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Kalidou Koulibaly disclosed that Napoli deserved to defeat Real Sociedad in Thursday’s Europa League encounter.

After a stuttering start to the competition where they lost 1-0 at home defeat to AZ Alkmaar, the Serie A outfit returned to winning ways with a 1-0 win at the Anoeta Stadium.

With the first-half ending 0-0, Gennaro Gattuso’s men stepped up their game in the last 45 minutes to pick all three points at stake courtesy of Matteo Politano’s 56th minute strike.

Despite having Victor Osimhen’s sent off by referee Craig Pawson for a second caution in the closing stages, the Whites and Blues were unable to get the much-needed equaliser.

Speaking on the outcome against the Spaniards, the 29-year-old who captained the Blues said his side merited the away win, albeit, admitted that the game was hard-hitting.

"Winning tonight here was important to continue our journey in Europe." Koulibaly told club website.

"It was essential to win the three points here in Spain after the unfortunate debut. We deserved success on a very tough field."

"The further we go, the more we are aware of our potential and tonight we have expressed them against a strong opponent such as Real Sociedad".

Despite being on the radar of several top European teams at the beginning of the 2020-21 season, the Senegal international remained at Stadio San Paolo where is a dominant figure in Napoli’s backline.

So far, he has played four out of his team’s five Italian topflight games while lauding manager Gattuso for his new-found form.

"This season I feel great, Gattuso has given me confidence and spoken to me clearly,” he continued.

“I've regained excellent form and I want to continue like this because I know it won't be easy to keep the level of performance so high. This year we want to get to the top."

Koulibaly is expected to be in action when the Naples based club face Sassuolo in their next league outing on Sunday.

Four days after that showdown, they travel to Croatia to face Simon Rozman’s Rijeka FC in their next Group F Europa League outing.

Mikel Arteta acknowledges Nicolas Pepe must be more consistent, but the Arsenal manager does not question the winger's attitude and is keen to help.

Pepe was a club-record signing from Lille in August 2019 yet struggled to translate his dominant Ligue 1 form to the Premier League last term.

The Ivory Coast international's first campaign in England brought just five league goals, having netted 22 times in his final year in France.

Pepe showed a flash of his talent on Thursday, netting a fine strike in the 3-0 Europa League win over Dundalk, his second of the new season in all competitions.

But that was the only one of his five shots to hit the target, while the 25-year-old created just a single chance and completed none of his three dribbles. Pepe's crossing – at 16.67 per cent accuracy – was also particularly wasteful.

Arteta was asked if the pressure of the player's price tag could be a problem but said: "Knowing Nico, I don't think it's something that worries him too much.

"It's about him hitting his best, every single week. I believe this is where he believes he can do better and we have to try to help him.

"I think he's so willing to do well and show everybody and first of all his team-mates, myself and then the fans that he's a player that can make the difference every week. 

"Obviously, he's not been first choice in a lot of games but, to be fair, he's played quite a lot of moments better than others.

"It's about finding the consistency, not through the games but during the games as well, to be more insistent and be able to do the right thing in many, many occasions when he has to make the right decisions on the pitch.

"It's nothing to do with his attitude. He's a player who takes risks and he's a very creative player, and it's the most difficult thing in football when they all know what you can do as well, how much they want to prevent the space, the overloads that they generate to defend you, so creating a situation as well is complicated. 

"But sometimes, it's the simple things – the deliveries, the amount of situations that he's able to create or attract and then make the right decision, to keep evolving that phase of play, the finishing, the position inside the box – that he has to be more consistent at.

"We are working on that and hopefully he will be doing that much more efficiently."

The left-footed Pepe has been accused of being one-dimensional but scored Thursday's goal on his right side.

"It is nothing to do with me," Arteta added. "That was his action, he scored a magnificent goal. He's been [unpredictable] a little bit more recently, going down the outside is something he can do.

"It's just about when he attracts people as well and frees something, the last pass, the last delivery, which foot he needs to attack of the defender sometimes as well to make things easier for him, the starting position sometimes is not right.

"But he's trying really hard, he's a player who loves to play the game and we need to give him more help to try to be more successful."

Having started just once in the league this season, Pepe must now hope he has done enough to win a place in the Gunners XI at Manchester United this weekend.

"They are always in the frame to play," Arteta said of his Europa League stars. "It's not because we lose or win, it's what they bring to the team, how they train, what they are showing.

"Results, at the end, are consequences of many things, but individually how they do things is what determines whether they have the opportunity to play or not."

Slavia Prague manager Jindrich Trpisovsky has showered encomium on Peter Olayinka following his impressive performance against Bayer Leverkusen on Thursday.

The 24-year-old attacker scored the only goal that handed his side a 1-0 victory over the Bundesliga club in a Europa League game.

The Nigeria international started from the bench for the Red and Whites and made a significant contribution in the encounter.

The forward replaced Oscar Dorley moments after the hour mark and scored the goal that made the difference.

Olayinka fired home past goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky after he was set up by Nicolae Stanciu, who earlier missed a penalty in the match.

 Trpisovsky has praised the Super Eagles attacker and revealed why he did not start the match at Sinobo Stadium.

“I must say thanks to Peter Olayinka. Normally he would play in the starting eleven, but he wasn’t ready after his recovery from Covid,” Trpisovsky said in a post-match conference.

“He is the hero of the game for me, he sacrificed for the team, he came on the pitch to help us. We need players like him.”

The victory bolstered Slavia Prague chances of progressing into the knockout stage of the competition as they are now joined on three points with Leverkusen and Hapoel Beer Sheva but with goals difference while Nice are at the base of the Group.

Olayinka has now featured eight times for the Sinobo Stadium outfit, scoring two goals across all competitions this season.

The forward will be expected to continue with his fine performances in front of goal when Slavia Prague take on French side Nice in their next outing in the European competition on November 5.

Olayinka has been with Slavia Prague since the summer of 2018 when he teamed up with the Czech Republic side from Gent.

Milan boss Stefano Pioli insists it was a pre-planned decision to substitute Zlatan Ibrahimovic at half-time of their 3-0 Europa League victory against Sparta Prague.

After Brahim Diaz's opener, Ibrahimovic missed the chance to double Milan's lead when his 36th-minute spot-kick hit the crossbar, one of three shots without hitting the target during the opening period.

He was subsequently replaced at the break by Rafael Leao, who did double Milan's advantage in the second period before Diogo Dalot sealed a comfortable victory.

Pioli, however, insists the decision to remove Ibrahimovic at that point had been made before the game and not influenced by his performance.

"We had already planned the substitution," he told Sky Sport Italia. "Zlatan is a champion and probably wanted to continue, but we have another very difficult match coming up on Sunday, so it was only right to balance out our efforts."

Pioli made five changes to the side that drew 3-3 with Roma in Serie A at the weekend as Milan went on to claim their ninth win from 10 games - including one penalty shoot-out - across all competitions this season. 

The Rossoneri return to domestic action on Sunday with a trip to Udinese and Pioli says he is finding it tough to cram so many in-form players into his side. 

"The team knows what it has to do on the pitch and how to read the games," he added. 

"We were coming off a good performance against Roma where we could've done better in controlling the situation. Today we made the most of the spaces that were allowed.

"I must admit, it becomes increasingly difficult to choose the starting XI, as everyone is doing so well. 

"The lads work in such a unified fashion and that is the attitude that makes me want to pick them. We wanted strength in depth, so it's only right that we make the most of it."

Sandro Tonali was particularly impressive in midfield, completing more passes (72) than any other Milan player and gaining possession a team-high 10 times. 

Pioli was delighted with his display and believes the 20-year-old is starting to find his feet at San Siro. 

"Sandro Tonali made two steps forward in his performance this evening," he said. "It was inevitable he'd take a while to settle as he arrived after pre-season, so I am very satisfied with the way he is growing into the team and finding form. 

"He's perfect for creating competition for places."

The Premier League 2020-21 kicked off on September 12, 2020.

Everton continue to lead the standings despite defeat at the hands of Southampton while it gives Liverpool an opportunity to draw level on points atop as the Reds  returned to winning ways in the Premier League with Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota on target against Sheffield United.

Meanwhile, in Matchday 6, Manchester City produced more of the ponderous play that saw them drop points against Leicester City and Leeds United until Phil Foden came off the bench to equalise after a wonderful overhead kick from Michail Antonio but Pep Gaurdiola's men were held by West Ham.

Edinson Cavani made his debut off the bench and almost scored with his first touch but Manchester United's home struggles continued, making it five without a win in the league after a dour draw against Chelsea in an underwhelming clash at a rainy Old Trafford. Chelsea sit sixth on the table and United 15th, though they are only separated by two points.

At the Emirates Stadium, Leicester City pulled off a smash-and-grab victory over Arsenal through a late Jamie Vardy header, while Tottenham continue to reap the rewards of Harry Kane and Son-Heung-min's seemingly telepathic partnership as the pair combined for Spurs' late winner in a triumph at Burnley.

A blockbuster tie awaits among the fixtures of Matchday 7 as Manchester United host Arsenal.
 

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Where to watch or stream the Premier League

The Star Sports network (Star Sports and Star Sports Select) has the rights to show Premier League matches in India.

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Premier League fixtures

Matchday 1

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Matchday 2

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Matchday 3

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Matchday 5

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Matchday 7

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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta had nothing but praise for his second-stringers following their robust performance against Dundalk in the Europa League, admitting that their "easy" display has given him selection headaches.

The Gunners ran out 3-0 victors at the Emirates Stadium against the League of Ireland champions thanks to a five-minute goal burst either side of half-time led by Eddie Nketiah, Joe Willock and Nicolas Pepe.

Having named a nominal first-choice side for their European opener against Rapid Wien last week, fixture congestion ahead of a Premier League clash with Manchester United forced Arteta to rotate multiple players for the visit of Filippo Giovagnoli's relative minnows, with half-a-dozen changes between the two starting lineups seven days apart.

Despite that, the hosts took their chances when they came, with Iceland goalkeeper Runar Alex Runarsson keeping a clean sheet on debut and England youth star Willock helping them to lodge 25 shots at their opposition's goal throughout.

Speaking afterwards, Arteta championed his side's performance against an opponent who adamantly refused to be overawed by the occasion, and hailed his side's respect for their visitors as key to making their free-flowing performance look like a cakewalk on the occasion.

However, the 38-year-old admitted that several eye-catching turns meant that he would face difficulties in picking his teams in the near future, as several stars pressed a claim for more regular football, while also singling out the returning Willian for his efforts upon his return from injury.

"We made it look easy because we were very disciplined, took it seriously and were at it from the beginning," the Spaniard told BT Sport.

"We made a lot of changes, gave opportunities to other players and I think they performed well.

"We have a large squad and I wanted to give opportunities to everybody. Today they showed they were prepared when I need them and today they made it more difficult for me for selection.

"Sometimes it is about the quality, sometimes it is about the tactical plan for the game. I am very pleased with the performance today.

"We missed Willian the last couple of weeks, he had a very short pre-season. He needs that bit of rhythm. He looked good today, great to get some minutes in his legs.

"After losing the way we lost against Leicester it was painful. It took a few days to react but good to respond straight away with a win and now we go to Old Trafford and try to win again."

James Rodriguez is still adjusting to the “relentless” pace of Premier League life, says Kevin Campbell, with the Colombian being backed to “find his feet” and produce on a consistent basis once up to full match sharpness.

The talented South American has made a positive early impression in England since completing a move to Goodison Park over the summer.

His ability has never been in doubt, with the 29-year-old having previously turned out for the likes of Monaco, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.

Everton were considered to have pulled off quite the coup in luring him to Merseyside, with the presence of Carlo Ancelotti in their dugout proving to be a useful bargaining tool.

James has shown flashes of what he is capable of, with three goals and four assists already recorded.

He has, however, also picked up a slight knock in the midst of Premier League battle, with the English top-flight renowned for its physicality.

It was suggested on the back of Everton’s 2-0 defeat to Southampton last time out that James was looking a little tired – with regular game time having been in short supply for him over recent years.

Campbell, though, believes James is merely working his way through the gears and will prove to be a shrewd addition for the Toffees even in the most testing of times.

The former Everton striker told Gentingbet: “Rodriguez will be fine once he gets used to the relentless nature of the Premier League.

“He hasn’t played a lot of football over the years so I think he's just got to find his feet. I truly believe he will - he just needs all the top players playing for him to really excel.

“Obviously, there's a few players who aren't going to be there, so it’s going to take him a little bit of time to adjust.”

Everton’s loss at Southampton was their first in 2020-21, with a flying start made to their Premier League campaign. Campbell believes James and Co. will face another stern test of their credentials when paying a visit to Newcastle on Sunday.

He added: “Everton’s game against Newcastle is going to be very difficult.

“Lucas Digne won’t be playing as he's got a one-game suspension and Richarlison will be missing for the second game.

“I think Everton will find going to St James’ Park very difficult because obviously, it’s away from home and you haven't got Richarlison - you only realise the work and players he occupies when he isn’t there, and that he gets players away from Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

“When he’s not playing, other teams will be scheming towards Calvert-Lewin to stop him so I think it’s going to be a very difficult game for Everton.”

The Nigeria Women Football League [NWFL] board has confirmed the Nigeria Women Premier League (NWPL) will commence its 2020-21 season on December 9, 2020.

The Aisha Falode's led NWFL board named the kick-off date following a meeting with all 16 club representatives at its secretariat in Abuja.

Chief Operating Officer of the NWFL, Faith Ben-Anuge disclosed it will revert to a straight league format for the first time since 2014 following the 2019/20 season scrapping due to Covid-19.

Following a draw ceremony, Rivers Angels have drawn against Adamawa Queens, Nasarawa Amazons battle FC Robo Queens, while DreamStars Ladies welcome Delta Queens.

In other fixtures, Sunshine Queens face Heartland Queens, Edo Queens tackle Royal Queens, Abia Angels host Osun Babes, Bayelsa Queens meet Pelican Stars and Ibom Angels visit Confluence Queens.

According to Ben-Anuge, Nasarawa Amazons and FC Robo will be the opening match of the season in Lafia on December 9 and there will be a two-week break after the Week 15 fixtures.

Speaking at the event, Falode read the riot act to the clubs, while outlining plans in the build-up to the league's commencement. 

"Commencement of inspection of facilities submitted by the teams will be inspected as part of the activities to be embarked on by the NWFL," said Falode, who doubles as an NFF board member.

"If teams don't have acceptable pitches, they will be advised to get good ones, if not a decision will be taken swiftly. 

"Documentation for the season has been sent and deadlines for meeting up with these obligations and conditions will also be known soon. Any club that fails to meet these conditions will be sanctioned.

"Before the commencement of the NWFL Premiership, clubs are expected to meet all guidelines in terms of the Covid-19 protocols, player licensing, DTMS, medicals and Insurance."

WEEK ONE FIXTURE December 9, 2020

Nasarawa Amazons Vs FC Robo Queens

Adamawa Queens Vs Rivers Angels

Confluence Queens Vs Ibom Angels

Dreams Stars Ladies Vs Delta Queens

Bayelsa Queens Vs Pelican Stars

Edo Queens Vs Royal Queens

Abia Angels Vs Osun Babes

Sunshine Queens Vs Heartland Queens

The LA Galaxy have parted ways with head coach Guillermo Barros Schelotto with the club sitting last in the Western Conference.

Schelotto took charge of the Galaxy last season, with the former Columbus Crew star returning to MLS as a coach after leading Boca Juniors to the 2018 Copa Libertadores final.

The Argentine led the club to a fifth-place finish and a postseason appearance during his first season, with the Galaxy taking down Minnesota United before falling to rivals Los Angeles FC in their second playoff match.

However, after Zlatan Ibrahimovic's departure this summer the Galaxy have struggled, amassing just 18 points through 19 MLS games.

And those struggles have cost Schelotto his job after just 59 total games, with the Galaxy now turning to Dominic Kinnear as interim manager for the rest of the season.

“Based on results, we have decided to go in a different direction,” said LA Galaxy General Manager Dennis te Kloese in a statement.

“The LA Galaxy is a club that is built on winning on the field and being representative of the championship mentality and pedigree that you expect in Los Angeles.

"As a club, we have a collective responsibility and we all must share the blame for the club’s current standing. I take responsibility for the poor results and believe that we can find the right way forward for this team and our club.”

Following Ibrahimovic's departure, the Galaxy turned to Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez, but the Mexican star has failed to live up to his lofty price tag.

The former Manchester United star has scored just one goal in 10 games with the Galaxy failing to win a match with the Mexican on the field.

Hernandez missed the Galaxy's clash with LAFC last weekend before also being left out of Wednesday's 5-2 loss to the Portland Timbers.

"I think it has been a very challenging year for everyone and certainly for Javier," Te Kloese told ESPN. "He came in with high, high expectations, from him, from ourselves, from everybody.

"We haven’t been able to connect those high expectations so far. There’s no truth to the rumors of him going to Chivas or anything else."

The Galaxy have three matches left in their season as they will still face Real Salt Lake, the Seattle Sounders and the Vancouver Whitecaps.

Samuel Chukwueze was in action and Owusu Kwabena found the back of the net as Villarreal secured a 3-1 victory over Qarabag in Thursday’s Europa League game.

Chukwueze was afforded his second start in 2020-21 while Kwabena led the Azerbaijani side’s attack.

The Ghana international played alongside Abdellah Zoubir and Romero Jaime upfront and gave a good account of himself, although his effort was not enough to ensure his side avoided defeat at Stadion Rajko Mitic.

The first-half saw few goal-mouth actions with both sides wasting a number of scoring chances in the encounter.

After the restart, Kwabena broke the deadlock with a well-taken strike after receiving a fine assist from Patrick Andrade.

Yeremi Pino levelled proceedings for Villarreal after he was set up by a timely assist from Manuel Trigueros with 10 minutes left to play.

Paco Alcacer gave Villarreal the lead for the first time in the encounter through a fine individual effort and then completed his brace at the death to seal the victory for his side from the penalty spot.

Chukwueze struck five shots, with two hitting the target, completed two dribbles and had 48 touches on the ball to ensure his side secured their second consecutive win in the competition this season.

The Nigeria international featured for 86 minutes in the encounter while Kwabena played for 90 minutes before he was replaced by Tural Bayramov.

The victory ensured the Yellow Submarine sit atop Group I with six points from two games while Qarabag are at the base with zero points.

Chukwueze has now featured nine times for Unai Emery’s men across all competitions this season, including three in the European tournament.

The forward will hope to replicate his eye-catching performances for Nigeria in their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying game against Sierra Leon in November.

Arsenal made it two wins from two in this season's Europa League group stage as they beat Dundalk 3-0 at Emirates Stadium.

Mikel Arteta made 10 changes to the side that lost 1-0 at home to Leicester City last weekend and they were kept at bay for 42 minutes by an effective Dundalk rearguard until Eddie Nketiah pounced on a goalkeeping error.

Joe Willock doubled the lead before half-time and Nicolas Pepe's super strike put the Gunners firmly in control, allowing them to ease through the closing stages with one eye on the weekend trip to Manchester United.

Patrick McEleney tested Alex Runarsson with the first effort of the match as Dundalk showed they were prepared to work the ball forward rather than simply clear their lines.

Arsenal unsurprisingly controlled possession yet found it difficult to pick their way through a packed visiting defence, but Nketiah got the breakthrough three minutes before half-time, turning home from point-blank range after goalkeeper Gary Rogers made a mess of an attempted punch.

Dundalk were punished further barely 90 seconds later, Willock firing high into the net after Nketiah and Pepe led a swift break in the visitors' half.

Any faint thoughts of a comeback were quashed just a minute after the restart, Pepe taking a clever touch and curling a fine effort into the top-right corner from the edge of the Dundalk box.

Nketiah just failed to prod a cross beyond Rogers from Cedric Soares' cross, and the lively Reiss Nelson teed up Kieran Tierney to blast over, but the fight was gone from the Irish champions.

What does it mean? Arsenal cruising towards knockouts

With six points from two games, Arsenal are already firmly on track to reach the next round as they prepare for back-to-back meetings with Molde.

Arteta might not have been thrilled with their first-half performance, but this was still an efficient job by a much-changed Gunners side – and this time, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was not needed.

Wily Willock dazzles in midfield

Willock's finish was excellent but his all-round performance from one box to another was even better. He broke lines to stretch Dundalk's rigid rearguard, created three goalscoring chances and teed up Pepe for his finish.

Dundalk undone by errors

Having looked set to take a stalemate to half-time, a missed punch from the experienced Rogers gifted Arsenal their opener and the visitors never quite recovered their composure. It was a disappointing way to spoil their excellent early work.

What's next?

Arsenal head to United on Sunday before hosting Molde on Europa League matchday three next week. Dundalk meet St Patrick's Athletic before next Thursday's game with Rapid Vienna.

Alfredo Morelos came off the bench to inspire Rangers to a slender 1-0 win over Lech Poznan in Europa League Group D on Thursday. 

Steven Gerrard's side kicked off their campaign in style last week with a 2-0 win over Standard Liege, but they looked destined for a disappointing draw at Ibrox until Morelos' introduction in the 63rd minute. 

The Colombian made a swift impact after replacing Kemar Roofe, thumping home a close-range header five minutes later to seal an eighth consecutive win across all competitions for the Scottish Premiership leaders.

The result means Rangers are level on six points with Benfica – who they face next week – at the summit of the group.

Chances were at a premium during the opening 45 minutes of the first ever meeting between the two sides.

Roofe skewed an overhead kick wide in what was Rangers' best opening, while Poznan forward Mikael Ishak lashed over at the end of a largely insipid half.

The visitors started the second half brightly, with Thomas Rogne heading narrowly wide from Daniel Ramirez's free-kick.

Scott Arfield fizzed wide from 25 yards on the hour mark before Morelos met Borna Barisic's superb cross from the left with a powerful header from six yards that thundered past Filip Bednarek.

Poznan – who failed to register a shot on target – never looked like salvaging a point in the closing stages, with Gerrard's side seeing the game out in relative comfort for yet another win and a fifth clean sheet on the bounce.

What does it mean? Morelos decides dour affair

It looked like Rangers were set for the most uninspired of goalless draws before Gerrard turned to Morelos.

The 24-year-old did not let his manager down, powering home a decisive header soon after his arrival. 

The hosts were not exactly a dominant force but, with Poznan failing to test goalkeeper Allan McGregor, they can certainly claim to be good value for all three points.

Davis' experience shines through

The midfield battle was not pretty but Steven Davis can reflect on a solid performance.

The Northern Ireland international made three tackles and gained possession nine times – both totals were more than any other Rangers player.

Roofe back to earth with a bump 

The former Leeds United man lit up last week's win over Standard Liege with a stunning goal from 54.6 yards.

He struggled on Thursday, though, taking just one shot and completing a mere nine passes before he was replaced by Morelos.

Key Opta Facts

- Including qualifying rounds, Rangers have lost just one of their last 20 home games in European competitions (W14 D5).

- Rangers have won their last five matches in European competition, netting 14 goals and conceding just once.

- Lech Poznan have won just one of their last nine Europa League matches (D2 L6), winning 2-1 at Fiorentina in October 2015.

- Rangers have won each of their last four matches against Polish opposition in major European competition (excluding qualifiers).

What's next?

Rangers travel to Kilmarnock on Sunday looking for a fifth consecutive Scottish Premiership win, while Lech Poznan visit Znicz Pruszkow in the Polish Cup a day later.

Olanrewaju Kayode scored a goal as Sivasspor suffered 2-1 loss against Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Uefa Europa League.

Thursday's result was Sivasspor's third straight defeat across all competitions after losing their opening Europa League fixture to Villarreal and their last league outing against Rizespor by 2-0.

After a goalless first-half at the New Sivas 4 Eylul Stadium, Kayode broke the deadlock and fired the hosts ahead with his effort in the 55th minute.

The Nigeria forward was assisted by Ivory Coast's Max Gradel and it was his second goal in the Europa League after he grabbed a goal in their 5-3 loss to Villarreal last Thursday.

Kayode saw 75 minutes of action in the encounter before he was replaced by Ghana's Isaac Cofie while Gradel came off three minutes later and his compatriot Arouna Kone was introduced in the 81st minute.

Mali goalkeeper Mamadou Samassa was in goal for Sivasspor and Morocco's Faycal Fajr played for 90 minutes.

Sivasspor are third in Group I without no point after two games while unbeaten Villarreal lead the pack with superior goals difference to second-placed Maccabi Tel Aviv.

Although he is yet to open his goal account in the Super Lig after three outings this term, Kayode has been in fine goalscoring run in the Europa League.

The Shakhtar Donetsk loanee will be aiming to steer Sivasspor back to winning ways when they battle Hatayspor in a league match on Monday. Three days after, they have a date with Qarabag in the secondary European tournament.

Jose Mourinho says he wanted to make 11 changes at half-time in Tottenham's 1-0 Europa League defeat to Royal Antwerp, conceding that his side were deservedly beaten.

Giovani Lo Celso, Steven Bergwijn, Carlos Vinicius and Dele Alli, making his first start in over a month, were all taken off at the interval with Tottenham trailing to Lior Refaelov's first-half strike.

Gareth Bale was next to make way on the hour-mark but the introduction of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Erik Lamela, Lucas Moura, Son Heung-min and Harry Kane made little difference.

And on the back of the chastening defeat in Belgium, Mourinho insists his fringe players can have no complaints about being overlooked for bigger matches.

"I would have liked to make 11," he said of his decision to make a quadruple change at the break. "I didn't make five because I was afraid of a long 45 minutes without any changes to make. 

"There's only one person to blame, and it is me. I had chosen the players to start. At half-time I tried to improve the situation. But it was not enough. The dynamic of the first half was there, the mentality was there and it's difficult to change. 

"In the first half the game was very easy to play, lots of space. In the second half, we improved but then they played in a completely different way. It was very difficult. In the end, Antwerp got what they deserved and we also got what we deserved. 

"It's a fair result. I'm always calm with it. The best team won and the worst team lost."

Mourinho made five changes to Tottenham's starting line-up for the Group J clash ahead of a Premier League encounter with Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday.

Asked if any players put forward their case to start more regularly, Mourinho said: "Look, you know what our best team is. You know the same thing that I know and that everybody knows. 

"But I think that the players, they deserve an opportunity. We have a big squad with lots of good players. It's my responsibility to give them opportunities. It's their responsibility to ask for more. 

"Tonight, my future choices are going to be very easy. But again, there is only one responsible, not the players, it's my responsibility."

Tottenham did not manage a single attempt on target when chasing a goal in the second half, with the Belgian Pro League leaders holding on for a famous victory.

"It's disappointing because I keep saying the team has to be a state of mind and you have to keep always every match to play well and to win," Mourinho said. "It's as simple as that. 

"But it is more complicated, because you have to keep a certain motivational level. You have to be consistent. On Monday [against Burnley], we needed everything from every player. Of course it's frustrating we come here tonight and don't do the same."

Ajax Amsterdam goalkeeper Andre Onana is backing team-mate Mohammed Kudus to make a stronger return to the pitch following a recent injury setback.

Ghana international Kudus has been confirmed out of action for “several months” after picking up a meniscus injury during his club’s recent Champions League group stage opener against Liverpool.

The injury was undoubtedly a big disappointment for the 20-year-old who was beginning to settle down at Johan Cruyff Arena following his summer transfer from Danish club Nordsjaelland.

"He's a tough guy. I spoke to him and explained that unfortunately, injuries are also part of football. He was very positive and promised to do everything he could to make a great return," Cameroon goalkeeper Onana, Ajax No.1 goalkeeper, said, as reported by Footballghana.

Kudus’ injury came just three days after scoring his debut goal for Ajax during a Dutch Eredivisie encounter with Heerenveen.

Against Liverpool, the attacker made his Champions League debut but saw his night ended as early as just the sixth minute after hurting his meniscus during a challenge with Liverpool’s Fabinho.

“Mohammed Kudus had to be subbed off after only six minutes vs Liverpool on Wednesday. Further examinations show that the 20-year-old has a meniscus injury that will keep him out for several months," Ajax announced on their official website after the fateful game.

"Kudus came to Ajax this summer and played four official matches so far."

Kudus’ injury situation means he will be unavailable for Ghana in their 2022 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifying double-header against Sudan in November.

It will be the second straight time he misses national duty due to injury after being denied clearance by Ajax to honour a Ghana call-up for friendly matches against Mali and Qatar in Turkey earlier this month.

The Accra-born player was snapped up by the Dutch giants in a five-year deal in July following a string of fine performances for Nordsjaelland in Denmark.

Last season, he netted 11 times in 25 league appearances to finish the term as The Wild Tigers’ top scorer.

So far at Ajax, he has scored once and provided three assists in five appearances in all competitions for Erik Ten Hag’s outfit.