Looking for Soccer News?

Hunt made eight changes from the side which lost 4-0 to Wydad Casablanca last weekend, and it resulted in a 2-0 win at home for Chiefs, thanks to goals from Erick Mathoho and Happy Mashiane.

Several of the changes were enforced - goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune was not available due to the death of his sister, while strikers Leonardo Castro and Samir Nurkovic were both out injured.

Central defender Ramahlwe Mphahlele was suspended, while Kearyn Baccus, Siyabonga Ngezana and Njabulo Blom dropped to the bench after starting last week in Ouagadougou. Anthony Akumu Agay dropped out of the squad altogether.

"Man City change six, seven every week and they keep winning, so I don't know," Hunt told the media after the game when questioned on the changes.

The Amakhosi mentor admitted that inconsistency in the line-up made things more difficult, but claimed that he had little choice.

"We made changes because we had lots of players out and that," Hunt said. "And obviously that affects the balance of the team, and when the balance of the team goes, you need to play players, like I played Lazzy (Lazarous Kambole) on the right, you know we don't really have a right-sided player. I had to play him there, he did okay and ran hard for us.

"We had no striker, so we played Lebo (Lebogang Manyama) there, and so it goes through the team. [Bernard] Parker played as a midfielder because it was the right decision, and so on and so on.

"And at the back, Tower (Mathoho) hasn't played and I need to get him fit. So I had to play him. I'm not going to get him fit by training him, I'm going to get him fit by putting mileage in his legs. It's a domino effect on the team."

Al Merrikh have fired their head coach Nasreddine Nabi after they battled to a 0-0 draw with Simba SC in a Caf Champions League fixture on Saturday.

The Sudanese outfit, who are yet to win a match in Group A, have confirmed Nabi has been fired alongside his assistants Hamadi Sagheer and El Dao Gadamelkhair.

“Al Merrikh has sacked coach Nasreddine Nabi and his assistants Hamadi Sagheer and El Dao Gadamelkhair,” revealed a statement on the club’s social media pages.

The statement comes a few hours after Merrikh secured their first point of the competition after forcing Tanzania’s Simba to a 0-0 draw at Al-Hilal Stadium in Khartoum.

Merrikh have had a bad start to their campaign as they lost the first match 3-0 against African champions Al Ahly in Cairo and then suffered a 4-1 defeat against AS Vita Club of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Against Simba, they managed their first point after containing the Msimbazi giants, who started the game well aiming at getting an early goal, and in the 7th minute, they managed to get an opportunity when the Sudanese outfit conceded a free-kick in a promising position but midfielder Clatous Chama failed to capitalise on it.

In the 19th minute, the Red Devils had a good chance to score when a ball was floated in from the right, but Darren Mattocks failed to connect it. 

Another chance went begging for the hosts in the 25th minute, this time around, Tajeldin Elnour missed the target as his header failed to trouble Beno Kakolanya, who was deputising for Aishi Manula in the Simba goal.

Wekundu wa Msimbazi had half-chances from Chris Mugalu and Luis Miquissone, but they failed to capitalise on them as the first half ended goalless and after the break, once again, both teams resorted to cautious play, relying on counter-attacks.

The East Africans are now on seven points after three matches after they kicked-off their campaign with 1-0 wins over AS Vita away in Kinshasa and Al Ahly of Egypt in Dar es Salaam.

The two teams will meet in the reverse fixture on March 16 at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Tanzania.

Bruno Fernandes has refuted accusations of going missing for Manchester United in big games, with the Portuguese playmaker defending his record against fellow members of the so-called ‘big six’.

A talismanic presence at Old Trafford has registered 40 goal involvements through 41 appearances for the Red Devils.

He does, however, have just one non-penalty effort this season across eight outings against other Premier League heavyweights Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea.

What has been said?

Fernandes has told Sky Sports on questions over his record in games that matter most: “I don't know what people mean by 'top six', because the teams are in top six in the table. I score and assist against some of them. I score this season against Tottenham. But some people say penalties don't count!

“I know people expect Bruno to score or assist in every game because when I arrived, I was playing really well. If you see my stats, everyone is thinking that Bruno has to score in every game, Bruno has to assist in every game.

“And I want to do that - it's the most important thing. But as a player, I don't look for the big six or the rest of the league. I look for every game in the same way. And I think the league is not a sprint, it's a marathon. So you don't have to score or win against the big six - you have to score and win against everyone.

“I see people talking about Bruno not doing so well against the 'big six'. People have said Bruno gives the ball away too many times when we lose a game.

“Also, in the game against Basaksehir, I scored two goals and I lost more balls than their team, but people said I was the best player in the game. So, what is the point?

“But I agree the last two games, I didn't play very well. And I don't need to see the stats to see if I play well or not. I know when I play well or not.

“I saw an interview from Luke (Shaw) saying, 'people now care more about stats than the performance'. And this is the truth. Because now they're expecting from me just goals and assists, and not performances.

“They don't care about the performance of Bruno, they don't care about ball recovery or how many chances I create, because I can create 10 chances but if I don't score, people will say Bruno didn't play very well.

“But this is football. Football is in the moment. Some people have said I'm playing bad, and that I have to do better. And I agree, because we always can do better. But for me, it's OK. I can have that pressure on my back.

“I'm sure in some moments, I will score, I will assist, and I will perform. And that will help my team-mates to win the game.”

The bigger picture

Fernandes has only two non-penalty goals in his last 13 outings for United against any opposition.

His value to the collective cause remains without question, though, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will continue to lean heavily on him.

The Red Devils remain in the hunt for FA Cup and Europa League glory this season, while a Premier League derby date with table-topping Manchester City is next on the agenda for a side that has not given up hope on reining their arch-rivals in.

Further reading

Nigeria national team coach Gernot Rohr has revealed Napoli forward Victor Osimhen has been unlucky this season but he is confident the forward will soon start impressing with the Serie A side.

The 22-year-old teamed up with the Parthenopeans last summer on a club-record fee of €80 million following his eye-catching displays for Lille during his one-year stay with the club.

The centre-forward has, however, struggled to play regularly, owing to injury, suspension and coronavirus-related problems.

The forward has not featured for Gennaro Gattuso’s men since February 21 when he suffered head trauma after landing awkwardly on the turf following a collision with Cristian Romero.

Rohr has highlighted the qualities of the Super Eagles forward and believes Napoli fans will soon see his best after overcoming his injury problems.

“Victor Osimhen's season has so far been unlucky, between injuries and Covid. Already in October, he could not play with our national team two games, in Austria, because he was in quarantine after some of his teammates at Napoli had contracted Covid," Rohr told Kiss Kiss Napoli.

“I spoke with the boy and he told me that he is physically and mentally fine. He is ready to return to the field with Napoli and also with the national team.

“Victor can play as a central striker in both 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1. They are two game systems that we use in the national team. He has been a permanent player in the Nigerian national team for five years.

“His spirit of sacrifice is an example for all. You will soon see his real value. In the national team he is our point of reference for the attack, he has collected an important legacy in that role, that of [Odion] Ighalo.

“In the next qualifying matches for the African Cup, we hope to find him with great energy. Napoli are a great team but have been unlucky this season.

“Gattuso is a good coach and Victor told me he trusts him a lot and what he's teaching him. I think he can get results already this season.

“I played against Maradona in Naples with Bordeaux in the Uefa Cup. I didn't mark him directly but I remember that Napoli were a very strong team, one of the strongest in that historical moment and deserved to win the Cup that year.”

Osimhen has only made 16 appearances across all competitions, scoring two goals and providing one assist.

The forward will be expected to make his much-awaited return for Napoli when they take on Bologna at Stadio San Paolo on Sunday.

Azam FC and Mwadui FC registered a 0-0 draw in their Saturday Mainland Premier League encounter at Mwadui Complex.

Azam had to make a change in the 27th minute when Prince Dube was injured and his place was filled by Mpiana Monzinzi. 

Initially, Dube had stayed out of action for four weeks after undergoing successful surgery in South Africa. The Zimbabwean star injured his ulnar of the left hand during their league defeat to Young Africans (Yanga SC) in December and his recent injury could rule him out for more actions.

The draw could be seen as a blow for the Ice-cream Makers who could have narrowed the gap between them and Simba to just one point had they defeated Mwadui.

Simba, although they are yet to play three catch-up games, are second to Yanga SC and were committed to a Caf Champions League tie against Al-Merrikh.

Elsehwere, Kagera Sugar fell to a 1-0 defeat to Namungo FC. Sixtus Sabilo scored the all-important goal for Namungo FC who now move to the ninth position with 27 points.

Namungo have played the least number of games as participation in the Caf Confederation Cup has seen them engage in just 18 games. Kagera Sugar, who have played 23 games are at position 13 with 24 points.

In another game, Ruvu Shooting recorded a 3-0 win over JKT Tanzania. 

Fully Maganga scored the opener in the fourth minute before Frank Ikobela added the second in the 58th minute. Maganga earned his brace when he successfully converted in the 87th minute to ensure the home side won the points and a clean sheet.

The victory sees them go fifth with 34 points after 23 games while JKT Tanzania remain just above the relegation zone as they have played 23 games and have 24 points.

Premier League debutants Gwambina FC and Ihefu FC are in the relegation zone as they find the time in the top-flight getting tougher given that they are 15th and 16th and with 23 and 20 points respectively. They are however better than Mbeya City and Mwadui FC who occupy the last two positions on the 18-table team.

Mbeya City have 16 points from 21 games while Mwadui, at rock-bottom, have points equal to Mwadui's but have played two more games.

Yanga, who lost for the first time this season to Coastal Union on Thursday, continue to enjoy top spot with 49 points from 22 games.

Orlando Pirates maintained their good form in the PSL by claiming a 3-0 victory over Chippa United at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday evening.

Goals from Deon Hotto, Ben Motshwari and Riaan Hanamub (own-goal) inspired the Buccaneers to a convincing victory in Port Elizabeth.

The Chilli Boys were banking on their five-match unbeaten run having being held to a 0-0 draw by Cape Town City in a league encounter in midweek.

Bienvenu Eva Nga, who netted the first hat-trick of the season in the league, was recalled to the starting line-up by coach Dan Malesela after Chippa had failed to score against City.

Meanwhile, the Buccaneers were looking to extend their seven-match unbeaten run after securing a 1-0 win over Bloemfontein Celtic in a league game in midweek.

Thabang Monare returned to the starting line-up as coach Josef Zinnbauer made one change to the starting line-up which faced Celtic.

There was pace, movement and creativity from the Pirates forward line in the opening stages and the Chippa defence was unsettled by Hotto, Linda Mntambo and Vincent Pule.

Mtshali produced two great saves to deny Hotto and Pule, before Paseka Mako's attempt was blocked on the goal-line by Pirates loanee Sandile Mthethwa. 

The Chilli Boys did threaten following a rare attack by the home side and Pirates goalkeeper Richard Ofori made a fantastic save to deny Sizwe Mdlinzo at the near-post.

Mtshali then made a costly mistake as he came out and miskicked the ball completely and it fell kindly for Hotto, who fired into an empty net to make it 1-0 to Pirates in the 39th minute.

Pirates were soon 2-0 up in the 44th minute as Hanamub netted an own-goal when he directed his compatriot Hotto's shot into the back of the net to make it 2-0 to Pirates.  

Chippa dominated possession after the restart with Pirates happy to sit back and launch quick counter-attacks through their pacey attackers, Hotto, Pule and Mntambo.

The Buccaneers had an opportunity to extend their lead against the run of play when Siphesihle Ndlovu delivered a cross to Motshwari, whose shot was superbly pushed away by Mtshali.

Ofori then made two fine saves to deny Eva Nga and Peter Maloisane as the Chilli Boys pushed for the equalizing goal and Zinnbauer reacted by introducing Frank Mhango and Bongani Sam.

The Chilli Boys controlled the match in the latter stages of the game, but they were vulnerable at the back and they were punished by Motshwari, who netted with a low shot in the 90th minute to seal Pirates' 3-0 win. 

Ultimately, Pirates ran out 3-0 winners over Chippa and the win took them to second place on the league standings - a point behind leaders, Mamelodi Sundowns, who have four games in hand, while the Chilli Boys remained 13th on the log.

Chippa will now lock horns with AmaZulu FC in a league game on March 10 and Pirates are set to face Algerian side ES Setif in the Caf Confederation Cup on the same day.

Brendan Rodgers considers Jamie Vardy to be “irreplaceable” at Leicester, but the Foxes boss is planning on dipping into the summer transfer market for reinforcements.

Another striker could be on his wish list, but the Northern Irishman admits that he will never find another like his current No.9.

Premier League title winner Vardy remains a talismanic presence at the King Power Stadium, with there few forwards around that possess his mix of pace, energy and finishing ability.

What has been said?

Rodgers has told reporters of his leading marksman: “For me he is irreplaceable. You cannot find anyone there. It is so unique, his story, his qualities and what he has given to Leicester.

“For us, it's more about the actual profile of what we want. I'll always look to have speed at the top of the field, but are there other attributes that we would look for?

“But to try to replace him – it's impossible."

Vardy’s record at Leicester

The 34-year-old was snapped up by Leicester from Fleetwood Town in 2012 when they were still a Championship club.

He was not prolific straight away in the East Midlands, but hit his stride during a stunning title triumph in 2015-16 as the target was found on 24 occasions.

Vardy has been a model of consistency since then, taking his Leicester goal haul to 144 and passing a century of efforts in the English top-flight.

The bigger picture

Vardy is Leicester’s top scorer again this season, with the target found on 14 occasions across all competitions, but he has netted just once in his last 13 appearances.

Cover and competition may be sought in the next window, with Rodgers adding: “(He is) an incredible servant for the club, and still has a big contribution to make over this season and the next couple of seasons.

“For the number of games we play, and the demands that is put on players...he is not going to be able to play to that rhythm and style every game.

“Our idea in the summer will be to strengthen the squad again.”

Vardy’s current contract at Leicester is due to run until the summer of 2023.

Further reading

Spain's La Liga outfit Atletico Madrid and German Bundesliga club Bayer 04 Leverkusen joined national team legend Asamoah Gyan and a host of Ghana football stars in celebrating the independence anniversary on Saturday.

Many have taken to social media as Ghana marks 64 years of breaking away from British colonial rule.

Atletico, who, until the summer last year had deputy Ghana captain Thomas Teye Partey in their fold, tweeted: “Wishing our friends in Ghana a happy Independence Day.

Leverkusen, who currently have Dutch-born Ghana prospects Jeremie Frimpong and Timothy Fosu-Mensah on their sheet, similarly posted, “Wishing a happy Independence Day to everyone in Ghana!”

Former Sunderland and Udinese striker Gyan, the nation’s most-capped and all-time top scorer of 109 appearances and 51 goals, tweeted “Happy Independence Day to everybody”, accompanied by a short video compilation of his strike against the Czech Republic during Ghana’s maiden appearance at the World Cup at Germany 2006 – Ghana’s first-ever World Cup goal – his Round of 16 extra-time winner against the USA at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and his last-gasp equaliser against England at Wembley in a 2011 friendly fixture.

Chelsea left-back Abdul Baba Rahman, currently on loan with Greek side PAOK, like many, kept it simple, posting “Happy Independence Day”.

China-based Mubarak Wakaso went for the same but added the opening clause of the first line of Ghana’s national anthem, tweeting “Happy Independence Day. God bless our homeland Ghana”.

Other Black Stars, including Hoffenheim centre-back Kasim Nuhu Adams, Anderlecht midfielder Majeed Ashimeru, Strasbourg striker Abdul Majeed Waris, also posted on their nation’s special day.

Below are some of the posts:

NorthEast United spoilt ATK Mohun Bagan's party as the first leg of the second semi-final ended in a 1-1 draw at the GMC Stadium Bambolim. 

The Kolkata giants were defensively adept after they broke the deadlock in the 34th minute through a David Williams strike. The Highlanders, however, snatched a point and Idrissa Sylla netted the equalizer in injury time. 

NorthEast United head coach Khalid Jamil was satisfied with the result and he mentioned that it was a vital point for his side ahead of the return leg. 

What Jamil said

"We are thinking about the next game. It is a vital point. We came back strongly because our players worked very hard. Britto, Sylla, Machado and even Gallego (did well) so we are happy to equalize," Jamil said after the game.  

"You can say it's a vital point after trailing 1-0 in the first half. ATK Mohun Bagan are good defensively. It is not easy to break them. But we scored and that's why we are very happy," he added. 

"We see the availability of players, so according to that, we will put the players," the coach responded to a question aboutt starting with Deshorn Brown in the second leg.  

Sylla is a quality striker

"Sylla is a very matured player. He is very calm. Never takes any pressure and he has patience. That's why he came in today and scored. He never asks why I am not playing. He's here for the team. He's worked hard and he is one of the quality strikers we have," Jamil Said. 

"We are not thinking about early goals. We are thinking about keeping our concentration high in 90 minutes. Just go with the flow. That's our main target. Ashutosh (Mehta) is an important player that's why he is in the Indian team. I made him play right half, marking, going inside. Second-half he played in his original position.

"The second leg is important. We have to be strong from start to end." 

Kenya international Michael Olunga was on the scoresheet yet again as Al Duhail SC secured a 2-1 win against Al Kharaitiyat in a Qatar Stars League match on Saturday.

Duhail were the better side in this match played at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium as they scored the two goals in the second half to take their tally of points in the league to 37 and keep their second position.

After a 0-0 draw in the first half, Mohammed Muntari put Duhail ahead in the 69th minute and with five minutes left to the final whistle, the towering Harambee Stars striker then made it 2-0 for the vital points.

Duhail started the match in an offensive manner and it was clear that they wanted to find the back of the net early but the defensive method of the Kharaitiyat team did not give the Duhail players sufficient space to move and build the attacks.

The team’s opening chance fell to Edimilson Junior, whose shot kissed the bar in the 23rd minute and the second chance fell to Olunga, who sent a strong shot that rattled the post before going out for a goal-kick.

In the second half, Duhail continued with their offensive pressure while Kharitiyat kept their defensive area tight by closing all the spaces and they only relied on counter-attacks to try to stun Duhail.

In the 69th minute, Muntari, who had just come on for Al-Moez Ali after recovering from an injury and making the matchday squad, scored the first goal with a header, taking advantage of the cross he received from Eduardo Dudu to put the ball in the back of the net.

Olunga then grabbed the second in the 85th minute, taking advantage of a corner-kick delivered by Dudu, to rise above Kharaitiyat defenders and beat keeper Say Eliethy with a powerful header.

Duhail continued to attack in the remaining few minutes for a third goal, but Kharaitiyat remained tight at the back for the game to end 2-0.

Olunga, who signed for Duhail from Japanese side Kashiwa Reysol, had helped the team reach the quarter-finals of the Emir Cup after they defeated Al-Shamal 2-0 last Tuesday at Suheim bin Hamad Stadium.

During the Cup match, Olunga put Duhail ahead in the 45th minute before Abdullah Al-Ahrak grabbed the second goal in the 84th minute.

Duhail are now 10 points behind table-toppers Al Sadd and will next face Al-Sailiya in another league match on March 11.

Granit Xhaka endured an afternoon to forget for Arsenal at Burnley, as he gifted Chris Wood an equaliser in a 1-1 draw, but Bernd Leno claims the midfielder was “very unlucky”.

The Gunners had led at Turf Moor through Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, but were hauled level before the interval.

That is because, when playing out from the back, Xhaka clipped a pass into Clarets frontman Wood and watched on in horror as the ball ricocheted into the back of the net.

What has been said?

Leno told BBC Sport when looking to defend Xhaka from any criticism: “We wanted to build out again because it had been working and it was very unlucky from Granit but it happens.

“There is always risk to play out from the back but this is our style. I think we have more than enough situations where it works to our advantage.”

What else happened?

Both teams had chances to take all three points at Turf Moor, with another action-packed Premier League fixture played out.

The most contentious moments arrived in the second half, as Arsenal looked to establish forward momentum once more in an ongoing bid to claim a top-six finish.

Mikel Arteta shuffled his pack, with Nicolas Pepe among those introduced off the bench.

He felt there had been handball by Burnley defender Erik Pieters on two occasions, but was frustrated both times.

Arteta has spoken out against VAR after seeing one penalty appeal waved away, while the input of those at Stockley Park led to another spot-kick and subsequent red card for Pieters being rescinded.

Leno added on a frustrating outing for the Gunners: “We had many big chances. I think we should have got a penalty and at the end it is only one point and I think we deserved more.

“In the first half we played our game and we dominated. It should have been two or three-nil and it was 1-1.

“In the second half we played too much of Burnley’s football and it doesn’t suit us or anybody in the Premier League.”

The bigger picture

Stalemate in Lancashire has kept Arsenal stuck in mid-table, seven points adrift of sixth-placed West Ham and nine behind the top four as the majority of those above them now boast games in hand.

A Europa League outing against Olympiacos is next on the agenda for Arteta’s side, with the first leg of a heavyweight continental clash set to be taken in on Thursday, while a north London derby date with Tottenham is due to be staged at Emirates Stadium next Sunday.

Further reading

Vipers SC suffered their first defeat of the 2020-21 campaign after they lost 1-0 to Mbarara City in a Ugandan Premier League match at Kakyeka Stadium on Saturday.

The Venoms were among the two unbeaten sides in the top-flight, the other being Express FC, but the champions produced a poor display to go down to the relegation-threatened side.

Going into the match, Vipers had the chance to move top of the 16-team table had they won the tie but instead, disaster struck in the 51st minute when Bashir Asiku’s miscalculation of a long ball allowed Robert Kitegenyi to neatly chip Allan Ssekagya for the only goal of the game.

Vipers coach Fred Kajoba made only one change from the side that saw off Soltilo Bright Stars FC last time out, with South Sudanese Joseph Dhata replacing the suspended Disan Galiwango, who did not travel for the fixture due to accumulated yellow cards.

The match started in relatively slow fashion, with the 13th-placed home side taking a more cautious approach, limiting the league defending champions to just a few chances.

Up to the 30th minute, it was far from an entertaining half as Mbarara City’s Henry Kitegenyi together with Stephen Othieno found themselves in referee Alex Muhabi’s book for rough play.

With the teams heading into the break tied at 0-0, it was Mbarara who returned the more rejuvenated side and the 51st minute they took a shock lead through Ssekagya.

Sensing danger, Kajoba made a double substitution at the hour mark, introducing Rashid Toha together with Allan Kayiwa in place of Dhata and Paul Mucureezi, while Mbarara stand-in coach Sadiq Sempigi made his first substitution in the 63rd minute by withdrawing Makueth Wol for Ibrahim Magandazi as they desperately protected their lead.

The defeat ended Vipers' unbeaten run of 12 matches and saw them remain second on the table, one point behind leaders Express, who have 27 points and will next face SC Villa at home on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Villa secured a 2-2 draw against Police FC in another match. The Jogoos scored their goals through Muhammad Senoga in the 16th minute and Goffin Oyirwoth in the 36th minute while Johnson Odongo and Henry Kiseka scored for the Law Enforcers, in the 24th and 51st minutes, respectively.

Elsewhere, Wakiso Giants scored in the 88th minute courtesy of Viane Sekajugo to sink BUL FC 1-0.

Mikel Arteta has been asking more questions of VAR and the ever-changing handball rule in Premier League football, with Arsenal seeing big decisions go against them at Burnley.

The Gunners were held to a 1-1 draw at Turf Moor, with an eventful contest seeing both sides make mistakes and squander opportunities to take all three points.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang opened the scoring, but a glaring error from Granit Xhaka allowed Chris Wood to restore parity before second-half drama saw Arsenal denied two spot-kicks – one that the match officials missed completely and another that was rescinded on review.

What has been said?

Reflecting on a lively encounter, an irritated Arteta told BT Sport: “It's a really tough place to come on a difficult pitch, but I have to say we should have scored the big chances we had.

“When you miss the chances we had, and you do not get decisions, it is complicated to win football games. If that is not a penalty, then someone needs to explain what one is.

“From what we produced, you have to come here and win. When you do not, you have to look at yourself. We completely dominated the first half but they make it difficult with a lot of long ball.

“We generated chances and we should have won by two or three goals. If you give any hope to any team in the Premier League, they are going to take it.”

What happened at Turf Moor?

Aubameyang bundled Arsenal into a sixth-minute lead, with a low effort sneaking past Nick Pope at his near post.

The Gunners had opportunities to double their lead, most notably through Bukayo Saka, but then proceeded to shoot themselves in the foot.

In trying to play out from the back, Swiss midfielder Xhaka fired a pass through his own box into Clarets striker Wood, who could not believe his luck as the ball ricocheted into the net.

Both teams had chances after the interval, with Arsenal stepping on the gas late on.

Nicolas Pepe looked lively off the bench and felt Pieters had handled when blocking his path, but those at Stockley Park waved away protests amid ongoing confusion regarding handball regulations.

Pieters was then pulled up for supposedly using his arm inside the area, as he deflected a Pepe shot onto the crossbar, with a red card flashed in his direction.

Andre Mariner was advised to reverse both the dismissal and penalty calls, much to the relief of Burnley boss Sean Dyche as his side hung up to take a point.

Dyche said: “I'm a fan of VAR, we know it has to be streamlined but that is where it's worth its weight in gold.

“The referee couldn't wait to get his red card out today, although he is a very fine referee. That is what VAR is for.

“There wasn't a lot in it in the first half, but our defending was exceptional and we probably made the chance of the game, but their keeper made a good save.”

Further reading

Hans-Joachim Watzke is not expecting any crazy offers for Erling Haaland or Jadon Sancho, as he feels dark clouds are gathering over European football.

Haaland and Sancho are two of Borussia Dortmund’s prized assets, and have been linked with some of the biggest clubs in the game.

Dortmund have the pair tied to long contracts so there is no fear of them heading out of the club on free transfers in the near future, and Watzke is not expecting eye-watering offers to be tabled.

What was said?

“Overall, I don't think that crazy things will happen," Dortmund CEO Watzke told Sky Germany.

Aside from a couple of exceptions - namely Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City - Watzke expects to see a cutting of cloth in football.

"I know the situation in the European leagues very well, and the clouds are getting darker instead of lighter," said Watzke. 

Asked if that's also the case for PSG and City, Watzke added: "[PSG and Man City] are backed by entire states which find ways and means to pump money in.”

Dortmund's struggles in 2020-21

Rumours suggest Dortmund may be prepared to sell either Sancho or Haaland in the summer if the price is right. 

What complicates the process is the club’s position in the Bundesliga. Before the weekend’s round of games, Dortmund were fifth in the table and outside of the Champions League qualification places.

Failure to reach Europe’s premier club competition would be a hit to the finances, meaning the need to push on in the final weeks of the season is clear if they are to retain their current transfer strategy.

Further reading

Luke Shaw has landed Manchester United’s Player of the Month award for February, with the Red Devils left-back revealing that Bruno Fernandes has begrudgingly accepted that another individual gong has not come his way.

The Portuguese playmaker has become accustomed to landing prestigious prizes across his time at Old Trafford and had been in the running for another as a result of his efforts over recent weeks – with Daniel James and Scott McTominay the other contenders.

Shaw topped a supporter poll, for the first time since March 2019, but the England international left-back has had to justify that success to an ambitious colleague that likes to hog the limelight.

What has been said?

Shaw has told United’s official website on edging out Fernandes: “He came up to me when I’d won it and he was like ‘how have you won this?’

“I said ‘it’s the fans that pick it, no one at the club. You have to understand that!’ 

“He was like ‘Ah, it’s okay, someone else needs to win it sometime.’

“He’s up for the Premier League Player of the Month award, so he’s quite confident he can win that. I’m hoping he can win it, because obviously I took this one!”

Why did Shaw win the award?

The 25-year-old has become the fifth different winner of a Player of the Month prize at United this season.

His efforts have been recognised in a campaign that has seen him become a model of consistency for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, with added competition for a left-back berth from Alex Telles being fended off.

Shaw starred for the Red Devils in February, with six appearances taken in altogether.

He set up two goals in a 9-0 demolition of Southampton, before then swinging over a free-kick for McTominay to nod home in a 3-3 draw with Everton.

It was also his centre that allowed Fernandes to hook into the net against West Brom, while a notable clean sheet was secured last time out in a 0-0 draw with in-form Chelsea.

The bigger picture

Shaw is seeing an international recall mooted heading towards this summer’s European Championship, with his high standards being acknowledged by England boss Gareth Southgate.

Domestic commitments have his full focus for now, though, with United – who remain in contention for FA Cup and Europa League honours in 2021 – readying themselves for a derby date with Premier League leaders Manchester City on Sunday.

Further reading