Paulo Dybala’s contract renewal is approaching. “La Joya” has expressed his desire to stay in the capital to play in the Champions League with Roma. Contrary to what was expected a few weeks ago...
As I sat watching Aston Villa destroy Liverpool on Friday night I had an unexpected internal reaction: I wasn't surprised. The defending champions have fallen so far that a 4-2 defeat in which their brilliant, if ageing, centre back Virgil van Dijk was their most potent attacking weapon no longer had any real shock value. They may well get into the Champions League again by the skin of their teeth but they are a massive 25 points behind where they finished last season, with only one game to go.
Brighton travelled to Leeds United knowing a win would secure European football for only the second time in their 124-year history. Leeds - playing with freedom after securing another year of top-flight football - made their life extremely difficult in the first half. Veltman's shot was blocked by Jaka Bijol and a swerving effort from Gross that needed Darlow to save were the only times they threatened before Van Hecke spurned the gilt-edged chance to put them in front in the 44th minute.
Where do you start with Liverpool? "They are very poor in possession and very poor out of possession," said Jamie Carragher on Sky Sports pre-match. Bar the spark of 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha and Virgil van Dijk from set-pieces, Liverpool struggled attackingly.
