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Manchester City and Chelsea went head-to-head in the Community Shield on Sunday in a fixture which traditionally kicks-off the new season a week before the Premier League gets underway, and the champions ran out as convincing 2-0 winners on a day filled with talking points.

One of the headline-making sub-plots of the fixture concerned Jorginho whom lined up against the club he was widely-tipped to join for the best part of 2018 before he made a u-turn and signed for Chelsea. His decision has left City short of a cog that Pep Guardiola will eventually need in the future as Fernandinho edges deeper into his thirties, but his performance in the community shield has caused many to question whether City have made a lucky escape.

The Italy international appeared out of his depth against a typically well-oiled City machine as he was consistently dispossessed in midfield. Jorginho’s performance can be explained by nerves, a lack of chemistry with his teammates and, above all, his lack of experience in English football.

Arguably City’s standout performer on the day was Bernardo Silva (Valued at £45 million by Transfermarkt), but like Jorginho he also struggled to adapt to his new surroundings following his high-profile transfer from Monaco last summer.

Big things were expected of the Portuguese playmaker when he arrived in Manchester, to the extent in which plenty of supporters were touting him as the ideal successor to his namesake David Silva. Clearly, Bernardo was facing an uphill task as soon as he arrived at the club and, understandably, it took him a while to find his feet.

1-year on from signing for the club and his electric display against Chelsea demonstrated quite how far he has come in a short space of time, and that’s something which the Chelsea supporters need to bare in mind. Jorginho arrives at the club with no prior experience playing alongside his teammates in a position which is incredibly difficult to slot into when you are still working to understand and recognise the traits of the players around you.

It’s also worth noting that Jorginho was playing against a side who broke the 100-point barrier in the Premier League last season, so it was never going to be easy for him to impress. City were desperate to sign Jorginho for a very good reason, and one performance should not turn the supporters against him before he’s even made his first appearance in the top-flight.

Bernardo Silva’s development goes to show that quality players need time and patience to thrive in their new surroundings, so there’s no doubt that Jorginho’s form at the end of the 2018/19 campaign will be a far cry from the performance he put in on Sunday afternoon.

Chelsea and Man City fans – thoughts? Let us know below!

Man United turned around a turbulent pre-season to start their Premier League campaign with a nice three points. 

Jose Mourinho in particular came under criticism for how he acted during his teams pre-season, consequently resulting in suggestions that he could be sacked this season. After that didn’t happen, Mourinho will be solely focused on proving everybody wrong and that has been the case ever since the season has started. 

Much was made of their transfer dealings, or if you like lack of transfer dealings, as United failed to recruit a number of their top targets. 

One of those was Tottenham’s Toby Alderweireld – who is valued at £36 million on Transfermarkt. 

The Belgian centre-back has been vocally unhappy with his time at Tottenham and with his contract soon to run out, Man United were eyeing a cut-price deal to prize Alderweireld away from Spurs. 

After weeks of links about the potential deal, United didn’t see the deal through and that could be a big mistake. 

Man United have already got their fair share of defensive injuries and that would be worrying for Jose Mourinho and his staff. 

The Belgian international has been enduring his best form which Man United could have prospered from but now the transfer window has slammed shut, that is a mistake for both club and player, as Alderweireld may not get a chance to play in Tottenham colours again because of his desire to leave the club. 

With the defensive issues they’re currently suffering through injuries and general lack of quality, it’s mesmerising to think that the Red Devil’s didn’t push through a deal to sign the Belgian international. 

Alderweireld clearly wanted away from Tottenham and United similarly desired a centre-back. The two could have been a great combination but now the pair will have to wait until January to complete a possible deal. 

Do you agree… Let us know!

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Middlesbrough are set for a couple of tense weeks as manager Tony Pulis attempts to carry out some late transfer business.

The Championship outfit’s main aim will be to push for promotion to the Premier League this season, but they have lost some key players.

Patrick Bamford, Adama Traore and Ben Gibson have all moved on, and in terms of incomings, it is only Aden Flint, Paddy McNair and Jordan Hugill.

It has been widely reported that Boro are on the hunt for a new midfielder, but according to the London Evening Standard, one of Pulis’s top targets Marko Grujic has turned down a loan deal.

The Serbian midfielder plies his trade at Liverpool, and despite failing to earn regular game time at Anfield, he has reportedly rejected both Boro and Cardiff City.

This means that Pulis will have to back to the drawing board, but the loan market shuts in just over two weeks’ time.

On Twitter, Boro fans have given split opinions on Grujic’s apparent snub.

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Portsmouth made it four straight wins at the start of the 2018-19 League One season with a 2-1 success away to Bristol Rovers on Tuesday night.

Pompey have now scored nine times and conceded just three in their four league matches this season to sit second in the table – only behind leaders Peterborough United on goal difference.

Craig MacGillivray joined Portsmouth from Shrewsbury Town during the summer, and the 25-year-old has impressed in the early stages of the new campaign.

The stopper was again in fine form against Bristol Rovers on Tuesday night, and a number of Portsmouth fans took to Twitter after the match to hail the 6ft 2in ace’s performance.

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Indeed, one supporter even claimed that England boss Gareth Southgate would be keeping an eye on his performances for Portsmouth during the 2018-19 campaign.

Kenny Jackett’s team have certainly made a strong start to the season, and will fancy their chances of challenging for a return to the Championship.

A selection of the Twitter reaction from the Portsmouth fans can be seen below:

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Aston Villa are fighting Rangers and West Brom for the services of Nottingham Forest full-back Joe Worrall, according to The Daily Record.

What’s the word?

Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce continues to eye further additions in the loan market before the window slams shut next Friday and has shifted his attention towards defensive recruits, as the club close in on signing Yannick Bolasie from Everton.

The Daily Record names Villa as one of three sides eyeing the services of Nottingham Forest starlet Joe Worrall alongside West Brom and Rangers, with the latter reported to be leading the chase for the 6ft 4in England U21 international.

21-year-old Worrall has slipped to fifth-choice in Aitor Karanka’s side after the summer signings of Michael Dawson and Michael Hefele at the City Ground, with Forest prepared to allow the youngster to leave on loan before next Friday’s deadline as a result.

Should Villa move?

Aston Villa have significantly strengthened their attacking depth with the signings of Anwar El Ghazi and the imminent completion of a deal for Yannick Bolasie but Steve Bruce’s side still look frail in certain parts of the defence.

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Mile Jedinak, Tommy Elphick, James Chester and Axel Tuanzebe are currently the four main choices for Bruce in the centre of defence but problems could emerge if any of the quartet pick up an injury or are forced to miss games due to suspension.

Signing Worrall would solve that potential problem and would also present Villa with an exciting talent to utilise, while the 21-year-old also boasts significant experience after making over 50 league appearances so far in his career for Forest.

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Loads of Everton fans have been reacting to a tweet celebrating the anniversary of James McCarthy joining the club, and they cant wait to have the Irishman back on the pitch.

Everton drew 1-1 with struggling Huddersfield on Saturday, and it’s fair to say fans were not happy with the performance.

Philip Billing gave the visitors the lead, and after Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s equaliser it seemed like the Toffees would go on and take control of the game.

Marco Silva’s side created very little clear-cut chances though, and fans are already praying for McCarthy to return to what was a very lacklustre midfield.

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Sunday marked five years since the tough tackling midfielder joined the club, but he has been out of action since January with a broken leg.

The Liverpool Echo reported this summer that he had returned to training, so while there is no recovery timetable just yet, one would hope the 27 year-old is getting closer to a return to action.

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Fans are all heaping praise on the 41-cap ace, and you can find some of the best Twitter reactions down below…

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Adrien Rabiot’s future at Paris Saint-Germain continues to be called into question, and Tottenham Hotspur should join the race for the Frenchman.

What’s the word, then?

Rabiot has made over 200 appearances for PSG since debuting during the 2012-13 campaign, and has developed into a key player for the French giants.

The midfielder’s current deal with PSG will expire at the end of this season, however, and it is understood that he is currently refusing to pen an extension.

Barcelona and Manchester City have been linked with a move for the midfielder, whilst Liverpool have also been credited with an interest.

Tottenham should also be firmly in the race for Rabiot, however, with the capital outfit looking to take that next step to become serious challenges for the Premier League title.

Rabiot’s temperament was called into question when he refused to be on France’s standby list for the 2018 World Cup, but the midfielder really is a brilliant talent.

Why should Tottenham sign him?

Mousa Dembele’s future at Tottenham continues to be called into question, with the Belgium international again being linked with a move to China.

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Victor Wanyama’s injury problems are a concern, meanwhile, and there remain doubts whether Eric Dier is the type of player capable of inspiring Spurs to silverware.

Rabiot, on the other hand, is an individual with significant European experience, and has won four Ligue 1 titles during his time at PSG.

Standing at 6ft 2in and boasting box-to-box energy, Rabiot is the perfect midfielder for the Premier League, and would thrive at Tottenham if given the chance.

A lot would have to go Tottenham’s way to secure a deal for the Frenchman, but Mauricio Pochettino’s side simply must try their luck with an offer when the January transfer window opens for business.

Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek might be available on loan during the January transfer window, and Southampton should attempt to land the England international.

What’s the word, then?

Loftus-Cheek travelled with England to the 2018 World Cup following an impressive 2017-18 season on loan at Crystal Palace.

The midfielder made four appearances in Russia, and was expected to leave Chelsea once again on loan ahead of the 2018-19 campaign.

Indeed, Palace were believed to be desperate to re-sign Loftus-Cheek, whilst a number of other clubs were linked with moves during the summer.

Chelsea ultimately decided to keep hold of the 22-year-old, but he has only played 33 minutes of Premier League football this season.

It is not good for Chelsea nor Loftus-Cheek for the player to be on the sidelines this season, and he might well become available on a short-term loan in early 2019.

Why should Southampton sign him?

Loftus-Cheek might fancy a move away from London to concentrate on his football, and he would have the platform at Southampton to receive regular Premier League action.

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Southampton had a difficult start to the season, but the Saints have now won their last two matches, including an impressive 2-0 success away to Palace last time out.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s form has caught the eye of the Southampton fans this season, while Mario Lemina was also excellent against Palace.

Loftus-Cheek has the skills to complement the pair in the middle of the midfield, and his addition would ensure that the Saints would have no relegation fears this season.

Chelsea would not be prepared to loan the Englishman to a direct rival in the Premier League, which could open the door for Southampton.

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According to The Sun, Celtic and Brighton are set to battle it out to sign Wigan star Nick Powell in January, and the Bhoys need to go all out to win the race.

What’s the story?

The Sun reports that Powell turned down Chris Hughton’s Brighton last year, but that the Seagulls are back in for the 24-year-old again and would pay £5m to get him into their squad in the winter transfer window.

However, the paper also reports that Celtic are prepared to offer the former Manchester United man a lucrative contract to tempt him to Parkhead, after the Bhoys have suffered a frustrating start to the season during which they have been knocked out of the Champions League at the qualifying stage and sit five points behind Hearts at the top of the Scottish Premier League table.

Powell’s contract at the DW Stadium expires at the end of the 2018/19 season though and Rodgers has also said that he is willing to wait until the summer to get his man.

The perfect fit

The Celtic hierarchy must allow boss Rodgers to go all out to sign Powell, as he would be a perfect fit for the Northern Irishman’s favoured 3-4-2-1 formation, where he could excel as one of the two attackers playing either side of the main striker.

The former England U21 international has been in electric form at the start of this season and has racked up three goals and four assists in the first seven Championship games for Wigan, helping the Latics to 11th in the table.

After Celtic sold goalscoring midfielder Stuart Armstrong to Southampton for £7m in the summer, Powell could be the perfect replacement for Rodgers.

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James Milner came through the youth system at Leeds United before making his debut at the age of 16.

Milner went on to make 54 appearances for Leeds before leaving Elland Road in the summer of 2004 following their relegation to the Championship.

These days, Milner is starring for a Liverpool side that have hopes of winning the Premier League title this season.

The former England international has been arguably Liverpool’s best player this term, but his current deal with the Reds will expire at the end of next season.

And the Daily Mail has reported that Liverpool are yet to open contract talks with the 32-year-old.

Leeds are currently top of the Championship table, with Marcelo Bielsa looking to lead the club back into the Premier League.

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The Leeds fans still have a special place in their heart for Milner, and a number have called for their club to bring him back to Elland Road at the end of the season.

A selection of the Twitter reaction from the Leeds supporters can be seen below:

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