Kategori: Sports

Dermot Gallagher membedah titik nyala wasit besar dari aksi Tahun Baru di Liga Premier …

Manchester City 1-1 Everton

KEJADIAN: Kevin De Bruyne mendapat kartu kuning karena tantangan yang terlambat Amadou Onana, tapi apakah dia beruntung lolos dari kartu merah?

DAKWAAN: Keputusan yang tepat, kartu kuning.

DERMOT BERKATA: Inilah mengapa gambar diam tidak selalu mengatakan yang sebenarnya. Jika Anda hanya melihat gambar itu, Anda pikir itu adalah tekel yang sangat buruk, itu adalah pelanggaran kaki, kartu merah.

Tetapi jika Anda menyalakannya, Anda akan melihat bahwa sebenarnya yang terjadi adalah dia benar-benar menangkapnya secara langsung. Dia tidak menangkapnya dengan kancingnya dan dia tidak berdampak pada tulang keringnya. Andrew Madley memiliki pandangan terbaik dan mengambil tindakan yang benar, kartu kuning.

KEJADIAN: Everton dibuat frustrasi lagi ketika Erling Haaland menangkap Vitaliy Mykolenko dengan tantangan yang kuat dan terlambat yang menghasilkan kartu kuning.

DAKWAAN: Keputusan yang tepat, kartu kuning.

DERMOT BERKATA: Saya pikir ini adalah kartu kuning juga, jika Anda melihatnya dengan satu kaki. Dia tidak melewatinya di udara dengan dua kaki di luar kendali.

Dia pergi dengan satu kaki. Dia menangkapnya, tidak diragukan lagi tapi itu pelanggaran kartu kuning. Ini sembrono tapi tidak membahayakan keselamatan lawan dan saya pikir Madley membacanya dengan baik.

Saya pikir dia memimpin seluruh pertandingan dengan sangat baik. Itu adalah permainan sepak bola yang sangat bagus karena cara dia membiarkan pemain menantang. Itu adalah pertandingan sepak bola khas Inggris.

KEJADIAN: Riyad Mahrez mengira dia seharusnya mendapat hadiah penalti ketika Idrissa Gueye menggigit kakinya di dalam area penalti.

DAKWAAN: Keputusan yang tepat, tidak ada penalti.

DERMOT BERKATA: Saya pikir ada kontak minimal.

Tidak diragukan lagi dia menginjak jari kakinya tetapi apakah itu cukup untuk memberikan penalti? Saya pikir tidak dan kami telah mendengar baru-baru ini bagaimana wasit diminta untuk mendekati permainan sedikit lebih toleran dan saya pikir ini adalah buktinya, bagi saya. Saya pikir itu adalah keputusan yang adil.

Saya pikir Anda harus mengizinkan kontak fisik, ada kontak fisik di seluruh lapangan, di tikungan misalnya, kami melihat pemain berdesak-desakan, Anda melihat pemain melakukan tekel. Hampir tidak mungkin untuk menjegal pemain tanpa melakukan kontak fisik. Ada kontak yang minim tetapi bagi saya, tidak cukup untuk memberikan penalti dan saya berharap ke depan orang akan lebih mudah menerimanya.

TAMPILAN WARNOCK: Saya pikir bagian yang menarik adalah jika dia diberi warna kuning untuk simulasi.

Itu yang menjadi perhatian saya saat itu, karena itu bukan simulasi. Itu adalah kebersamaan para pemain dan apakah itu tempat yang bagus oleh wasit atau dia melepaskannya, terkadang hal terbaik untuk dilakukan adalah tidak melakukan apa-apa dan saya pikir itu adalah keputusan yang tepat saat ini.

Serigala 0-1 Man Utd

KEJADIAN: Marcus Rasford gol kedua ditolak setelah usahanya memantul ke belakang kiper Jose Sa dan menemukan bagian belakang jaring, hanya untuk itu dikesampingkan karena handball.

DAKWAAN: Keputusan yang tepat, tidak ada tujuan.

DERMOT KATAKAN: Marcus Rashford yang mencetak gol, itu yang terpenting.

Hukum mengatakan Anda tidak dapat mencetak gol dengan tangan atau lengan Anda, apakah itu disengaja atau tidak disengaja.

Tidak diragukan lagi itu kebetulan. Itu telah menyerangnya dan dia tidak tahu itu telah menyerangnya, dan kemudian masuk.

Apa yang akan saya katakan adalah Man Utd seharusnya tidak terkejut dengan ini. Itu sebenarnya terjadi ketika mereka melawan Everton di awal musim dengan pemain yang sama. Rashford melewatinya, itu terlepas dari lututnya, mengenai tangannya dan dia mencetak gol.

Jadi, ini adalah kedua kalinya hal itu terjadi padanya musim ini. Peringatan kecil dalam hukum adalah bahwa suatu tujuan akan dikesampingkan apakah itu disengaja atau tidak disengaja.

Brighton 2-4 Arsenal

KEJADIAN: Jeremy Sarmiento diperingatkan untuk simulasi di akhir kemenangan Arsenal di Brighton.

DAKWAAN: Keputusan yang benar, pemesanan.

DERMOT BERKATA: Inilah yang orang ingin wasit lakukan dalam situasi ini dan itu untuk mengidentifikasi dan menindaklanjutinya, dan dia (Anthony Taylor) telah melakukan hal itu.

KEJADIAN: Solly March dipesan untuk tantangan akhir di Oleksandr Zinchenko.

DAKWAAN: Tidak ada kartu merah.

DERMOT BERKATA: Saya akan heran jika itu ditingkatkan menjadi kartu merah. Dia lolos, itu adalah pelanggaran tidak diragukan lagi, Itu adalah pelanggaran yang sembrono, dia menangkapnya, dia menangkapnya dengan satu kaki, dia menangkapnya rendah, tapi bagi saya itu kartu kuning.

Nottingham Forest 1-1 Chelsea

KEJADIAN: Brennan Johnson jatuh ke tanah setelah terlihat terjebak oleh tantangan meluncur dari Mason Mount. Namun, tidak ada kontak. Johnson menghindari pemesanan untuk simulasi.

DAKWAAN: Tidak ada pelanggaran, wasit tidak melihat tidak ada kontak.

DERMOT BERKATA: Saya tidak berpikir wasit mengenalinya untuk apa dan ketika Anda melihatnya hal yang menarik adalah pemain itu sendiri tidak membantu karena dia turun dan jelas tidak tersentuh dan dia turun sambil memegangi tulang keringnya. Jelas tidak ada pelanggaran di tulang keringnya, jadi pemain telah melakukan apa pun untuk dirinya sendiri dan wasit apa pun. Sama seperti saya suka melihat seorang pemain dikartu kuning karena itu adalah simulasi, jika wasit tidak melihatnya, saya pikir itu bisa dimengerti. Akan ada beberapa yang terlewatkan.

Tottenham 0-2 Aston Villa

KEJADIAN: Ben Davies menerjang dengan dua kaki ke arah Ashley Young, tetapi berhasil menguasai bola. Wasit memutuskan itu adalah pelanggaran dan kartu kuning untuk Davies.

DAKWAAN: Keputusan yang tepat, kartu kuning.

DERMOT BERKATA: “Ini bukan tekel yang bijak, tapi saya pikir itu kartu kuning karena apa yang terjadi. Dia terlihat menggunakan dua kaki, tapi ketika dia benar-benar tiba, dia tiba dengan satu kaki. Dua hal, satu, dia mendarat tepat di depan pemain, yang beruntung untuk Ashley Young, dan untungnya dia tidak melangkah lebih jauh setengah yard karena jika dia melakukannya dan berakhir di tulang keringnya, itu pasti akan menjadi kartu merah.”

TAMPILAN WARNOCK: “Saya pikir Dermot benar, cara Ben Davies melakukannya, dia hanya menginjakkan kakinya tepat waktu untuk memastikan dia tidak melukai Ashley Young, itu hanya sebagian kecil dari tekel yang buruk.”

Harga Gerwyn memakai bek telinga untuk memblokir kerumunan vokal Ally Pally selama kekalahan 5-1 oleh Gabriel Clemens di World Darts Championship; Michael van Gerwen mengatakan Price “melalui masa sulit'” sementara Wayne Mardle mengatakan tindakan Iceman menunjukkan tanda “kelemahan” yang langka

Michael van Gerwen mengatakan Gerwyn Price “seharusnya tidak menempatkan dirinya pada posisi itu” setelah petenis nomor satu dunia itu mengenakan bek telinga selama kekalahan telak dari Gabriel Clemens di perempat final Kejuaraan Dart Dunia di Alexandra Palace.

Price mengenakan bek telinga besar untuk set kelima dari kekalahan 5-1 pada Minggu malam untuk meredam ejekan dari penonton, dan kemudian menulis di Instagram bahwa dia tidak yakin apakah dia akan bermain di Kejuaraan Dunia lagi.

Van Gerwen – yang menyingkirkan Chris Dobey 5-0 malam itu untuk tetap berada di jalur untuk gelar dunia keempat – mengatakan dia tidak akan melakukan apa yang dilakukan Price tetapi bersimpati pada pemain yang “melewati masa sulit”.

Judul favorit Van Gerwen berkata tentang juara 2021 Harga: “Dalam posisinya, dengan seberapa besar dia dalam panah, saya tidak akan melakukan itu tetapi dia sedang mengalami masa sulit.

“[Wearing ear defenders] belum pernah dilakukan di panah sebelumnya dan juga dia tidak membutuhkannya, tapi dia dalam masa sulit jadi dia memikirkan banyak hal.

“Dia seharusnya tidak menempatkan dirinya dalam posisi itu, tapi sayangnya itu adalah anak panah.”

Sky Sports Dart pakar Wayne Mardle mengatakan tindakan Price menunjukkan tanda “kelemahan” yang langka dan berharap saran Iceman bahwa dia mungkin tidak akan pernah kembali ke Ally Pally hanyalah “reaksi spontan” terhadap kekalahan telak.

Price mendapatkan penyelesaian beruntun lebih dari satu ton dalam perjalanan untuk melenggang melalui set pembuka tetapi kemudian kalah lima kali berturut-turut saat Clemens, petenis Jerman pertama yang masuk ke semifinal Kejuaraan Dunia, mencatatkan rata-rata 99,94 sementara petenis Wales itu 94,58.

Mardle: Price jelas merasakan tekanan

Mardle berkata: “Tampaknya Gerwyn memiliki bek telinga bersamanya sebelum pertandingan ini. Itu adalah sesuatu yang dia pikirkan untuk dilakukan.

“Fakta bahwa dia telah memilikinya selama seminggu atau lebih menunjukkan kepada Anda bahwa ada sedikit kelemahan di sana tetapi tidak ada tentang dia yang lemah – dia memukul semuanya secara langsung dan mengambil semuanya dengan tenang.

“Biasanya dia menangani hal-hal dengan cemerlang tetapi dia jelas merasakan tekanan dan tidak 100 persen nyaman saat ini.

“Secara mental dia tidak sekuat itu di mana biasanya itu adalah permainannya. Dia adalah salah satu pemain panah paling kuat secara mental yang saya kenal.

“Saya pikir dia telah terpuruk selama beberapa bulan terakhir dan mungkin karena dia tidak dalam performa terbaiknya, mungkin dia agak rapuh. Gerwyn mengalami kemunduran setelah set pertama dan tidak dapat menemukan apa pun, yang aneh.

“Saya harap [saying he might not play at Ally Pally again] hanyalah reaksi spontan

“Ketika Anda mengenakan pelindung telinga yang terlalu rumit, itu bukan untuk Anda, itu untuk orang banyak. Ini adalah, ‘ini saya katakan kepada Anda, tutup mulut, diam, jangan ikut campur’.

“Orang-orang di media mengatakan kepada saya bahwa dia berlatih dengan pelindung telinga jadi saya tidak tahu apakah mereka menghentikannya – tetapi saya merasa sangat aneh dia akan begitu rumit dalam menunjukkan kepada penonton bahwa dia tidak peduli apa yang mereka lakukan. memikirkan.”

‘Van Gerwen terlihat sejuta dolar’

Berbeda sekali dengan Price, Van Gerwen melewati perempat finalnya dengan hanya kehilangan tiga kaki saat ia mengalahkan debutan delapan besar Dobey.

Mardle menambahkan: “MVG sangat brilian, dia terlihat sejuta dolar.

“Dia mengalir dan bermain dengan kebebasan yang tidak pernah Anda lihat dimainkan oleh banyak pemain. Dia belum mencapai puncak Van Gerwen tetapi dia lebih baik dari yang kita lihat dalam dua atau tiga tahun terakhir.

“Akan terasa aneh baginya untuk tidak memenangkan turnamen ini. Dia terlihat sangat nyaman.”

Saksikan semifinal Kejuaraan Dart Dunia PDC – Gabriel Clemens vs Michael Smith diikuti oleh Michael van Gerwen vs Dimitri Van den Bergh – langsung di Sky Sports Darts mulai pukul 19.30 pada hari Senin.

Gerwyn Price terpana oleh Gabriel Clemens saat MVG yang tak tertahankan mengalahkan Chris Dobey I Tonton Kejuaraan Dart Dunia PDC 2023 – langsung di Sky Sports Darts. Kami kembali pada Senin malam pukul 19.30 untuk laga semifinal di Istana Alexandra

Bahkan penjaga telinga Gerwyn Price tidak dapat menghentikan kerumunan Alexandra Palace untuk membantu Gabriel Clemens yang merajalela merekam pekerjaan pembongkaran 5-1 yang luar biasa untuk menyerbu ke semifinal World Darts Championship.

Upaya aneh petenis nomor satu dunia itu untuk memblokir penonton dengan mengenakan pelindung telinga gagal memberikan efek yang diinginkan saat ia tersingkir dari turnamen di London utara itu.

Pemain Wales berusia 37 tahun itu tertinggal 3-1 di perempat finalnya dari Clemens ketika ia mengenakan aksesori sebagai langkah nyata untuk meredam kebisingan yang datang dari luar panggung.

Tapi itu tidak mencegahnya untuk kalah pada set kelima dan ketika dia kembali ke panggung dengan mengenakan penyumbat telinga yang tidak terlalu besar, yang tampaknya telah dia habiskan beberapa waktu untuk berlatih, hasilnya sama dengan Clemens memastikan kemenangan 5-1 untuk menjadi
orang Jerman pertama yang mencapai empat besar kompetisi.

Price membuat pernyataan niat yang tegas melawan Clemens saat ‘The Iceman’ melaju melalui set pembuka hanya dalam 42 dart dengan rata-rata 107,36. Dia memenangkannya secara berturut-turut dengan pembayaran 140, 110 dan 74.

Petenis nomor 1 Jerman itu merespons dengan cara yang fantastis saat ia bangkit untuk mengklaim set kedua 3-1 dan naik level sebelum mematahkan leg ketiga berikutnya dan kemudian melakukan servis pada set kedua dengan menyia-nyiakan tujuh lemparan yang gagal di nomor ganda.

Clemens tidak menunjukkan tanda-tanda gugup dan dia memperpanjang keunggulannya, menyematkan double 8 untuk menyelesaikan 136 besar-besaran sebelum menyelesaikannya dengan double 10 untuk menjadikannya tiga set yang tidak terjawab pada putaran.

Dalam keadaan yang aneh, pemain asal Wales itu keluar dengan mengenakan pelindung telinga di set kelima dan semuanya tampak bagus dan cerah ketika dia memenangkan leg pertama dalam 12 anak panah, tetapi headphone gagal memberikan efek yang diinginkan saat Clemens meluncur dalam satu set. kulit kepala besar.

Clemens kemudian membuat sejarah dengan menjadi petenis Jerman pertama yang mencapai semifinal setelah mengalahkan Price pada set keenam dan dia sekarang akan bertemu dengan runner-up dua kali Michael Smith untuk memperebutkan satu tempat di final pada Senin malam.

Setelah kesal, Price menulis di kisah Instagram-nya: “Sangat membuat frustrasi Anda bermain sepanjang tahun untuk mempersiapkan turnamen yang satu ini. Begitu patah hati saya tidak diizinkan bermain tetapi semoga berhasil semua orang pergi.

“Tidak yakin saya akan pernah bermain di acara ini lagi.”

Clemens berkata: “Ini luar biasa. Terima kasih, Jerman. Saya tidak punya kata-kata. Saya mengalahkan peringkat 1 Dunia, ini luar biasa bagi saya. Saya memainkan permainan saya, hanya fokus pada permainan saya.”

Michael van Gerwen dalam suasana hati yang kejam, menjatuhkan hanya tiga kaki dalam penampilan yang menakjubkan untuk mengalahkan Chris Dobey.

Van Gerwen membuat awal yang menakjubkan, memenangkan set pembuka 3-1 sebelum menggandakan keunggulannya dengan skor yang sama dengan tiga 180-an dan rata-rata 105 saat lalu lintas satu arah berlanjut.

‘The Green Machine’ menyerbu menuju garis kemenangan dengan menyelesaikan set ketiga tanpa balas dan setelah menyelesaikan set berikutnya tanpa balas, dia melakukan checkout 152 yang spektakuler dalam perjalanan menuju kemenangannya yang ke-50 di Dunia.

Van Gerwen akan menghadapi Dimitri Van den Bergh di semifinal kedelapannya pada hari Senin di mana ia berharap bisa lolos ke final keenamnya.

Smith & Van den Bergh mencapai semifinal

Michael Smith menangkis serangan balik yang bersemangat dari sesama pelempar St Helens Stephen Bunting untuk memastikan kemenangan 5-3 untuk mendapatkan tempat di semifinal kejuaraan dunia ketiganya.

“Saya tampil sangat buruk hari ini. Saya bermain sangat buruk, tetapi saya berhasil meraih kemenangan,” kata Smith. “Saya memberi terlalu banyak tekanan pada diri saya di sana dan itu hampir membuat saya kehilangan segalanya.

“Bunting lepaskan aku. Aku tidak pantas mendapatkan permainan itu.”

Dimitri Van den Bergh memecahkan dalam 13 180-an untuk lolos ke empat besar Dunia untuk pertama kalinya dalam karirnya setelah mengalahkan Welshman Jonny Clayton.

Pemain Belgia yang membuat sejarah, mengatakan: “Saya seorang pria muda. Saya tetap membumi dan saya mendapat banyak dukungan, jadi terima kasih banyak, tetapi ke babak berikutnya. Saya ke semi- final. Ini semua tentang kaki di tanah, fokus, kepercayaan pada diri sendiri. Saya punya mimpi jadi mari kita wujudkan bersama-sama.”

Senin Malam di Ally Pally

Ini malam semifinal di Istana Alexandra, yang berarti yang terbaik dari 11 set sekarang.

Michael Smith akan bertujuan untuk mencapai final kejuaraan dunia ketiganya ketika dia menghadapi paket kejutan Gabriel Clemens dan kemudian favorit panas Michael van Gerwen melawan Dimitri Van den Bergh

Tonton Kejuaraan Dart Dunia PDC 2023 – langsung di Sky Sports Darts – dengan final dimulai pukul 8 malam pada hari Selasa, 3 Januari.

Inggris Raya lolos ke City Final United Cup, setelah Dan Evans yang berani mengalahkan Albert Ramos-Violas dalam tiga set di Sydney.

Mengetahui kemenangan akan membuat timnya lolos, Evans memenangkan set pertama melawan petenis Spanyol itu 6-3, tetapi dipatok kembali pada set kedua, kalah 6-1.

Evans memukul balik pada set penentuan, mematahkan servis pada kedudukan 2-3 dan menahan servisnya sendiri untuk menang 6-3 dan mengirim Inggris lolos.

Didukung oleh rekan satu timnya di GB, yang dipimpin oleh mantan pemain nomor satu Inggris Tim Henman, Evans berjuang melalui pertandingan yang sulit sambil berjuang melawan penyakit.

Kemenangan pemain berusia 32 tahun itu membuat Inggris unggul 3-1 dan memuncaki Grup D, setelah mereka mengalahkan tuan rumah Australia di pertandingan pembuka.

Mereka akan melawan pemenang Grup C, yang menampilkan Republik Ceko, Amerika Serikat dan Jerman, di City Final pada Rabu.

“Saya tidak merasa saya yang terkuat, tetapi saya memiliki tim yang hebat di belakang kami, Tim (Henman) juga, mereka terus mendorong kami. Sulit untuk menyerah dengan mereka semua di belakang kami,” kata Evans.

“Anda harus menghadapinya satu per satu. Kami telah melakukannya dengan sangat baik di lapangan. Kami bangga dengan semangat tim dan bekerja keras untuk satu sama lain.”

Badosa menghasilkan comeback melawan Dart untuk memberi Spanyol harapan

Sebelumnya, Paula Badosa merekayasa comeback yang luar biasa untuk mengalahkan Harriet Dart 6-7(6) 7-6(5) 6-1 untuk membawa Spanyol meraih kemenangan pertama di turnamen tersebut.

Memainkan pertandingan pertamanya musim ini, Badosa berjuang melawan kram kaki untuk menggulung Dart dan mempertahankan Spanyol tetap seri.

Petenis Spanyol itu memasuki pertandingan untuk mencari kemenangan pertamanya atas Dart peringkat ke-98. Petenis Inggris itu menyerahkan kekalahan terakhirnya pada musim 2022 kepada Badosa di Piala Billie Jean King pada bulan November.

Namun, Dart-lah yang memimpin lebih awal. Dia datang melalui set pembukaan 77 menit yang melelahkan untuk menahan kebangkitan oleh Badosa, menyelamatkan dua set poin di sepanjang jalan.

Dart telah membuka keunggulan 5-2 sebelum mantan petenis nomor dua dunia itu menemukan beberapa bentuk dan memenangkan empat game berturut-turut untuk membawa set tersebut ke tie-break, yang dimenangkan Dart.

Badosa menyerbu untuk memimpin 3-1 pada set kedua, tetapi menderita kram saat Dart berjuang untuk mengembalikan set ke tie-break lainnya.

Petenis Spanyol itu mendominasi pada tie-break dan unggul 5-0. Dia menahan kembalinya Dart untuk membawa pertandingan ke penentuan.

Momentum menguntungkan Badosa di set terakhir, dan dia mengalahkan petenis Inggris itu 6-1 yang berarti Evans harus memenangkan pertandingannya untuk menghindari pertandingan menuju penentuan ganda.

Inggris memasuki hari itu dengan keunggulan 2-0 atas Spanyol setelahnya Cameron Norrie mengejutkan Rafael Nadal di pertandingan pembukaan dan Katie Swan mengalahkan Nuria Parrizas Dias.

Di pertandingan terakhir pertandingan tersebut, Jessica Bouzas Maneiro dan David Vega Hernández dikalahkan oleh Dart dan Jonny O’Mara di nomor ganda untuk memberi Inggris kemenangan 4-1 di pertandingan tersebut.

Republik Ceko mengejutkan Jerman | Bulgaria tepi Belgia

Di tempat lain, Petra Kvitova mengalahkan Laura Siegemund 6-4 6-2 untuk memberi Republik Ceko keunggulan 3-0 atas Jerman, sebelum Oscar Otte meraih kemenangan pertama Jerman di acara tersebut setelah ia mengalahkan Dalibor Svrcina dengan straight set.

Pertandingan berakhir 3-2 setelah Siegemund dan Alexander Zverev mengalahkan Marie Bouzkova dan Jiri Lehecka. Jerman melawan Tim AS, yang mengalahkan Republik Ceko pada pertandingan pembukaan, Senin.

Meski Casper Ruud menjaga harapan Norwegia tetap hidup, Brasil bertahan untuk memenangkan pertandingan di Grup E.

Peringkat 118 dunia Laura Pigossi mengalahkan Ulrikke Eikeri 6-3 6-4 untuk meraih kemenangan bagi Brasil, setelah Ruud mengalahkan petenis Brasil Thiago Monterio 6-3 6-2.

Brasil memenangkan pertandingan ganda campuran untuk mengalahkan tim Ceko 4-1.

Alexandar Lazarov dan Isabella memenangkan pertandingan ganda campuran penentu pertama di United Cup, menyelamatkan satu match point melawan Belgia untuk mengalahkan David Goffin dan Elise Mertens 1-6 7-6 di Grup A.

Hasilnya berarti Belgia kalah imbang 3-2. Di Brisbane, Hubert Hurkacz dan Magda Linette memenangkan kedua pertandingan mereka untuk memberi Polandia keunggulan 3-1 atas Kazakhstan di Grup B.

Pemenang Grup F akan ditentukan dalam dua hari ke depan dalam pertandingan ketiga dan terakhir antara Kroasia dan Prancis, setelah Petra Martic mengalahkan Nadia Podoroska dari Argentina dan Borna Gojo mengalahkan Federico Coria dengan dua set langsung untuk memberi Kroasia kemenangan komprehensif 4-0 atas Argentina.

ARSENAL

Arsenal wanted to strengthen in the forward area in the summer when they tried to sign Raphinha from Leeds United. Manager Mikel Arteta has revealed the club are working on bringing players in – that was the case even before Gabriel Jesus got injured at the World Cup with Brazil.

One name that won’t go away is Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhailo Mudryk. The Gunners remain in talks with Shakhtar Donetsk over the signing of forward Mudryk, who is being valued at £85m. The Gunners, who reportedly had an opening offer worth around £55m including add-ons rejected, are yet to meet the demands of the Ukrainian club, with the payment structure also being discussed.

Shakhtar CEO Sergei Palkin confirmed the club had received offers for the 21-year-old, including from Arsenal, but they were “not the ones we would like to see” for a deal to be done.

Arsenal are seven points clear of Manchester City at the top and may see this as a unique opportunity to strengthen and maintain a title challenge.

Arteta will be backed in the window if the right player is available.
Dharmesh Sheth

What did they do in the summer?
The summer window was another busy one for the Gunners, with Jesus the most expensive arrival at £45m, followed by Portuguese playmaker Fabio Vieira, who signed for £34m from Porto.

Oleksandr Zinchenko, Jesus’ former Manchester City team-mate, arrived for £32m, while there were also lower-profile deals for goalkeeper Matt Turner, a £7.5m signing from New England Revolution, and Brazilian youngster Marquinhos, who joined for £3m from Sao Paulo, taking their total spend to £121.5m.

The club’s Kroenke owners will be expected to continue the investment this winter as Arsenal bid to sustain their Premier League title challenge – especially given the success of their most recent round of recruitment.

Will Arsenal fill their Jesus-shaped hole?
While Mudryk appears to be the most likely new arrival, many fans will be hoping for an out-and-out striker too. With Jesus facing a three-month lay-off, and Eddie Nketiah Arsenal’s only other option in the position, the Gunners must decide whether to bring in additional support.

Jesus has not been prolific in terms of goals, scoring only five in 14 Premier League appearances, but his work-rate, link play and creativity – he has also provided five assists – means Arsenal will have their work cut out to fill the void he leaves.

“We are going to be active and active means we are looking to strengthen the team,” said Arteta.

“This squad still doesn’t have the luxury of not maximising every single window. We have to do that because it’s really important. But then we have to get the right profile, it has to be the right player to take us to the next level.”

ASTON VILLA

Two victories from his opening two league games for Unai Emery perhaps proved that the quality of Villa’s squad wasn’t necessarily the problem in the early stages of the season, but the Spaniard will now look to remodel things more to his liking and the arrival of both Philippe Coutinho and Lucas Digne last January suggest Villa will be happy to back another new manager.

One of Villa’s big summer-signings Boubacar Kamara returned from injury just before the World Cup, another in Diego Carlos was with the squad in Dubai earlier this month and it means they have decent cover in most areas.

But Steven Gerrard favoured a narrow system meaning Leon Bailey is the only natural wide attacker currently at Emery’s disposal. Links with Joao Felix appear somewhat optimistic but two of Emery’s former Villarreal forwards Arnaut Danjuma and Senegal’s Nicolas Jackson have been linked regularly, Danjuma already has Premier League experience with Bournemouth.
Rob Jones

How much have Villa spent recently?
Villa got the chequebook out in the summer to add Philippe Coutinho (£17m) on a permanent basis and centre-back Diego Carlos (£26m), who ruptured his Achilles tendon in just his second appearance.

Leander Dendoncker (£13m) also joined from Wolves along with Boubacar Kamara and Robin Olsen. Villa did sell left-back Matt Targett (£15m) to Newcastle after signing Lucas Digne (£25m) from Everton last January.

What issues do Villa need to address?
Emery appears to prefer a 4-2-2-2 formation but Villa will need reinforcements in wide areas if they are to continue with that system and push for a top-half finish.

Leon Bailey is the only natural winger with John McGinn expected to occupy the left on the other flank. After a busy 12 months of spending, will Villa be prepared to go big in the market again?
David Richardson

BOURNEMOUTH

There’s nothing quite like a new owner and their first transfer window to show the fanbase they mean business.

A takeover in excess of £100 million completed, and a mere 24 hours after the takeover was rubber-stamped new owner, Billy Foley said “there’s no budget” when it comes to transfers, confirming they were hoping to add “4-5 more players…”

Chief executive Neill Blake and Technical Director Richard Hughes are still at the club meaning there will be a consistency of thinking and strategy in this window.

Key areas they’re looking to strengthen will be through midfield and in those attacking wide areas.

Extra defensive cover at left back and at left centre back are also areas they’re targeting.

A new contract for Jefferson Lerma is also on the agenda but it’s safe to say this will be one of the most eagerly-anticipated windows for some time down on the south coast.

With actor Michael B Jordan now an owner of the club who’s to say they won’t add some Hollywood stardust in the transfer window as well?
Mark McAdam

How much have Bournemouth spent recently?
Sacked just 26 days into the Premier League season, Scott Parker said Bournemouth were “underequipped for this level” after their 9-0 mauling by Liverpool – and it’s hard to argue with his assessment despite their upturn in form.

The Cherries spent just £23.3m following promotion on midfielder Marcus Tavernier (£12.5m) and centre-back Marcos Senesi (£13.5m). Ryan Fredericks, Joe Rothwell and Neto all signed on free transfers with Jack Stephens completing a disappointing summer arriving in a Deadline Day loan move from Southampton.

Former Bournemouth owner Maxim Demin will point to investment in the new training ground, the infrastructure and the academy impacting what Parker had to spend, but the new ownership will be bringing a different approach in January.

“We’ll spend money in the January transfer window,” new owner Bill Foley told Sky Sports. “Richard Hughes and Neill (Blake) have already identified several candidates we’re interested in. I wouldn’t be surprised to see us bring in four or five new players with the skill sets in some of the areas we need help. We’re supportive of that.”

What issues do Bournemouth need to address?
Gary O’Neil will be keen to add to his squad in defence although captain Lloyd Kelly is nearing a return from injury. Chris Mepham and Marcos Senesi have impressed at centre-back, but Bournemouth are light in the position while left-back Jordan Semura has no direct competition.

Dominic Solanke and Kieffer Moore have both grown into the season yet another out-and-out striker is needed with half the season remaining.

A re-shuffle to move out largely unused players like Emiliano Marcondes, Siriki Dembele, Junior Stanislas and Jamal Lowe is also necessary to bring in more quality.
David Richardson

BRENTFORD

Sitting comfortably in 10th position in the Premier League, Brentford continue to exceed expectations.

After a successful summer transfer window with the addition of Ben Mee and Mikkel Damsgaard, Thomas Frank may be facing a challenge in the winter window.

The most notable concern for the club will be bringing in striker reinforcements for Ivan Toney.

With 12 goals in 16 matches, Toney is the third top scorer in the Premier League so far this season. But after being changed with 262 alleged breaches of betting rules, Toney could face a lengthy ban.

Toney was also stretchered off in his side’s 2-0 win at West Ham on Friday so Brentford will be looking to bring in a striker with, ideally, Premier League experience that can fit into the team almost instantly.

Fadumo Olow

How much have Brentford spent recently?

The Bees made five first-team signings in the summer, as they geared up for their second Premier League campaign. Goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha and defender Ben Mee arrived on free transfers from Lazio and Burnley respectively, while the remaining three incomings represented an outlay of almost £55 million.

Forward Keane Lewis-Potter signed from Hull for £20m, with defender Aaron Hickey joining from Bologna for £18m and Mikkel Damsgaard brought in from Sampdoria for £16.7m.

What issues to Brentford need to address?
First of all, if history is anything to go by, Brentford will not be busy in January. In the last five winter transfer windows combined, they have brought in seven first-team players on permanent deals, along with two enforced loan signings: Winston Reid from West Ham in January 2021 and Jonas Lossl in January 2022.

And speaking to the club’s official website earlier this month, director of football Phil Giles intimated that the club’s shrewd approach would continue next month.

He said: “I don’t look at this team and see an obvious gap or hole in the squad. We are pretty strong all over the place, we trust the players, and there’s no reason to go and throw money at someone for no reason.”

However, they are lining up potential striker options in the January transfer window in case Toney is hit with a significant ban or he faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to injury.

Following the sale of Marcus Forss to Middlesbrough in the summer, they no longer have an out-and-out No 9 to directly replace Toney. But given the fact Brentford’s recruitment team are incredibly proactive in that they plan two transfer windows ahead, it would be a mistake to suggest they do not have approaches for their preferred candidates lined up.
Dan Long

BRIGHTON

Brighton head coach Roberto De Zerbi is keen to add to an already impressive squad in January. The Italian held talks with chairman Tony Bloom, chief executive Paul Barber and technical director David Weir over a plan for the window and has pinpointed positions that he feels can be strengthened.

One name seemingly in the frame is Shakhtar Donetsk and Ukraine centre-back Mykola Matviyenko – a player De Zerbi knows from his time in charge of Shakhtar. De Zerbi has a clear and defined style he wants Brighton to play, so any new arrivals will have a particular skill set.

Brighton’s highly-regarded data-driven recruitment team will be hard at work as they are throughout the year identifying the best young prospects around the world as they look for the next Alexis Mac Allister and another World Cup winner. Mac Allister and fellow midfielder Moises Caicedo will attract interest but Brighton are extremely unlikely to entertain any bids for both this window.
Elliot Cook

How much have Brighton spent recently?
Brighton cashed in this summer seeing Marc Cucurella (£63m) join Chelsea, Yves Bissouma (£35m) to Tottenham and Neal Maupay (£15m) to Everton for a total of £113m.

The club reinvested some of that money into Pervis Estupinan (£15m) from Villarreal, Club Libertad’s Julio Enciso (£9.5m) and Chelsea midfielder Billy Gilmour (£9m).

Last January, Brighton spent £9m on Kacper Kozlowski from Pogon Szczecin, before loaning him out to Union SG for the rest of the season and did the same with Union £6m signing Deniz Undav from Union, before he too spent the rest of the campaign with the Belgian side.

What issues do Brighton need to address?
Mac Allister and Danny Welbeck need support in attack – and Brighton should begin a familiar search for a striker.

But despite their limited options up top, the club ranks among the top seven teams for goals, expected goals, shots, chances created, total passes, passes in the final third and reclaiming possession in the final third.

Perhaps then the focus should be in defence where they have conceded 24 goals so far this season and have looked light at the back. Pascal Gross was forced to play at right-back while Lewis Dunk partnered 19-year-old Chelsea loanee Levis Colwill before the break.
David Richardson

CHELSEA

It’s no secret that Todd Boehly is targeting the best young players in world football as they embark on building a squad that can compete for many years.

It’s a policy that is consistent with giving Graham Potter a long-term contract and it’s an approach that will become normal practice at Stamford Bridge in the coming years.

It’s already been evident with the pre-contract summer agreement for France international Christopher Nkunku but this January they are on the lookout for a midfielder and a striker.

The injury to Armando Broja has left them light in forward positions and they are the lowest scorers in the top half with only 17. In midfield, N’Golo Kante has been regularly absent.

Like Nkunku, Declan Rice is likely to be available for the right price in the summer, but Chelsea won’t want to give up their bid to qualify for the Champions League without a fight. I expect them to attempt to make signings this January.
Paul Gilmour

How much have Chelsea spent recently?
To put it simply – a lot. Chelsea were the highest spenders in the Premier League in the summer, paying £278.4m for 10 new players as the club’s new owners made their presence felt.

At £75m, Wesley Fofana was the Blues’ most expensive purchase, while £63m was spent on Marc Cucurella and £47.5m was paid to Manchester City for Raheem Sterling.

What issues do Chelsea need to address?
There would have been a number of issues troubling Graham Potter as he saw his side’s form collapse in the weeks leading up to the World Cup. However, there are two problems in particular that are hurting Chelsea – a lack of creativity and a lack of goals.

The Blues have an expected goals total of just 15.61 from their 14 Premier League games – only six other sides have recorded a lower figure – while they have scored only 17 times in those matches. For context, Manchester City have an xG total of 28.09 and have scored 40 goals over the same period.

The fact that no player has managed more than two assists in the league speaks volumes – as does Kai Havertz and Raheem Sterling being the top scorers with just three goals each.

Chelsea were hardly the great entertainers under Thomas Tuchel but they will continue to go backwards under Potter unless they address their dysfunctional attack.

CRYSTAL PALACE

As always with Crystal Palace, talk of a particular outgoing will dominate just as much as any incomings.

Eight senior players are out of contract at the end of the season, but Wilfried Zaha’s future will be on the agenda. Zaha has enjoyed life under Patrick Vieira and the two share an excellent relationship. Palace, under sporting director Dougie Freedman, are very well organised and will have plans in place if Zaha was to depart in the summer.

James McArthur and Luka Milivojevic’s contracts run out in the summer and further additions in midfield will be considered.

Joel Ward and Nathaniel Clyne are also out of contract in the summer so strengthening at right-back is also an option. The club remains interested in former academy graduate Aaron Wan-Bissaka but Erik Ten Hag praised the right-back for his performance against Burnley in the Carabao Cup before Christmas suggesting he has a future.

It’s also worth keeping a close eye on John Textor’s takeover at Lyon. Textor, who has a 40 per cent stake in Palace is involved in a multi-club ownership. Talks have taken place over players of Textor’s other club, Botafogo being suitable for the Premier League.

Vieira has made it clear he’d like a few more bodies in the squad after the permanent introduction of five substitutes and Palace will act if the right players are made available in January.
Michael Bridge

How much have Crystal Palace spent recently?
After overhauling their squad last season following the departure of Roy Hodgson, Vieira’s side had a more modest summer transfer window, making only one major signing on the face of it in Cheick Doucoure.

The Eagles’ purchase of Chris Richards from Bayern Munich has not gone to plan due to injury, while Malcolm Ebiowei is one for the future.

An interesting observation is that Palace have spent money on a striker in every January transfer window since 2018. The likes of Jean-Philippe Mateta, Alexander Sorloth, Michy Batshuayi and Cenk Tosun have all come into the team with varying degrees of success.

What issues do Crystal Palace need to address?
The January window will once again bring up the debate on whether Palace’s resolve will be tested should a bid come in for Zaha.

One area that Palace could look to strengthen is at right-back. The central defensive partnership of Joachim Andersen and Marc Guehi looks unbreakable, while Tyrick Mitchell is undroppable at left-back.

On the right of the backline, Vieira has rotated between Nathaniel Clyne and Joel Ward – this area could need a refresh.

Will Palace go for another striker? They have plenty of options in Odsonne Edouard, Jordan Ayew and Mateta, while most Premier League teams dream of adding a new forward in the winter. But if the right target becomes available…
Sam Blitz

EVERTON

Everton need to strengthen their attacking options. Whether or not Dominic Calvert-Lewin can stay fit between now and the end of the season, Frank Lampard knows he needs to bolster a forward line that failed to score in five of their last seven league games in the lead up to the World Cup.

Mohammed Kudus had been lined up in the summer. In the end, with Antony going to Manchester United, Ajax wouldn’t let him go. Clearly a player in the style of Kudus could have made a big difference to a side that managed 11 goals in their first 15 Premier League games of the season.

Lampard is also looking to ensure Conor Coady remains at the club long-term with the possibility his loan move could become permanent in the January transfer window if not the summer.

Three other important pieces of business could also be completed in the coming weeks by agreeing new contracts with Jordan Pickford, Alex Iwobi and Anthony Gordon, with talks said to be progressing well.
Vinny O’Connor

How much have Everton spent recently?

After escaping relegation in their penultimate match of last season, the Toffees have won just three games and lost five of their last seven fixtures prior to the mid-season break.

Lampard’s record at the club since taking over from Rafael Benitez at the end of January is 12 wins in 38 league matches, averaging just 1.1 points per game.

Everton had to balance the books last summer in order not to fall foul of the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules. The club received a hefty £60m for Richarlison from Tottenham which allowed Lampard to strengthen in areas of need.

Amadou Onana, Conor Coady, Idrissa Gueyem Dwight McNeil, James Garner and Neal Maupay were all brought in for a combined outlay of £78.48m.

What issues do Everton need to address?
Everton’s struggles have become more pronounced over the years. The mentality cannot be faulted. Lampard said as much after his side’s 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth before the World Cup break – “they’re not bad lads” were his exact words. But whether this squad has the necessary quality to pull themselves clear of the drop is being tested. Anthony Gordon and Demarai Gray are joint-top goalscorers on three each. Extra firepower is a necessity, accentuated by the harrowing home loss to Wolves.

FULHAM

Fulham’s priority for the transfer window is to sign a right-back and a central midfielder.

Sky Sports News has already reported Cedric Soares from Arsenal and Abdoulaye Doucoure of Everton are top targets for these positions.

Both players are well known to manager Marco Silva; Soares being his fellow Portuguese and Doucoure having worked with him at Watford.

Both players have also spent most of their time on the bench for their respective clubs so far this season and maybe interested in more first-team games elsewhere.
Lyall Thomas

What issues do Fulham need to address?
It is understood Fulham will prioritise bringing in a new right back and central midfielder during the January window, with Arsenal’s Cedric Soares being lined up to fill the former role.

Meanwhile, manager Marco Silva will also want to keep close tabs on the fitness of top scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic, who despite travelling to the World Cup with a foot injury, still started all three of Serbia’s group games in Qatar.

How much have Fulham spent recently?
Fulham certainly did not hold back from splashing the cash last summer after confirming their return to the Premier League, spending £20m to sign Joao Palhinha from Sporting Lisbon.

As well as the Portugal midfielder, the Cottagers also forked out £8m on Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno, £10m on Manchester United forward Andreas Pereira, £6.5m on Wolfsburg right-back Kevin Mbabu and £15m on West Ham centre-back Issa Diop.
Richard Morgan

LEEDS UNITED

Leeds are looking to add a new left back and another striker to their squad next month.

There has been criticism of Junior Firpo since his arrival from Spain but Jesse Marsch believes he can still develop into a top player.

In the meantime though the club are looking for some help on the left of defence, while better strikers are always sought-after by teams looking to secure their top-flight status for next season.

Leeds are no different – but top goalscorers come at a premium.
Lyall Thomas

How much have Leeds spent recently?
After narrowly avoiding relegation last season, there was an overhaul at Leeds in the summer with Raphinha (£55m) sold to Barcelona and Kalvin Phillips (£50m) moving to Manchester City. £95.4m of the incomings from those sales was spent on the likes of Luis Sinisterra (£25.4m), Brenden Aaronson (£25m) and Tyler Adams (£20m).

In total, there were eight signings made in the summer, with Marc Roca (£10m) and Rasmus Kristensen (£10m) also brought in, along with Darko Gyabi (£5m) and Joel Robles and Sonny Perkins (both free).

What issues do Leeds need to address?
Excitement or chaos? However you want to look at it, Leeds were the most entertaining Premier League side to watch before the World Cup break, with 22 goals in their final four league games, which included a win at Liverpool and a fightback from 3-1 down to beat Bournemouth.

But Jesse Marsch will know his side will have to tighten up defensively in the second half of this campaign if they’re to expand their two-point gap on the relegation zone, and the Leeds boss has made it clear he’s looking for more additions in January to boost the strength of his group.

There is a feeling Leeds will move to add to their striking options, too. Patrick Bamford will hopefully have benefitted from the World Cup break but has struggled with fitness and looked low on confidence last month.

Attackers Crysencio Summerville, 21, and Wilfried Gnoto, 19, have stepped up and caught the eye but given the fact Leeds were “99.9 per cent” of the way to signing Netherlands and PSV striker Cody Gakpo in the summer, they will be aiming for a frontman who can hit the ground running this January.

LEICESTER CITY

Leicester had a very difficult summer, bringing in only centre-back Wout Faes, having needed to seek a high-profile sale before reinvesting. That came late with the £75m departure of Wesley Fofana to Chelsea – and too late to significantly redeploy those funds.

They will look to use some of it this time around, prioritising a new left-back amid injury concerns and doubts over the long-term future of Ryan Bertrand.

They have also long courted a new right-winger to help balance things in attack and will try to find a solution in this position too. Leicester are, though, open to improving across the board.
Lyall Thomas

How much have Leicester spent recently?

In short, not a lot – by Premier League standards, at least. In the summer, the Foxes brought in experienced goalkeeper Alex Smithies on a free transfer from Cardiff and Belgian centre-back Faes from Reims, who cost a reported £15m.

Their last prolonged interest in the transfer market came in the summer of 2021, when they brought in Patson Daka, Boubakary Soumare and Jannik Vestergaard for around £46m combined.

What issues do Leicester need to address?

It does appear that their frontline needs a boost: Jamie Vardy, Patson Daka and Kelechi Iheanacho have just eight goals in all competitions between them. James Maddison and Harvey Barnes, however, have contributed 13 goals, so there does seem to be a reliance on those more creative players.

We all know finding an in-form striker available in January is, more often than not, like trying to find a needle in a haystack.

They will be aided by new head of recruitment Martyn Glover, who left Southampton for the King Power earlier this year, though was placed on gardening leave by the Saints and thus unable to orchestrate anything for the Foxes in the summer. With months of planning under his belt and a wealth of experience in the game, he will be hopeful of getting off to a fast start.
Dan Long

LIVERPOOL

Everyone wants a Jude Bellingham. Liverpool did in the summer and could do with one now. The loan signing of Arthur Melo as a stop-gap hasn’t worked out after a thigh injury ruled him out until February at the earliest.

Of course, after proving impossible to get a deal done for Bellingham in the summer, his status has been elevated further by his performances at the World Cup, while it would be a surprise if Dortmund were to sanction his departure before the summer.

With £105m quoted as the asking price for another potential target in Enzo Fernandez, however, it’s unclear what funds would be available to further strengthen the squad, with owners FSG looking for new investment.
Vinny O’Connor

How much have Liverpool spent recently?
The Reds shelled out a club-record £85m in order to bring Uruguay striker Darwin Nunez to Anfield last summer, having already signed exciting youngsters Calvin Ramsay from Aberdeen for £6.5m and Fulham’s Fabio Carvalho for an undisclosed fee.

And they have already splashed the cash for this market, agreeing a deal worth between £35m and £45m for forward Cody Gakpo.

What issues do Liverpool need to address?
Cody Gakpo was someone Manchester United scouted extensively – and while his price will have gone up after his impressive World Cup – Liverpool have agreed a deal to sign the PSV Eindhoven forward.

Gakpo is able to slot into any of the front three positions, and his arrival will absorb the temporary injury losses of Diogo Jota, Roberto Firmino and Luis Diaz.

The Reds also struggled for options in the centre of the park before the World Cup due to a spate of midfield knocks and with Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Artur Melo all massively injury-prone, Klopp may also be considering bringing in an extra body to give him more competition for places here.
Richard Morgan

MANCHESTER CITY

Opposition managers are always describing Manchester City as the best team in the world, so it would take a unique opportunity to arise for them to enter the market in January.

The two areas where the club has been looking to strengthen are at left-back and in central midfield, with a number of targets identified in both positions. Jude Bellingham’s future looks like it will be decided in the summer, so City’s Director of Football Txiki Begiristain still has a number of months to try to convince him to follow Erling Haaland to the Etihad Stadium.

If City are to be tempted into the January market, then a full-back would seem to be more likely. However, the stratospheric rise of 18-year-old Rico Lewis from Academy prospect to the first-team squad has made that less of a priority.
Ben Ransom

How much have Man City spent recently?
Manchester City spent £128.8m in the summer, with Erling Haaland (£51.1m) and Kalvin Phillips (£50m) being their marquee signings. However, the Premier League champions made a net profit of £57.2m in the window after allowing 26 players to leave, including Gabriel Jesus (£45m) and Raheem Sterling (£47.5m), meaning they should have money to spend in January.

What issues do Man City need to address?
City’s squad is undoubtedly packed with quality but is a little lacking in quantity. They are overly reliant on Kyle Walker and Joao Cancelo, with any unavailability of their first-choice full-backs either thrusting inexperienced duo Sergio Gomez and Rico Lewis into the limelight or requiring centre-backs to play out of position.

It seems ridiculous to suggest Pep Guardiola could do with additional attacking midfielders and forwards, given the outstanding options already at his disposal, but the manager’s squad would look worryingly thin.

The arrival of a new full-back and creative midfielder could prove invaluable as the champions battle on four fronts – particularly with a five-point gap to league leaders Arsenal to make up.

MANCHESTER UNITED

Manchester United are looking at forwards and right backs – but there is a significant chance they will not recruit in January. Manager Erik ten Hag wants to bring in a forward following Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure – but only “if the right player” is available.

United could keep their powder dry ahead of the summer – though they are exploring the loan market. Bringing in a right back is likely to depend on whether they can get suitable offer for Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who is not in Ten Hag’s long-term plans.
Dharmesh Sheth

How much have Man Utd spent recently?
Man Utd’s poor start to the season forced the Glazers to free up more money than initially planned for Ten Hag in his first summer at Old Trafford.

Following defeats to Brighton and Brentford, big-money transfers for Casemiro (£70m) and Antony (£86m) were sanctioned to take United’s overall spend to £227.4m.

Martinez (£56.7m), Eriksen (free) and Tyrell Malacia (£14.7m) had already arrived as United began to rebuild after a big summer of change.

Paul Pogba, Juan Mata, Jesse Lingard, Edinson Cavani and Nemanja Matic all left on free transfers, with Eric Bailly and Alex Telles departing on loan.

So many exits means that despite six new signings in the summer, United will need to keep investing to compete with their rivals at the top.

What issues do Man Utd need to address?
United’s first order of business in the transfer market is finding a way to fill the Ronaldo-shaped hole in their squad.

Anthony Martial seems to be Ten Hag’s preferred choice in that central striker role, but has been unlucky with injuries this season. The Frenchman is yet to show he can be relied on. Marcus Rashford can be used there, too, but would ideally play from the left.

When you consider there is no timeframe on Jadon Sancho’s return – after Ten Hag said he is not physically or mentally fit enough to be with the squad – the need for a new attacker becomes even more pressing.

Ten Hag has been open about his side’s need to score more goals. They rank 11th in the Premier League for goals scored, averaging less than two goals a game. Gary Neville says United’s front three is the weakest of the top six and the numbers back him up.

Diogo Dalot, meanwhile, is practically United’s only specialist right-back, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka completely out of favour under Ten Hag. Reinforcements are being discussed but, as with a potential forward, there is a distinct possibility that there are no arrivals at Old Trafford in January.
Zinny Boswell

NEWCASTLE UNITED

Eddie Howe’s biggest task in January is to tweak his squad without upsetting the team spirit and morale that has helped them surge up the Premier League table.

The priority is to add a right-back who can provide cover for Kieran Trippier. Howe tried and failed to sign West Ham’s Harrison Ashby on Deadline Day in the summer and he could revisit that. His recruitment team have also been scouring Europe for alternates, with the wish being a young player that can learn from England star Trippier.

Newcastle are also keen to add in the forward area, with someone who can play both off the left and right attractive. The red-hot form of Miguel Almiron has lessened the need for an addition in this area but I still expect Newcastle to attempt to add. Christian Pulisic and James Maddison are big-name options that the club attempted to bring north in the summer, with the American a more viable option this window. However, Pulisic wouldn’t come cheap and Chelsea would be selling to a rival which adds complications.

The next on the list would be a holding midfielder, but this is more likely to happen in the summer rather than in January.
Keith Downie

How much have Newcastle spent recently?
Newcastle splashed out a club-record £63m fee for striker Alexander Isak in the summer – but predictions their spending would surpass the Premier League’s big-hitters following their Saudi-backed takeover were wide of the mark.

Matt Targett (£15m), Nick Pope (£10m) and Sven Botman (£35m) were the other big names to arrive in the north east in what was a considered and sensible summer transfer window.

The club also recruited well in the new ownership’s first window last January adding Trippier (£15m), Chris Wood (£25m), Bruno Guimaraes (£40m) and Dan Burn (£13m). Newcastle’s business has arguably been the best in the division and a key reason why they’re challenging for among the top six.

What issues do Newcastle need to address?
Newcastle’s squad is well-equipped apart from in central midfield. Injuries to Jonjo Shelvey and Bruno Guimaraes in the early part of the season coincided with a winless set of results. They must strengthen in that area if they are to finish in the top six, let alone top four.

James Maddison remains the dream signing for many supporters on Tyneside.
David Richardson

NOTTINGHAM FOREST

Forest are not afraid to be ambitious and add more players they believe can improve them, despite signing upwards of two new first elevens in the summer.

They are need of doing so too, still very much fighting against relegation back to the Championship.

Manager Steve Cooper said: “There’s a little bit more interest in what we do because of what happened in the summer – the numbers, the changes and the turnaround. But we can’t pay attention to that.

“We have to deal with the here and now, treat the transfer window for what it is – and that’s an opportunity to strengthen and improve the squad, if we think that’s what we need to do.”
Lyall Thomas

What issues do Nottingham Forest need to address?
A glance at the Premier League table would suggest Forest need to invest further resources in a leaky defence, with an average of more than two goals being conceding per game. However, Steve Cooper looked to have started to plug many of those leaks before the mid-season break, with his side keeping four clean sheets in their last six matches.

Forest also recorded wins over Liverpool and Tottenham in that time, but more needs to be done to get the most from the attacking players they signed in the summer, with Taiwo Awoniyi, Morgan Gibbs-White, Emmanuel Dennis and Jesse Lingard having just six goals between them.

The improved form coincided with Cooper’s decision to move away from a three-at-the-back system, with a 4-3-3 formation now often deployed by the manager. Cooper has a variety of versatile forwards to choose from when putting together his front three but his squad lacks natural wingers. A creative midfielder could also help to generate more chances for the underperforming strikers.

How much have Nottingham Forest spent recently?
It was more a case of who didn’t Nottingham Forest sign by the time they concluded their summer transfer business. An astonishing 23 players arrived at the City Ground following their return to the Premier League at a cost of £157.25m – the fifth-highest figure in the country.

Forest’s most extravagant signing was Gibbs-White, who was brought in from Wolves at a cost of £42.5m, while Dennis (£20m), Awoniyi (£17.5m) and Neco Williams (£17m) also caught the eye.

SOUTHAMPTON

Southampton’s new era began in the summer. The first window for their new owners, a new philosophy and a clear plan for incomings. Six of their 10 summer acquisitions were under the age of 21.

But for all of their new faces, the one position they couldn’t fill was arguably the most crucial, a striker. Which means that’s their key priority for this window.

Amazingly they were closer to signing Gakpo and Goncalo Ramos than any other Premier League side last summer; even to the point that flights were booked. The ones that got away, most definitely so, particularly after their performances in the World Cup.

As for other positions they’re monitoring a couple of areas and, of course, Nathan Jones will want to sign players that fit into his mould but the £75m summer spend won’t be replicated during January.

One or two new faces but unlikely to be many more.
Mark McAdam

How much have Southampton spent recently?
It was nearly a year ago when Serbian businessman Dragan Solak and sports investment firm Sport Republic completed their £100m takeover of Southampton. Chairman Henrik Kraft promised to be “an active and engaged owner” without “any revolutions” – but this window will test his resolve to stick with the same approach as last summer where a bold strategy based on high-risk investment was the order of the day.

It is a club that have never been known to loosen the purse strings but the new owners have brought with them greater spending power. A calculated rebuild to the tune of £60m was forked out on emerging talent in the last window with no player costing more than £12m.

Gavin Bazunu (20), fellow Manchester City academy graduate Romeo Lavia (18), forward Sekou Mara (19) and Armel Bella-Kotchap (20) were brought in under the previous regime. Like with many other clubs, Southampton must seek to add goals in the attacking third.

What issues do Southampton need to address?
Nathan Jones is a manager known for his intensity on the training ground and such a fastidious approach isn’t too dissimilar to the one taken by his predecessor Ralph Hasenhuttl.

There is no need to panic just yet with over 60 per cent of the campaign still to run, but Jones may look to add some ready-made experience to his group to ensure the club remain in the top flight. Hasenhuttl took the brave route of buying for the future last summer, meaning Southampton have thus far boasted the youngest starting XI with an average of 24.1 years old.

That average would be even younger were Tino Livramento, Romeo Lavia and Bella-Kotchap available for all of the season. Injuries have blighted the team but to reverse the late-season implosion of 2021/22, Jones may look to a more pragmatic approach. The side’s 13 direct attacks ranks as the fewest in the league and yet Saints’ average possession has dropped to 46.1 per cent from 48.4 last term.

Teams have looked to swarm Southampton as they have looked to play through the thirds with the 237 pressed sequences against them second only to Bournemouth. In terms of the distance moved upfield when in possession, Saints’ 10.23m per sequence is the second-worst in the division. Put simply, Jones must make Saints more proactive on the ball.

TOTTENHAM

Antonio Conte wants to continue to improve and tweak his squad in certain areas. I think Spurs will try to do some business in January.

This time last year they got deals done for Rodrigo Bentancur and Dejan Kulusevski and both have impressed. It shows Conte and Fabio Paratici can be trusted with the money.

The January window will play out amid the uncertainty over Conte’s contract. It expires at the end of the season and, although Spurs have an option to extend by a year, they will be mindful that he, Harry Kane and other senior players want to see continuous improvement to match their ambitions.

A central midfielder is expected to be high on the list of priorities along with another defender.

Tottenham did target Yannick Carrasco in the past and I’ve been told he could be available for the right price. Whether that interest is still alive remains to be seen, especially as his position is not necessarily a priority now.
Paul Gilmour

How much have Tottenham spent recently?
After Tottenham’s owners ENIC publicly announced a £150 million cash injection in May, the club enjoyed a busy summer transfer window.

Including the permanent signing of Cristian Romero (£42.5m), after the Argentine had spent the previous season on loan from Atalanta, Spurs spent around £172m on new recruits.

The most expensive signing was Richarlison at £60m while another marquee signing, Yves Bissouma, cost £35m from Brighton.

What issues do Tottenham need to address?

Right wing-back. Neither Emerson Royal nor Matt Doherty have convinced this season while Djed Spence is not getting the opportunities.

A move for Inter Milan’s Denzel Dumfries would be an exciting one that could transform this area for Spurs. The club have also been linked with Sporting Lisbon’s Pedro Porro, who impressed against them in the Champions League.

A central midfielder is another priority. An injury to Bentancur, who has been Spurs’ player of the season so far, or Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg would be a huge blow so reinforcing this area makes sense.

Therefore it was not surprising to see Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot emerge as a rumoured target – the last time Spurs bought from the Italian club was in January when they signed Bentancur and Kulusevski, who have become two of their most important players.

Elsewhere, an attacking midfielder and a centre-back are also positions the club should be looking to strengthen – Leicester’s James Maddison and Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni could be potential targets – although these positions are likely to be looked at next summer.
Declan Olley

WEST HAM UNITED

West Ham have their eyes open in the market, but increasingly likely to be a quiet window following the record spend in the summer. Manager David Moyes has re-iterated his new look squad needs time to gel. There has been lots of talk about Declan Rice’s future – he won’t leave in January, but he could be one of the big stories in the summer. West Ham have a few injury concerns in defence and do not want to let anyone go – however, right back Vladimir Coufal is growing increasingly frustrated with his limited game time. He could be one to watch in January.
Dharmesh Sheth

How much have West Ham spent recently?
West Ham spent more than £150m on new players in the summer, with Lucas Paqueta, Nayef Aguerd, Gianluca Scamacca and Maxwel Cornet all arriving for big fees.

There was no January transfer window purchase for the Hammers last year, so do not be surprised if it goes a similar route this year.

What issues do West Ham need to address?
David Moyes knows full well that West Ham’s improvement comes down to raising the on-pitch quality of the players he already has and getting key men back from injury, rather than looking elsewhere.

Because of their major summer influx, the Hammers will likely shift more players than they bring in this January. Should a squad player like Coufal leave due to a lack of game time, a new player in that position could be targeted.

There is also room for a new midfielder to play as back-up to Declan Rice, Tomas Soucek and Paqueta, with only Flynn Downes acting as adequate back-up.

Speaking of Rice, there will be plenty of talk about his future after another solid major tournament outing for England at the World Cup, but that may be one for the summer.
Sam Blitz

WOLVES

Wolves’ main priority was to get a goalscorer this winter, hence the signing of Matheus Cunha from Atletico Madrid.

The Brazil forward was a target before his move to Spain and it’s hoped will be a catalyst for goals for the Wolves frontline.

As has been the case with Wolves, they face tough decisions over their star players.

Ruben Neves is perennially linked with a move away but is unlikely to be sold this window.

Raul Jimenez, however, is a different proposition. The forward, who’s struggled for fitness and form over the last couple of seasons, is one of the club’s top earners and interest from MLS and Liga MX will be entertained for the right price.
Anton Toloui

How much have Wolves spent recently?
Wolves invested heavily in the summer with midfielder Matheus Nunes becoming their club record-signing soon after fellow Portugal international Goncalo Guedes had also arrived for a large fee. Nathan Collins was another significant investment for a sum in excess of £20m.

What issues do Wolves need to address?
Wolves are the lowest scorers in the Premier League. Sasa Kalajdzic is out for the season with a knee injury and there are huge question marks over the ability of Diego Costa and Raul Jimenez to continue to deliver at the highest level. Can they find a goalscorer?

Elsewhere on the pitch, depth is needed in the centre of defence following the departures of Conor Coady and Willy Boly – illustrated by the fact that Ruben Neves was forced to fill in there earlier in the season. Wolves are also without a natural holding midfielder.

Paul Merson mengatakan posisi Arsenal di puncak klasemen Liga Premier bukanlah “kebetulan”, sementara Alan Smith yakin skuad tersebut “lebih tua dan lebih bijaksana” untuk merebut gelar.

Setelah saingan gelar Manchester City dan Newcastle kehilangan poin lebih awal pada Malam Tahun Baru, The Gunners mengalahkan Brighton 4-2 di Stadion Amex untuk membuat mereka unggul tujuh poin menuju 2023.

Tidak ada tim dalam sejarah Liga Premier yang kehilangan keunggulan setelah 16 pertandingan dan kemudian memenangkan gelar.

Meskipun masih ada 22 pertandingan tersisa – dan rangkaian pertandingan di tahun baru yang dapat menentukan prospek gelar mereka – Olahraga Langit pakar Merson tidak percaya keberhasilan Arsenal baru-baru ini adalah suatu kebetulan.

“Arsenal bermain sangat bagus, ini bukan kebetulan,” kata Merson kepada Sky Sports.

“Mereka pergi ke Old Trafford dan dikalahkan, dan saya pikir mereka tidak pantas. Ada cara untuk kalah dalam pertandingan dan mereka bangkit kembali.

“Malam itu, mereka kalah 1-0 dari West Ham dan mereka bangkit dan menyingkirkan mereka.

“Mereka benar di dalamnya, tidak diragukan lagi. Ini bukan kebetulan, mereka ada di mana mereka berada karena mereka adalah tim sepak bola yang sangat bagus.

“Ada 26 pertandingan tersisa, mereka mungkin harus melakukannya untuk 22 pertandingan lagi. Mereka memberi diri mereka sedikit celah di mana mereka bisa kehilangan beberapa pertandingan. Man City tidak akan memenangkan setiap pertandingan.

“Arsenal benar dalam hal ini, saya tidak bisa berbicara cukup banyak tentang mereka. Tapi ini adalah Liga Premier, itu berubah begitu cepat.

“Tiga pertandingan itu: Newcastle, Tottenham, Man United. Jika mereka mengalahkan Newcastle, Anda mengharapkan mereka mendapatkan hasil di Tottenham, jika mereka mendapatkan hasil di Tottenham, saya berharap mereka mengalahkan United.

“Jika mereka tidak mengalahkan Newcastle, Anda tidak mengharapkan mereka mengalahkan Tottenham, mereka tidak mengalahkan Tottenham maka Anda tidak mengharapkan mereka mengalahkan United. Ini efek domino. Saat ini, mereka melakukan segalanya. Baik.

“Mereka dalam posisi yang bagus, jalan masih panjang.

“Mereka memulai dengan sangat baik dan itulah nama permainannya. Mereka mengalami sedikit penurunan ketika Arteta mengubah tim dan menarik bek sayap, tetapi siapa yang pergi ke Brighton dan mencetak empat gol?

“Kami selalu dapat mengatakan bahwa mereka kebobolan dua gol tetapi Anda harus menikmatinya. Mereka memainkan sepakbola yang hebat dan saat ini mereka adalah tim terbaik di negara ini. Mereka adalah tim nomor satu.

“Mereka terlihat bagus, mereka mencetak gol, keempat penyerang mencetak gol hari ini. Anda tidak bisa berbicara banyak tentang mereka.”

Merson juga percaya bahwa hanya Arsenal dan Man City yang secara realistis dapat memenangkan gelar Premier League – kecuali ada tim lain yang menciptakan sejarah.

“Ketika kami berhenti untuk Piala Dunia, Anda mengira ini hanya akan merugikan Arsenal. Mereka terbang dan kembali dan mencetak tujuh gol dalam dua pertandingan,” tambah Merson.

“Mereka punya platform, itu ada di tangan mereka. Saya tahu jalan masih panjang tapi ada tim besar di liga ini yang tidak bisa memenangkannya – Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham, mungkin Man United.

“Itu keluar dari Arsenal dan Man City kecuali tim lain melakukan perjalanan paling luar biasa yang pernah Anda lihat dalam sejarah Liga Premier.”

Selanjutnya untuk Arsenal adalah tempat ketiga Newcastle pada hari Rabu, langsung di Sky Sports, dan Merson mengharapkan kemenangan kandang lainnya untuk The Gunners.

“Saya pikir mereka akan mengalahkan Newcastle,” katanya. “Mereka baru saja memenangkan dua pertandingan, mencetak tujuh gol, kepercayaan diri tinggi. Mereka memenangkan setiap pertandingan di kandang musim ini di liga, itu sesuatu yang berhasil.

“Mereka bagus untuk ditonton, itu bukan kebetulan. Anda harus melihat Man City, mereka kalah di kandang dari Brentford dan bermain imbang di kandang melawan Everton yang sedang dalam performa buruk. Itu adalah dua pertandingan yang mereka mainkan.” “Saya berharap untuk menang. Itu berarti kehilangan lima poin. Saya tidak melihat ada yang menghentikan Arsenal saat ini.”

Smith: Pasukan lebih tua dan lebih bijaksana

Setelah musim Arsenal mereda menjelang akhir musim lalu, Olahraga Langit’ Smith percaya The Gunners memiliki lebih banyak pengalaman untuk menangani tekanan dari tantangan gelar kali ini.

Dia berkata: “Saya pikir mereka melakukannya [Arsenal fans believe Arsenal can win the title], tidak ada keraguan tentang itu. Tidak perlu banyak waktu bagi penggemar untuk bersemangat dan optimis. Saat Anda unggul tujuh poin, Anda berpikir ‘mungkin ini tahun kami’.

“Saya tidak berpikir ada di antara kami yang mengira ini akan mungkin terjadi pada awalnya. Ini situasi yang tidak biasa, tetapi semua orang masih berpikir Manchester City akan memenangkannya.

“Tapi itu mungkin menguntungkan Arsenal. Rangkaian pertandingan menjelang pertandingan Man City pada 15 Februari, jika mereka masih bisa menjaga jarak dan jika mereka bisa mengalahkan City, maka Anda benar-benar mulai percaya.

“Roda terlepas pada akhir musim lalu – pertandingan Spurs dan pertandingan tandang Newcastle di mana mereka tidak muncul, mereka kehabisan bensin, skuad mereka diregangkan hingga batasnya.

“Skuad mereka lebih baik musim ini dalam hal kekuatan secara mendalam dan mereka lebih dewasa. Mereka masih tim termuda di Liga Premier dengan starting XI rata-rata mereka, tetapi ada pengalaman itu. Anda akan berharap mereka telah belajar dari musim lalu. Mereka setahun lebih tua dan semoga setahun lebih bijaksana.”

Tentu saja, dua rekrutan musim panas Arsenal – Gabriel Jesus dan Oleksandr Zinchenko – telah memenangkan gelar Liga Premier di Man City, dan Smith yakin duo tersebut memberikan pengaruh.

Dia menambahkan: “Banyak hal yang mungkin terjadi di belakang layar, di tempat latihan Senin hingga Jumat, di ruang ganti sebelum pertandingan dan setelah pertandingan – pengalaman memenangkan sesuatu, bagaimana menangani situasi tertentu.

“Mereka berdua adalah pemain muda, Jesus dan Zinchenko, tetapi mereka telah melihat semuanya di bawah Pep di City dan itu banyak dikomentari dan saya yakin itu adalah alasan besar mengapa Arteta membeli dua pemain itu, selain dari kemampuan mereka.

“Ketika Anda berada di posisi ini, itu menetapkan standar ke depan sehingga mereka akan memainkan peran besar.”

Arteta: Kami kejam dan klinis

Manajer Arsenal Mikel Arteta memuji kemenangan di pantai selatan dengan empat pemain berbeda di daftar pencetak gol, memuji timnya karena memanfaatkan peluang mereka.

“Kemenangan besar melawan tim yang sangat bagus,” katanya Olahraga Langit. “Kami memiliki momen-momen besar, kami kejam, sangat klinis. Kami memiliki beberapa momen hebat dan juga ada saat-saat di mana kami harus bekerja keras dan menderita karena mereka membuat Anda kesulitan dan merupakan tim yang sangat bagus.

“Jika Anda berharap untuk datang ke sini melawan Brighton dan memainkan mereka di luar lapangan, dan tidak kebobolan apa pun, itu sangat sulit. Itu adalah ujian besar bagi kami untuk menang lagi, tiga kali berturut-turut. Ini adalah kemenangan besar dan sekarang menuju yang selanjutnya.

“Kami memulai dengan sangat cepat, setelah yang pertama, saya pikir kami memiliki dua atau tiga peluang besar untuk menempatkan permainan dalam posisi yang lebih nyaman tetapi itu tidak pernah selesai. Anda merasa mereka akan memberikan semua yang mereka bisa dan melakukan yang terbaik. banyak pemain maju, dan menguji lini terakhir. Mereka melakukannya dan kami harus mengatasi beberapa situasi sulit.”

Dengan beberapa pertandingan besar yang akan datang dalam beberapa minggu ke depan, Arteta tetap tenang dan mengatakan meski mengetahui hasil pukul 3 sore sebelum kick-off, Arsenal tetap fokus pada diri mereka sendiri.

Dia menambahkan: “Kami harus fokus lagi, meninjau pertandingan. Ada banyak hal yang telah kami lakukan dengan sangat baik dan masih banyak hal yang harus diperbaiki dan dibawa ke pertandingan berikutnya. Kami harus mengambil energi dan momentum yang sama .

“Anda melihat setiap hasil, jelas Anda tahu apa yang terjadi tetapi kami harus fokus pada apa yang bisa kami lakukan yaitu tampil melawan tim yang sangat sulit dan menang.”

Arsenal mendengkur – dan bisa memukul Anda dari semua sudut

Lewis Jones dari Sky Sports:

“Salah satu petunjuk untuk mengetahui kapan tim elit ada di depan mata Anda adalah bagaimana mereka bisa melukai lawan dari semua sudut. Jarang tim yang menguasai segalanya hanya mengandalkan satu area serangan. Arsenal bisa memukul Anda dari kiri , dari kanan dan melalui tengah Brighton merasakan kekuatan itu saat The Gunners melebarkan keunggulan tujuh poin.

“Gabriel Martinelli, Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka dan Eddie Nketiah semuanya mencetak gol karena kemampuan Arsenal untuk menyebarkan gol membuktikan kekuatan besar dalam dorongan tak terduga mereka untuk gelar Liga Premier.

“Mereka sekarang memiliki empat pemain yang telah mencetak lima atau lebih gol Premier League musim ini – Martinelli, Odegaard, Saka dan Gabriel Jesus. Tidak ada tim lain yang bisa mengklaim itu.

“Dan Nketiah akan bergabung dengan partai itu tidak lama lagi jika dia melanjutkan tingkat serangannya yang telah membuatnya mencetak gol di kedua startnya sejak cedera pada Yesus. Ada argumen yang dibuat bahwa Yesus mungkin tidak mencetak satu gol pun yang didapat Nketiah di Stadion Amex seperti naluri pemburu yang ditunjukkan oleh pemain muda Arsenal – itulah keahliannya. Arsenal baik-baik saja tanpa pemain Brasil karena tidak ada ketergantungan berlebihan pada individu tertentu. Itu bisa membawa mereka jauh-jauh.”

Rekrutan baru Wigan, Jake Wardle, mampu melupakan ketidakpastian selama berbulan-bulan setelah menandatangani kontrak tiga tahun dengan klub; kick-off musim Liga Super Betfred 2023 pada bulan Februari langsung di Sky Sports

Kembali pada bulan Mei, Jake Wardle menjadi penonton saat Huddersfield Giants menderita kekalahan telak dari Wigan Warriors di final Betfred Challenge Cup.

Sebuah rollercoaster tujuh bulan kemudian, bagaimanapun, pusat mendapati dirinya bersiap untuk mengenakan kemeja Cherry dan Putih dari pemegang Piala dan semifinalis play-off Liga Super Betfred tahun ini untuk kampanye 2023.

Cedera pergelangan kaki dan performa Ricky Leutele dan Leroy Cudjoe membuat Wardle hanya tampil enam kali untuk Giants pada 2022, termasuk tidak tampil di matchday 17 untuk penampilan final Piala Tantangan pertama klub dalam 12 tahun. Penandatanganan Kevin Naiqama dan Esan Marsters untuk tahun depan semakin menggarisbawahi posisinya di urutan kekuasaan juga.

Wardle kemudian dipinjamkan ke Warrington Wolves pada bulan Juli untuk sisa musim Liga Super, namun ketidakpastian yang dihadapi pemain berusia 24 tahun itu tentang masa depannya menghilang ketika Wigan datang menggantikannya.

“Akhir tahun lalu ketika saya dipinjamkan, masa depan saya sedikit di atas angin,” Wardle, yang dikonfirmasi telah menandatangani kontrak tiga tahun dengan Warriors pada bulan Oktober, mengatakan kepada Olahraga Langit.

“Akhirnya mendapatkan kontrak tiga tahun adalah hal yang sangat besar bagi saya. Itu menyelesaikan semuanya dan saya berharap untuk bermain rugby lagi tahun depan.

“Itu tidak bisa dipercaya. Klub berbicara untuk dirinya sendiri dengan kesuksesan yang dimilikinya, jadi menginginkan saya sebagai pemain dan sebagai pribadi, itu adalah sesuatu yang sangat saya syukuri.”

Dalam putaran yang aneh, Wardle kemungkinan akan membentuk kemitraan pusat di Wigan pada tahun 2023 dengan Toby King – pria yang didatangkan Huddersfield dari Warrington untuk bulan-bulan terakhir musim lalu sebagai bagian dari kesepakatan pertukaran pinjaman.

Sebanyak yang bisa dibaca tentang apa pun seperti nomor skuad, fakta bahwa duo ini telah diberikan No 3 dan 4 untuk musim mendatang tampaknya menunjukkan bahwa mereka adalah kombinasi pilihan pertama pelatih kepala Warriors Matt Peet di tiga perempat, dengan memiliki Iain Thornley sebagai opsi juga, dan duo baris kedua Kai Pearce-Paul dan Willie Isa dapat ditempatkan di tengah jika diperlukan.

Untuk bagiannya, Wardle dengan cepat menyesuaikan diri dengan kehidupan di bawah rezim Peet dan telah menemukan beberapa gagasan yang terbentuk sebelumnya tentang bagaimana tim Wigan membebaskan diri mereka sendiri dari melawan mereka di masa lalu telah terbukti benar.

“Setiap klub dan setiap tim ingin membangun sebuah budaya, tapi saya merasa sejak saya berada di sini, hal itu telah meningkatkannya ke tingkat yang lebih tinggi,” kata Wardle.

“Semuanya tentang budaya itu dan saya sangat menantikan untuk menjadi bagian darinya.

“Anda bisa melihat kebersamaan skuat ketika mereka bermain dan kembali ke final Piala Tantangan, kemenangan di akhir menunjukkan kebersamaan mereka sebagai sebuah kelompok dan kepercayaan yang mereka miliki satu sama lain.”

Melihat Challenge Cup di lemari trofi di DW Stadium dan saat membawanya ke sekolah-sekolah di area tersebut sebagai bagian dari program komunitas ‘Warriors Together’ klub pada bulan Desember berfungsi sebagai motivasi tambahan bagi Wardle untuk menjadi bagian dari tim pemenang trofi .

Tak perlu dikatakan Wigan sangat ingin mempertahankan Piala pada tahun 2023 untuk apa yang akan menjadi kemenangan ke-21 yang memperpanjang rekor dalam kompetisi knock-out paling bergengsi di liga rugby, belum lagi memecahkan rival cengkeraman yang dimiliki St Helens di Liga Super untuk masa lalu. empat musim.

Wardle yakin kemampuan yang telah dilihatnya dalam skuat, termasuk try-scorer musim lalu Bevan French dan nominasi Man of Steel Jai Field, akan memastikan Warriors berjuang untuk mendapatkan penghargaan lagi di tahun 2023.

“Tujuan saya adalah memenangkannya [the Cup] lagi tahun ini dan kami mampu melakukannya,” kata Wardle.

Budaya yang kami miliki dan skuat yang kami miliki, saya ingin menjadi bagian darinya dan melakukan apa yang kami bisa dan memberikan yang terbaik untuk tim.

“Itulah tujuan saya dalam tiga tahun saya di sini – saya ingin memenangkan trofi sebanyak yang saya bisa. Kami memiliki skuad untuk melakukannya, jadi mudah-mudahan kami bisa mendapatkan lebih banyak trofi tahun ini.”

Musim Liga Super Betfred 2023 dimulai pada bulan Februari dengan dua pertandingan dari Babak 1 langsung di Sky Sports. Runner-up Grand Final Leeds Rhinos bertandang ke Warrington Wolves pada Kamis 16 Februari, diikuti oleh promosi Leigh Leopards menjamu Salford Red Devils pada Jumat 17 Februari.

Michael van Gerwen menghadapi Chris Dobey di perempat final I Tonton Kejuaraan Dart Dunia PDC 2023 – langsung di Sky Sports Darts. Kami kembali pada Hari Tahun Baru pukul 12.30 dan 19.30 dengan Gerwyn Price, Michael Smith, dan MVG semuanya mengincar semifinal hari Senin

Michael van Gerwen melanjutkan pencariannya untuk Kejuaraan Dart Dunia keempat dan yang pertama sejak 2019 setelah meraih kemenangan atas sesama pemain Belanda Dirk van Duijvenbode pada Jumat malam.

Van Gerwen meluncur ke perempat final setelah menang 4-1 atas Dirk van Duijvenbode di bawah par dengan rata-rata 100,4 untuk mengatur pertemuan melawan Dobey pada Hari Tahun Baru, yang sebelumnya mengalahkan mantan juara Rob Cross.

“Saya merasa baik dan segala sesuatu mungkin terjadi di Kejuaraan Dunia ini. Jika saya bermain seperti ini, saya tidak akan kalah,” kata Van Gerwen kepada Emma Paton dari Sky Sports di studio.

“Sesuatu yang aneh harus terjadi pada saya, hari libur atau apa pun, agar saya tidak memenangkan pertandingan saya.”

Van Gerwen menghasilkan performa kuat lainnya, dengan rata-rata 100,42 dan 43 persen di nomor ganda.

Dia memulai dengan jauh lebih baik dari keduanya dalam pertandingan sesama pemain Belanda dan meskipun 117 pukulan keras dari Van Duijvenbode di leg kedua, lima lemparan yang gagal di nomor ganda membuat ‘Mighty Mike’ mengamankan gol pembuka.

‘Aubergenius’ kemudian melemparkan 170 keempat turnamen dan kedua malam itu untuk kembali ke set kedua, tetapi setelah kehilangan kesempatannya untuk memaksakan leg penentuan, Van Gerwen menerima hadiah untuk menggandakan keunggulannya dengan rata-rata 100,7.

Van Duijvenbode memperkecil jarak menjadi satu setelah memenangkan set ketiga 3-1 dengan rata-rata set 120,67 yang mengesankan dan meskipun memaksakan set penentuan pada set keempat, ia mengalami pukulan skor yang menghancurkan untuk memungkinkan MVG membantu dirinya sendiri untuk keunggulan dua set sekali lagi.

Favorit judul kemudian melenggang berikutnya untuk memesan pertemuan dengan Dobey ‘Hollywood’ berkat penyelesaian 120 yang menghentikan pertunjukan.

Dobey berhasil lolos ke perempat final di Dunia untuk pertama kalinya berkat kemenangan 4-2 atas juara 2018 Rob Cross dengan rata-rata 102, delapan 180 dan checkout 170 yang menakjubkan.

Setelah merebut pembuka, ‘Voltage’ rata-rata hampir 119 di babak berikutnya tetapi dia bahkan tidak memenangkan satu kaki pun. Namun, Cross mengatur dirinya sendiri untuk melewati babak berikutnya dan merebut kembali keunggulan.

Dobey kemudian mengangkat atap Ally Pally dengan penyelesaian terbesar – 170 – saat ia menaikkan rata-rata menjadi 121,72 dalam menyamakan kedudukan menjadi 2-2.

Dia mendekati kemenangan dengan memenangkan 3-1 berikutnya dan dia menahan keberaniannya pada set keenam pada panah pertandingan keenamnya untuk memastikan tempatnya di delapan besar.

Dobey berkata: “Itu 100 persen [the biggest result of my career]. Saya akhirnya mengatasi rintangan itu jadi saya senang, berdengung. Rob melemparkan segalanya pada kami. Saya mencapai 170-an untuk bersenang-senang di rumah jadi sudah waktunya, tetapi 170-an tidak berarti apa-apa. Kemenangan ganda itulah yang paling berarti.

“Tidak ada alasan aku tidak bisa pergi jauh-jauh.”

Mantan juara Lakeside Stephen Bunting menyelesaikan susunan pemain perempat final dengan mendominasi Luke Humphries dengan rata-rata 99,43 dan menghasilkan 46 persen dari gandanya.

Bunting mengambil set pembuka yang menghibur 3-1 dengan para pemain berbagi penyelesaian lebih dari 121 dan 119, dan dia kemudian menyematkan 127 yang brilian dalam perjalanannya ke rata-rata 115,62 untuk menggandakan keunggulannya sebelum ‘Tangan Keren’ Luke menemukan beberapa bentuk untuk Tutup celahnya.

‘The Bullet’ mengonversi double 3 untuk mengembalikan bantalan dua setnya dan dengan petenis nomor 5 dunia terhuyung-huyung, Bunting melakukan pukulan 106 untuk mematahkan lemparan di leg pembuka set kelima sebelum melanjutkan untuk bertemu dengan Michael Smith dalam derby St Helens.

Smith & Dimi menang saat Clemens membuat sejarah di The Palace

Smith melepaskan tembakan yang angkuh untuk melaju ke delapan besar dengan kemenangan 4-1 melawan juara Masters Joe Cullen.

“Saya akhirnya muncul dan rasanya menyenangkan,” kata Smith, yang rata-rata mencetak 103, mendaratkan sepuluh pukulan 180 dan mengonversi 40 persen percobaannya menjadi dua kali lipat.

“Saya pikir set pertama itu penting. Tertinggal 1-0 melawan Joe bisa menjadi pengubah permainan yang besar, dan saya tahu saya tidak boleh membuang set-set itu.

“Saya ingin memainkan pemain terbaik, saya ingin mengalahkan pemain terbaik dan saya ingin menunjukkan sejauh mana permainan saya, dan memenangkan gelar ini akan berarti segalanya.”

Di tempat lain, Gabriel Clemens membuat sejarah dengan sukses gemilang 4-1 melawan pemadam kebakaran Dundee Alan Soutar, untuk menjadi pemain Jerman pertama yang mencapai perempat final di Dunia.

‘Raksasa Jerman’ selanjutnya akan menghadapi ujian besar melawan Harga Gerwyn No. 1 dunia pada Hari Tahun Baru.

“Dia akan menjadi favorit, tetapi saya memiliki tiga pertandingan bagus di atas panggung bersamanya dan saya telah mengalahkannya sebelumnya, jadi ini tentang mengambil kesempatan Anda,” kata mantan tukang kunci berusia 39 tahun itu.

“Saya harap saya bisa memberikan tekanan padanya. Tidak mudah bermain melawan petenis nomor 1 dunia. Ini adalah pertama kalinya saya bermain di perempat final Worlds jadi saya harap saya bisa memberinya permainan yang bagus dan mungkin saya bisa.” menang, kenapa tidak!?”

Dimitri Van den Bergh mengamankan tempat di perempat final ketiganya di sini setelah melakukan pekerjaan pembongkaran untuk mengalahkan rekannya di Piala Dunia Belgia Kim Huybrechts dalam set langsung.

Hari Tahun Baru di Ally Pally

Welshman Gerwyn Price akan menghadapi petenis Jerman nomor 1 Gabriel Clemens pada hari perempat final di Alexandra Palace dengan semua pertandingan sekarang menjadi yang terbaik dari sembilan set.

Jonny Clayton melawan ‘The DreamMaker’ Dimitri Van den Bergh, sementara juara Grand Slam of Darts Michael Smith menghadapi Stephen Bunting dalam derby lokal.

Favorit perusahaan Michael van Gerwen kemudian melanjutkan pencariannya untuk gelar Dunia keempat ketika dia melawan ‘Hollywood’ Chris Dobey.

Semifinal dan final berlangsung pada 2-3 Januari.

Tonton Kejuaraan Dart Dunia PDC 2023 – langsung di Sky Sports Darts – hingga final pada 3 Januari.

Dua gol bunuh diri dari Wout Faes membantu Liverpool menang 2-1 atas Leicester yang membuat The Reds terpaut dua poin dari tempat keempat di Liga Premier.

Pertandingan pertama Liverpool di Anfield sejak sebelum Piala Dunia dimulai dengan awal yang buruk hanya empat menit ketika Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall menembus pertahanan tim tuan rumah sebelum mencetak gol melewati Alisson.

Tetapi setelah aksi end-to-end, bek tengah Leicester Faes memberi Liverpool uluran tangan yang besar, pertama entah bagaimana memotong umpan silang Trent Alexander-Arnold ke atas dan melewati kiper Foxes Danny Ward (38) sebelum memasukkan bola ke gawangnya sendiri lagi (45 ) setelah chip Darwin Nunez membentur tiang.

“Mimpi buruk mutlak baginya dan mimpi buruk bagi Leicester,” kata Jamie Carragher dari Sky Sports pada komentar bersama – satu dari tiga pemain lain yang memiliki rekor mencetak dua gol bunuh diri dalam pertandingan Liga Premier yang tidak diinginkan.

Pertemuan yang menghibur itu juga memberikan peluang bagi kedua belah pihak setelah jeda, dengan Jordan Henderson, Mohamed Salah dan Nunez bersalah di depan Kop dan Harvey Barnes dan Dewsbury-Hall semakin dekat, tetapi gol bunuh diri itu akhirnya terbukti menentukan.

Kemenangan liga keempat Liverpool membuat mereka tetap di urutan keenam tetapi mereka mendekati Tottenham dalam perebutan kualifikasi Liga Champions dan, dengan rekrutan baru Cody Gakpo menonton dari tribun, mereka akan optimis tentang apa yang akan terjadi pada 2023. Leicester bertahan 13.

Bagaimana gol bunuh diri Faes membantu Liverpool meraih kemenangan

Ada upeti pra-pertandingan untuk Pele dan mantan striker Liverpool David Johnson, tetapi ketika aksi dimulai, tim tamulah yang terlihat paling tajam dan pemberhentian sederhana dari Patson Daka tiba-tiba melihat ruang terbuka untuk Dewsbury-Hall untuk mengisi dan mencetak gol. pembuka kejutan.

Itu adalah pertahanan yang mengkhawatirkan dari tim Liverpool yang terlihat lebih rentan daripada musim-musim sebelumnya dan ketika Daka pergi karena masalah hamstring segera setelah itu, salah satu penyerang utama The Reds, Jamie Vardy, memaksa Alexander-Arnold melakukan blok putus asa untuk mencegahnya. Barnes berputar sebentar lagi.

Kontes terbuka melihat peluang bagi Liverpool sejak awal, juga, dengan pengurangan Nunez yang ditembakkan oleh Salah sebelum gol pemain Mesir itu dianulir karena bendera offside melawan Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Namun dalam waktu tujuh menit sebelum paruh waktu corak permainan berubah.

Pada tayangan ulang, terdengar jelas Ward meneriakkan ‘Keeper’s’ sebelum Faes dengan liar mengayunkan kaki ke umpan silang Alexander-Arnold yang rendah tetapi tidak berbahaya, meskipun terlepas dari kesalahan itu, pemain Belgia itu bisa menganggap dirinya sedikit tidak beruntung melihat bola berputar ke gawangnya sendiri. mode yang luar biasa.

Dia kembali kurang tenang untuk gol bunuh diri keduanya, melepaskan tembakan saat dia mencoba membersihkan bola setelah chip pintar Nunez membentur tiang.

Nunez berjarak beberapa inci pada kesempatan itu tetapi memotong sosok yang frustrasi di babak kedua saat kekeringan gol enam pertandingannya untuk klub dan negara berlanjut, dengan satu kesalahan dari tepi kotak sangat buruk.

Ada tanda-tanda yang menggembirakan dari permainan hubungannya dengan Salah, dan pada malam ketika Liverpool tidak dalam kondisi terbaiknya, mereka akan mengambil hal positif seperti itu – dan dorongan untuk mendorong empat besar mereka – sebagai kenyamanan menuju ke tahun baru.

Apa berikutnya?

Pertandingan Liverpool berikutnya, kick-off pukul 17.30 ke Brentford pada Senin 2 Januari, juga ditayangkan langsung di Sky Sports, sementara Leicester menjamu Fulham pada pukul 19.45 pada Selasa 3 Januari.

“I know I’ve got a job on and to be fair to the boys they know they’ve got a job on to get back to the standards that we’ve had previously.”

Michael Beale was aware of the size of the task that lay ahead of him when he decided to make the move back to Rangers a little over a month ago.

Dismal form ahead of the World Cup break that had fans booing the team off the pitch, a nine-point gap at the top of the table and uncertainty surrounding the futures of key players did not paint a picture of harmony in Govan.

Rangers are a club that needs a figurehead, especially when faced with adversity on and off the pitch, and there are plenty of challenges confronting Beale now.

On paper, it would appear as though little has changed. Despite picking up maximum points from Beale’s first four games in charge, Rangers remain nine points behind Celtic and the futures of Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos are still up in the air.

On January 2, live on Sky Sports, Celtic visit Ibrox for the biggest test of Beale’s short managerial career so far.

So, as he prepares for the Old Firm fixture that could define Rangers’ already fading title ambitions for the season, what has Beale managed to change over the past four weeks?

Creating an identity

Sky Sports pundit Kris Boyd said the biggest issue facing Beale upon his arrival was fixing Rangers’ style of play.

“Before we get to matters off the field, the first thing Michael Beale needs to look at is Rangers’ style of play on it,” Boyd said. “During the final weeks of Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s reign, the fans made it clear they were not happy with what they were seeing.

“Players were booed off at half-time and full-time, results were not going their way and some players looked dejected. When you look back to Beale’s time at Rangers under Steven Gerrard, there was a system the supporters could identify with and enjoyed watching.

“I think you’ll see a similar style return with the full-backs pushing on, runners in midfield getting beyond the front line and the striker dropping deep to link up that play.”

It is difficult to arrive at any real conclusions in terms of long-term changes on the park after four games but Rangers do appear to have more structure, balance and recognisable patterns of play again.

Beale has been limited in his selection choices so far due to a fairly colossal injury list and this undoubtedly played a part in Van Bronckhorst’s dismissal.

There is no way Beale envisaged starting John Lundstram and James Sands at centre-back in his first match as Rangers manager but that was the hand he was dealt. As injuries ease and first-choice players return – possibly with one or two additions in January – it should be easier for him to stamp his style on the team.

For now, however, the return of Glen Kamara at the base of a midfield two with Ryan Jack for his opening few games will not have come as a surprise to many. Beale spoke glowingly about the Finland international who has struggled for form and a consistent position in the team over the past 12 months. When both James Tavernier and Borna Barisic are fully fit and up to speed, in the latter’s case after winning a bronze medal at the World Cup with Croatia, it could bring out the best in Kamara again – shuffling out left to cover the full-back’s forward runs.

Alfredo Morelos has returned up front, despite carrying an injury, in the absence of Antonio Colak. Beale has spoken about playing with two strikers so it will be fascinating to see if he envisages these two No 9’s playing together or if he is referring to Kemar Roofe returning from injury to play off of the central striker.

However, Morelos was forced off against Motherwell on Wednesday with a knock, adding to Rangers’ injury worries. Beale attributed that to “tightness” and will be desperate for the Colombian to be ready to face Celtic on Monday.

Beale spoke in his unveiling of wanting to see his side play on the “front foot”, something Rangers fans have felt was lacking under his Dutch predecessor.

“I think the first thing is that it’s got to be exciting to play in on a daily basis, it’s got to be about this group now – this group is slightly different to when I was previously here,” he said at the time. “We’ve got to take the ball and we’ve got to go and attack, I’d like to see us run forward a little bit more off the ball and play a little bit closer together.”

That has certainly been the case, with Ryan Kent returning to his preferred role as an inverted winger, given more freedom on the pitch as opposed to hugging the touchline as he had been doing previously.

Malik Tillman and Fashion Sakala have been used in what had become a problem area on the right-hand side of the front three for Rangers, but the need for an out-and-out right winger may have disappeared with Beale’s desire to see that player work in closer proximity to the central striker.

Morelos offers something different to Colak and would appear to suit Beale’s style of play a lot more. Even after four games, it is clear to see that the manager wants his central striker to drop deep to influence the play further from the box with his right-sided forward and advanced midfielder expected to run beyond.

With players including Roofe, Ianis Hagi and Tom Lawrence all waiting to return from injury, Rangers may not need to spend money on any new additions in that area.

Beale spoke about wanting to “take the handbrake off” when he returned to the club and, despite inconsistent performances over his first four games, it does appear as though Rangers have managed to speed the play up and be more direct in patches.

The intent is there but a settled squad should see words put into action more often.

Injuries

Beale may have picked up 12 points from 12 in his first four games in charge but it would be fanciful to say he has Rangers playing the way he wants. Basic passing and creativity in the final third went out of the window after 20 minutes against Aberdeen. The introduction of Scott Arfield was the injection of energy needed to combat a lacklustre display but perhaps elements of these shortcomings can be explained by Rangers’ injury list.

While Beale is now starting to get what looks like his first-choice central defensive pairing back in Ben Davies and Connor Goldson there are still issues in the backline. James Tavernier drove himself to Pittodrie after suffering with flu-like symptoms and would not have played had cover been available. The man who would have replaced him, 19-year-old Adam Devine, had been acting as a third choice left back in the absence of Ridvan Yilmaz and Barisic, who did return to action against Motherwell.

Devine impressed in his improvised role but that makeshift backline meant the full-backs were not able to offer the devastating support to the front three in those opening matches after the break. Barisic popped up with two assists against Motherwell, highlighting how effective he can be for the team going forward.

Elsewhere, Beale has revealed that Kamara requires an operation, Lundstram needed an injection to make the bench versus Aberdeen, Morelos had been playing through an injury “when lesser players wouldn’t be able to perform” before having to be removed against Motherwell and now midfielder Steven Davis will miss the rest of the season with a knee injury.

Barisic returned against Motherwell but Colak and Roofe were still absent, and Beale says it may be the next international break in mid-February before he has a fully fit squad again, where he will be able to judge the group that he has to work with.

The manager praised his side after the 3-2 win over Aberdeen at Pittodrie before Christmas and insisted questions over the squad’s mentality were wide of the mark given the number of players missing.

“If we allowed everyone who had a niggle or sore throat not to play, we’d struggle to put out a starting XI at the moment. That’s the situation that we’re in,” he said.

“That’s why I’d never question the mentality of the group especially in getting the two results, because some players have played when they wouldn’t have if everyone was available.”

Mentality shift?

Mentality has often been cited as an issue for this particular group of Rangers players, which is concerning given most have won the title and Scottish Cup over the past 18 months, as well as reached a major European final.

It would be misleading to suggest that Rangers ever lacked the character to mount comebacks or grab late winners under Van Bronckhorst – extra-time victories over Celtic and Hearts in the semi-finals and final of the Scottish Cup last season demonstrated this.

However, this term there seemed to be little confidence from the stands – or the pitch – that deficits to St Johnstone, St Mirren or Livingston could be overcome. After going behind in those three fixtures before the break Rangers only salvaged two points from nine.

It was a different story in Beale’s first two games. Two Arfield goals in the 95th and 97th minutes against Aberdeen at Pittodrie gave Rangers their second 3-2 comeback win in as many games after the same scoreline versus Hibernian upon the resumption of Premiership duty.

Goldson, who started for the first time since October at Pittodrie, hinted that there had been a shift in the way Rangers reacted to going behind under the new boss.

“I am sure the manager will analyse a lot of things and how we can improve – which we need to – but at the same time, we got three points and it makes for a happy changing room”, he told RTV after the win over Aberdeen.

“In the last six to eight weeks when I was watching from the stand, we probably wouldn’t have won those games. I have been watching like the fans, it hasn’t been nice, because when we have conceded goals it has looked like we couldn’t come back into games.

“Hopefully we get a bit of confidence back as a whole group and start picking up three points more often.”

It suggests that a few tweaks in formation and possibly a new voice in the dressing room has resulted in palpable change.

No manager with aspirations of winning titles wants to be chasing an equaliser or winner going into the final minutes of games but Beale will know how vital it is to have members of the squad with the stomach for the late push when all looks lost.

Indeed, Celtic have secured maximum points from games against Aberdeen, St Johnstone and Dundee United this season thanks to goals in the dying stages of games. In contrast, the feeling earlier in this campaign was that Rangers did know when they were beaten.

Off the pitch

Beale has been forthcoming in media conferences and when speaking with journalists. He has been honest in his assessment of performances after games and accommodating when dealing with the press ahead of fixtures. He likes to talk about football.

Van Bronckhorst was always slightly cagey with journalists when discussing transfers and injuries, in particular, while being unfailingly polite, but Beale even told those in attendance at his media conference ahead of the win over Ross County the number of changes he planned to make to the starting line-up.

That loquacious style may change in the months ahead as Beale settles back into the unforgiving Glasgow goldfish bowl where every word is scrutinised and afforded meaning, but, for now, Rangers fans are being offered a bit more of an insight into what is happening with the players and staff in training and off the park than they had become accustomed to in recent months.

One detail which offers an insight into Beale’s determination to set his own standards and levels of professionalism emerged in his unveiling when he revealed that Rangers players will return to wearing club suits on match days at home.

It is a tradition many outside of the club in the modern era may find of little consequence but Beale is adamant that some club traditions and practices should be maintained. Rangers greats, such as Ally McCoist and Brian Laudrup did it, with the manager seemingly looking to inspire his current crop.

“I know the traditions and it’s a traditional football club. It’s an institution,” he said. “As we modernise football I think that some of the traditions are really important. The players are hearing this first, they are going back to wearing suits on matchday as well when we are at home.

“I think it’s important we live in the traditions of the football club and this is a club when you come in you fit to those traditions and try to enhance them as you go on.”

Beale’s first Old Firm

So, given the changes implemented by Beale over the past month, what can Rangers fans expect from their side when Celtic visit Ibrox?

Beale was part of the management team under Steven Gerrard that turned the tables on Celtic in Old Firm fixtures, going seven games unbeaten in the derby shortly before their departure for Aston Villa in November 2021.

Since a 1-0 Rangers victory at Ibrox on August 29, 2021, it is Celtic who have regained the upper hand. Ange Postecoglou’s only loss to Van Bronckhorst in the fixture came in the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup.

Beale and Gary McAllister took the last Rangers team to beat Celtic at Ibrox due to Gerrard self-isolating and he is well versed in the game’s intensity.

Indeed, Beale was sent off towards the end of Rangers’ 2-1 win over Celtic at Parkhead in December 2019 after reacting to a Morelos red card and getting involved with the opposition bench.

It would be safe to assume that the Rangers manager will take a calmer approach to proceedings from the dugout at Ibrox on Monday.

Beale must again work to regain control of the fixture from Celtic, much like Gerrard did previously. Van Bronckhorst seemingly struggled to get to grips with Celtic’s quick transitions and insistence on playing the game at a relentless pace, at least in the first half.

He will look to his midfield to try and suffocate any threat from the visitors and have a more narrow forward line to offer more going forward than what we saw from them in these games under Van Bronckhorst.

Injuries and lack of game time for some will again play their part and Beale will be desperate for Morelos to recover from the knock against Motherwell that saw him removed. Elsewhere, Sakala will probably regain his place on the right alongside a roaming Ryan Kent, who used to inspire a great deal of nervousness in Celtic’s backline before his positional switch.

Beale has said he will not hear any questions asked of his side’s mentality but this game should provide us with a better idea of who is with him and where this team is willing to go. While we are not quite back in 2017, this Rangers team once again looks psychologically deflated against Celtic after suffering two heavy and energy-sapping defeats under Van Bronckhorst.

Beale helped to conquer the fixture in the past and it is imperative he does so again. Rangers’ title ambitions may just depend on it.​​​

Confirmed Scottish Premiership fixtures live on Sky Sports

Monday January 2: Rangers vs Celtic, kick-off 12.30pm

Sunday January 8: Motherwell vs Hibernian, kick-off 1.30pm

Sunday January 8: Dundee United vs Rangers, kick-off 4pm

Wednesday January 18: Kilmarnock v Rangers, kick-off 8pm

Sunday January 29: Livingston v Hearts, kick-off 1.30pm

Sunday January 29: Dundee United v Celtic, kick-off 4pm

Sunday February 5: St Johnstone v Celtic, kick-off 12pm

Sunday February 19: Motherwell v Hearts, kick-off 12pm

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