CHAMPIONS LEAGUE PUSH: PALACE TARGETS CRYSTAL PALACE WINGER BRENNAN JOHNSON FOR JANUARY
Crystal Palace is reportedly eyeing Tottenham's Brennan Johnson for a January move. This ambitious bid signals Oliver Glasner's intent for a serious push towards the Champions League.
Crystal Palace's progress under Oliver Glasner is getting interesting. Word is, they're eyeing Tottenham winger Brennan Johnson for a January move, reports The Telegraph. Palace wants to beef up their squad for a real shot at a Champions League spot, and they see Johnson as a good fit.
The talk around Johnson's role at Spurs is shifting. He was signed with high hopes, but he's been spending a lot of time on the bench lately. Of course, this starts rumors swirling as January gets closer.
People have noticed Johnson's situation at Tottenham. He was once seen as an energetic player who could open up defenses, but now it seems he's fallen down the list.
The Telegraph says Palace is considering making a bid for Johnson, which shows they're serious. Glasner wants players who can make an immediate impact, and Johnson's Premier League experience is a plus.
Tactically, Johnson brings speed and can play on either side of the field. This lines up with Glasner's style, which likes quick attacks and wingers who can make decisive runs.
Palace's recent performance has been a standout story this season. Their FA Cup run and solid league form have raised expectations. Palace isn't just looking for backup; they want to be the squad, which is a key difference.
Aiming for Champions League qualification might have seemed like a fantasy before. Now, it's within reach. Adding someone like Johnson in January would show they believe in their project and have faith in where the team is headed.
One line that stands out is that Palace wants players to boost their top four chances. It sends a message that the club knows what it wants and is going for it.
Of course, any deal depends on whether Tottenham is willing to negotiate. Johnson is still valuable, and Spurs would need a good reason to let him go, even on loan. Palace can offer him guaranteed playing time, a good tactical fit, and a high-pressure environment.
The January market often favors those who act fast. Palace seems ready to move early, identifying targets before prices go up and competition gets tougher. Johnson's situation makes him a smart, timely target.
VAR REVIEW: CHELSEA 2-2 BOURNEMOUTH, ESTêVãO PENALTY DRAMA EXPLAINED! WAS IT A FOUL OR A DIVE
Explaining the VAR: How an 11th-minute penalty check at Stamford Bridge saved a point for Chelsea against a resilient Bournemouth.
Every week, the Video Assistant Referee stirs up drama in the Premier League. Let's break down how these calls are made and if they're actually right.
This season, we're digging into the big moments to explain the VAR process and the rules of the game.
What went down: Chelsea's Estêvão was moving into the Bournemouth box, with Antoine Semenyo on his tail. Estêvão went down after some contact with Semenyo. The ref, Barrott, waved off Chelsea's penalty shouts, saying there wasn't a foul. He thought both players made contact naturally as they were running, and Estêvão basically tripped himself.
VAR said, "After looking at it, VAR Pawson suggested Barrott take another look at the monitor for a possible penalty because Semenyo might have tripped Estêvão."
VAR's take: Pawson had to figure out if the contact was just part of the play, like the ref thought, or if Semenyo fouled Estêvão. It was clear Estêvão tripped, but the question was how the contact started.
At first glance, it would be hard for Pawson to disagree with the ref because the main TV angle wasn't clear. But after checking out the sideline and behind views, Pawson saw that Semenyo stepped into Estêvão's path, making enough contact with his leg to cause him to trip.
Pawson told Barrott to check the monitor for a possible penalty. Barrott watched the replays, agreed, and gave Chelsea the penalty.
The call: It was a reasonable VAR call based on today's standards. But it's a borderline case.
Barrott seemed unsure of the monitor and needed some convincing from different angles.
A lot of the time, this kind of contact is just from players running normally, and someone goes down. To give a penalty, there really needs to be a clear foul by the defender. You could say that happened here, but it's a pretty low standard for VAR to get involved.
Chelsea 2-2 AFC Bournemouth
Referee: Sam Barrott
VAR: Craig Pawson
What: VAR check for a foul in the box
When: 11th minute
BREAKING: UNAI EMERY REVEALS THE REAL REASON BEHIND HIS COLD ARTETA HANDSHAKE SNUB NOW
Unai Emery explains why he skipped the post-match handshake as Arsenal’s 4-1 win ends Aston Villa’s 11-game streak at the Emirates.
Unai Emery said he didn't shake Mikel Arteta's hand right after Aston Villa lost at the Emirates Stadium since the Arsenal manager kept him waiting.
This loss stopped Villa's winning streak at 11 games, their first in almost two months.
Villa held their own in the first half, but Arsenal scored early in the second when Gabriel got to the ball before Emi Martinez on a corner.
Martin Zubimendi quickly made it 2-0, and Leandro Trossard scored a third goal a little after an hour had passed.
Soon after entering the pitch, Gabriel Jesus scored, making it 4-0. Ollie Watkins was able to respond by tapping in a goal late in the game after Donyell Malen's nice play.
After the game, Emery waited to shake Arteta's hand, but he went to the locker room since Arteta was still celebrating with his team.
It’s easy to see. I like to do things fast,” Emery said when asked about why he didn’t shake Arteta’s hand.
“I shake hands, then I go to the dressing room with my players and coaches. I was waiting.
“Arteta was busy with his coaches, so I went inside. It’s not a big deal for me.”
About the match, Emery commented, “We played great in the first half, and things were going our way. We had corners and defended well. We didn’t let them get a corner in the first half.
“We felt good, but we let in the first goal in the second half. Onana getting hurt didn’t help since he’s important for set pieces and in the midfield.
“We didn’t quit, and we kept playing hard. We scored one goal and almost scored more. Arsenal is the best team in the league and should win the title.
“I’m not sure which day it is since we’ve played Arsenal twice already, and we still have to play Nottingham. But I’m happy with our goals and how we're trying to attain them.