The waves have battered against the south coast with unrelenting, roiling might this season, and Southampton now face their most concerning result of the term after falling at St. Mary’s Stadium to the hand of League Two outfit Grimsby Town.

Bottom of the Premier League and currently wielding their third permanent manager of the campaign in Ruben Selles, Saints’ domestic cup endeavours this season have provided a certain sense of respite and having reached the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup, the same was set to follow in the prestigious FA Cup.

Bypassing the Mariners’ roaring crowds – heaping adulation on their lowly side right from the opening whistle – was supposed to be the toughest test; a fairytale run which has been seen before, but wedged firmly in mid-table in England’s fourth tier, Saints should have easily secured the victory.

It wasn’t to be, and a succession of penalties either side of half-time proved too much for Selles’ men, who pulled one back and agonisingly saw VAR chalk off Theo Walcott’s late equaliser, and while it was a herculean effort from the Town, there were one too many culprits who have now jeopardised their position in the squad.

Was Armstrong at fault vs Grimsby?

At the heart of the peril was forward Adam Armstrong, who has only scored four goals from 59 appearances since his £15m move from Blackburn Rovers in 2021.

This season, two goals and a single assist from 31 outings across all competitions hardly evoke confidence in the face of adversity, and the potency of the frontline has consequently been impacted.

And against Grimsby, his Sofascore rating of 6.3 was the lowest of any starting outfield player for either side, with his 67th-minute substitution for Joe Aribo epitomising the woes of his stay on the south coast, branded “extremely disappointing” by The Athletic’s Jacob Tanswell.

Failing to hit the target, Armstrong managed one blocked and one wayward strike, and aside from completing 80% of his passes and registering one key pass, failed to muster a morsel of the attacking impetus that his manager would have craved to ensure a chastening outcome came to fruition, and indeed it did.

And winning just 20% of his total duels – two from ten attempts – the 26-year-old failed to exhibit the robust approach that is required when a team finds themselves stuck in a muddy situation.

Failing with all three of his dribble attempts, and losing possession 12 times, it was a wholly forgettable occasion for the striker, who now faces an onerous task in convincing his boss he warrants inclusion over the business phase of the season.

After such a shambolic display, Selles now faces the conundrum of considering whether to drop players such as Armstrong for the remainder of the campaign, saying to The Athletic after the match: “I will need to analyse that. That (particular) reflection should be for some time different than now.”

That said, with options limited and time running out to salvage anything from this dreadful campaign, Selles might begrudgingly slot Armstrong back into a starting berth in short time.

But with further performances such as the dismal display against the Mariners, Saints’ despondency is crystallised.

Arsenal regained their five-point lead atop the Premier League table with a convincing victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday afternoon.

A hat-trick of assists from Leandro Trossard across a 25-minute spell in the first half sent the Gunners on their way, the first coming after the home side had an own goal ruled out for offside.

Gabriel Magalhaes headed home from a corner before his namesake, Gabriel Martinelli, also found the net with a header before Martin Odegaard displayed immense composure inside the penalty box to make it 3-0 right on the break.

The Belgian dynamo was certainly a standout player, earning Sky Sports’ pick for ‘Player of the Match.’ However, the performance from William Saliba deserved just as many plaudits as Mikel Arteta’s men finally kept a clean sheet.

Who was Arsenal’s best player vs Fulham?

Hailed as a “Rolls-Royce” by commentator Alan Smith during the match, the France international was an absolute rock at the back, helping to thwart the tricky test of Aleksandar Mitrovic, as well as players like Andreas Pereira and Manor Solomon, all of whom have led the Cottagers to eighth place.

Saliba, who cost the north Londoners around £27m, was at the heart of everything and he was unfortunate to not get on the scoresheet himself as one of his long-range efforts came very close to flying in – Vincent Kompany-esque.

Indeed, the 21-year-old registered more touches (90) than any other Arsenal player and that translated into 64 passes, which were delivered at a 90% accuracy rate. He was also successful in 100% of his dribbling attempts, via Sofascore.

As part the backline to keep Arsenal’s first shutout in three outings, Saliba contributed a lot defensively, managing to win 83.3% of his aerial duels whilst also putting in seven clearances, four tackles, two blocks and one interception, which kind of lives up to Smith’s aforementioned and glowing tag of being a “Rolls-Royce.”

The former Arsenal striker wasn’t the only person to provide superlatives to describe his outing in west London either – Fabrizio Romano dubbed him “perfect,” meanwhile journalist Sam Dean described him as “outstanding.”

Alongside Trossard, the Frenchman was also one of many to steal the show over at Craven Cottage.

AND in other news, Cost £0, now worth £44m: Arsenal have hit the jackpot on “extraordinary” 5 ft 8 dynamo…

Emile Smith Rowe is reportedly among five Arsenal players facing uncertain futures this summer.

The Lowdown: Injury woes

Smith Rowe’s season has unfortunately been jeopardised by injury so far, as he has been limited to just 62 minutes of senior football in total across all competitions.

He did play 45 minutes in an U21s game against Chelsea earlier this week in order to help regain his fitness, and will be hoping to make a swift comeback in the senior team over the next upcoming fixtures.

The Latest: Future in doubt

As per The Times, Smith Rowe is one of five Arsenal players with their futures in doubt at the Emirates Stadium come the summer transfer window.

The sale of Kieran Tierney could be used to fund deals, while loanees Albert Sambi Lokonga, Nuno Tavares and Folarin Balogun are also likely to be sold.

The Verdict: Shock

It would be a real shock if the Gunners allowed Smith Rowe to leave this summer.

A Hale End graduate, the 22-year-old has managed to break into the first-team set-up, and was a regular in the Premier League last season, notching up an impressive ten goals and two assists from midfield (Transfermarkt).

Sure, the injuries have been frustrating for him and the club this term, but the Englishman still has such a high ceiling, and if he can get back to full fitness, Smith Rowe remains an integral part of the squad.

Former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino could be offered the Chelsea job at some point in the near future, according to journalist Miguel Delaney.

The Lowdown: Potter’s future still up in the air

The Blues picked up a huge victory over Borussia Dortmund in midweek, booking their place in the Champions League quarter-finals on a massive night for Graham Potter.

The Chelsea boss simply had to win that game in terms of his future at the club, and the performances from the players suggested that they are performing for him.

Potter still isn’t exactly safe in his role, however, and constant links with possible replacements continue to surface.

The Latest: Pochettino could be offered job

Writing about Tottenham’s manager situation for The Independent, the reliable Delaney claimed that Chelsea could jump in before Spurs with a move for Pochettino, although the win over Dortmund has bought Potter time:

“It is even possible Pochettino gets offered the Chelsea job before that, although Graham Potter’s own badly needed Champions League win over Borussia Dortmund probably puts off immediate concerns about his future.”

The Verdict: A strong enough option?

Potter certainly has to keep improving in order to stay on as Chelsea’s manager in the long-term, but showing patience with him is the right way to go currently.

Pochettino, called a “genius” by Heurelho Gomes, is a good manager who enjoyed a strong spell at Spurs between 2014 and 2019, guiding them to the Champions League final. However, he has only won three trophies in his managerial career, all of which came with a Paris Saint-Germain side who were streets ahead of everyone else in their league.

The Argentine would be a gamble, as would so many of those linked with the job, so for now, sticking with Potter and trusting his methods is the best approach.

Mike Arteta was in constant danger of being sacked as Arsenal manager at one point early in his tenure but the patience they have shown with him is now paying off, and Chelsea fans will hope the same happens with Potter.

Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino has been offered to Galatasaray, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Uncertain future

The Brazilian’s deal at Anfield is set to expire at the end of the season, meaning that he is already able to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with suitors outside of the Premier League.

The Reds forward has been heavily linked with Atletico Madrid, who reportedly view him as an ideal replacement for Joao Felix, who could complete a permanent move to Chelsea.

Speaking to Sky Germany, Roger Wittmann, the 31-year-old’s agent, stated that his client is in talks with Jurgen Klopp over an extension, though all might not be what it seems.

The Latest: Galatasaray offered Firmino

According to Turkish outlet A Spor (via Sport Witness), Firmino has ‘been offered’ to Galatasaray ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

The Merseyside talisman has already ‘started to collect information’ about his potential suitor and is claimed to be ‘looking forward’ to the move.

The Super Lig giants had his name ‘brought up’ in conversation by his agency, so this could be one to watch.

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The Verdict: New deal deserved

Firmino has been labelled a ‘leader’ by journalist Henry Winter and Liverpool offering him fresh terms would be nothing less than he deserves.

The Adidas-sponsored star has clocked up 185 goal contributions in 352 appearances and offers versatility having operated in five different positions throughout his career.

The Maceio native also plays his part defensively, currently ranking in the 99th percentile amongst forwards for most blocks and interceptions made per 90 minutes.

Firmino is one of the few faces who can impact the game on both sides of the ball, so the club need to tie him down before outside interest turns into something more serious.

One of Southampton’s relegation rivals are plotting a move for striker Che Adams in the summer transfer window, according to a new update.

The Lowdown: Adams a good servant

The 26-year-old joined Saints from Birmingham City back in 2019 and he has proved to be a consistent performer in their attack in the four years since.

Adams has scored 30 goals and registered 15 assists in 139 appearances for Southampton, including four Premier League strikes so far this season.

The Scot’s current deal expires at the end of next season, however, and with Saints relegation-threatened, this summer could be the best time to sell.

The Latest: Leeds eyeing up move

According to Football Insider, fellow strugglers Leeds are one of numerous clubs who are willing to sign Adams ‘in a heartbeat’ if Southampton suffer relegation to the Championship.

The Whites are thought to be ‘big admirers’ of the striker, having been linked with him in the past.

The Verdict: Hard to keep him

Losing Adams would be an undoubted blow for Saints, not only because of his eye for goal but also his work off the ball, having averaged 1.5 fouls and 0.7 tackles per game in the league this season.

The £52,000-a-week attacker would surely not accept playing in the Championship, having scored six goals in 22 caps for Scotland, and it would be hard to begrudge him a move away, though it would certainly hurt to see him join a team who escape the drop if Saints do go down.

The hope is that Adams, who has been hailed as ‘terrific’ by Ally McCoist, helps steer Southampton to safety and then eventually extends his stay at the club, although that feels unlikely right now.

In a poor season for Chelsea, one bright spark has been the emergence of Lewis Hall, with the 18-year-old seemingly set for a promising future at Stamford Bridge.

The teenage defender will not have to look far back for his inspiration at Stamford Bridge, with Ashley Cole establishing himself as one of the best left-backs in the world during his time with the Blues.

Who is Chelsea starlet Lewis Hall?

Despite only turning 18 last year, Hall already has eight appearances for Chelsea under his belt, having made his debut in the FA Cup win against Plymouth Argyle last season, where he also managed an assist in an impressive first outing for the senior side.

He has gone on to feature five times in the Premier League this season and twice more in the cup, so he is clearly in Graham Potter’s long-term plans at Stamford Bridge.

The return of Ben Chilwell from injury has meant that the young defender has been featuring more regularly for the U21s in recent weeks, with the former Leicester man competing with Marc Cucurella for a starting spot in Potter’s first team.

However, it seems clear that Hall is already far too good to be playing in the Premier League 2, as he has three goals and four assists in just 13 appearances in that competition so far this season.

The 18-year-old also looks to be incredibly versatile, as he has featured across the defence and midfield during his time at Chelsea, even featuring as an attacking midfielder and left winger on occasion.

In true Cole-like fashion, his attacking qualities are clear to see, as he has seven goals and seven assists in just 34 appearances for the U21s, with all the signs suggesting that he could make it as a first-team regular in the future.

Potter was full of praise for the youngster after his performance in the 2-0 defeat by Manchester City in the Carabao Cup earlier this season.

He said: “I really enjoyed his performance. He took responsibility, took the ball in tight areas, attacked the box, and could’ve scored a couple of goals on another day. So it was a really nice performance, a mature performance I thought. He is a quiet lad but goes about his work. I’ve been really impressed with him.”

Hall has also caught the eye of club legend John Terry with his performance in that game, with the former centre-back complimenting his display on Twitter.

If the teenager can live up to his potential at Stamford Bridge, there seems no reason why he can’t become a mainstay on the left, as Cole did, following in the footsteps of a player who would win the Champions League, Europa League and Premier League during his time at Chelsea.

The Englishman made 337 appearances for the Blues, contributing seven goals and 37 assists in that time, and will rightly be regarded as one of the best left-backs in history.

While Hall’s versatility suggests he could feature in a number of positions for Chelsea in the future, his promising displays as a left-back thus far suggest that he is aiming to emulate Cole’s legacy at Stamford Bridge.

YouTuber Conor McGilligan has claimed that the “demeanour and tone” of Leeds United midfielder Tyler Adams has changed under new manager Javi Gracia.

What’s the latest on Javi Gracia and Leeds?

After an inconsistent season, former manager Jesse Marsch was sacked and the club hired the Spaniard to come in and help amid the threat of relegation.

And while there is still a lot of work to do, a Premier League win at home against Southampton was a great way for things to begin under Gracia. But, things didn’t go so well against Chelsea.

Plenty of fans may well be glad to see the back of Marsch with a new man coming in as his replacement at last, and it sounds as though some of the players may also feel that way. That certainly seems to be what McGilligan thinks after he heard Adams speaking in a recent interview.

While speaking on the One Leeds Fan Channel, he said (24:24): “Adams’ interview with Radio Leeds today and he was basically just glowing about Gracia and saying: ‘He’s come in, he’s made us play wide. He’s given us tactical points that we’re all trying to stick to. He’s got  a certain game, he’s got individualistic game plans when it comes to opponents.’

“And he looked really… not surprised as such, but there was clearly a change in his voice, a change in Tyler Adams’ demeanour and tone.

“He was he was almost saying: ‘Yeah, there is this now’. That’s the phrase he used: ‘There is this now’ or ‘there is this’ – I can’t remember how je transitioned it.

“But it was almost like there’d been a massive change and in a week that is damning on Jesse Marsch, absolutely damning. More damning on the board, but we all know that.

“But it’s also great to hear in a sense, because it’s like the players almost have a routine now, they understand the points that they’re supposed to hit.”

Where did it go wrong for Marsch and Adams?

Seeing as Adams and Marsch were two of the American contingent at Leeds – while also having worked together in the past at RB Leipzig and with the New York Red Bulls – you might expect them to be close.

However, football is a fickle business and with the Whites’ form being so poor, the player will likely prioritise improved results over any prior relationship.

The 24-year-old has played 90 times in his career under Marsch – more than he has done for any other manager – but now he’s got the opportunity to build something new with Gracia and it will be interesting to see how things developed under the new Leeds’ boss over the coming weeks.

In that interview, Adams did note that the new man has helped them learn about a more “balanced approach” and praised him for ensuring his teammates are still “being brave and taking risks”.

If Gracia can turn the club’s fortunes around quickly, it certainly will be damning for the Spaniard’s predecessor Marsch.

Unai Emery’s Aston Villa side extended their unbeaten run to three matches in the Premier League as they were held to a 1-1 draw by West Ham United on Sunday.

The Villans remain 11th in the table and are now eight points clear of 12th place and 11 points ahead of the bottom three, which leaves them in a comfortable position heading into the final weeks of the campaign.

Villa took the lead in the first half as Alex Moreno’s terrific delivery from the left flank was met by the head of Ollie Watkins, whose header bounced into the far corner.

However, the advantage did not last for long as Lucas Paqueta was clumsily brought down by winger Leon Bailey in the box, which allowed Said Benrahma to brilliantly fire past Emi Martinez from the penalty spot.

Whilst Watkins may grab the headlines for his sixth goal in seven matches, central midfielder John McGinn deserves plenty of praise for his performance in the middle of the park.

How did John McGinn perform against West Ham?

The Scotland international was Emery’s unsung hero on the day as the midfielder put in a fantastic display and deserved to be part of a winning team.

Defensively, the captain was almost faultless throughout the match. As per Sofascore, the gem won a whopping six of his seven (86%) individual duels – including all six of his battles on the ground – and made two clearances, two interceptions, and one tackle.

These statistics show that the enforcer was a monster in the centre of the pitch as he consistently won his duels and was able to use his physicality to either prevent West Ham from doing what they wanted to do or to win the ball back for his side.

In possession, McGinn was energetic and reliable with the ball at his feet. As per Sofascore, the Scotsman – who had 67 touches – completed 83% of his attempted passes and all three of his dribble attempts, whilst also completing four of his six long passes.

This shows that the Scot was composed and effective in everything that he tried to do throughout the match, which made him a useful outlet for the team with the ball.

Couple this with his outstanding defensive work and that is why McGinn was the unsung hero for Emery’s side on the day. Indeed, the midfielder put in a complete performance.

Newcastle United could reportedly propose a shock swap deal this summer involving Alexander Isak and Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic.

The Lowdown: Vlahovic links

Newcastle have reportedly sent scouts to watch Vlahovic in action ahead of a potential move this summer.

Since signing for Juve for a reported £66m in January last year, the striker has scored twenty goals and made a further six assists in total across competitions, including 15 goal contributions so far this season (Transfermarkt).

The St James’ Park outfit paid a similar fee to sign Isak from Real Sociedad last summer, splashing out a club-record £63m on the Sweden international, but it seems as if they may be growing impatient with him already.

The Latest: Swap deal?

As per Italian news outlet Calciomercatoweb, Vlahovic’s future in at the Old Lady is ‘in the balance’, after a run of poor form that has not seen him score since February.

As such, the North East club could propose a shock swap deal that would see Vlahovic move to Tyneside and Isak go in the other direction.

However, Juventus do not seem to be interested in this potential deal, as they would prefer to sell the Serbian for cash only.

The Verdict: Avoid!

This is a deal that Eddie Howe’s team should really be trying to avoid at all costs.

Of course, Vlahovic has shown how deadly of a striker that he can be in the past, having netted an impressive 49 times in 108 matches in total for Fiorentina before his move to Juve.

However, he is suffering from a lack of form at the moment, and is Premier League.

On the other hand, Isak is starting to find his feet at the Magpies, with Howe recently hailing his ‘outstanding’ performance in the 2-1 win at home to Wolves in the top flight last weekend:

“Before he got the concussion he was in really good form in training. I thought he was outstanding [against Wolves] in every respect. Physically and technically he was very good. Hopefully that’s the start of a really good run for him.”

The 23-year-old has been unlucky with injuries this season, but when he has been fit, he has still managed to score four goals and make one assist in 14 appearances over all competitions.

Nonetheless, if he can put his injury problems aside, Isak could lead the line for the Toon for years to come.