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Everton duo Abdoulaye Doucoure and Amadou Onana have been praised for their dominant performances in midfield during their victory over Arsenal by Tony Cascarino.

What’s the word?

The Toffees secured a huge win in Sean Dyche’s first game in charge as they stunned the league leaders to claim all three points at Goodison Park, and their battling display was aided by some top performances in the midfield.

Doucoure and Onana have both earned praise for their energy in the middle of the park, which meant that Arsenal could not get fully firing, and the home side recorded an impressive clean sheet.

Speaking on TalkSPORT, Cascarino picked out the pair for particular praise after the victory, which could prove vital as Everton battle the threat of relegation.

“They were absolutely brilliant from start to finish, Everton yesterday. I can’t give them enough credit. The two boys in midfield, Doucoure and Onana, terrific,” he stated.

“Two huge midfielders, they covered loads of ground, they got in the faces of Arsenal, pressed Arsenal when they had the ball. Defensively as a team, their work rate was extraordinary and it got them a result, and a deserved one by the way.”

Midfield engines

Arsenal could not match the intensity of the pair, who made five tackles and won eight duels between them as per SofaScore.

Onana particularly impressed, as he also made two key passes and earned a match rating of 7.7.

Dyche’s appointment has already had a huge impact on the Everton squad, and lining up with a three-man midfield required them to play with high energy in their pressing, as well as making tackles and disrupting the league leaders.

If these two and Idrissa Gana Gueye can continue this form, then it will give Everton a very good chance of staying up.

Leeds United target Andoni Iraola appears to be keen to explore the Elland Road managerial vacancy, according to Phil Hay for The Athletic.

The Lowdown: Second approach?

The Whites have found it tough going in their search to replace Jesse Marsch, with Iraola a leading candidate. Sporting director Victor Orta flew to Spain looking to seal a deal for the Rayo Vallecano boss during the week, but as we know, he returned to England empty-handed.

Reports have suggested that the club could make a second approach for the 40-year-old, who appears to be open to the idea of moving to Yorkshire.

The Latest: Iraola interested in Leeds job

Hay shared a story for The Athletic on Saturday, looking at the club’s pursuit of a new manager.

When it came to Iraola, the reliable Leeds correspondent said: “Iraola has tried to be respectful to Rayo Vallecano and their president, Martin Presa, but he told his club that Leeds was an opportunity he wanted to explore and, if a final offer was there, an opportunity he was tempted to take.”

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The Verdict: Still possible?

It looks as if a move for Iraola could still be possible, although a release clause in his contract appears to be a potential stumbling block. However, if the Whites are adamant that he is their man, then perhaps a deal can be finalised, hopefully over the coming days.

Journalist Nick Emms has described the young manager as ‘fantastic’ and a ‘really exciting’ potential option at Elland Road, and with Iraola seemingly interested, you’d like to think that this managerial link could still have legs.

The job he has done with Rayo Vallecano is impressive, guiding them to fifth in the current La Liga table within two years of getting them promoted to the top flight.

Time is ticking with two crucial fixtures against Everton and Southampton to come, so the sooner that a new manager can be brought in the better – even if it is an interim boss, as has been speculated.

Danny Mills of TalkSport has labelled Leeds United’s ‘plan’ to find a new manager as ‘bizarre’ following the sacking of Jesse Marsch.

The Lowdown: Marsch axed

Following their 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest, the club decided to sack Marsch after he’d been in charge for less than a year.

They were linked with West Bromwich Albion manager Carlos Corberan, but he recently signed a new contract with the Championship outfit.

Rayo Vallecano of La Liga blocked the Whites’ pursuit of their boss Andoni Iraola and Arne Slot of Feyenoord has also turned down the Premier League club.

The Latest: Mills baffled

Mills was left baffled with the current situation  and claims the club seem to be scrambling for candidates after sacking Marsch when speaking on TalkSport.

He stated (0:00), “I just find it bizarre that these global businesses, massive football clubs are making rash, snap decisions with no plan going forward.

“It’s almost like they saw the Everton result, they saw the Wolves result, The Leicester result, they lost to Forest as well and it was like, oh, let’s just press the red panic button and let’s just sack the manager.

“Now who are we going to get? Well, we can’t get Carlos Corberan, he doesn’t want to come or West Brom are not prepared to let him go.

“Let’s go and get the guy from Rayo Vallecano. Oh, he’s not coming now that they’ve blocked that. Now where are we gonna go? I find it incredible that you sack somebody and there’s no plan.”

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The Verdict: Added fuel

The whole managerial situation going on at Leeds is certainly frustrating from a suppoerters perspective and will add the fuel of frustation they have with their chairman Andrea Radrizzani.

It’s no secret that there’s some animosity between the supporters and Radrizzani in recent times and this whole circus surronding a new manager will enrage them even more.

He even tweeted about the siutation and was confident a new manager would be on the way soon, but that tweet has now been deleted.

Whoever Leeds appoint they should look to get someone with Premier League experience, they’re only one point above the drop zone.

In our view it’s looking like an incredibly tight battle down at the bottom, so having somone who knows the divison well could give them the advantage over a number of the teams in and aorund the mix.

Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha could be in contention to feature against Brentford this weekend after returning to training.

The Lowdown: Zaha’s absence

Zaha, who Ally McCoist described as ‘absolutely outstanding’, has been out of action in recent weeks with a hamstring injury. The 30-year-old, who has featured from the left and through the middle this season, missed the defeat to Manchester United and a draw with rivals Brighton.

Patrick Vieira is preparing his side for a trip to Brentford on Saturday, with the Eagles looking for their first Premier League win of 2023, and they could have their star attacker to call upon.

The Latest: Injury update

The Evening Standard’s Dom Smith shared a story on Wednesday regarding Zaha.

He relayed the information of the player being back on the training pitch, describing it as a key boost. Smith also said he could be in contention to return against Brentford on Saturday.

The Verdict: Good news

Knowing that Zaha is back on the training pitch and possibly on course to feature against the Bees this weekend is extremely positive news.

The forward has been the club’s best-performing player this season, as per WhoScored. He has scored more goals than any Palace player and tops the charts when it comes to shots per game and dribbles completed per 90. Zaha is also the most fouled player in the Palace squad, so knowing that Vieira could have him back in the coming days is exciting.

Journalist Ryan Taylor has claimed that Aston Villa manager Unai Emery doesn’t see defender Matty Cash as his preferred option at right-back going forward.

What has Taylor said about Matty Cash and Unai Emery?

The Poland international defender has been a regular performer for Villa, appearing 21 times in all competitions this season, and started in their defeat to Arsenal, providing an assist for Ollie Watkins to open the scoring.

However, it has now been mooted that Emery, who was appointed in November, is not a fan of the 25-year-old, and may look to replace him in the summer transfer window.

Cash has made 89 appearances for Villa since his arrival from Nottingham Forest in 2020, but may not be seen as a long-term starter by the Spaniard.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Taylor questioned why Emery may not like the full-back.

“I feel like there are areas of Villa’s squad that they’ll look to strengthen. Right-back, I don’t feel like Emery fancies Matty Cash, which is bizarre because some people really rate him highly.

“I feel like he’s a bit Marmite. A lot of Villa fans actually don’t rate him, which I find quite surprising from the outside looking in.”

Does Cash suit Emery’s style?

Emery’s style throughout the years has required his fullbacks to be comfortable on the ball as well as defensively robust off it, and on the left side he brought in Alex Moreno from Real Betis as his first signing.

Moreno ranks highly in progressive carries and clearances as per FBref, highlighting why he may be a good fit for Emery’s Villa, and looking at other defenders he has managed, Cash may not be stylistically suitable.

When in charge at Villarreal, he would play Juan Foyth as a right-back, and the Argentinian ranks highly for pass completion and tackles, two metrics in which Cash ranks particularly low, and he may therefore be sacrificed for a fullback who can offer more in that regard.

Arsenal are plotting a move for attacking midfielder Lucas Paqueta and they are willing to meet West Ham United’s huge asking price, according to a report.

The Lowdown: Arsenal eyeing midfielder

The Gunners are on the lookout for a new midfielder this summer, with Real Madrid’s Marco Asensio emerging as an option in recent days, a signing that Gabby Agbonlahor believes would be ‘perfect’.

Celta Vigo starlet Gabri Veiga is another potential signing for Mikel Arteta, should he choose to make a move for a youngster, and the Gunners are also said to be leading the race for Declan Rice.

The Latest: Paqueta targeted

Now, according to Spanish sources (via West Ham Zone), Arsenal are plotting a move for Paqueta, despite him only moving to West Ham last summer.

The Hammers are set to demand €70m (£62m) to part with the Brazilian, an amount that both the Gunners and Newcastle United would be willing to go close to this summer.

The Verdict: Get it done?

It is clear that the 25-year-old has bags of talent, judging by his last season in Ligue 1 with Lyon, in which he amassed nine goals and six assists in 35 appearances, however he has not got off to a flying start in the Premier League.

The playmaker has picked up just two goals and two assists in the top flight this term, although in fairness his season has been blighted by injury troubles, having had to deal with a serious shoulder problem.

Although there is every chance that Paqueta could kick on and become a top player, having been hailed as ‘phenomenal’ by sections of the media, £62m is too much for someone yet to prove themselves in England, and Arsenal should prioritise other targets.

France and AC Milan striker Olivier Giroud ‘would be a good fit’ for Crystal Palace in the summer transfer window, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: Giroud linked with Palace move

The Eagles have struggled for goals at times so far this season, only scoring 21 times in 25 Premier League matches, with Wilfried Zaha leading the charts with six strikes despite missing time through injury.

One player who has been linked with a summer move to Selhurst Park is Giroud, who is France’s all-time record goalscorer with 53 goals in 120 caps.

The 36-year-old is out of contract at Milan at the end of the season, meaning other clubs could snap him up as a free agent.

The Latest: ‘Would be a good fit’

Speaking to Give Me Sport, O’Rourke talked up the idea of Giroud joining Palace at the end of the season:

“I think it would be a move he would consider. If he doesn’t agree a new contract at AC Milan, I’m sure a move back to the Premier League would be right up there among his top priorities.

“Crystal Palace would tick a lot of boxes because I think Giroud, ideally, would prefer to move back to London having lived there and played for Arsenal and Chelsea. Palace would be a good fit for him.”

The Verdict: Is he too old now?

There is no denying Giroud’s pedigree as a footballer, with his aforementioned record for France outstanding and a tally of 262 goals at club level also highly impressive.

At 36, there is certainly an argument to say that the £73,000-a-week striker is well past his best, however, and that Patrick Vieira should look at younger, longer-term options to bring in.

It could be that Giroud has one more season in him at a high level, having been hailed as ‘world class’ by Simon Kjaer earlier this season, but it would come with a risk element.

Journalist James Hunter was deeply unimpressed with referee Jeremy Simpson in Sunderland’s 5-1 loss at home to Stoke City on Saturday afternoon.

The Lowdown: Bad day for Black Cats

The Black Cats welcomed their Championship opponents to the Stadium of Light on Saturday, in what was another key game in their promotion push.

It proved to be a woeful day at the office for Tony Mowbray’s side, however, with Stoke taking the lead through Josh Laurent during the first half, before pulling well clear after the break.

It was a result that could ultimately prove damaging come may and it was an afternoon in which frustration boiled over both on and off the pitch.

The Latest: Hunter fumes at referee

Taking to Twitter, Hunter was quick to reveal what he thought of Simpson’s performance on Saturday:

“Absolute shambles from the referee, this.”

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The Verdict: Simply not good enough

Granted, referees do have a difficult job on their hands and they are only human, but this was another unacceptably poor performance by an official.

So many of Simpson’s decisions left supporters scratching their heads, including one moment when he allowed Stoke to play out from the back after a head injury, as well as blowing for half-time when Sunderland had possession in a dangerous area.

Refereeing standards in the Championship are not strong at the moment, and while Mowbray’s men deserve criticism for their performance, Simpson should also be under the spotlight.

Tottenham Hotspur boss Antonio Conte is set to make his return to the dugout this evening, with the serial-winning coach hoping to steer his side past Italian champions AC Milan in the Champions League, last-16 second-leg encounter.

Trailing 1-0 from the reverse fixture at San Siro, the Lilywhites are still firmly in the mix to secure progression to the quarter-final stage for the first time since the surge to the showpiece during the 2018/19 campaign.

There will be concern, however, as to whether the north London outfit can overturn that deficit amid what has been a rather disappointing last few days domestically, having most recently lost away to Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League.

That frustrating defeat at Molineux may well inspire the returning Conte to ring the changes for the visit of the Serie A outfit, with veteran defender Ivan Perisic one man who could well make way following his drab performance against the Old Gold.

Will Perisic play against Milan?

Saturday’s defeat saw the experienced Croatian produce a distinctly underwhelming display at left wing-back, with the 34-year-old having won just four of his ten duels on the day, while his match rating of 6.4, as per Sofascore, was the joint-lowest of any starting player for the visitors.

It was the former Inter Milan man’s woes offensively that particularly caught the eye, however, as the versatile gem simply “contributed nothing in attack” in the words of writer Andrew Gaffney, having been a “liability”, completing just two of his ten crosses and laying on just a solitary key pass.

Those struggles also saw the 123-cap machine lose the ball a staggering 20 times from just 57 touches and record a pass accuracy rate of only 67%, having simply ‘lacked quality’ in the final third, according to football.london’s Alasdair Gold.

The hope will be that Persisic’s surprise inclusion – after having started on the bench in the wins over both Chelsea and West Ham United – was merely with tonight’s game in mind, with the £180k-per-week dud likely to drop out of the side once again.

Although the 6 foot 1 asset may know all about today’s opposition following his previous stint in Milan, he notably underwhelmed in the first-leg meeting between the two sides, having been ‘subdued and disappointing’ according to the Evening Standard’s Dan Kilpatrick.

The Split-born brute may have won eight of his nine ground duels in that narrow defeat as a marker of his commendable work ethic, but there was a lack of end product to go with that relentlessness, having again been careless in possession after losing the ball on 19 occasions.

As such, it would be no surprise if Ben Davies – who started at centre-back for the trip to the Midlands – is to revert back to his recent role on the flanks, with Perisic’s shortcomings set to cost him a place in such a crucial, season-defining fixture.

Newcastle United are reportedly interested in making a move for Barcelona winger, Raphinha, this summer, with the Brazilian’s future at Camp Nou currently somewhat uncertain.

What’s the latest on Raphinha to Newcastle?

According to Spanish outlet Sport, the Magpies – as well as Premier League rivals Chelsea – are said to be closely monitoring the 26-year-old’s situation in Catalonia, with the former Leeds United man one player whom the cash-strapped La Liga giants could be open to selling ahead of next season.

The report suggests that the Tynesiders have already made contact with the player’s representatives regarding a possible summer swoop, with that exit talk coming despite the 16-cap dynamo having only signed for the club back in July.

There had been claims made at the time that Eddie Howe’s side were in talks to sign the one-time Sporting CP sensation, prior to the forward ultimately joining La Blaugrana on a £55m deal.

How would Raphinha fit in at Newcastle?

It is no doubt somewhat bizarre that Xavi Hernandez and co could even be considering parting ways with Raphinha this summer, with the £62m-rated man having been in sparkling form in recent times.

Previously described as “unplayable” by journalist Josh Bunting during his time at Elland Road, the 5 foot 9 wizard has proven just that of late, having now bagged nine goals and contributed nine assists in 37 games in all competitions this season.

That follows what was a rather stellar stint in Yorkshire for the wide man as he contributed 29 goal involvements in just 67 games in all competitions, having emerged as something of a talisman during his time with the Whites.

To be able to secure the services of such a dynamic gem would certainly be a real masterstroke for Howe and co, with Newcastle having the chance to fashion a formidable attacking partnership involving Raphinha and the club’s emerging hero, Alexander Isak.

While the latter man has seen his impact limited so far this season due to injury, the towering striker still boasts a respectable tally of four goals in nine Premier League games thus far, notably nodding home in the recent win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That perfectly guided header came amid what was a stellar all-round display from the 23-year-old, with The Athletic’s Steve Madeley writing that the marksman was looking “like Marco van Basten” after causing the away defence “all sorts of problems”.

With the club-record signing now back fit and firing, the aim will be to provide him with regular, quality service, something which that man Raphinha could certainly offer from the flanks having created 11 big chances in the Spanish top-flight this season – a far superior record to that of Miguel Almiron, for instance (two).

If Howe is to truly get the best out of Isak then having that creative spark in the side is a necessity, with Raphinha’s forward-thinking approach also illustrated by the fact that he ranks in the top 9% among his European peers for progressive passes received.

The prospect of having that duo wreaking havoc in attack is truly mouthwatering indeed, with such a deal set to be another statement of intent from PIF – as the £63m signing of Isak also was.