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Simba SC forward Luis Miquissone has revealed how a comparison to Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi will help him build his career.

The Mozambican has been compared to the Argentinian star in various circles with some calling him 'Messi of Africa', and the forward said all that will help boost his confidence and inspire him to work even harder.

"People can think a lot about who you are but I know I am Luis Miquissone and I play my kind of football," Miquissone told Azam TV. "But again, in football, people like comparing and if they say I am like Messi then I am proud because he is a good and top player. 

"I get encouragement when compared to the big player and that means I get a lot of energy to work even better.

"I have to work hard and put myself up there where I can score goals and play well too and then I think my name will be among the greats."

Simba have had to play with a restricted number of fans and the former UD Songo star has revealed how that has affected them.

Fans were not allowed to attend the Caf Champions League game against Al Ahly, while 10,000 spectators were allowed to watch the AS Vita encounter but Wekundu wa Msimbazi won both encounters.

"With us, it was difficult because any time we play without the fans it is worrying but we understand. Football is a game played on the pitch but fans are also important as they encourage the players inside the pitch," concluded the forward.

"Let me thank them for the support and I urge them to continue supporting us until the end."

On his part, Simba's spokesperson Haji Manara stated the restricted number of fans attending their matches will not stop them from fighting for the set targets.

"Players are used to performing in front of their supporters and that will always affect them. Take a look at the game against Al Merrikh, there was tangible slowness in searching for a goal especially in the final third and with the fans, the players would have played with great speed," explained the outspoken Manara.

"I hope the coach will find a way to give solutions to the slowness witnessed due to the absence of fans.

"We understand the fans are not here due to the coronavirus protocols but that will not hinder us in fighting to achieve what we want. The least we would want to achieve this season is to reach the semi-final."

With the 4-1 win over AS Vita on Saturday, Wekundu wa Msimbazi booked a place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

The 21-year-old Blom has been an integral part of the Chiefs set-up this season, having featured in 19 league games, one Nedbank Cup match and nine Caf Champions League games.

He operates mainly as a deeper-lying central midfielder but has also shown his versatility by playing as a full-back on a couple of occasions.

He will, however, not be able to play against Steve Barker’s Stellenbosch side on Tuesday, having accumulated four yellow cards in the league, the last of which came in the 1-0 Soweto derby win over Orlando Pirates on 21 March.

The other three bookings were against TTM, AmaZulu and Black Leopards.

Blom started and completed Amakhosi’s impressive 1-0 win over Wydad Casablanca on Saturday and even though Hunt has other options such as Willard Katsande, Anthony Akumu Agay and Kearyn Baccus, who can play in Blom's position, the coach has had a preference for the youngster this season and rates him highly.

"Njabulo Blom was Man of the Match, fantastic you know," Hunt said after the Pirates win. "He's got energy, he's got legs, it's what we need, he's got the desire, we just have to get him better, but he'll get better."

Hunt has had to deal with numerous injuries this season, a campaign in which Chiefs have not been able to add to their squad due to a transfer ban.

On top of that, the Amakhosi mentor has also had a number of suspensions to contend with – and on the weekend he got two more when both Samir Nurkovic and Daniel Akpeyi were sent off in the Champions League – the pair won’t be available for Chiefs’ final Group C match, away in Gabon against Horoya FC this coming Saturday.

Others who have been red-carded this season in various competitions include Darrel Matsheke, Bernard Parker, Siphosakhe Ntiya-Ntiya, Ramahlwe Mphahlele and Philani Zulu.

The game against Stellenbosch kicks off at 17:00.

Nat Phillips is eager to point out that while Liverpool may have endured a testing 2020-21 campaign, on a European stage they remain “on the same level” as “iconic club” and upcoming Champions League opponents Real Madrid.

Jurgen Klopp’s side are readying themselves for a heavyweight showdown with the Blancos in a European quarter-final, with the first leg of that contest set to take place at Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday.

Both sides could find themselves knocked from title-winning perches domestically this season, but continental glory remains up for grabs as two teams with 19 successes between them prepare to lock horns and finish their respective campaigns with a flourish.

What has been said?

Phillips expects Liverpool to hold their own against Real, with the Reds defender telling UEFA’s official website: “They certainly are [an iconic club].

“And that shows in what they’ve achieved as a club, the trophies they’ve won and the level they’ve maintained for years and years, and the players that have represented them as well.

“But when you’re coming up against them as opposition, you don’t look at that. At the same time, Liverpool are on the same level in terms of what they’ve achieved as a club. So, when you’re going into a game like that you’ve got to treat it like just another game.

“Obviously you’re going to be coming up against top players and better players but, in my opinion, you’ve got to treat every game like you’re going to be coming up against the best opposition you’ve ever faced so that you’re on your best game, and it’ll be no different in that game.”

How is Liverpool’s form looking?

The reigning Premier League champions know they will need to be at their best in order to progress past Real and keep their European dreams alive.

Consistency has proved elusive for much of the current season, with untimely injuries conspiring against the Reds.

Klopp’s side did, however, put in an eye-catching performance on their return to domestic duty after the latest international break as Arsenal were swept aside 3-0 at Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

That display should help to raise morale in the Liverpool camp heading into a crunch clash with Madrid.

There is, however, still plenty for the Reds to work on, with no victory at Anfield secured in any competition since December 16 – with a last-16 success over RB Leipzig in the Champions League picked up on neutral soil in Budapest.

Further reading

Paris Saint-Germain have been dealt a blow ahead of their clash with Bayern Munich, as Alessandro Florenzi has been ruled out of the tie due to a positive Covid-19 test.

PSG will take on Bayern at Allianz Arena in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final in midweek.

Florenzi won't travel with the rest of the squad though, having been diagnosed with coronavirus during the club's latest round of medical checks.

What's been said?

An official statement on PSG's Twitter account said: "Following the last Sars-Cov2 PCR test, Alessandro Florenzi is confirmed positive. He will therefore respect isolation and is subject to the appropriate health protocols.

"As a reminder, the player had been in isolation for a few days as a precaution."

How many games will Florenzi sit out?

Florenzi will spend the next ten days in self-isolation, and must post a negative Covid-19 test after that period before being cleared to return to training.

He will also have to miss PSG's Ligue 1 meeting with Strasbourg next weekend and the second leg of their tie with Bayern, which is due to take place at Parc des Princes on April 13.

Florenzi could be eligible to play again three days later if his recovery goes to plan, with a trip to Saint Ettiene on the cards for Mauricio Pochettino's side.

Who else will PSG be missing against Bayern?

Florenzi has joined Marcos Verratti in quarantine, with the midfielder having tested positive for coronavirus for the second time this season last week.

He will also play no part in the first leg against Bayern, while Pablo Sarabia, Mauro Icardi and Layvin Kurzawa are likely to be unavailable due to injury.

How has Florenzi performed for PSG this season?

Florenzi has been in and out of PSG's starting XI in 2020-21 amid strong competition for the right-back spot alongside Colin Dagba and Mitchell Bakker.

The Italian has featured in 29 games in all competitions, scoring two goals and laying on one assist.

Further reading

Raphael Varane claims to have a “warrior mentality” and considers the pressure at Real Madrid to be “a friend”, claiming “you run faster when you’re scared”.

The 27-year-old centre-half knows all about delivering on the biggest stages.

Three Liga titles and four Champions League crowns with Real sit alongside a World Cup winners’ medal on the France international’s roll of honour, and the intention is to keep adding to that collection in seasons to come.

What has been said?

Varane told UEFA’s official website on the expectation he faces: “For me, pressure is a friend. It's a driving force.

“I think pressure makes you better. It gives you adrenaline and helps you think faster, stay more focused and play the game more intensely. I'd say that terrifying pressure should motivate you, since you run faster when you're scared.”

The Frenchman added on learning to deal with pressure and deliver on it: “I don't think my style of play makes you immediately think that I'm a warrior. However, I recognise that I have a warrior mentality.

“I quite like challenges. The more difficult the challenge, the more I enjoy it. The less you believe in me, the more motivated I am. That's my way of being and thinking, and that's what helped me reach the highest level and stay there for many years.”

The bigger picture

Varane is still in the process of chasing down major silverware this season.

Madrid are looking to successfully defend the domestic title in Spain, while the first leg of their heavyweight Champions League quarter-final clash with Liverpool is on Tuesday.

Once those efforts at home and abroad come to a close, Varane’s attention will switch to international matters.

He will, fitness permitting, form part of Didier Deschamps’ plans this summer as France seek to build on their World Cup success from 2018 by landing another European Championship.

Further reading

Carlo Ancelotti has been airing his ambition for the summer transfer window at Everton, with the Italian confident that notable additions can be made to his ranks regardless of whether European qualification is secured or not.

The Toffees remain in the hunt for a top-six finish this season and will be back in Premier League action on Monday when they take in a home date with Crystal Palace.

Looking a little further ahead and recruitment plans are already being drawn up at Goodison Park, with Ancelotti eager to see further investment made in a forward-thinking squad.

What has been said?

The Everton boss has told reporters: “We have to work hard to sacrifice to do everything to be in Europe.

“I think it could be a good step forward, it could be a stamp on our season which until now is good but it could be fantastic if we are able to reach the place to play in Europe next season.

“The squad we are working on in the transfer market, we are going to work to improve the squad. This is for sure.

“If we are to play in Europe we are going to improve the squad, if we are not in Europe then we are going to improve the squad the same. It doesn't change our idea.

“It will be important, the next transfer window and it will be important the transfer window the year after.

“We don't have a lot of things immediately. Here, we have to improve the squad.

“We improved the squad in the last transfer window, we want to improve the squad in the next transfer window and in the year after.

“I think with the last transfer window, we didn't spend a lot of money and with three or four signings, the squad improved a lot.

“To improve the squad we don't need to invest a big amount of money, you just have to find the right players.”

The bigger picture

The battle for European spots looks set to go down to the wire in 2020-21, with just 10 points separating Leicester in third from Everton in eighth.

Victory for the Toffees over Palace would see them draw level with Tottenham, Liverpool and West Ham in a tightly-bunched pack that sit just two points behind Chelsea in the final Champions League place.

Everton have worked hard to put themselves in that mix, bringing in the likes of James Rodriguez and Allan, but know that continental football will make them of greater appeal to those top targets being lined up for the next window.

Further reading

With the chips down, Kaizer Chiefs showed a lot of guts and character to grind out a 1-0 win over Wydad Casablanca in a Caf Champions League Group C fixture at the FNB Stadium on Saturday.

Character

It wasn’t just the fact that Amakhosi played an entire half with only 10 men, after Daniel Akpeyi's sending off just before half-time, and ended the game with just nine players when Samir Nurkovic picked up a second yellow card in the 89th minute, which showed their fighting spirit.

It was that they went into the game believing they could take something out of it, the players still seemingly having faith in their coach and ready to fight for the club’s badge.

This was after all the same Wydad side which dismantled Amakhosi in a 4-0 demolition just a few months back.

After what has been a very tough season with a lot of poor results and many lows, it seems, based on last weekend at least, that Amakhosi coach Gavin Hunt still has the players on his side, which will make his job next season a lot less challenging.

Competing with the best

There is no doubt that Wydad Casablanca are one of Africa’s heavyweights and are, currently, probably one of the best three or four club teams on the continent.

The 20-time Moroccan league champions won the Champions League as recently as 2017, and have reached the quarter-finals, the final and the semi-finals since then.

Having matched their illustrious opponents, despite playing a man short, was a massive achievement for the under-pressure Glamour Boys and something which should give them a major shot of confidence going into the final two months of the season.

Keeping the African dream alive

The win gives Amakhosi a fighting chance at making it through to the Champions League quarter-finals, which would be an incredible achievement.

Importantly, it gives the players reason to stay motivated and focussed – Chiefs won’t be winning any domestic silverware this season, but at least the players, for now, still have something to fight for.

Amakhosi now need a score draw or a win against Horoya FC in Conakry next week and they’ll be through to the last eight and just two rounds away from the final.

Having something still to play for, rather than just waiting for the season to whimper to an end, is just what the players and the supporters need after a difficult period in the club’s history.

Manchester United talisman Bruno Fernandes says he missed Marcus Rashford's goal against Brighton because Joel Veltman "almost broke my ankle".

United picked up a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Brighton at Old Trafford on Sunday night, thanks to second-half goals from Rashford and Mason Greenwood.

Fernandes set Rashford up to score with a beautifully weighted pass, but claims he didn't see his team-mate's well-placed finish after being floored by a late tackle from Veltman - who wasn't even booked for the challenge.

What's been said?

“I didn’t see it because someone almost broke my ankle!” the Portuguese midfielder told MUTV post-match.

“But I’m happy for the team, I am happy for Marcus. It was a good effort because as everyone knows he has come back from injury and he’s helped us.

“This effort comes from everyone. The press for the first goal was good it made them do the wrong ball and I recovered the ball and passed to Marcus and he scores. Everyone is happy when we win and it doesn’t matter who scores.”

United come through stern Brighton test

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side looked rusty in their first fixture after the international break as Brighton set about disrupting their rhythm right from the very first whistle.

The visitors got their reward for their high pressing tactics when ex-Red Devils striker Danny Welbeck opened the scoring after 13 minutes, heading home at the second time of asking after meeting a teasing Neal Maupay cross.

United finished the first half without a single shot on target to their name, but stepped their game up significantly in the second period, with Rashford grabbing the equaliser just after the hour mark.

The striker produced a cool first-time finish after being played in by Fernandes, who was also heavily involved in the winning goal.

The 26-year-old found Paul Pogba in the box with a neat cross seven minutes from time, and the Frenchman saw his mis-hit volley turned into the net expertly by Greenwood.

The final result saw United move four points clear of Leicester in the race for second place in the Premier League standings and nine ahead of fourth-placed Chelsea.

Fernandes hails Greenwood

Fernandes reserved special praise for Greenwood after his late strike, while insisting that the teenager shouldn't be judged purely on his goalscoring record.

“Everyone has to know that Mason is a young player and now everyone is starting to know how Mason is, it will become more and more difficult for him,” he added.

“It is normal. It is part of the development for him and he will learn from here so it doesn’t matter how many goals he scores; the most important thing for us is that he still helps the team and he is doing his best.

“It is important for us as a team, it doesn’t matter who scores. If Mason scores for us or not, it is important if he can do other jobs, recover balls, pressing, defend when we need it, make assists, create danger.

“So it is not important for him to score. He has to understand, he is such a young lad. Of course, every striker wants to score but, anyway, he will score more and more goals as the seasons pass.”

Further reading

Goalkeeper Debjit Majumder returned to the Indian Super League (ISL) in the 2020-21 season after a gap of one year as he represented East Bengal in India's top tier league in their maiden season.

Majumder had last played for erstwhile ATK FC in the ISL during the 2018-19 season. Last year he was sent on loan to Mohun Bagan in the I-League but he remained out of favour under then-coach Kibu Vicuna for the majority of the campaign.

With Arindam Bhattacharya and Dheeraj Singh in ATK Mohun Bagan's ranks this season, it was unlikely that Majumder would have got much game time there, hence he jumped ship to join arch-rivals East Bengal for more game time.

The 33-year-old goalkeeper appeared in 15 out of the 20 matches wherein he conceded 20 goals, made 50 saves and kept two clean sheets.

"Personally, it was a good season for me but unfortunately, the team (East Bengal) couldn't get the desired result," Majumder told Goal while speaking about his comeback to the ISL. "But it has to be said that this was a new team. It took some time to adjust. Overall this was a good season for me."

Majumder returned to East Bengal after almost a decade. The last time he donned the Red and Gold shirt was back in 2011. So it was an emotional comeback for the goalkeeper and he didn't think twice before accepting the club's offer.

"The last time I played for East Bengal was back in 2011 so it was 10 years back. It is an honour to play for East Bengal or Mohun Bagan. I know the legacy of the club. So at the beginning of the season when the offer came to join East Bengal, I didn't think twice," said the goalkeeper.

Majumder also reunited with goalkeeper coach Robert (Bobby) Mimms after two years. While being at ATK, Debjit had worked under the British coach who was an assistant to head coach Steve Coppell at the Kolkata side.

"I had earlier worked with Bobby Mimms when I was at ATK FC. He is the best goalkeeping coach I have ever worked with. I have obviously played under a lot of coaches but for me, he is the best. The way he makes us practice helps us a lot. I can say that whatever I have improved as a player this season is because of Bobby Mimms. He has worked tirelessly with me and gave some valuable advice regarding techniques," Majumder whole-heartedly appreciated Mimms' guidance.

He was also all praises for head coach Robbie Fowler and mentioned how the legendary footballer was made himself available to every player in the squad.

"Coach Robbie Fowler is an absolute legend. He is a very good human being. He was like a friend to us. When we first heard that he was appointed as the coach we thought about how it will be to work with a legend like him but the way he mixed with us and treated us was amazing. He is so down to earth despite being such a big name in world football," said the Bengali custodian.

East Bengal had entered into a joint venture with Shree Cement Limited in September 2020 where the investor acquired 76 per cent stake and an initial term sheet was signed. As per the term sheet, the club had to transfer the sporting rights as well as all tangible property of the club to the investors. 

Unfortunately, the club officials have not signed the final agreement as they have alleged that certain clauses in the agreement allegedly differ from what was there in the term sheet.

The former Mohun Bagan player suggested that like other players in East Bengal's roster, he is extremely anxious over his future with the club. He mentioned that the current investors Shree Cement Limited has intimated to all the players that until the club officials sign the final agreement, the management will not go into any further contractual agreements with them.

There is some ongoing tension between Shree Cements Ltd and East Bengal FC over the ratification of the merger wherein the entire control of the club will be with Shree Cement East Bengal Foundation - the new entity created. 

"Personally, I would want to continue at East Bengal but there is uncertainty as we all know. The team management told us that until the issue of the final agreement with the club is sorted they will not go into any further contracts with the players and that has been communicated to us. If I get an offer from the club I will definitely stay but until I get the offer, there is a bit of tension," he stated.

He further revealed that he has already received offers from other clubs but he is currently waiting for the deadlock to end at the Red and Golds.

"I have got some offers but playing for East Bengal is a different feeling for me being a Bengali player. That is the only reason I am waiting but again I cannot wait forever," opined Majumder.

Milos Kosanovic scored a brilliant free-kick against Al Wasl which turned out to be the eventual winner helping Al Jazira to pick three points in the UAE Arabian Gulf League on Sunday. 

It was his fifth goal in the ongoing season.

The Serbian once again took the field at the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium the next morning after the match with a few academy players of the club to show them how it is done. 

"When it is a bit far, I try to curve the ball with power and I always remain focused to put the ball over the wall," revealed the player. 

The 30-year-old believes that getting the ball over the wall is the most important part of the set-piece process. 

"After I put the ball, I try to look at the goalkeeper how he is positioning. I take three-four steps back and at the last moment, I decide whether to go over the wall or shoot on the side of the goalkeeper. Normally, it is going over the wall as keepers would be protecting their side. 

"The most important thing is to get the ball over the wall. Once it is over it, it is in the way of the goal and I hope it goes in. It is also important to kick the right position of the ball. You find the hole and put the ball down so that you kick it at the perfect spot," stated Kosanovic. 

He went on to show them by scoring a few free-kicks and then guided the young players while they were trying their luck to find the back of the net. 

Courtesy of the win over Al Wasl, Al Jazira are at the top of the league standings with 50 points in their kitty. Now the league will slip into a break for one month and the remaining three fixtures will be played in May. 

The inclusion of Person of Indian Origin (PIO) and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card holders in the Indian national football team has been an issue that has been in the news for a very long time in Indian football.

The Blue Tigers' head coach Igor Stimac has been a huge advocate of the same. Head coaches before Stimac like Stephen Constantine had also raised this issue of allowing PIOs and OCI card holding players to represent India but the laws of the land do not permit this right now. 

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) had also held discussions with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) last year regarding the inclusion of PIO and OCI players in the national team.

Who are PIO and OCI card holders?

PIO

A Person of Indian Origin (PIO) means a foreign citizen (except a national of Pakistan, Afghanistan Bangladesh, China, Iran, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Nepal) who at any time had previously held an Indian passport.

Or either of their parents/ grandparents/ great grandparents was born and permanently resident in India as defined in the Government of India Act, 1935 and other territories that became part of India thereafter provided neither was at any time a citizen of any of the aforesaid countries.

Or who is a spouse of a citizen of India or a PIO

OCI

A foreign national, - (i) Who was a citizen of India at the time of, or at any time after 26th January 1950

(ii) Who was eligible to become a citizen of India on 26th January 1950

(iii) Who belonged to a territory that became part of India after 15th August 1947

(iv) Who is a child or a grandchild or a great-grandchild of such a citizen

(v) Who is a minor child of such persons mentioned above

(vi) Who is a minor child and whose both parents are citizens of India or one of the parents is a citizen of India - is eligible for registration as OCI cardholder. Besides, spouse of foreign origin of a citizen of India or spouse of foreign origin of an Overseas Citizen of India Cardholder and whose marriage has been registered and subsisted for a continuous period of not less than two years immediately preceding the presentation of the application is also eligible for registration as OCI cardholder. However, no person, who or either of whose parents or grandparents or great grandparents is or had been a citizen of Pakistan, Bangladesh or such other country as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, specify, shall be eligible for registration as an Overseas Citizen of India Cardholder.

Can PIOs and OCI card holders play for India?

The Government of India had barred PIOs and OCI players to represent the Indian national team in the international arena in 2008.

Upholding the central government's policy, the Delhi High Court in 2010 had issued a judgment which read, "People of Indian Origin (PIO) and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cannot represent India in international sports events."

Delhi High Court's Justice S Muralidhar had said that until the Government of India does not recognize dual citizenship in all aspects, foreign passport holders should not be permitted to play for India in international events. The decision on the participation of foreign passport holders in National Events is left to the respective National Sports Federation (NSF).

Is Dual citizenship allowed in India?

The Government of India does not grant dual citizenship to a person under the Constitution of India and the Citizenship Act, 1955.

How can PIOs ad OCI card holders play for India?

The only way PIO and OCI footballers can represent India in international football right now is by surrendering their current passports of their present countries and apply for the citizenship of India.

Some prominent eligible PIOs playing in Europe

Omid Singh: The 28-year-old Iranian winger, born to a Punjabi father and an Iranian mother had considered giving up his Iranian passport to take Indian citizenship and represent the national team in the past. Indian coach Igor Stimac too had expressed his desire to get Omid for the national team. Singh currently plies his trade with Persian Gulf Pro League club Aluminium Arak.

Yan Dhanda: Yan Dhanda, born in Birmingham was the first-ever player of Indian heritage to sign a professional contract with Liverpool in December 2015. He started his youth career at West Bromwich Albion and moved to Liverpool's youth system in the same year and presented the Reds at the U18 and U23 level. In 2018, Dhanda moved to Swansea City after his contract ran out with Liverpool. In the ongoing Championship season, the attacking midfielder has appeared in 20 matches for Swansea City and has scored one goal.

Danny Batth: Former Wolves captain Danny Batth, born to an Indian father in England, had expressed his desire to play for the Indian national team back in 2017 after he met then Indian coach Stephen Constantine in India. He desired to represent the country his father was born in but could not due to the citizenship laws of India. The 30-year-old defender currently plays for Stoke City in the Championship.

Neil Taylor: Neil Taylor was born to a Welsh father and Indian, Bengali mother who hailed from Kolkata. The 32-year-old left-back played for Swansea City for seven seasons from 2010-2017 before moving to Aston Villa. In the ongoing Premier League season, Taylor has made 15 appearances for Villa.

Some footballers with dual citizenship who chose to represent their native nation

Ivan Rakitic: The star Croatian midfielder was born in Switzerland and had represented the Swiss national team at various youth level but later shifted to Croatia and represented their senior team eventually a place he was connected through lineage.

Kevin Prince Boateng: Kevin Price Boateng and his brother Jerome were of Ghanian descent born in Germany. Both the brothers represented the German national team at the youth level unlike his singling, Kevin Prince later decided to represent Ghana at the senior level.

Riyad Mahrez: The Manchester City footballer was born in France to Algerian parents and had spent of life in France. But eventually, he decided to represent the Algerian national team.

Zesh Rahman: British-Pakistani defender Zesh Rahman was born in England and had started his professional career in the country but in 2005 he decided to represent the Pakistani national team through his lineage.

Are Fulham in danger of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory?

A recent run of three victories in six matches—including away at Liverpool and Everton—fuelled optimism that the Cottagers could beat the drop.

Similarly, Newcastle United’s own toils raised hope that the Londoners could pip the Magpies to safety.

After a bruising weekend, however, in which Fulham capitulated against Aston Villa and Newcastle battled back to take a point from Tottenham Hotspur, the Cottagers find themselves with another opportunity missed to boost their survival hopes.

Their goal difference is slightly better than Newcastle’s, but they’ve now got 26 points to the Magpies’ 29, while Steve Bruce’s side have a game in hand.

Crucially, while Newcastle have lost only one of their last five—and their morale will be boosted tremendously following their late equaliser against Spurs—Fulham have now lost four of their last five.

Their morale may well be low as well after their late capitulation against Villa, who, inspired by Egypt’s Trezeguet, scored three in the final 12 minutes.

The loss meant heartbreak for the capital club’s Nigerian quintet, all of whom have done themselves proud this season.

Josh Onomah and Josh Maja came off the bench in the encounter, while Ademola Lookman and Ola Aina featured from the start.

So too did Tosin Adarabioyo, whose error led to Villa’s second, as the Anglo-Nigerian defender lost the ball to Keinan Davis after being pressed for the ball. The Villains striker then crossed for Trezeguet, who made no mistake on the volley.

This was a major missed opportunity for Fulham, who had taken the lead through Aleksandar Mitrovic but ultimately let their intensity drop as the contest wore on.

Lookman could have also found the net, but his free kick was deflected wide by Joachim Andersen after Emiliano Martinez had been beaten, while Maja was unable to change the course of the contest after entering the fray.

While Lookman and Maja failed to influence proceedings at one end, Tosin—beyond his error—struggled when up against new England international Ollie Watkins.

Aina, at left-back, arguably had a tougher time when pitted against the irrepressible Bertrand Traore—another player once spurned by Chelsea—who relished the one-on-one battle with his fellow West African and…unfortunately for the Nigerian…had the better of the duel.

Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of the Liverpool game, Adarabioyo expressed optimism that the Cottagers would pull clear.

"I know it's a difficult time for us as a team and the position that we're in, I feel like everybody in this team is learning and pushing towards staying in this league,” he told Sky Sports.

“We are putting in some great performances at the moment individually and collectively."

The Villa match was not a great performance—neither individually (with the exception of Mitrovic) or collectively—but Fulham have shown that they are capable of dispatching some of the best teams in the land.

However, the momentum they once had has dissipated, with Parker lamenting his side’s lack of nous after the match.

"At certain moments in the game, you have to understand where you are and what you need and we didn't manage that," he told journalists. "Sometimes you need to be horrible, play the game in the right territory.

“We were walking away with one point and then we were sloppy,” he added. "It's a young team but we were naive and made silly mistakes.

“After the first goal, we dropped our intensity and it affected us too much and we weren't streetwise enough."

Time is running out for Fulham to learn in time to beat the drop.

They still have to play Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United; all are ominous, but after defeating Liverpool, the Cottagers won’t rule themselves out of any contest.

Encouragingly, they must still host Wolves, Burnley and—critically—Newcastle on the final day, although Parker must amend the side’s tendency to haemorrhage points from winning positions if they’re going to remain alive in the race.

Surely using Frank-Andre Zambo Anguissa—at least as a late substitute to give Fulham midfield control if not from the start—would be one wise move Parker could make to help the Cottagers give themselves fighting chance of survival.