Philippa Kaur

More stories

  • 250 Shares139 Views

    in Soccer

    Joshua Zirkzee praises team-mates for ‘keeping my head up’ when Man Utd career looked over before it had truly begun

    JOSHUA ZIRKZEE’S Manchester United career looked to be over before it had even begun.News that he arrived a stone overweight and was not even wanted by previous manager Erik ten Hag was backed up by his performances.Joshua Zirkzee praised his team-mates after he got back amongst the goals versus EvertonCredit: RexA goal on his debut against Fulham promised much but a drought of 17 games without one delivered little.Even on Sunday, the groans started to grow with his every touch.Then the 23-year-old Dutchman came to life and showed perhaps why the Ineos team at United decided £36.5million might be a good investment.Two goals of his own and a superb turn and lay-off to help in Marcus Rashford’s second put him among the contenders for man of the match as Manchester United ran out 4-0 winners over relegation-threatened Everton.READ MORE ON MAN UTDZirkzee was understandably delighted with his afternoon’s work, saying: “Obviously the longer it takes before you get back on the scoresheet the more frustrating it gets.”But I have some great team-mates who always keep my head up as well when I’m not keeping it up.“They helped me a lot during that time so they were happy for me.”Zirkzee played in a front three with Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes but tends to drop back a little.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe arrived not as a straight-out number nine but as someone who operates partly as a ten because he likes to get involved in the build-up play.He said: “I felt comfortable today in the role I was in. Of course, the goal helps as well for a striker.”Eagle-eyed Man Utd fans spot moment Mason Mount proved he would be Ruben Amorim’s favourite – before he’d even playedRashford is certainly enjoying the new 3-4-3 formation and looked revived on Sunday.Amorim said the 27-year-old has to “want it” if he is going to get back to the sort of form that saw him post career-best figures of 30 goals two seasons ago, and he certainly looked like he wanted it against Everton.He is clearly enjoying the new tactics and ideas under Amorim.Rashford said: “It is encouraging and fun for us to try something new.”We feel like we can get a lot stronger in this formation as well but also for other teams we have not played this system before.“No one knows what to expect really from us and it puts us in the perfect position. We can change a lot and set up different for different teams.”Marcus Rashford is enjoying working under Ruben AmorimCredit: GettyThe atmosphere inside Old Trafford suggests the fans are happy with what the new boss is doing, too.Rashford said: “It is exciting and I don’t want to get carried away, but the energy is what we want from Old Trafford.”It was a second consecutive win for United and marked seven goals in four days following the 3-2 defeat of Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League in midweek.The problems in front of goal look to have gone too with each of Zirkzee, Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund getting a pair a piece in the last two games.I felt comfortable today in the role I was in. Of course, the goal helps as well for a striker.Joshua ZirkzeeRashford also scored inside 80 seconds in Amorim’s opening game, a 1-1 draw at Ipswich.For Zirkzee the return to form after struggles this season under Ten Hag shows the strength of character that lies within the squad.He said: “Hard times create strong people and strong people bond. I think that’s what’s happening now.“The most important thing is that we keep going.”READ MORE SUN STORIESHowever, the next test will be far tougher than Sunday’s, with a trip to second place Arsenal on Wednesday night.They will face the Gunners without fit again Kobbie Mainoo and Lisandro Martinez both of whom picked up their fifth bookings of the season on Sunday and so will be suspended for one game.Man Utd ratings vs Everton as Zirkzee answers his critics in style… but one midfielder strugglesRUBEN AMORIM celebrated his first Premier League game at Old Trafford with a stunning 4-0 victory over Everton.Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee shook off questions over their recent form with two each at a thrilled Old Trafford – as the Red Devils won a Prem game by four goals or more since the opening day of the 2021-22 season.Here’s how SunSport’s Ken Lawrence rated the Red Devils…ANDRE ONANA – 6Called into action early and showed growing his growing composure as No 1.NOUSSAIR MAZROUI – 6Has rapidly become one of the United faithful’s favourites doing himself no harm again.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6Stretched at first by bustling Beto but beginning to look like he’s settling down in a back three.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 6Once again looking like the master and commander of the United rearguard.AMAD DIALLO – 8Went from wasteful to the plundering terror of centre backs Branthwaite and Tarkowski.KOBBIE MAINOO – 6Quiet, calm, controlled, no panic, no loss of possession, no problem for the midfielder.CASEMIRO – 5Looked like his lack of pace might be a problem again in central midfield but ground it out.DIOGO DALOT – 6Enjoying life in his new left-side forward role and didn’t really put a foot wrong.JOSHUA ZIRKZEE – 8Transformed himself from headless chicken to tripling his whole United tally with two clinical strikes.MARCUS RASHFORD – 9Ruben Amorim has gone out of his way to big up the front man and he’s responding in style.BRUNO FERNANDES – 6Wasteful for a while but got his head down to have a real influence by the end.SUBSLUKE SHAW (Mazraoui 56) – 5Comfortably easing himself back.HARRY MAGUIRE (de Ligt 56) – 5Looked happy to be out there.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO (Fernandes 66) – 5Got bustling off the bench.MANUEL UGARTE (Casemiro 66) – 5Will be wanting more minutes than this.MASON MOUNT (Mainoo 80) – 5Sharp and up for it. More

  • 250 Shares169 Views

    in Soccer

    FA Cup 3rd round draw simulated as Man Utd are reunited with Van Nistelrooy and Pep Guardiola risks more embarrassment

    MANCHESTER UNITED are facing a tense reunion with new Leicester boss Ruud van Nistelrooy in SunSport’s simulated FA Cup draw.Every Premier League and Championship side will enter their names into the hat of the third-round draw taking place on Monday night.New Leicester boss Ruud van Nistelrooy looks set to face former side Man Utd in SunSport’s simulated drawRuben Amorim will want to avoid any embarrassments after the 39-year-old sent Van Nistelrooy packing earlier this monthThe third round draw of the FA Cup takes place tonightPep Guardiola needs an easy ride amid City’s recent troublesAnd, in our simulation, reigning champs United – and new boss Ruben Amorim – will come face-to-face with the man who stepped in on an interim basis after the sacking of Erik ten Hag.Van Nistelrooy wanted to drop back into his assistant role after his four game stint as stand-in boss.But he was axed from Ruben Amorim’s coaching staff on the first day of the Portuguese tactician’s arrival.But now he could get the chance to show his old club what they are missing.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSIronically, two of Van Nistelrooy’s caretaker wins in the dugout came against Leicester – a 5-2 win in the Carabao Cup, before a 3-0 trouncing in the Prem 11 days later.New permanent gaffer Amorim has his eyes set on winning a trophy during his first season in England – just like Ten Hag did with the Carabao Cup in February 2023.The FA Cup draw will take place at Old Trafford – home of holders United – on Monday December 2 on BBC Two from 7pm.Meanwhile, last season’s runners ups Man City will play Mansfield Town, according to our calculations.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFA Cup clash DELAYED as referee is substituted after injury… with PA appealing for new official over tannoyPep Guardiola’s side are winless in seven, having lost their last FOUR Prem games – an unprecedented rough phase for the once unbeatable champs.But they’re at risk of further embarrassment if they fail to beat League One outfit Mansfield.Arsenal are due to play Brentford in the Prem on News Years Day, and our draw has seen them land each other again just days later.The third-round fixtures are scheduled to take place over the weekend of Saturday 11 January. The Gunners ought to take the FA Cup more seriously this season, with rival fans beginning to question their lack of trophies since Mikel Arteta lifted the esteemed English trophy in 2020.SunSport’s simulator pitted Chelsea to travel to Wolves where they won 6-2 in August, and Reading were handed a nightmare clash against Prem leaders Liverpool.Wayne Rooney faces an blockbuster clash with former side Everton, who are desperate for a change in momentum after they were thumped 4-0 by Man Utd on Sunday.But first, the former Goodison Park academy product has TWO games to save his job at Plymouth Argyle as he faces the axe.Rooney, 39, has seen his Plymouth side win just four of their 18 league games this season since he took charge over the summer.Only two non-league clubs have made it to the third round this year.Dagenham & Redbridge triumphed against League Two’s AFC Wimbledon, while Tamworth claimed a penalty shootout win against League One side Burton Albion.READ MORE SUN STORIESNational League side Tamworth have a home tie against League One’s Leyton Orient on the cards, who narrowly beat Boreham Wood on pens last time out.While Dagenham & Redbridge are set to play host to the mighty QPR.Manchester United beat Man City 2-1 in the FA Cup final in MayWayne Rooney faces a run-in with his former club Everton, according to our simulation More

  • 238 Shares99 Views

    in Soccer

    Lyon star Mikautadze victim of armed robbery as thieves ‘threaten him with weapon and steal £200k worth of jewellery’

    LYON striker Georges Mikautadze was the victim of a robbery at his home on Sunday evening.The incident occurred at around 9pm, just hours after the 24-year-old appeared for Lyon against OGC Nice.Lyon and Georgia striker Georges Mikautadze was the victim of an armed robbery on SundayCredit: GettyAccording to French newspaper Le Progres, two hooded individuals threatened Mikautadze with a weapon.However, he was not physically assaulted.The perpetrators stole jewellery – including valuable watches – and luxury leather goods from the striker’s house.It is estimated the total loot was worth around £207,000 (€250,000).READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAn investigation is now underway as police continue searching for the offenders.Mikautadze came off the bench for Lyon against Nice on Sunday, replacing hat-trick hero Alexandre Lacazette.Lyon went on to win the match 4-1 and jumped up to fifth in the Ligue 1 table as a result.In 17 appearances for the French side so far this season, Mikautadze has scored four goals and provided one assist.Most read in FootballHe joined Lyon in a £6.2million transfer from Metz in July after impressing for Georgia at Euro 2024.The striker managed four goal contributions in three group games for the underdog nation in Germany. More

  • 275 Shares159 Views

    in Soccer

    ‘He was like a mirror’ – Prem flop who was sacked after sex scandal reveals how ‘similar’ he and Cristiano Ronaldo were

    A FORMER Premier League flop has claimed that Cristiano Ronaldo was “like a mirror” to him when he was coming through the ranks at Real Madrid.The star has claimed that he and Ronaldo were “similar”, but reckons the media hyped him up a bit more than he should have been.Jese Rodriguez has claimed that Cristiano Ronaldo was ‘like a mirror’ to himCredit: AFPRonaldo and Jese were compared to one and other during their time at Real MadridCredit: GettyJese Rodriguez, now 31, was destined for greatness when he broke into the Real Madrid first team back in 2012.However the tricky winger never managed to live up to his hype and is now playing for Malaysian first division side Johor DT.Jese, who had a brief and unsuccessful spell in the Prem with Stoke City, has opened up about his early comparisons to Ronaldo as a youngster.The Spaniard, who played alongside CR7 in the Spanish capital, told YouTuber Mowlihawk: “It’s true that Cristiano and I had similar aspects, but the press exaggerated a lot. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”For me, he was like a mirror. I wanted to win everything he had won. “He was someone who imposed himself a lot with his serious and professional attitude.”A professional attitude may have ultimately been the downfall of Jese who struggled to balance his input on the pitch with controversy off of it.The former Real Betis and Sporting forward saw his time with Paris Saint-Germain brought to an early end after he was SACKED following a sex scandal.Most read in FootballJese had a short spell on loan at Stoke City in the Premier LeagueCredit: PA:Press AssociationFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSJese had been accused of cheating on his partner with her model friend, while he had been photographed breaking Covid-19 social distancing rules.The storm of controversies reportedly led PSG chief Nasser Al-Khelaifi to grow tired of Jese’s off-field antics “staining” the club.Cristiano Ronaldo ABSOLUTELY FUMING as he storms off pitch after Portugal draw with Scotland_1As such Jese was released from the Parisians six months before the end of his contract.Jese spent almost four years on the books at PSG, but only managed to make 18 appearances in that time.Prior to joining PSG Jese spent nine years at Real Madrid where he made 94 appearances and played under Jose Mourinho.His career has seen him have spells in England, Turkey, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Brazil and now Malaysia.Jese Rodriguez’s careerA brief look at the career of Jese Rodriguez so far…2011 – 2013: Real Madrid Castilla2013 – 2016: Real Madrid2016 – 2020: Paris Saint-Germain2017: Las Palmas (loan)2017 – 2018: Stoke City (loan)2019: Real Betis (loan)2019 – 2020: Sporing Lisbon2021 – 2022: Las Palmas2022 – 2023: MKE Ankaragucu2023: Sampdoria2023 – 2024: Coritiba2024 – present: Johor DT More

  • 213 Shares189 Views

    in Soccer

    FA Cup 3rd round draw ball numbers: Who is in the hat as Premier League sides join?

    THE FA Cup third round draw will take place TODAY as Premier League heavyweights enter the hat.Lower-ranked sides, including non-league outfits Dagenham & Redbridge and Tamworth, will be hoping to land a glamour tie.Manchester United are the current holders of the FA CupCredit: GettyIn addition to the two FA Cup underdogs, 18 teams from League One and Two join the 20 Premier League clubs and 24 Championship teams to make up the 64 sides in the draw.SunSport brings you every club’s number ahead of tonight’s prestigious event.When is the FA Cup third round draw?The FA Cup third round draw will take place on Monday, December 2.It will begin at around 7pm GMT.Old Trafford will host the draw.How to watch the FA Cup third round draw?The FA Cup third-round draw will be broadcast LIVE on BBC Two.READ MORE IN FA CUPYou can live stream the show for FREE via the BBC iPlayer app/website.Kelly Somers will present the draw, with Mark Hughes and Dion Dublin picking out the all-important balls.You can find out all the third-round ties as they are drawn out by following SunSport’s live blog.FA Cup third round draw ball numbersHere are all the ball numbers for the FA Cup third round draw:Most read in FA CupAFC BournemouthArsenalAston VillaBlackburn RoversBrentfordBrighton & Hove AlbionBristol CityBurnleyCardiff CityChelseaCoventry CityCrystal PalaceDerby CountyEvertonFulhamHull CityIpswich TownLeeds UnitedLeicester CityLiverpoolLuton TownManchester CityManchester UnitedMiddlesbroughMillwallNewcastle UnitedNorwich CityNottingham ForestOxford UnitedPlymouth ArgylePortsmouthPreston North EndQueens Park RangersSheffield UnitedSheffield WednesdaySouthamptonStoke CitySunderlandSwansea CityTottenham HotspurWatfordWest Bromwich AlbionWest Ham UnitedWolverhampton WanderersSalford CityCharlton AthleticExeter CityLeyton OrientBristol RoversDagenham & RedbridgeAccrington StanleyLincoln CityTamworthBirmingham CityMansfield TownPeterborough UnitedStockport CountyWycombe WanderersMorecambeBromleyDoncaster RoversReadingHarrogate TownWigan AthleticWhen are the FA Cup third round ties taking place?FA Cup third round ties will take place over the weekend of Saturday, January 11. More

  • 225 Shares99 Views

    in Soccer

    Wayne Rooney ‘fighting for Plymouth Argyle future and could have two games to save job’ after horror run

    WAYNE ROONEY has two games to save his job as Plymouth Argyle manager, according to reports.The England and Manchester United legend has struggled to light a fire under The Pilgrims since taking over at the start of the season and is now close to being sacked.Wayne Rooney reportedly has two games to save his future as Plymouth managerCredit: RexPlymouth were battered 4-0 by Bristol City on SaturdayCredit: GettyRooney, 39, has seen his Plymouth side win just four of their 18 league games this season.And their woes worsened at the weekend when Bristol City battered them 4-0.The dire form of the club has led to reports that Plymouth’s next two fixtures, home clashes with Oxford United and Swansea, are potentially pivotal in deciding Rooney’s future.The Telegraph claim that the two Championship clashes are “regarded as crucial” as fears mount over recent results.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPlymouth have conceded 10 goals in their last two games, scoring just once themselves.While they have won just ONE of their last nine games in the Championship – a 1-0 victory over bottom of the table Portsmouth.It’s claimed that there’s an understanding that Rooney is dealing with an injury crisis at Home Park, but the continued poor form is now beginning to be a concern.Rooney is currently without five major players including captain Joe Edwards, shot-stopper Conor Hazard and forwards Ibrahim Cissoko, Morgan Whittaker and Muhamed Tijani.Most read in FootballRooney’s Plymouth recordA look at Rooney’s record at Plymouth so far…Games in charge: 20Wins: 5Draws: 5Defeats: 10Goals scored: 21Goals conceded: 40FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSRooney ruthlessly ripped into his own players on Saturday following their 4-0 defeat to Bristol City.Argyle conceded three goals in 13 second-half minutes to see another three points evade them.Wayne Rooney teases shock I’m a Celeb appearance as he praises wife Coleen for jungle stint in TV appearanceRooney said: “The players collapsed [in the second half].”Again, this is not something I haven’t told the players. They completely collapsed. It was the same at Norwich away, it was the same at Leeds away.”When you want to have a career in football you need to dig deep at times, and dig deep within yourself.”It’s something I have done many times as a player, and I feel the players showed a real lack of character and lack of fight after we conceded the first goal, and that is very disappointing.”Of course, we have got injuries – and that’s certainly not me making excuses – but those players who have come in have all had the game time. I have tried different ways, different systems.”I have gone at them, I have tried to encourage them. I have tried to find the right balance between both.”Rooney’s managerial career spanned Derby County, DC United and Birmingham City prior to landing the role with Plymouth this summer.READ MORE SUN STORIESWazza lasted just 15 games in charge of Birmingham before he was sacked for winning only twice in his 84-day stint at St Andrews.Plymouth are currently 21st in the Championship table, two points above the relegation zone.Rooney hit out at his Plymouth players after this weekend’s dismal defeatCredit: Rex More

  • 213 Shares99 Views

    in Soccer

    Inside Kevin De Bruyne’s ‘bizarre’ Man City exile as Micah Richards hints at ‘rift’ with Pep Guardiola

    MANCHESTER CITY and Pep Guardiola have found themselves in uncharted territory.The reigning Premier League champions extended their winless run to seven games on Sunday with a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool.Manchester City have not won a match in over a monthCredit: AlamyThere is now speculation of a feud between Pep Guardiola and Kevin De BruyneCredit: ReutersIt saw them drop to fifth in the table, 11 points behind Arne Slot’s side.Pundits quickly began to question what has been going on behind the scenes at City.And one of the main focal points was Kevin De Bruyne’s lack of involvement.The Belgian has been one of Man City’s most important players since joining over nine years ago.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut his match time has been severely limited this term.De Bruyne has made just five starts for the Cityzens so far this season.His last appearance in the starting line-up was back in September against Brentford.The 33-year-old’s absence from the XI has sparked speculation of a potential feud with Guardiola.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSManchester United icon Gary Neville questioned what has been going on at the club after Sunday’s match.Speaking on his Sky Sports podcast, he said: “There are a couple of things that are interesting.Pep Guardiola does a Jose Mourinho with gesture to Liverpool crowd as fans convinced Man City boss has ‘lost his mind'”The De Bruyne thing is unusual, bizarre, strange. Why is probably the best player the Premier League has had in the last 10 years not out there?”We know he’s had injuries but why is he not out there? Because he’s a leader, he’s got authority, he’s confidence and brilliance so something is definitely going on in the dressing room.”There’s something happening but Pep Guardiola has got complete control of the club, he’s extended his contract and he’s probably just waiting for the January and [summer] transfer windows.”Jamie Carragher echoed the claims at full-time, insisting “something isn’t right” between De Bruyne and Guardiola.The Liverpool icon explained: “Something is going on with De Bruyne.”For me, he has been the best player in the for the last five seasons. He isn’t starting games and doesn’t come on at half time today.”I am not trying to cause more trouble for Manchester City but something isn’t right between those two. “It is sad because we are talking about one of the greatest managers, and greatest players in the Premier League.”His contract is up this summer and I know he has had a few problems but something isn’t right if he isn’t in the team when he is fit.”England legend Gary Lineker offered his view on the potential feud in Monday’s edition of The Rest is Football podcast.He said: “De Bruyne came on again with not long to go when the game was pretty much done.”Yeah, he nearly got a goal because of [Virgil] van Dijk’s error, but is there something going on there, do you think? Because he’s been coming on for five or 10 minutes, what, for about a month now?”You would imagine he’s getting fitter, even though I saw both of them – Pep Guardiola and De Bruyne – make interesting statements in the week, where it seems like all’s not well between those two? I don’t know. I’ve got no inside information whatsoever.”Meanwhile, ex-Man City full-back Micah Richards insisted there must be some context behind De Bruyne’s exile from the starting line-up.De Bruyne has been limited to four Prem starts this season”I think you’re right,” he said. “There’s got to be some context to it… this goes back [to] before the international break.”De Bruyne got some minutes, but after the international break, he didn’t start and then hasn’t started again. But he’s one who can unlock a door!”We know with Kevin De Bruyne, you’ve got to wrap him in cotton wool… but a big game like this, I thought [Guardiola] was sort of saving him for this game!”But even just the talks, [De Bruyne] potentially going to Saudi at the end of the year… it looks to me like there’s some sort of rift gong on between them.”Richards then went on to suggest that it “doesn’t seem happy” in the City camp.De Bruyne’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season and he is yet to enter negotiations for a new deal.Last month, the midfielder insisted he is “not worried” about his future.He said: “I honestly don’t know. At the start of the season, I knew talks would happen but then the thing [injury] happened in Brentford.”I was hoping to be out a couple of days, and then it was eight-nine weeks. I put it all to the side.”For the moment, I’d rather get better first and see how I am, the rest will come – I’m not too obsessed with things right now.”I’m not too worried. I’m fine. I’m happy, I just want to play good football again and the future – we’ll see.”Talks will come. If there’s no talks, it will be my last year, but I don’t know.”I had a conversation in the summer, but then I had the injury so I wasn’t in the right frame of mind to speak about that. I need to be back on the pitch and be myself again.”There’s no rush, I don’t feel uncomfortable. I’m not worried.”READ MORE SUN STORIESMan City next face Nottingham Forest on Wednesday. Another defeat would see them drop below Forest in the table.Guardiola received taunts of ‘you’re getting sacked in the morning,’ but responded by holding up the number of Premier League titles he has wonCredit: Getty More

  • 213 Shares169 Views

    in Soccer

    10-goal Brennan Johnson now second among Dream Team midfielders – Cole Palmer, Bruno Fernandes trailing Spurs winger

    TOTTENHAM continue to confound Dream Team managers as they followed up their 4-0 win at the Etihad with a 1-1 draw at home to Fulham in the Premier League.Ange Postecoglou’s side are capable of outscoring any opponent on their day but their persistent inconsistency makes them wildly unpredictable, as evidenced by their results since the start of November.SPURS RESULTS SINCE NOVEMBER 1st:4-1 win over Aston Villa (h)3-2 loss to Galatasaray (a)2-1 loss to Ipswich (h)4-0 win over Manchester City (a)2-2 draw with Roma (h)1-1 draw with Fulham (h)Johnson has now scored ten goals this seasonCredit: Dream TeamThe North Londoners’ failure to string two positive results together is the reason they’re currently seventh in the table despite the fact they lead the top flight for goals scored with 28.While their fluctuating form is frustrating, Dream Team bosses should focus on their attacking potency as it yields plenty of points.Not least from Brennan Johnson (£3.9m), who scored his tenth goal of 2024/25 at the weekend.The 23-year-old gave his side the lead over the Cottagers with a volley from close range for his third goal in as many games.Johnson has been Spurs’ biggest goal threat this seasonCredit: GettyEarlier in the season, he scored in six consecutive games (seven including international football) and many have come in similar fashion.Johnson has pinned down a spot on the right wing and excelled at attacking balls at the back post when delivered from the opposite flank.Most read in FootballSuch has been the timing of his movement and positioning in such scenarios, he’s engineered several tap-ins for himself in a manner reminiscent of Raheem Sterling at Manchester City – the latter scored 110 goals in his last five seasons under Pep Guardiola.Postecoglou will hope Johnson is able to maintain this useful habit for the remainder of the campaign, as will many Dream Team gaffers.With an ownership of 27%, the Wales international is currently the sixth-most selected player in the game.Spurs have three double Gameweeks in a rowCredit: PAJohnson’s popularity is certainly justified as he now ranks second among midfielders with 131 points to his name.Cole Palmer (£5.8m), Bruno Fernandes (£6.2m) and Luis Diaz (£4.2m) are among the big names currently trailing in Johnson’s wake.Bukayo Saka (£6.6m) is the only midfielder above the Spurs winger in the rankings right now – Arsenal’s No7 has stormed to 175 points via seven goals and 13 assists.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOWAnd in regards to Johnson’s goal tally, only superstar forwards Erling Haaland (£8.6m) and Mohamed Salah (£7.4m) have scored more at this stage.TOP GOALSCORERS THIS SEASON (ALL COMPS):17 – Erling Haaland13 – Mohamed Salah10 – Brennan Johnson9 – Luis Diaz9 – Chris Wood9 – Kai Havertz9 – Christopher NkunkuREAD MORE SUN STORIESSpurs are one of just five teams with four fixtures to fulfil across Gameweeks 14 and 15, making Johnson a particularly appealing option this month.Gameweek 13 is only halfway complete with Postecoglou’s men due to visit Bournemouth on Thursday night but already Johnson is the third-most popular recruit ahead of Gameweek 14.BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — HERE**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More