birminghammail--2020-07-04--'Flimsy' - Wolves tipped to end Arsenal's Champions League hopes

Wolves are being tipped to continue their charge towards the Champions League on Saturday evening as they entertain Arsenal at Molineux .
Former Liverpool and England striker Michael Owen reckons that Wolves could send a statement by taking advantage of Chelsea ’ s surprise defeat in the week and beating the Gunners , previous Champions League challengers themselves .
They ’ ve had an excellent restart , undoubtedly ; nine points and three clean sheets against relegation candidates is all Wolves could have done up to now , but now comes a different sort of test .
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“ Wolves are the form team in the Premier League and this is a chance for Nuno Espirito Santo and his men to make a statement about their status and ambition , ” Owen told BetVictor .
“ Chelsea ’ s midweek defeat to West Ham will have given Wolves a real boost in their bid to qualify for next season ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Adama Traore will be champing at the bit to add to their incredible goals and assists tally – every opposition team knows what to expect when Traore gets the ball out wide and yet nobody seems to be able to stop the inevitable !
“ I mentioned last week that Arsenal are ‘ flat-track bullies ’ at home against teams from lower in the table and that was proven once again with a 4-0 trouncing of Norwich on Wednesday .
“ However , they continue to look flimsy away from home and there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the moment than Molineux .
“ Despite the reverse fixture ending in a 1-1 draw , I can see this being another good day ’ s work for the Wanderers that could see them nine points clear of Arsenal and up into that fourth Champions League qualification spot .
”

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Wolves are being tipped to continue their charge towards the Champions League on Saturday evening as they entertain Arsenal at Molineux.
Former Liverpool and England striker Michael Owen reckons that Wolves could send a statement by taking advantage of Chelsea’s surprise defeat in the week and beating the Gunners, previous Champions League challengers themselves.
They’ve had an excellent restart, undoubtedly; nine points and three clean sheets against relegation candidates is all Wolves could have done up to now, but now comes a different sort of test.
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Owen, though, is backing Wanderers to come through it all the same.
“Wolves are the form team in the Premier League and this is a chance for Nuno Espirito Santo and his men to make a statement about their status and ambition,” Owen told BetVictor.
“Chelsea’s midweek defeat to West Ham will have given Wolves a real boost in their bid to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
"Raul Jimenez and Adama Traore will be champing at the bit to add to their incredible goals and assists tally – every opposition team knows what to expect when Traore gets the ball out wide and yet nobody seems to be able to stop the inevitable!
“I mentioned last week that Arsenal are ‘flat-track bullies’ at home against teams from lower in the table and that was proven once again with a 4-0 trouncing of Norwich on Wednesday.
“However, they continue to look flimsy away from home and there are few tougher places to go at the moment than Molineux.
“Despite the reverse fixture ending in a 1-1 draw, I can see this being another good day’s work for the Wanderers that could see them nine points clear of Arsenal and up into that fourth Champions League qualification spot.”


birminghammail--2020-07-04--Dean Smith responds to Pepe Reina question after Nyland's slip

Four games in and Aston Villa 's most talked-about player has arguably been goalkeeper Orjan Nyland .
The Norwegian grabbed Villa 's No.1 shirt when Premier League action resumed against Sheffield United - and the stopper 's been an ever-present ever since .
Against the Blades , though , it was Nyland 's rick at fumbling an Oliver Norwood cross that almost cost Villa dear - only for officials to somehow miss that the ball actually went over the goal-line .
`` I want to be an honest goalkeeper , '' said Nyland , to Sky Sports News , `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ line , it ’ s over . ''
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here '' But I had no way to know .
I trust the technology like everyone else .
You have to be mentally strong as a goalkeeper . ''
Last week , Nyland made another mistake and almost gifted Diogo Jota Wolves ' opener with the ball slipping out of his grasp as he looked to throw out from the back .
The ball went @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Portuguese endured a rush of blood and blazed over .
Following two errors , Smith was asked whether Nyland could be taken out of the firing line for this weekend 's trip to Anfield .
Experienced Spanish goalkeeper Pepe Reina signed a short loan extension last week to see out the campaign and could be handed a start against his former club on Sunday .
The 37-year-old was dropped after his error at Leicester prior to lockdown .
Said said of a potential change in goal : `` If there is , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goalkeepers .
You ’ ll have to wait and see on Sunday .
`` Orjan Nyland has played the last four games and has conceded four goals .
`` Yes , he made a mistake with one of the throws against Wolves and should have been punished , but he ’ s been relatively well protected with the defensive displays . ''
Ahead of facing off against Liverpool , Smith added : `` We knew we had to address the amount of chances we were conceding and goals we were conceding if we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the season .
I ’ ve done that during the break .
We ’ ve played three of the top eight teams and restricted them to few chances all game . ''

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Four games in and Aston Villa's most talked-about player has arguably been goalkeeper Orjan Nyland.
The Norwegian grabbed Villa's No.1 shirt when Premier League action resumed against Sheffield United - and the stopper's been an ever-present ever since.
Against the Blades, though, it was Nyland's rick at fumbling an Oliver Norwood cross that almost cost Villa dear - only for officials to somehow miss that the ball actually went over the goal-line.
"I want to be an honest goalkeeper," said Nyland, to Sky Sports News, "and if the ball is over the line, it’s over."
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"But I had no way to know. I trust the technology like everyone else. You have to be mentally strong as a goalkeeper."
Last week, Nyland made another mistake and almost gifted Diogo Jota Wolves' opener with the ball slipping out of his grasp as he looked to throw out from the back.
The ball went straight to Wolves' winger but the Portuguese endured a rush of blood and blazed over.
Following two errors, Smith was asked whether Nyland could be taken out of the firing line for this weekend's trip to Anfield.
Experienced Spanish goalkeeper Pepe Reina signed a short loan extension last week to see out the campaign and could be handed a start against his former club on Sunday. The 37-year-old was dropped after his error at Leicester prior to lockdown.
Said said of a potential change in goal: "If there is, I'll keep that between me and the goalkeepers. You’ll have to wait and see on Sunday.
"Orjan Nyland has played the last four games and has conceded four goals.
"Yes, he made a mistake with one of the throws against Wolves and should have been punished, but he’s been relatively well protected with the defensive displays."
Ahead of facing off against Liverpool, Smith added: "We knew we had to address the amount of chances we were conceding and goals we were conceding if we were to have a chance of salvaging the season. I’ve done that during the break. We’ve played three of the top eight teams and restricted them to few chances all game."


birminghammail--2020-07-04--'Best team' - What McCann and Hull fans make of West Brom test

West Brom welcome Hull City to The Hawthorns on Sunday afternoon as they look to back up their success at Sheffield Wednesday midweek with another victory .
Depending on Brentford ’ s result on Saturday when they tackle Wigan at Griffin Park , Albion might need a win to either once again open the gap up to third , or take advantage if the Bees don ’ t post a win themselves .
The Tigers have had a rough 2020 thus far ; their form before the break nose-dived , and then a number of senior stars left the club @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but they crucially notched a victory against relegation rivals Middlesbrough on Thursday .
They too have much to fight for this weekend .
Here is what their supporters and boss Grant McCann expect from Albion and this weekend ’ s encounter .
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Google Play Store and App Store Chazz Rheinhold : Think we can get a draw here no problem and maybe a sneaky 1-0 smash n grab .
Let @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have dropped points recently , automatic not a given , they ’ ll want the win .
We could do with Wigan beating Brentford .
If we get a point we ’ ll have done well .
dennisboothstash : We ’ ll lose obviously .
Shame , but such is life HowdenTiger2 : I think the win on Thursday has taken the pressure of ever so slightly for this and Bristol game , it will be the 3 games after that , that will impact where we finish the most I think GLP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the best of form .
Anything is possible , just a shame we don ’ t have any natural full backs .
N_Whittingham : We ’ re probably going to make a lot of changes for the West Brom game anyway so not too terrible as long as they ’ re back quickly .
The Irrelevants : Next game away at West Brom ... .
wonder if the Vine will be open ?
Paul : We were losing against West Brom anyways “ It ’ s going to be a completely different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ They ’ re a very good footballing team .
We have to be bright , we have to make sure we ’ re defensively strong again but in a different sort of way .
“ But we ’ ve got to bring our attacking intent to the game and look to go there and cause an upset .
It ’ s not going to be easy .
“ They ’ re one of the best teams in the league , if not the best , so we ’ re looking forward to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ focus on what we do and can ’ t worry about anything else , if you do that you send yourself crazy and mad .
“ We ’ ve got a tough game at West Brom but we can go there with a bit of confidence now .
”

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West Brom welcome Hull City to The Hawthorns on Sunday afternoon as they look to back up their success at Sheffield Wednesday midweek with another victory.
Depending on Brentford’s result on Saturday when they tackle Wigan at Griffin Park, Albion might need a win to either once again open the gap up to third, or take advantage if the Bees don’t post a win themselves.
The Tigers have had a rough 2020 thus far; their form before the break nose-dived, and then a number of senior stars left the club upon the expiry of their contracts, but they crucially notched a victory against relegation rivals Middlesbrough on Thursday.
They too have much to fight for this weekend.
Here is what their supporters and boss Grant McCann expect from Albion and this weekend’s encounter.
West Brom daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox Why should you sign up? We'll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer gossip and comment pieces in our daily Baggies bulletin, as well as the key talking points for fans. How do you sign up? It's easy and only takes seconds. Just type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up. And that's it, you're all set. You can also sign up by clicking here. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest West Brom updates by following us on Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download via Google Play Store or the App Store. It is always up-to-date with the latest news .
Hull City fans
Chazz Rheinhold: Think we can get a draw here no problem and maybe a sneaky 1-0 smash n grab. Let’s do them
Plum : WBA have dropped points recently, automatic not a given, they’ll want the win. We could do with Wigan beating Brentford. If we get a point we’ll have done well.
dennisboothstash : We’ll lose obviously. Shame, but such is life
HowdenTiger2 : I think the win on Thursday has taken the pressure of ever so slightly for this and Bristol game, it will be the 3 games after that, that will impact where we finish the most I think
GLP : Bristol and WBA are both not in the best of form. Anything is possible, just a shame we don’t have any natural full backs.
N_Whittingham : We’re probably going to make a lot of changes for the West Brom game anyway so not too terrible as long as they’re back quickly.
The Irrelevants: Next game away at West Brom.... wonder if the Vine will be open?
Paul : We were losing against West Brom anyways
poll loading Who is going to win the Championship title? 3000+ VOTES SO FAR Leeds United West Bromwich Albion AN Other
Tigers boss Grant McCann
“It’s going to be a completely different game,” McCann told HullLive. “They’re a very good footballing team. We have to be bright, we have to make sure we’re defensively strong again but in a different sort of way.
“But we’ve got to bring our attacking intent to the game and look to go there and cause an upset. It’s not going to be easy.
“They’re one of the best teams in the league, if not the best, so we’re looking forward to it.
“We have to only focus on what we do and can’t worry about anything else, if you do that you send yourself crazy and mad.
“We’ve got a tough game at West Brom but we can go there with a bit of confidence now.”


birminghammail--2020-07-04--Aston Villa star Jack Grealish sent Liverpool warning

Dean Smith has sat down with skipper Jack Grealish in a bid to kick-start his talisman 's form as Aston Villa look to beat the drop .
The 24-year-old had been enjoying his most-fruitful season - scoring nine and assisting eight goals in all competitions .
However , since the Premier League resumed 17 days ago , Grealish is yet to really pick up from where he left off .
The star from Solihull has shown flashes of brilliance - from that defence-splitting pass to find Anwar El Ghazi against Sheffield United to beating three Wolves players during a mazy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here However , against Wolves , Smith was n't too happy at Grealish picking the ball up from the likes of Tyrone Mings and Kortney Hause , especially in the first half .
The boss , who switched Grealish back into the middle for games against Newcastle and Wolves , said : `` The form will be there , it 's just getting him on the ball higher up the pitch .
`` I 've spoken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ felt he was going deeper to get on the ball against Wolves .
`` He managed to get a shot in the game but he needs to be higher up the pitch to hurt opposition players .
That 'll be hard against Liverpool but that 's what we require from him and feel that 's when he 's at his best as well . ''
Smith picked Keinan Davis and Mbwana Samatta from the get-go in a newfound 4-4-2 diamond last week , with Grealish playing just behind .
Asked if playing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too daring , Smith said : `` I felt against Wolves we could go with two strikers , they play three at the back so you are not going to get outnumbered on the flanks .
`` I felt it was a good opportunity to get Jack through the middle .
It was a game where the teams cancelled each other out , there were few chances and it was something we 'd looked at .
An option to create more chances but it did n't help us do that . ''
Smith @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s missing for us at the moment is that quality in the final third .
Keinan should have scored against Sheffield United .
Ally Samatta and Trezeguet at Newcastle .
Jack , too , needs to be creating and scoring more chances himself .
The players know we need to be better in the final third . ''
One player who should arguably be doing better is Villa 's £8.5m January buy , Samatta .
The Tanzanian has looked out of sorts after initially losing his place to Davis a fortnight ago .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to come good .
`` He has n't had as many chances as he would have liked , '' Smith admitted .
`` He has worked extremely hard and he will feel he should have done better with the header against Newcastle but he will keep working hard on the training ground . ''

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Dean Smith has sat down with skipper Jack Grealish in a bid to kick-start his talisman's form as Aston Villa look to beat the drop.
The 24-year-old had been enjoying his most-fruitful season - scoring nine and assisting eight goals in all competitions.
However, since the Premier League resumed 17 days ago, Grealish is yet to really pick up from where he left off.
The star from Solihull has shown flashes of brilliance - from that defence-splitting pass to find Anwar El Ghazi against Sheffield United to beating three Wolves players during a mazy run last week.
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However, against Wolves, Smith wasn't too happy at Grealish picking the ball up from the likes of Tyrone Mings and Kortney Hause, especially in the first half.
The boss, who switched Grealish back into the middle for games against Newcastle and Wolves, said: "The form will be there, it's just getting him on the ball higher up the pitch.
"I've spoken to him earlier in the week and felt he was going deeper to get on the ball against Wolves.
"He managed to get a shot in the game but he needs to be higher up the pitch to hurt opposition players. That'll be hard against Liverpool but that's what we require from him and feel that's when he's at his best as well."
Smith picked Keinan Davis and Mbwana Samatta from the get-go in a newfound 4-4-2 diamond last week, with Grealish playing just behind.
Asked if playing the same two-striker system at Anfield would be too daring, Smith said: "I felt against Wolves we could go with two strikers, they play three at the back so you are not going to get outnumbered on the flanks.
"I felt it was a good opportunity to get Jack through the middle. It was a game where the teams cancelled each other out, there were few chances and it was something we'd looked at. An option to create more chances but it didn't help us do that."
Smith added: "The thing that’s missing for us at the moment is that quality in the final third. Keinan should have scored against Sheffield United. Ally Samatta and Trezeguet at Newcastle. Jack, too, needs to be creating and scoring more chances himself. The players know we need to be better in the final third."
One player who should arguably be doing better is Villa's £8.5m January buy, Samatta. The Tanzanian has looked out of sorts after initially losing his place to Davis a fortnight ago. Smith, though, is backing Samatta to come good.
"He hasn't had as many chances as he would have liked," Smith admitted. "He has worked extremely hard and he will feel he should have done better with the header against Newcastle but he will keep working hard on the training ground."


birminghammail--2020-07-04--Live updates in Birmingham as pubs, bars and hairdressers reopen

Hundreds of pubs , restaurants and hairdressers have opened this morning as the significant easing of lockdown begins across England .
From 6am pubs have been allowed to operate - with new rules in force - and hairdressers have welcomed back customers in desperate need of a trim .
Among the first to open was JD Wetherspoons , which had a small queue from 7am of workers from a nearby site coming off shift .
A larger queue of around 20 people formed outside The Wellington Pub as regulars flocked to support the boozer forced to throw away 20,000 pints @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and about bringing you the latest on how the city centre is dealing with an influx of revellers all desperate to get out after months in lockdown .
In parts of the city few bars and restaurants are opening - Southside will remain pretty quiet as will Chinatown .
Broad Street has many pubs open with officials suggesting 8,000 people could turn up today .
Follow us throughout the day as we bring you live updates from the city centre .
And tweet us at @ birmingham_live if you are out and about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Let us know what it 's like .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Graham Young, Sarah Probert, Stephanie Balloo)

Police were bombarded with 999 calls as trouble flared with street parties, fights and domestic incidents as the lockdown eased in the West Midlands.
Emergency services prepared for a busy evening in Birmingham's nightspots as hundreds of pubs and restaurants welcomed back customers on 'Super Saturday', July 4.
They had expected assaults and drunken injuries, but instead the opening of the boozers 'ran smoothly' with only four arrests across the entire region.
Officers said very few of the emergency calls concerned trouble in the newly-reopened venues, while pockets of disorder instead erupted elsewhere.
Chief Superintendent Steve Graham, police commander said: "It’s been difficult for many businesses recently, it was great to see them open again and people out having a good time, while being sensible and observing the social distancing measures that are in place.
“We saw people taking great personal responsibility for their actions and behaviour and the evening ran smoothly with only a handful of incidents at pubs and bars reported to us."


birminghammail--2020-07-04--'Unusually confident' - Fulham fans assess Birmingham City test

Birmingham City head to Fulham on Saturday afternoon requiring a response to the dismal performance and result at home to Huddersfield Town on Wednesday evening .
Hoping for better on the road - Blues are second bottom in the home table , but in the top half in the away table - Pep Clotet expects a reaction against a Cottagers side chasing promotion - but without key man Aleksandar Mitrovic .
Scott Parker ’ s men came from behind to win at West London rivals Queens Park Rangers on Tuesday , and still need to ensure they confirm a play-off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of this afternoon ’ s clash , this is what Parker and the home fans - who will be watching from home , like Blues fans - make of Blues .
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Google Play Store and App Store Filham : Birmingham at home is a should win match and in view of the following three difficult fixtures , West Brom A , Forest A and Cardiff H , it becomes a must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had 24hrs less rest than us , Birmingham City didn ’ t make one single substitution on Wednesday night , Birmingham City will be without their best player Bellingham .
Taking all that in to consideration , and looking at our remaining fixtures , as others have said this game really is must win if we want to make the play offs .
Jarv : 3 game swing for Derby and Cardiff to overtake Fulham .
Should be ok to maintain place .
Very important to win SP : The goals Brum conceded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hope there ’ s more of the same on Saturday .
Hoping our squad rotation comes into play now .
Feeling unusually confident .
SouthCoastFFC : They ’ re not far off relegation so should be up for a fighting performance .
“ It ’ s a massive opportunity for us , ” Parker said .
“ It ’ s another game that comes thick and fast after a positive result on Tuesday .
“ Even before these circumstances this league was very unpredictable at times , and anyone could beat anyone , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more so now when you look at it .
“ There ’ s no doubt that Birmingham bring their threats .
They have certain qualities , so we ’ ll be fully aware of that .
“ Every game is a tough one , certainly in this division , as cliché as that sounds .
We ’ re looking forward to the weekend , it ’ s a big game for us , one we ’ re going into wanting to win to make it two on the bounce .
“ We ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good result on Tuesday , so hopefully we can get the job done .
”

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Birmingham City head to Fulham on Saturday afternoon requiring a response to the dismal performance and result at home to Huddersfield Town on Wednesday evening.
Hoping for better on the road - Blues are second bottom in the home table, but in the top half in the away table - Pep Clotet expects a reaction against a Cottagers side chasing promotion - but without key man Aleksandar Mitrovic.
Scott Parker’s men came from behind to win at West London rivals Queens Park Rangers on Tuesday, and still need to ensure they confirm a play-off place before the season ends.
Ahead of this afternoon’s clash, this is what Parker and the home fans - who will be watching from home, like Blues fans - make of Blues.
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Fulham fans
Filham : Birmingham at home is a should win match and in view of the following three difficult fixtures, West Brom A, Forest A and Cardiff H, it becomes a must win match
Riversider : Birmingham City have had 24hrs less rest than us, Birmingham City didn’t make one single substitution on Wednesday night, Birmingham City will be without their best player Bellingham. Taking all that in to consideration, and looking at our remaining fixtures, as others have said this game really is must win if we want to make the play offs.
Jarv : 3 game swing for Derby and Cardiff to overtake Fulham. Should be ok to maintain place. Very important to win
SP : The goals Brum conceded against Huddersfield were poor, let's hope there’s more of the same on Saturday. Hoping our squad rotation comes into play now. Feeling unusually confident.
SouthCoastFFC : They’re not far off relegation so should be up for a fighting performance.
What Scott Parker said
“It’s a massive opportunity for us,” Parker said. “It’s another game that comes thick and fast after a positive result on Tuesday.
“Even before these circumstances this league was very unpredictable at times, and anyone could beat anyone, and that’s the case even more so now when you look at it.
“There’s no doubt that Birmingham bring their threats. They have certain qualities, so we’ll be fully aware of that.
“Every game is a tough one, certainly in this division, as cliché as that sounds. We’re looking forward to the weekend, it’s a big game for us, one we’re going into wanting to win to make it two on the bounce.
“We’re positive about it coming off a good result on Tuesday, so hopefully we can get the job done.”


birminghammail--2020-07-04--Aston Villa face new injury worry blow ahead of Liverpool

Aston Villa boss Dean Smith is sweating on the fitness of Ezri Konsa for tomorrow 's showdown at Anfield .
The 22-year-old has sustained a bruised foot and , prior to Friday 's session , had n't trained all week .
Transformed into a right-back since football kick-started , Konsa has been an ever-present for Smith during Project Restart .
Last summer 's £12m recruit will be assessed at Bodymoor Heath this morning before the squad travel up to Liverpool later today .
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , has been given a boost with the returning Frederic Guilbert `` pushing for a place '' .
The French full-back is yet to feature since Leicester away back in March after picking up a niggling knee injury .
Providing an update , Smith said : `` Freddie has trained all week and is pushing for a place .
The only one is Ezri Konsa , who had a bit of a whack on the foot and has n't trained as of today but we 're hopeful he will come through . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Matt Targett for the game against the champions .
The left-back picked up a hamstring injury against Wolves .
However , the damage is n't as bad as first feared and Targett should be available for the all-important Crystal Palace fixture next week ( July 12 ) .
`` Matt 's injury is n't as bad as we feared as we 're hopeful he 'll be back for Crystal Palace , '' Smith confirmed .

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Aston Villa boss Dean Smith is sweating on the fitness of Ezri Konsa for tomorrow's showdown at Anfield.
The 22-year-old has sustained a bruised foot and, prior to Friday's session, hadn't trained all week.
Transformed into a right-back since football kick-started, Konsa has been an ever-present for Smith during Project Restart.
Last summer's £12m recruit will be assessed at Bodymoor Heath this morning before the squad travel up to Liverpool later today.
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Smith, meanwhile, has been given a boost with the returning Frederic Guilbert "pushing for a place".
The French full-back is yet to feature since Leicester away back in March after picking up a niggling knee injury.
Providing an update, Smith said: "Freddie has trained all week and is pushing for a place. The only one is Ezri Konsa, who had a bit of a whack on the foot and hasn't trained as of today but we're hopeful he will come through."
As for Villa, they're without Matt Targett for the game against the champions. The left-back picked up a hamstring injury against Wolves.
However, the damage isn't as bad as first feared and Targett should be available for the all-important Crystal Palace fixture next week (July 12).
"Matt's injury isn't as bad as we feared as we're hopeful he'll be back for Crystal Palace," Smith confirmed.


birminghammail--2020-07-04--'Powerhouse' - Slaven Bilic's key advice for West Brom star

One West Brom player who did got the nod on at Hillsborough on Wednesday was young Rekeem Harper , who slotted into a midfield three alongside Romaine Sawyers and Filip Krovinovic .
The youngster , who committed his long-term future to the club last summer , took the place of captain Jake Livermore , who was given a breather after picking up a knock in the defeat to Brentford last week .
Identified by Bilic after the victory over Sheffield Wednesday as Albion ’ s ‘ best player without the ball ’ , Harper was disciplined , tireless and , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even scored a couple of goals .
It ’ s been a big season for Harper , who has found consistency in his performances that was previously lacking , and that has been represented by minutes since the turn of the year .
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Google Play Store and App Store Bilic believes the sky is the limit for ‘ powerhouse ’ Harper - but he has urged the midfielder to not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Rekeem is one of the players who has made the biggest progress since lockdown , and before .
“ In the beginning , it wasn ’ t difficult but he wasn ’ t consistent .
He was showing glimpses of his talent and ability , but not all the time .
“ Even before the lockdown , when we had some suspensions , or injuries , when Romaine was suspended - I didn ’ t have a doubt .
“ Rekeem had started to play really well , he had started to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tactics , stamina , skill , everything .
“ He ’ s becoming more and more mature .
I never denied that I love him as a player - I love those kind of players , who are powerhouses but can pass the ball , that ’ s great .
“ He ’ s in a good way , let ’ s be honest , but he can not stop , he must keep working .
It ’ s also my job to keep him like that .
“ If he continues to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recently , then he ’ s got no limits .
”

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One West Brom player who did got the nod on at Hillsborough on Wednesday was young Rekeem Harper, who slotted into a midfield three alongside Romaine Sawyers and Filip Krovinovic.
The youngster, who committed his long-term future to the club last summer, took the place of captain Jake Livermore, who was given a breather after picking up a knock in the defeat to Brentford last week.
Identified by Bilic after the victory over Sheffield Wednesday as Albion’s ‘best player without the ball’, Harper was disciplined, tireless and, on another day, might’ve even scored a couple of goals.
It’s been a big season for Harper, who has found consistency in his performances that was previously lacking, and that has been represented by minutes since the turn of the year.
West Brom daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox Why should you sign up? We'll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer gossip and comment pieces in our daily Baggies bulletin, as well as the key talking points for fans. How do you sign up? It's easy and only takes seconds. Just type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up. And that's it, you're all set. You can also sign up by clicking here. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest West Brom updates by following us on Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download via Google Play Store or the App Store. It is always up-to-date with the latest news .
Bilic believes the sky is the limit for ‘powerhouse’ Harper - but he has urged the midfielder to not let up on this upward trajectory.
“Rekeem is one of the players who has made the biggest progress since lockdown, and before.
“In the beginning, it wasn’t difficult but he wasn’t consistent. He was showing glimpses of his talent and ability, but not all the time.
“Even before the lockdown, when we had some suspensions, or injuries, when Romaine was suspended - I didn’t have a doubt.
“Rekeem had started to play really well, he had started to train consistently - power, movement, tactics, stamina, skill, everything.
“He’s becoming more and more mature. I never denied that I love him as a player - I love those kind of players, who are powerhouses but can pass the ball, that’s great.
“He’s in a good way, let’s be honest, but he cannot stop, he must keep working. It’s also my job to keep him like that.
“If he continues to show what he’s been doing recently, then he’s got no limits.”


birminghammail--2020-07-04--The reasons Aston Villa fans don’t like sacked Bristol City boss Lee Johnson

News broke earlier today that Bristol City head coach Lee Johnson had been relieved of his duties at Ashton Gate .
Johnson - an old foe of Aston Villa - had performed a reasonably decent job for the Robins , turning them around from Championship relegation fodder to play-off hopefuls .
However , he could n't beat a team-high finish of 8th place , and despite a number of good seasons , Bristol City 's form has totally collapsed and their season is heading into tatters after high-hopes kicked it off .
They are winless since the return and have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capable of turning things around .
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here The same can be said for plenty of teams , but not many had the same hopes as City heading into the start of the season .
This year was meant to be their year , maybe , and it 's not , again .
That has meant that Johnson has lost his job .
Villa fans have had plenty to say about Johnson 's departure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 'shame ' - but why ?
Where does the animosity stem from ?
One of the bigger incidents occurred on the 1st of January 2018 as Steve Bruce 's Villa side dismantled Bristol City 5-0 .
It was something of a high-point for Bruce 's side , who ran riot over a Bristol City team that seemed to be gunning for better things .
The result - the atmosphere , and Steve Bruce 's touchline antics of playing around with the ball did much to annoy Johnson , who took a public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` This was a game too far for us .
You try and run two half marathons in two days , with all the speed , tempo , guile , skill and environment .
`` It was interesting to hear the Villa fans mocking us , Bruce flicking the ball all over the gaffe - we 're still three points above them .
Let 's see where we are at the end .
We 've got to use that as ammunition . ''
And here 's what fans thought of that at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you are at the end of the season , bristol , sheff utd and cardiff are falling off like I knew they would .
Second place is up for grabs .
I think villa , derby , boro or leeds will grab second .
With a fully fit squad I would back villa to get second .
Christopher Jackson : Sour grapes pal we will see where u end up because it will be below us Joseph Stevens : Of course Lee .
Not bitter that you were thrashed ?
Kevin Hughes : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and be embarrassed and rightly so .
I was at Ashton Gate last season when Villa lost 3-1 and the BFC fans gave us plenty of grief .
That 's football .
Brodie Bear : Always bad sportsmanship to mock the opposition when we are playing well ; just enjoy the moment .
Anyone remember when we were 4-1 up against Leicester with a few minutes to go !
Incase you need a reminder , Villa made - and failed - the play-off final , while Bristol City did n't qualify for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ again after his side were beaten once more by Villa during the side 's now legendary ten game winning run last season .
However , Johnson found a strange reason backing Villa 's win - one that did n't seem to help them in 2015/16 as the side were relegated .
He picked out the placement of Villa fans behind both goals in the North Stand and Holte End , and their impact on performances - which wound up Villans .
Johnson hinted at the lack of influence the travelling Robins supporters were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of their placing ... “ It ’ s interesting , you come to away grounds - and this is a lesson for us at Bristol City and Ashton Gate - and our fans are propped up in the corner , which means Villa have two attacking home ends to play into , ” Johnson told Bristol City ’ s official media .
“ I think all that type of stuff is important on performance , but whether that ’ s possible to move opposing fans into the top corner [ at Ashton Gate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Managerial changes happen aplenty , and while most wo n't be sniffed at by Villa fans , there 's a reason behind their words today .

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News broke earlier today that Bristol City head coach Lee Johnson had been relieved of his duties at Ashton Gate.
Johnson - an old foe of Aston Villa - had performed a reasonably decent job for the Robins, turning them around from Championship relegation fodder to play-off hopefuls.
However, he couldn't beat a team-high finish of 8th place, and despite a number of good seasons, Bristol City's form has totally collapsed and their season is heading into tatters after high-hopes kicked it off. They are winless since the return and have barely managed to look like a side capable of turning things around.
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The same can be said for plenty of teams, but not many had the same hopes as City heading into the start of the season. This year was meant to be their year, maybe, and it's not, again.
That has meant that Johnson has lost his job.
Villa fans have had plenty to say about Johnson's departure, including 'lol', 'haha' and 'shame' - but why? Where does the animosity stem from?
It goes back a bit.
One of the bigger incidents occurred on the 1st of January 2018 as Steve Bruce's Villa side dismantled Bristol City 5-0.
It was something of a high-point for Bruce's side, who ran riot over a Bristol City team that seemed to be gunning for better things.
The result - the atmosphere, and Steve Bruce's touchline antics of playing around with the ball did much to annoy Johnson, who took a public swipe at the club.
He said: "This was a game too far for us. You try and run two half marathons in two days, with all the speed, tempo, guile, skill and environment.
"It was interesting to hear the Villa fans mocking us, Bruce flicking the ball all over the gaffe - we're still three points above them. Let's see where we are at the end. We've got to use that as ammunition."
And here's what fans thought of that at the time..
Villane4: Only matters where you are at the end of the season, bristol, sheff utd and cardiff are falling off like I knew they would. Second place is up for grabs. I think villa, derby, boro or leeds will grab second. With a fully fit squad I would back villa to get second.
Christopher Jackson: Sour grapes pal we will see where u end up because it will be below us
Joseph Stevens: Of course Lee. Not bitter that you were thrashed?
Adam_TL: Challenge accepted
Kevin Hughes: Johnson will reflect on his stupid comments and be embarrassed and rightly so. I was at Ashton Gate last season when Villa lost 3-1 and the BFC fans gave us plenty of grief. That's football.
Brodie Bear: Always bad sportsmanship to mock the opposition when we are playing well; just enjoy the moment. Anyone remember when we were 4-1 up against Leicester with a few minutes to go!
Incase you need a reminder, Villa made - and failed - the play-off final, while Bristol City didn't qualify for the end of season tournament
Johnson piped up again after his side were beaten once more by Villa during the side's now legendary ten game winning run last season.
However, Johnson found a strange reason backing Villa's win - one that didn't seem to help them in 2015/16 as the side were relegated.
He picked out the placement of Villa fans behind both goals in the North Stand and Holte End, and their impact on performances - which wound up Villans.
Johnson hinted at the lack of influence the travelling Robins supporters were able to enjoy at Villa Park because of their placing...
“It’s interesting, you come to away grounds - and this is a lesson for us at Bristol City and Ashton Gate - and our fans are propped up in the corner, which means Villa have two attacking home ends to play into,” Johnson told Bristol City’s official media.
“I think all that type of stuff is important on performance, but whether that’s possible to move opposing fans into the top corner [at Ashton Gate] I’m not sure.”
Managerial changes happen aplenty, and while most won't be sniffed at by Villa fans, there's a reason behind their words today.


birminghammail--2020-07-04--Tony Pulis emerges as surprise favourite to succeed Johnson at Bristol City

A horrendous turn of form for Bristol City has cost Lee Johnson his role as head coach at the club , with a ex- West Bromwich Albion boss emerging as the favourite to take the role .
Earlier season forecasts predicted a decent season for Johnson 's Robins , but that has not been the case in terms of results .
In fact , a table based on Expected Goals has the Robins as a rock-bottom side , hinting at a fairly decent level of luck - or overperformance - for Bristol City .
Though , not enough to keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for our Baggies newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here Since the restart , Johnson ’ s side had failed to pick up a single point in the four matches since football returned .
City Chief Executive Mark Ashton said : “ We recognise the huge amount of work that Lee has put in over the last four-and-a-half years to move this club forward and we thank him for all his efforts .
There have been some special moments over those years and Lee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ However , success in football is ultimately judged by results and league position and the Board believes that a change of management is needed now for Bristol City.
” The change could see Tony Pulis , a former West Brom boss take charge , with Pulis leading the pack .

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A horrendous turn of form for Bristol City has cost Lee Johnson his role as head coach at the club, with a ex- West Bromwich Albion boss emerging as the favourite to take the role.
Earlier season forecasts predicted a decent season for Johnson's Robins, but that has not been the case in terms of results.
In fact, a table based on Expected Goals has the Robins as a rock-bottom side, hinting at a fairly decent level of luck - or overperformance - for Bristol City.
Though, not enough to keep Johnson in his job.
Sign up for our Baggies newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here
Since the restart, Johnson’s side had failed to pick up a single point in the four matches since football returned.
City Chief Executive Mark Ashton said: “We recognise the huge amount of work that Lee has put in over the last four-and-a-half years to move this club forward and we thank him for all his efforts. There have been some special moments over those years and Lee has played a significant part in them.
“However, success in football is ultimately judged by results and league position and the Board believes that a change of management is needed now for Bristol City.”
The change could see Tony Pulis, a former West Brom boss take charge, with Pulis leading the pack.
Here's the current top-six:
Tony Pulis - 5/1
Gareth Ainsworth - 8/1
Lee Bowyer - 8/1
Nigel Clough - 8/1
Dean Holden - 8/1
Chris Hughton - 8/1


birminghammail--2020-07-04--Arteta pays Wolves a big compliment after Arsenal win at Molineux

Mikel Arteta reckons Arsenal ’ s win over Wolverhampton Wanderers is one of his best as Gunners chief .
Goals either side of half-time from Bukayo Saka and Alexandre Lacazette handed Arsenal a 2-0 win at Molineux and lifted them to within three points of their hosts in the Premier League table .
Wolves lost ground on Champions League rivals Leicester City and Manchester United - both of whom had won earlier in the day - and now need to bounce back when they take on Sheffield United on Wednesday .
Sign up for our Wolves newsletter with your email @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the page or click here Arteta ’ s predecessor Unai Emery failed to beat Nuno Espirito Santo ’ s Wolves in three attempts but the Gunners outclassed the Molineux men under their new boss .
And Arteta believes the win over Wolves , which was his team ’ s fourth in succession in all competitions , is among his finest in management .
“ It was probably one of the best because of the difficult schedule that we had compared to them in terms of recovery , ” he said .
“ To @ @ @ @ @ @ @ difficult thing to do so I ’ m very happy.
” The Gunners were more pragmatic than the Premier League has come to expect with Arteta deploying a high press against Wolves which worked wonders , especially during the first half .
Arteta added : “ We don ’ t have the ability to batter teams for the 90 minutes so if you are not able to do that you have to be able to be a team .
”

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Mikel Arteta reckons Arsenal’s win over Wolverhampton Wanderers is one of his best as Gunners chief.
Goals either side of half-time from Bukayo Saka and Alexandre Lacazette handed Arsenal a 2-0 win at Molineux and lifted them to within three points of their hosts in the Premier League table.
Wolves lost ground on Champions League rivals Leicester City and Manchester United - both of whom had won earlier in the day - and now need to bounce back when they take on Sheffield United on Wednesday.
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Arteta’s predecessor Unai Emery failed to beat Nuno Espirito Santo’s Wolves in three attempts but the Gunners outclassed the Molineux men under their new boss.
And Arteta believes the win over Wolves, which was his team’s fourth in succession in all competitions, is among his finest in management.
“It was probably one of the best because of the difficult schedule that we had compared to them in terms of recovery,” he said. “To come here today and win is a difficult thing to do so I’m very happy.”
The Gunners were more pragmatic than the Premier League has come to expect with Arteta deploying a high press against Wolves which worked wonders, especially during the first half.
Arteta added: “We don’t have the ability to batter teams for the 90 minutes so if you are not able to do that you have to be able to be a team.”


birminghammail--2020-07-04--Explained: The reason why Podence missed Wolves' defeat to Arsenal

The Portuguese winger was omitted from Nuno Espirito Santo ’ s 18-man squad on Saturday after returning home to Portugal .
Podence is back in the UK now and has tested negative for the coronavirus but Government guidelines ruled him out of the match against the Gunners .
Sign up for our Wolves newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here “ Daniel had to travel to Portugal to take care of something really important , ” Nuno Espirito Santo explained .
“ It was a personal issue that he had to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ returned we had to follow the guidelines of the government .
He ’ s tested already .
He ’ s tested negative but he has to stay in his home.
” It 's unclear how many games Podence will miss but people coming into the UK from Portugal are still expected to self-isolate for 14 days , as per the Government 's latest update on Friday .
Goals from Bukayo Saka and Alexandre Lacazette either side of half-time handed Arsenal the three points at Molineux and Nuno wasn ’ t pleased with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the best ones , ” he said .
“ First half was not so good .
But the game was very balanced in the first half , not too many chances .
We didn ’ t create many and Arsenal didn ’ t create many .
“ The first half was not too good .
Second half we started better with urgency , on the front foot and created problems .
We had a clear chance .
“ As the game went on it became dangerous with the counter-attack of Arsenal .
@

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Daniel Podence missed Wolverhampton Wanderers’ defeat to Arsenal due to a ‘personal issue’.
The Portuguese winger was omitted from Nuno Espirito Santo’s 18-man squad on Saturday after returning home to Portugal.
Podence is back in the UK now and has tested negative for the coronavirus but Government guidelines ruled him out of the match against the Gunners.
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“Daniel had to travel to Portugal to take care of something really important,” Nuno Espirito Santo explained. “It was a personal issue that he had to solve.
“The moment that he returned we had to follow the guidelines of the government. He’s tested already. He’s tested negative but he has to stay in his home.”
It's unclear how many games Podence will miss but people coming into the UK from Portugal are still expected to self-isolate for 14 days, as per the Government's latest update on Friday.
Goals from Bukayo Saka and Alexandre Lacazette either side of half-time handed Arsenal the three points at Molineux and Nuno wasn’t pleased with the performance.
“It was not one of the best ones,” he said. “First half was not so good. But the game was very balanced in the first half, not too many chances. We didn’t create many and Arsenal didn’t create many.
“The first half was not too good. Second half we started better with urgency, on the front foot and created problems. We had a clear chance.
“As the game went on it became dangerous with the counter-attack of Arsenal.”


birminghammail--2020-07-04--Arsenal fans savage Willy Boly as Wolves are beaten at Molineux

Willy Boly 's Arsenal comments backfired as Wolves were soundly beaten by the Gunners at Molineux .
Goals from Bukayo Saka and Alexandre Lacazette , saw Arsenal run out 2-0 winners , inflicting a defeat on Wolves for the first time since January .
It 's a defeat which seriously dents Nuno Espirito Santo 's side push for the top-four , whilst reinvigorating Arsenal 's own tilt at securing a berth in Europe next season .
Sign up for our Wolves newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here In a game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defensive lapses which led to the goals for the visitors and Boly , who has been imperious since his return from injury , did n't escape without fault .
Unfortunately for the Frenchman , the game came just days after he claimed Wolves had no fears about Arsenal and that he would `` never '' join Mikel Arteta 's team .
In an interview with beIN SPORTS , the reserved Boly was asked if he would make the switch : “ No never ! ''
he replied .
“ Arsenal is a very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But on paper we are not afraid of Arsenal .
“ Arsenal are coming to Wolverhampton on Saturday .
I don ’ t think they are going to win very easy .
“ So , I don ’ t have to go to Arsenal ... maybe if all the team goes there .
I will probably be there.
” And Arsenal fans on social media were quick to remind the central defender of his comments , after the crucial win : @ Moqayah : What was that Boly guy saying about Arsenal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did n't it ?
@ angelo_maurice : Hey Willy Boly what happened today ?
Don ’ t gloat too much .
Have some humility .
@ Khany44 : Great result .
Boly said he didn ’ t fear arsenal yet conceded two goals @ TwitUK : Where is boly.. where is your fear .
@ Shaqill_Fresh : Tell Willy boly we don ’ t need him at arsenal 3 points and clean sheet he don ’ t know what that is against the gunnaz @ E1lCapitan : He who laugh lasts ...
Thank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put the house on The Arsenal after the Willy Boly interview came out , a classic indicator of an incoming defeat

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Willy Boly's Arsenal comments backfired as Wolves were soundly beaten by the Gunners at Molineux.
Goals from Bukayo Saka and Alexandre Lacazette, saw Arsenal run out 2-0 winners, inflicting a defeat on Wolves for the first time since January.
It's a defeat which seriously dents Nuno Espirito Santo's side push for the top-four, whilst reinvigorating Arsenal's own tilt at securing a berth in Europe next season.
Sign up for our Wolves newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here
In a game of few chances, it was two defensive lapses which led to the goals for the visitors and Boly, who has been imperious since his return from injury, didn't escape without fault.
Unfortunately for the Frenchman, the game came just days after he claimed Wolves had no fears about Arsenal and that he would "never" join Mikel Arteta's team.
In an interview with beIN SPORTS, the reserved Boly was asked if he would make the switch: “No never!" he replied.
(Image: Getty Images)
“Arsenal is a very good team, everyone can notice that. But on paper we are not afraid of Arsenal.
“Arsenal are coming to Wolverhampton on Saturday. I don’t think they are going to win very easy.
“So, I don’t have to go to Arsenal...maybe if all the team goes there. I will probably be there.”
And Arsenal fans on social media were quick to remind the central defender of his comments, after the crucial win:
@Moqayah: What was that Boly guy saying about Arsenal the other day. Aged well, didn't it?
@angelo_maurice: Hey Willy Boly what happened today? Don’t gloat too much. Have some humility.
@Khany44: Great result. Boly said he didn’t fear arsenal yet conceded two goals
@TwitUK: Where is boly.. where is your fear.
@Shaqill_Fresh: Tell Willy boly we don’t need him at arsenal 3 points and clean sheet he don’t know what that is against the gunnaz
@E1lCapitan: He who laugh lasts... Thank you
@Kam1409: Where’s Willy Boly now hahahaa
@JackBaker1311: you should have put the house on The Arsenal after the Willy Boly interview came out, a classic indicator of an incoming defeat


birminghammail--2020-07-04--Covid infection rates are low in the West Midlands and falling

I didn ’ t go down the pub last night , but only because I feared they might be particularly busy .
I ’ ll be heading out for a swift pint in the near future , however .
And I ’ ll be enjoying the other freedoms that have been returned to us - not least the chance to get a haircut .
There are still rules in place .
You and members of your household should only meet up with people from one other household at a time indoors , whether that ’ s in a restaurant or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there ’ s a sense that the lockdown has pretty much come to an end .
It ’ s been replaced by “ social distancing ” , which is not the same thing .
For some people , this is a terrifying prospect .
The virus is still with us , after all .
There ’ s no vaccine for coronavirus , and it ’ s still capable of spreading through the population .
Cambridge University academics estimate that 9 % of people in the East and West Midlands may have had the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immune to further infections ( experts think it probably confers some level of immunity but aren ’ t certain ) , it still leaves plenty of people who might be vulnerable .
And of course , the local lockdown in Leicester shows that the pandemic isn ’ t over .
But there ’ s another side to the story .
Infection rates across the West Midlands are falling - and are much lower than in Leicester .
Latest data from Leicester , published by Public Health England , show the city had 141.3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up from 140.2 the week before .
But the infection rate for Birmingham is 6.5 cases for every 100,000 tested .
That ’ s down from 9.6 cases the week before .
These figures include both major testing systems - known in the official jargon as pillar 1 and pillar 2 .
In Dudley the infection rate is 2.2 , down from 3.7 .
In Walsall it is 3.2 , down from 4.6 .
In Solihull it is 6.5 , up from 4.7 the week before but still low compared to Leicester .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ get the point .
Cases are declining .
Separate data from Public Health England shows the number of “ excess deaths ” - the number of people dying compared to what you ’ d expect at this time of year if the virus didn ’ t exist - has been zero for some weeks now .
None of this means we can pretend coronavirus has gone away .
That ’ s why Boris Johnson issued a plea on Friday evening for people to enjoy the re-opening of “ local restaurants , hairdressers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yes , pubs ” , but to do so responsibly .
But it does mean - as long as we obey the rules that remain - that we can leave our homes without feeling guilty about it .

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I didn’t go down the pub last night, but only because I feared they might be particularly busy.
I’ll be heading out for a swift pint in the near future, however. And I’ll be enjoying the other freedoms that have been returned to us - not least the chance to get a haircut.
There are still rules in place. You and members of your household should only meet up with people from one other household at a time indoors, whether that’s in a restaurant or your own home.
Even so, there’s a sense that the lockdown has pretty much come to an end. It’s been replaced by “social distancing”, which is not the same thing.
For some people, this is a terrifying prospect. The virus is still with us, after all. There’s no vaccine for coronavirus, and it’s still capable of spreading through the population.
Cambridge University academics estimate that 9% of people in the East and West Midlands may have had the virus. Even if that makes you immune to further infections (experts think it probably confers some level of immunity but aren’t certain), it still leaves plenty of people who might be vulnerable.
And of course, the local lockdown in Leicester shows that the pandemic isn’t over.
But there’s another side to the story. Infection rates across the West Midlands are falling - and are much lower than in Leicester.
Latest data from Leicester, published by Public Health England, show the city had 141.3 cases for every 100,000 people tested, up from 140.2 the week before.
But the infection rate for Birmingham is 6.5 cases for every 100,000 tested. That’s down from 9.6 cases the week before.
These figures include both major testing systems - known in the official jargon as pillar 1 and pillar 2.
In Dudley the infection rate is 2.2, down from 3.7. In Walsall it is 3.2, down from 4.6. In Solihull it is 6.5, up from 4.7 the week before but still low compared to Leicester.
There are more statistics, but you get the point. Cases are declining. Separate data from Public Health England shows the number of “excess deaths” - the number of people dying compared to what you’d expect at this time of year if the virus didn’t exist - has been zero for some weeks now.
None of this means we can pretend coronavirus has gone away. That’s why Boris Johnson issued a plea on Friday evening for people to enjoy the re-opening of “local restaurants, hairdressers, libraries, museums, cinemas, and yes, pubs”, but to do so responsibly.
But it does mean - as long as we obey the rules that remain - that we can leave our homes without feeling guilty about it.


birminghammail--2020-07-04--Wolves player ratings as Adama and Co struggle in Arsenal defeat

Arsenal ended Wolverhampton Wanderers ’ unbeaten run and dented their hopes of making the top four with a 2-0 win at Molineux .
Bukayo Saka and Alexandre Lacazette struck late in either half for the Gunners to gift Mikel Arteta ’ s men a deserved win and lift them to within three points of sixth-place Wolves in the Premier League table .
Wolves haven ’ t always been fast out the traps this season but Adama Traore almost made the breakthrough after just 15 seconds .
Raul Jimenez lobbed a ball over Arsenal ’ s defence and Traore raced onto @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way past ex-Wolves loanee Emiliano Martinez .
Traore , operating in a central striking role , was nowhere near his best in the first half but he was Wolves ’ most threatening player .
A neat dribble was followed by a thunderous hit which landed in the North Bank .
Arsenal were largely comfortable though with Wolves struggling to find their fluidity and Mikel Arteta ’ s side took the lead just before half-time .
Kieran Tierney ’ s cross from the left deflected off Matt Doherty and into the path of Saka @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s run of clean sheets .
Traore had another chance midway through the second half after being played through by Diogo Jota but clipped his effort over the onrushing Martinez and the crossbar .
Arsenal continued to look the more dangerous and made the game safe on 86 minutes as substitute Lacazette fired home on the turn .
The defeat is Wolves ’ first since January 23 in the league and comes on a day where their Champions League rivals collected maximum points .
The goalkeeper conceded his first goals since March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strike .
Not long before Saka broke the deadlock Patricio did brilliantly to deny Eddie Nketiah low down to his left .
One crunching challenge on Nketiah in the second half angered Arsenal ’ s bench but it was perfectly timed .
He recovered a few times to prevent Arsenal breakaways and did little wrong despite the defeat .
Coady moved the ball quickly but he ’ ll be frustrated that none of the attacks he started amounted to anything .
Collected a booking for a foul on Lacazette before being skinned by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goal .
Saiss ’ s distribution wasn ’ t bad and he kept things simple when he could .
He picked up his 10th Premier League booking of the season for a bad foul on Aubameyang but he escapes a ban after the yellow card amnesty came into force last week .
Needlessly dropped to the floor at the end and had Neves to thank for preventing a third on the goal-line .
Misjudged a pass from Jimenez in the first half which ruined a promising Wolves attack and didn ’ t offer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent weeks .
Doherty was unfortunate to deflect the ball straight into Saka ’ s path for his opener just before half-time .
The Belgian deserved to keep his place after his excellent showing at Villa Park last week but Wolves ’ midfield were well below their best during a poor first half .
Dendoncker tried to break forward when he could but Arsenal ’ s press frustrated Wolves in the opening 45 minutes and limited their attacking chances .
Neves looked the most likely of Wolves ’ midfield to conjure up a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so were few and far between .
He didn ’ t get within range to test Martinez and blasted one second half free-kick against the sea of red shirts in front of him .
Stopped Arsenal scoring a third with a good clearance at the end .
After a series of vintage displays Moutinho struggled to cope with Arsenal ’ s relentless press , particularly in the first half .
The midfielder looked tired towards the end and was caught in possession on a couple of occasions in quick succession .
Jonny managed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a snap-shot with his left foot which landed just wide of the post .
He doesn ’ t start many games as a central striker and you can see why .
Traore didn ’ t look comfortable with his back to goal and wasn ’ t able to find any space to strut his stuff .
Nuno shifted him out to the right in the second half and he offered more going forward but wasn ’ t as sharp as we ’ ve come to expect .
Traore missed Wolves ’ best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back fondly on his miss after being played through by Jota in the second half .
Jimenez lacked service with Traore deployed next to him in attack and his performance suffered for it .
The Mexican barely had a sniff of goal in 90 incredibly frustrating minutes of football .
Showed glimpses of his skill with a nice ball through to Traore and some clever link-up with Jimenez .
Tried to add a spark to Wolves ’ attack but was perhaps too eager to please and ran down blind alleys a couple of @ @

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Arsenal ended Wolverhampton Wanderers’ unbeaten run and dented their hopes of making the top four with a 2-0 win at Molineux.
Bukayo Saka and Alexandre Lacazette struck late in either half for the Gunners to gift Mikel Arteta’s men a deserved win and lift them to within three points of sixth-place Wolves in the Premier League table.
Wolves haven’t always been fast out the traps this season but Adama Traore almost made the breakthrough after just 15 seconds.
Raul Jimenez lobbed a ball over Arsenal’s defence and Traore raced onto it but couldn’t find a way past ex-Wolves loanee Emiliano Martinez.
(Image: PA)
Traore, operating in a central striking role, was nowhere near his best in the first half but he was Wolves’ most threatening player. A neat dribble was followed by a thunderous hit which landed in the North Bank.
Arsenal were largely comfortable though with Wolves struggling to find their fluidity and Mikel Arteta’s side took the lead just before half-time.
Kieran Tierney’s cross from the left deflected off Matt Doherty and into the path of Saka who finished sublimely to end Rui Patricio’s run of clean sheets.
Traore had another chance midway through the second half after being played through by Diogo Jota but clipped his effort over the onrushing Martinez and the crossbar.
Arsenal continued to look the more dangerous and made the game safe on 86 minutes as substitute Lacazette fired home on the turn.
The defeat is Wolves’ first since January 23 in the league and comes on a day where their Champions League rivals collected maximum points.
(Image: Getty Images)
Rui Patricio 6
The goalkeeper conceded his first goals since March and he could do little about either strike. Not long before Saka broke the deadlock Patricio did brilliantly to deny Eddie Nketiah low down to his left.
Willy Boly 6
One crunching challenge on Nketiah in the second half angered Arsenal’s bench but it was perfectly timed.
He recovered a few times to prevent Arsenal breakaways and did little wrong despite the defeat.
(Image: Getty Images)
Conor Coady 5
Coady moved the ball quickly but he’ll be frustrated that none of the attacks he started amounted to anything.
Collected a booking for a foul on Lacazette before being skinned by the striker for Arsenal’s second goal.
Romain Saiss 5
Saiss’s distribution wasn’t bad and he kept things simple when he could. He picked up his 10th Premier League booking of the season for a bad foul on Aubameyang but he escapes a ban after the yellow card amnesty came into force last week.
Needlessly dropped to the floor at the end and had Neves to thank for preventing a third on the goal-line.
Matt Doherty 5
Misjudged a pass from Jimenez in the first half which ruined a promising Wolves attack and didn’t offer anything like the threat he has in recent weeks.
Doherty was unfortunate to deflect the ball straight into Saka’s path for his opener just before half-time.
(Image: Getty Images)
Leander Dendoncker 5
The Belgian deserved to keep his place after his excellent showing at Villa Park last week but Wolves’ midfield were well below their best during a poor first half.
Dendoncker tried to break forward when he could but Arsenal’s press frustrated Wolves in the opening 45 minutes and limited their attacking chances.
Ruben Neves 6
Neves looked the most likely of Wolves’ midfield to conjure up a moment of creativity but chances to do so were few and far between.
He didn’t get within range to test Martinez and blasted one second half free-kick against the sea of red shirts in front of him.
Stopped Arsenal scoring a third with a good clearance at the end.
Joao Moutinho 5
After a series of vintage displays Moutinho struggled to cope with Arsenal’s relentless press, particularly in the first half.
The midfielder looked tired towards the end and was caught in possession on a couple of occasions in quick succession.
Jonny Otto 6
Jonny managed a decent effort in the first half with a snap-shot with his left foot which landed just wide of the post.
Adama Traore 5
He doesn’t start many games as a central striker and you can see why. Traore didn’t look comfortable with his back to goal and wasn’t able to find any space to strut his stuff.
Nuno shifted him out to the right in the second half and he offered more going forward but wasn’t as sharp as we’ve come to expect.
Traore missed Wolves’ best two chances and won’t look back fondly on his miss after being played through by Jota in the second half.
(Image: Tom Jenkins / NMC Pool)
Raul Jimenez 5
Jimenez lacked service with Traore deployed next to him in attack and his performance suffered for it. The Mexican barely had a sniff of goal in 90 incredibly frustrating minutes of football.
SUBS
Diogo Jota (for Dendoncker, 55) 6
Showed glimpses of his skill with a nice ball through to Traore and some clever link-up with Jimenez.
Pedro Neto (for Doherty, 71) 5
Tried to add a spark to Wolves’ attack but was perhaps too eager to please and ran down blind alleys a couple of times.
Morgan Gibbs-White (for Moutinho, 89) N/A
Not used: Ruddy, Buur, Kilman, Vinagre, Jordao, Campana


birminghammail--2020-07-04--Man United fans buzzing as Wolves dealt top-four blow

Wolverhampton Wanderers ' Champions League hopes have taken a huge dent as they were soundly beaten 2-0 by Arsenal at Molineux .
After Manchester United and Leicester City had both won , Wolves knew they would need a positive result to keep apace with the top-four .
However , goals from Bukayo Saka and Alexandre Lacazette earned Arsenal all three points , Wolves ' first Premier League defeat since January .
Sign up for our Wolves newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here It leaves Wolves five points behind Leicester City @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chelsea , having played a game more than the Blues .
On a day when Nuno Espirito Santo 's European aspirations were dealt a blow , United fans on social media were delighted to open up a gap : @ KerryKez7 : Thought Wolves are the next best team to watch really ok not what I ’ ve seen tonight against Arsenal @ bernardomaye : arsenal doing the Lords work , now # mufc is clear .
@ Jimbob27102 : Another good day for the Reds @ Arsenal have done us a favour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ...
Lets keep it boys !
@ UtdAvenue : Never nice to see Arsenal get a result but it ’ s great to see some daylight between United and Wolves .
Let ’ s hope Watford can do the business this evening !
@ UnitedHeaven_ : 5 United goals .
Wolves dropping points .
A near perfect day of football today in our race for the top 4 @ VillerLouie : Top win today for United , wonderful attacking performance and good to score five in a game which would have caused us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ better result with Wolves set to lose here .
@ HeathJD_ : Good result for # MUFC this , gives us that breathing space from teams below us , need Watford to cause a shock next .
Have to say though , Wolves have been absolutely awful today , worst I ’ ve seen them play @ Lsmith_ : Wolves outta this race .
Their burn out was inevitable with such sparse squad depth .

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Wolverhampton Wanderers' Champions League hopes have taken a huge dent as they were soundly beaten 2-0 by Arsenal at Molineux.
After Manchester United and Leicester City had both won, Wolves knew they would need a positive result to keep apace with the top-four.
However, goals from Bukayo Saka and Alexandre Lacazette earned Arsenal all three points, Wolves' first Premier League defeat since January.
Sign up for our Wolves newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here
It leaves Wolves five points behind Leicester City, three behind United and two behind Chelsea, having played a game more than the Blues.
On a day when Nuno Espirito Santo's European aspirations were dealt a blow, United fans on social media were delighted to open up a gap:
(Image: PA)
@KerryKez7: Thought Wolves are the next best team to watch really ok not what I’ve seen tonight against Arsenal
@bernardomaye: arsenal doing the Lords work, now #mufc is clear.
@Jimbob27102: Another good day for the Reds @Arsenal have done us a favour by Beating @Wolves ... 4th Place ... Lets keep it boys!
@UtdAvenue: Never nice to see Arsenal get a result but it’s great to see some daylight between United and Wolves. Let’s hope Watford can do the business this evening!
@UnitedHeaven_: 5 United goals. Wolves dropping points. A near perfect day of football today in our race for the top 4
@VillerLouie: Top win today for United, wonderful attacking performance and good to score five in a game which would have caused us issues in the past. An even better result with Wolves set to lose here.
@HeathJD_: Good result for #MUFC this, gives us that breathing space from teams below us, need Watford to cause a shock next. Have to say though, Wolves have been absolutely awful today, worst I’ve seen them play
@Lsmith_: Wolves outta this race. Their burn out was inevitable with such sparse squad depth.


birminghammail--2020-07-04--Pep Clotet's substitutions were not the reason Blues lost to Fulham

Birmingham City came within 60 seconds of securing what would have been a widely-applauded point at Fulham .
It would have taken them to 50 for the season , been proof of a reaction from the disappointment in midweek and underlined , once more , the fact that what this team lacks in consistency it makes up in backbone .
In the first half Blues displayed all the energy so lacking in their previous two matches against Hull and Huddersfield .
In the second they manifested the kind of defensive organisation absent in the previous two matches .
Especially at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up for our Blues newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here In many ways it was reminiscent of the first game back , the 0-0 at West Brom .
Apart from one crucial difference .
However late it came , Fulham scored a goal and Albion didn ’ t .
Where the Baggies blundered away in front of Blues , Scott Parker ’ s side were able to get behind their visitors on just enough occasions to find a route past Lee Camp .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and commitment went unrewarded and the focus shifted to an analysis of what went wrong in the final ten minutes .
Fulham poured forward , Blues retreated , wave after wave of attack saw the visitors pushed back into their own penalty area .
Camp , who had spent the afternoon as an interested observer , suddenly became the game ’ s leading character .
When the breakthrough came it was unreasonably harsh on the 35-year-old who is playing the best football of his Birmingham City career .
All of which meant the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the game had swung so much , why Birmingham City had gone from relatively secure to under siege and the temptation was to look at the changes Pep Clotet made .
Off went the creators , Jeremie Bela , Scott Hogan , Jude Bellingham and Dan Crowley , on came the destroyers , Maikel Kieftenbeld , Wes Harding and Harlee Dean – with Lukas Jutkiewicz offering a change of complexion up front .
Clotet addressed the issue afterwards .
“ It was a physical element , ” he explained .
“ Jeremie played @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could not risk an injury to him .
I think it was sensible to take him off .
“ And Scott as well has been playing every game since West Brom – of course with Jukey and Harlee coming on you would expect us to hold that defensive position a little bit better .
“ At that moment the game was very difficult with Fulham pushing with eight or nine players attacking .
`` It was very difficult to have the chance to try break apart from set plays – and we thought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ department .
`` Unfortunately we didn ’ t have the chance on the set play.
” Indeed they didn ’ t , in fact they rarely crossed the half way line .
But it ’ s too simplistic to say the replacements were the difference .
Blues were pinned back from the first minute of the second half and Hogan and Bela had effectively become bystanders against a Fulham side rejuvenated by whatever honeyed words Scott Parker had poured into their ears .
Bellingham was misfiring and Crowley had run himself into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in defensive positions .
In theory Jutkiewicz should have been better suited to dragging his team up the field – but a target man is little use if you don ’ t have the ball .
His aerial presence at both ends of the pitch made sense .
This was more a case of Fulham taking one of the chances they created when they were on top – and Blues failing to do likewise in the first half .

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Birmingham City came within 60 seconds of securing what would have been a widely-applauded point at Fulham.
It would have taken them to 50 for the season, been proof of a reaction from the disappointment in midweek and underlined, once more, the fact that what this team lacks in consistency it makes up in backbone.
In the first half Blues displayed all the energy so lacking in their previous two matches against Hull and Huddersfield.
In the second they manifested the kind of defensive organisation absent in the previous two matches. Especially at set-pieces where they looked dominant.
Sign up for our Blues newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here
In many ways it was reminiscent of the first game back, the 0-0 at West Brom. Apart from one crucial difference.
However late it came, Fulham scored a goal and Albion didn’t.
Where the Baggies blundered away in front of Blues, Scott Parker’s side were able to get behind their visitors on just enough occasions to find a route past Lee Camp.
So all the admirable positives of industry and commitment went unrewarded and the focus shifted to an analysis of what went wrong in the final ten minutes.
Fulham poured forward, Blues retreated, wave after wave of attack saw the visitors pushed back into their own penalty area.
Camp, who had spent the afternoon as an interested observer, suddenly became the game’s leading character.
When the breakthrough came it was unreasonably harsh on the 35-year-old who is playing the best football of his Birmingham City career.
All of which meant the narrative shifted to why the balance of the game had swung so much, why Birmingham City had gone from relatively secure to under siege and the temptation was to look at the changes Pep Clotet made.
Off went the creators, Jeremie Bela, Scott Hogan, Jude Bellingham and Dan Crowley, on came the destroyers, Maikel Kieftenbeld, Wes Harding and Harlee Dean – with Lukas Jutkiewicz offering a change of complexion up front.
Clotet addressed the issue afterwards. “It was a physical element,” he explained. “Jeremie played the full game on Wednesday and I could not risk an injury to him. I think it was sensible to take him off.
“And Scott as well has been playing every game since West Brom – of course with Jukey and Harlee coming on you would expect us to hold that defensive position a little bit better.
“At that moment the game was very difficult with Fulham pushing with eight or nine players attacking.
"It was very difficult to have the chance to try break apart from set plays – and we thought Harlee and Juke helped us in that department.
(Image: Getty Images)
"Unfortunately we didn’t have the chance on the set play.”
Indeed they didn’t, in fact they rarely crossed the half way line.
But it’s too simplistic to say the replacements were the difference.
Blues were pinned back from the first minute of the second half and Hogan and Bela had effectively become bystanders against a Fulham side rejuvenated by whatever honeyed words Scott Parker had poured into their ears.
Bellingham was misfiring and Crowley had run himself into the ground but had started to take risks in defensive positions.
In theory Jutkiewicz should have been better suited to dragging his team up the field – but a target man is little use if you don’t have the ball.
His aerial presence at both ends of the pitch made sense.
This was more a case of Fulham taking one of the chances they created when they were on top – and Blues failing to do likewise in the first half.


birminghammail--2020-07-04--Aston Villa fans pile in as Bristol City sack Lee Johnson

After four years at Bristol City , head coach Lee Johnson has been sacked by the club after a winless run that has left the Robins ' season without direction .
And Aston Villa fans are loving it .
The Robins ' hopes of a play-off finish or a promotion campaign have been lost in the midst of a winless run that stretches over the Championship 's break in action .
Johnson had failed to guide Bristol City to a win since football returned , and previous form was judged to be a massive overperformance .
Sign up for our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ box at the top of the page or click here City Chief Executive Mark Ashton said : “ We recognise the huge amount of work that Lee has put in over the last four-and-a-half years to move this club forward and we thank him for all his efforts .
There have been some special moments over those years and Lee has played a significant part in them .
“ However , success in football is ultimately judged by results and league position and the Board believes that a change of management is needed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was certainly picked up by Villa fans , who have history with the former Robins gaffer .
Bristol City did n't often get the better of Villa .
Johnson 's highlights against the club include beating them once , selling Jonathan Kodjia to the Villa , finishing eighth and critiquing the layout of Villa Park .
The comments and actions of Johnson always got a rise out of the Villa fanbase - who have now had the last laugh .
This is what Villa fans had to say about Johnson 's dismissal ... @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because we had 2 home ends ? ''
`` Do n't think Lee Johnson ever got over Villa having fans behind both goals at Villa Park . ''
`` Ultimately the job was too big for him . ''
`` Captain salty nailed on for Blues job now . ''
`` Wonder how he 'll blame Villa for this ? ''
`` Bet he wishes he took the Villa job when he had a chance . ''
`` Must be because of the North Stand . ''
`` 'ItZ bEcAuSe vILlA hAvE tWo @ @ @ @

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After four years at Bristol City, head coach Lee Johnson has been sacked by the club after a winless run that has left the Robins' season without direction.
And Aston Villa fans are loving it.
The Robins' hopes of a play-off finish or a promotion campaign have been lost in the midst of a winless run that stretches over the Championship's break in action.
Johnson had failed to guide Bristol City to a win since football returned, and previous form was judged to be a massive overperformance.
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here
City Chief Executive Mark Ashton said: “We recognise the huge amount of work that Lee has put in over the last four-and-a-half years to move this club forward and we thank him for all his efforts. There have been some special moments over those years and Lee has played a significant part in them.
“However, success in football is ultimately judged by results and league position and the Board believes that a change of management is needed now for Bristol City.”
The decision was certainly picked up by Villa fans, who have history with the former Robins gaffer.
Bristol City didn't often get the better of Villa. Johnson's highlights against the club include beating them once, selling Jonathan Kodjia to the Villa, finishing eighth and critiquing the layout of Villa Park.
The comments and actions of Johnson always got a rise out of the Villa fanbase - who have now had the last laugh.
This is what Villa fans had to say about Johnson's dismissal...
"The same Lee Johnson that cried because we had 2 home ends?"
"Lee Johnson out of a job?! Wonderful scenes!"
"Don't think Lee Johnson ever got over Villa having fans behind both goals at Villa Park."
"Imagine my disappointment. Oh wait."
"Ultimately the job was too big for him."
"Captain salty nailed on for Blues job now."
"Wonder how he'll blame Villa for this?"
"Bet he wishes he took the Villa job when he had a chance."
"Must be because of the North Stand."
"Very strange bloke, him."
"'ItZ bEcAuSe vILlA hAvE tWo hOmE eNDZz."
"HAHAHA"
"A true shame..."


birminghammail--2020-07-04--Rio Ferdinand's Man United advice could impact Jack Grealish transfer

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has hinted that Jack Grealish should not be a transfer priority for his old side this summer .
The Aston Villa skipper , who has been the shining light in his team 's battle against relegation , has been extensively linked with a move to Old Trafford when the window opens .
Reports have claimed that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has him at the top of his transfer wishlist , as the Norwegian continues his revolution at United .
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expected to play hardball with their talisman , with suggestions they will demand around £0m for him - regardless if they are relegated back to the Championship .
But Ferdinand , speaking after United 's win over Bournemouth , said Solskajer instead needs a central defender , a defensive midfielder and a forward .
Although Grealish has played in Villa 's front three this season , his most natural position is in the number 10 role and with Bruno Fernandes flourishing , Ferdinand thinks funds can be allocated elsewhere .
“ They need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he told BT Sport .
`` They definitely need a centre-back with pace .
They 've invested heavily in Harry Maguire , but he 's not someone blessed with pace .
“ He 's got other attributes you like but you need someone with pace to sit alongside him and cover .
“ I think they need another midfielder to go in there who can dominate physically and can actually understand defensive positions .
I think yes , Scott McTominay has been a fantastic addition as a young player , but someone with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ And I think even in the forward areas another player who can rival that front three .
”

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Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has hinted that Jack Grealish should not be a transfer priority for his old side this summer.
The Aston Villa skipper, who has been the shining light in his team's battle against relegation, has been extensively linked with a move to Old Trafford when the window opens.
Reports have claimed that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has him at the top of his transfer wishlist, as the Norwegian continues his revolution at United.
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here
Villa bosses are expected to play hardball with their talisman, with suggestions they will demand around £0m for him - regardless if they are relegated back to the Championship.
But Ferdinand, speaking after United's win over Bournemouth, said Solskajer instead needs a central defender, a defensive midfielder and a forward.
Although Grealish has played in Villa's front three this season, his most natural position is in the number 10 role and with Bruno Fernandes flourishing, Ferdinand thinks funds can be allocated elsewhere.
“They need to add three starters minimum," he told BT Sport. "They definitely need a centre-back with pace. They've invested heavily in Harry Maguire, but he's not someone blessed with pace.
“He's got other attributes you like but you need someone with pace to sit alongside him and cover.
“I think they need another midfielder to go in there who can dominate physically and can actually understand defensive positions. I think yes, Scott McTominay has been a fantastic addition as a young player, but someone with a bit of experience as well.
“And I think even in the forward areas another player who can rival that front three.”