There will be a lot of criticism aimed at Aston Villa’s players and management, which will be deserved after the shocking performance that saw them beaten 6-1 by Manchester City.

Riyad Mahrez’s brace, Sergio Aguero’s hat-trick and Gabriel Jesus’ goal are what secured the three points for Pep Guardiola’s side, but Villa certainly helped them out, with various mistakes such as those from Danny Drinkwater and Kortney Hause.

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However, one man who seems to be escaping a lot of the fans’ criticism is Trezeguet, who replaced Conor Hourihane in the 71st minute.

His biggest contribution was winning the penalty that led to Anwar El Ghazi’s goal, when he was fouled by Ilkay Gundogan – an event that was noteworthy, even if it was equally futile in the grand scheme of things.

The Egypt international’s spark can also be shown by the fact that he completed one key pass and two dribbles, as well as letting off a shot that was blocked.

Call yourself a Premier League expert? How much did each of these big-money January signings cost?

It may not have done much to the embarrassing scoreline, but Trezeguet’s contribution did get some appreciation from Villa fans.

Questions were raised regarding the 25-year-old’s omission from the starting XI.

Trezeguet has only started two of Villa’s last seven Premier League games, including the City one, with the feeling being that he should be getting much more action than that.

With an important game against Brighton & Hove Albion on the horizon, it will be interesting to see whether Trezeguet is given the nod this time around after his latest showing.

Meanwhile, Villa fans have shown excitement about the prospect of one man leaving the club.

Roy Hodgson continues to work wonders with a limited squad as he picked up a great draw away at Manchester City, thanks in part to a last-minute equaliser via Fernandinho’s own goal.

The point means they remain ahead of the likes of Arsenal and Everton in the Premier League table as they stay ninth, but there will have been a real source of encouragement for Hodgson in the form of Cenk Tosun.

The striker was signed on loan earlier this month and it didn’t take him long for him to record his first goal for the Eagles, opening the scoring against the Citizens in what was only his second appearance for the club.

Did he really play for us?! No Palace fan has managed to name all of these obscure Eagles signings….

It hasn’t taken long for fans to endear themselves with the Turk either, as he reacted well to head the away side in front, though there has been praise for his all-round performance.

Palace have struggled for goals this season with 22 scored in 23 league games, so it is a little surprising that they struck twice at the Etihad.

However, with Jordan Ayew, Connor Wickham and Christian Benteke to choose from it is understandable why they have offered very little attack, as that trio have a combined total of 19 Premier League goals over the last two-and-a-half years.

Tosun’s arrival could, therefore, be a big boost for Hodgson’s side and if he can build on his first goal then he could be a good fit at Selhurst Park, with some supporters already suggesting he has been an improvement on what they had previously.

Meanwhile, there has been an update regarding another player who could improve Palace which should interest fans.

Liverpool fans have taken to Twitter to mock Harry Maguire, after Virgil van Dijk dominated him in the air to net the opening goal in Sunday’s meeting with Manchester United.The physical Dutchman leapt highest in the 14th minute to put Jurgen Klopp’s side in the lead, jumping over Maguire and Brandon Williams to power the ball past David de Gea.

While, one presumes, a goal of this ilk might not usually get that much coverage given its simplicity, the fact that Maguire is the only defender in history to cost more than Van Dijk means that a reaction has been sparked amongst the Liverpool fans on Twitter.

As has been well documented, the England international cost the Red Devils a world-record £80m fee from Leicester, whereas Van Dijk cost £75m when arriving from Southampton.

As a result, it seems like the Liverpool fans on Twitter enjoyed seeing United’s No.5 get obliterated in the air by their huge No.4…

To kick off the reaction, these two supporters highlighted the difference in quality between the two centre-backs.

One fan – with the username ‘#6times’ said that the pair are “worlds apart” whereas the other supporter said “imagine paying £80m for this guy” before using a laughing emoji to mock the former Hull man.

An animal-related theme was on show from these two supporters, who mentioned a rat, lion and a mouse when comparing Maguire and Van Dijk.

One fan with the username ‘J45’ laughed at the United man for being beaten in the air, before – perhaps unnecessarily – calling the 26-year-old a “rat”.

Elsewhere, Scott said that he doesn’t want the two defenders uttered in the same sentence ever again, before saying that they have about “as much in common as a lion and mouse”.

Lastly, these two supporters continued to mock Maguire.

Call yourself a Liverpool expert? How much did each of these big-money January signings cost?

One said that the world’s most expensive defender “can’t sniff Virgil’s shoes” whereas the other called him a “tiny little man” in comparison to the “titan” that is Van Dijk.

In other news, these Liverpool fans have been discussing “typical Ev behaviour” after this 28-year-old’s goal…

It is fair to say that Jordan Rhodes’ spell in South Yorkshire has been nothing short of a disappointment, and although he has scored a hat-trick this term, they remain his only goals from 13 appearances.

The striker has 13 goals in 68 games for Sheffield Wednesday despite arriving for £10m, and with his contract expiring in the summer he could make an exit this month, with Wigan the team showing interest.

According to the Sun’s Alan Nixon they are prepared to offer the Owls £500k to sign the player on loan until the end of the season, but it is being reported that Wednesday are looking for more than that.

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The club’s own pursuit of Connor Wickham – which Nixon also mentions – could be a factor in that, as they could be in need of further resources in order to persuade Crystal Palace to let the 26-year-old leave.

Many fans have called for Rhodes to be moved on upon hearing of the reported bid, and it is probably best for everyone that his poor spell at Hillsborough ends sooner rather than later.

Sheffield Wednesday are very much in the hunt for the play-offs and are now in the FA Cup fifth round after beating QPR 2-1 on Friday, so letting Rhodes go could be a step in enhancing their chances of success.

However, signing Wickham would be a gamble due to his injury record, and the fact he has made just 30 appearances in the last three-and-a-half years.

Nevertheless, the fact the Owls seem to be stalling Rhodes’ potential departure has created frustration with some, and they are criticising chairman Dejphon Chansiri as a result.

Who the heck is that?! Can you name all of these obscure Sheffield Wednesday players…

In other transfer news, a journalist has singled out one Wednesday player who could also be moved on before the end of the month.

Leeds fans finally received the positive news they had been craving in the last few days, with both Ian Poveda and Jean-Kevin Augustin arriving at Elland Road.

The latter is the striker they have been looking for since Eddie Nketiah was recalled by Arsenal, and the latest news revealed by the Athletic’s David Ornstein has made the capture of the 22-year-old all the sweeter for fans.

According to the journalist, the RB Leipzig frontman, who is with the Whites on a loan deal until the end of the season, chose to sign for the club despite interested from Manchester United.

Getting one over a fierce rival is likely to please Leeds supporters in any circumstances, but in this scenario, where his arrival enhances the club’s chances of promotion, is a cause for delight amongst the fanbase.

This news could be a positive for more than just the fans. It indicates the prestige that the club is held in, particularly Marcelo Bielsa, and that could encourage other targets to sign for the club in the future.

Perhaps more importantly, it could win over those who may have held doubt over the fact that Augustin has just one goal from 13 games this term, and if he receives the backing of the Elland Road faithful early on then he could be confident enough to start delivering straight away.

In regard to the appeal of Bielsa, many supporters have pointed to him as a factor that was key in luring the Frenchman to West Yorkshire, with claims that he is a better manager than the Red Devils’ Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Call yourself a Leeds expert? How much did each of these January signings cost?

In other news, Leeds fans have been discussing whether an individual in the squad can perform to the standard required under intense circumstances.

Tottenham Hotspur face Southampton in an FA Cup fourth-round replay on Wednesday evening.

The two sides played out a 1-1 draw at St Mary’s, with Sofiane Boufal scoring an 87th-minute equaliser to force a second tie in north London.

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Spurs, of course, beat Manchester City 2-0 on Sunday, but they do not have a game this weekend, suggesting that manager Jose Mourinho can play his strongest team this week with no fear of needing to rotate.

Football FanCast, then, has taken a look at the team he should select.

Hugo Lloris is back to full fitness, saved Ilkay Gundogan’s penalty against City, and should play in goal.

The back-four should largely stay the same but this is a fine opportunity to bring Jan Vertonghen back into the fold. The Belgium international was benched against City but he could come back in here, allowing Toby Alderweireld a break.

As against City, Serge Aurier, Davinson Sanchez and Japhet Tanganga should keep their places.

In central midfield, Tanguy Ndombele made a cameo performance against City, laying on the assist for Son Heung-Min’s goal; he needs to start and build up his match fitness.

He can partner Harry Winks in midfield, allowing Giovani Lo Celso to move into the No.10 role.

Dele Alli sustained an ankle injury against Pep Guardiola’s side and, while he could be fit to play, it does not make sense to risk him suffering a more severe injury.

Steven Bergwijn, who scored on his debut on Sunday, is ineligible for the game and he ought to be replaced by Erik Lamela on the right flank.

That would free up Lucas Moura to potentially play up front, with Son on the left flank.

The winner of the encounter will play Norwich City in the fifth round, and this is perhaps Spurs’ only chance of proper silverware; they need their best team on Wednesday evening.

Meanwhile, Spurs fans are thrilled at one man’s impending return!

Lucas Moura believes that Tottenham Hotspur can finish in the Premier League’s top four but has urged the club to stop dropping “stupid” points, per The London Evening Standard.

What’s he said?

Spurs recorded a huge victory on Sunday, beating Manchester City 2-0 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

They are now fifth in the Premier League, four points behind Chelsea, who drew 2-2 with Leicester City on Saturday.

Since the appointment of Jose Mourinho, however, they have lost to Manchester United, Chelsea, Southampton, and Liverpool and also drawn with both Norwich City and Watford, two teams currently occupying places within the relegation zone.

And Lucas has called on his team-mates to take the momentum from their win over City and maintain some consistency.

He said: “That’s our objective, the top four, and it’s clear.

“Of course we can arrive there but we need to think step by step, game by game, win points and don’t lose stupid points like we did in the last few games.

“Let’s think about the next game, step by step like I said, and I’m sure we can arrive in the top four and finish the season well.”

Money talks: How much did Levy pay for each of these Spurs stars?

Keep their focus

This win over City could be a springboard for Mourinho’s side.

Their next four league games come against Aston Villa, Chelsea, Wolves, and Burnley and they cannot afford to drop points against Villa and the Clarets.

Of course, there is added importance to the games against the Blues and Nuno Espirito Santo’s side; Wolves are currently eighth, just two points behind Spurs.

The key, though, is not dropping points in games that teams would expect to win.

Lucas’ words ought to refocus their minds and ensure that they can string together a sequence of victories.

Meanwhile, Spurs fans have reacted to one Jose Mourinho moment against City!

Mark Douglas has poured cold water on Newcastle’s potential moves for Ollie Watkins and Said Benrahma, saying that the Toon will have “other priorities” this summer.

What’s the story?

The Magpies have been linked with transfers for both of the Brentford pair in the last few weeks. The former is said to have an asking price above £20m, whilst the latter could be available for £15m.

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However, Douglas believes that the two will not be priorities for Steve Bruce and Co this summer. In a Q&A with The Chronicle, he said: “Given Newcastle’s policy is going to be two or three big, high calibre signings every summer (if you take Lee Charnley’s last transfer statement anyway), I think they’ll have other priorities (most likely overseas).”

Understandable, but a shame

Clearly, the Toon are looking to add top quality to their squad. In January, for example, they attempted to take Boubakary Soumare to St James’ Park, a player who had previously been linked with Manchester United and Chelsea, whilst they also captured Danny Rose, a Champions League finalist, on loan. The Bees duo are both Championship players – they have limited experience, at best, at the highest level.

However, they are two players who have been in stunning form this campaign in the second tier. Benrahma has nine goals and six assists in 28 games so far, whilst Watkins, with 20 goals and three assists in 31 matches, is the division’s second-highest scorer. Only West Bromwich Albion (57) have scored more than Brentford’s 53 in the league – the attacking duo have contributed heavily to that.

The Toon, it seems, are ready to spend big after years in the wilderness. It took them 14 years to break their transfer record of £16m paid for Michael Owen in 2015 but, after Miguel Almiron was brought in for £20m, it took them just six months to break their record again for Joelinton. The bid for Soumare, it was said, was even bigger than the one parted with for the Brazilian – times may be changing on Tyneside.

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As such, Championship players are indeed unlikely to be on their radar. That doesn’t mean they don’t have quality, though – Newcastle must make sure they sign the right star players rather than just big names.

In other news, Douglas reveals Steve Bruce would love to sign this Champions League winner.

It may have been a nervy one in the end, but it was a win nevertheless for Leeds on Saturday afternoon.

After getting off to the perfect start thanks to Luke Ayling’s strike just after a quarter of an hour, the Whites made things difficult for themselves by failing to take their chances.

In the end, they had 21 total shots on goal, compared to Bristol City’s measly three, and one man who certainly could have got himself on the score-sheet but didn’t, was Jack Harrison.

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The winger hit the woodwork and missed a big chance too, but enjoyed an otherwise impressive display, completing two dribbles and providing four accurate crosses.

After seeing his performance, Leeds fans took to Twitter to voice their thoughts on the 23-year-old.

A couple of Leeds supporters simply said Harrison looked “unplayable”.

Another couple of fans hailed Harrison’s first touch in particular, with one supporter suggesting it is clear he has been “coached at the top level”.

One fan in particular meanwhile urged the club to sign him permanently as soon as possible before his price sky-rockets.

Naturally, a winger’s stats are always going to be skewed towards looking slightly more negative. They’re the ones tasked with taking the game to the opposition, and are therefore far more likely to be dispossessed thanks to their dribbling.

But on Saturday, Harrison always looked to be the man to create chances for his teammates and he was unlucky not to see any of his teammates get on the end of some of his better crosses on the day.

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The 23-year-old showed he is a hugely important part of his side going forward.

Meanwhile, Phil Hay has provided an update on the club’s proposed new training ground.

The Chronicle’s Newcastle United journalist Lee Ryder believes that manager Steve Bruce made a mistake in leaving Matt Ritchie out of his starting XI against Crystal Palace, per Everything is Black and White (February 22nd, 3:28).

What’s he said?

The Magpies lost 1-0 to the Eagles at the weekend, leaving them 14th in the Premier League, though they remain seven points clear of the relegation zone.

Ritchie has made just five starts in the league this season and played a mere 19 minutes against Roy Hodgson’s side, having played a quarter of an hour against Arsenal the week prior.

Who the heck is that?! Can you name all 25 of these obscure Newcastle signings…

He has been primarily deployed as a full-back this season, and Ryder believes that he is the glue that holds the Magpies together.

He said: “I mean, for me, it was a big call to leave Matt Richie on the sidelines for the second game running and I think he holds Newcastle together.

“I think he’s the man who makes them tick.”

Stats don’t support this

Newcastle have won two games with Ritchie in the side.

They beat Tottenham Hotspur in August and Chelsea in January; Ritchie, of course, has struggled with injuries, missing 18 games as a result of an ankle injury.

While he was out, the Magpies won six games.

Indeed, this season, Ritchie has not scored a goal nor has he provided an assist.

He has averaged 1.8 key passes per game but, other than that, one has to feel that Ritchie is not the man to instantly turn Newcastle’s form around.

Indeed, looking at the cold, hard fact that they simply aren’t stringing wins together with him in the side, one has to feel that Bruce had a justifiable reason for his decision.

Meanwhile, Newcastle fans have criticised one man!