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Carlos Vinicius scored twice as Tottenham claimed a comfortable 4-0 win over Ludogorets and edged closer to a place in the Europa League knockout stage.

Brazilian striker Vinicius, on a season-long loan from Benfica, netted for Spurs for the first time with two clinical finishes in a one-sided match on Thursday.

But the pick of the goals belonged to Harry Winks, as a spectacular long-range effort drifted over Ludogorets goalkeeper Plamen Iliev from 53.7 yards, before Lucas Moura added a fourth with a crisp finish.

The win moved second-placed Spurs level with Group J leaders Royal Antwerp on nine points, although the Belgian side are ahead courtesy of their head-to-head record.

Gareth Bale, in search of his 200th career goal, tried his luck with two free-kicks and a long-range effort early after Jose Mourinho made 10 changes from the side which beat Manchester City 2-0 on Saturday.

But it was Vinicius who opened the scoring for Spurs after he got on the end of Dele Alli's deflected pass and calmly slid the ball home.

His second goal owed much to Alli's unselfish play after the midfielder cut the ball back for Vinicius to tap in from close range following Tanguy Ndombele's burst forward.

Ludogorets struggled to get out of their own half and were unable to register a single shot in the first half, with goalkeeper Joe Hart touching the ball just seven times before the break.

Bale got himself into a good position after the interval only to be denied by Iliev at the far post following Matt Doherty's knockdown.

Iliev was embarrassed after 63 minutes, though, when Winks collected the ball from a throw-in on the left flank and remarkably picked out the top-right corner, via the crossbar, with the Ludogorets keeper off his line.

Alli and Vinicius were both involved again when Spurs notched a fourth, Moura the beneficiary as some clever link-up play allowed him to fire home.

Iliev at least partially redeemed himself late on when he saved from substitute Harvey White from close range, but Tottenham eased to another three points.

Rangers let slip a late two-goal lead against Benfica for the second time in a month to draw 2-2 in Thursday's Europa League clash at Ibrox.

Steven Gerrard's men were cruising at 3-1 in the reverse fixture with 13 minutes to go, only to switch off and draw 3-3 to leave the sides level on points in Group D.

History repeated itself in Glasgow as Scott Arfield's early strike and Kemar Roofe's superb second from 20 yards put the home side in control.

However, an unfortunate James Tavernier own goal with 12 minutes to go was followed soon after by a Pizzi drive to help Benfica snatch another crucial point, ensuring Rangers still have work to do to progress to the last 32.

Benfica were without a number of injured and suspended players and fell behind inside seven minutes. Tavernier headed against the crossbar after Roofe's header was well saved but Arfield smashed home the rebound from 10 yards.

The visitors saw plenty of the ball but failed to test Allan McGregor in a first half devoid of any other real chances.

Rangers had a penalty shout for handball against Jan Vertonghen rejected, but they scored a second goal in the 69th minute when Roofe thundered into the top corner after a smart team move.

But nerves were then sent jangling when Goncalo Ramos forced in a close-range shot that hit Gers skipper Tavernier and crossed the line.

The previously quiet Alfredo Morelos had a 20-yarder fumbled onto the bar by Helton Leite and that proved a decisive moment as Benfica levelled up in the 81st minute, Connor Goldson's attempted clearance falling to substitute Pizzi to lash into the roof of McGregor's net.

What does it mean? Gers fail to learn their lesson

Gerrard said his side "only have themselves to blame" on the back of their 3-3 draw in Portugal but he was confident lessons would be learned. Not quite.

Benfica may only have managed two attempts on target, four fewer than the hosts, but they still managed to steal a point with that late double.

It leaves the sides locked on eight points apiece at the top of Group D, with Lech Poznan and Standard Liege five points worse off.

Arfield continues scoring streak

The Canada international may have fallen just short of registering double figures for goals in all competitions last season, but he already has six to his name this campaign.

That includes goals in his last three games, although unlike against Hamilton and Aberdeen he could not add an assist to his collection and did not end on the winning team.

Rangers' defence crumbles 

Despite holding a commanding lead, the home side's back four seemed to become incredibly nervous as the game entered its final 15 minutes. Both goals could have been prevented - the first a scrappy own goal and the second coming after Goldson failed to clear the ball. 

In Goldson's defence, though, he won a higher percentage of duels than anyone on the field (83) and no player managed more than his six clearances.

What's next?

Rangers return to Scottish Premiership action with a trip to Falkirk on Sunday, while Benfica are away to Maritimo in the Primeira Liga on Monday.

Jean-Pierre Nsame scored the only goal in Young Boys’ 1-0 win over CSKA Sofia in Thursday’s Europa League game.

The 27-year-old was handed his fifth appearance in the European competition at Vasil Levski and delivered impressive showings.

The Cameroon international scored his fourth goal in the tournament which moved Gerardo Seoane’s men closer to the knock-out stage.

The game started with both sides trying to open the scoring but missed several chances in the opening 30 minutes.

Nsame, however, broke the deadlock for the Swiss side in the 34th minute which made the difference in the encounter.

The centre-forward fired his effort past the reach of goalkeeper Gustavo Busatto after receiving a timely pass from Silvan Hefti.

Despite several attempts to level proceedings by CSKA Sofia, Young Boys held their nerves to secure all three points in the match.

Nsame featured for the duration of the game and Guinea international Jules keita was introduced moments before the full time.

With the win, Youn Boys are second on the Europa League Group A after gathering seven points from four matches.

The Cameroon international has now scored nine goals across all competitions and provided five assists in 15 appearances.

Nsame will hope to continue his impressive performances when his side takes on AS Roma in their next outing in the European competitions on December 3.

Before that, Young Boys will square off against Lausanne Sport in a Swiss Super League game on November 29.

Nsame has two caps for the Cameroon national team and his current form could see him make a return to the West African side, having last featured for them in June 2019.

Mourners and police clashed at the funeral of Diego Maradona as thousands gathered to bid farewell to the football legend on Thursday.

The Argentina and Napoli great, who underwent brain surgery earlier this month, died of natural causes at the age of 60 on Wednesday.

His body is lying in honour at Casa Rosada - the presidential mansion in the heart of Buenos Aires - during three days of national mourning in his homeland.

Maradona's coffin was draped with Argentina's national flag and football shirt, which bared his trademark number 10 on the back.

Thousands of people wishing to pay their respects joined the line at the Plaza de Mayo square, with the first in line allowed to enter the building at 06:00 local time (09:00GMT). 

The wake was scheduled to last for 10 hours, with the first few reserved for Maradona's family and former team-mates.

However, as the numbers continued to swell, officers in riot gear struggled to contain the crowds and Argentine outlet Clarin reported tear gas and water cannons being used.

Footage emerged on social media of bottles and fences being launched near Maradona's temporary place of rest.

Maradona is to be buried at the Jardines de Bella Vista cemetery on the outskirts of the city, which is reportedly where his parents were laid to rest.

Fans of Maradona's former clubs also paid tribute to the legendary attacking midfielder, with makeshift shrines set up in Naples, Seville and Barcelona.

Speaking on Thursday, meanwhile, Maradona's lawyer Matias Morla called for a full investigation into the circumstances that led to his death.

"It is inexplicable that for 12 hours my friend has had no attention or check-up from the personnel dedicated to these ends," he added on the statement on Twitter.

"The ambulance took more than half an hour to arrive, which was a criminal idiocy."

Maradona, who captained Argentina to World Cup glory in 1986 and went on to coach his country, is survived by five children and his former wife, Claudia Villafane, who he split with in 2004.

Inter could have done more against a "mediocre" Real Madrid side in their latest European outing, according to Fabio Capello.

The Nerazzurri's awful start to their latest Champions League campaign continued on Wednesday night as they were beaten 2-0 by Los Blancos at San Siro on Wednesday night.

Eden Hazard calmly slotted home a penalty kick to open the scoring with just seven minutes on the clock after Nico Barella was adjudged to have fouled Nacho in the box.

Inter thought they'd won a penalty of their own just after the half-hour mark when Vidal appeared to be tripped by Raphael Varane as he bore down on goal, but match referee Anthony Taylor waved the home side's appeals away.

Vidal couldn't accept the decision though, and was shown two yellow cards in quick succession for his aggressive protests, leaving the Italian giants with a mountain to climb in the second half.

Madrid made their numerical advantage count when Rodrygo came off the bench to volley home at the back post in the 59th minute, although his effort ultimately went down as an own goal after taking a heavy deflection off Achraf Hakimi.

Zinedine Zidane's side held on for a comfortable victory to move three points clear of Shakhtar Donetsk in second in Group B, having picked up seven points from a possible 12 to date.

Antonio Conte, meanwhile, was left contemplating the prospect of seeing his team exit Europe's elite competition at the earliest possible stage for a second successive year, with Inter sitting bottom of the pool on two points.

Ex-Italy boss Capello, who also took in successful spells with Juventus, AC Milan, and Madrid at the height of his managerial career, thinks the Nerazzurri let themselves down against the reigning La Liga champions, who he believes are no longer an elite force.

“Inter started badly and without the right application, in the first half they were always in difficulty," the former Blancos head coach told Sky Sports post-match.

“In the second half with four defenders, I liked Inter more. Against this mediocre Real Madrid, Inter could have done more.”

Mikel Arteta says Folarin Balogun ‘wants to stay’ at Arsenal.

The Gunners boss was speaking after seeing the youngster score his first goal for the club during Thursday night’s 3-0 win at Molde in the Europa League.

Balogun struck just 37 seconds after replacing Eddie Nketiah in Norway, finishing well after being picked out by fellow academy graduate Emile Smith Rowe.

It was his first senior goal in only his second first-team appearance and it comes amid increased speculation over his future.

Balogun is out of contract in 2021 and had looked set to leave last summer after talks over a new deal broke down.

But negotiations have now been resumed with the attacker and Arteta says that the 18-year-old’s desire is to remain in north London.

“He wants to stay, we want him to stay,” said the Arsenal manager. “We gave him the opportunity and he took it straight away.

“It’s well deserved for the boy. He’s working really hard.

“He had some difficult months with all the speculation around him, he’s handled the situation in a really mature way.”

Victory in Molde secured Arsenal’s passage through to the knockout stages of the Europa League with two games to spare.

Nicolas Pepe sent them on the way with an excellent opening goal before Reiss Nelson and Balogun rounded off an impressive night’s work for Arteta’s side.

It was the perfect response from Pepe following his red card at Leeds on Sunday and Arteta was delighted with the Ivory Coast winger’s performance.

“I am really pleased,” he said. “Obviously after the disappointment, something negative, you want to see a reaction and to stand out really quickly.

“I could see from the first minute, from his body language, that he was ready to act. I think he had a great performance. He scored a goal, he could have scored another one or two. He created some great moments in the game and worked really hard for the team. I really liked it. I am really pleased with that.”

The Spaniard added: “We all know where his level is and all the time the question is how often he can get to that level - and how he contributes to other aspects of the game.

“That should be the level that he needs to hit and from there he needs to keep improving, because he is capable of doing it and you can see that every time he gets in those positions, in the final third, he is a real threat and a really difficult player to control.

“He can come with his feet, he can go inside, outside, he can shoot and create crosses. He can go in behind you as well. That’s what we expect from him.”

Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe has spoken out after footage emerged of French police beating a music producer.

Barcelona attacker Antoine Griezmann, Manchester City full-back Benjamin Mendy and Arsenal's Alexandre Lacazette also highlighted the incident on socal media.

There are now calls for France's interior minister Gerald Darmanin to take strong action. Darmanin confirmed on Twitter that an investigation has been launched, while the three officers involved have been suspended.

The victim, who has only been identified as Michel, is said to have been returning to his studio in Paris when three officers pushed him through the front door, forced him against a wall and proceeded to beat him. 

The incident was caught by CCTV on the premises and shows the officers - two in uniform and one in plain clothes - punching him on the head and hitting him with a baton. 

Michel also claims he heard several racial slurs throughout the encounter.

“I was afraid. I thought it was my last day," he added. "I kept saying: ‘I haven’t done anything’, and they kept shouting for me to get down on the ground.”

After the officers were bundled out of the building by Michel and others who came to help, they smashed a window and threw a teargas canister through it. 

Michel was arrested and held for 48 hours before he was released without charge.

The footage went viral on social media on Thursday morning and sparked outrage in France, where members of parliament recently voted in a new law to increase police powers.

Mbappe published a note on Twitter in response to the footage.

"Unbearable video, unacceptable violence," he wrote.

"'My France has values, principles and codes ... My France for me does not live in lies.

"With heart and rage in the light, not in the shadows.

"My France to me, is a mixture, it's a rainbow.

"She bothers you, I know, because she doesn't want you as a role model.

"Stop racism."

Griezmann, meanwhile, shared the video with the message: "My France hurts", and Mendy asked: "Without the videos what would have happened to Michel? We would have preferred to believe the version of the police under oath?"

Lacazette's tweet consisted of angry emojis in response to footage of the video being circulated on social media.

The Ghana women's team fought back from a goal down at home to secure a 3-1 comeback win over Morocco in the first leg of the two-legged international friendlies in Accra on Thursday.

The Black Queens went into the tie on the back of a nine-month hiatus since their second-place finish at the Turkish Women's Cup in Alanya, Turkey in March before the coronavirus lockdown. 

The Atlas Lionesses, on their own part, were playing their first international game since they won the second edition of the Unaf Women's Cup held in El Kram, Tunisia earlier in February.

Mercy Tagoe-Quarcoo's team made a false start to the contest as they conceded an early penalty which Chebbak Chizlane made no mistake to convert for Morocco after just five minutes.

The hosts almost got the equaliser when Sandra Owusu Ansah found space on the edge of the box but ended up firing straight into the arms of Morocco goalkeeper Zouhair Assia in the 10th minute.

The West Africans continued their search for the leveller and this time, Faustina Kyeremeh was in a good position to break the deadlock but her header went inches wide five minutes later.

In the 26th minute, Kyeremeh found the much-anticipated breakthrough after her initial attempt was denied as the Immigration Ladies star created space inside the box to hit the back of the net.

Having seen their early lead from the spot cancelled, the Moroccans gradually lost their cool over calls made by the centre referee. Naweal Quinekh was later sent off for dissent in the 45th minute.

With the numerical advantage, Ghana made the best of it as Linda Eshun gave them an important lead, with her superbly lobbed free-kick from distance before the sound of the half time whistle.

After the restart, the visitors stepped up their game in a bid for a comeback despite being reduced to 10 players but Ibtissam Jraidi could not convert most of her opportunities in front of goal.

The Black Queens, however, wrapped up their triumph when substitute Georgina Ayisha was set up from the left flank and did not miss netting her chance in the 63rd minute to guarantee her side's victory.

Despite the win, Ghana will eye a double against the Morccoans when they meet again at the same venue on November 30.

With the scrapping of the 2020 Africa Women's Cup of Nations, the two teams will maintain their build up ahead of the 2022 edition, which serves as qualifiers for the 2023 Women's World Cup.

Jamie Vardy scored a last-gasp goal amid a dramatic finale as Leicester City clinched their place in the knockout stages of the Europa League in an enthralling 3-3 draw at Braga.

With AEK Athens losing to Zorya Luhansk in Group G's other game on Thursday, the Foxes needed a point to book their place in the last 16, and thought they had it when Luke Thomas scored his first senior goal in the 78th minute to make it 2-2.

Yet Braga, who led at half-time thanks to goals from Al Musrati and Paulinho either side of Harvey Barnes' equaliser, seemed to have snatched the win when substitute Fransergio slotted in on the counter.

It was not to be, with Leicester's talisman Vardy on hand to tuck home Marc Albrighton's cross in the final minute of stoppage time and claim a precious, progression-sealing draw.

Braga were ahead inside four minutes when, after Iuri Medeiros saw two efforts blocked, Musrati arrowed a thumping strike into the left-hand corner.

Leicester drew level with their first meaningful attack when Barnes lashrf in from a tight angle, but Braga's lead was restored when Ricardo Horta skipped past Schmeichel before squaring for Paulinho to finish.

Cengiz Under squandered a swift chance to equalise and Leicester would have been made to pay if not for a fantastic double stop from Schmeichel to deny Paulinho and Horta.

Vardy's introduction after the hour sparked life into Leicester and – after Jonny Evans had sliced wide – the pressure told, with substitute James Maddison drilling in a cross from which Thomas nudged home.

With Zorya cruising in Athens, Leicester appeared to be through but, at the culmination of a counter-attack, Fransergio powered a finish over Schmeichel to seemingly put the Foxes' progression on hold.

Vardy, however, had other ideas and, after leading a charge down the left flank, kept his position to latch onto Albrighton's delivery and side-foot into a gaping goal.

What does it mean? Foxes into last 32

Leicester had been hunting a club-record fourth straight European win, though in the circumstances this result will no doubt feel like a victory.

While their place in the knockouts is secure, Brendan Rodgers' side still have first place in the group to play for, though they can at least afford themselves some wiggle room in the final two fixtures.

Unplayable Vardy keeps on rolling

No player has scored more goals for Leicester City in major European competition than Vardy, who is now level on four with Riyad Mahrez.

The 33-year-old has scored 10 goals from 10 appearances in all competitions already this season.

Praet passed by 

Rodgers elected to play Dennis Praet in a deeper midfield role than the Belgian – who was taken off at half-time – is accustomed to, but the former Sampdoria playmaker failed to impress, managing just 23 touches and attempting only 22 passes, with only four of those coming in Braga's half.

Key Opta Facts

- Braga have lost just one of their last 11 home games in European competition (including qualifiers – W6 D4), scoring 24 goals in total.
- Leicester have conceded three goals in consecutive matches for the first time since December 2019, when they did so against Manchester City on Liverpool.
- Thomas, aged 19 years and 169 days, became Leicester's youngest goalscorer in a European competition.
- Portugal forward Paulinho has had a hand in eight goals in 12 Europa League appearances for Braga since the start of last season (seven goals, one assist).

What's next?

Leicester host struggling Fulham on Monday, while Braga face Farense in their next league outing.   

Legon Cities striker Asamoah Gyan believes the club's early struggles in the Ghana Premier League (GPL) is partly due to offensive inadequacies as he nears his debut for the side.

The Ghana legend joined The Royals on a one-year deal in October but has had to bid his time to play his first game for the club due to a lack of match fitness.

Without the Black Stars all-time scorer, the Accra-based outfit has been unable to score in open play in two games so far; they relied on a penalty to hold Berekum Chelsea to a 1-1 draw on matchday one before falling 3-0 to Great Olympics, leading to the sacking of coach Goran Barjaktarevic.

“For me I think it's something about our attitude," Gyan told Legon Cities FC TV.

"We weren’t giving enough and I think the players have agreed with me. We’ve had a couple of meetings and everybody agrees with our attitude approaching games [being a problem].

“It's rather unfortunate that we’ve gotten one point out of two games. It happens but what we need to do is we need to show our attitude and aggression - that we want to win games.

“That is how we can win games.

"Our build up play is very slow, we’re struggling offensively, we don’t create chances enough.

“That is what we are working on. Everything depends on our training. We are working on our weak points and everything so we can exhibit it on the field on matchday."

Legon have set their sights on their first three points of the season ahead of Friday's encounter with Medeama at home at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Reports say Gyan is likely to feature in the matchweek three tie.

"Yeah, anything is possible. We can beat them, [Medeama],” Gyan said of Legon Cities’ chances against Medeama.

“[It's about] how we approach the game, how we are willing to play. Tactically, coaches can make their tactics but mentally, when you are not there, it will not work.

“So we have to make sure we go there with the same mentality. Give everything we have and the victory can come when we do everything right on the field and we are tactically disciplined. With effort also, I think everything will be okay."

Ghana last kicked a ball in the GPL in 2003 when he was on the books of Liberty Professionals. 

Celtic were again tormented by Lukas Julis in another 4-1 defeat to Sparta Prague as they crashed out of the Europa League on Thursday.

Neil Lennon's Bhoys had lost by the same scoreline at home to Sparta earlier in the month and Odsonne Edouard's opener in the away fixture provided only a brief moment of respite before the hosts responded.

Dismal defensive lapses allowed David Hancko and Julis - the hat-trick hero in Scotland scoring twice this time - to prematurely end this year's European adventure.

And Sparta substitute Srdan Plavsic added the final flourish in the closing seconds.

The brutal conclusion was at odds with an encouraging Celtic start which saw Edouard lead a brilliant break 15 minutes in and tie Hancko in knots on the left-hand side of the area, finally shooting across goalkeeper Florin Nita to find the net via the post.

But the hosts were level after 26 minutes as Hancko hit back, controlling David Pavelka's scuffed shot before lashing past Scott Bain from close range when Celtic failed to clear a corner.

And the turnaround was complete seven minutes before the break as Borek Dockal's low ball through the box was inexplicably allowed to reach Julis at the far post for a simple finish.

It could, and perhaps should, have been three heading into half-time after Ladislav Krejci became the latest home player to find space in the Celtic area, but he headed Dockal's free-kick against the post.

Edouard came to the fore again following the restart but saw a low free-kick saved smartly by Nita, who was then grateful to make a far more routine stop as the Celtic forward sent a tame effort straight into his arms.

Lennon's men kept pushing, but Mohamed Elyounoussi's mistake allowed Sparta to counter and David Moberg Karlsson crossed for Julis to sweep in once more 10 minutes from time.

The humiliation was not yet over and Plavsic beat Bain to the ball outside the area and slid into the empty net to condemn the Hoops to a repeat of their Celtic Park nightmare.

What does it mean? Ten in a row talk a long way off

This was supposed to be Celtic's crowning season. After nine straight Scottish Premiership titles, they again held the upper hand over rivals Rangers heading into the new campaign.

But Lennon's second spell in charge is falling apart quite spectacularly. They have just two wins in nine across all competitions and, while an early European exit perhaps represents an advantage in the title race, they look some way short of Steven Gerrard's men right now.

Julis haunts Hoops again

Julis had scored only three goals in 19 Europa League appearances. Then he met Celtic.

The striker scored with three of five shots - two on target - in the away fixture and was even more clinical this time. All three of his efforts were sent goalwards and his two goals proved decisive.

Jullien and Ajer all at sea

Neither Christopher Jullien nor Kristoffer Ajer played in the first game - Shane Duffy and Nir Bitton paired for that painful outing - but this new Celtic centre-back duo fared no better.

The second goal, which turned the tide after the visitors had looked capable of restoring their advantage, saw Ajer - who did not make a single interception - fail to cut out a routine cross, while Jullien was seemingly unaware of the lurking Julis.

Key Opta Facts

- Since it was rebranded in 2009-10, Celtic have won just two of their 24 away games in the Europa League.
- Julis has scored five goals in his last two games in the Europa League, two more than he netted in his first 19 in the competition.
- Edouard has been directly involved in six goals in his last eight Europa League games (four goals, two assists).
- Edouard has also scored in two of his last three away appearances in the competition, after scoring in just one of his first six.

What's next?

Could the Scottish League Cup provide a much-needed distraction for Celtic? They face Ross County on Sunday. Sparta are at Teplice in the league on the same day.

Nicolas Pepe was on the scoresheet as Arsenal won 3-0 at Molde to secure their place in the Europa League knockouts.

The winger was chastised for being sent off for a headbutt on Ezgjan Alioski during the 0-0 Premier League draw with Leeds United last Sunday.

Pepe was handed a chance for redemption by boss Mikel Arteta and duly responded with an impressive performance capped by a fine goal that broke the deadlock at Aker Stadion.

Reiss Nelson doubled the Gunners' lead and Folarin Balogun scored his first goal for the club as they made it four wins from four in Group B, of which they are almost certain to finish top.

Pepe was arguably Arsenal's brightest player in the first half as he attempted three shots and completed 100 per cent of his passes from the right wing.

Nelson had the Gunners' best opening but his low effort from Alexandre Lacazette's set-up was well saved by Andreas Linde with his foot.

The clearest chance of the half fell to Sheriff Sinyan, who slid in to meet Eirik Hestad's low cross with the goal at his mercy but somehow turned the ball back across the line and off goalkeeper Alex Runarsson.

Pepe rattled the crossbar with a spectacular strike just after the restart, but he had more luck with his next effort, placing a shot high past Linde from inside the box after pulling down Nelson's cross.

Eddie Nketiah had a tap-in disallowed for offside, but it was 2-0 before the hour mark, Nelson side-footing home from six yards after a low cross from Joe Willock.

Arteta took the chance to give game time to Emile Smith Rowe and Balogun off the bench, and the latter got his first senior goal with his second touch, turning well before firing through a disappointing attempted save.

What does it mean? Pepe leads Gunners into next round

Arsenal have 12 points from four games, leaving them six clear of Molde at the top of their group.

Their place in the last 32 is now guaranteed with two matches to spare and a point will be enough to ensure they finish top of the standings.

Molde will be overtaken by Rapid Vienna on goal difference if the Austrians beat Dundalk, who are without a point.

Pepe responds in style

Arsenal's record signing is facing a three-game Premier League ban but delivered the kind of response here his coach will have wanted.

Pepe attempted six shots and created four goalscoring chances, the most of anyone on the pitch.

A sore point for Sinyan

Molde played well in the first half and would have had a deserved lead had Sinyan managed to convert a chance that looked easier to score than miss.

To make matters worse, he proceeded to collide with the post in painful-looking fashion and did not seem comfortable for the rest of the match.

Key Opta Facts

- Arsenal have won their opening four group-stage matches in a European campaign for the first time since the 2005-06 season, in the Champions League, when they went on to reach the final.
- Norwegian sides have lost their past five home meetings with English teams in all European competitions by an aggregate score of 14-0. 
- Since beating Sheffield United 2-1 at the start of October, 12 of Arsenal's 13 goals in all competitions have come in the Europa League, with the only exception being Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's penalty at Old Trafford in the Premier League. 
- Pepe has been directly involved in nine goals in his 10 Europa League games for Arsenal (five goals and four assists), netting in each of his past three appearances in the competition. 
- All four of Nelson's goals for Arsenal have come in different competitions (Europa League, Premier League, FA Cup and EFL Cup).
- Balogun scored with his first ever attempt for Arsenal's senior team.

What's next?

Arsenal, who host Rapid Vienna on matchday five, are next in action against Wolves in the Premier League on Sunday. Molde host Haugesund before next Thursday's trip to Dundalk.

Martin Keown has expressed his belief that Mikel Arteta is changing Arsenal's brand of football, while insisting that the Gunners boss doesn't fully "trust" his players yet.

Arteta received widespread praise for salvaging an eighth-place Premier League finish and FA Cup glory for Arsenal after being handed the managerial reins at Emirates Stadium midway through the 2019-20 campaign.

The Gunners were tipped to build on that platform by regaining a place in the Champions League, but consistency has proved elusive for the north Londoners at the start of the new season.

Arteta's men are already five points adrift of the top four after nine fixtures, having only picked up 13 points from a possible 27.

Arsenal were handed their fourth defeat of the season before the international break as Aston Villa ran out 3-0 winners at the Emirates, and they failed to get back to winning ways away at Leeds United over the weekend.

A 0-0 draw at Elland Road did little to ease the growing sense of unease among supporters, with Arteta's methods suddenly being called into question amid a lack of cutting edge in the final third of the pitch.

Keown says the Spaniard has abandoned legendary ex-Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger's time-honoured attacking philosophy in favour of a more pragmatic approach, with previously expressive players losing their way after being forced to adopt more disciplined roles.

“I think the brand of Arsenal's football is changing," the former Gunners defender told BT Sport ahead of his old club's trip to Molde in the Europa League.

"When you think of 22 years under Arsene Wenger, so much creativity, expression, belief from the manager that anything was possible.

"Here we are with a brand new manager, one who I think is going to be outstanding. But maybe there is too much instruction.

"Players going backwards, under Arsene Wenger, no, no, that ball has to go forward. Arteta played very well under Wenger, so he will know.

"I think he wants them to express themselves and play, but I think that comes with trust and you stop with the information, and rely on the individual to go and create the play.

"Maybe it’s just a little bit of balance. He’s still a young manager, but very successful already - it’s still early days - but at the moment, he doesn’t have quite the right balance between attacking and defending.”

Carlos Vinicius scored twice as Tottenham claimed a comfortable 4-0 win over Ludogorets and edged closer to a place in the Europa League knockout stage.

Brazilian striker Vinicius, on a season-long loan from Benfica, netted for Spurs for the first time with two clinical finishes in a one-sided match on Thursday.

But the pick of the goals belonged to Harry Winks, as a spectacular long-range effort drifted over Ludogorets goalkeeper Plamen Iliev from 53.7 yards, before Lucas Moura added a fourth with a crisp finish.

The win moved second-placed Spurs level with Group J leaders Royal Antwerp on nine points, although the Belgian side are ahead courtesy of their head-to-head record.

Gareth Bale, in search of his 200th career goal, tried his luck with two free-kicks and a long-range effort early after Jose Mourinho made 10 changes from the side which beat Manchester City 2-0 on Saturday.

But it was Vinicius who opened the scoring for Spurs after he got on the end of Dele Alli's deflected pass and calmly slid the ball home.

His second goal owed much to Alli's unselfish play after the midfielder cut the ball back for Vinicius to tap in from close range following Tanguy Ndombele's burst forward.

Ludogorets struggled to get out of their own half and were unable to register a single shot in the first half, with goalkeeper Joe Hart touching the ball just seven times before the break.

Bale got himself into a good position after the interval only to be denied by Iliev at the far post following Matt Doherty's knockdown.

Iliev was embarrassed after 63 minutes, though, when Winks collected the ball from a throw-in on the left flank and remarkably picked out the top-right corner, via the crossbar, with the Ludogorets keeper off his line.

Alli and Vinicius were both involved again when Spurs notched a fourth, Moura the beneficiary as some clever link-up play allowed him to fire home.

Iliev at least partially redeemed himself late on when he saved from substitute Harvey White from close range, but Tottenham eased to another three points.

APR striker Jacques Tuyisenge has confirmed he is ready to face his former club Gor Mahia in a Saturday Caf Champions League tie.

Tuyisenge, who left Gor Mahia in 2019 for Petro Atletico of Angola, joined the Rwandan heavyweights in the last transfer window but he has been recently battling an injury.

He has, however, declared he is ready for the preliminary round tie in Kigali on November 28.

“Yes, I got injured while I was with the national team Amavubi but since I arrived at the club I was put under good care. I am now in good form and I am training well,” the Rwandan international told the club’s website.

“I am 100% ready to represent APR during the Saturday game.

“I will be there given that I have been exercising which means I am in good form. I have no problem now and I am sure I will be there.”

The forward was not involved in the midweek friendly match against Association Sportive d'Arta of Djibouti which APR won 2-0.

“For now, I do not know what the coach’s plans are although he chose to bench me during the friendly,” he added.

“He is the one who knows why but that does not matter for me because I have to stick on what the coach plans.”

Tuyisenge’s confirmation of readiness for the weekend clash came after his former teammate Kenneth Muguna said Gor Mahia will not focus on him alone.

“So far the preparations are good as the players and the coaches are equally doing a good job. I can only say the team is good to go,” Muguna said in a separate interview.

“We are taking the game with a positive mindset but it is not about playing against Tuyisenge because we will be playing against the whole APR, not just one player.

“There are some dangerous players in the team and that is enough reason to focus on all of them and not just one person.”

The Gor Mahia captain also called for individual and general performances to heighten in order to deal with the pressure that is bound to be felt.

“If we perform at the highest level individually and as a team, then I know we will come out with a good result,” Muguna added.

“There is always pressure in what you do and we expect it this time around. We have been dealing with it.

“To beat pressure, one must believe in what he or she is doing, believe on the teammates and the coach and his game plan and that is the only way to deal with pressure.”

The return leg will be played between December 4 and 6 in Nairobi.

NorthEast United showed resilience and looked like a rejuvenated side in the second half to come from behind and register a 2-2 draw against Kerala Blasters in the 2020-21 Indian Super League clash on Thursday. 

Kerala Blasters scored twice in the first-half through Sergio Cidoncha (5th minute) and Gary Hooper (45th minute). The visitors, on the contrary, lived dangerously as they defended poorly and allowed the opponents to create ample opportunities. However, in the second half, Gerard Nus' team changed the tide of the game as they struck through Kwesi Appiah (51st minute) and substitute Idrissa Sylla (90th minute) to bag a point.

Nus was impressed by the Highlanders' performance in the second half and he believes his side showed character. He also mentioned that the NorthEast United, through their brilliance in the second half, proved that they can defend and register comebacks.

"I think we showed today that we can adapt to the situation. We are a team that can come back into the game even if the situation is not in our favour. We showed character, we showed how good we can defend but we also definitely showed how we can keep possession, execute combinations. We had many more chances than them, we had a lot of possession. So proud about the performance tonight," Gerard Nus said in the post-match interview. 

The Spanish coach appreciated the first-half performance from Kerala Blasters and said that they are a good side. He further added that Kerala Blasters have some fantastic players and a great coach in Kibu Vicuna. 

"We conceded two goals because they are a really good side. You see the first one, that set-piece, something that we knew about but the team did really well and they have fantastic players, a great coach and this happens," he added. 

Safa Banouk was the heroine of the match as the Morocco U20 women's side secured a 1-0 win against Ghana in Thursday's friendly.

The Black Princesses were meeting their Moroccan counterparts for the second time in 2020 following March's warm-up in Morocco, with the encounter ending 3-2 at the Mohammed VI Stadium.

Milot Pokuaa and Faustina Akpor could not save Yusif Basigi's team from defeat as Ghizaine Chebbak, Ouinekh Hanane and Hanane Ait El Haj's strikes gave the Atlas Lionesses the win.

In a quest for revenge, the Black Princesses made a bright start to the contest but failed to profit from several chances spearheaded by Mukarama Abdulai against the Moroccans.

Morocco, however, found a breakthrough before the break when Banouk broke the deadlock with the winner in the 38th minute.

After the break, Basigi's side fought hard to gain a comeback into the encounter through Abdulai in most attempts but the visitors held their nerves to the death to celebrate their double triumph.

Following the defeat, the Princesses will seek to regroup in a bid to redeem themselves against the Morccoans at the same venue on November 30.

With the 2020 U20 Women's World Cup cancelled, the two teams will continue preparations ahead of next year's qualifiers for the 2022 edition.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is a "f*cking bully!", according to Dimitar Berbatov, who says the Tottenham midfielder has been a "rock" for Jose Mourinho.

Hojbjerg completed a £15 million ($20m) move to Tottenham from Southampton on August 12, bringing to an end his four-year spell at St Mary's.

The 25-year-old committed to a five-year deal with the north London outfit, and has since enhanced his reputation as one of the most consistent performers in the Premier League.

Hojbjerg has been a fixture in Mourinho's line up at the start of the 2020-21 campaign, forming a formidable partnership with Moussa Sissoko in the middle of the pitch across 15 appearances in all competitions.

Berbatov has praised the Portuguese for recognising that the Denmark international was exactly the kind of player Spurs had been missing, while expressing his belief that the ex-Southampton star has been the unsung hero during his old club's rise to the top of the Premier League table.

"I think one of the major things in the Spurs team, from what I have seen so far, are the people in the middle of the park. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is a f*cking bully, a rock in front of the defence," the former Tottenham striker told Betfair.

"He knows what he can and can't do and he's playing to his strengths. He doesn't really get much praise but he's there and he's doing all the work.

"Mourinho knew exactly what he wanted when they went into the market for a midfielder, and he certainly got all that and more in Hojbjerg."

Berbatov also reserved special praise for Sissoko, Harry Kane and Son Heung-min, before insisting that Tottenham's 2-0 win over Manchester City last weekend proved that they have what it takes to compete for the Premier League crown.

"Mousa Sissoko also plays a massive part alongside him and it's pleasing to see Tanguy Ndombele getting more and more games under his belt," he added.

"I don't really know what else to say about Harry Kane and Son, it's obvious they are amazing. Every player is producing great football at the moment and long may that continue.

"In the past, we've seen Mourinho favour a strong midfield, he has his own ideas about how his team should be structured and, at the moment, it's working perfectly for him.

"Spurs proved that they are serious title contenders with their win over Manchester City. It was a great win and it was probably exactly how Mourinho wanted the game to go.

"Even though I admire seeing the patient passing style of football with the ball on the ground, sometimes if you play like that and have 60 or 70 per cent of the ball you can still lose, as City did against Spurs.

"City cannot change their style of play and Spurs were so prepared for them, so focussed and in the end fully deserved the win. It's a big statement, it showed that they are ready and that they can challenge this year for the title."