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West Ham United continued their poor run of Premier League form away from the London Stadium on Sunday afternoon, with David Moyes’ side narrowly losing out 1-0 to Manchester United at Old Trafford.

However, much like the 1-0 loss to Liverpool at Anfield earlier this month, it was arguable that the Hammers deserved at least a point from the meeting with Erik ten Hag’s side – if not all three – with David De Gea making a series of world-class saves late on to deny the Irons a share of the spoils.

And, despite Sunday’s result making it five losses from seven games away from home in the league this season, there were nevertheless a number of eye-catching performances on display for the visitors, with Declan Rice typically running the show from the middle of the park and Saïd Benrahma again looking lively on the left wing.

However, while both Rice and Benrahma were impressive, it was arguably the performance of Kurt Zouma that will have most pleased Moyes on Sunday afternoon, as the centre-back was very much at his imperious best at Old Trafford.

Indeed, over the course of his 90 minutes on the pitch, the £26m-rated Frenchman was near faultless in a defensive capacity, making five clearances and winning one aerial duel – keeping Cristiano Ronaldo, Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes largely quiet in the first half.

And, after the interval, the £125k-per-week centre-back also proved to be one of the Hammers’ most dangerous players going forwards, launching a number of counter-attacks through his three long balls and 43 completed passes, as well as taking two shots at the United goal – most notably being denied a late headed equaliser by a sensational De Gea save.

These efforts saw the 55-touch “machine” earn a very respectable SofaScore match rating of 6.9, while football.london’s Jonty Colman awarded the 28-year-old an eight in his own player ratings – the best of any West Ham player on the day – with the journalist going on to state of the 11-cap international’s performance:

“Hardly put a foot wrong before half-time, making countless interceptions and winning anything that came at him aerially. Keen to start counters as often as possible and gained plenty of yards when getting forward. Was a great attacking threat late on and forced David De Gea into an excellent diving save with a header with just over five minutes remaining. Very impressive throughout.”

As such, while it is true that the Hammers ultimately left Old Trafford empty-handed, Zouma’s performance in the heart of defence will have greatly encouraged Moyes, while it is also likely that the France international’s display will have boosted his chances of securing a late spot in Didier Deschamps’ World Cup squad this winter.

The defender has been capped 11 times by his country but hasn’t been seen in the French set up now for nearly a year, suggesting that he will need to produce a few more performances like this in order to earn a place in the squad.

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery explained why he left out Emiliano Martinez and Marco Asensio from the matchday squad against Brentford.

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Emery provided an update on Martinez and Asensio's conditionThe duo missed the EPL clash against BrentfordVilla next face Club Brugge in Champions LeagueFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱AFPWHAT HAPPENED?

Martinez and Asensio failed to make the squad as Aston Villa edged out Brentford in a crucial Premier League clash on Saturday courtesy of Ollie Watkins' strike. The win helped the Villans climb up to the seventh position in the table. After the game, Emery explained why the duo were dropped from the team.

AdvertisementWHAT UNAI EMERY SAID

Speaking to reporters, the Spanish coach said: "They were yesterday…not feeling good. They had some muscle pain, not really so important because we tested them, but they weren’t available to play today. We decided to avoid risk with both. Hopefully they can recover for Wednesday."

Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Emery is prioritising their upcoming Champions League round of 16 second leg fixture against Club Brugge next week. Although the English side have a 3-1 lead from the first leg, the tie is far from being over as the Belgian club are capable of turning things around. Martinez will also be in action for Argentina later this month as the reigning world champions face Uruguay and Brazil in 2026 World Cup qualifying matches.

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR ASTON VILLA?

After their European fixture on Wednesday night, the Villans will enjoy a well-earned holiday due to the international break and will be back in action on March 30 as they take on Preston in a FA Cup quarter-final match.

Leeds United are ‘aware’ that Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie could become available in the January transfer window, according to transfer expert Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: McKennie linked with Leeds

The 24-year-old has struggled to become an integral figure at the Serie A club since joining from Schalke 04 two years ago, and it could be that he is allowed to leave in January.

Leeds have recently emerged as potential suitors for McKennie following a recent scouting mission, perhaps helped by the strong American contingent at Elland Road currently.

However, it seems that there could be a number of clubs keen on signing the midfielder if he does leave Turin, so it won’t be easy for the Whites to get their man.

The Latest: Leeds ‘aware’ of McKennie’s situation

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones claimed that Leeds are monitoring McKennie’s situation and could make a move for him in January.

The journalist said of the 24-year-old:

“Spurs have looked at him before. Chelsea and Leeds are both aware of the fact he could become available. So, I think it’s a case of wait and see.

“Obviously, with the World Cup to come too, we will have to see what his condition and his state of mind is off the back of that.”

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The Verdict: Ideal injection of quality

McKennie could be a brilliant prospective addition to Leeds’ squad, giving it an injection of quality and legs at an important point in the Premier League season.

Compatriots Tyler Adams and Brenden Aaronson have both become instant regulars under Jesse Marsch at Elland Road since joining in the summer, and there is no reason why the Juventus man couldn’t be a similarly impactful signing.

To have made 91 appearances for a club of Juve’s stature is no mean feat, and he has also been described as ‘the best American player playing in Europe’ by his manager Massimiliano Allegri, which speaks volumes for his talent.

West Bromwich Albion’s recent win over Blackpool saw a return to a flat back four, as Carlos Corberan masterminded just the club’s second win in 13 Championship games.

It also saw a whole host of fine performances, with Conor Townsend singled out for particular praise by SofaScore, who handed him a rating of 7.5, only bettered by the matchwinner Okay Yokuslu.

Labelled a “really productive and industrious player” by Chris Lepkowski, the ever-present 29-year-old – who recorded his 138th appearance for the club last night – has continued to impress this season despite the circumstances.

He is maintaining an average SofaScore rating of 6.84 and has featured in every league game so far.

Whilst something of a late bloomer, having waited until he was 25 to play in the Championship, the Hessle-born ace quickly became a mainstay for the Baggies.

It stood as proof that no matter where you come from or what you have been through if you are good enough the chances will come.

This message will certainly be relayed to Zac Ashworth, who is a talented full-back who will fancy his chances of one day displacing Townsend.

The forward-thinking 20-year-old has made just five senior appearances for West Brom to date, with two of those coming last season in the Championship.

Whilst he has just one goal in seven Premier League 2 appearances so far, last season his return of four assists marked just how creative he could be.

There is a marked similarity between the Wales youth international and former Baggies cult hero Liam Ridgewell, due to their tendency to attack from left-back.

Before Steve Clarke came into the Hawthorns, the 38-year-old had scored once and assisted another in just half a season, following up on an immensely impressive 11 assists during his time at Birmingham. He was poised to be a fine offensive threat, but the somewhat defensive football soon implemented thwarted his time in the Midlands.

However, with the arrival of Corberan, there are numerous positions that could see Ashworth implemented into the senior squad.

Boasting the ability to play in midfield and centre-back, he draws further similarities with Ridgewell who too featured in numerous positions across his career.

It is a testament to his growth that former boss Steve Bruce, who handed him those league appearances last season, claimed that he had come on “leaps and bounds” and was getting “bigger and stronger”.

With a clear eye for the offensive, and the progressive manager to likely unlock that in him, there is everything in place to ensure Ashworth can far surpass Ridgewell’s short but sweet legacy at West Brom.

Mikel Arteta saw his Arsenal side defeated by Brighton and Hove Albion in the Carabao Cup during midweek with a much-rotated starting XI.

The defeat probably won’t affect the Spaniard too much, with much greater prizes on offer this term, winning a first Premier League crown since 2004 being the priority, however, it was a chance to win a trophy and continue to build this newfound winning mentality at the club.

With a lack of bite in the centre of the pitch against Brighton, Arteta must unleash Granit Xhaka against Wolves this evening in a bid to bounce back to winning ways.

On the chalkboard

Xhaka has come in for some criticism during his spell at Arsenal but the midfielder has hit new heights this campaign.

Arteta has moulded the 30-year-old into a far more dynamic player than he has been in the past, adding more goals and assists to his game.

Indeed, in just 13 Premier League matches this season, Xhaka has registered three goals and three assists, which is the same number as his total league goal contributions over the previous two full seasons, proving that this transition to a more creative player has been a masterstroke by Arteta.

This hasn’t just led to more goals and assists, the Swiss international has also made 1.5 key passes per match while he has succeeded with 67% of his attempted dribbles, showing he has the added confidence to beat players with ease.

The Spaniard has dubbed the 30-year-old as “phenomenal” previously, while Gunners legend Ray Parlour has been particularly pleased with Arsenal’s start to the season, especially with Xhaka, saying he has been “absolutely brilliant this year” and if he continues his current form, the North London side will be in with a great shout to add a trophy or two come to the end of the campaign.

It may have taken six years, but Xhaka finally appears to be delivering for the club on a consistent basis and Arteta will hope he doesn’t come back from the World Cup fatigued, or even worse, injured.

Tottenham Hotspur are considering a move to sign Barcelona forward Memphis Depay in January, according to journalist Graeme Bailey.

The Lowdown: Squad depth needed

The Premier League side have recently been hampered by injuries to integral members of their frontline in the form of Dejan Kulusevski, Richarlison and now Son Heung-Min, highlighting their lack of options to play alongside Harry Kane.

The Dutchman was heavily linked with a move to N17 over the summer, and despite a deal failing to materialise before the deadline, Antonio Conte appears keen to take another bite at the cherry in the New Year.

The Latest: Spurs monitoring Depay

Taking to Twitter, Bailey revealed that Spurs are weighing up an approach for Depay, who is set to be available in the upcoming winter market.

He wrote: “Tottenham looking to strengthen two key positions in January transfer window. More attacking depth is wanted, one name they are considering is Memphis Depay – who [is] finally set to leave Barcelona in January.”

Expanding in an article for 90min, Sean Walsh stated that the Lilywhites will be ‘paying close attention’ to the 28-year-old at the World Cup, with a move to London ‘believed to appeal to him’ as he would be happy to return to the Premier League.

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The Verdict: Perfect for Conte

Whilst Depay has only made two league starts this season for Barcelona, he has previously been dubbed ‘outrageous’ by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, and being able to land him on a cut-price deal or free transfer is a no-brainer for Tottenham.

Last term, the forward scored 12 goals and provided two assists in 28 La Liga appearances, and was averaging 2.2 shots per game (WhoScored).

That shooting average would put him third among the Spurs squad for this season (WhoScored).

Depay also already has English top-flight experience from his time at Manchester United so he wouldn’t need time to settle into the transition to the Premier League, making him an ideal prospective signing for Fabio Paratici.

Tottenham Hotspur are seemingly set to complete the permanent capture of forward Dejan Kulusevski, with the Sweden international having sparkled during his loan stint thus far.

What’s the word?

According to Football Insider, a move to keep the 22-year-old in north London for the long term is now “99% done”, with a deal set to be agreed even if the 27-cap sensation does not trigger the reported clauses in his temporary contract.

The report outlines that there was seemingly a £30m option-to-buy included as part of the youngster’s 18-month loan switch from Juventus back in January, with that clause set to be activated if the winger makes 20 Premier League appearances this term and the Lilywhites secure a top-four finish.

That being said, this latest suggestion is that even if those objectives aren’t met, Spurs’ sporting director Fabio Paratici will still plough on with securing a permanent agreement for the former Parma loanee.

Paratici’s biggest masterclass

It is arguably no real surprise that those in N17 are so keen to get a deal done such has been the player’s impact in English football thus far, with Kulusevski having provided 19 goal involvements in just 32 games for Antonio Conte’s side in 2022.

As Chris Clark stated, the Stockholm-born speedster is simply a player that “just makes things happen”, having proven a real livewire in his Tottenham career to date as a result of his ability to both create chances and finish them himself.

That has been evident so far this season with the £110k-per-week ace having provided five goal involvements in just nine Premier League games to date, notably playing his part in the stunning comeback win over Leeds United last time out after teeing up Rodrigo Bentancur late on.

That crucial asset demonstrated everything that Spurs supporters have grown to love about the on-loan asset, with the “ridiculous” talent – as described by journalist Nizaar Kinsella – dancing his way into the opposition penalty area, before picking out his teammate with a deft, precise touch to help steer the hosts to victory.

That moment of quality also only served to further rubberstamp the one-time Atalanta man’s importance to Conte and co, with the club having notably recorded three of their four league defeats this season when the wide man was not in the side, with Kulusevski having been hampered by a thigh issue for a period this term.

Already a key figure in the capital, both his manager and the club’s supporters will likely be delighted they can finally wrap up a deal for the highly-rated Swede sooner rather than later, particularly for what would seemingly be a “bargain” fee, in the words of pundit Paul Robinson.

It could prove to be Paratici’s biggest masterclass yet as the club closes in on the move for that aforementioned fee of around £30m, with that figure seemingly just a fraction of the player’s actual worth, with CIES Football Observatory valuing him at closer to £60m.

To land Kulusevski for just half of his potential value would represent truly astute business, with such a deal one that the Lilywhites could reap the rewards of in the years to come.

Newcastle United winger Ryan Fraser is facing an uncertain future at St James’ Park, amid reports that the Scotland international is attracting interest ahead of the January transfer window.

What’s the word?

According to The Chronicle, the 28-year-old has caught the attention of a number of clubs both in the Premier League and in the Championship as the winter window approaches, with all of those suitors seemingly based further south.

The former Bournemouth man had opted to leave the Vitality Stadium on a free transfer back in the summer of 2020 in order to join then-Magpies boss Steve Bruce at St James’ Park, with the suggestion being that he could well return nearer to his former home.

As per the report, manager Eddie Howe has acknowledged what has been an underwhelming campaign thus far for the 26-cap speedster, with the Englishman – who coached the forward during his time with the Cherries – stating: “This season’s been difficult, because of the performances of the players in the squad have really produced that competition for places.”

Time to go

The pacy wide man has largely been on the periphery amid the Tynesiders’ stunning start to the season, with the £42k-per-week man having featured in just eight of his side’s 15 top-flight games, with only three of those outings coming from the start.

With Miguel Almiron currently starring on the right wing – the Paraguayan having scored eight times this season – it has ensured that there is a real scrap for a starting berth on the opposite flank, with Fraser, Jacob Murphy and Allan Saint-Maximin all in contention to take on that role.

That competition could seemingly intensify amid reports that the northeast side are plotting to add yet another winger to their ranks in the near future, with Shakhtar Donetsk’s Mykhaylo Mudryk and Bayer Leverkusen’s Moussa Diaby just two of the names to have been linked with a move.

With Fraser already on the fringes, another acquisition in his position could well be the final straw, with the diminutive gem having rarely made an impact during his time at Newcastle thus far, scoring just three goals and laying on only six assists in 59 games across all fronts to date.

The Aberdeen-born dud endured a “frustrating” start to life at the club, in the words of the aforementioned Bruce, after regularly being struck down with injury in his debut campaign, having seemingly never truly recovered from that point after failing to become a regular fixture in the side.

This apparent interest in his services could well prove to be an ideal chance for Howe to ruthlessly ditch the 5 foot 4 forward, with it simply a move that hasn’t worked for either party so far.

Sheffield Wednesday’s hopes of automatic promotion this season have taken a blow after it was confirmed that Michael Ihiekwe will miss a few months through injury.

The Owls have already lost influential centre-back Ben Heneghan to an ACL injury which has ruled him out for the rest of the season, and it seems as if Ihiekwe could now be sidelined until 2023.

The former Rotherham man was forced off in last weekend’s 0-0 draw with Derby County and Sheffield Star reporter Joe Crann provided an update on his injury after the game.

He said: “A bitter injury blow for SWFC as Michael Ihiekwe is ruled out ‘for a couple of months’ after sustaining knee ligament damage. No surgery required, but Wednesday don’t expect him back until early next year.”

Since making the move to Hillsborough during the summer, the 30-year-old centre-back has made 18 appearances in League One for Moore’s side, averaging a superb 6.97 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

This ranks him as the fifth-best performer at Hillsborough so far this campaign, which emphasises how important he has been to Moore, and it is undoubtedly a worrying blow that he will miss the busy Christmas period.

Ihiekwe also has experience of promotion, as he featured in 42 third-tier games for Rotherham last season as they finished second in League One, earning a fantastic 7.22 rating from WhoScored for his performances, so losing him could certainly have a big impact on Sheffield Wednesday’s hopes of moving into the top two.

Crann was full of praise for the English defender, along with Reece James and Heneghan, after they produced a strong display in a 1-0 win against Port Vale earlier in the season.

He said: “Didn’t dare say anything while the game was still going, but Heneghan, Ihiekwe and James were tremendous for SWFC today. Monumental defensive performance.”

The Owls are certainly short on centre-back options now with Heneghan and Ihiekwe sidelined, and Moore will surely be considering a move for another defender in the January transfer window due to his worries in the position.

It is far from ideal that the 30-year-old is injured at such an important time of the season, and Owls fans will be hoping to see him back fit and on the pitch as soon as possible.

Sunderland have been handed a boost after Tony Mowbray confirmed that Ross Stewart is in contention for the Championship game vs West Bromwich Albion on Monday night.

The Lowdown: Injury concerns

The Black Cats continued their impressive start to the season with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Millwall last weekend and will be hoping to collect another three points when the Baggies visit the Stadium of Light.

The Scottish international missed the previous encounter having been out of action since sustaining an injury earlier in the campaign, though the boss has now provided a positive fitness update.

The Latest: Stewart fitness update

Speaking to Sunderland’s official website, Mowbray confirmed that Stewart is likely to be available to face West Brom.

“There was no pressure to play him [on Saturday], but what’s important is the factor of trust in the medical department, and my relationship with Ross.

“The medical department thought it was too dangerous a risk to play Ross at the weekend.

“If he’d started or come off the bench and then had to go back off the pitch again because he was limping, you’d say we got that wrong.”

“For me, Ross should train for a whole week and there are nine days between the Millwall and West Brom games, when he’ll be training a lot.

“We have a behind-closed-doors game with Middlesbrough which he could play some part in – he’s chomping at the bit to get back out there.

The Verdict: Boost for Mowbray

Sunderland having Stewart available for selection again will come as a huge boost to Mowbray, who will be aware of the prolific impact he has in the final third.

The 6 foot 1 talisman clocked up eight goal contributions in seven outings prior to his absence, alongside averaging 4.1 aerial wins and 3.9 shots per game (WhoScored).

Such form has seen him dubbed a ‘real threat’ by journalist Josh Bunting, and the Black Cats boss will be hoping that he can maintain this level of performance upon his return to action.