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QPR’s winless run stretched to three games after they were outclassed by a Leeds side who showcased the quality that is required to finish in the play-off places.

Mark Warburton’s side failed to get into the match despite having the majority of possession – a rarity for Leeds – and one of the only positives of the afternoon was a strong debut performance from Lee Wallace.

The R’s operated with five-at-the-back but it did little to stifle the home side’s threat, with 18 shots at goal. Instead, Warburton reduced his own team’s threat as the front-three never got going – with one shot on target to show from their efforts.

Watch Queens Park Rangers Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

Eberechi Eze impressed once again, and was his typical skilful self with the ball at his feet, highlighted by his nine successful dribbles.

Unfortunately for him, and QPR, he failed to produce that important moment of quality on this occasion, and left the front two feeding off scraps. It must be said though, that coming up against Kalvin Phillips is not an easy task, as only two players in the division average a higher tackle rate per game.

The West London outfit put in an improved defensive performance but it will be worrying for Warburton that they allowed Leeds too much time and space on the ball, including around the area, thus allowing Tyler Roberts to pick his spot for the opener.

That occurred despite the extra defender at the back, which suggests the midfield needs to do its part to cut out danger in the final third, particularly as Leeds should have opened the scoring through Mateusz Klich earlier on.

Warburton pinpointed a lack of belief as a reason behind his team’s struggles, which is a concern even if they were playing one of the best teams in the league.

It is his role and responsibility to get the best out of players at all opportunities and it is possible that his negative approach influenced the confidence of his players, and their play reflected that as a result.

Lots of Southampton fans have taken to Twitter to discuss Jan Bednarek’s form, after WhoScored highlighted a particularly concerning statistic.The 23-year-old has committed more errors leading to goals that any other outfield player in Europe’s top five leagues this season, with the Poland international making three costly mistakes.

While that stat sounds like a worrying one, it hasn’t stopped Ralph Hasenhuttl starting the 6 foot 2 centre-back in all eight of the Saints’ Premier League games this term.

It also hasn’t led to Southampton fans below jumping on his back, quite the contrary in fact.

One supporter said that Bednarek’s style is a “joy to watch”, while another called him the best defender at the club.

However, another said that he gets away with it as he is the “best of a bad bunch”, whereas another feels confused as to why the youngster is exempt from criticism at times.

Let’s take a look at some more of the Twitter reaction…

Tottenham are interested in signing West Brom youngster Nathan Ferguson, according to The Sun.

Mauricio Pochettino has struggled to cope with the loss of Kieran Trippier, with the club’s failure to bring in a new addition meaning he has had to use a variety of different options at right-back, including Serge Aurier, Kyle Walker-Peters and even Moussa Sissoko.

As a result, supporters are happy to hear the news that the club is looking to improve in that area of the pitch, and many think Ferguson could be the right player to bring in.

He has burst onto the scene at the Hawthorns under new manager Slaven Bilic and featured in ten games for the Baggies this season, helping his side to the top of the Championship.

Some fans believe his hunger as a young player looking to impress will serve Spurs well currently, and they are pleased the club is taking the approach of signing a defender who they can nurture and develop.

Here are some of the reactions from supporters who are keen to see the 19-year-old join.

West Ham United had a great weekend as they beat Manchester United and in the latest instalment of the Loan Watch feature, we take a look at some of the Hammers who also enjoyed success while out on loan.

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West Ham United’s 2-0 victory against Manchester United gave a real feel-good factor around the club. Indeed, the likes of Grady Diangana, Sead Haksabanovic and Jordan Hugill might have a similar feeling after they won with West Bromwich Albion, Norrkoping and Queens Park Rangers respectively.

Grady Diangana – West Bromwich Albion

When Grady Diangana came on at half-time, West Bromwich Albion were 2-1 down against Huddersfield Town, helping the Baggies to the eventual scoreline of 4-2 by coming up with two assists, as per WhoScored.

The first came from a pinpoint cross that was headed in by Darnell Furlong, while the second saw the 21-year-old dance through three players before firing in a ball for Matt Phillips to finish off.

This result puts West Brom in fourth place, one point behind the league leaders Leeds United.

Sead Haksabanovic – Norrkoping

Sead Haksabanovic came up with two assists for Simon Skrabb near the end of the first-half to help Norrkoping beat Orebro 3-0, as per SofaScore.

The pair of assists, which came in the 43rd and 45th minute were very similar, as the Montenegro international played a well-weighted reverse pass for each, allowing Skrabb to hit the ball first-time.

This result keeps Norrkoping seventh in the league, six points behind third-place and a Europa League qualification place.

Jordan Hugill – Queens Park Rangers

This one should bring plenty of satisfaction to many West Ham fans, as Jordan Hugill led the line to help Queens Park Rangers beat Millwall 2-1, as per WhoScored.

The 27-year-old didn’t get a goal or assist, but he played the 90 minutes, winning 3 aerial duels and making 1 clearance for QPR, as Nahki Wells scored a brace to secure the win.

This result puts QPR in fifth place, level on points with Diangana’s West Brom and one point behind Leeds.

This has been a good weekend for these three West Ham loanees, with the two in the Championship certainly proving it at a decent enough level.

Diangana’s performances are beginning to create quite some intrigue, as he has already got 3 goals and 2 assists in 3 Championship starts and 3 substitute appearances. Graeme Souness wrote in the Times that this is the best West Ham team in years and, while the current crop are doing well, some of these loan performances should also serve as a source of excitement in the years to come.

West Ham fans, are you excited by Diangana’s most recent performance? Join the discussion by commenting below…

This article is part of Football FanCast’s In Numbers series, which takes a statistical look at performances, season-long form and reported transfer targets…

Even though the momentum was very much on their side and the points theirs to drop, Real Madrid managed to do exactly that.

After a great streak of three consecutive clean sheets in La Liga and what seemed like a clear shift in the tides, Los Blancos were finally looking like mounting a big comeback.

Watch Spanish Football Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

But somehow, the Whites managed to follow up their disastrous Champions League opener at Parc des Princes, when they lost 3-0 to PSG, with a 2-2 draw with Club Brugge at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.

It’s not really a sight many are used to but after two games played, Zinedine Zidane’s troops sit bottom of the group with just a point under their belts.

And sure, the Galacticos came back from two goals down to secure that point, which might prove vital in the future, but getting yourself in such a situation in the first place is exactly where the problem lies.

Watch Lionel Messi and Gareth Bale answer the internet’s weirdest questions in the video below…

Zidane surely doesn’t have too many positives to take away from that match but if he had to highlight one thing, then it should definitely be Toni Kroos.

Seeing their German general dictate the tempo of the games and control all proceedings on the pitch is nothing particularly new – in fact, we’ve already highlighted two majestic performances from him since the start of the new campaign – but in a season that has been nothing if not a bit underwhelming, Kroos has been perhaps the only shining light.

Against Brugge, the 29-year-old star registered an assist for his trouble but seeing how he managed a total of eight key passes, that figure should have been even higher. He also recorded 92.9% passing accuracy and had three shots on goal throughout the game.

It’s safe to say that he was carrying Los Blancos once again and the numbers really prove it.

But his defensive contribution should also not be disregarded as Kroos registered three tackles and one interception, pulling his weight on the night and then some.

The problem is, however, that he is often the only one dropping masterclasses left, right and centre and until the whole team starts doing the same, Real might continue to struggle.

West Ham have endured a very up and down season so far but nevertheless, look a far better side under Manuel Pellegrini. 

After a horrendous start, West Ham found their feet and now see themselves aspiring to finish in 7th place in the bid to secure European football.

That right now remains a far-fetched ambition but if the owners continue to back Manuel Pellegrini during the upcoming transfer windows, the Hammers could be set for a hugely impressive next season.

A position that looks to be of great need in the summer is a centre-forward, as West Ham often find to be the case.

Marko Arnautovic, Javier Hernandez, Andy Carroll and Lucas Perez have all been linked with moves away from the London Stadium, meaning West Ham need to find some talent and fast.

One player who could fit the role is CSKA Moscow youngster Fedor Chalov, a player destined for great success in football.

Chalov, (who is valued at £9 million on Transfermarkt) is a clinical finisher that West Ham would be lucky to have within their ranks.

It would, of course, be a bold move considering where he currently plays and how old he is, yet with 11 goals and four assists this season, Chalov has been too impressive for West Ham to dismiss as an option.

The 20-year-old has a good turn of pace, an eye for goal and also the understanding to interlink with his team-mates, which creates more chances for him and his fellow players as well.

As a youngster full of potential, he could look at West Ham as being the best place for him to grow as a player.

Would Chalov be a good signing for West Ham… Let us know!

A massive update has emerged in Newcastle’s search for a director of football…

What’s the talk?

Daily Mail reporter Craig Hope has revealed that the former FA chief will pen a deal with the Magpies to work with Eddie Howe at St. James’ Park.

PIF brought in Nick Hammond on a short-term move in December to assist the club in the January transfer window and they are now set to provide a long-term solution to that position with the ex-Seagulls supremo.

Hope Tweeted: “Understand Dan Ashworth will join NUFC after resigning from his role as Brighton technical director.”

He followed that up with: “Ashworth was offered the Newcastle role on Friday & club hope to confirm his appointment in due course.”

PIF masterclass

This is a major piece of news and represents a masterclass from PIF as they are on the verge of pinching a huge part of Brighton’s success in recent years.

Seagulls journalist Aden-Jay Wood previously Tweeted: “If Dan Ashworth goes (which I think he will), it will be a huge shame. Ashworth has almost singlehandedly changed Brighton’s approach both on and off the field and would be very, very difficult to replace.”

Wood’s comment suggests that the Englishman will be able to sculpt Newcastle’s future on the pitch and off it, working alongside Howe – leaving the former Bournemouth boss delighted. The Magpies head coach will surely love to work with a sporting director of Ashworth’s pedigree, much like Gareth Southgate did with England.

The Three Lions boss once showered him with praise for his work with the national team set-up, as he created a winning culture throughout the ranks, saying:

“I told Dan (Ashworth) as we walked in that he should feel really proud. The last time we came to one of these it was in St Petersburg three years ago but this time we walked in as world champions at U17 and U20 and we’ve been to a seniors’ semi-final, so we deserve our place at the table.

“That is a great credit to everyone involved, the backing the FA has given us in building St George’s Park and investing in the teams, to the work being done in youth development and to Dan in particular for putting those plans in place, which we have seen pay off for Spain, Germany and France. It’s up to us now to continue the work that’s been started.”

Since joining Brighton in 2019, Ashworth has overseen 16th and 15th-placed finishes in the Premier League. The south coast side is currently ninth in the table as it stands and this highlights the excellent work he has done at the AMEX, helping the club to continually progress.

This is why bringing him in will represent a masterclass from PIF as they have been able to secure a top-quality appointment from a Premier League rival who’s well ahead of them in the table. It shows the pull they have as an ownership group, as they have been able to tempt him away from what looks – on paper – to be an excellent job for him.

Howe will now be buzzing to work with him ahead of the summer transfer window when they will hopefully be looking to build on a successful relegation battle.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Burn: Howe must now unleash “big” NUFC gem who’s massively “underrated”…

If any Tottenham fans were keeping their eye on England’s U21s during the international break, then there must surely have been a tinge of sadness over seeing Noni Madueke shine so bright.

The former academy youngster began his career in north London, and actually captained the U16s before making his debut for the U18s at just 15-years-old.

But, in June 2018, he signed a three-year deal to join Dutch giants PSV, snubbing a reported offer from Manchester United in the process, and his career has only gone upwards since that move.

With nine goals and eight assists in all competitions last season, Madueke really took his game to another level with PSV in 2020/21, so much so that he earned a call-up to the England under-21 setup, where former manager Aidy Boothroyd talked up his potential.

He said: “He’s a powerhouse of a player, technically very good, left-footed and likes to come in off the side of the pitch, off the right and go and link. He’s got a goal in him, he’s very creative. He’s got a massive smile, a lovely kid. The lads have taken to him, as they would because he’s a good player, he has that respect for what he’s done at PSV.”

Former PSV ace Tommie van de Leegte raved about the 19-year-old’s style of play, saying (via Goal): “He’s fast and has the capability to trick his opponent. He brings creativity and is very explosive in his actions.”

This campaign has seen him take yet another step in his development, with the now 20-year-old scoring nine times and providing five assists in all competitions, as well as showing off his versatility by playing off the right in his most natural position, and through the middle too.

When he arrived at PSV, he was worth only £540k but the England U21 international is now valued at £16.2m by Transfermarkt – a huge 2,233% increase.

Indeed, reports last summer suggested that PSV had told Spurs that it would take around £40m for the Lilywhites to bring their former academy starlet back to north London.

Given Spurs have seen a number of wingers come into the club over the years, you can only wonder what could have been had the Lilywhites managed to convince Madueke that his long-term future remained with them and that they could offer him a genuine pathway into the first-team.

Instead, Madueke is lighting things up elsewhere.

AND in other news – Paratici masterclass: Spurs now eyeing 6 ft “phenomenon”, he’s perfect for Conte

Speaking to Give Me Sport, journalist and ‘transfer insider’ Dean Jones of Eurosport has dropped an exciting update as Southampton eye Fulham attacker Fabio Carvalho.

The Lowdown: Carvalho on the move?

The 19-year-old, as things stand, could leave Craven Cottage on a free deal at the end of 2021/2022 with a plethora of Premier League sides allegedly eyeing a move.

Indeed, according to TEAMtalk, Carvalho’s stellar form for Fulham in the Championship this season has attracted interest from the Saints and, by extension, transfer chief Martin Semmens.

The likes of Tottenham, West Ham United and Liverpool are also interested alongside Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side with Fulham apparently growing fearful of losing the dazzling prospect (TEAMtalk).

Jones, speaking to GMS, has now made a promising transfer claim involving Southampton and Carvalho.

The Latest: Jones drops promising Carvalho update…

According to his information, the south coast side are real frontrunners to sign the talented teenager and are apparently ‘leading’ for his signature.

“There is competition from various clubs,” he explained.

“Particularly from Southampton, who have really been leading the race to sign Fabio Carvalho.”

The Verdict: Get it done?

While arguably unproven at the very top level thus far early in his career, we believe Carvalho could be a nailed-on star for the future if he continues this fast progression.

Having only made his full professional debut last season in September 2020, he’s already gone on to catch the eye of some real English top flight heavyweights including Liverpool, backing his obvious ability.

Scoring seven goals and assisting two others over 13 league outings this campaign, snapping him up for free could be a genuine bargain for Southampton, with former Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips even calling Carvalho a ‘very exciting’ talent.

In other news: Dan Sheldon drops big Broja update in great news for Saints, find out more here.