press hard because that’s what the coach asks of me, but I try to conserve my energy so I can use it at the right time.”

Finally, Hojlund claimed that his side’s Super Cup win at the turn of the year demonstrated that he made the right choice to go to Napoli in the summer.

Rasmus Hojlund stats vs Atalanta

Source: SofascoreFeatured image Marco M. Mantovani via Getty Images

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​https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/rasmus-hojlund-man-united-loanee-074000422.html 

Argentina fear Real Madrid are freezing out their emerging talent ahead of World Cup

What started as a promising chapter for Franco Mastantuono at Real Madrid is now turning into a period of uncertainty, and in Argentina, everyone is beginning to worry, reports Mundo Deportivo.

This is because the young midfielder’s role has changed sharply under Alvaro Arbeloa. 

Not long ago, he looked like one of the coach’s trusted options. Today, however, he is barely seeing the pitch. 

The concern is not just about club minutes; it is about timing. The Finalissima against Spain on March 27 and the World Cup in June are fast approaching. 

For a player hoping to be part of Argentina’s plans, rhythm and visibility are everything.

The drop has been sudden. Mastantuono featured heavily in Arbeloa’s first matches in charge. 

In fact, during the first six games under the new manager, he started five times. 

He even managed to score and consistently played more than 70 minutes per match. At that stage, it seemed he had found stability inside a competitive Real Madrid midfield.

Then something shifted.

A sudden change

Franco Mastantuono has fallen out of favour. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)

Since the Rayo Vallecano game, his presence has faded. 

Notably, he came on in the 82nd minute against Valencia and did not play against Real Sociedad, Benfica in the Champions League, or Osasuna on the last matchday.

That’s just 13 minutes in four games. For a player who was recently starting regularly, that statistic alone explains the anxiety building back home.

In Argentina, this is being viewed as more than a simple rotation. There is a feeling that Mastantuono has slipped down the internal hierarchy at the worst possible moment. 

Understandably, Real Madrid’s packed schedule would normally open doors for squad players. Instead, his path has narrowed.

As reported by the outlet, River Plate icon Norberto Alonso offered a brutally honest assessment of the situation. He said, 

“They’re killing him. Do you know why? I think that kid is going to end up in a lower-level team. 

“Then, maybe he’ll come back to Real, but first he has to prove that he’s ready for Real.” 

Those words may sound harsh, but they show a deeper fear. At Real Madrid, patience is limited. Young talents either adapt quickly or risk being loaned out to rebuild confidence and continuity.

​https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/argentina-fear-real-madrid-freezing-074000678.html 

Bernal, Fermin react after Barcelona’s convincing win over Levante: ‘We’ve corrected our mistakes’

Barcelona needed a strong reaction after back-to-back defeats, and two of their young midfielders delivered when it mattered most. 

The 3-0 win over Levante at Spotify Camp Nou was not just about reclaiming control in La Liga; it was also about the rise of Marc Bernal and the growing impact of Fermin Lopez.

As such, Bernal has now scored in Barça’s last two home matches, as he sealed the 3-0 victory against Mallorca. Against Levante, he once again made his mark by opening the scoring.

Reflecting on the match

Speaking after the match, Bernal admitted the early moments were tense before his goal settled the team. 

“They had a chance in the first minute, but my goal came and gave us some breathing space. I’m very happy with the victory and for being able to help with a goal,” he said.

The young midfielder also shared an emotional side after scoring again at Camp Nou. 

“I thought a lot about my father’s goal and my physio, who told me I would score. All goals are special. 

“Could Pedri’s return take minutes away from me? This is Barça, the competition is very high and we all have to always strive for the highest level.”

Fermin’s analysis

Fermin Lopez scored a fantastic goal. (Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images)

Fermin also made a strong statement. Although he started on the bench, the 22-year-old attacking midfielder came on and scored the third goal with a precise left-footed strike from the edge of the box.

Explaining the moment, he said, “We were controlling the game better in the second half. I saw the gap, and it turned out to be a good goal. 

“I can shoot with both feet, I train a lot, and when I can, I try it.”

Fermin then revealed how he developed his weaker foot. “When I was little, I couldn’t reach because I was so small! My coach insisted a lot during my loan spell at Linares. 

“Alberto, who is now at Albacete, told me to try with both legs, and I’ve been working on it. Before, I was a bit hasty. I was in too much of a hurry.“ 

When asked about his preferred position, he didn’t hesitate: “I prefer to play as an attacking midfielder, but I’ll play wherever the coach puts me.”

Reflecting on the team’s response after two losses, he added, 

“We were in a bad run with those two defeats, we were self-critical, and we played a great game. 

“Improve? We give our opponents too many chances. We’ve corrected that because it’s not just a matter of defence, but also of those up front not pressing well,” he concluded.

Source: Mundo Deportivo

​https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/bernal-fermin-react-barcelona-convincing-074000583.html 

Ruben Loftus-Cheek has made 71 appearances for AC Milan since joining from Chelsea in 2023 [Getty Images]

England midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek was carried off on a stretcher with a head injury during AC Milan’s 1-0 defeat by Parma.

He collided with Parma goalkeeper Edoardo Corvi when challenging for a cross early in the Serie A game at the San Siro on Sunday.

Loftus-Cheek’s head and neck were put in a brace before he was taken off.

Sky Italia reported that he broke his jaw and several teeth.

A significant injury could affect Loftus-Cheek’s chances of making England’s squad for the World Cup, which starts in June.

He made his first England appearance in seven years when he came on as a substitute against Wales in October, having been recalled by manager Thomas Tuchel.

Milan are second in the table, 10 points behind rivals Inter Milan, who beat Lecce 2-0 on Saturday to claim their seventh successive league win.

Mariano Troilo scored the winner for Parma in the 80th minute to leave them 12th in the table.

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​https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/loftus-cheek-carried-off-collision-073617455.html 

Liverpool prepare emotional goodbye for star after 11 years

Joe Gomez to leave Liverpool?

Caughtoffside reports that Joe Gomez is looking very likely to leave Liverpool this summer. It’s not completely certain at this point but preparations are being made in that direction.

Gomez has been at Liverpool since 2015, pre-dating Jurgen Klopp’s appointment. It means he’s the only member of the squad to have played under three different head coaches for the Reds.

And what a career he’s had. Gomez has won everything with Liverpool and was a starting centre-back in 2019/20 when the Reds stormed to their first league title in 30 years. Only injuries interrupted his incredible form.

That’s been the story of Gomez at Liverpool, unfortunately. The talent was always there, the drive was always there, and there’s no question he’s fit into the various teams over the years.

But some truly awful injuries always robbed him of momentum, leading to long, drawn-out rehabilitation processes. That’s really all that’s prevented Gomez from holding down a place as a starting Liverpool player.

And with the Reds investing in younger centre-backs right now, it does feel as though he’ll have to head elsewhere if he’s to ever have that regular starting place. It seems Liverpool certainly believe that.

So add this one to the list of difficult goodbyes.

​https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/liverpool-prepare-emotional-goodbye-star-073500242.html 

(Video) What Liverpool fans chanted about Slot after full-time as tables turned on their hosts

The Liverpool fans in attendance at the City Ground on Sunday made their feelings about Arne Slot quite clear while also turning the tables on their hosts.

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For much of yesterday’s game against Nottingham Forest, the Reds looked a million miles away from the Premier League champions that they still are, turning in a first-half performance which was horrendous even by this season’s standards.

Then came the drama of two Alexis Mac Allister goals in the closing minutes – one wrongly ruled out for an incredibly harsh handball decision, the other given after semi-automated technology deemed Virgil van Dijk to be onside by the merest of margins in the lead-up to the eventual winner.

Liverpool fans serenade Slot and taunt Forest at full-time

For Slot, finally getting one over on the Garibaldi at the fourth time of asking as Liverpool head coach must’ve been especially sweet, not least because of the heckling he endured in song throughout the afternoon.

As early as the third minute, many Forest supporters launched into a rendition of ‘We’re in your head, in your head, Arne’ to the tune of ‘Zombie’ by The Cranberries, which was also heard for a large portion of their 3-0 win at Anfield earlier this season.

As the Reds’ players and coaching staff proceeded towards the away end after the final whistle and the dramatic conclusion to the game, the travelling Kopites turned the chant back on their hosts as they bellowed: ‘He’s in your head, in your head, Arne’.

(Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

A hugely cathartic win for Slot as Forest ghosts finally laid to rest

Both Slot and Mac Allister were honest enough afterwards to admit that Liverpool were abject in the first half, with the head coach acknowleding that a draw would’ve been a fair result on the balance of play.

It’s yet another Reds match this season with a decisive late goal, but whereas the past several instances saw those go against the champions, yesterday was a reversion to the start of the campaign when we made a habit of striking at the death to secure three points.

After Chelsea were held to a draw on Saturday, and with Manchester United not playing until tonight, the game at the City Ground was the perfect opportunity for LFC to (overnight at least) go level on points with both teams.

It looked for all the world as though that chance would be left behind, especially after the controversial cancellation of Mac Allister’s first goal, but Liverpool summoned the kind of spirit which has been lacking all too often this season.

The defeat to Forest at Anfield three months ago was the lowest point of the Premier League campaign for Slot, who at the time was having to contend with intense scrutiny over his job amid a dreadful run of form for the Reds.

Even despite his team’s largely poor performance on Sunday, the sense of satisfaction for the 47-year-old on the way back to Liverpool must’ve been immense after finally laying the ghost of the club who’ve arguably inflicted more pain on him than any other in his reign at LFC.

You can view the Liverpool fans’ chant for Slot below, via @TheAnfieldWrap on X:

​https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/video-liverpool-fans-chanted-slot-073500890.html 

Head coach Andy Farrell says the potential in his current Ireland squad is “huge” after Saturday’s historic Six Nations win over England at Allianz Stadium.

Ireland scored five tries in a record 42-21 away win against their oldest rivals which reignited their title ambitions and offered an emphatic response to recent criticism.

After November defeats by New Zealand and South Africa, Ireland opened the Six Nations with a humbling 36-14 loss to France, but after beating Italy in Dublin, they tore through England with a statement performance.

“I think the strength of any team should be stronger than any individual’s belief of what they think they can get to,” said Farrell.

“That’s what a proper team is. So therefore, the potential in the squad is huge. I believe that.

“And you guys can say it’s ageing, or we’re missing people and they’re injured and all that type of stuff, but that doesn’t matter neither as long as we’re pushing forward and doing ourselves proud.”

‘Ireland show they’re far from done with record-breaking win’‘Special day’ – Farrell revels in record Irish winThe Ireland Rugby Social – Post-match reaction

When it was put to Farrell that he endured some tough days over the past year before the England game, he used the CVs of Ireland legends Brian O’Driscoll, Johnny Sexton and Paul O’Connell as a reminder of why expectations should be managed.

“I was thinking this morning, probably the three most respected players that I know in Irish rugby, probably Johnny Sexton, Drico or Paulie…I think Drico played for 15 years and won two (Six Nations titles). I think Paulie played for 14 years and won three. Johnny played for 13 years in this competition and won four.

“So have a look at all the ones that they’ve not won. It’s because the group is always transitioning and learning.

“And, honestly, that’s why genuinely I didn’t care whether we won or lost, whether we just grew as a group. Because we know what we’re trying to get to as a group.

“And it doesn’t always translate, because people have to feel the ups and downs of international rugby to learn and grow from it, so that’s the best part of it today.”

Andy Farrell and his coaches roared every Ireland try during Saturday’s stunning win at Allianz Stadium [Getty Images]Five talking points from round three of Six Nations

Farrell was also pleased with how his more seasoned Test players stepped up after questions over their form as they supplemented headline-stealing displays from Stuart McCloskey and Rob Baloucoune.

“Caelan [Doris] was back to his best, Joe McCarthy was outstanding,” observed Farrell, who also praised player of the match Jamison Gibson-Park.

“Josh [van der Flier] was immense in that first half, wasn’t he? You know, with his line running and stuff like that.

“They know they’ve a responsibility. We said before the game, big-game players turn up and make big-team performances happen.

“They set great examples, but for the lads that I just mentioned, for Rob Baloucoune to come here and do that, you know you’re on for a good day when he’s got a poach, a turnover ball…just his belief to take people on, and for Stu to dominate at this type of level, it was a joy to see.”

With McCloskey and Baloucoune establishing themselves in the Test arena, experienced players recapturing their form and the likes of Mack Hansen, Hugo Keenan and Andrew Porter still to return from injury, Farrell’s squad suddenly seems in good shape 18 months out from the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

“That’s the point. That’s the best part of it,” he said.

“We know that and we have to take a bit of stick along the way. I suppose a win like this gets people a little bit back on board.

“As long as we know where we’re going.”

Ireland host winless Wales on 6 March (20:10 GMT) before finishing the campaign against fellow Triple Crown chasers Scotland in Dublin on 14 March (14:10).

​https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/ireland-potential-huge-record-win-073447070.html 

LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 22: Former Tottenham Hotspur player Dele Alli on the pitch at half-time during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on February 22, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Well yesterday’s matched sucked.

There were so many comments in the hoddle that I don’t feel it’s worth adding my quiet voice to such a booming chorus.

We shouldn’t let that drown out the reception Dele got during halftime, though.

I’m not sure if any of us watching the game were able to watch his halftime address or presentation (they certainly didn’t show it on Telemundo), so we have to rely on social media and some Tottenham journos to do the check for us. Here’s Alasdair Gold:

“I hope you’ve missed me as much as I’ve missed you.”

I have, Dele, I have.

And here’s Matt Law, who believes that Dele’s speech showed he hasn’t quite given up yet on his professional football career:

Dele is 29 years old now? Can you believe that.

It’s been a long time Dele’s made a professional appearance. Como gave him a chance early last year on an 18-month contract, where he made just one appearance before he was released in September. There are no indications he’s anywhere near joining another club, but I hope he finds a new home soon where he can jump-start his career.

His appearance on Sunday makes two recent iconic players making half-time appearances at Tottenham Hotspur home matches lately, with the other being Jan Vertonghen. It’s a shame they had to be such ugly affairs.

And the the timing couldn’t be any worse. While I love these players so much, it makes it hurt even more knowing that era is gone while Spurs remain dangerously close to relegation.

Fitzie’s track of the day: Peggy’s Blue Skylight, by Charles Mingus

And now for your links:

BBC: “’They were attacking from every angle in the end’ – why Spurs couldn’t keep Arsenal out”

The Independent: “Arsenal’s derby dominance jolts their title bid to life – and makes Tottenham’s relegation danger feel very real”

The Athletic ($$): “Tottenham 1 Arsenal 4 – Gyokeres and Eze spare Rice’s blushes to get title charge back on track”

Alasdair Gold: “Every word Igor Tudor said on what he told Tottenham stars after Arsenal defeat with two set to return”

Matt Law: “Tottenham’s plight is the result of years of transfer mismanagement”

The Standard: “Igor Tudor fires Tottenham players warning amid Arsenal verdict after north London derby defeat”

ESPN: “Arteta says ‘ashamed’ Arsenal showed grit in Tottenham win”

​https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/hoddle-coffee-tottenham-hotspur-news-073000886.html 

Chelsea are not “a nasty team” – Blues “inexperience” called into question by pundit

Chelsea’s ‘inexperience’ has once again been called into question this weekend after they dropped more points against Burnley.

It was the second relegation battling team that Chelsea had dropped points to in a row now, drawing 2-2 with Leeds United in their last league game, then drawing 1-1 against Burnley on Saturday afternoon. In both games, Chelsea threw away a lead.

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The game couldn’t have started much better for Chelsea. After just 4 minutes, a rapid move saw Moises Caicedo pick out Pedro Neto’s clever run with a superb through ball.

The Portuguese winger whipped a low cross in for the in form Joao Pedro, who bundled the ball in. The crowd were roaring, and everyone expected a comfortable win with some nice football along the way. But it didn’t work out that way.

Chelsea threw it away late on

Andrey Santos looks disappointed. (Photo by Jasper Wax/Getty Images)

Burnley started to find their feet in the game and after Wesley Fofana got sent off around 70 minutes for his second yellow card offence, it looked inevitable that the away side would find the equaliser – which they did in stoppage time.

Chelsea’s lack of discipline has been spoken about a lot, and pundit Owen Hargreaves believes he has a theory on why it’s happening.

Hargreaves puts it down to inexperience

Hargreaves said: “You know what, Chelsea are not even a nasty team, some teams back in the day were properly nasty, got nasty red cards, they’re all quite silly red cards the ones they have got.

“I think it’s inexperience. Again, it goes back to recruitment. They spent so much money on this squad, they’ve got some brilliant attacking players.

“The centre-back position and the goalkeeper they need to address, you need experience in there. You think they had Thiago Silva, one of the best and they just let him go for free.

“They’ve got all these talented young players, but I don’t think having just young players in the centre-back position is the right decision.”

​https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/chelsea-not-nasty-team-blues-073000426.html