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What a difference a week can make!

Before their La Liga showdown against Sevilla, Real Madrid appeared to be in the midst of a crisis, having won just one of their previous five fixtures in all competitions.

It wasn’t pretty, but they eventually took all three points against Sevilla—thanks to Yassine Bounou’s own goal—and then proceeded to overcome Borussia Monchangladbach in the biggest match of their season.

Failure to progress to the Champions League knockout stages would have been unthinkable for Zinedine Zidane’s side—not least considering their immense pedigree in the competition—yet they ultimately progressed in style.

They had reason to be fearful heading into an away tie against the German side, with their vulnerabilities—not least in the pair of defeats against Shakhtar Donetsk—being laid bare in the UCL already this season.

Ultimately, Real breezed into the knockouts, with Karim Benzema netting a first-half double to silence Gladbach—who ultimately join them in the Round of 16.

As if that wasn’t enough to confirm a positive week, Real then squared off against their city rivals Atletico in La Liga action on Saturday.

Again they benefited from a goalkeeper error—Jan Oblak putting the ball into his own net in the 63rd minute after failing to deal with a powerful Dani Carvajal effort—but the tone was set with Casemiro’s first-half opener, and Real ultimately ran out 2-0 winners yet again.

It drew the line under an exceptional week, as Real ultimately topped their UCL group and moved to within three points of their city rivals with the defeat over erstwhile league leaders Atletico.

Real Sociedad’s draw at home against Eibar on Sunday afternoon takes them back to top spot in the table, but they are beginning to lose steam after a magnificent start to the campaign—with three draws in their last three games—and Real could move level on points with The Royal if they defeat their Basque rivals Athletic on Tuesday evening.

It’s yet another tough assignment; Bilbao are notoriously tricky customers, and managed to hold Valencia to a 2-2 draw away from home on Saturday as they moved up to 14 points after 12 games.

It’s not been an excellent start to the season, but Athletic have quality in the likes of Inaki Williams, Alex Berenguer and Ander Capa, and can provide tough resistance for Los Blancos .

There have been defensive failings though, with Unai Simon responsible on Saturday to allow a 2-1 lead to slip away from them as Manu Vallejo scored the equaliser.

Zidane will be particularly delighted with the return to fitness of Sergio Ramos—he was again solid in the heart of the defence alongside Raphael Varane against Atletico—while Toni Kroos was arguably Real’s star man, thriving in the heart of the park alongside goalscorer Casemiro.

Athletic’s recent record against Real hasn’t been great; their 1-0 victory at San Mames in the 2014-15 season was the only triumph they’ve enjoyed against the domestic heavyweights in the last 10 years, with Los Merengues winning 14 of the last 20 meetings between the pair.

There have been four draws in the last six matches between them, however, which may give the Basques some hope that they can at least end Real’s three-game winning streak.

Last term, they proved their resilience by holding Real 0-0 at the Estadio Alfredo di Stefano, and would love a repeat on Tuesday.

Bilbao can also take encouragement from Real’s injury list; Ramos and Carvajal are back, but Zidane is still without forwards Eden Hazard, Martin Odegaard, Luka Jovic and Mariano.

Will Los Blancos be fatigued following their exertions over the previous week, or can Zizou rotate his offensive options to ensure everyone remains fresh?

Athletic have no such fitness concerns—Peru Nolaskoain is back in contention—although they’ll have to find a way to negate the threat of Benzema, who was so lethal against Gladbach in Real’s last midweek assignment.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has criticised former captain Granit Xhaka for getting sent off as the Gunners crashed to a 1-0 defeat against Burnley at the Emirates on Sunday.

The home side had all the possession and chances until Xhaka was shown a red for grabbing the neck of Ashley Westwood in the second half, with the one-man advantage allowing the Clarets to gain impetus in the contest.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored at the wrong end shortly after to secure victory for Burnley, with the club captain now not having scored from open play for his own since the opening day of the Premier League season in September.

Arteta felt Arsenal's endeavour was at an impressive level but he lamented the red card and the team's profligacy in front of goal.

"You saw the performance of the boys, how much they wanted it, the chances we created and then we threw the game away with the red card," Arteta said to Sky Sports.

"We had total control for 60-70 minutes and should have won it earlier."

He added to Match of the Day: "[It was] complete dominance from the start to the moment that Granit Xhaka was sent off.

"[We] created all the chances, pressing, the attitude of the players was amazing the way we played in moments it was really good.They are really willing and probably too willing in key moments we over stepped the line and got a man sent off.

"By too willing I mean that they are incredibly committed to what they are trying to do, they are trying their best. The energy that they play with and we took it into the wrong place because in that moment they were left exposed."

Arsenal's defeat saw the club lose four matches at home in the league for the first time since 1960 and Burnley win at the Gunners home venue for the first time in the Premier League era.

When asked about what he will say to Xhaka following the Swiss midfielder's red card, Arteta insisted the club's ex-captain would assume responsibility and suggested the incident was a result of over-exuberance.

"Same words [as when Pepe was sent off before]. In these conditions even worse," Arteta said to Sky Sports.  

"I think it is related into how much will and energy they put into the games but it is not an excuse. I am sure he will [say it is his fault]."

Arsenal are now languishing in 15th position on the Premier League, a whopping 12 points behind leaders and bitter rivals Tottenham after 12 matches.

Their next match is against Southampton at the Emirates on Wednesday, with Arteta begging his team to get on the scoresheet, having scored only two goals in their last eight league games.

"You go on Wednesday against Southampton at home and try to win the game'" Arteta said. "We have to score a goal, we have to put the ball in the net.

"We were on top from the beginning to the moment of the sending off. We are not winning football matches and I am here to provide wins. Everyday work on it."

Patrice Evra has claimed Arsenal legend Thierry Henry once turned off a Gunners game in disgust because Granit Xhaka had been given the captain's armband. 

Switzerland midfielder Xhaka once again made the headlines for the wrong reasons on Sunday when he was sent off midway through their clash for violent conduct against Burnley in the Premier League. 

In his absence the Gunners fell to a 1-0 defeat, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scoring in the wrong net to seal his side's fate. 

The loss is Arsenal's fourth consecutive reverse at the Emirates Stadium in the league, their worst run for more than 60 years, placing further pressure on manager Mikel Arteta to turn round the team's fortunes.

And Evra pointed the finger squarely at Xhaka, whom he accused of letting down his team-mates due to his indiscipline. 

"I will tell you a quick story," Evra said to Sky Sports. "Thierry Henry one day invited me to his house to watch an Arsenal game.

"He turned on the TV, the first image we saw on the screen was Xhaka leading the Arsenal team, being the captain. Thierry Henry turned off the TV.

"I said, ‘What happened?’. He said, 'I cannot watch my team and Xhaka being the captain of my team' and he turned off the screen. And we did not watch the game.

"It tells you everything about what a legend of this club thinks about him. And again he let down his team. It is not the first time.

"I remember two years ago I made a comment about Arsenal saying they look like babies. He came out and said ‘Patrice Evra, it is not the first time he has spoken about us’. Then I remember the next game he got substituted and he took off his shirt.

"I think Arsenal fans have had enough of Xhaka."

Sunday's defeat means Arsenal have slipped down to 15th place in the Premier League, managing just four wins and seven goals in their 12 games to date. 

Their next clash comes on Wednesday at home to Southampton, before visiting Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants his team to kick on over the next few weeks and make a push towards the top of the Premier League table over the busy Christmas period. 

The point against Manchester City means United find themselves five points behind league leaders Tottenham having played a game less despite a relatively poor start to the season.

The festive period throws up lots of fixtures with United travelling to Sheffield United on Thursday before hosting Leeds at Old Trafford next weekend and then they have clashes against Leicester and Wolves before the new year and Solskjaer is expecting changes at the top.

“I think Christmas time with the amount of games in a short space of time and then not even the amount of games, there will be changes in positions,” the Man Utd manager said when asked about the title race.

“We have a game less but it’s a big moment in the season, this time around Christmas, then get to the new year, then you have a break with the FA Cup, maybe then we will have a clearer view of how it will look for us now that we have recovered from the setback of the Leipzig game.

"Of course we wanted three points against City but we couldn’t - but now we are looking for the Sheffield United and Leeds United games.”

If United are to push closer to that top spot they’re going to have to find their scoring form at home. They’ve managed just three league goals at Old Trafford this season and two of them have come from the penalty spot. But the lack of goalmouth action is not worrying Solskjaer.

“If you compare our goal tally from last season to now we are ahead way with the amount of games that we have played and the amount of goals we have scored whether that is home or away it doesn't really matter,” Solskjaer explained.

“I think teams, and bigger teams set the stall out to defend against us and be happy with a draw. That is of course a challenge for us but I think we have proven in many games that we do create chances.

"I think we have scored and created a lot of chances at certain moments and it’s more varied in the way we score.”

Frank Lampard has urged patience with Kai Havertz after suggesting the playmaker may need a whole season to adapt to the Premier League after he was hauled off in Chelsea's 1-0 defeat at Everton.

The 21-year-old joined Chelsea in a £70 million ($93m) deal, including add-ons, from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer but put in an underwhelming display at Goodison Park before he was substituted for Tammy Abraham in the 68th minute.

Part of the Germany international's struggles have come after he suffered from symptoms of coronavirus that left him unwell and unable to train for a fortnight.

Having recovered three weeks ago, Lampard used Havertz on the right wing on Merseyside, with Hakim Ziyech, Christian Pulisic and Callum Hudson-Odoi all suffering from hamstring injuries.

Lampard believes Havertz can play anywhere across the forward line but he needs more time to reach his best level.

"In the modern day there will be a criticism of every player at every club who loses a game or something didn't go right, a pass went astray," Lampard told reporters. "We certainly should be patient with Kai Havertz from a Chelsea end.

"He's a top quality talent, has come into this league and is playing on the right-wing. He can play in any position across the front and the right-wing countless times before he signed for Chelsea. He can play in midfield also.

"That's not an issue. He can do that. But we do have to be patient. Not just him, but any young player with the speed of the Premier League. I've got no problems with Kai.

"I said that last week and if people want to criticise him, jump straight down - just wait and give a young player time, whether it be a week, a month, six months or a year. I know the player he's going to be."

Chelsea's defeat to the Toffees saw them end a run of 17 games unbeaten in all competitions. They also dropped down to fifth in the table following Sunday wins for Southampton and Leicester.

Lampard admits that it is a new challenge for his predominantly young group of players to overcome disappointment after an impressive run comes to an end.

"We're a new group," he added. "We lost one game already to Liverpool and, in that game, we had 10 men and missed a penalty. On another day that could have gone a different way for us and it was a circumstance kind of the game.

"This will be a challenge for the players and it's a game of football. In the Premier League you're going to lose games so it is very important we put perspective on it, considering the run we've been on. The game was the game.

"The first 20 minutes it was clear it was going to be physical and second balls. The edge was in the game and we weren't quite on edge ourselves. We didn't find enough answers. But I'm not going to say I've learnt anything from one game because it's been a good run we've been on.

"Our creative play wasn't as good as it's been but some of that will have been how well they defended and organised against us. That happens in football and when that happens, you need to keep a clean sheet and the two or three times you hit the woodwork the ball goes in the net. It didn't today."

Chelsea next face Wolves at Molineux on Tuesday before they welcome West Ham to Stamford Bridge in a busy December schedule.

Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar was taken off the field in visible pain on Sunday after falling victim to a heavy tackle from Lyon's Thiago Mendes. 

The reigning Ligue 1 champions were far from their best at the weekend as they sought to retake their place at the top of the pile following Lille's victory over Bordeaux earlier on Sunday.

Instead they fell at home to Lyon, who scored the only goal of a 1-0 win through Tinotenda Kadewere midway through the first half to inflict a fourth league defeat of the season on the holders. 

That victory allowed the visitors to leapfrog their rivals in the standings, joining Lille at the top one point clear of Thomas Tuchel's men.   

But the real cost of Sunday's clash may only become apparent later on as PSG risk losing a key player. 

Neymar was scythed down by Brazilian compatriot Mendes deep into injury time as he attempted to engineer another chance to equalise for the hosts at Parc des Princes. 

The midfielder crashed into Neymar's ankle, sending him flying to the floor in obvious pain. 

Neymar was treated by medics on the Parc des Princes turf but it quickly became apparent that he would play no further part in the game, with his ankle appearing to be most affected by Mendes' reckless challenge. 

He was stretchered off the pitch in tears, although PSG were unable to replace him having already made all five allotted substitutes prior to the incident. 

Both teams, therefore, finished with 10 men, as Mendes was sent off by referee Benoit Bastien, although the official blew for full time almost immediately afterwards to confirm Lyon's narrow victory.

PSG and Neymar will now face a nervous wait to find out whether the player's ankle sustained serious damage in the challenge, which could cause him to miss a significant period of the 2020-21 season. 

The French champions still face three further Ligue 1 games in 2020 before the season enters its winter break, with Wednesday's clash against Lorient at Parc des Princes followed by subsequent matches away to title rivals Lille and at home to Strasbourg prior to the festive period.

Neymar suffered what appeared to be a serious ankle injury as Paris Saint-Germain slumped to a 1-0 defeat to Lyon in Ligue 1.

PSG, who started with Kylian Mbappe on the bench, are firmly in a title tussle this term, and Thomas Tuchel's side suffered their fourth league defeat of the campaign – and a first home loss to Lyon in Ligue 1 since 2007 – at a wet Parc des Princes.

Tino Kadewere got the only goal, putting Lyon ahead after Karl Toko Ekambi pounced on Presnel Kimpembe's error.

A lacklustre display was compounded in the final minute of stoppage time, Neymar going off in clear pain on a stretcher after injuring his left ankle due to a challenge from Thiago Mendes, who was sent off after a VAR review.

A confident Lyon started on the front foot, though PSG went closest in the opening stages when Alessandro Florenzi volleyed wide from a tight angle.

Abdou Diallo sparred Danilo Pereira's blushes soon after – the PSG defender clearing a dangerous right-wing cross following a mistake from his team-mate.

Yet Lyon's pressure told in the 35th minute as Kimpembe passed the ball straight to Ekambi, who threaded it through for Kadawere to slot home.

Florenzi unleashed another first-time strike just before the break, but Anthony Lopes made a superb stop.

Tuchel turned to Mbappe shortly after the hour, though Lucas Paqueta would have put Lyon two ahead if not for Keylor Navas' fine save.

A frustrated Neymar was perhaps fortunate to escape with a booking for a petulant shove on Marcelo, before Bruno Guimaraes and Mbappe both had chances to score.

Matters went from bad to worse for PSG in the closing stages, however, with Mendes' awkward challenge on Neymar resulting in the Brazil star, who was reduced to tears, having to be carried off.

As Tuchel's side slipped to third, the concern was that the former Barcelona frontman could be facing a long spell out of action.

What does it mean? Lyon flying but PSG fall flat

Lyon, who are level on points with leaders Lille, are now unbeaten in their last 11 games in Ligue 1, and have won their last five games in a row.

PSG, meanwhile, have gone without a win in successive home league games for the first time under coach Tuchel, having last done so in 2018 during Unai Emery's tenure, and the prospect of losing Neymar is the last thing they needed.

Free-scoring forwards lift Lyon

Kadewere's goal was his fifth of the season in Ligue 1, meaning Lyon have three different players on five or more top-flight goals this season (Toko Ekambi, Memphis Depay and Kadewere).

It is more than any other side across Europe's big five leagues, with only PSG (33) and Lille (26) having netted more than Lyon in Ligue 1.

Nightmare for Neymar

PSG's number 10 scored a stunning hat-trick against Istanbul Basaksehir in midweek, but he was kept under wraps by far tougher opponents this time round.

Neymar crafted just one chance and failed to register a single attempt, and he could now face a long spell out if the ankle injury is as severe as his reaction suggested.

What's next?

PSG host Lorient on Wednesday, at the same time as Lyon take on Brest.

Lionel Messi stepped up to salvage something from the wreckage of Barcelona's nightmare week as he fired a 76th-minute winner in a 1-0 win over Levante.

Juventus comprehensively beat Barca 3-0 in midweek to deny them top spot in their Champions League group - a reverse that came on the back of a 2-1 LaLiga loss at Cadiz.

Despite ceding possession as expected for long periods, Levante looked set to hold out for a result to pile further pressure on embattled head coach Ronald Koeman.

Plenty of questions over the Dutchman's stewardship of Barcelona will remain, but Messi surging onto Frenkie De Jong's perfectly weighted throughball for an assured finish will buy him a little breathing space.

Koeman opted for experience at a time of adversity, recalling Sergio Busquets and Philippe Coutinho to his starting line-up, and the latter blazed over from Sergino Dest's first-minute cross.

Barca's vulnerabilities were on show soon enough, as Marc-Andre ter Stegen saved with his feet to thwart former Real Madrid youngster Jorge de Frutos.

Ter Stegen's opposite number Aitor Fernandez denied maligned forward duo Martin Braithwaite and Griezmann, although Roger Marti again unpicked the hosts as Dani Gomez thrashed over.

Clement Lenglet should have scored when Fernandez parried Griezmann's header from Messi's 21st-minute free-kick, with the Levante goalkeeper's finest work of the first half coming five minutes before the interval.

He reacted sharply when Griezmann volleyed through a crowd of players on the end of Messi's chipped cross.

Mickael Malsa got back to make a vital sliding challenge as Messi's old link-up with Jordi Alba almost bore fruit and Levante were increasingly pegged into their own box during the early stages of the second half.

There were few clear chances to show for that dominance, with Fernandez frustrating Messi twice more at close quarters.

Only when De Jong carved out space for Messi to run in behind a tiring Levante backline was the duel decisively settled.

What does it mean? One down, three to go

Koeman labelled Barcelona's three consecutive home games this week as must-win encounters. A more emphatic statement here would have been helpful, but another three points at the expense of surprise leaders Real Sociedad would make things look a lot rosier in the title race.

Barcelona go eighth, nine points shy of Imanol Alguacil's pacesetters and Atletico Madrid, who lost to Real Madrid in El Derbi on Saturday. Atleti and Barca have each played two games fewer than La Real.

De Jong eases the creative load on Messi

Whenever Barcelona toil - fairly frequently of late - the sight of Messi dropping deeper and deeper to take possession and try to create something is a frequent one. De Jong's performance here, which was somewhere close to his regal Ajax best, might persuade Messi to stay a little closer to the danger zone. The Netherlands star's five key passes were more than anyone else on the field made.

Braithwaite fails to make an impression

Being an underwhelming and unusual signing put Braithwaite in an unenviable position from the get-go in his Barca career. He is the sort of player who will always be very easy to drop. Shunted out to the left of the attack on Sunday, he managed two shots and 49 touches. Set against 77 touches and four shots from Griezmann and Messi's 101 and 12, he was a passenger.

Key Opta facts

- Barcelona have played 15 games against Levante at home, winning all of them (49 goals scored and only nine conceded) - they only have a better 100 per cent home record in the competition against Granada (24/24).
- Barcelona have kept a clean sheet in back-to-back LaLiga home games for the first time under Ronald Koeman.
- Aitor Fernandez made 12 saves against Barcelona, the highest tally in a single LaLiga game this season.
- Lionel Messi has scored 449 goals in LaLiga. His next will see him become the first player to reach the 450 goals landmark with just one club in Europe's top five leagues.
- Messi has been involved in 37 goals in his LaLiga career against Levante (22 goals, 15 assists), a joint personal record (also 37 against Sevilla, 29 goals and 8 assists).

What's next

Valencia visit Camp Nou next Saturday after Barcelona's midweek appointment with Real Sociedad, who are also the next LaLiga opponents for third-bottom Levante. First, Paco Lopez's men must tackle Racing Murcia in the Copa del Rey.

Vincent Aboubakar found the back of the net while Khouma Babacar was sent off as Alanyaspor secured a 2-1 victory over Besiktas in Sunday’s Turkish Super Lig game.

Cameroon international Aboubakar was handed his eighth start of the season and made the most of the opportunity, scoring his sixth league goal.

Senegal international Babacar was also afforded a starting role in the encounter but failed to impress and was punished for his indiscipline.

Anastasios Bakasetas opened the scoring for Alanyaspor in the 26th minute, converting his effort from the penalty spot.

Bakasetas then completed his brace in the 79th minute to double his side’s lead after benefitting from Tayfur Bingol’s assist.

With eight minutes left to full time, Babacar received his second caution in the encounter and was subsequently sent off.

Shortly before the end of the game, Aboubakar scored a late effort, firing his strike beyond the reach of goalkeeper Marafona.

The victory helped Alanyaspor to consolidate on their lead at the top of the league table after gathering 26 points from 12 games.

The defeat condemned Besiktas to the fourth spot on the league table after accruing 19 points from 11 outings.

Aboubakar featured for the duration of the game in his ninth league appearance this season and has now scored six goals and provided one assist.

Algeria international and on-loan Leicester City forward Rachid Ghezzal was on parade for 83 minutes before he was replaced by Guven Yalcin but could not help his side avoid defeat. 

Aboubakar will hope to continue his fine form in front of goal when his side takes on Tarsus İdman Yurdu in a Cup tie on December 17.

Babacar, meanwhile, will be expected to miss Alanyaspor’s next league outing against Denizlispor on December 20.

Theo Hernandez struck twice as Milan recovered from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Parma and keep their unbeaten start to the Serie A season intact.

The hosts looked to be heading for a first defeat in 23 league outings - and a first in 11 games this term - after Hernani and Jasmin Kurtic had put Parma in control.

But Milan showed exactly why they are top thanks to a couple of goals from Hernandez - the equaliser in the 91st minute - as they dug deep in Sunday's clash at San Siro.

The point was the least Stefano Pioli's men deserved, having hit the frame of the goal four times - Hakan Calhanoglu responsible for three of those - and had a strike disallowed between the visitors' two goals.

Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong has called on the club to sell Granit Xhaka and sign himself on a free transfer as the Gunners crashed to another poor result in the Premier League.

Mikel Arteta's side were beaten 1-0 by Burnley at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday in their first match in front of supporters since March following the Covid-19 pandemic.

Misfiring Gunners skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored the only goal of the game at the wrong end of the pitch on 73 minutes - a quarter of an hour after the club's former leader Granit Xhaka grabbed Ashley Westwood on the neck and saw his yellow card upgraded to red by VAR.

Frimpong - who spent 13 years at Arsenal after joining the club as a nine year old - criticised the club in a series of tweet, first suggesting Arteta should get rid of Xhaka and sign himself back on a free transfer.

"Sell Xhaka and get me on a free," Frimpong tweeted to his 624k followers on his official account.

Frimpong is well-known for his humourous and blunt tweets over the past few years, and he continued to use Twitter to voice his opinion as the Gunners battled to get back into the game.

The 28-year-old free agent pointedly said Arsenal fans shouldn't have to put up with this level of performance and suggested the club should be wound up.

"Lets dissolve Arsenal with immediate effect," Frimpong tweeted.

He added in his next post: "Fans deserve way better than this crap."

Despite being down to ten men, Arsenal battled to get an equaliser in the final minutes but couldn't breach Sean Dyche's stubborn Burnley defence.

The result sees Arsenal languishing in 15th position on the Premier League table after 12 matches, with the club 12 points behind leaders and bitter rivals Tottenham.

Frimpong has been a regular critic of the Gunners on social media since he left the club in 2014 to join Barnsley.

The Ghanaian joined Arsenal in 2001, spent 10 years at the club'a academy before joining the first team and making his Premier League debut against Newcastle in 2011.

He only managed 16 appearances for the North London club as he was sent out on three unsuccessful loan spells to Wolves, Charlton Athletic and Fulham.

After joining Barnsley, Frimpong had stints in the Russian Premier League with Ufa and Arsenal Tula, before a short spell in Sweden with AFC Eskilstuna.

His last club was Ermis Aradippou in Cyprus during the 2017-18 season and he has remained club-less ever since.

Paulo Dybala hit out at speculation over his Juventus future after opening the scoring in Sunday's 3-1 victory over Genoa. 

The Argentine has endured a difficult 2020-21 season to date, struggling for form and fitness. 

Prior to Sunday's clash he had failed to find the net in six Serie A outings, while reports suggested that talks over an extension to his contract, which expires in 2022, have been pushed back to next year due to doubts over his performances. 

Dybala finally managed to get off the mark in the league with his side's first goal against Genoa, before Cristiano Ronaldo hit twice from the penalty spot to seal victory. 

And after the match he could not hide his frustration at the constant talk over complications related to a potential new deal. 

"So many things that aren't true have been said in relation to my contract," the Argentina international fired to Sky Sport after the final whistle.

"My agent was in Turin for a long time and was never called up by the club. It disappoints me to hear talk of invested financial figures.

"It would be better if the truth could be told, because talking about those aspects in this period pits the fans against me, with all the love I have for Juventus." 

Juve director Fabio Paratici had addressed Dybala's contract back in October, affirming that discussions were in place to extend his stay.

 "We're in talks to extend Paulo Dybala's contract," Paratici had told Sky Sport.

He wants to stay and we want to keep him. He's part of our future. We'll continue the negotiations to find an agreement.

"It has been a tricky period because we were locked in the hotel for two weeks due to the Covid scare and not allowed to meet anyone. But we'll continue the negotiations to find an agreement."

Dybala joined Juventus from Palermo in 2015 and has gone on to make more than 200 appearances for the Old Lady, scoring 97 times in all competitions and lifting a total of 10 trophies, including the Scudetto in each of his five seasons at the club.

Mumbai City will want to extend their lead atop the table when they face Jamshedpur FC at the GMC Stadium in Bambolim, on Monday evening.

TV CHANNELS & LIVE STREAM

The Star Sports Network have the exclusive broadcasting rights of the ISL in India.

Commentary will also be available in vernacular languages across India.

TEAM NEWS

Mumbai City Possible XI:

Injured - None
Absent - Mandar Rao Dessai    
Suspended - None

Key Players - Hugo Boumous, Adam le Fondre     

Jamshedpur FC Possible XI: 

Injured - Narender Gahlot, Joyner Lourenco, Nick Fitzgerald
Doubtful - David Grande
Suspended - Laldinliana Renthlei   

Key Players - Nerijus Valskis, Aitor Monroy

Arsenal had Granit Xhaka sent off as they slipped to an insipid 1-0 defeat against Burnley at Emirates Stadium - adding to Mikel Arteta's woes.

The Gunners forced Nick Pope into a number of saves, but their hopes of sealing a first Premier League win since the victory over Manchester United on November 1 were hit when Xhaka was dismissed shortly before the hour mark for grabbing Ashley Westwood by the throat.

Their misery was compounded in the 73rd minute when Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang headed into his own net from Westwood's corner, to the dismay of 2,000 returning Gunners supporters.

Arsenal, who have now lost four consecutive top-flight home games for the first time since December 1959, remain in 15th with 13 points, while the Clarets move up to 17th place.

The hosts made 10 changes from the side that beat Dundalk in the Europa League on Thursday, and started slowly. They should have fallen behind after 13 minutes, but an unmarked Chris Wood inexplicably headed wide from eight yards.

Rob Holding headed over at the other end, while Alexandre Lacazette was denied by the leg of Pope after being picked out inside the penalty area by Kieran Tierney.

The Burnley goalkeeper denied Tierney and Bukayo Saka in quick succession at the start of the second period before Xhaka's moment of madness.

The Switzerland international's initial caution for pawing at Westwood was upgraded to a red card by referee Graham Scott after he viewed the incident on a pitchside monitor.

That was the sixth Premier League red card for the Gunners since manager Arteta took over in December 2019 – double that of any other side in the same period.

Mohamed Elneny was fortunate not to also receive his marching orders soon after, Scott deciding his push on James Tarkowski warranted just a yellow card.

Arsenal's reprieve did not last long, though, Aubameyang glancing the ball past Bernd Leno to guarantee an uncomfortable few days for Arteta.

What does it mean? Arteta's faith in faltering players not repaid

Arteta said he had "zero doubts" his side would respond to last weekend's north London derby defeat to Tottenham, but the Spaniard is left to rue another costly setback against a side that started the day in the bottom three.

They were not entirely terrible, carving out 19 shots and enjoying almost 65 per cent of possession, but that will be of little comfort to Arsenal fans, who ultimately saw their side suffer a seventh Premier League defeat of the season and a first ever home loss to Burnley in the competition.

Westwood stars for Clarets

The former Aston Villa midfielder was superb in the middle of the pitch, creating the game's only goal with a teasing corner, making a team-high three key passes and putting in seven crosses – more than any other Burnley player.

Xhaka stupidity costs Gunners

Xhaka has had his very public issues with Arsenal supporters and he can expect to be in their bad books again after a pitiful display. There can be no arguments about his red card, which ultimately proved to be the catalyst for another miserable defeat.

What's next?

Arteta will hope to still be in charge when the Gunners host high-flying Southampton on Wednesday, while Burnley visit Villa a day later.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was not happy to see Fulham's opening goal on Sunday stand, while admitting there was little he could do to change the decision. 

The Reds were forced to fight from behind to clinch a 1-1 draw against the relegation-threatened Londoners. 

Bobby Decordova-Reid fired Fulham into the lead 25 minutes into the game, before Mohamed Salah scored a late equaliser from the penalty spot to give the Premier League champions a share of the points. 

There was a suggestion that Salah had been fouled in the build-up prior to Decordova-Reid's goal, but Klopp was at first disinclined to dissect the passage of play that led to Fulham's strike.

“What did you think? Can I ask your opinion?" the German asked of the reporter who posed the question over the goal. 

When the journalist responded that referee Lee Mason could have gone either way, Klopp continued: “Neither of our opinions are 0.0% relevant, because we can’t change the decision.

"It’s a clear foul, nothing else. It’s not a yellow card or a red card, but the player who passed the ball gained an advantage, gets the ball by pushing Mo. If he doesn’t push Mo, Mo gets the ball.

"It’s not about how hard the foul is, it’s about the advantage. Two hands. Lee Mason, the VAR, says what – normal contact?

"I’m not sure what Lee Mason is doing at home, but that’s not normal contact in football. It’s enough contact to gain an advantage, so it’s a foul. But we can’t change it, and I only spoke about it because you asked.”

The result means that Liverpool missed the chance to move ahead of Tottenham at the league summit, after Jose Mourinho's men were also held 1-1 by Crystal Palace on Sunday. 

The two front-runners, who are level on 25 points after 12 games, will face off on Wednesday at Anfield, with each side playing for the opportunity to approach the festive period as outright leaders of the top flight.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is hopeful that the injury Joel Matip picked up against Fulham is a minor one.

Matip did not appear for the second half of the Premier League clash at Craven Cottage on Sunday, and it was reported from the touchline during the game that the problem was with his back.

Klopp confirmed as much in his press conference following the 1-1 draw , and says the central defender is undergoing treatment ahead of the Premier League clash with Tottenham on Wednesday.

The Reds boss is unsure if Matip will be fit for the meeting with Tottenham at Anfield, but is positive the injury is not a serious one.

“Joel Matip has a spasm in his back,” Klopp said at his post-game press conference . “We will see. In the moment, nothing else.

“He already got treatment, will get treatment and we will see. 

“I think there’s a chance for Wednesday. [It’s not that bad] in the moment, no.”

Following Matip’s departure, Liverpool were left without an established central defender on the pitch.

Fabinho is well capable of playing there, he has done so on numerous occasions, and he was joined in the heart of the defence by Jordan Henderson.

Taking on a Fulham side who were on the back foot for much of the second half was not a massive test for Fabinho and Henderson, but that will not be the case against Spurs on Wednesday.

Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham can call on England captain Harry Kane, although he is not Spurs’ top scorer this season. That tag sits on the shoulders of Son Heung-Min and those two will pounce on any shortcomings in Liverpool’s defence.

Klopp, who lamented his side's slow start against Fulham, cannot call on the injured Joe Gomez or Virgil van Dijk, so will hope Matip is able to shake off the back spasm to feature in the clash of the top two sides in the division.

While his defensive woes have increased, Klopp was able to welcome Alisson Becker back into the side following a spell out injured.

The Brazilian goalkeeper demonstrated his value to the side with a string of excellent saves as Fulham dominated early on, and he will be of huge importance against Spurs.

Cristiano Ronaldo broke new ground on Sunday with his 400th win in Europe's top five leagues, a number no other player has reached in the 21st century. 

The 35-year-old proved key to Juventus' latest Serie A victory, scoring twice to help the reigning Italian champions past Genoa in a 3-1 win. 

Both of Ronaldo's goals came from the penalty spot in the last 12 minutes, restoring Juve's advantage after Stefano Sturaro had cancelled out Paulo Dybala's opener for the away side. 

It was a typically dominant performance from the Portuguese forward, who thus brought up his quadruple century of league wins in the big five. 

Ronaldo, of course, starred in the Premier League for Manchester United and then La Liga with Real Madrid before moving across to Italy in 2018. 

No other man has managed to finish on the winning side as many times as him in the past 20 years, although Lionel Messi, with 365 wins, may catch him in the coming seasons. 

Cristiano's Juventus team-mate Gianlugi Buffon completes the podium, winning no less than 350 times in his illustrious league career that has spanned both Serie A and Ligue 1, with Paris Saint-Germain. 

Sunday's clash also brought up Ronaldo's 100th game in Juve colours, in which time he has netted an impressive 77 goals. 

Only Argentine club legend Omar Sivori, with 84, and Felice Borel (80) scored more in their first 100 appearances for the Old Lady. 

Sivori is also only one of three players to score 31 Serie A goals or more in a calendar year, as Ronaldo has in 2020, reaching that tally in 1961.

Juventus, who on Tuesday downed Messi's Barcelona side 3-0 at Camp Nou to seal top spot in their Champions League group, are back in action on Wednesday when they host Atalanta in Serie A. 

Andrea Pirlo's charges currently lie in fourth place in the standings, three points behind leaders Milan.