Johnny_Softsword_and_the_medieval_Crown_Jewels_mystery.txt
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Premier LeagueTop storiesPalace boss Glasner 'never threatened' to resign over GuehiCrystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner says "he never threatened to leave" the club over the potential sale of captain Marc Guehi to Liverpool on de quanto tá o jogo do fortalezatransfer deadline day. AttributionCrystal PalacePosted14 hours ago14hFull-back Lewis extends Man City deal until 2030AttributionPremier LeaguePosted15 hours ago15hComments44Bayindir keeps Man Utd spot after Lammens' arrivalAttributionMan UtdPosted16 hours ago16hComments420Isak going on 'strike' changed relationship - HoweAttributionNewcastlePosted21 hours ago21hComments1407Forest defender Aina ruled out for three monthsAttributionNottm ForestPosted20 hours ago20h'We need a big presence' - Guardiola on keeper dilemmaAttributionMan CityPosted17 hours ago17hComments212Martinez's commitment to Villa is massive - EmeryAttributionAston VillaPosted17 hours ago17hInjury rules out Chelsea's Delap until December AttributionChelseaPosted21 hours ago21hGrealish award 'just the start' for Everton wingerAttributionEvertonPosted17 hours ago17hComments304West Ham ban half-and-half scarves for Spurs gameAttributionPremier LeaguePosted21 hours ago21hThe acid attack that drove Newcastle's Wissa to succeedAttributionNewcastlePosted1 day ago1dSutton's predictions v Only The Poets frontman Tommy LonghurstAttributionPremier LeaguePosted1 day ago1dComments311More Premier League newsBack Wirtz to deliver at Burnley - our FPL team of the weekA game against a leaky Burnley defence is too juicy to pass up for Florian Wirtz, even though the expensive German has failed to deliver so far.AttributionPremier LeaguePosted1 day ago1dWhy Rooney partied with Man City players after 6-1 derby humiliationAttributionFootballPosted1 day ago1dEverton's biggest net spend - how they are turning fortunes aroundAttributionEvertonPosted2 days ago2dComments795Should Isak go straight in? The FPL talking pointAttributionLiverpoolPosted1 day ago1dWhy Man Utd have been better than their resultsAttributionMan UtdPosted3 days ago3dComments1695What do you want to know about your Premier League club?AttributionPremier LeaguePosted1 day ago1dTransfers - September 2025Posted2 days ago2dPremier League videoAre Everton getting 'Aston Villa' Grealish? Video, 00:03:37Are Everton getting 'Aston Villa' Grealish?AttributionPremier LeaguePosted1 day ago1d3:37Stunning Szoboszlai free-kick helps Liverpool beat Arsenal. Video, 00:08:50Stunning Szoboszlai free-kick helps Liverpool beat ArsenalAttributionPremier LeaguePosted31 August31 Aug8:50Guehi scores as Crystal Palace thump Aston Villa. Video, 00:07:49Guehi scores as Crystal Palace thump Aston VillaAttributionPremier LeaguePosted31 August31 Aug7:49Brighton score late winner to shock Man City. Video, 00:09:36Brighton score late winner to shock Man CityAttributionPremier LeaguePosted31 August31 Aug9:36West Ham beat Forest for emphatic first win of season. Video, 00:08:34West Ham beat Forest for emphatic first win of seasonAttributionPremier LeaguePosted31 August31 Aug8:34Fernandes scores stoppage-time winner as Man Utd edge out Burnley. Video, 00:09:56Fernandes scores stoppage-time winner as Man Utd edge out BurnleyAttributionPremier LeaguePosted30 August30 Aug9:56Grealish stars as Everton beat Wolves. Video, 00:07:42Grealish stars as Everton beat WolvesAttributionPremier LeaguePosted30 August30 Aug7:42Chelsea continue unbeaten start amid VAR drama. Video, 00:07:04Chelsea continue unbeaten start amid VAR dramaAttributionPremier LeaguePosted30 August30 Aug7:04Sunderland score two late goals to stun Brentford. Video, 00:10:04Sunderland score two late goals to stun BrentfordAttributionPremier LeaguePosted30 August30 Aug10:04Evanilson strike earns Bournemouth win at Spurs. Video, 00:08:33Evanilson strike earns Bournemouth win at SpursAttributionPremier LeaguePosted30 August30 Aug8:33'Exciting for Premier League' - Sutton on Postecoglou return. Video, 00:01:52'Exciting for Premier League' - Sutton on Postecoglou returnAttributionPremier LeaguePosted3 days ago3d1:52Donnarumma more than capable with his feet - Hart. Video, 00:01:26Donnarumma more than capable with his feet - HartPosted2 September2 Sep1:26How Premier League great Ederson changed goalkeeping. Video, 00:01:12How Premier League great Ederson changed goalkeepingAttributionPremier LeaguePosted2 September2 Sep1:12'That is magnificent' - watch Isak's best Premier League goals. Video, 00:02:01'That is magnificent' - watch Isak's best Premier League goalsAttributionPremier LeaguePosted1 September1 Sep2:01'It's a beauty!' - Wissa's goal against Newcastle last season. Video, 00:00:33'It's a beauty!' - Wissa's goal against Newcastle last seasonAttributionNewcastlePosted1 September1 Sep0:33Around the clubs - insight, analysis and fan viewsWhat can Forest's players expect from Postecoglou? published at 15:38 BST 12 September15:38 BST 12 SeptemberNick MashiterFootball reporterImage source, Getty ImagesSome players found out about Nuno Esprito Santo's exit this week from their team mates, shocked messages and phone calls going around with many on international duty. Nuno was popular, he fostered a unity in the squad and club which helped push their Champions League challenge last season. Ange Postecoglou must harness that to drive the club and squad on again. It will not be lost from within a close-knit squad and the new manager will surely recognise that. The former Australia boss, though, is usually quiet and reserved initially, preferring to get ready for business and enjoying his own space. Nick Montgomery, Mile Jedinak and Sergio Raimundo have joined as assistants along with Rob Burch as goalkeeping coach - having worked with Postecoglou at Tottenham - and they are likely to be the link with the rest of the staff, rather than the manager himself. Not to say Postecoglou will ignore others but he is there to work, professional, direct and focused. Those close to him have described him as honest, a good man, and unapologetic about how he wants to play. He will drive them on, he tells players they will be the ones on top if they will follow him there - one of the reasons for his winning in his second season statement. In his two years at Celtic he won two Scottish titles, two Scottish Cups and a League Cup, joining the club after they had lost the title to Rangers.He took them back to the to the Champions League and performed well in a 3-0 defeat to Real Madrid in Glasgow in September 2022. The hosts hit the post and had a number of chances before Madrid scored three times in the second half. Yet the performance itself was not enough for Postecoglou who told his side, despite the level of opposition, there should not be a ceiling for them. He told the squad he did not buy that Real Madrid were the superstars, he did not want to accept defeat. He wanted to win rather than just getting praise for playing well. It was a good first half against one of the best teams in the world and those at Celtic at the time were pleasantly surprised by Postecoglou's stance. Reputations did not matter and he will look to drive Forest in the same way. Share'I want the fans to dream' - Postecogloupublished at 13:31 BST 12 September13:31 BST 12 SeptemberImage source, Getty ImagesAnge Postecoglou has told BBC Radio Nottingham he wants to deliver a "generational moment" as Forest boss.Speaking to Colin Fray, Postecoglou explained: "I want the fans to dream and to almost bring to reality everything they dreamed for. The only trepidation is you might let them down but I'd much rather that than kind of fear success might come our way. I'd love that while I am here I bring a generational moment to this football club. It would mean everything I am passionate about is realised and long after I am gone there's the smallest of footprints in this football club made by me."I always want to make an impact at any club I am at. I think the only way you make an impact is to win things and creating moments that will outlast your tenure. That is my ambition at this club is to do something that hasn't been done for a long time or maybe done before. The intention is, the club is on an upward trajectory, in a good place, there are possibilities of making that real in terms of tangible success."In a wide-ranging discussion, Postecoglou explained he thinks the Forest squad has the attributes to adapt to his style of play, stating: "Yes it's a different way a little bit and a little more aggressive in its approach. When I look at this squad I see an exciting squad that can play expansive football and be effective. I don't think it's such a far reach."Listen to Postecoglou speak to BBC Radio NottinghamFind and follow your club with notifications from BBC SportShareWhat is Fernandes' best position?published at 11:04 BST 12 September11:04 BST 12 SeptemberSimon StoneManchester United reporterThere has been a lot of talk around Ruben Amorim's style of play at Manchester United but many of the questions sent in via our 'Ask about Man Utd' form have been about what Bruno Fernandes' best position is.The United captain is facing a new challenge this season, as Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha occupy the attacking roles.This is a big debating point. Amorim was very clear in the summer he wanted Fernandes in a deeper position because he wanted him on the ball more often.His rationale was that Fernandes will find more room and that will allow him to have more impact on the game.The secondary element of that is squeezing out Kobbie Mainoo as Amorim feels the Stockport-born midfielder is best suited to that position. The alternative view is that Fernandes is more of a danger in one of the number 10 roles in Amorim's system and rather than spending most of his available resource this summer on attacking players, United should have bought a holding midfielder. My personal feeling is Erik ten Hag got it spot on in the 2024 FA Cup final, when he effectively used Fernandes as a false nine as his football intelligence takes him into areas where he can be a danger and flanked by quick players, it causes opposition defences a major problem.Ask Me Anything is a service dedicated to answering your questions.We want to reward your time by telling you things you do not know and reminding you of things you do.Find out more hereSharePostecoglou knew Tottenham axe was comingpublished at 08:13 BST 12 September08:13 BST 12 SeptemberNick MashiterFootball reporterImage source, Getty ImagesNew Nottingham Forest boss Ange Postecoglou revealed he knew he was going to be sacked by Tottenham before winning the Europa League. The 60-year-old guided Spurs to their first trophy in 17-years after beating Manchester United in Bilbao in May. But 16 days later he was axed having finished 17th in the Premier League - 27 points adrift of Forest last season. He replaced the sacked Nuno Espirito Santo at the City Ground on Tuesday to return to management. "It wasn't great. I knew it was coming so it wasn't a surprise," he said at his Forest unveiling."It was a great three days [winning the Europa League] and I didn't want it to damage that. Whether I feel it was unjust other people make those decisions, they make those determinations. That's up to them, they have their own reasoning for it. "To be fair, I've done it a couple of times myself. I left Celtic and I'm sure they were disappointed. You understand that's part of the business we're in. But that's OK. It's allowed me now to move into this and maybe things happen for a reason."What I do know is I had two years where it was very, very challenging but we were with some fantastic people. There isn't a Spurs supporter that I don't come across now that doesn't want to hug me and take me home for dinner. "So I must have done something right. I think ultimately that's what we do it for. I'm very proud of what we achieved there. It will always take a special place in my heart. How it ended, I don't really think about it a lot."ShareCueva v Andrews in the 'battle of the set-piece gurus'published at 08:13 BST 12 September08:13 BST 12 SeptemberNat HaywardBBC Sport journalistImage source, Getty ImagesSet-piece guru Bernardo Cueva left Brentford to join then-new Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca's backroom staff in the summer of 2024 - but there were a few murmurs over his perceived lack of impact from within the Blues' fanbase last season.The Bees scoring the most goals from set-pieces in the Premier League (25) across the 2022-23 season coupled with a ￡750,000 compensation fee gave the indication Cueva's move to Stamford Bridge could be a game-changer.However, despite a solid and promising first campaign under Maresca, Chelsea only managed 16 goals from set-pieces - actually down from 23 the year before - and ranked them 11th in the division.Such is the significance of the role in modern football, the man who replaced Cueva as 'tactical statistician' at Brentford, Keith Andrews, will manage the Bees at the Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday evening.And he will be preparing his side to face a Chelsea who now seem to be reaping the benefits of Cueva's expertise.Five of the seven goals scored by Maresca's side so far this season have come from set-pieces, including penalties - the highest in the division - and the inventive routines on show have caught the eye.While last term only Manchester City played a larger proportion of their corners short - the Blues have favoured in-swinging deliveries aimed at the near post and centre of the six-yard box.Marc Cucurella has often made a late run to the near post while Liam Delap - who's role will need to filled in the injured striker's absence - has been standing close to the goalkeeper to limit his movement.The Spanish full-back flicked the ball on for Joao Pedro's equaliser against West Ham and drew players out of position for the same player's opener against Fulham.As our fan writer Will Faulks states, dead-ball scenarios have turned "from a weakness to a strength" for Chelsea so far this season. However, their opponents on Saturday only conceded four from set-pieces last year - by far the fewest in the division - and that shows Andrews' own astuteness in this area.Keep an eye on the battle of the set-piece gurus at the Gtech.*Stats provided by OptaShare'I'm not going to hide it' - Donnarumma on Man City 'goals'published at 18:08 BST 11 September18:08 BST 11 SeptemberImage source, Getty ImagesNew Manchester City signing Gianluigi Donnarumma says he is sure he and Pep Guardiola "will do great things together" at the club and that winning the Champions League again would be "a dream"."I think his history speaks for itself," the 26-year-old goalkeeper said about his new boss."The fact that he wanted me here is a reason to be proud of. It's an indescribable emotion. Being coached by him I think is the best for a football player."I can't wait to follow him and take to the pitch with him. I'm sure he will help me a lot and we will do great things together, this season as well as in the following years. As we said, it's been an era of unbelievable success here."The Italy international arrives after a trophy-laden spell at Paris St-Germain which culminated in Champions League glory last season. Only Carlo Ancelotti has won the trophy more times than Guardiola and Donnarumma believes they can repeat City's only Champions League triumph as part of a historic Treble in 2023."It is one of our goals, I'm not going to hide it," he added."Lifting the Champions League trophy with City would be a dream for me."Together with the coach and the staff I am convinced we will be able to go far but now we have to work humbly and think game by game."Much has been made of which direction Guardiola will take with his number one goalkeeper this season with the arrival of James Trafford from Burnley preceding Ederson's exit.However, Donnarumma feels competitiveness within the squad can drive the club forward."I'm happy because competition is good for everyone," he added. "I can't wait to meet [James], and I can't wait to meet my new team-mates. We have to be a strong and united group with people who care for each other and that is the key to success. "Together we can make great success."Share'Amazing winger' Kevin to reach next level under Silva - Srnapublished at 17:38 BST 11 September17:38 BST 11 SeptemberNizaar KinsellaFootball reporterImage source, Getty ImagesFulham's club-record ￡34.6m signing Kevin will go to another level under manager Marco Silva, according to Shakhtar Sporting director Dario Srna. The 22-year-old, who scored 17 goals in 57 matches in all competitions for the Ukrainian club, finally moved to Craven Cottage with fellow wide player Samuel Chukwueze on deadline day.Speaking about the move, which he negotiated directly, Srna told BBC Sport: "Fulham have an amazing winger, he has amazing skills, is so fast, good one-versus-one, he even defends well. "With Marco Silva, for me one of the best coaches in the Premier League, he will continue to develop for sure. I believe Kevin will move to one of the biggest clubs within the next two years."However, there were concerns that the deal may not go through with Fulham having also agreed a deal to sign Chelsea winger Tyrique George for ￡22m and amid reports Portuguese club Sporting hijacked the move for Kevin. "We kept our position from the first day," Srna added. "We told Fulham our price and that's it. We cannot sell for less - than what we said. "We had a lot offers for him and he could have gone elsewhere but he decided Fulham was best for him. It was his dream to play in the Premier League but we needed our conditions to be met to sell him."Srna admits the move leaves Shakhtar in the usual position of having to rebuild without a star player but they are happy to keep signing top players out of Brazil before moving them on. "Kevin came to us having not been able to get into Palmeiras' team and 18 months later he is sold for 40m euros to Fulham. Brazilians are happy to join Shakhtar because we develop them and they help us get good results, get into Europe and sell players to the top clubs. "We brought three amazing talents, 19-year-old Lucas Ferreira from Sao Paulo and 18-year-olds Isaque from Fluminense and Luca Meirelles from Santos, they show we can still recruit well from Brazil. "Midfielder Georhiy Sudakov also went to Benfica and we develop Ukrainian talents also. But it's harder with the war, we hope it ends soon. We keep working, the league remains competitive and this is the youngest team in Shakhtar's history."ShareIs it worrying that Brighton sold more players than they bought in?published at 17:08 BST 11 September17:08 BST 11 SeptemberSimon StoneChief football news reporterIs it a bad sign that Brighton sold more players than they bought in during the summer transfer window? That is one of the questions sent in via our 'Ask about Brighton' form. Joao Pedro and Pervis Estupinan were sold, alongside other non first team players, for a total of ￡139m. The Seagulls spent ￡70m was on incomings. I don't see the numbers as being an issue. Last season, Brighton had 19 players who started 10 or more Premier League games.Fifteen have already started a game this term, even though it is only three matches old.That figure only includes one of the players Brighton paid a significant fee for this summer and also excludes Olivier Boscagli, the 27-year-old Dutchman, who arrived on a free transfer after playing almost 200 games for PSV Eindhoven.In addition, Solly March and James Milner have recovered from long term injuries and we can't be sure at this point if anyone from the academy will force their way into Fabian Hurzeler's squad.With no Europe, Hurzeler has enough cover to cope. Brighton's ownership has proved so often they know what they are doing. Maybe one day, that will change. But if it is this season, I can't think that the reason will be a lack of bodies.Ask Me Anything is a service dedicated to answering your questions.We want to reward your time by telling you things you do not know and reminding you of things you do.Find out more hereShareRelaxed, refreshed and focused - Postecoglou's first news conferencepublished at 15:56 BST 11 September15:56 BST 11 SeptemberNick MashiterFootball reporterImage source, Getty Images"It's OK, sit down," Ange Postecoglou joked to the media as he was introduced at the City Ground.It started a 50-minute press conference where the new Nottingham Forest manager laced his answers with some jokes and character, but also underlined his determination to win at his new club.He talked about how his 60th birthday celebrations were interrupted by negotiations over the weekend - how he and his friends had planned a Hangover-style party only to be in bed by 10pm as they realised their age.But underneath everything there was the seriousness of winning and succeeding at Forest, bringing joy to the fans and how he will always stick to his principles.Postecoglou also spoke about how he knew the sack was coming at Tottenham - before he won the Europa League - as he reflected on his previous job.His time out was spent with his family, and he kidded that kidding owner Evangelos Marinakis caught him at the right time as there was no greater motivation to get back to work than the school run. It is clear the break has done him good.At the end of his time at Spurs he was on the defensive, even as they reached the Europa League final. This appeared to be a refreshed Postecoglou, ready for a new challenge.ShareNumber 10published at 12:25 BST 11 September12:25 BST 11 SeptemberAdam PopeBBC Radio Leeds reporterImage source, Getty ImagesIn the capital this weekend there will be Leeds United supporters visiting one of the world's most famous front doors on Downing Street as well as Craven Cottage. They will all know who resides behind the former but as to who will occupy the number 10 for the Whites at Fulham is a mystery.After United missed out on a bespoke signing for the role, forward Willy Gnonto was asked if he was being considered as an option. "I don't think I'm a good person to answer," he told me. "I've done it before, even last season, not a lot, but I've done it. It's just about how the coach wants to play. Wherever he wants to play me I'm ready to play and help the team. Gnonto, 21, has started each of Leeds' Premier League games on the left wing and is bullish about the side's chances on Saturday."Really positive - I think every game, to be fair, we know we have a chance and we know that we are really strong," he adds. "Away is always tough but we are ready to play and we're going to try and be as competitive as possible."The Italy international knows he has to shoulder some of the goalscoring burden with United yet to score from open play. "It's time. Obviously playing up front we are always going to be judged for our goals and our assists," Gnonto added."We've struggled a bit scoring goals and creating chances but I'm sure that it's going to come. We have the quality so I'm sure we're going to score."With United having won once in 14 attempts in the 'Big Smoke', whether Gnonto plays at 10 or not, it's time to do a number.Listen to West Yorkshire Sport Daily, weeknights at 18:00, and subscribe to BBC Radio Leeds' Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast on BBC SoundsShareOnana set for Trabzonspor but uncertainty over Malaciapublished at 11:50 BST 11 September11:50 BST 11 SeptemberSimon StoneChief football news reporterImage source, Getty ImagesManchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana will travel to Turkey from Paris today to complete his loan switch to Trabzonspor.Onana agreed the deal during the international break after United signed Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp for ￡18.1m.The Cameroon international had been told during the summer he would be Ruben Amorim's first choice at Old Trafford this season but clearly that situation has changed.His only appearance so far this season came against Grimsby in the EFL Cup, when he was at fault for the League Two side's second goal in their shock win.It is not expected Onana will return to the United fold at the end of his loan stint and his exit does mean Amorim won't have to manage the 29-year-old's mid-season departure to the Africa Cup of Nations. Meanwhile, defender Tyrell Malacia is the one remaining member of Amorim's 'bomb squad' who is yet to find a club.Turkish club Eyupspor have inquired about the full-back but it is not clear whether Malacia is keen on the switch.The Turkish transfer deadline is on Friday night, as is Greece's.Serbia remains open until 17 September.ShareA derby debut for Donnarumma?published at 09:47 BST 11 September09:47 BST 11 SeptemberJordan ButlerBBC Sport journalistItaly captain Gianluigi Donnarumma is set to become the eighth Manchester City player to make their Premier League bow in a Manchester derby - and the third goalkeeper.Swedish international Andreas Isaksson's first City appearance came as a half-time substitute during this fixture in 2006 and Claudio Bravo started Pep Guardiola's first derby at Old Trafford in 2016.Neither kept a clean sheet.Five of the previous seven debutants ended up on the winning side, two found the net and one – Mikhail Kavelashvili – is now the president of Georgia.Image source, Getty ImagesShare'Like an intoxicating summer romance' - Spurs fan on Postecogloupublished at 19:35 BST 10 September19:35 BST 10 SeptemberBardiFan writerImage source, Getty ImagesThere is something about Ange Postecoglou that is intoxicating. He will talk to everyone, but it feels like he is talking just to you. His ability to capture the mood, feed off the energy in the room and read the situation will make you all fall in love. It will be an instant attraction, a holiday romance. He will say the right things, he will put you, attacking football and the love for the game first.Players will feed into his ambition to play football the right way. They will feel released from the shackles of whatever tactical rigidity there was before and suddenly they' are kids again, free to cut inside, push high and "play, play, play."At Spurs our honeymoon period was glorious. We sang his name, we called everyone "mate" and we enjoyed football being played the right way. But as with everything in life, you need to adjust to the holiday ending.The weather turns and you find yourself freezing cold and wet - the beach is a distant memory. The ideas that swept you off your feet are gone. You are back in reality.At Spurs, it was injuries and a lack of investment in key areas that brought about Ange's downfall. He went into every game with the ambition to win, but the team was not fit for purpose. He failed to adapt and roll with the blows, which to be fair to him were numerous.Towards the end he did manage to recapture a semblance of that summer romance. Spurs trundled their way to Bilbao and on the Iberian peninsula he delivered the greatest night we have had for a generation. We fell back in love with the man who puts family, football and expressing your love for the game first.But then we got back home and reality came back and we deleted him from our contacts.Ange is capable of delivering moments of sheer ecstasy and he can sweep you up in the way he talks, but unless he's learned how to adapt, change and work with what he has, the romance at Forest may be even shorter than our fling with the Aussie.Find more from Bardi at The Extra Inch, externalShareWill Gnonto rise above Noah's arc? published at 18:05 BST 10 September18:05 BST 10 SeptemberAdam PopeBBC Radio Leeds reporterImage source, Getty ImagesAt 21, Wilfried Gnonto is an experienced player - a senior Italy international with 122 appearances and 22 goals for Leeds United.After signing from Zurich for ￡4m three years ago, Gnonto is on his second stint in the Premier League where the competition for his place is fierce after the arrival of Noah Okafor from AC Milan.With a characteristic smile, Gnonto is taking the threat in his stride."Obviously when you play in the Premier League you are going to have competition," he told BBC Radio Leeds. "You have good players and you can't do anything to stop this."I'm quite focused on myself and am sure of my abilities. I'm just happy for him. I know he's a good player."Gnonto is now a senior member of Daniel Farke's squad so, with 10 new team-mates, he is well placed to assess if Leeds are better equipped to survive in the top flight this time around."We're stronger. We've had a little time to work on our tactics and get to know each other a bit more. I feel like we can just get better from now," he added."Every position is better, to be fair. We've improved at the back and in midfield. You've just talked about Noah but we have Dom [Calvert-Lewin], Lukas [Nmecha] and so many players up front as well, plus Jack [Harrison] coming back."As for reclaiming a place in the Italy squad for next year's World Cup, Gnonto is yet to speak to head coach Gennaro Gattuso. However, he knows he has to force himself into contention."Being in the squad would be incredible for me," he said."At the same time, it's just a consequence of what I do here, so I'm just focused on doing my best by helping the team and hopefully it's going to come too."Listen to the full interview on BBC SoundsListen to West Yorkshire Sport Daily, weeknights at 18:00, and subscribe to BBC Radio Leeds' Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast on BBC SoundsGet news alerts about your Premier League clubShareWhat do you want to know about your club?published at 18:05 BST 10 September18:05 BST 10 SeptemberHave you got a question about your Premier League club or is there a topic you want more information on? Have you spotted a theme or trend involving your team that needs further investigation?Well, this season we're making it easier for you to get in touch and ask - and we will do our best to use our expertise here at BBC Sport to give you direct answers.Our team can call upon a network of contacts - including our reporters, pundits and other experts - to find out everything you need to know.No question is too big or too small, so fire away using the links below and we will answer the best of them throughout the campaign.Arsenal | Aston Villa | Bournemouth | Brentford | Brighton & Hove Albion | Burnley | Chelsea | Crystal Palace | Everton | Fulham | Leeds United | Liverpool | Manchester City | Manchester United | Newcastle United | Nottingham Forest | Sunderland | Tottenham Hotspur | West Ham United | Wolverhampton WanderersFind out how to get news alerts about your Premier League clubAnd find out more about BBC Sport's Ask Me Anything service hereSharePrioritise Premier League or Europe? Why Emery can do bothpublished at 16:16 BST 10 September16:16 BST 10 SeptemberJoe BradshawBBC Sport senior journalistImage source, Getty ImagesEarlier on Wednesday, BBC Radio WM's Mike Taylor suggested there may come a time this season where Unai Emery will need to prioritise either the Premier League or and another competition for his Aston Villa side.This is the third campaign where Villa are involved in Europe and, as favourites for the Europa League, a hectic schedule would be the natural result of good performances.Whether Villa's squad can handle that is uncertain.In any case, they have the manager to do so. Taylor acknowledged that Emery, a three-time winner of the Europa League at Sevilla, knows how to navigate complex fixture runs.So, will he have to prioritise or not?A quick look at some numbers shows that Emery has successfully balanced winning records in domestic leagues with going deep in European competitions.During his time at Sevilla, he twice finished fifth while leading them to Europa League glory. Only in the 2015-16 season did their league form stutter, this time slipping to seventh.That in part could be explained by the additional difficulties of a Champions League run in the first half of the season, before they dropped into the Europa League as a consolation and went on to win it.At Aston Villa, it has been a similar story.Despite the huge demands of Conference League football, Villa put together their best season in decades, for a while even challenging for the title in 2023-24, before settling for Champions League qualification.Last season, Emery's side were in the hunt for the top four until the final day, when Emi Martinez's red card at Old Trafford played a huge part in limiting their chances.Therefore, while winning a trophy - and a European one at that - does seem a suitable goal for Emery's side this season, doing well in the league should remain vital.And you agree. Here is a snapshot of your comments:Jerry: The Premier League has to be a priority as this is what leads to future progress, but we have to play more attacking football.Damien: Winning the Europa League is obviously very appealing, but putting all your eggs in the basket of knockout football is always a huge risk. Emery is right in focusing on the league because consistently high finishes are what will build a solid base for the future - and, hopefully, more trophies to come.Sign up for news alerts on your Premier League clubShareSpurs face decision on what to do with Levy blueprintpublished at 15:28 BST 10 September15:28 BST 10 SeptemberNick GodwinBBC Radio London reporterImage source, Getty ImagesIt was all going so quietly, wasn't it?An international break, the transfer window finally shut. What could possibly fly out of the blue?Well, the departure of the single most significant individual at Tottenham in the 21st Century would probably fit the bill.Daniel Levy's ideas and influence dominated every single major moment in Spurs history for the past 25 years. His achievements, his mistakes and his contradictions run through Tottenham Hotspur as though through a stick of rock.The creation of one of the finest football stadiums in the world, the urgent pursuit of regular Champions League football, although perhaps not the resources to always make it happen, and until recently, a consistent failure to bring home the trophies the supporters craved. All these things are Daniel Levy and they are Tottenham Hotspur. Until now.The new decision-makers will have to take the Levy blueprint and decide how to vary it.While his approach stayed remarkably consistent over the course of the past 25 years, football at the top has changed fundamentally. If the new decision-makers want to turn Spurs into another Premier League behemoth that uses financial muscle to challenge for the big trophies, they will find there is an awful lot of elbowing required, even if you have got the money.More of the same, or gambling, or trying something entirely new? All have risks attached. Maybe that is why the former Tottenham chairman should get credit – his approach proved remarkably durable during a period of seismic change.As the two parties finally go their separate ways, it is worth marvelling at the deep ironies of the past few months. Instead of challenging for the top four, which was always the main priority, Spurs chased a trophy, allowed their league form to disintegrate and then gave the fans their greatest moment in decades, including Champions League qualification. It's as though the Levy centre just could not hold.After 25 years of trying to do things one way, a different approach made a lot of dreams come true by breaking everything.Perhaps it is only fitting that someone else will steer the club through the new landscape.Find and follow your Premier League club on BBC SportShare'Square pegs and round holes' - why right-back is still a problem at Evertonpublished at 11:56 BST 10 September11:56 BST 10 SeptemberGiulia BouldBBC Radio Merseyside reporterEverton's right-back position has been the subject of several questions sent in via our 'Ask about Everton' form.We put your questions about that position in the squad to BBC Radio Merseyside reporter Giulia Bould.Seamus Coleman turns 37 next month and is in his 17th season at Everton. He was signed by David Moyes during his first spell at the club and remains the manager's most trusted right-back, despite struggling to stay fit.Replacing the Republic of Ireland international has seemingly proved impossible task. Eight managers between Moyes' two stints have failed to find an ideal candidate.Nathan Patterson was brought in from Rangers by Rafael Benitez just 12 days before he was sacked in January 2022. At the time, he was touted as a natural successor but has failed to impress and came close to leaving this summer.When Coleman has been sidelined, it has been a case of square pegs and round holes. Ben Godfrey was moved from centre-back to plug the gap before his exit in 2024. Sean Dyche brought in Ashley Young but, at the age of 38, he was never a long-term solution.The other option was midfielder James Garner. In September 2024, then-director of football Kevin Thelwell told me that with budgets tight, and Garner having won the Euros with England under-21s as a right-back, he was the backup for the foreseeable. Now, Moyes favours Jake O'Brien who admits, while he is happy to cover, he still sees himself as a centre-back. The Toffees searched again this summer for a right-back but on deadline day, only German midfielder Merlin Rohl arrived.For now then, Seamus Coleman - when fit - remains the manager's first choice in the position and it makes his ￡60,000 price tag in 2009 seem an even bigger bargain.Ask Me Anything is a service dedicated to answering your questions.We want to reward your time by telling you things you do not know and reminding you of things you do.Find out more hereShare'No-one understands the task better'published at 11:46 BST 10 September11:46 BST 10 SeptemberMike TaylorBBC Radio WM reporterImage source, Getty ImagesWhen the overhauled Villa squad assembles for the first time later this week, they will set out on a fearfully demanding yomp towards Christmas. Aside from international 'breaks' in October and November - badly named, since most of Unai Emery's players will travel to two games in each - there is only one midweek in the next three months where Villa will have no game to play. Even that assumes they will go no further in the Carabao Cup.For all the excitement of the other adventures the club has had since he took over, Emery has always underlined the Premier League is the top priority without which none of the rest happens. Every manager says this for most of the season and there is no reason to doubt that Emery means it.But - let's call this a thought experiment - what if it wasn't?Villa's stumbling start has given a small advantage to some likely rivals for a high Premier League finish. It is far from insurmountable and Villa are capable of achieving a Champions League qualification place again.But many observers and fans have said that the next stage for Villa must be to win something. They are favourites for the Europa League and if they justify that status, they will achieve both ambitions at the same time - win something and return to the Champions League.In Emery they have a proven course-and-distance winner, the Red Rum of Europa League management. Nobody understands the task of running a Europa League and domestic league season simultaneously better than him. He sets out to win every game, of course, but with Villa's workload and resources, it is likely at some point Emery will face a delicate choice, to balance priorities.Their defence laid low by injuries, Tottenham ended up in that sort of situation last season. A fat lot of good it did their coach, you might say, but they're in the Champions League now. If Villa were to follow a similar path, Emery could surely expect a rather more generous tribute.Listen to full commentary of Everton v Villa at 15:00 BST on Saturday on BBC Radio WM (95.6FM)What is Villa's priority this season?How should Emery balance his plans?Let us know hereShare'A welcome headache' - when is Sesko going to start matches?published at 09:15 BST 10 September09:15 BST 10 SeptemberAlex TurkFan writerImage source, Getty ImagesRuben Amorim is no stranger to facing problems at Manchester United. He has seldom enjoyed a week without one since arriving in November.Now, a dilemma is brewing before Sunday's derby at Manchester City. However, on this occasion, it is a positive one in an area of the pitch that was the source of plenty of pain last season.When is Benjamin Sesko going to start matches? It is a fair question on the everlasting carousel of many queries among United fans.He has arrived as one of Europe's hottest young strikers in a ￡74m transfer. Yet, the 22-year-old's only start in four games came at League Two club - and Carabao Cup conquerors - Grimsby Town.Not a United fan? Find and follow your club hereWhile Amorim insists he is carefully managing Sesko's adaption to English football, there is another prominent reason for his bit-part role thus far.Mason Mount is currently enjoying his best run of form and fitness since his ￡55m switch from Chelsea in 2023.Amorim loves the 26-year-old, who suits the demands required to operate in a 3-4-3 system, as he did under Thomas Tuchel at Stamford Bridge.Mount's first two years in Manchester have been plagued by injury woes, but brighter days could be here.Along with Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, he makes up the Portuguese coach's first-choice front three, which Sesko is battling to breach.Who starts against City is anyone's guess and is likely to depend on Mount's fitness after his precautionary half-time substitution in the 3-2 win over Burnley.The answer could be both, should Cunha miss out with a minor hamstring issue.But after spending the first several months of his reign watching United - Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund and Antony et al - struggle to conjure up 40 Premier League goals, it is proof there is such thing as a welcome headache.Find more from Alex Turk at Turk Talks FC, externalShareBaleba's form questionedpublished at 09:05 BST 10 September09:05 BST 10 SeptemberImage source, Getty ImagesFormer Brighton striker Warren Aspinall says Carlos Baleba needs to improve his consistency after an indifferent start to the season.The Cameroon midfielder was heavily linked with a move to Manchester United in the summer and has not hit the same heights as he did last season, with Aspinall suggesting his warm-ups are not intense enough."Hopefully the manager, along with Baleba, is putting it down to the Manchester United talks," Aspinall told BBC Radio Sussex's Albion Unlimited. "I saw him warming up against Manchester City - it was like running around the park with his mates. Once you get to the ground, concentration levels have to be much better. "He's one of the players who has let himself down. He has one great game, one good game and two bad ones. He needs to turn the bad games into good games."You can't switch it on like a tap - it's not that easy in the Premier League. High-intensity football is about closing down, winning loose balls and breaking forward. "I have seen none of that this season."Listen on BBC SoundsShareThe 'sensible' tactical approach for Postecoglou to take early onpublished at 13:34 BST 9 September13:34 BST 9 SeptemberUmir IrfanFootball tactics correspondentImage source, Getty ImagesAcross his past three jobs, Ange Postecoglou's sides have set up in a 4-3-3 or 4-4-1-1 shape that aimed to dominate the ball, playing quickly with it and pressing incredibly aggressively without it. The high intensity of his style in all phases has become a hallmark of his system, with both positives and negatives.From build-up, Postecoglou involves his goalkeeper and uses the back four and defensive midfielder in an interesting way. Build-up is focused heavily down the centre of the pitch, with six players playing in a compact way. Both full-backs are seen inverting into midfield so they need to have strong technical quality.The rationale here is that you are likely to outnumber the opposition in the build-up, making it easier to move up the pitch.If opposition players mark your players in build-up, Postecoglou's use of positional rotations is a tool to get players free in order to receive the ball.The Australian likes to use rotations very frequently, with two or three players often seen swapping between rigid positions in order to move defences around to find the free man. It looks fluid - but it is often calculated.It is clear that Nuno Espirito Santo's counter-attacking style differs largely from Postecoglou's approach, so what does this mean for Nottingham Forest?Forest's transfer business this summer appears to have been done with an eye on becoming a more technical, ball-dominant side. Interestingly, James McAtee, Douglas Luiz and Oleksandr Zinchenko are all players who have all developed at Manchester City, highlighting the change in intent.Big-money signing Omari Hutchinson and fellow Chelsea academy graduate Callum Hudson-Odoi, too, might enjoy playing in a way that ensures they keep the ball more, with licence to create.However, questions arise when looking at the out-of-possession differences between the managers. Nuno has often held the lowest defensive line in the league across his various clubs, with Postecoglou playing the highest defensive line at Tottenham.If this drastic change is implemented immediately, some of Forest's strongest defenders, who thrive on protecting their box, may not be maximised. The defensively astute Nikola Milenkovic comes to mind here.The difference in system raises questions for somebody like Ola Aina, too. He had an incredible campaign last season playing as a touchline wing-back, a role that differs from the inverted demands asked of a Postecoglou full-back.Postecoglou has been reluctant to alter his system, but there was a level of pragmatism seen in Spurs' Europa League win. Spurs were happier to defend their own box for large periods of time, leading to success against Eintracht Frankfurt and Manchester United.Without a pre-season, and coming into a club that has been built on a counter-attacking, five-at-the-back style, adopting an approach more in line with his Spurs knockout games might be sensible early in Postecoglou's tenure.Is Postecoglou the right man for Forest? Take part in our poll hereAnd have your say on what his priorities are hereTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.This video can not be playedMedia caption, Find and follow your Premier League club on BBC SportShareClinical and an aerial threat - why Merino is an attacking optionpublished at 12:33 BST 9 September12:33 BST 9 SeptemberJoe BradshawBBC Sport Senior JournalistImage source, Getty ImagesMikel Merino has seven Premier League goals for Arsenal.Most were scored in that scarcely believable period where the Gunners were searching for anyone to fill the void in attack in the second half of last season and contributed to 14 points in their attempts to win the title.His total is clearly not a huge amount, but earlier on Tuesday, our fan writer Laura Kirk-Francis suggested the Spain midfielder could make an impact for Mikel Arteta's occasionally shot-shy side.After all, he is fresh off scoring four goals on international duty including a first career hat-trick against Turkey.Digging into some numbers, there is some juice to her argument.Taking shot conversion rate as a metric in isolation, Merino ranks fourth for Arsenal across the past 10 seasons.It is all the more impressive considering the identities of the three goalscorers above him.Of all the players who have more than five Premier League goals for the club in that time, he has taken the fewest shots, offering up the smallest sample size but also indicating how clinical he is.The variety of his goals is also noteworthy. Two with his left foot, one with his right and four with his head.Only three players have more headed goals for Arsenal in that time period – and the Spaniard has been in the building for just a year.Laura argued that fielding Merino at number six against Liverpool nullified his attacking threat. The heatmap below supports this - he did not even touch the ball in the opposition penalty area.Image source, OptaSomehow, when Merino is on the field, Arteta needs to find a way to get him into areas where his eye for goal, and particularly his heading ability, can cause problems for the opponent.Clearly that does not mean replacing Viktor Gyokeres, whose ￡64m presence cements his place in Arsenal's starting XI.But here is a midfielder with an obvious goalscoring threat and sticking him in the centre of the park likely clips his wings.Whether Arteta is willing to let Merino fly could make a significant difference this season.ShareHow good is Lammens with his feet - and could he start against City?published at 11:48 BST 9 September11:48 BST 9 SeptemberWatch BBC Football tactics correspondent Umir Irfan break down new Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens' ability to play with his feet below."Lammens is a safe passer over short distances," he told BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club."He can use both feet. In the Belgian Pro League whenever he has been pressed with more pressure he's gone long."From his right foot to the left wing he's a decently accurate long passer. Other than that he usually hits general balls."To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.This video can not be playedMedia caption, Umir Irfan on how good Senne Lammens is with his feetBelow, BBC Sport's chief football reporter Simon Stone tells the Monday Night Club Manchester United's rationale for signing Lammens over Emiliano Martinez and discusses whether the new addition will start in Sunday's Manchester derby.To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.This video can not be playedMedia caption, Simon Stone on Senne Lammens - could he start vs Manchester City?Watch the full episode on BBC iPlayer and listen on BBC SoundsShareprevious pagePage 1 of 17123456…17next pageSelect a clubArsenalAston VillaBournemouthBrentfordBrighton & Hove AlbionView moreBurnleyChelseaCrystal PalaceEvertonFulhamLeeds UnitedLiverpoolManchester CityManchester UnitedNewcastle UnitedNottingham ForestSunderlandTottenham HotspurWest Ham UnitedWolverhampton WanderersFind us hereInstagramTikTokFacebookXYouTube
