NEWCASTLE UNITED’S HOWE EXCITED WILLIAM OSULA REMAINS KEY SQUAD ASSET
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe hails William Osula as "the whole package" and is relieved the striker stayed after a deadline-day move to Eintracht Frankfurt collapsed following an injury to Yoane Wissa.
Howe Hails Osula As Complete Package - Photo Credit: Getty Images
William Osula is "the entire deal," according to Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, who expressed relief that the striker stayed with the team on deadline day.
Newcastle cancelled negotiations with Eintracht Frankfurt, who were apparently close to making a deal for the 22-year-old during the summer window.
After big-money recruit Yoane Wissa sustained a knee injury while playing for his country, Osula has seen more playing time than anticipated this season, albeit mostly as a substitute.
When asked how close Osula was to leaving St. James' Park, Howe responded, "Obviously, it did not happen, and much to our delight, it did not happen because Yoane picked up an injury and Will is extremely essential."
"We think he is talented. He is athletic and quick, and I believe you could see that when he was on the field the other day.
"But I also believe that he has improved his knowledge and intelligence in terms of handling game scenarios simply by maintaining a consistent training mentality.
"That has helped him, and he looks like the whole package when he takes the field."
Osula, who scored twice against Bradford City in the previous round, is expected to make a rare start for Newcastle when they play Tottenham in the League Cup last 16 on Wednesday.
This season, the Dane has only made one Premier League start and has mostly filled in as Nick Woltemade's replacement.
"He is an amazing athlete," Howe continued.
"He is doing cameos right now, of course, and we would love him to be able to sustain that for longer, which is really hard, but I think he is physically capable of doing that."
DISCIPLINARY BLOW: MADRID PLAYER SUSPENDED POST EL CLáSICO TUSSLE
Real Madrid's backup keeper Andriy Lunin has been handed a one-game suspension by the RFEF for his aggressive conduct on the bench during the heated final moments of El Clásico. Real Madrid's appeal was rejected.
El Clásico Scuffle - Photo Credit Getty Images
Los Blancos' goalie Andriy Lunin has been suspended for one game by the RFEF Disciplinary Committee for his involvement in the sideline dramas during the El Clásico's final moments. Although the cameras did not catch it, referee Soto Grado did record that he had sent the Ukrainian off.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the RFEF responded as follows when asked why Lunin received a red card.
The reason for Lunin, Andrii's expulsion in the 90th minute was that he had to be restrained by his teammates after he walked aggressively from his bench to the blonde bench.
The disciplinary committee of the RFEF
"When considered significant, those whose behaviour violates sporting order will be suspended for four to ten games or fined between 602 and 3,006 euros."
Because of Lunin's actions, which constituted a minor violation of the sporting order, he was suspended for one game. The ruling had been challenged by Real Madrid. However, the RFEF stayed steadfast, defending the referee's ruling and the evidence in the match report and on film.
Now, the backup goalie will not play against Valencia this weekend, where he is probably going to be benched. Fran Gonzalez and Sunico, both from the youth team, might be called up as the matchday squad's third choice, with Sergio Mestre serving as a backup.
No Barcelona players or any other Real Madrid players were slapped with bans following the two flash moments in the closing stages of the game. When Vinicius Jr. and Lamie Yamal argued, even players who were not on the team were spotted shoving on the side of the field. The RFEF, however, determined that nothing that came to pass would justify further prohibitions.
ARSENAL STAR DROPS CONFIDENT TITLE HINT AFTER STRONG OPENING
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka is targeting a historic Premier League and World Cup double with England this season. The winger believes it's a "doable" feat as the Gunners lead the title race.
Bukayo Saka - (Image: David Price/Arsenal FC)
According to Bukayo Saka, it is feasible for Arsenal and England to win both games this season. The season has started well for the Gunners under Mikel Arteta's leadership.
Arsenal leads the Premier League standings by four points at the moment and is starting to look like a title contender. Manchester City is only one point ahead of defending champions Liverpool, who are seven points behind.
Saka, however, is not only interested in winning at his club; he also hopes to succeed internationally. Manager Thomas Tuchel has stated that winning the trophy is his ambition for England, who have qualified for the World Cup in the USA next year.
Saka is optimistic about his club's and his nation's chances of winning. "Yeah, that is my prayer," he remarked in an interview with Sky Sports. It is possible, of course.