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Gonzalo Higuain endured a difficult debut as Inter Miami were beaten by Philadelphia Union in MLS on Sunday.

Higuain, signed after leaving Serie A champions Juventus, missed a penalty as his side suffered a 3-0 loss at Subaru Park.

The former Real Madrid forward almost made a dream start to his career in the United States, hitting the outside of the post with a bicycle kick in the 20th minute.

With his team trailing 2-0, Higuain had a chance to get Inter Miami back into the game in the 77th minute, but he blazed a penalty over the crossbar and reacted angrily after Union players celebrated his miss.

Higuain has now failed to score with his past four penalty attempts in all competitions. 

Anthony Fontana, Ilsinho and Brenden Aaronson were on the scoresheet for Philadelphia as struggling Inter Miami were left in second bottom in the Eastern Conference.

Despite Higuain's disappointing start at Miami, coach Diego Alonso has previously stressed his arrival can benefit the club in a number of ways. 

"The arrival of experience has a positive impact on the team, first because of the quality because it helps improve the level and also it impacts the young players and helps them to develop," Alonso told AFP earlier this month.

"It is a double benefit. We have seen it with Matuidi and if we are able to finish the signing of Gonzalo, they will both be able to benefit us in these ways."

Upon sealing his move to MLS, Higuain declared his desire to embrace a new experience and help Miami achieve early success. 

"First of all, I want to thank Inter Miami for the effort it has made to sign me," Higuain said. "I think it will be a beautiful experience in my life. It's what I was looking for -- a new experience, a new league and a beautiful city.

"I'm really happy to be here and that it's official. My goal is to try to transmit all the experience I acquired in Europe and to help the team grow.

"I feel good, I feel whole as a player. I'm motivated to try a new league and help the team grow. Individually, my goal is to demonstrate that I can contribute and continue playing great football here, and I hope I can achieve that because I have all the tools necessary to succeed.

"Inter Miami is a team in construction, but there is already a good base to reach important goals."

Franklin Sasere was ecstatic to mark his "dream" Hamrun Spartans debut with a goal in Sunday’s Maltese Premier League triumph over rivals Santa Lucia.

The Nigerian forward, who joined the Maltese elite division side on loan from Swiss Super League outfit Lugano - with the ambition of getting regular first team football - needed just six minutes to announce his presence after replacing Brazil’s Marcelina Emerson in the 39th minute.

Profiting from a cross, the former Sunshine Stars’ man unleashed an unstoppable left-footed shot past goalkeeper Andreas Vella to hand the Spartans an unassailable four-goal lead before the half time break.

Ige Adeshina, Nigerian-born Maltese forward Joseph Mbong and Marcelo Barbosa had given Mark Buttigieg’s men a three-goal advantage before his introduction.

Sasere completed his double in the second-half, but it was ruled out for an offside while Kevin Rosero’s late minute goal proved as mere consolation for Santa Lucia in the 4-1 triumph.

“I’m happy to make a scoring debut today pSunday] and I can boldly say it’s a dream start for me in Malta,” the striker told Goal.

“It is disheartening not to have walked home with a brace because the second was ruled offside, nevertheless, I’m so happy with the general performance of my teammates.

“Playing against the hosts was extremely difficult but we deserved to win because we dominated every department.

“Even though I came here [Malta] few days ago, I’ve been able to settle quick thanks to the support of my teammates and coaches.

“With this win and goal, I am now focused on working hard towards ensuring that I maintain this goalscoring form.”

Thanks to this result, the Victor Tedesco Stadium giants lead the Maltese topflight log with six points after recording two wins out of two games in the ongoing 2020-21 campaign.

Santa Lucia are still without a win and they occupy the 13th spot having garnered just one point from the same number of matches.

Sasere and his Hamrun Spartans teammates would be hoping to continue with their breathe taking start to the season when they host Senglea Athletic in their next outing on Wednesday. 

Napoli director Cristiano Giuntoli believes star defender Kalidou Koulibaly will remain at the Serie A club, despite links to Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain.

Koulibaly had been strongly linked with Premier League giants City but Pep Guardiola's side agreed a deal to sign Benfica centre-back Ruben Dias on Sunday.

Ligue 1 champions PSG are also reportedly interested following Thiago Silva's departure, while the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool have been linked previously.

Asked about Koulibaly prior to Sunday's 6-0 demolition of Genoa, Giuntoli told Sky Sport Italia: "The team was completed in January with Stanislav Lobotka and Diego Demme, who can play in a few different roles. With Amir Rrahmani, [Victor] Osimhen and [Andrea] Petagna, we are complete, so will now try to release players who won't have much time on the pitch.

"I think Koulibaly is staying, we are very happy and so is he. I believe that he is staying."

Koulibaly helped keep a clean sheet as high-flying Napoli preserved their perfect start to the season against Genoa.

Napoli are yet to concede in two Serie A fixtures this season, while scoring eight goals to top the standings.

Gennaro Gattuso was also quizzed on Koulibaly following Giuntoli's comments and the Napoli head coach told Sky Sport Italia post-match: "I hope he remains with us, selfishly speaking, because he gives us so much both in technical terms and as a character.

"The world has changed because of the pandemic and I realise all clubs need to balance the books. I hope the call won't arrive, but I'll be nervous about it until transfer deadline day."

Senegal international Koulibaly has called Napoli home since arriving from Genk in 2014.

The 29-year-old was instrumental as Napoli claimed the Coppa Italia title last season – the club's first piece of silverware since 2014.

Despite Napoli's big win on Sunday, Gattuso was quick to stress the scoreline was deceiving. 

"This result is very harsh and does not reflect the game," Gattuso said. 

"If Piotr Zielinski hadn’t scored 30 seconds after the restart, it would’ve been a very different match. We have to focus on improving and finding the right balance, because we need balance in order to play this type of football."

Bayern Munich coach Hansi Flick applauded his Hoffenheim counterpart Sebastian Hoeness for masterminding the Bundesliga champions' first defeat since December.

Flick's side came into Sunday's clash in Sinsheim on the back of a 2-1 extra-time win over Sevilla in the European Super Cup, perhaps explaining why Robert Lewandowski was rested and Joshua Zirkzee started.

Even if the talismanic Poland striker had started, it is difficult to imagine even him having the influence to halt a Hoffenheim side that played with great intensity and craft in attack as they secured a stunning 4-1 victory.

Hoffenheim were 2-1 up at half-time as Joshua Kimmich got Bayern back into the contest after goals from Ermin Bicakcic and Munas Dabbur had the hosts 2-0 to the good.

The excellent Andrej Kramaric put the game beyond the European champions with a brace in the final 13 minutes, ending a 32-match unbeaten run.

Bayern fans might have put their struggles down to the fact they played for 120 minutes less than 72 hours earlier, but Flick would not as he saluted the work of Hoeness, once a youth coach at the club where his uncle Uli Hoeness played and reigned as president.

"There were many reasons for the defeat, but in terms of their willingness and desire, I can't blame the team at all," Flick told Sky. "The mentality after the 120 minutes on Thursday was great.

"We gave our opponents too many chances and we weren't as effective on the offensive side as we normally are.

"Big compliments to Hoffenheim. The team showed a very strong performance, and also a compliment to Sebastian Hoeness himself – his team was very well adjusted.

"They closed our spaces very well, we didn't have a lot of opportunities to play our offensive game in the way we normally can.

"I don't blame fatigue for defeat. We just haven't been able to play our way, with the dynamism with which we normally can."

Flick's side will look to get back to winning ways on Wednesday when they face fierce rivals Borussia Dortmund in the DFL Supercup final. In the same fixture last season, Bayern were handed a 2-0 defeat. 

Percy Tau’s Anderlecht settled for a 1-1 draw in Sunday’s Belgian topflight encounter against Eupen.

Vincent Kompany’s team looked to be heading for a home win having taken the lead, but the visitors had another idea as result at Lotto Park ended on a no winner, no vanquished note.

Both teams enjoyed scoring chances in the opening minute of the encounter, nevertheless, they were wasteful in front of goal.

Four minutes into the half-time break, manager Benat San Jose was forced to make a change. Benoit Poulain had to leave the turf due to injury, with Menno Koch taking his place.

In the 45th minute, Zimbabwe international Knowledge Musona almost profited from a careless defending from the hosts to hand the visitors the lead, but his effort went past the goal.

Eupen had the first chance of the second half but Hendrik Van Crombrugge was at alert to prevent Smail Prevljak from wreaking havoc.

San Jose’s men continuous dominance also saw Cote d’Ivoire forward Mamadou Kone aim at goal, however his attempt was cleared by the hosts’ backline.

In the 70th minute, Eupen had two great chances. First, Crombrugge stopped a powerful long-range effort from Brazilian defender Adriano before he also defused Julien Ngoy’s shot.

Almost in return, the hosts took the lead courtesy of Belgium youth international and Congo DR prospect Sambi Lokonga who beat goalkeeper Ortwin de Wolf from a long range.

The visitors continued to play well and the efforts of the Black and Whites were rewarded in the 90th minute through another Belgium youth international of Congolese descent Ngoy. He benefitted from the opposing defenders to get the equaliser.

South Africa international Tau was in action from start to finish alongside Lokonga, while Sierra Leone's Mustapha Bundu was handed a starter's role by Kompany but was replaced in the 74th minute by Belgian striker of Ghanaian origin Francis Amuzu.

For Eupen, Belgian defender of Congolese background, Senna Miangue, Ngoy, Musona, Kone starred from start to finish with Cote d'Ivoire's Konan N'Dri was a 65th minute substitute for Smail Prevljak, while Senegal's Amara Baby, Guinea Bissau's Carlos Embalo and Congo's Edo Kayembe.

AS Eupen who are unbeaten in their last six games across all competitions host Cercle Brugge on October 3, with Anderlecht travelling to Club Brugge a day after.

Barcelona prodigy Ansu Fati thanked Lionel Messi for his advice after the teenage attacker struck twice in the club's 4-0 win over Villarreal on Sunday.

Fati scored twice in the opening 20 minutes as Ronald Koeman's side opened their new La Liga campaign in style following a turbulent off-season.

Messi would score Barca's third goal from the penalty spot before forcing Pau Torres into an own goal just before half-time. 

It was Fati who truly starred on the night however as he showed why some are already tipping him to the fill shoes of Messi at Camp Nou one day. 

For now though, the 17-year-old is savouring every minute playing alongside the Argentine, who has been playing a big role in the young attacker's development. 

"Playing with Messi is a dream I had since I was a child and now I am living it,” Fati told reporters post-match.

"He gives me a lot of advice, he helps me a lot on the pitch and in training, but away from it too, and that makes me very happy.

"I want to keep improving every day, to continue to learn from my team-mates because they are the best around and they are trying to help me every day."

Fati scored eight goals in all competitions last season as he burst onto the scene after coming through Barcelona's youth ranks. 

Koeman looks ready to develop Fati further after handing him a start on Sunday and revealed he wasn't happy with the youngster's most recent performance. 

"I had criticised him against Elche but today I told him he had a great game, he was very direct and we made the most of his quality,” Koeman said.

"He’s a young player who has to look to perform consistently and he showed he had a great future and I’m so happy after his game today.”

Barcelona next face Celta Vigo in La Liga on Thursday with the Sky Blues undefeated across their first three league games of the new season. 

Koeman has won all four of his games since being appointed manager at Camp Nou with the club claiming consecutive friendly victories before also seeing off Elche in the Joan Gamper Trophy. 

Paris Saint-Germain head coach Thomas Tuchel criticised his players for easing off the pace in the second half of their 2-0 victory against Reims on Sunday.

Mauro Icardi scored his first two goals since February for PSG at the Stade Auguste-Delaune as the Ligue 1 champions made it three victories in succession without conceding.

PSG started with Kylian Mbappe and Neymar together for the first time this season, while Angel Di Maria and Icardi were also named in an attacking line-up.

Despite the comfortable nature of the victory, Tuchel was not overly pleased with his side's performance against a Reims side without a win this term.

"I liked it in the first half, but I don't understand why we missed a lot of chances," he told Telefoot. "After 20 or 30 minutes we should be three or four up. 

"But I am not happy with the second half that we did. It wasn't serious. There was not the same aggressiveness and the same intensity

"The plan was to put Neymar close to Mbappe. We chose an offensive structure. We tried something and I have a lot of confidence in my team. 

"We had a lot of chances and had 70 per cent of the ball. If we put three or four chances away after 30 minutes, we have a different analysis. 

"So we can see that we missed a lot. The efficiency was not there. You can't play a game like that. In the second half, we weren't serious."

Match-winner Icardi struggled towards the end of last season and did not feature in PSG's Champions League semi-final win over RB Leipzig nor the defeat to Bayern Munich in the final.

And he is relieved to have got off the mark in 2020-21 against Reims, the ex-Inter forward scoring from two of his three attempts on target and creating a joint-high four chances.

"It was important for me to score these goals," he said. "I'm happy to score. I was relaxed during my non-scoring period as I was helping the team defensively. Now we must continue. 

"I'm happy to create chances for my team-mates. We could have put in more to kill the game faster, but satisfaction prevails anyway."

Asked if PSG need another forward before the transfer window closes, Icardi said: "This is a question for the directors. The players are here to play."

Andrea Pirlo says he is not concerned by Juventus' lacklustre performance in their 2-2 draw with Roma on Sunday, insisting they are a team still "under construction". 

The Serie A champions were far from their best in the capital and found themselves 2-1 down at half-time, Jordan Veretout scoring either side of a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty. 

Juve midfielder Adrien Rabiot was dismissed shortly after the hour mark but Ronaldo salvaged a point for the Bianconeri with a towering header soon after. 

Pirlo, who replaced the sacked Maurizio Sarri last month, pointed to a lack of match fitness as the reason for his side's sluggish performance and expects them to get significantly better as the season progresses. 

"Roma attacked with many players like us so it was a different game than Sampdoria [who they 3-0 last weekend]," he said. 

"This was a step backwards but we are a team under construction. We didn't have time to try any solutions in pre-season so these games are tests.

"But, in the end, it was a point earned. [Alvaro] Morata only arrived two days ago, Arthur has not played for six months and has to adapt to Italian football. [Rodrigo] Bentancur is also starting to feel a bit better. The condition of these important players needs to grow a bit."

Juve beat Inter to the title by just one point last season, with Antonio Conte's side responding by bringing in Achraf Hakimi, Arturo Vidal and Aleksandar Kolarov.

Asked if Inter's squad is now stronger than his own, Pirlo said: "I don't know if it is better than ours, but it is certainly stronger than last season as they brought in players of quality. I think it'll be a battle to the very end."

Roma boss Paulo Fonseca, meanwhile, was frustrated with his side's inability to kill off the game when they were 2-1 up, with reported Juve target Edin Dzeko guilty of a particularly glaring miss. 

"I think we had a good game, but I am not satisfied with the result," he said. "We created chances and played to win the match.

"I saw Dzeko focused, motivated and he worked hard for the team. There were errors in front of goal, as everyone did, but he played well this evening.

"I felt the team was always comfortable, we didn't allow Juve any real chances and were solid defensively."

Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho has responded to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's goalpost jab by joking that the Manchester United coach would like a 22-yard penalty box. 

After Mourinho had to request goals of the right dimension before a mid-week Europa League clash, Solskjaer referred to his counterpart's situation on Saturday after the Red Devils saw Brighton repeatedly hit the post in a dramatic 3-2 defeat. 

Speaking after the match, Solskjaer told BT Sport: "You have to be happy Jose is not here to measure the goalposts!"

Mourinho wasn't so fortunate in the Premier League on Sunday with his Spurs side forced to settle for a 1-1 draw with Newcastle after Callum Wilson converted an injury-time penalty following VAR intervention for handball. 

While the Tottenham manager refused to discuss that controversial incident after the match, he was quick to return serve at Solskjaer, as he poked fun at the Red Devils' reliance on penalties. 

Asked if he measured the goalposts before the game, Mourinho told Sky Sports: "No, because I know the goalposts are fine. I think Ole yesterday was so happy and surprised with what happened to his team that he had a joke.

"But I understand for him the dimensions of the goalposts are not important. For him, what is important, is the dimensions of the 18-yard box.

"He would never accept to play with a 17-yard box, I think he would prefer a 22-yard box! For him it would be better."

Since the start of last season, Manchester United’s Premier League games have produced 20 penalties, the most of any team in that time, with the Red Devils awarded 15 of those. 

Mourinho is no stranger to taking a swipe at his former club's good fortune from the spot, noting in July that Bruno Fernandes quickly proved his penalty-taking ability at Old Trafford because his side had been awarded so many. 

"Bruno came in, was fit, played very well, improved the United team and also proved to be a great penalty taker, one of the best in the world, because he had about 20 to score," Mourinho told Record. 

Tottenham incidentally face Manchester United in their next Premier League match on October 4 but must first contend with a Carabao Cup clash and Europa League play-off. 

Diego Simeone was more impressed by Luis Suarez's assist and movement off the ball than his two goals in Atletico Madrid's 6-1 La Liga rout of Granada.

Suarez was brought on in the 70th minute and marked his Atleti debut in style by netting an impressive double and setting up fellow substitute Marcos Llorente on Sunday.

The Uruguay international, who only joined in a €6 million deal from Barcelona on Friday, also won a penalty that was overturned by VAR in a one-sided La Liga contest.

Suarez scored with two types of finishes – one a brilliant header and the other a cute first-time finish on the rebound – but head coach Simeone was most pleased by the way his new forward teed up Llorente with only his second touch of the ball.

"His two goals didn't stand out for me, but his assists, his runs and his movement did," Simeone said after the match.

"The changes gave us a bit extra with the strength of Marcos, the quality of Vitolo, the clarity of Thomas [Partey] and Suarez knows what he has to do: play for the team."

Diego Costa, Angel Correa and Joao Felix were also on target for Atletico at the Wanda Metropolitano as they recorded their biggest win in an opening league game under Simeone.

Atleti have been tipped to rival Real Madrid and Barca for the title this term and Simeone is hopeful that increased competition for a starting spot can get the most out of his players.

"It will depend on our work, our squad depth and the players' security. The team was liberated," he said. 

"The arrival of an important player improves the team, but the team was already working very well. Now we'll continue taking it game by game, like always.

"Suarez's arrival generates a very good internal competition and if the 23 players accept the minutes they're going to get, I'm sure we'll compete well

"From my perspective, when it comes to building a squad, I look for guys who know how to perform and who accept when they play and when they don't.

"That's how great teams are formed. That's what gives you the possibility of having more options. That's what we're looking for season by season."

Anthony Okpotu has won the Tunisia Cup title with US Monastir after helping the club beat Esperance 2-0 in the final of the competition on Sunday.

The 26-year-old featured in the encounter as goals from Abdelkader Bedrane and Yassine Amri secured the Abna Ribat victory over Moine Chaabani’s men.

The Nigeria international has been in fine form since teaming up with the Stade Mustapha Ben Jannet outfit from Moroccan side Difaa El Jadida in the summer of 2019.

The forward helped US Monastir finished third in the 2019-20 Tunisian Ligue 1, scoring 13 goals in 23 appearances to emerge as the league’s top-scorer.

Okpotu will have a chance to showcase his talent in the Caf Champions League after the Abna Ribat secured a spot in the next edition of the African tournament.

The forward starred for Lobi Stars in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) before moving abroad.

In 2017, the 26-year-old bagged 19 goals for Lobi, amid other dazzling displays to emerge as the league’s top-scorer.

Okpotu spent the 2018-19 season with Difaa El Jadida but struggled to make a significant impact with the Moroccan club.

The Super Eagles forward subsequently left on loan to Albania to team up with KF Laci in January 2019 in an effort to rediscover his form before he permanently signed for US Monastir.

Okpotu has featured six times for the Nigeria national team since he made his international debut in 2018.

The centre-forward was part of the Super Eagles team at the 2018 African Nations Championship in Morocco.

Okpotu will hope to continue his impressive club performances for a chance to play consistently for the three-time African champions.

Cristiano Ronaldo has predicted a "bright future" for Juventus after his double salvaged a 2-2 draw for the Serie A champions against Roma on Sunday. 

The Bianconeri were far from their best at Stadio Olimpico and went in down 2-1 at the break after Jordan Veretout netted a brace either side of a Ronaldo spot-kick. 

Juve's chances of clawing their way back into the game suffered a blow when Adrien Rabiot was dismissed for a second bookable offence after 62 minutes, but Ronaldo secured a point with a towering header seven minutes later. 

Despite Roma dominating for long periods, Ronaldo was pleased to leave the capital with a point and believes the Bianconceri are in for another successful season. 

"I think it is a point earned," he told Sky Sport Italia. "It had become a complicated situation but we got back into it, even after the red card, so by the end of the campaign this could prove to be an important point.

"We're at the start of the season, there's a new coach, new ideas, but I see the team working well. We're enthusiastic and I see a bright future for us.

"What we're seeing is that the team is happy to work with a smile."

New signing Alvaro Morata - who was at Juve between 2014-16 - made his second debut for the Old Lady after securing a loan deal from Atletico Madrid.

Starting alongside Ronaldo in attack, Morata failed to have a strong impact on the match and was substituted after 58 minutes with Douglas Costa coming on in his place.

Speaking prior to the Roma match, the 27-year-old spoke of his happiness to be back in Turin and hoped he could help the club win the Champions League.

"Juve took a punt on me when I was younger and coming back was a dream of mine," Morata told reporters at his presentation.

"Leaving Juventus was not up to me. I was happy in Madrid, but now it's important for me to be here and I have kept in touch with everyone over the years.

"It was a great memory and now we have new challenges to face together.

"The Champions League is very important to Juventus. If we were to win it this year, I would be the happiest man in the world. We want to win it."

Declan Rice stressed the need for West Ham players to “play for the badge” after their thumping 4-0 win over Wolves, with speculation continuing about his long-term future at London Stadium.

Rice took the captain’s armband on Sunday evening with regular skipper Mark Noble only among the substitutes and played his part in a fine Hammers performance.

Jarrod Bowen scored twice, with a Raul Jimenez own goal and stoppage-time Sebastien Haller strike sealing the points.

It was the club’s first Premier League win of the season after they began the campaign with back-to-back defeats against Newcastle and Arsenal.

The win was made all the more impressive by the fact manager David Moyes was self-isolating at home after testing positive for Covid-19 earlier in the week.

Assistant Alan Irvine was on the touchline, while Moyes issued instructions over the phone to coach Stuart Pearce, who watched the game from the stands.

Rice, who has been linked with a move to Chelsea before next week’s deadline, did not discuss his future when he spoke after the game, though he did express his delight his side’s display.

"When I stood here after Newcastle, saying we couldn't have played any poorer," Rice told BBC Sport. "Now two weeks in a row we have seen a massive reaction.

"It could easily have been 6 or 7-0. I am buzzing with the performance. Our manager has tested positive for the Covid, so the backroom staff have taken over. I can't be any happier for the staff tonight.

"We turn up in the big games all the time. Playing for this badge...that is what the fans want.”

Goalscorer Bowen did comment on Rice’s future, expressing his hope that the England international remains in east London.

“Dec’s a great lad on and off the pitch,” he told BT Sport. "Everyone loves him and everyone wants him him to stay, but that’s not for us players to comment on.

“It’s not up to us what happens with him. But we want him to stay and build on what we’ve got at the moment.”

Manchester City have signed centre-back Ruben Dias from Benfica in a transfer worth an initial £62 million (€68m) with Nicolas Otamendi heading the opposite way in a separate deal.

Portugal international Dias, 23, has been a regular for Primeira Liga side Benfica since emerging through the academy ahead of the 2017-18 campaign.

Dias has been linked with a number of big-name clubs around Europe, including Manchester United, but rivals City have now reached an agreement with Benfica.

The Portuguese side confirmed the news on their official website on Sunday, shortly before announcing a €15m (£13.67m) deal is in place for Otamendi.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola admitted his side were “nervous” against Leicester and questioned their mentality during the humbling 5-2 defeat on Sunday.

Guardiola’s side made the perfect start against the Foxes, taking the lead through Riyad Mahrez’s spectacular fourth-minute strike, but collapsed after Jamie Vardy’s penalty levelled the scores shortly before half-time.

Vardy put the Foxes ahead at the start of the second half with a neat flicked finish, before completing his hat-trick from the penalty spot four minutes later.

Nathan Ake pulled a goal back but further strikes from James Maddison and Youri Tielemans sealed a thumping victory for the Foxes.

It was the first time a team managed by Guardiola has conceded five goals and the first time City have shipped five goals at home since 2003.

Speaking after the game Guardiola showed some frustration at Leicester’s counter-attacking tactics, but admitted his side should have performed better at both ends of the pitch.

"They defend so deep and the lack of creating chances we got nervous,” he told the club’s website. “They did not want to play, they just wanted to counter-attack.

"We know that Vardy runs from far, far away and [Harvey] Barnes you have to control him. But the moment we started to get nervous, we thought we were not doing well.

"We are not going to create 10 chances. We have to know it is difficult. Even at 5-2 Leicester were in the 18-yard box.

"I am not going to give up, I am going to try to find solutions.

“Yes of course it’s tough, we have to accept it, it’s still the second [Premier League] game.”

Guardiola also questioned his players’ mentality, suggesting his side lost belief after they failed to quickly add to their early lead.

“We played for 30 minutes so good – we scored a goal in [the fourth] minute,” he added to reporters.

“But then we started to believe we were not playing good when it was the opposite. We are not strong enough to be stable and patient.

“We started to think we were playing bad. We told them at half-time they were playing good, try to be patient and the rest will be in our hands.”

"We will not defend the title next season; we'll attack the next one. I have learned when you think you have reached the pinnacle, you are already on the way down."

That was Jurgen Klopp’s belief soon after Liverpool claimed their first Premier League title after the league’s resumption post-lockdown in June. Having waited three decades to claim the top flight title, the Reds won last year’s crown at a canter with 99 points, finishing a staggering 18 points ahead of Manchester City — winners in 2018 and 2019.

Klopp’s ‘Mentality Monsters’ essentially claimed point tallies in the high 90s for two seasons on the trot, a truly remarkable feat given the standard of the competition. Going again for the third season on the spin will require players to not rest on their laurels, which is easier said than done.

Given the increased level within their direct rivals, and even teams with great ambition to thrive and then improve in the Prem — case in point: Leeds United — the affable German manager will demand a greater effort by his players for a third year.

Interestingly, the group seem to have taken their manager’s words literally, evidenced by their white-knuckle opening day fixture vs new boys Leeds and Chelsea.

Two players were at the heart of both wins: Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.

Against the Whites, the Egypt superstar netted a stunning treble as the defending champions began the defence of their title in rip-roaring fashion. Three times were Liverpool pegged back after going in front, still, they kept plugging away each time before their top scorer in each of the last three seasons delivered the final blow to Marcelo Bielsa’s troops in the 88th minute.

While two of the North African’s goals were from 12 yards — and penalties remain arguably the easiest way to score — both still needed to be tucked away. The timing of the third certainly fell into the ‘pressure penalty’ category, even though it came in matchday one.

Be that as it may, the pick of the game’s septet was the wide forward’s second, a half-volley from inside the box executed with the nonchalance of a seasoned goalscorer. After flourishing for a trio of campaigns on Merseyside, following a successful two-year spell in Italy, maybe the former Chelsea man can be categorised as one.

Salah lost out on a third consecutive Golden Boot last season, despite his concerted efforts in the final games of 19/20 but scoring the season’s first hat-trick on day one laid down a marker for 2020/21.

And then there’s the irrepressible Sadio Mane.

The current African Footballer of the Year delivered for the Reds in last week’s visit to Stamford Bridge, netting both goals as Liverpool claimed a 2-0 win over Frank Lampard’s troops. In some way, it was fitting that the Senegal attacker was the one to win the game for the visitors owing to his quick thinking on two occasions if not three.

For the first, Mane, aware of the space in behind Andreas Christensen darted beyond the Dane to receive Jordan Henderson’s through pass over the top only to be rugby tackled by the defender when through on goal. After a VAR check, Paul Tierney dismissed the centre-back, leaving the Blues to play the entire second half shorthanded.

Suitably, the West African was quicker to a Roberto Firmino cross after razor-sharp interplay on the right wing between Salah and the Brazilian saw the Reds go 1-0 up through a Mane header. For his second, there was the desire to chase down a lost cause and force yet another mistake from Kepa Arrizabalaga in the Chelsea goal.

It was the inside forward who’d misplaced a forward pass to Firmino initially and, rather than let the West London side rebuild, the Senegalese harried the Blues goalkeeper to show his underrated streetwise nature and quick thinking.

Liverpool have now scored six times in two games, a nod to their dominance going forward.

However, their 7-2 thrashing of Blackpool in a pre-season friendly before their opening match of the new season was striking. They repeated this haul vs Lincoln City in midweek, annihilating the League One outfit by the same score.

This was the first time since December 2017 (7-0 win over Spartak Moscow) that Klopp’s team have netted seven times in a competitive fixture. If the friendly game before the start of 20/21 is included, the Reds have now hit that figure twice in under three weeks.

While Salah and Mane were only involved in one of those 14 goals, the pair are undoubtedly going to be protagonists in Liverpool’s ‘attack’ of the title. Manchester City were the only side that managed to retain the Premier League in the last decade (17/18 and 18/19), becoming the only club since Manchester United in the 2000s to win back-to-back domestic crowns.

Without question, Klopp will lean on two of the best forwards in Europe as the world champions seek to claim successive title wins in the new decade. If the opening two games give a precursor for the season, then Salah and Mane have certainly taken up the gauntlet.