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Many Everton fans have been cursing the performance of Andre Gomes in their 2-1 home defeat to Burnley in the Premier League on Saturday evening.

The Merseyside club lost yet another game at Goodison Park as Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s headed goal after a fine cross by Tom Davies was not enough to cancel out earlier strikes from Chris Wood and Dwight McNeil.

Gomes did not have the best of games for Carlo Ancelotti’s team, losing out on 100% of his duels as well as failing to make a single successful dribble, clearance or tackle, while losing possession of the ball no fewer than 19 times in the match, the second-most of any player to have set foot on the pitch (Sofascore).

Everton fan reaction to Gomes display

These Toffees supporters slammed his performance on Twitter, with one Blues fan even going as far as to claim that the former Barcelona man was ‘shocking’ against the Clarets:

“Davies/Allan double pivot makes more sense to keep possession & better defensive structure. Gives Richarlison King more license to stay further forward pinning fullbacks back. Instead allowing Gomes just to run round helplessly an try hit 40-yard balls into the main stand #EFC”

Credit: @TLogic1991

“Gomes stinking Goodison out here. Dreadful. #efc”

Credit: @mikeb73

“Gomes looks like a fan who won a competition to play for Everton in this game. Totally shocking #efc #Everton”

Credit: @SheepFlavour

“Garbage that Iwobi and Gomes #efc”

Credit: @MaisOuiMaisOui_

“Would keep Allan, Doucoure and probably Davies who has looked like he has improved a bit this season. Gomes and Iwobi can go though. Don’t know what they are supposed to offer. #EVEBUR”

Credit: @Carl0sAlbert0

“Predator, Holgate and Gomes in the bin please. Had enough. #EVEBUR”

Credit: @Funtimefreckle

In other news, find out what injury update has been lauded by several Everton fans!

United States women's national team veteran Becky Sauerbrunn endured a "rough day" as her mistake set Mexico on the way to a shock Gold Cup win.

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• USWNT suffered historic loss to Mexico on Monday
• Sauerbrunn error helped La Tri take the lead
• Defender speaks after costly incident

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The USWNT hadn't lost on home soil to CONCACAF opposition since 2000 but Mexico started well in their group stage clash on Monday night and Sauerbrunn's error helped gift La Tri a deserved goal, Lizbeth Ovalle capitalising with a great finish. It took until stoppage time for Pedro Lopez's side to make it two but Mayra Pelayo's wonderstrike was worth waiting for as Mexico beat the U.S. for just the second time ever.

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• WHAT SAUERBRUNN SAID

  Speaking after the game, Sauerbrunn said: "I made a mistake. It's very obvious that it was all on me. I probably should have done anything [other] than what I did.

  "As a veteran, you have some rough days at the office and tonight is definitely a rough day. But luckily, you’ll have another day at the office and it’s just what you make out of it."

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  It was a disappointing defeat and performance from the USWNT but Twila Kilgore's team had already qualified for the Gold Cup quarter-finals and can still have a successful tournament. Finishing second to Mexico in Group A will make that success harder to attain, though, as a trickier opponent in the knockout stages likely awaits.

It's 'likely' that England captain Leah Williamson will have to withdraw from the Lionesses' February squad, says Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall.

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• Injury saw Williamson miss Arsenal vs Man Utd
• Gunners boss Eidevall says problem is 'minor'
• But it's 'likely' she'll withdraw from England squad

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Williamson recently returned to action after nine months out with an anterior cruciate ligament rupture but suffered what Eidevall described as a 'minor' hamstring injury ahead of Arsenal's huge clash with Manchester United on Saturday, ruling her out of a game that the Gunners emphatically won 3-1.

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  WHAT EIDEVALL SAID

  Speaking to reporters after the match, Eidevall was asked if Williamson would have to withdraw from the England squad, which will meet up on Monday ahead of games in Spain against Austria and Italy. "I think it's likely that that will be the case, but I don't know yet," he responded.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  England will already be without one centre-back in February as Millie Bright continues to recover from a knee injury of her own. Williamson's absence could well open the door for Lotte Wubben-Moy to get some action then, with the 25-year-old one of Arsenal's top performers in Saturday's win over United.

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Arsenal sold-out the Emirates Stadium for the first time for a Women's Super League fixture on Saturday, setting a new league-record attendance in the process.

After a hugely disappointing defeat to the Premier League’s bottom side in midweek, there are big questions that Aston Villa manager Dean Smith will have to answer before his side take on Wolves on Saturday evening.

Villa were consigned to a damaging loss by Sheffield United thanks to a goal from David McGoldrick, and in truth they never looked like hurting the Blades – they managed just four shots on target in the entire match.

While Bertrand Traore was hardly the biggest culprit in Villa’s defeat, and did come up with a couple of promising moments including a weaving run, the Burkina Faso international has just looked short of form in recent weeks.

From mid-December to mid-January, the summer signing from Lyon went on a run of four goals and one assist in just six Premier League games, but it has since been downhill from there.

The next eight games have resulted in just one goal and one assist, and with Trezeguet really pushing for a recall to the starting line-up after making his full return to fitness from injury, surely enough is enough when it comes to Traore.

The tricky right winger just hasn’t delivered the goods over the past couple of months in terms of end product, and there’s only so many flashes of brilliance that Smith can accept.

An eye-catching run here and there isn’t enough to keep your place in a side and, coming after a dismal defeat to Sheffield United, the time has surely come for Smith to make a ruthless call on his big-money signing from last summer and drop him from the team.

The £17.5m-rated man could potentially do with just being taken out of the firing line for now, especially with Villa’s form in recent weeks being topsy-turvy to say the least – while they may have beaten Arsenal in their past six games, they’ve only picked up two wins in that run and have lost three times.

Traore could well be the fall guy for today.

Meanwhile, Villa could find a perfect strike partner for Ollie Watkins in this star…

The Polish forward found the net twice to end a six-game scoreless streak and seal a come-from-behind win for the Blaugrana

Robert Lewandowski scored both the equalising and winning goals to lead Barcelona to a comeback win over Alaves. The striker was central to a dramatic turnaround, as the Blaugrana turned an early deficit into a 2-1 win.

Alaves found the net with the first attack of the game. The visitors swept the ball from right to left, before youngster Samu Omorodion met a guided cross for an easy finish just 18 seconds into the game. He should have made it two after 14 minutes, but angled his shot wide of the post after running through on goal. Omorodion fired over again 10 minutes later, serving as a constant nuisance for the Blaugrana back line.

Barca had their chances in the first half. Lewandowski could have equalised after latching onto an Ilkay Gundogan chip, but scuffed his left-footed effort. Joao Felix offered creativity down the left.

And the Blaugrana found form in the second half. Lewandowski grabbed the leveler, flicking a signature header into the far corner. He bagged the winner, too, driving a spot-kick into the roof of the net after substitute Ferran Torres had his heels clipped in the box. Once again, the Blaugrana was well short of their best, but kept themselves in the La Liga title race with what could turn out to be a vital three points.

GOAL rates Barcelona's players from the Olympic Stadium…

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  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Marc-Andre ter Stegen (6/10):

  Will be disappointed to be beaten from close range on the Alaves opener. Had little else to do.

  Ronald Araujo (6/10):

  Solid without being excellent at right-back. He can't work his defensive magic as well from there, and doesn't necessarily offer attacking thrust, either. Seems wasted in the role.

  Jules Kounde (6/10):

  Too easily beaten to the cross at the near post for the Alaves opener. Barged off the ball and nearly gifted the visitors a second. Provided the assist for the Barca equaliser, though.

  Inigo Martinez (7/10):

  Didn't exactly impress defensively, but his delightful through ball started the play that led to the Barca penalty.

  Joao Cancelo (5/10):

  Full of ideas, without necessarily executing them. Has dropped off in form after a memorable start.

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  Midfield

  Fermin Lopez (5/10):

  Another underwhelming display in the middle. Doesn't always thrive in tight spaces. Probably needs a few games out of the starting XI.

  Ilkay Gundogan (7/10):

  Gave the ball away in the run up to the Alaves opener. Arguably Barca's best player going the other way, full of ideas and execution in the final third.

  Pedri (6/10):

  Pushed around a bit in the middle, and lacking in his usual quality. Much improved as the game wore on, but needs time to get back to his best.

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  Attack

  Lamine Yamal (7/10):

  Really bright on the right side once again. Alaves applied pressure on him from the off, but he still found spaces to work here. He's a real talent.

  Robert Lewandowski (8/10):

  Scuffed the kind of shot he would usually bury in the first half. Took his header immensely well in the second. Blasted a penalty in to win it.

  Joao Felix (5/10):

  On the ball a lot, but afforded little space to work his magic. Not been at his best recently. Hasn't scored in two months, either.

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  Subs & Manager

  Raphinha (5/10):

  Brought on to add attacking quality, but rather clogged the final third.

  Ferran Torres (6/10):

  Won the penalty that ultimately decided the game.

  Alejandro Balde (5/10):

  Extra legs on the left side of the pitch.

  Oriol Romeu (5/10):

  Introduced late to see out the contest.

  Xavi (6/10):

  Benched a number of big names, including Raphinha and Balde to mark his two year anniversary in the job. His side were miserable for 50 minutes, but turned it on after. The three points are promising. The performance, less so.

Ricardo Pepi was wasteful in his first Eredivisie start, while USMNT stars Malik Tillman and Sergino Dest performed well in a PSV win over Heracles.

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• Ricardo Pepi earns first Eredivisie start
• Tillman and Dest both also in XI
• PSV defeats Heracles

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Ricardo Pepi earned his first-ever PSV start in the Eredivisie Friday, playing 90 minutes in their 2-0 victory over Heracles. An early red card for their opposition gave them a 77-minute advantage throughout the match, but overall, it was a dominant performance from the Dutch side.

  USMNT duo Malik Tillman and Sergino Dest also got nods from the start, with the former notching an assist before being removed 61-minutes in ahead of a crucial Champions League knockout match next week.

  Dutch hero Luuk de Jong scored his 19th goal of the league campaign, continuing his incredible form across all competitions. Pepi, however, failed to take advantage of his big moment, with eight total shots, but no goal to count for.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  De Jong once again rose to the occasion – literally – for PSV with a booming header to make it 1-0 in the 18th minute. Five minutes earlier, though, Heracles were reduced to 10-men after Bryan Limbombe was sent off for violent conduct after a studs-up challenge. Olivier Boscagli doubled PSV's lead in the 56th minute off another Tillman assist.

  Peter Bosz used every substitute available to him on the evening ahead of their upcoming European clash, and took advantage of the ability to rotate early due to their man-advantage.

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  USMNT IMPACT

  For Pepi, this was his big moment to show Gregg Berhalter that he deserves to be a shout as the starting striker for the USMNT, but he lacked a clinical final touch all day. He did, however, find the back of the net from an offside position at one point. Regardless, it was a missed opportunity ahead of this March's CONCACAF Nations League semifinal against Jamaica.

  For Dest and Tillman, they played their roles well, but neither truly stood out. Of the three Americans, Tillman was the most lively and arguably the most creative. His assist was crafty, although, it wasn't game-altering for PSV. Berhalter will be happy to see all three in the XI and will surely be keeping an eye on this week's forthcoming UCL match for the Dutch side.

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• GOAL'S RATINGS

  Ricardo Pepi (6/10): He had what felt like chance after chance, but just could not find his finishing boots.

  Malik Tillman (7/10): He had one incredibly bright moment in the first half, and followed it up with the assist to double their lead. Not a life-changing performance, but he did well.

  Sergino Dest (6/10): Creative in the attack, but with Heracles down a man, wasn't tested much.

The Red Devils were toothless without their Danish goal machine and deservedly lost to Marco Silva's side, who had not won away for over six months

Manchester United's mini-revival appears to have been built on sand after all, as it took just a couple of injuries for Erik ten Hag's side to sink to their first defeat of 2024 as they were beaten 2-1 at home by a Fulham side who had not won away since the opening day of the season.

Missing the in-form Rasmus Hojlund and the dependable Luke Shaw, United made a flat start and failed to score in the first half for the first time in eight matches. Diogo Dalot struck the post, but Fulham looked more dangerous, with Alex Iwobi missing the target twice and Rodrigo Muniz hitting a post.

Fulham deservedly took the lead early in the second half through a thumping effort from Calvin Bassey, and United had only half-chances to score until Harry Maguire stabbed home from close-range in the 89th minute. With nine minutes added on and Bruno Fernandes whipping up the crowd, Fulham were prepared for an onslaught.

But instead it was the Londoners who had the last laugh, Iwobi making it third time lucky and slotting into the bottom corner after United were too slow to shut down a visiting counter-attack.

Ten Hag's side are now eight points adrift of fourth-placed Aston Villa and could be six behind Tottenham in fifth if Spurs win their game in hand, giving them a mountain to climb if they want to qualify for the Champions League.

GOAL rates United's players from Old Trafford…

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  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Andre Onana (7/10):

  Did well to keep out a header from Lukic and a curler from Pereira. Couldn't do much about Bassey's thunderous drive.

  Diogo Dalot (6/10):

  Clipped the post from the edge of the area. Crossing wasn't good enough and struggled to get at Robinson.

  Raphael Varane (5/10):

  Iwobi had the run of him in the first half

  Harry Maguire (6/10):

  Booked for a late and dangerous challenge on Lukic, but prevented Fulham from creating even more danger. Grabbed the equaliser but was then easily dribbled past on the counter before Iwobi pounced to get the winner.

  Victor Lindelof (5/10):

  A huge downgrade on Shaw. Offered nothing in attack and too easy for Fulham to get past.

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  Midfield

  Kobbie Mainoo (5/10):

  Made a few good challenges to thwart Fulham but not nearly as assured or influential as in recent weeks.

  Casemiro (5/10):

  Made a silly error against Lukic which gifted Fulham a counterattack. His day ended prematurely following a clash of heads with the Serbian midfielder.

  Bruno Fernandes (5/10):

  Another shoddy display in what has become a worrying run of form for the captain. Failed to control a through-ball which would have put him clean through on goal and created very few promising moments, aside from a late flurry which saw him set up the equaliser and force Leno into a low save.

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  Attack

  Omari Forson (4/10):

  A difficult full debut and couldn't do anything of note in attack. He did look tidy though, and could be better suited to a midfield role.

  Marcus Rashford (4/10):

  Another pitiful display at centre-forward, offering none of the hold-up play of Hojlund or the hard-work. Backed away from a 50-50 ball in the first half which led to a big chance for Fulham.

  Alejandro Garnacho (7/10):

  The only United outfield player who can be proud of their performance. Tested Leno with a powerful shot and had another goal-bound effort blocked by Robinson.

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  Subs & Manager

  Scott McTominay (5/10):

  Hauled on earlier than usual due to Casemiro's head injury. Barely got a sniff of danger.

  Christian Eriksen (6/10):

  Made his first appearance since January 14 and at first was slow and sloppy. Got more effective in the final few minutes.

  Amad Diallo (N/A):

  Replaced Mainoo in the 80th minute.

  Antony (N/A):

  Came on in the 98th minute.

  Erik ten Hag (5/10):

  Took a bold move in starting 19-year-old Forson but it did not work. His substitutions helped get the equaliser, but ultimately his team looked weak with just a couple of injuries.

A new day represents a new story in the hunt for Celtic’s next manager. Neil Lennon left three weeks ago and the Bhoys are still yet to find a successor.

What’s the word?

One of the managers linked with the vacant hot seat is American Jesse Marsch.

The 47-year-old is currently in charge of Red Bull Salzburg in Austria but in a fresh twist, has recently opened up on the idea of taking charge of the Hoops.

In an interview with BBC Sport, Marsch said: “I’ve heard [about the links]. It’s an honour for me.

“Three or four years ago, being linked with a club like Celtic would literally be an impossibility for me. And now that this is where I am, I always just try to look at it in terms of, ‘what would the project look like?”

Marsch continued: “Would we have similar ideas in how to build it the right way, invest in the academy, invest in young players and create this development process that I’m talking about? And not just focus on winning.

“Obviously I know that when you’re the coach of Celtic, winning is the most important thing,” he concluded.

Desmond must be buzzing

News that Marsch is appealed by the Hoops vacancy should be music to the ears of majority shareholder Dermot Desmond and the club’s supporters.

The Salzburg boss is far from a household name but he’s achieved incredible things in his short coaching career to date.

The American was formerly Leipzig’s assistant and has now swapped German shores for Austrian ones. He has played a leading role in Erling Haaland’s progression and as manager of Salzburg, gave Liverpool a run for their money in the Champions League, suffering a 4-3 defeat at Anfield.

Marsch has lost just 16 of his 82 matches as Salzburg manager; a win success of 65%. With that in mind, it’s hard to ignore these quotes.

He’s already been talked up for the manager’s job, specifically by Packie Bonner, someone who claimed Marsch was in the mould of a certain Brendan Rodgers.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-celtic-transfer-news-onuachu-edouard-dembele-turnbull” title=”The latest Celtic news and views!”]

The 47-year-old is a manager who thinks outside the box, and regularly gets his teams to play with a relentless press. He is very much a person bred from the Ralf Rangnick school of how to coach football.

Unique in his approach, he’d certainly bring a different type of style and thought process to Parkhead than Lennon.

This can only be a good thing; he’d be an astute capture if Celtic can capitalise on his interest. Hoops fans should have every reason to be excited.

AND in other news, Celtic must ruthlessly axe £15k-p/w flop this summer, Lennon once called him “stupid”…

A number of Liverpool fans have been bemoaning the choice of officials for Liverpool’s Premier League clash with Manchester United this weekend.

The Reds make the trip to Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon, in what represents a must-win clash for Jurgen Klopp’s side.

In truth, their top-four hopes are fading by the game, and failure to win against their bitter rivals will surely spell the end of their chances.

[freshpress-quiz id=“350790”]

Liverpool have been famously poor at Old Trafford under Klopp, not winning there under him in the league and getting knocked out of the FA Cup earlier this season.

A big performance is required after last weekend’s huge disappointment at home to Newcastle United, when missed chances and a late lapse cost the Reds dearly.

The officials have been confirmed for this weekend’s match, with Michael Oliver refereeing the contest and Paul Tierney on VAR duties.

Liverpool fans rue officials for Man United game

These Liverpool supporters are unimpressed with the selections, providing their thoughts on Twitter.

“We’ve lost loooool”

Credit: @K9Capalot

“Man U are definitely getting at least one penalty then”

Credit: @johnevans1977

“Well, if there was any hope that LFC gets anything from that game, that’s it gone. Personally, I know we’re losing that one, but those men will make sure of it”

Credit: @Farisalfarik

“May God help us”

Credit: @baba_sani_auwal

“We are so done”

Credit: @FplPopo

“Man United guaranteed a penalty and a clear Livepool goal will be disallowed by VAR”

Credit: @Liberatus_Mokoe

In other news, some Liverpool fans believe one player has peaked – find out who it is here.

Aston Villa will look to re-sign Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe this summer.

That’s according to a report from Football Insider, who claimed that the Midlands club have made the 23-year-old one of their top targets for the summer window.

Tuanzebe, who made 35 appearances for Villa during two separate loan spells, is thought to be valued at around £7m by the Red Devils. He is on £38,000 per week at Old Trafford and has 12 months remaining on his deal, although United do have the option to extend it until 2023 next summer.

Football Insider have been informed by a Villa source that Tuanzebe ‘fits the profile the recruitment team are seeking’ – an interesting inside eight-word update.

Transfer Tavern take

To us, bringing in Tuanzebe – who Ole Gunnar Solskjaer recently called ‘outstanding’ – for £7m could be a brilliant piece of business. He played a key role in Villa’s promotion to the Premier League in 2019 and could provide strong competition to first-choice pairing Ezri Konsa and Tyrone Mings.

Both Konsa and Mings have been ever-presents under Dean Smith this season, but should one get injured, Villa don’t exactly have the proven quality to come in for them. Reports have suggested that Villa are planning to offload Bjorn Engels this summer, and should that be the case, that would leave Smith with just Kortney Hause as cover for Konsa and Mings.

Therefore, adding Tuanzebe to the defensive ranks on a permanent basis may prove to be an excellent move in the long run.

In other news: Villa lining up huge bid for another Premier League ace, find out more here.