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Simy Nwankwo scored his fourth Serie A goal of the season as Crotone suffered a 3-1 defeat against Sampdoria in Saturday's encounter.

Simy pulled a goal back for the Pythagoreans on the stroke of half-time after efforts from Mikkel Damsgaard and Jakub Jankto gave Sampdoria a 2-0 lead in the first 35 minutes.

After the restart, Fabio Quagliarella came off the bench to seal victory for the hosts with his 65th-minute goal, which condemned Crotone to their ninth league loss of the season.

Simy was in action for the entire duration but despite the Nigerian's contribution in front of goal, his team have only won a match in the Italian top-flight so far this term.

The 28-year-old has played in each of Crotone's matches in this campaign, and he is three goals from equalling his best goalscoring return in the Serie A (seven goals in the 2017-18 season).

Ivory Coast's Koffi Djidji was also on parade for the visitors as he was introduced in the 78th minute, while the Gambia centre-back Omar Colley saw 90 minutes of action for Sampdoria and Senegal's Keita Balde was an unused substitute.

Saturday's defeat left Crotone languishing at the bottom of the Serie A table with six points after playing 13 matches.

Next up for Simy and his teammates, is a home league match against Gervinho's Parma on Tuesday and they will be targeting a positive result to end the year on a high.

Robert Lewandowski's last-gasp strike sent Bayern Munich top of the table as Bayer Leverkusen's unbeaten Bundesliga record this season was dramatically ended with a 2-1 defeat.

A stunning Patrik Schick volley put Leverkusen in front at BayArena on Saturday, but the European and Bundesliga champions came from behind to extend their unbeaten run to 19 matches and replace the hosts at the summit.

Lewandowski celebrated being crowned Best FIFA Men's Player for 2020 this week by taking advantage of a mix-up between Jonathan Tah and goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky to head home late in the first half.

The Poland striker won it with just about the last kick of the game, Tah punished for another mistake as Bayern went two points clear in their last game of the year.

Leverkusen caught Bayern napping with a short corner to take the lead 14 minutes in, Schick brilliantly volleying Nadiem Amiri's inviting cross beyond a motionless Manuel Neuer.

Leory Sane came on for the injured Coman after Schick had a goal ruled out for offside and Bayern were gifted an equaliser two minutes before the break, an unmarked Lewandowski heading into the empty net when Tah and goalkeeper Hradecky made a mess of trying to deal with Thomas Muller's cross.

Lewandowski planted another free header over the crossbar as Hansi Flick's side finished the first half strongly and the striker should have tried his luck rather than attempting a pass after turning sharply in the penalty area early in the second half.

Amiri stung Neuer's palms with a rasping drive and Hradecky superbly tipped Serge Gnabry's shot around the post as both sides pushed for a second goal in a gripping encounter.

Joshua Kimmich made his return from injury off the bench in a double change that saw substitute Sane withdrawn, the winger looking understandably unimpressed to be hauled off midway through the second half.

Jamal Musiala struck an upright with a measured right-foot shot from the edge of the area before a dramatic final twist, Kimmich pouncing on Tah’s heavy touch and feeding Lewandowski, who drilled home with the aid of a deflection.

What does it mean? Champions end 2020 on ominous note

Bayern have taken on all comers under Flick this year and they will take some stopping in 2021, this victory striking a big blow to Leverkusen and their other rivals for the title.

Leverkusen were unfortunate not to take a point from an entertaining encounter, but only had themselves to blame after conceding two poor goals.

Lethal Lewandowski unstoppable

Lewandowski appears to be unstoppable and the prolific Pole ought to have had a hat-trick as he reached 20 goals for the season before Christmas.

The former Borussia Dortmund man has 16 goals from 13 Bundesliga games this season. He had only netted four times in 17 top-flight matches against Leverkusen before popping up with a decisive double.

Lewandowski had seven shots and although only two of those were on target, they were enough to send his side to the summit.

Torment for Tah

Leverkusen defender Tah will not want to watch this game again, particularly Lewandowski's winner.

He failed to control the ball and the fit-again Kimmich nipped in, with Lewandowski then doing what he does best. Tah also totally misjudged Muller's cross in the first half and, although his keeper was also badly at fault, the centre-back left one of the best players in the world unmarked to level.

Tah lost possession 13 times, won just 37.5 per cent of his duels and could be having nightmares about his display during the mid-season break.

What's next?

Bayern's first assignment of 2021 will be at home against Mainz on January 3, while Leverkusen start the new year with a trip to Eintracht Frankfurt a day earlier.

Arsenal failed to halt their dismal Premier League form as Everton claimed a 2-1 victory to keep the pressure on Mikel Arteta.

The Gunners, without injured captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, have now gone seven league games without a win after Yerry Mina's header and Rob Holding's own goal lifted Everton up to second.

Nicolas Pepe's penalty had restored parity at Goodison Park, where Arteta spent six-and-a-half seasons as a player, but it was not a platform from which Arsenal could build.

Though Jordan Pickford's error led to David Luiz hitting the post, Mina's 45th-minute header ultimately proved enough for Everton to secure a third straight win from a game which saw just four attempts on target.

Michael Keane was just inches away from breaking the deadlock as Everton started in confident fashion, and an opener came when Dominic Calvert-Lewin's header from Alex Iwobi's cross diverted in off Holding.

Eddie Nketiah sliced wide from Kieran Tierney's cutback to waste Arsenal's first chance, but Tom Davies' blind challenge on Ainsley Maitland-Niles handed the Gunners a reprieve.

Pepe made no mistake, sending Pickford the wrong way with a cool finish – the Ivorian's sixth straight successful penalty.

Bernd Leno thought he had kept the scores level heading into the break with a stunning save from Calvert-Lewin, yet Everton restored their lead when Mina headed in from Gylfi Sigurdsson's subsequent corner.

Despite the setback, Arsenal came out quickly after the restart, with David Luiz hitting the upright after Pickford flapped at a cross.

Ben Godfrey's powerful run nearly resulted in Calvert-Lewin snatching a third for Everton on the counter, before Richarlison went close to teeing up Iwobi.

Arteta turned to Gabriel Martinelli with just under 20 minutes left, though the visitors' best chance did not come until the dying seconds when Pickford kept out Bukayo Saka's low drive to condemn Arsenal to an eighth league defeat of the season.

What does it mean? Differing anniversary celebrations

These sides faced each other at Goodison Park on December 21, 2019 – the day Ancelotti was appointed as Everton manager and a day after Arteta had taken charge at Arsenal – though neither were on the touchline in that game.

Ancelotti will mark a year at the helm with his team five points off leaders Liverpool while, should Brighton and Hove Albion beat Sheffield United on Sunday, Arsenal would drop to 16th.

Mina's first-half late shows rolls on

All of Mina's last four Premier League goals have now come in the 45th minute or first-half stoppage time.

The Colombia international made a decisive impact at one end, but also impressed in defence, making two tackles, while his defensive partner Keane made a game-high five clearances.

More own goal woe for the Gunners

Arsenal are finding it hard enough to score at the other end, without putting through their own net. The Gunners have scored three own goals in the Premier League this season, only scoring more in 2002-03 (four) and 2011-12 (five).

In a twist of irony, Holding is the first Arsenal player to score an own goal against Everton in the Premier League since Arteta himself did so in April 2014, in a 3-0 defeat at Goodison.

Key Opta Facts

- Arsenal's 14 points from 14 games this season is their worst record at this stage of a season since the 1974-75 campaign (12 points, converted to three per win).
- Everton have won two of their last three home league games against Arsenal, as many as in their previous 11 against them at Goodison Park.
- After a run of just one win in seven Premier League games, Everton have won each of their last three, guaranteeing them a spot in the top four at Christmas for the first time since 2004-05.
- Arsenal have not scored from open play in any of their last five Premier League away games, with their two goals on the road since Alexandre Lacazette's strike against Liverpool coming from the penalty spot.
- Pepe has more goal involvements in all competitions than any other Arsenal player this season, with the Ivorian the Gunners joint-top goalscorer (five) and assister (three) this term.

What's next?

Both teams are in EFL Cup quarter-final action, with Arsenal facing another of Arteta's old teams in the form of Manchester City on Tuesday, a day before Everton host Manchester United.

Arsenal failed to halt their dismal Premier League form as Everton claimed a 2-1 victory to keep the pressure on Mikel Arteta.

The Gunners, without injured captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, have now gone seven league games without a win after Yerry Mina's header and Rob Holding's own goal lifted Everton up to second.

Nicolas Pepe's penalty had restored parity at Goodison Park, where Arteta spent six-and-a-half seasons as a player, but it was not a platform from which Arsenal could build.

Though Jordan Pickford's error led to David Luiz hitting the post, Mina's 45th-minute header ultimately proved enough for Everton to secure a third straight win from a game which saw just four attempts on target.

Michael Keane was just inches away from breaking the deadlock as Everton started in confident fashion, and an opener came when Dominic Calvert-Lewin's header from Alex Iwobi's cross diverted in off Holding.

Eddie Nketiah sliced wide from Kieran Tierney's cutback to waste Arsenal's first chance, but Tom Davies' blind challenge on Ainsley Maitland-Niles handed the Gunners a reprieve.

Pepe made no mistake, sending Pickford the wrong way with a cool finish – the Ivorian's sixth straight successful penalty.

Bernd Leno thought he had kept the scores level heading into the break with a stunning save from Calvert-Lewin, yet Everton restored their lead when Mina headed in from Gylfi Sigurdsson's subsequent corner.

Despite the setback, Arsenal came out quickly after the restart, with David Luiz hitting the upright after Pickford flapped at a cross.

Ben Godfrey's powerful run nearly resulted in Calvert-Lewin snatching a third for Everton on the counter, before Richarlison went close to teeing up Iwobi.

Arteta turned to Gabriel Martinelli with just under 20 minutes left, though the visitors' best chance did not come until the dying seconds when Pickford kept out Bukayo Saka's low drive to condemn Arsenal to an eighth league defeat of the season.

What does it mean? Differing anniversary celebrations

These sides faced each other at Goodison Park on December 21, 2019 – the day Ancelotti was appointed as Everton manager and a day after Arteta had taken charge at Arsenal – though neither were on the touchline in that game.

Ancelotti will mark a year at the helm with his team five points off leaders Liverpool while, should Brighton and Hove Albion beat Sheffield United on Sunday, Arsenal would drop to 16th.

Mina's first-half late shows rolls on

All of Mina's last four Premier League goals have now come in the 45th minute or first-half stoppage time.

The Colombia international made a decisive impact at one end, but also impressed in defence, making two tackles, while his defensive partner Keane made a game-high five clearances.

More own goal woe for the Gunners

Arsenal are finding it hard enough to score at the other end, without putting through their own net. The Gunners have scored three own goals in the Premier League this season, only scoring more in 2002-03 (four) and 2011-12 (five).

In a twist of irony, Holding is the first Arsenal player to score an own goal against Everton in the Premier League since Arteta himself did so in April 2014, in a 3-0 defeat at Goodison.

Key Opta Facts

- Arsenal's 14 points from 14 games this season is their worst record at this stage of a season since the 1974-75 campaign (12 points, converted to three per win).
- Everton have won two of their last three home league games against Arsenal, as many as in their previous 11 against them at Goodison Park.
- After a run of just one win in seven Premier League games, Everton have won each of their last three, guaranteeing them a spot in the top four at Christmas for the first time since 2004-05.
- Arsenal have not scored from open play in any of their last five Premier League away games, with their two goals on the road since Alexandre Lacazette's strike against Liverpool coming from the penalty spot.
- Pepe has more goal involvements in all competitions than any other Arsenal player this season, with the Ivorian the Gunners joint-top goalscorer (five) and assister (three) this term.

What's next?

Both teams are in EFL Cup quarter-final action, with Arsenal facing another of Arteta's old teams in the form of Manchester City on Tuesday, a day before Everton host Manchester United.

Robert Lewandowski's last-gasp strike sent Bayern Munich top of the table as Bayer Leverkusen's unbeaten Bundesliga record this season was dramatically ended with a 2-1 defeat.

A stunning Patrik Schick volley put Leverkusen in front at BayArena on Saturday, but the European and Bundesliga champions came from behind to extend their unbeaten run to 19 matches and replace the hosts at the summit.

Lewandowski celebrated being crowned Best FIFA Men's Player for 2020 this week by taking advantage of a mix-up between Jonathan Tah and goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky to head home late in the first half.

The Poland striker won it with just about the last kick of the game, Tah punished for another mistake as Bayern went two points clear in their last game of the year.

Leverkusen caught Bayern napping with a short corner to take the lead 14 minutes in, Schick brilliantly volleying Nadiem Amiri's inviting cross beyond a motionless Manuel Neuer.

Leory Sane came on for the injured Coman after Schick had a goal ruled out for offside and Bayern were gifted an equaliser two minutes before the break, an unmarked Lewandowski heading into the empty net when Tah and goalkeeper Hradecky made a mess of trying to deal with Thomas Muller's cross.

Lewandowski planted another free header over the crossbar as Hansi Flick's side finished the first half strongly and the striker should have tried his luck rather than attempting a pass after turning sharply in the penalty area early in the second half.

Amiri stung Neuer's palms with a rasping drive and Hradecky superbly tipped Serge Gnabry's shot around the post as both sides pushed for a second goal in a gripping encounter.

Joshua Kimmich made his return from injury off the bench in a double change that saw substitute Sane withdrawn, the winger looking understandably unimpressed to be hauled off midway through the second half.

Jamal Musiala struck an upright with a measured right-foot shot from the edge of the area before a dramatic final twist, Kimmich pouncing on Tah’s heavy touch and feeding Lewandowski, who drilled home with the aid of a deflection.

What does it mean? Champions end 2020 on ominous note

Bayern have taken on all comers under Flick this year and they will take some stopping in 2021, this victory striking a big blow to Leverkusen and their other rivals for the title.

Leverkusen were unfortunate not to take a point from an entertaining encounter, but only had themselves to blame after conceding two poor goals.

Lethal Lewandowski unstoppable

Lewandowski appears to be unstoppable and the prolific Pole ought to have had a hat-trick as he reached 20 goals for the season before Christmas.

The former Borussia Dortmund man has 16 goals from 13 Bundesliga games this season. He had only netted four times in 17 top-flight matches against Leverkusen before popping up with a decisive double.

Lewandowski had seven shots and although only two of those were on target, they were enough to send his side to the summit.

Torment for Tah

Leverkusen defender Tah will not want to watch this game again, particularly Lewandowski's winner.

He failed to control the ball and the fit-again Kimmich nipped in, with Lewandowski then doing what he does best. Tah also totally misjudged Muller's cross in the first half and, although his keeper was also badly at fault, the centre-back left one of the best players in the world unmarked to level.

Tah lost possession 13 times, won just 37.5 per cent of his duels and could be having nightmares about his display during the mid-season break.

What's next?

Bayern's first assignment of 2021 will be at home against Mainz on January 3, while Leverkusen start the new year with a trip to Eintracht Frankfurt a day earlier.

Joe Aribo provided an assist to help Rangers extend their unbeaten run in the Scottish Premiership following a 3-1 victory over Motherwell on Saturday.

The midfielder was handed his 11th league appearance as a second-half substitute and made a vital contribution for his side.

Rangers started the game unimpressively, allowing their visitors to open the scoring as early as the sixth minute of the encounter through Callum Lang.

The Gers struggled to level proceedings as Motherwell frustrated their efforts before respite eventually came their way when Kemar Roofe found the back of the net in the 73rd minute.

Eight minutes before full-time, Cedric Itten handed Steven Gerrard’s men the lead for the first time in the game after benefitting from Ianis Hagi’s assist.  

Aribo then set up Roofe to score his side’s third goal which sealed their victory and ensured they continued their impressive run of form in the division.

The victory helped Rangers maintain their lead at the top of the Premiership table after gathering 50 points from 18 games.

South Africa international Bongani Zungu made his fourth appearance in the encounter, replacing Ryan Kent with seven minutes left to play while Nigeria international Leon Balogun was not listed for the game due to a head injury. 

Aribo teamed up with the Gers in the summer of 2019 and shone in his debut campaign to win the club’s young player of the season.

The Super Eagles star has struggled with injury and ill health in the 2020-21 season which has limited his game time.

Aribo only played 16 games across all competitions for Rangers this season, scoring four goals and providing one assist.

The midfielder will hope to continue his impactful showings when Rangers take on St. Johnstone in their next league game on December 23.

After Liverpool produced a performance that was “close to perfect” in beating Crystal Palace 7-0, Andy Robertson says there is no way manager Jurgen Klopp can take the players’ days off away.

It has been a hectic schedule due to the late start to the season on account of the coronavirus pandemic, but Liverpool showed no signs of fatigue at Selhurst Park on Saturday.

They ran in seven goals, kicked off by Takumi Minamino on three minutes. Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino extended the lead before the interval.

Jordan Henderson, Firmino again and two from the bench from Mohamed Salah sealed the impressive win that guarantees the Reds will be top of the Premier League tree at Christmas.

Klopp’s players can recharge the batteries for a few days as they are not in action again until they face West Brom at Anfield on December 27, on account of being knocked out of the EFL Cup, and Robertson is looking forward to the break.

“We’ve got the longest break of the season until another game so we will get a couple of days off, which is so important,” Robertson told the club’s official website. “We’ll spend time with the family, spend time with the kids, before Christmas and I’m really looking forward to it.

"There’s no reason to take [the days off] off us after that performance so I’m not even giving him [the manager] that option! I’m looking forward to some family time and then we’ll go full-throttle into the 27th.”

Commenting on the sizzling display in south London, Robertson added: "It was as close to perfect as we can get away from home.”

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain made his first appearance of the season on Saturday, and Robertson was thrilled to see his team-mate put his injury problems behind him.

“Some fantastic goals and probably the best sight of all was to see Ox back on the pitch because he’s been out for the full part of the season and he looked really sharp,” Robertson said. “So we’ve added an extra body, which is great and we’ve got eight days until the next one so hopefully we might have a couple more back after Christmas.”

Thembi Kgatlana found the back of the net as Eibar secured a 2-0 victory over Santa Teresa in Saturday's Spanish Primera Iberdrola encounter at Unbe Sports Complex.

The South Africa international led the Gunsmiths attack in the encounter in her first appearance in the competition and flourished as her side bounced back from a 3-0 defeat at Rayo Vallecano.

Iker Dorronsoro's team started the game on an impressive note, racing into the lead in the 21st minute when Kgatlana netted the opener.

After the break, the Banyana Banyana forward was again involved when she saw her brilliant effort for the winner hit the post before coming off Marta Parralejo for an own goal in the 71st minute.

The 24-year-old forward featured from the start to the finish of the encounter and has now scored five goals and provided two assists in 10 games for Eibar.

With her opener against Santa, the South African has now provided the first of the match in all Eibar's four victories in the Spanish top-flight this season.

Her compatriot Noko Matlou continued to wait for her debut as she was not involved in the encounter, with Eibar celebrating their fourth win in the competition in this campaign.

Nigeria's Charity Adule was also not dressed for the match while Equatorial Guinea's Ruth Alvarez lasted for 77 minutes against Santa.

Victory over fellow newly promoted Spanish side ensured Eibar moved to 10th position with 14 points from 11 matches this season.

Kgatlana is expected to continue her impressive form when Eibar visit Valencia for their final encounter of the year on December 22.

Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Denis Onyango was fortunate not to concede a penalty during Saturday's 1-1 draw with Golden Arrows at the Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium in Durban, according to former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Siyabonga Nkosi.

Arrows more than matched their more illustrious opponents and enjoyed the better opportunities to potentially convert one into three points.

The KwaZulu-Natal side also had a couple of penalty appeals turned down.

In a 71st minute incident, the ball was deflected onto the hand of Downs defender Ricardo Nascimento.

But because he had no time to move out of the way and also because he never raised his arm towards the ball, it seemed like the right call from referee Jelly Chavani.

"His hand was in a natural position, and I felt there was nothing he could have done to avoid it," SuperSport TV analyst Nkosi elaborated.

However, in another incident with about five minutes of regulation time to play, Onyango came charging off his line to gather an aerial ball into the box.

He caught the ball comfortably with both hands, but then as replays clearly showed, he raised his elbow into the face of Arrows defender Mathome Mathiane.

During a lengthy stop while Mathiane received treatment, referee Chavani consulted with the fourth official but then took no further action.

As Nkosi pointed out, the Ugandan international was fortunate not to get booked or even sent off, not to mention conceding a penalty which could have resulted in Abafana bes'Thende winning the match.

"For Onyango, and the kind of experience he has - he could have cost the team there," the former Amakhosi man said.

"That was very naughty. Very cynical. He has the control of the ball, but then the man is not even trying to challenge him and then he knocks him.

"The referee, or at least the assistant referee, should have spotted that and given a decision against that. And a caution," Nkosi concluded.

Fellow analyst and former Banyana Banyana striker Amanda Dlamini meanwhile questioned the consistency of match officials.

“For me it's the lack of consistency, we saw midweek, Orlando Pirates versus Chippa, there was an elbow (from Sandile Mthethwa, which did not seem obviously deliberate) on Deon Hotto and there was a straight red,”  Dlamini said. “The question with Onyango is that it's dangerous play.”

Jurgen Klopp has explained his decision to bench Mohamed Salah in Liverpool’s trip to Crystal Palace, with the Reds boss considering a much-needed rest to be a “good idea” for the Egyptian.

The defending Premier League champions opted to tinker with their attacking plans for a meeting with the Eagles at Selhurst Park.

Leading marksman Salah, fresh from leaving the door open for a future move away from Anfield, was named among the substitutes as Takumi Minamino slotted into the starting XI.

The Japan international required less than three minutes to make an impact, as he opened the scoring in a record-setting 7-0 win, with Salah introduced in place of Sadio Mane with 57 minutes on clock.

He also added another entry to the history books, as he scored two and made another in a lively cameo, with Klopp of the opinion that he made the right calls on individual and collective levels.

The German told reporters at a post-match press conference when asked about his decision to leave Salah out: “It's just the first time for a while that we have the opportunity to do something like this.

“We played Sunday-Wednesday, so we needed fresh legs today. So Joel [Matip] could come in, Naby [Keita] could come in and then we had to think about how we can deal with that in the first line and Mo played the last four games, so a massively intense period. So it was clear it will be him.

“Then usually you would expect in a game like this against Crystal Palace – the result recently between us and them were always pretty tight – so bringing him in the last half an hour, I thought it's a good idea.

“We did that, by the way, but it was not exactly the scenario we would have expected, of course. That's it.”

Minamino, whose versatility has been put to good use across his time at Anfield, caught the eye in an advanced role but Klopp says there is no grand plan on his part to use the 25-year-old as more of an attacker than a midfielder.

He added: “First and foremost, we want to use Taki, so that's it.

“The way we play, if you play for us in midfield, you need to have offensive skills as well. So that means Taki can play there, played twice, played good.

“More importantly, in training he looked really sharp, really in a good shape – that's why he played today. He played a top game today, nice finish and just is in a good moment. That's what we want to use.

“I saw him in the dressing room now and he couldn't avoid smiling all over his face. It's a good moment. He's in a really good place and helps us a lot.”

Liverpool, who have ensured that they will be top of the Premier League table at Christmas, will be back in action on December 27 when they play host to West Brom.

George Ssenkaba scored the only goal that gave Express FC a 1-0 win over Sports Club Villa at Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuk to end a winless run that had stretched to five games.

Ssenkaba found the back of the net in a tight Kampala derby to condemn the Jogoos who had previously registered a morale-boosting win over Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA FC), to yet another defeat.

The striker was left with no one to mark him in the 47th minute as he collected a pass from Frank Kalanda and his final strike was too clinical for Said Keni to stop in SC Villa’s goal.

Goalkeeper Mathias Muwanga denied the record champions a chance to equalise deep in the second half as he swept the ball away after Isaac Ogwang’s header. The Jogoos did not look a dangerous side and the hosts were comfortable in dealing with their sparingly-engineered attacks.

The win, registered at Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuk with a sizeable number of fans attending the match, was the second for the Red Eagles against SC Villa in 13 attempts. Allan Kyambade scored the only goal that gave Express their last win against the Jogoos more than three years ago.

Coach Edward Kaziba would have seen his team reduced to 10 men when Keni intentionally elbowed Brian Ssenyondo but neither the centre referee nor his assistants deemed the offence big enough to warrant a red card.

Express are now on eight points after four games as they recorded a second victory, after one against Bright Stars. On the other hand, SC Villa have now lost two games after the initial one against Uganda Revenue Authority (URA FC).

The Premier League will now take a break until February 2021 in order to accord players a chance to feature in the African Nations Championship in Cameroon. Head coach Johnathan McKinstry has already selected a provisional squad of 28 players who are expected to begin training on Monday.

Express FC XI: Mathias Muwanga, Enock Walusimbi, Arthur Kiggundu, Issa Lumu, Murushid Juuko, Daniel Shabena, Abel Eturude, Godfrey Lwesibawa, Frank Kalanda, George Ssenkaaba, Eric Kambale,

Subs: Crispus Kusiima, Richard Bbosa, John Byamukama, Enock Ssebagala, Frank Ssenyondo, Mayanja, Denis Mubuya.

SC Villa XI: Saidi Keni, Gavin Kizito, Derrick Ndahiro, Moses Kiggundu, Asuman Alishe, Emmanuel Wasswa, Amir Kakomo, Goffin Oyirwoth, Ronald Ssekiganda, Isaac Ogwang, Nicholas Kabonge,

Subs: Martin Ssenkooto, Abdallah Ssenkooto, Joseph Nsubuga, Benson Muhindo, Faizal Muwawu, Abdallah Salim, Abdallah Ssekandi.

Lionel Messi has equalled Pele's all-time record for goals scored with a single club by netting his 643rd career goal for Barcelona. 

The Argentine has played his entire professional career at Camp Nou, having moved to Spain as a teenager from Newell's Old Boys in order to continue with his vital growth hormone treatments. 

And, since making his competitive debut in 2004, he has matched countless all-time records in football - even some that, like Pele's, were once thought to be unassailable. 

Saturday's goal against Valencia just before half-time was his 643rd strike for the Catalans. 

Unusually for a player not exactly known for his prowess in the air, Messi used his head to pull Barca back level at 1-1 at Camp Nou, a vital goal as Ronald Koeman's men look to reignite their spluttering Liga campaign. 

After the break Ronald Araujo was then on hand to fire the hosts into the lead.

Messi's record with Barcelona also includes 10 Liga titles, four Champions Leagues and a total of 34 major trophies. 

His exploits have also helped him to six Ballon d'Or prizes, more than anyone else in football history. 

Pele, meanwhile, accrued his extraordinary total over 18 years in the Santos first team, a time in which the Brazilians were considered one of the greatest teams in South American and indeed the world. 

In 656 official matches he netted 643 times, just shy of a goal every game, although his overall total was restricted by the Peixe's policy of widespread travel and touring in the late 1960s and early 70s which meant Pele played fewer competitive matches. 

When those friendlies, as well as his goals for the New York Cosmos and the Brazil national team, are taken into consideration, the retired forward is believed to have scored well over 1,000 goals over the course of his glittering career, which included three World Cup titles - more than any other player.

Arsenal should “write this season off” after a terrible start to the 2020-21 campaign, according to Paul Merson, who feels the club should give their young players more playing time and begin planning for 2021-22.

The Gunners have been bad enough to spark talk of a potential relegation to the Championship , with key players failing to find their best form and looking bereft of ideas on the pitch , while Mikel Arteta's future at the club is a constant topic of discussion.

The north London outfit's hierarchy has publicly backed the manager , however, and it appears the Spaniard will be given time to get things back on track. Still, Merson feels this season is now a lost cause and that Arteta should be looking instead to build for next year.

“I feel for the manager, I know he’s a bit lost at the moment,” Merson said on Sky Sports . “He’s a young manager coming into the game with an unbelievable opportunity at Arsenal but you’ve got to have these players. 

“I’d sit down with the board and write this season off. We’re going to stay up [so] let’s get all these youngsters in now and see how good they are. They have to have 15 games these kids to see if they’re good enough and then build for next year.”

Merson added that the lack of quality within the ranks at Emirates Stadium is such that historically weaker teams with far fewer resources now appear to have players that would walk into Arteta's side, and singled out Granit Xhaka's poor discipline as a major issue.

“Let’s be honest, I’m watching the game against Southampton thinking half the Southampton players would get in the Arsenal team,” Merson said. 

“You can’t have 10 players. People like [Xhaka], without being horrible, get the manager the sack because they go down to 10 men and that’s it. 

“This is no disrespect to Southampton because they are doing very well and they are a good team, but half the players would get in. That should not be right. This is Arsenal.

“I was thinking Danny Ings would walk straight in, the two midfielders (James Ward-Prowse and Oriel Romeu) would walk straight in, the two centre-halves (Jan Bednarek and Jannik Vestergaard) would get in easily. 

“I mean that’s the spine of the team straight away. What are you going to win without the spine of a team? Any successful team in the world is a great goalie, great centre-half, great midfield player, great centre-forward and then you build around that. 

“If you’re not strong through the middle you’re never going to win anything.”

Summer signing Gabriel Magalhaes had been one of the better performers since arriving from Lille in the summer, but the centre-back showed discipline problems of his own when getting a second yellow for hauling down Theo Walcott.

As a result, Merson was not impressed, commenting: “People are going on about Gabriel? Seriously? You’ve had a yellow card already, why are you getting tight? Why would you get tight and pull him down? He’s still got to beat four or five players to score and then he’s shocked?”

In an attempt to find any positives, Merson quipped on the Brazilian: “His teeth looked good!”

Sadio Mane became the biggest Crystal Palace slayer while Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino continued their productive partnership in Liverpool’s 7-0 victory at Selhurst Park.

Mane was handed his 12th league start of the season and set an impressive record to help Jurgen Klopp’s men demolish the Eagles.

The Senegal international ignited the goals surge when he set up Takumi Minamino in the third minute of the encounter.

The forward then found the back of the net in the 35th minute for his tenth goal against Palace, firing his strike beyond the reach of goalkeeper Vicente Guaita.

Mane, thus, became the highest-scoring player against the Eagles in the Premier League, overtaking Jermain Defoe.

The 28-year-old also became the fourth player in Premier League history to score in seven consecutive appearances against an opponent, after Robin van Persie, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Romelu Lukaku.

Salah, meanwhile, came off the bench to make a significant contribution for the Premier League champions.

The fleet-footed forward was believed to have been dropped to the bench after expressing his disappointment over the club’s captaincy.

The Egypt international was, however, brought on moments before the hour mark for Mane and set up Firmino for his side’s fifth goal, which is the 17th time the duo have combined for a Premier League goal for Liverpool.

Only Robbie Fowler and Steve McManaman have combined for more goals for the Anfield outfit in the English top-flight.

Salah went on to score two more goals in the encounter after benefitting from assists from Cameroon international Joel Matip and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Salah has now bagged 13 goals and three assists in the Premier League while his teammate Mane has found the back of the net five times in the competition.

The victory ensured Liverpool extended their lead on the Premier League table after gathering 31 points from 14 games.

The African stars will hope to continue their fine performances when the Reds take on West Bromwich Albion in their next league match on December 27.

Former France and Paris Saint-Germain boss Laurent Blanc has ended his four-year exile from management by returning to the dugout at Qatari side Al-Rayyan.

The World Cup winner was relieved of his duties at Parc des Princes back in the summer of 2016.

He had overseen three Ligue 1 title triumphs at PSG, while also claiming a number of domestic cup triumphs.

Blanc was, however, to be ushered through the exits as Unai Emery was appointed in his place.

The expectation was that an iconic figure from his playing days would have little difficulty in finding another job.

Blanc has taken a lengthy break, though, from the stresses of club management.

His CV still makes for impressive reading, having first seen his stock rise as a coach while leading Bordeaux to title glory in 2008-09.

That success eventually led to him being offered the opportunity to manage his country.

A man who tasted World Cup and European Championship glory as a no-nonsense centre-half was, however, to find the going tough on an international stage.

France won 16 of their 27 games under Blanc’s guidance, with a reign that started on the back of a shambolic showing from Les Bleus at the 2010 World Cup coming to an end after suffering defeat in a Euro 2012 quarter-final to Spain.

Blanc spent a year out of work before PSG came calling and took in 173 games at the helm of the Ligue 1 giants.

Several high-profile positions have been mooted for him since then, with his name often added to the mix when Manchester United – who he represented for two seasons at the end of his playing career – are in the market for a new coach.

Opportunities to fill other international roles have also been put to Blanc during his time away from football, with Morocco asking questions at one stage, but he has patiently waited on the right approach.

Al-Rayyan have tempted the 55-year-old back into the dugout, with Blanc set to join Barcelona legend Xavi in working with a Qatari outfit.

He has agreed an 18-month contract with his new employers and will be looking forward to getting back to work.

Saidi Ntibazonkiza produced a superb display in his debut for Young Africans (Yanga SC) as they roared past Dodoma Jiji 3-1 in a Mainland Premier League match played on Saturday.

The Burundian star, who was signed in November but was yet to get clearance to play since the transfer window was still closed, was the star man for the Jangwani giants as he scored one goal and set up another to help the team open an eight-point gap at the summit.

However, it was the promoted side who took a shock lead in the third minute as Seif Karihe took advantage of a blunder by keeper Metacha Mnata to score with a header.

The goal awoke Yanga, who threw everything at Dodoma and it was no surprise when captain Lamine Moro met a free-kick from Michael Sarpong, and turned round to smash it home.

The teams headed into the half-time break tied at 1-1 but Yanga came back a more rejuvenated side as they sought to take the lead and protect their unbeaten run, and their relentless efforts were rewarded in the 69th minute when Ntibazonkiza announced his arrival with a beautifully taken goal.

Defender Bakari Mwamnyeto then made it 3-1 in favour of Yanga after a free-kick from Ntibazonkiza was not cleared by Dodoma defenders, and he used the half chance to squeeze the ball past the legs of the keeper and ensure they claim maximum points from the tie played in Arusha.

The win has now seen the Timu ya Mwananchi stretch their unbeaten run to 16 matches and they will remain at the top of the 18-team table with a gap of eight points since second-placed Simba SC, who are away in Zimbabwe for Caf Champions League duty, have 32 points and third-placed Azam FC 29.

The win also ensured new Yanga coach Cedric Kaze maintained his unbeaten start with the team he joined in mid-October after the sacking of Serbian Zlakto Krmpotic.

In other matches played on Saturday, promoted Gwambina FC secured a 1-1 draw against Tanzania Prisons, while Mtibwa Sugar scored through Riphat Khamis in the 42nd minute to sink JKT Tanzania.

Elsewhere, another promoted Ihefu FC picked up a vital win after sinking KMC FC 1-0.

Alan Smith claims it is “an open secret” that former Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri is being recommended to Arsenal amid their ongoing struggles, with Mikel Arteta told he is going to have to show no weakness in order to “survive” the rumours.

The Gunners have continued to stumble out of the blocks in 2020-21, with their worst start made to a Premier League campaign.

Inability to establish any kind of momentum has the north London outfit languishing in the bottom-half of the table and glancing anxiously over their shoulder at the drop zone below them.

Unsurprisingly, questions are being asked of Arteta’s ongoing presence, with a rookie coach finding out the hard way just how tough life at the top can be.

Arsenal have offered no indication that they are contemplating another managerial change, but Smith says potential successors – including one notable Italian – are being lined up and that an inexperienced Spaniard needs to get his house in order at Emirates Stadium.

The former Gunners striker told the Evening Standard: “As an inexperienced boss finding life difficult just now, the Spaniard will quickly find out if he's got the backing of his players, particularly senior ones more willing to speak out.

“Because when results go against you, when the going gets tough, footballers start to complain. Nothing new there. That has always happened. But the modern day player holds a lot more sway. They are indeed more powerful as independent entities earning serious money.

“In addition, it's an open secret among football agents that Max Allegri, the Italian coach who enjoyed great success at Juventus, is being recommended as Arsenal's next manager.  

“Not by the club I should stress, but by outside forces who want to capitalise on a difficult moment for the young manager. They seem to think Allegri would stand more of a chance, what with his years of experience in Serie A.  

“To survive situations like this, Arteta needs unequivocal backing from those above. The management structure, led by chief executive Vinai Venkatesham and possibly including Stanley Kroenke's son Josh, must take decisive steps to publicly support their manager to avoid his authority getting undermined. Those recent words of support from Edu, the technical director, are a start but not enough.  

“In tandem, Arteta has got to make clear to the dressing room who's calling the shots, who's actually in charge of this listing ship. Because if players sense weakness, attitudes can swiftly change. Respect for the boss starts falling away. That's why Arteta's message must be clear and strong.”

Arsenal, who have gone six Premier League games without a win stretching back to November 1, will return to action on Saturday when they take in a trip to Everton.

Crystal Palace will slug it out with Liverpool in Saturday’s Premier League game and have named their squad for the encounter.

Eberechi Eze, Jordan Ayew, Wilfried Zaha, Jeffrey Schlupp and Cheikhou Kouyate have been included in Palace starting XI while Mohamed Salah has been dropped to the bench for the Reds.

Eze will be making his ninth league start for the Eagles in the encounter after his scintillating performances since his arrival at the club from Championship side Queens Park Rangers.

The midfielder won the November Player of the Season and his strike against Leeds United was also adjudged as the best goal from the Eagles in the month under review.

The Anglo-Nigerian has formed a fine partnership with Zaha, who has also been in blistering form for Palace, having scored seven goals and provided two assists in the current campaign.

The Ivory Coast international will be starting his 11th Premier League game in the season for Roy Hodgson’s men.

Ghana international Schlupp has also been afforded a starting role along with his compatriot Ayew, following his recent impressive showings for the club.

Schlupp scored his first Premier League goal of the season against Tottenham Hotspur last weekend and will hope to deliver another eye-catching performance.

Kouyate has played in the defence and midfield for Palace this season and will make his 13th league appearance for the club at Selhurst Park.

Liverpool, meanwhile, have excluded their star forward and Egypt international Salah from the starting lineup.

Jurgen Klopp, however, named Cameroon international Joel Matip, Guinea midfielder Naby Keita and Senegal forward Sadio Mane in the starting XI.

Liverpool lead the Premier League table with 28 points from 13 games while Crystal Palace are 12th with 18 points from the same number of matches.

Mohamed Salah admits he was “very disappointed” not to have been named captain for Liverpool’s recent Champions League match against Midtjylland.

Jurgen Klopp named a much-changed side for their dead-rubber final game in the group stage, with star man Salah scoring Liverpool’s goal in a 1-1 draw.

Salah was expecting to be named captain as the most experienced player in the team, but the armband was instead worn by 22-year-old Trent Alexander-Arnold.

“Honestly, I was very disappointed,” Salah told AS. “I was expecting to be the captain... but it's the manager's decision, so I accept it.”

Salah stirred up speculation of a move away from Liverpool, refusing to rule out a future switch to Barcelona or Real Madrid.

The interview may not have gone down well at Anfield, with Salah dropped to the bench for Saturday’s game with Crystal Palace.

Jurgen Klopp told BT Sport: "Mo Salah is on the bench, they have all played a lot of games. He can come on and make a difference. We need all the boys.”

Liverpool fans will of course be hoping that speculation proves to be nothing more than that. For now, Salah has his eyes on the goal, though he didn’t like to say he was aiming for a third Premier League golden boot.

“I don't want to say that for now. But, yeah, I'm always trying to score goals to help the team to win the game.

“There's a good chance to be a third-time top scorer again. But the most important thing is to win something, to win the big trophies with the team. That's the most important thing.

“I think I have broken a few records; I wish I could break all the records for the club, that would be nice. But yeah, it's just like I said again, the team comes first before any record. But as much as you keep breaking records and winning games, that's great also.

“I think over the last few seasons we've been doing good in the Champions League. I think also in the Premier League, as well. We had a good chance to win them both. Last season we were unlucky in the Champions League. We will fight for both this year, that's from my point of view that we will fight for both.”