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After four straight Premier League defeats – three of them to Burnley, Bournemouth and Watford – Newcastle needed to stop the rot.

An impressive first few months of the season has suddenly given way of late, and Rafael Benitez’s side are now struggling to make sure their fluctuating form stops when the side are safely in midtable and not worrying about dropping into a relegation battle.

Tuesday night’s performance against West Bromwich Albion – who are struggling themselves – may be cause for a little bit of hope.

An away draw is always creditable for a newly-promoted side in the Premier League, and especially one like Newcastle who are still on a journey of progression. But when you do it from 2-0 down in the second half it’s even better. Against a managerless West Brom, it might not have been the best point the Magpies will ever attain, but it was the battling performance which shows the most promise.

Matt Ritchie – valued at £8.1m by transfermarkt.com – may well be the player Newcastle will look to most often for inspiration if they’re to get their season back on track over the festive period and have a safe and solid finish to the campaign. They won’t be able to dominate games, and although a strong and well-organised defence should be a given under a Rafael Benitez team, it’s the creative spark at the other end which will be vital.

Relying on Joselu, Dwight Gayle and Aleksandr Mitrovic for goals this season is not an ideal situation, but if they are to get the strikes needed to earn points this season, Newcastle will need Ritchie to be at his creative best.

In fact, his three key passes, three crosses and five shots show how useful he can be to his side’s attacking play, but it was his quality from set-pieces that made the difference. One sumptuous corner which invited Ciaran Clark to rise highest and nod in the first started the comeback, before his free-kick was later deflected into his own net by Jonny Evans to earn Newcastle a point.

Quality like that and the ability to win games from set-pieces could be vital to Newcastle’s success this season. It’s clear that they’ll be a well-organised unit for most of the season with Benitez at the helm, even if they’re currently on a run without a clean sheet, but it will be a spark at the other end they’ll need to make sure they pick up points.

Wayne Rooney’s return to the Everton starting XI for David Unsworth’s final game in charge was inarguably the caretaker manager’s greatest masterstroke of his entire time in charge.

Since his return to his boyhood club, however, Rooney has almost been rejuvenated. Almost: because maybe if Everton had signed a striker and started the season well, he’d have hit form with the rest of the team. Instead, none of the Toffees side have played as well as they can.

But against West Ham on Wednesday night, something changed. Perhaps it was the fact that a new manager had been appointed that did the trick. Thus, the holding-on period in between coaches was ended, allowing the Everton players the freedom to actually play football rather than keep their fingers firmly placed in the leaking dam as they’d been doing since Ronald Koeman’s departure. And Rooney took full advantage.

His three goals from four shots naturally stands out about his performance, and a spectacular goal from his own half will be replayed time and again for years. And yet, the goals were really only the icing on the cake of a performance which should be seen as a rollback to younger Rooney – something we thought he’d lost years ago.

His 78 touches of the ball saw him head and shoulders above any other Toffees player in that department as he got on the ball where he could and looked to run the game, even though he was subbed off with five minutes plus stoppage time to go. It was reminiscent of the Rooney of old, who went looking for the ball in order to make things happen himself.

Indeed, it was this all-round play which could be so important to Everton under Sam Allardyce for the rest of the season, helping his defence out with four clearances as well as his contribution up front.

And yet, Rooney didn’t play any key passes throughout the game. That shouldn’t be seen as a blot on his copy-book, though. Unlike some of the criticisms of the former Manchester United man when he was young, Rooney knew his role in the team wasn’t to try to do everything himself, and left the creative play to the likes of Gylfi Sigurdsson and Tom Davies.

It was a mature performance from Rooney which would deserve praise even if he hadn’t scored three goals including one from his own half. It was the Rooney of old who showed up against West Ham, not the old Rooney we’ve seen over the last couple of years: a throwback of a performance in front of David Moyes at Goodison Park.

And the former West Ham boss Sam Allardyce could well be rubbing his hands at the prospect of being able to call on a true great of the English game in a potential sparkling twilight of a rejuvenated career.

According to reports in the Daily Mail, Arsenal have launched one last effort to keep Mesut Ozil at the club just three weeks before he can sign a pre-contract agreement with a club from abroad.

What’s the word, then?

Well, the Germany international’s deal with the Gunners runs out next summer and with no new one agreed, the 29-year-old will be free to sign a pre-contract agreement with clubs outside of the Premier League in the January transfer window.

However, the Daily Mail says that Arsenal haven’t yet given up hope of persuading Ozil to stay, and they are willing to offer the playmaker a deal worth almost £300,000-a-week, which is what the player is looking for.

The Daily Mail says that if he does put pen to paper then he will be the highest earner in the north London outfit’s history, although the report adds that Manchester United and Barcelona are both watching developments closely.

How has Ozil performed this season?

It appeared as though the contract negotiations and uncertainty over his future had affected the 29-year-old in the early stages of the campaign as he failed to score a goal or provide an assist in his first six Premier League appearances.

However, the German has two goals and five assists in his previous seven top flight outings, which has seen Arsenal step up their bid to keep him at the Emirates Stadium.

Will he sign the new deal?

It’s difficult to say.

While Ozil wants a deal that matches his demands financially, the Germany international will also need to be convinced about the Gunners’ ambition and their desire and ability to win trophies, as he is at a stage of his career where that is perhaps becoming more important.

Arsenal already look to be out of the Premier League title race, and while they look to have a good chance of winning the Europa League it remains to be seen whether that is enough to make the 29-year-old stay – especially with one of their star players in Alexis Sanchez looking likely to go.

The chance to speak to Barcelona in January or join the club of his choice next summer may also be too tempting an opportunity for the attacking midfielder to ignore.

Leeds fans are furious with the latest update on Abel Hernandez, after reports claimed Leeds are “unsure” whether to go ahead with the move.

Marcelo Bielsa left Lazio in 2016 after just two days in charge because he hadn’t been granted any of his transfer targets at the start of July. Well, it’s July, and Leeds fans are getting understandably restless at the lack of transfer activity.

A striker has got to be top priority this summer, as the current Leeds squad simply don’t have the firepower to push for promotion this season.

Matej Vydra is the name on a lot of fans’ minds, but Hernandez is another who would be an upgrade on the current options at Elland Road.

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The pacey striker is a free agent after opting not to renew his contract at Hull, and with 11 goals in 27 Uruguay caps and more than a goal every three games for Hull it’s no surprise fans want to sign him.

He has been heavily linked with a switch to Elland Road all summer, but Phil Hay of the Yorkshire Evening Post reported on Wednesday that CKSA Moscow have made an offer for the 27 year-old, and Leeds are now hesitating over a deal.

Fans are annoyed at the news, and they’re particularly dreading the thought of missing out on both Hernandez and Vydra.

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You can find some of the best Twitter reactions down below…

The Rangers fans in the Transfer Tavern are hoping their club can land a striker this summer to spearhead the attack within Steven Gerrard’s new-look side next season, and recent reports suggest they are on the brink of doing just that.

The Breakdown

With Gerrard’s spending spree well underway it appears that the Rangers squad is set for something of an overhaul this summer, but he’s not finished yet according to the Scottish Sun. According to the report, Rangers are hoping to conclude deals for both Umar Sadiq and Lassana Coulibaly this week before they get their Europa League campaign underway on Thursday.

Both players will sign one year loan deals with the Gers, with the former signing from Roma after failing to break into the first-team with the Italian giants and during a short-term loan spell with Torino.

However, Sadiq enjoyed much greater success during his time at NAC Breda in the Dutch Eredivisie where he managed to notch 5 goals and provide 3 assists from just 6 starts – a record which bodes well for his career at Ibrox.

Despite boasting a commanding physical presence at 6ft 3in, Sadiq’s mobility is one of the most impressive aspects of his game considering his size.

With both dynamism and height to bring to the table, Sadiq looks a fine prospect to link-up with Alfredo Morelos next season at centre-forward, so Gerrard will certainly be hoping to conclude a deal as soon as possible.

Despite Morelos’ clear quality and potential to improve at just 22-years-old, Rangers cannot rely on the Colombian to single-handedly spearhead their effort to put an end to Celtic’s dominance in the SPFL.

Signing Sadiq certainly represents a step in the right direction even if he only arrives on a loan deal, as the 21-year-old has proven that he possesses the clinical instinct and the physical attributes to succeed with the Gers next season.

Rangers fans – thoughts? Let us know below!

According to The Nottingham Post, Forest boss Aitor Karanka has confirmed that signing a defensive midfielder is his priority before the end of the transfer window.

What’s the story?

The Post also reported that one of Karanka’s targets, ex-Burnley man Dean Marney, has been training with Aston Villa – although Steve Bruce’s side cannot make any signings while their financial problems continue.

Karanka has also targeted Jack Colback, who spent the second half of last season on loan from Newcastle at the City Ground and has been banished to the U23 squad by Magpies boss Rafa Benitez.

However, one man who Karanka signed while he was manager of Middlesbrough would top both of these and could be a driving force behind a Forest promotion push next season.

A reunion

Adam Clayton signed for Middlesbrough from Huddersfield under Karanka in 2014 and immediately formed a strong midfield partnership with Grant Leadbitter. Last season, with Karanka having been replaced by Garry Monk and then Tony Pulis, he was used less at the heart of the Boro midfield as they finished fifth and lost in the playoff semi-final to Villa.

Now valued at £2.7m by Transfermarkt, the 29-year-old should look link link-up again with his former boss.

Boro are hardly likely to want to strengthen a rival but if Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis was to sanction a big enough bid, Clayton could be the perfect solution to Karanka’s quandary. His industrious nature and fondness for a tackle would allow the creative attacking players that have signed this summer such as Diogo Goncalves to flourish.

The Manchester-born man would also prove to be a better signing than Marney or Colback as he has far more ability to get about the pitch and has a better eye for a pass.

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According to reports in Italian media outlet Corriere dello Sport, Chelsea are targeting a summer move for AC Milan centre-back Leonardo Bonucci, and their London rivals Tottenham Hotspur should be looking to hijack any move – especially if they sell Toby Alderweireld before August 9.

What’s the word, then?

Well, Corriere dello Sport report that the Blues, along with Paris Saint-Germain, are keen to sign the experienced 31-year-old, who is keen to leave the Rossoneri just a year after moving to the San Siro in a £35.1m deal from Juventus.

Corriere dello Sport say that PSG boss Thomas Tuchel wants to reunite Bonucci with recent signing Gianluigi Buffon again, while new Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri wants a trusted centre-back he knows well from his time managing in Italy.

Should Bonucci arrive at Stamford Bridge, he would be competing with the likes of Andreas Christensen, David Luiz, Gary Cahill, Antonio Rudiger, Cesar Azpilicueta and Kurt Zouma for a spot in the starting XI as things stand.

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Why should Tottenham hijack their move?

Well, firstly it seems as though there could be big interest in their Belgian defender Toby Alderweireld when their World Cup campaign ends following their third-place play-off match against England on Saturday, with Manchester United reported to be keen on the 29-year-old.

Should Spurs, who should also hijack another one of their London rivals’ bids to sign the most underrated centre-halves in the Premier League, get the money they want for him they will surely be looking for a new centre-back, and while Bonucci perhaps doesn’t fit their usual profile of signing given his age, he could be perfect for them right now.

He is an experienced defender who would guarantee performances right now, and perhaps that is what they need in their quest to try and win trophies now while they have players like Harry Kane and Christian Eriksen performing near the top of their abilities.

While he could cost big money, his presence at the heart of the defence could prove to be priceless, and it would be worth taking the risk on the 80-cap international.

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Mark Hughes is looking to bring in more signings at Southampton this summer having already added Jannik Vestergaard, Mohamed Elyounoussi, Angus Gunn and Stuart Armstrong to his squad.

However, before any more new arrivals, Hughes has confirmed he needs more players to follow Dusan Tadic, Guido Carrillo and Sofiane Boufal out of the exit door (via Sky Sports).

The Breakdown

According to Sky Sports, Mario Lemina could be one of those to leave St. Mary’s with West Ham said to be interested in the midfielder’s services as they look for a potential replacement for the outgoing Pedro Obiang.

Hughes, though, must do all he can to retain Lemina.

In £13.5m-rated (via Transfermarkt) Lemina, Southampton have a powerful midfielder who is strong in the middle of the park, can drive with the ball and spray passes all over the pitch.

The Gabon international — signed from Juventus last summer — was a bit of a coup for Southampton and would be hard to replace.

Midfield is probably the strongest area of the Saints’ squad with Hughes having the likes of Oriol Romeu, James Ward-Prowse and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg all at his disposal, but selling Lemina would set the team back massively.

The 24-year-old may not have been as consistent as Southampton fans would have liked, often only showing glimpses of his true quality.

But the former Juventus man certainly has the talent and should be kept at the club at all costs.

Leeds United have officially announced their signing of Patrick Bamford from Middlesbrough on a four year deal, for an undisclosed fee.

Leeds have been linked with numerous strikers throughout this summer, and it would be a surprise if Bamford was at the top of Marcelo Bielsa’s wish list back when the window opened.

However, the 24-year-old forward is the one they’ve got. The Elland Road faithful will be hopeful that he can show some prolific form for their team over the course of the upcoming Championship campaign.

Following the sensational arrival of Bielsa into the hot seat, big things are expected of Leeds this season, but if the club were ever going to make themselves genuine promotion contenders then the acquisition of a top striker was of paramount importance.

In signing Bamford though, the Whites look to have sealed their status as a second tier outfit for yet another year.

The Breakdown

Last season, for Boro, Bamford found the back of the net 11 times in 39 league appearances, and was only able to muster up a single assist.

Whilst those figures are hardly prolific, they do represent by far the greatest return he has achieved in recent seasons. The 2014/15 campaign is the only other instance in which Bamford has looked potent at this level.

Considering that Leeds had been heavily linked with the likes of Matej Vydra and Abel Hernandez this summer, the recruitment of Bamford leaves them with a striker who still has plenty to prove, and potentially feels like quite an underwhelming arrival.

If Leeds are to stand any chance of making a return to the top flight in the near future then they need Bamford to seriously up his game.

Everton have struggled thus far in pre-season so fans are hopeful in thinking their best form is being saved for the Premier League season, which kicks off in less than two weeks. 

After smashing ATV Irdning 22-0, despite the lower quality in opposition, teams would have been worried about the potential firepower Everton are possessed with. However now is a different story as Everton have since failed to win a single game, something that is a tad worrying as Marco Silva gears up towards his first few Premier League games in charge of Everton.

One of their current stars, Jordan Pickford, is a player that can immensely help out Marco Silva and the rest of the team.

On the back of his brilliance at the World Cup, the £31.5 million-rated shot-stopper is hot property and a wanted man. Jordan Pickford has become a national hero for his terrific performances as England reached the semi-finals of the World Cup, something few had predicted would happen.

Despite not being able to go all the way, Pickford was pivotal in helping England progress through the rounds, particularly in helping the Three Lions surpass the dreaded penalty shoot-out against Columbia, England’s first penalty win in their World Cup history.

After his heroics during the tournament, Everton have to further protect their goalkeeper with a number of teams now interested in a big-money move for the 24-year-old. Pickford played every single minute of Everton’s campaign last season, producing a number of eye-catching performances and saves in amongst his call-up to the England set-up.

The Toffees have been struggling in defence without him in pre-season and the sooner he returns in-between the sticks for Everton, the better.

Thoughts… Let us know!