Premier League news and talking points
Cascarino: Kane needs help at Tottenham
As he did against Newport in the previous round, Kane scored a crucial goal against Rochdale in the 2-2 FA Cup draw after coming on as a sub for the infective Fernando Llorente. But Cascarino believes Kane shouldn’t have even been needed for yesterday’s cup tie.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Writing in The Times, Cascarino said: “For three seasons Harry Kane has known he is not only Tottenham’s star striker, he’s been their only striker. The lack of talent has helped Kane flourish but it means Tottenham are one serious injury away from their season falling apart. Rochdale deserved a draw but Kane shouldn’t have been needed.”
Pardew close to getting the sack at West Brom
West Brom manager Alan Pardew has two games to save his job, The Sun reports. West Brom are bottom of the Premier League and four of the club’s players – Gareth Barry, Jonny Evans, Boaz Myhill and Jake Livermore – were last week involved in the alleged theft of a taxi during a training trip to Barcelona.
A source close to West Brom owner Guochuan Lai told the Sun: “Mr Lai is furious. In China, discipline is a basic skill, the minimum required to be successful in any professional. He cannot believe that a group of players who are supposed to be all pulling their weight in getting out of trouble in the league cannot stay out of trouble off the field. It has raised serious concerns about Pardew’s leadership because he is the man who should be setting an example.”
Arsenal extend Emirates shirt partnership
Arsenal and Emirates have signed a £200m five-year extension to their shirt sponsorship deal until the end of the 2023-2024 season. The new agreement marks a club record. Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis said: “Our shirt partnership is the longest running in the Premier League and one of the longest relationships in world sport.”
Ancelotti wants Premier League return
Carlo Ancelotti isn’t interested in returning to Paris Saint-Germain and wants a job in the Premier League. The Daily Mirror reports that PSG look certain to replace boss Unai Emery at the end of the season. Ancelotti is one of the names in contention, but the Italian isn’t keen on returning to Paris. The Mirror says that Ancelotti, 58, has moved back to London.
Will Tottenham play FA Cup semi at Wembley?
The Times says there’s “anger brewing” over the possibility of Tottenham playing a “home” semi-final at Wembley Stadium in the FA Cup. If Spurs beat Rochdale in the fifth-round replay, and then beat either Sheffield Wednesday or Swansea City in the quarters, they would play at Wembley, their home ground this season, in the last four of the cup.
Premier League transfer news and gossip
Marcos Rojo: Manchester United to Paris Saint-Germain
The Sun says Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho is “fuming” that contract talks with defender Marcos Rojo have been delayed. The Argentine’s current deal expires next year and Mourinho wants to “secure the centre-back’s future”. The delay in talks has put French giants Paris Saint-Germain on alert. They could make a £30m bid this summer.
Richarlison and Abdoulaye Doucoure: Watford to Tottenham
Spurs are lining up a £50m “double swoop” for Watford’s Richarlison and Abdoulaye Doucoure, according to The Sun. Brazilian Richarlison, 20, is rated at £30m and has impressed Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino this season. French midfielder Doucoure has yet to agree to a new deal at Watford. The Sun says Spurs are “ready to move for him”.
-
How do new stadiums affect football clubs?In the Spotlight Everton's decision to move its men's team out of Goodison Park could be a catalyst for vital change, but there are cautionary tales too
-
Liverpool's Anfield redemption: how did they do it?Talking Point Arne Slot's blueprint and standout player performances guide the Reds to record 20th league title
-
Where are all the English football managers?Talking Point Eddie Howe's Carabao Cup success underlines absence of homegrown coaching talent in the Premier League
-
New Trafford: can it fix Manchester United's footballing problems?Talking Point Plan for £2 billion stadium despite staff job losses and lack of success on the pitch
-
Denis Law obituary: fond farewell to 'the King of the Stretford End'In the Spotlight Scottish footballer who was one of Manchester United's 'Holy Trinity' has died aged 84
-
Why Man United finally lost patience with ten HagTalking Point After another loss United sacked ten Hag in hopes of success in the Champion's League
-
Can England's Euros team hold their nerve?Today's Big Question Three Lions' 'lopsided' opening win over Serbia raises more questions than it answers
-
The Premier League's spending cap: levelling the playing field?Talking Point Top clubs oppose plans to link spending to income of lowest-earning club, but rule could prevent success gap from widening
