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Bruno Fernandes recovered from a rare penalty miss to set up a late 4-1 Premier League win for Manchester United at Newcastle United on Saturday.

The Portugal international, who had never previously failed from 12 yards for United, looked to have passed up the visitors' best chance of victory at St James' Park when Karl Darlow produced a magnificent stop.

That spot-kick came after Harry Maguire - fit despite a knock on international duty - cancelled out a second-minute Luke Shaw own goal, with United dominant but set to be frustrated heading into the closing stages.

A rapid counter-attack produced the breakthrough moment, though, as Fernandes picked out the top-right corner before Aaron Wan-Bissaka lashed in a third and Marcus Rashford finished the 96th-minute fourth, ensuring United bounced back from the 6-1 defeat to Tottenham with all three points.

The latest setback in Shaw's United career had come after just 102 seconds as he toed Emil Krafth's cross past David de Gea following a Newcastle counter.

It was a goal befitting a ragged start as United dictated without initially threatening, finding their range after 19 minutes only for Fernandes' stunning strike to be ruled out due to an offside in the build-up.

The visitors had their leveller four minutes later, though, as captain Maguire - who missed from point-blank range at the same end of the stadium last season - headed in Juan Mata's corner.

De Gea saved well from Allan Saint-Maximin's piledriver, while Darlow dealt with Wan-Bissaka's wayward cross but was then grateful to Jamaal Lascelles for a goal-line clearance from Rashford, who saw another shot parried.

Only a sublime stop from De Gea denied Callum Wilson from close range early in the second half, yet Newcastle survived an even greater scare when Jamal Lewis fouled Rashford but Darlow brilliantly repelled Fernandes' spot-kick.

Jonjo Shelvey nodded another Maguire header away from the line moments later and Darlow came to the hosts' rescue again with a brave block from Rashford.

It looked like that would be enough to preserve a home point until United's late show as Fernandes applied a wonderful finish with four minutes left, before Wan-Bissaka rifled into the roof of the net and finally Rashford swept in number four with time up.
 

What does it mean? Patience pays for Solskjaer's side

This did not look like being United's day as Darlow came through a slightly shaky start to deny Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men time and again.

The Newcastle goalkeeper, who was hobbling in the closing stages after a challenge with Rashford, made eight saves in all from 28 United attempts - 14 on target - but was helpless in a frantic finale.

Rashford showed poise to tee up Fernandes and also Wan-Bissaka before belatedly scoring himself, sealing a win that was a lot less comfortable than the scoreline suggests.

Maguire makes amends

Newcastle appear to be incapable of dealing with Maguire, who now has two goals against the Magpies - one for Leicester City - and should have had another last year when left unmarked in the six-yard box.

After tough recent outings for both club and country, the United skipper also did his job at the other end, making three clearances and four interceptions.

Last straw for Shaw

Shaw's days as United's first-choice left-back looked numbered even before this mishap. Alex Telles, signed after the England man's woeful display against Tottenham, watched on from the bench.

It was a half-hearted attempt at blocking Krafth's centre that deceived De Gea, and Shaw was perhaps fortunate Newcastle opted not to isolate him against Saint-Maximin, who created two chances from the opposite flank.

Key Opta Facts: 

- Newcastle United conceded four goals at home in the Premier League for the first time since April 5, 2014 - also against Manchester United (4-0 defeat).
- Man Utd enjoyed their 10th comeback win against Newcastle in the Premier League - the most by any side against a single opponent in the competition.
- Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side have been awarded 17 penalties in the Premier League since the start of last season, which is five more than any other side in the competition (12 scored).
- Bruno Fernandes has been directly involved in 20 goals in his 18 Premier League appearances for Man Utd (11 goals, nine assists), scoring in each of his last three games.
- Marcus Rashford registered three goal involvements in a single Premier League game for the only the third time ever (one goal, two assists), having also done so against Fulham in December 2018 and Arsenal in February 2016.

What's next?

This was a much-needed win for United ahead of a pivotal stretch. They visit Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Tuesday, while Newcastle are not back in action until next Sunday's trip to Wolves.

Everton star Richarlison has apologised for his challenge on Thiago Alcantara in Saturday's Merseyside derby.

Richarlison was shown a straight red card in the 90th minute of the 2-2 draw at Goodison Park, having lunged in on Liverpool playmaker Thiago, who was making his first Premier League start.

His dismissal looked to have cost Everton when Jordan Henderson netted in stoppage time, only for VAR to controversially disallow the goal for offside.

In his post-match comments, Jurgen Klopp suggested the severity of the injury sustained by Thiago in the challenge was unknown, though revealed: "It looks not good."

Richarlison, who hit the post with a header midway through the second half, has subsequently issued an apology to Thiago, though he insisted no harm was intended.

"Everyone who knows my background knows that I was never a violent player," Richarlison wrote in a statement issued on his official website.

"What happened today was an accident from sheer over-dedication. I did not enter that dispute with the intention of hurting Thiago. 

"When I saw that the collision was going to happen, I picked up my foot and hit him with my knee, which was inevitable due to the speed of the play.

"I already sent a message to him apologising and I also do it here publicly. I hope he hasn't been hurt and that everything is fine. 

"I also apologise to my team-mates, my club and my fans for leaving them with one less [player] at the end of the game. Unfortunately, there is nothing I can do to change what happened, other than to reflect, work and move on."

Richarlison's dismissal was the 22nd in a Premier League clash between Liverpool and Everton, who have been shown 15 red cards.

On top of a possible injury for Thiago, Liverpool also have concerns over Virgil van Dijk, who was forced off after a challenge from Jordan Pickford – who escaped punishment – early on.

Jordan Henderson revealed after the match that Pickford had also apologised for his role in that incident.

"Everyone keeps asking us about it so I'm guessing it's a red card. It mustn't be a good challenge," Henderson told BT Sport. "To be fair, Jordan came up and apologised to me after the game and [told me] to tell Virgil."

Federico Chiesa was sent off on his Juventus debut as the Cristiano Ronaldo-less Serie A champions drew 1-1 with Crotone on Saturday. 

Bereft of the talismanic Ronaldo, who is self-isolating after testing positive for COVID-19 while on international duty with Portugal, Juve looked far from their best at Stadio Ezio Scida. 

Alvaro Morata's first goal since rejoining the club on loan from Atletico Madrid cancelled out Simy's early penalty for the hosts, but their hopes of going on to claim all three points were dealt a blow with 30 minutes remaining when Chiesa, who joined on loan from Fiorentina on transfer deadline day, received a straight red card. 

Juve - whose veteran goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon made his 650th Serie A appearance - thought they had won it late on thanks to a close-range finish from Morata but he was deemed to be offside after a lengthy VAR review. 

Crotone started with a spring in their step and were rewarded after 11 minutes when Simy stroked home from the penalty spot after Leonardo Bonucci had been adjudged to have fouled Arkadiusz Reca inside the area. 

Juve bounced back nine minutes later when Morata slid home from four yards after being picked out by Chiesa.

Manolo Portanova - making his first appearance since May 2019 - was denied by Alex Cordaz at his near post shortly before the interval, while at the other end Buffon denied Pedro Pereira. 

Rodrigo Bentancur flashed an effort wide immediately after the restart before Luca Cigarini whipped wide of Buffon's left-hand post from a promising position on the edge of the area. 

Chiesa then saw red for a late challenge on Cigarini, although Andrea Pirlo's men almost stole ahead soon after when Morata flicked a header onto the post. 

The Spain striker was denied a second inside the closing 15 minutes, with a VAR review showing that he was marginally offside when he turned home Juan Cuadrado's low ball into the area. 

A point moves Juve up to fourth, four points behind leaders Milan, while Crotone are off the bottom after picking up their first point of the season.

What does it mean? Juve lack goal threat without Ronaldo 

Pirlo might feel his side should be returning to Turin with all three points, given the late drama surrounding Morata's disallowed strike, but Crotone were good value for a point. They reduced their more illustrious opponents to just two shots on target - a statistic it is not hard to imagine would have been significantly higher had Ronaldo been available. 

Morata does his bit up top

Morata did his best to cover for Ronaldo's absence, opening his account in his second spell at the club, hitting the post with a deft header and coming agonisingly close to grabbing a late winner. Pirlo will demand more from his hold-up play, however, given he lost possession a whopping 20 times. 

Chiesa's promising start ends in tears

Chiesa looked sharp before his dismissal, making three key passes and laying on Morata's goal. It is that red card his Juve bow will be remembered for, though, as he became the first player to receive his marching orders on his debut for the Bianconeri in the three-points-for-a-win era. 

Key Opta Facts: 

- Juventus have not won in six away Serie A games in a row for the first time since August 2010.
- Federico Chiesa is the first Juventus player, in the three points era, to receive a red card in his debut match for Juventus in Serie A.
- In his last three games against Crotone in Serie A Federico Chiesa has provided two assists and scored one goal.
- Juve have faced nine penalties in 2020 - in Serie A have only Fiorentina have faced more (10).
- Leonardo Bonucci is the player who has conceded the most penalties in 2020 in Serie A (four).

What's next?

Juve start their Champions League campaign with a trip to Dynamo Kiev in Group G on Tuesday before hosting Hellas Verona in Serie A on Sunday - the same day Crotone travel to Cagliari.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic was pleased to net twice in his first game back since recovering from Covid-19 , while joking that not even the virus would have kept him out of Saturday's Derby della Madonnina against Inter.

The AC Milan star made the difference for his side, scoring both of their goals as Inter went down in the derby for the first time since 2016 in a 2-1 reverse. 

Zlatan hit first 12 minutes in, converting the rebound after seeing his penalty saved by Samir Handanovic, before doubling his tally shortly after with a close-range finish to polish off a lethal Milan counter-attack. 

Inter narrowed the scoreline through Romelu Lukaku but could not find an equaliser, leaving Milan top of Serie A with a perfect 12 points from four games so far. 

Their veteran Swedish forward has made a huge difference since arriving in January, and not even an enforced lay-off over the international break due to his positive Covid-19 test appears to be slowing the 39-year-old down. 

"I lost my sense of taste a little, but I didn't have any other symptoms," Zlatan told  Sky Sport   after the match when asked about his brush with the virus. 

"I swabbed myself every three days and I told myself that I would play in the derby whatever the cost, even if I were still positive!

"Better with age? Yes, I feel more complete and the experience helps. If I had the condition of a kid today, no one would stop me."

Milan last lifted the Scudetto all the way back in 2010-11, with their last trophy of any kind coming in 2016 when the Rossoneri lifted the Italian Supercoppa. 

Zlatan will not let himself become distracted by title talk, though, with just four games of the season gone for Stefano Pioli's charges.

"We are only at the beginning, we are thinking about one game at a time," the former Sweden striker added.

"When I arrived the goal was Europe, we did it and we have to do well there too. There is a chance to win the Scudetto, if you can do one thing you can do everything." 

Milan and Zlatan kick off their Europa League campaign on Thursday with a visit to Parkhead to take on Celtic.

It wasn’t the start Cape Town City head coach Jan Olde Riekerink was looking for, but he was able to find several positives from the defeat to Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 quarter-finals.

The Citizens had been in superb form when the Premier Soccer League (PSL) resumed after the four-month break due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

But the Cape side was unable to keep that momentum going upon the start of the 2020/ 21 campaign as a well-taken header by Terrence Dzvukamanja in the 23rd minute earned the Gauteng side a 1-0 win on Saturday night at the Citizens’ expense.

However, Pirates did not have things all their own way at Orlando Stadium and they had to grind out the victory despite City having been reduced to 10 men after Fagrie Lakay’s 33rd minute sending off for standing on Wayde Jooste's ankle.

The Cape team showed good character to keep themselves in the contest and nearly equalised right at the death when Tashrique Morris just failed to get a decisive touch on Abubaker Mobara’s cross.

Riekerink felt his men deserved more than they got on the night.

“I think we started good, and I think we deserved [to score] the last chance, the last goal, its all that you can hope for if you go for everything or nothing," he told SuperSport after the game.

"Unlucky for the guys that they didn't score. But I’m very proud of the team the way they present themselves. They worked for the result, we had the opportunity, but it did not fall our way.

“Pirates couldn’t find the solution, they didn’t press us, so we had time. And as I mentioned before the game, this team has great unity and they fight for each other,” the Dutchman continued.

“You will win games and you will lose, but especially when you lose you will see the team spirit and I must compliment them for the way they fought. At the end, we have to win games, but if we keep going like this, then the results will be there.”

The Cape side will now turn their attention to the league, with their first match scheduled for Saturday 24th October, at home against Chippa United.

Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga have spoken up about their inclusions in Malawi's provisional squad for this year's Cosafa Women's Cup.

The Malawian strikers enjoyed an impressive season in China as debutant Temwa scored nine goals to help Wuhan win a maiden title, while Tabitha led Jiangsu Suning to the runners-up spot.

Following their exploits in the Chinese Women's Super League, the striking sisters were named in a 35-player provisional squad for the regional tournament slated for November 3-15 in South Africa.

Having missed the duo's services in the last two editions, coach Abel Mkandawire is keen on having Chawinga as the She-Flames seek to clinch their first-ever semi-final appearance this term. 

The Chawinga sisters, however, have confirmed their availability for the competition billed to be held next month in Port Elizabeth.

"We will be available for the Cosafa tournament," Tabitha, who also doubles as the team's captain told Malawian tabloid, Nyasa Times.

Corroborating her elder sister's stance, Temwa said: "I will certainly be available for the call to national duty".

In a build-up to the 10-nation competition, Malawi have since opened the training camp at Mpira Village in Blantyre on Thursday, October 15.

The She-Flames are expected to find out their opponents in the group stage when the draw is conducted on October 22.

Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers confirmed Islam Slimani has a role to play in his team after turning down the chance to leave the club for a fourth loan spell.

The 32-year-old striker has spent the last two-and-a-half seasons away from the King Power Stadium with loan stints at Newcastle United, Fenerbahce and Monaco.

Rodgers explained why the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations winner is yet to make a matchday squad this season, but he is upbeat about the impact he can have on his team.

“Yes (there is a role for Slimani),” Rodgers said as per Leicestershire Live. “He’s a player I’ve liked, but he wasn’t going to feature so much for me, and when he came into the club he’d been a number one striker, so it was difficult for him, and that’s why he’s gone out to spend time on loan.

“He’s not featured so much over the course of pre-season and the early season, because my thinking was that he would end up going out. But I had it in my mind that if he didn’t go out, he can certainly be someone who could come into our squad. That’s how it’s evolved.

“He’s not going out on loan, and he’s someone I happily welcome in, because it’s going to be a real demand for all of the players, so to have quality players is important.

“He showed during his time at Monaco – I saw him last year on the TV a number of times – he’s someone who can contribute for us.”

Last season, Slimani scored nine goals in 18 Ligue 1 matches for Monaco and Rodgers has highlighted how his abilities will be of advantage for the Foxes in the Premier League, Carabao Cup and the Uefa Europa League.

“He’s clearly a physical presence. Coming into the box, he’s good in the air, but saying that Jamie is good in the air as well when the ball comes in,” he continued.

“(Slimani) is slightly taller, and that’s one of his strengths, attacking the ball from the side. He can give us an option in the games, absolutely. He likes to play up there on his own but he can also play off a different type of a striker as well.”

Leicester City who are fourth in the Premier League table, host Aston Villa for their league fixture on Sunday.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was perplexed by how VAR dealt with a penalty claim during his side's 1-0 loss at Manchester City.

Raheem Sterling scored the only goal midway through the first half at the Etihad Stadium, where Arsenal played a full part in an absorbing contest.

Arteta bemoaned a trio of clear-cut chances that went begging before the break, City goalkeeper Ederson standing firm to twice deny Bukayo Saka before saving from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

When defending a corner in first-half stoppage time, Kyle Walker's boot came close to Gabriel's head and Arteta questioned why a more thorough video examination of the incident did not take place.

"That has to be checked," he told Sky Sports.

"They said that they checked, and I said, 'How the hell have you checked if you took two seconds to check that action?'. Obviously, there is something there."

Despite ruing those missed chances, former City assistant Arteta had plenty of praise for how his team approached the match.

"I am upset because I think we deserved more from the game," he said. "I am extremely happy with the performance we put in against a top, top team, to play with the courage we did and to make it as difficult as we did, I cannot demand much more from the players.

"When you have three big chances in this game, you have to score. I think the three of them were really good chances and then the situation we have with Kyle Walker from the corner."

Arteta added: "We've come a long way. I'm extremely happy. I was in that dressing room for four years and I know what it takes for a team to do what we've done here."

Saturday's defeat leaves Arsenal in fifth place in the Premier League standings after five matches, the Gunners recording three wins and two defeats in their opening fixtures of the 2020-21 season. 

Arteta's charges will be back in action on Thursday away to Rapid Vienna as they kick off their group campaign in the Europa League.

Benik Afobe and Anthony Nwakaeme’s Trabzonspor lost 2-0 at home to Demba Ba’s Istanbul Basaksehir in Saturday’s Turkish Super Lig outing.

Going into the encounter, the Black Sea Storm had lost 2-1 to BB Erzurumspor while Okan Buruk's men cruised to a 5-0 victory over Kasimpasa.

At the Medical Park Stadium, Trabzonspor continued with their losing streak as Irfan Kahveci and Edin Visca handed the hosts all the points at stake.

After a cagey start, Basaksehir took the lead after 32 minutes through Kahveci. The 25-year-old Turkey international curled a beauty past goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir at the edge of the hosts’ goal area.

Eddie Newton’s men stepped up their performance in the second half, albeit, they were very poor in the final third. Credit too must be given to goalkeeper Mert Gunok for making a couple of good saves.

Visca put the game beyond the Black Sea Storm in the 54th minute after slamming home an assist from Deniz Turuc.

Knowing that defeat would hinder their title ambitions, manager Newton brought in Djaniny for Safa Kinali and Bilal Basacikoglu in place of Malian forward Fousseni Diabate. Even at that, they were unable to produce a comeback.

After 84 minutes of action, Afobe who is on loan from Stoke City was substituted for Yusuf Sari while Nigeria international Nwakaeme and Ghana’s Caleb Ekuban were not listed for the clash.

For the visitors, ex-Chelsea and Newcastle United dangerman Demba Ba was handed a starter’s role but he was substituted for Enzo Crivelli in the 74th minute. Belgium-born left-back of Congolese descent Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo was in action from the start to finish, whereas former Nigeria U23 skipper Azubuike Okechukwu and Cape Verde international Carlos Ponck were not dressed for the showdown.

With this result, Istanbul Basaksehir have now recorded their first win of the season after five attempts, to sit in 18th position on the log after garnering four points, while Trabzonspor are ranked 14th after accruing five points from the same number of games.

27-year-old Afobe who boasts two goals so far this term would be hoping to help his team return to winning ways when they visit Fenerbahce on October 25.

Swansea City attacker Andre Ayew picked his 2015 Premier League strike against Chelsea among his best moments with the Jack Army ahead of making his 100th appearance for the club on Saturday.

On his second spell with the now second-tier side, the Ghanaian originally joined Swansea from French fold Olympique Marseille, scoring on his debut against The Blues to ensure a sensational 2-2 draw away at Stamford Bridge. 

He reached a century of outings for Steve Cooper's outfit in their Championship clash with Huddersfield Town, capping the landmark game with a goal. His effort was, however, not enough to save his club from a disappointing 2-1 home defeat at Liberty Stadium. 

“My first goal versus Chelsea was one of my best moments at Swansea,” Ayew said ahead of Saturday's match, his club's official website reported.

“It was my first game in the Premier League. That season was great for me."

Ayew left Swansea for West Ham United after his first season following a fine outing for the Jack Army. He scored 12 goals in 34 league outings. 

He endured a difficult time at West Ham, prompting a return to Swansea in 2018. 

"This [reaching 100 games] is a special thing for me, because this is a special club for me, I think I have something special with the fans,” Ayew said.

“That's why, when we're playing at home, I don't like that there aren't any fans to watch us at the moment.

“I hope they will come back soon. I need them; when I play, I feed off their passion. This is how it is now.

“To play my 100th game will be great. Everyone knows this club means a lot to me. I need to keep on going and hopefully, that 100th game will bring another three points.

“For me, it's a big number. I played over 200 games for Marseille and to get close to three figures here is a good feeling for me - especially to show the fans I'm one of them.

“Hopefully, we can keep going and winning after a good start to the season.”

This season, Ayew has scored twice in five Championship outings for Swansea.

Last term, the 30-year-old, who scored twice for Ghana in a friendly fixture against Qatar, finished the campaign as the club's top scorer with 16 league goals. 

Young Africans (Yanga SC) have been touted as the clear favourites to clinch the 2020-21 Mainland Premier League title.

According to Burundi Football Federation (BFF) Information Officer Ramadhan Kabugi, the decision by the Jangwani giants to sign striker Said Ntibazonkiza and also hire the services of coach Cedric Kaze has given them the edge over rivals Simba in the current campaign.

Ntibazonkiza signed for Yanga after his goal enabled Burundi to beat Tanzania 1-0 in the international friendly played in Dar es Saalam four days ago while Kaze was unveiled as the coach to replace Zlatko Krmpotic on a two-year deal on Friday.

“The decision by Yanga to sign [Ntibazonkiza] and also hire Kaze for the coaching role will help them win the title this season,” Kabugi explained to Sokaletu.

“They are very experienced persons coming at a time when the team is also performing well, so their inclusion is a plus to the team, it will help them win the title and also set a record in the league.

“Ntibazonkiza is a good professional, a very experienced player who has played for top teams even in Europe, I am very sure he will score many goals for Yanga when he starts playing.

“On his part, the arrival of Kaze is also good for the team because he is a coach who loves playing the passing game and also loves to win matches, he is a very good coach and experienced coach in that matter, I know if they give him the support he needs, he will give them the title.”

Kaze had a busy day after the unveiling as he also visited the team’s residential camp situated at Avic Town, Kigamboni, in Dar es Salaam, where he interacted with the entire squad ahead of his first training session on Saturday.

In an earlier interview, Kaze revealed his delight at getting the job to handle one of the ‘biggest brands’ in East Africa and even the whole of Africa and promised to achieve bigger things with the Jangwani giants.

“I am very happy to be here,” Kaze told reporters on arriving at the Julius Nyerere International Airport. “I am also very proud to be the coach of Yanga, one of the biggest teams in Tanzania, East Africa, and even across Africa.

“I have received a lot of congratulatory messages from several quarters for accepting to take up the job and I promise them I will not disappoint, I now know that Yanga is a big brand, and urge all those associated with the club to pull together and support the team as we achieve more success in the coming years.”

Yanga have enjoyed a good start to the season as they have won four matches out of five played with the other one ending in a 1-1 draw.

Kaze’s first match for Yanga will be against Polisi Tanzania on October 22.

Victor Moses made his Spartak Moscow debut as Brian Idowu scored a goal in Khimki's 3-2 defeat on Saturday.

Moses who joined the People's Team on a season-long loan from Chelsea on Wednesday, replaced Nail Umyarov in the 55th minute for his maiden appearance in the Russian Premier League.

His introduction inspired Spartak Moscow to fight back from a goal deficit as they scored three goals within 20 minutes.

Aleksandr Kokorin cancelled out Reziuan Mirzov's opener for Khimki from the penalty spot in the 58th minute, and goals from Ezequiel Ponce and Jordan Larsson in the 63rd and 77th minutes respectively fired Spartak Moscow to a 3-1 lead.

Towards the end of the match, Nigeria left-back Idowu reduced the deficit for the hosts with his first goal in the Russian Premier League in almost four years which dates back to his time at Amkar Perm.

The Super Eagles defender was assisted by Ivory Coast's Mohamed Konate but his strike was not enough as the visitors took all three points from Arena Khimki.

The victory brought Spartak Moscow level on 24 points with league leaders Zenit St Petersburg after 11 matches while Khimki are unmoved in 14th spot with six points after the same number of games.

Moses will be hoping to make his first start for Spartak Moscow when they visit second division club Yenisey for their Russian Cup match on Wednesday.

Internationally, Moses and Idowu played all of Nigeria's games at the 2018 Fifa World Cup in Russia.

The Chelsea loanee called time on his Super Eagles career after the tournament while Idowu is yet to play in Gernot Rohr's team since their final group match against Argentina which ended in a 2-1 loss.

Orlando Pirates head coach Josef Zinnbauer was not overly impressed with his side’s 1-0 MTN8 quarter-final win over Cape Town City at Orlando Stadium on Saturday evening.

Terrence Dzukamanja scored the only goal of the game in the 23rd minute with a fine header from fellow debutant Wayde Jooste’s cross.

Bafana Bafana captain Thulani Hlatshwayo and Namibian international Deon Hotto also started their first matches for the Sea Robbers, who gained a numerical advantage on 33 minutes following a red card to Fagrie Lakay for a foul on Jooste.

However, despite playing against 10-men for an hour, Pirates never really took charge of proceedings. And after missing several good chances to add a second goal, they were almost punished in injury time when Tashrique Morris narrowly failed to convert Abubaker Mobara’s teasing cross.

And so although it was job done and the Soweto side can look forward to the semi-finals, there are perhaps a few areas of slight concern for Zinnbauer and his technical team.

“The structure in the defence work was good,” the German told SuperSport TV. “The offence was not so good and we had a lot of chances, we could have decided the game before the 90 minutes.

“You make the second goal and then it's normally the game finished for us,” he continued.

“When you don’t shoot the second goal then you get more problems. We had a lot of counter-attacks and a lot of chances but the final shot was not good. That’s the next step, when we get this then we get success.”

The Buccaneers are next in action when they kickstart their league campaign with an away fixture at AmaZulu, next week Saturday 24 October.
 

Robert Lewandowski completed the Bundesliga set as Arminia Bielefeld became the latest club to suffer against the Bayern Munich striker this season. 

Back in action for his club after international duty with Poland, Lewandowski continued his hot start to the new season on Saturday, scoring twice as the reigning champions triumphed 4-1 on their travels. 

His first goal doubled Bayern's advantage following Thomas Muller's eighth-minute opener and also saw the 32-year-old complete an impressive personal achievement. 

Thanks to his 25th-minute strike against newly promoted Bielefeld, Lewandowski has found the net against all 18 teams currently in the German top flight – and that includes his current employers. 

The former Borussia Dortmund player added another in first-half stoppage time to take his tally in the league to seven in four appearances.

He already leads the German top flight in goals, putting him in a strong position to retain the Bundesliga top scorer crown for a fourth straight season.

In 2019-20 Lewandowski won the honour with a new personal best, scoring 34 goals in just 31 games to lead Bayern to yet another title.

Lewandowski scored all four in a 4-3 victory over Hertha Berlin earlier in the month, though he had to make do with just a brace this time.

Hansi Flick opted to take off the talismanic frontman in the closing minutes, with Bayern having a huge Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid to come in midweek.

By the time he was replaced by Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting in the 86th minute, Lewandowski had taken six shots in total - three of which hit the target - and also created a trio of chances for his team-mates.

Bielefeld had been unbeaten at home in all competitions in 2020 but were no match for Bayern, who move up to second in the table. They sit a point behind RB Leipzig.

Bayern's attention now switches to their defence of the Champions League title, which begins on Wednesday at home to Atletico Madrid in Group A. 

Raheem Sterling admits he was “quite lucky” to end Manchester City’s meeting with Arsenal as the match-winner, with the Blues winger conceding that he was not at his best.

Pep Guardiola’s side have not been as free-flowing as they would like in 2020-21, with many teams tipped to challenge for the Premier League title this season still searching for a spark.

City found the going tough at times in their latest outing, but took the lead inside 23 minutes and were able to claim enough control of proceedings from that point to see out a welcome victory.

Sterling proved to be the difference on the day at the Etihad Stadium, as he rolled home a rebound after Bernd Leno parried into his path, but the England international feels there is more to come from him.

He told Sky Sports afterwards: “I felt I was quite lucky to get on the scoresheet. It was not one of my better games but I am just grateful to be able to help the team.”

Guardiola will feel that his side have more gears to go through as a collective, with the Blues still feeling their way into the season.

Sterling said: “We dropped points early on in the season so it was important to keep on winning.

“Coming back from the international break we knew we needed a good performance and to pick up points to kick-start the season. Today's result definitely gives us confidence.”

City have already dropped five points through four games this term, but do have key men such as Sergio Aguero returning from injury and are far from being the only ones to have hit an early bump in the road.

Sterling added to BBC Sport: “In the end we deserved the win. We kept it tight and compact and deserved the win.

“We haven't been quite as fluent this season but in the last couple of games have shown that fluency is coming back and it's great to keep the momentum going.

“When Sergio is on the field you know there can be a goal at any moment. He is vital to help us compete on all fronts and great to have him back.

“It's only October, we have seen plenty of shock results so far, but it's a long season so we have got to stay focused and build on today's result.”

City’s next outing will see them open their Champions League campaign, with the Blues set to take in a home date with Porto on Wednesday.

Ronald Koeman suffered the first defeat of his reign as Barcelona failed to capitalise on a shock loss for Real Madrid, slipping to a 1-0 defeat at Getafe. 

With El Clasico looming on the horizon, reigning champions Madrid were stunned by newly promoted Cadiz as LaLiga resumed on Saturday following the international break.

However, Barca missed the chance to move level on points with their rivals ahead of next Saturday's showdown at Camp Nou. 

Jaime Mata's 56th-minute penalty was enough for Getafe to secure a first league win over their illustrious opponents since a similar 1-0 result back in November 2011, a run of 16 games. 

Lionel Messi struck a post and Getafe captain Djene Dakonam was spared from scoring an own goal by the crossbar, but - after starting his reign with back-to-back wins - Koeman has now seen his side pick up a solitary point from their next two outings, laying bare the size of the task on his hands. 

Ousmane Dembele made his first start of 2020 and there was also an opportunity handed to teenager Pedri from the outset, suggesting the new boss will show faith in youth during the rebuilding job required. 

Still, it is a big-money signing who will once again come under the spotlight, Antoine Griezmann squandering his team's best chance to leave him still without a goal at club level in the early stages of the 2020-21 season. 

The French forward wastefully blasted over when clean through in a first half consistently punctuated by the sound of referee Cesar Soto Grado's whistle, with five players shown yellow cards. 

Getafe had rarely threatened before Frenkie de Jong helped them out, the midfielder clumsily catching Dakonam inside the area as he rushed in attempting to win the ball. 

Mata duly converted from the spot – sending Neto the wrong way – and the dogged hosts held firm to their slender advantage through to the final whistle. 

In an eventful finish to proceedings not in keeping with the rest of the contest, Juan Hernandez blazed over at one end before Getafe were saved by the woodwork in stoppage time, Barca unable to find a late leveller their performance scarcely merited.

What does it mean? Barca rebuild will take time 

The underlying issues within the squad following a tumultuous 2019-20 campaign were not going to be solved by moving on some of the old guard during the transfer window. There are some early positives, but this was the first real bump in the road for Koeman. 

Having failed to engineer his own exit, Messi is still around. However, so too is the dependency on him to create in attack. The visitors had 73 per cent possession but mustered just one on-target attempt. 

Getafe showing fighting spirit 

Rather than Barca, it is Getafe who are now on level terms with Madrid at the summit on 10 points. This was a performance that typified Jose Bordalas' side; they conceded 20 fouls and were happy to be without the ball for long spells, yet they still had more total shots and more attempts on target than the opposition. 

Griezmann miss crucial 

After impressing while away with France, Griezmann suffered another outing to forget when back on Spanish soil. Playing in his preferred position through the middle, his one attempt saw him badly fluff his lines. It was the kind of opening he would normally be expected to tuck away.

What's next?

Barcelona start their Champions League campaign at home to Ferencvaros in midweek, followed by a Clasico clash that has taken on even greater significance for both sides. As for Getafe, they host Granada in LaLiga action next Sunday.

Bruno Fernandes recovered from a rare penalty miss to set up a late 4-1 Premier League win for Manchester United at Newcastle United on Saturday.

The Portugal international, who had never previously failed from 12 yards for United, looked to have passed up the visitors' best chance of victory at St James' Park when Karl Darlow produced a magnificent stop.

That spot-kick came after Harry Maguire - fit despite a knock on international duty - cancelled out a second-minute Luke Shaw own goal, with United dominant but set to be frustrated heading into the closing stages.

A rapid counter-attack produced the breakthrough moment, though, as Fernandes picked out the top-right corner before Aaron Wan-Bissaka lashed in a third and Marcus Rashford finished the 96th-minute fourth, ensuring United bounced back from the 6-1 defeat to Tottenham with all three points.

The latest setback in Shaw's United career had come after just 102 seconds as he toed Emil Krafth's cross past David de Gea following a Newcastle counter.

It was a goal befitting a ragged start as United dictated without initially threatening, finding their range after 19 minutes only for Fernandes' stunning strike to be ruled out due to an offside in the build-up.

The visitors had their leveller four minutes later, though, as captain Maguire - who missed from point-blank range at the same end of the stadium last season - headed in Juan Mata's corner.

De Gea saved well from Allan Saint-Maximin's piledriver, while Darlow dealt with Wan-Bissaka's wayward cross but was then grateful to Jamaal Lascelles for a goal-line clearance from Rashford, who saw another shot parried.

Only a sublime stop from De Gea denied Callum Wilson from close range early in the second half, yet Newcastle survived an even greater scare when Jamal Lewis fouled Rashford but Darlow brilliantly repelled Fernandes' spot-kick.

Jonjo Shelvey nodded another Maguire header away from the line moments later and Darlow came to the hosts' rescue again with a brave block from Rashford.

It looked like that would be enough to preserve a home point until United's late show as Fernandes applied a wonderful finish with four minutes left, before Wan-Bissaka rifled into the roof of the net and finally Rashford swept in number four with time up.
 

What does it mean? Patience pays for Solskjaer's side

This did not look like being United's day as Darlow came through a slightly shaky start to deny Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men time and again.

The Newcastle goalkeeper, who was hobbling in the closing stages after a challenge with Rashford, made eight saves in all from 28 United attempts - 14 on target - but was helpless in a frantic finale.

Rashford showed poise to tee up Fernandes and also Wan-Bissaka before belatedly scoring himself, sealing a win that was a lot less comfortable than the scoreline suggests.

Maguire makes amends

Newcastle appear to be incapable of dealing with Maguire, who now has two goals against the Magpies - one for Leicester City - and should have had another last year when left unmarked in the six-yard box.

After tough recent outings for both club and country, the United skipper also did his job at the other end, making three clearances and four interceptions.

Last straw for Shaw

Shaw's days as United's first-choice left-back looked numbered even before this mishap. Alex Telles, signed after the England man's woeful display against Tottenham, watched on from the bench.

It was a half-hearted attempt at blocking Krafth's centre that deceived De Gea, and Shaw was perhaps fortunate Newcastle opted not to isolate him against Saint-Maximin, who created two chances from the opposite flank.

Key Opta Facts: 

- Newcastle United conceded four goals at home in the Premier League for the first time since April 5, 2014 - also against Manchester United (4-0 defeat).
- Man Utd enjoyed their 10th comeback win against Newcastle in the Premier League - the most by any side against a single opponent in the competition.
- Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side have been awarded 17 penalties in the Premier League since the start of last season, which is five more than any other side in the competition (12 scored).
- Bruno Fernandes has been directly involved in 20 goals in his 18 Premier League appearances for Man Utd (11 goals, nine assists), scoring in each of his last three games.
- Marcus Rashford registered three goal involvements in a single Premier League game for the only the third time ever (one goal, two assists), having also done so against Fulham in December 2018 and Arsenal in February 2016.

What's next?

This was a much-needed win for United ahead of a pivotal stretch. They visit Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Tuesday, while Newcastle are not back in action until next Sunday's trip to Wolves.