The arrival of striker Christian Benteke alone will not revive Crystal Palace’s fortunes in front of goal, his team-mate Damien Delaney has said, adding that the Belgium international will need better service if he is to make an impact.
Alan Pardew’s side have failed to score in their opening two league defeats to West Brom and Tottenham, as they continue to struggle to find the back of the net after managing just 39 league goals last season.
“He’ll (Benteke) bring a presence,” Delaney said.
“He’s a handful and we’ve got Connor Wickham as well so we have two very good forwards.
“We’re not signing (Lionel) Messi – he’s a good player but he’s not a player who is going to get the ball and make things happen.”
Moyes braced for relegation battle
Sunderland manager David Moyes has warned fans to prepare for a relegation scrap for a fifth consecutive season after his side suffered their second successive defeat in the Premier League.
Cristhian Stuani’s double strike for Middlesbrough condemned Sunderland to a 2-1 defeat in the north-east derby on Moyes’ home debut on Sunday, leaving the serial strugglers in the bottom three after the first two games of the season.
“That’s where (relegation zone) they’ve been every other year for the last four years, so why would it suddenly change?” Moyes told British media.
“I don’t think you can hide the facts. People will be flat because they are hoping that something is going to change – it can’t dramatically change, it can’t.”
Gullit joins Dutch coaching staff
Ruud Gullit has agreed to join the coaching staff of the Dutch national team after being asked to play a role by head coach Danny Blind.
Gullit, who was part of their 1988 European Championship winning team, was expected to sign a contract through the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
He replaces Dick Advocaat, who unexpectedly quit last week to take over at Fenerbahce.
“Blind asked me if I was interested and gave me the feeling that I can add value to the staff and the team,” Gullit said.
Emery backs misfiring Cavani
Paris SG coach Unai Emery is confident Edinson Cavani will return to form despite his ongoing struggles in front of goal.
Cavani has failed to score in PSG’s opening two games of the season and missed several chances in Sunday’s 3-0 win over Metz, continuing a slump which occupied the summer’s Copa America with Uruguay.
But Emery told L’Equipe: “He demands a lot of himself, he has a lot of character. If we keep creating these chances in the future, I have no doubt he will score.”
Allardyce to pick Hart for Slovakia trip
Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart will be part of the England squad travelling to take on Slovakia in their first World Cup qualifier, manager Sam Allardyce has said.
Hart, who has 63 caps for England, is yet to make an appearance for Manchester City this season and, according to British media reports, has been told by new manager Pep Guardiola that he is free to leave if he wants.
“He will be in the squad definitely. What we will do, I won’t know until I speak to Joe and that will be the same for most of the players,” Allardyce told British media.
“I want to know what frame of mind they are in and make the right selection for Slovakia away.”
Galloway heads to West Brom on loan
Everton left-back Brendan Galloway has joined Premier League rivals West Brom on a season-long loan, the West Midlands club said yesterday.
The 20-year-old, who signed a new contract with Everton in December, played regularly for the first team at Goodison Park under then-manager Roberto Martinez, making 19 appearances for the Merseyside club last season.
“I think for me personally, it’s really important to gain more experience. Coming here (to West Brom) is the perfect opportunity to do that,” Galloway said.
Galloway, who has represented England at Under-17, Under-18 and Under-19 level, is the Baggies’ second summer signing after winger Matt Phillips.
United youngster moves to Wolves
Manchester United defender Cameron Borthwick-Jackson has joined Wolves on a season-long loan, the Premier League club confirmed on Twitter.
The 19-year-old, who came through the youth ranks at Old Trafford, made his United debut last November and played in 14 first-team games under previous manager Louis van Gaal.
Earlier this summer he signed a new contract at United but he is not part of new manager Jose Mourinho’s first-team plans.
Wolves have also signed Dutch winger Ola John on loan from Benfica.