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Gor Mahia risk missing a Caf Champions League slot for the 2021/22 season after Football Kenya Federation adopted a new method to select the country's representative.

In a statement in possession of Goal, the team that shall be leading as of June 30, 2021, - deadline provided by Caf for submission for representative clubs - shall be given the slot according to FKF.

"The federation is in receipt of communication from Caf directing that FKF submits Kenya's representative for the Caf inter-club competitions, latest June 30, 2021," the statement, signed by the FKF Chief Executive Officer Barry Otieno, read.

"Consequently, and in consideration that the FKF Premier League calendar may not be concluded before the aforementioned date, due to the disruption occasioned by the Covid-19 pandemic, the FKF Leagues and Competitions Committee in a meeting held on May 7 2021, resolved that FKF PL representative shall be the team at the top of the table, as at June 30, 2021."

Gor Mahia, who have played 15 games, are sixth on the log behind Tusker, AFC Leopards, Kariobangi Sharks, KCB and Bandari. Tusker have been at the top for the better part of the ongoing season and stand a better chance to grab the slot.

Among the top five teams, only KCB have not participated in the continental competition as Kariobangi Sharks, AFC Leopards and Bandari have been there in the last four seasons.

The Brewers last played at the continental stage in 2016; after they won the league title and the Shield Cup under Ugandan coach Paul Nkata. From 2017 to 2021 Gor Mahia have been representing Kenya although their performances have not been convincing, especially in the Champions League.

FKF has not clearly stated how the Caf Confederation Cup representative will be selected. Kenya is always represented by the winner of the Shield Cup, a tournament that was set to hit the quarter-finals stage before soccer activities were suspended in March.

In the 2020/21 season, Kenya was not represented as the domestic competition did not naturally end last season due to the coronavirus disruption.

FKF Premier League is expected to proceed beyond June 30 after it resumed on May 14 following a suspension that was effected in early March due to the rising Covid-19 cases.

Simba SC have outlined five key areas they want to be addressed before they face Kaizer Chiefs in their return leg of the Caf Champions League on Saturday.

The Msimbazi giants suffered a humiliating 4-0 defeat against Amakhosi in the first leg at FNB Stadium on Saturday and will require a massive victory of at least 4-0 to advance to the semi-finals of the competition.

A double from Samir Nurkovic and a goal apiece courtesy of Erick Mathoho, and Leonardo Castro inspired the home side to victory in the first leg, and the deserved win also saw the PSL giants maintain their unbeaten home record in this season’s Champions League.

Ahead of the return leg set for Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Saturday, Simba Information Officer Haji Manara has outlined key areas he wants the team to address before they face the South African giants.

“First of all, we must accept as a team we lost the first leg, and we lost by a huge goal margin,” Manara wrote on his social media pages.

“Secondly, our players and the entire technical bench must sit down and discuss what was the real problem in the away game, why did we lose by a huge margin and what should we do to rectify the mistakes before the return leg and win the tie to reach the semi-finals.

“Thirdly, we should all keep the faith, we should not lose hope, we should keep the faith and remain confident that it is possible to turn the tables and progress.”

In his fourth point, Manara said: “We should have the belief if we lost 4-0 away and because football is unpredictable, then we can also win at home with a margin of 4-0 and above.”

“And lastly, our togetherness as a team and working together should be our key weapon on Saturday, we want everyone to rally behind the team, we want everyone to pray for the team and by Saturday afternoon, we will have a good result and we will be in the semi-finals.”

The 4-0 loss is the biggest Simba have suffered in the recent past despite facing big sides. In the group stage, Simba picked up surprising wins against Al Ahly and AS Vita and finished as the winners of the group.

Raja Casablanca have stated they will lodge a formal complaint with Caf against the performance of Kenyan centre referee Peter Waweru during Sunday’s Caf Confederation Cup quarter-final, first leg 1-1 draw with Orlando Pirates at Orlando Stadium.

The North Africans felt Waweru made errors which influenced the result of the game from which they scored an important away goal.

Waweru was being assisted by compatriot Gilbert Cheruiyot and Frank Komba from Tanzania.

“Raja Club Athletic will send a note of protest to Caf following the poor performance by Kenyan referee Peter Waweru in the first leg of the Caf Confederation Cup quarter-finals,” Raja said in a statement.

“The referee’s mistakes had a direct impact on the final result as he denied Raja Club Athletic a penalty following a clear handball offence [in the 48th minute] and saved the opponent’s goalkeeper by offside [in the 24th minute].

“While condemning the poor performance of the referee, Raja Club Athletic would like to recall the previous instances where the club faced similar difficulties, either during the present Caf Confederation Cup campaign, or the previous editions of Caf Competitions.”

Interestingly, while Raja felt that Waweru’s errors benefitted the opposition, Pirates coach Josef Zinnbauer also believes that the Moroccans had gained from the referee’s mistakes.

Zinnbauer says DR Congo forward Ben Malango’s hour mark equaliser for the visitors was a result of an illegitimate call by Waweru.

“The goal that Casablanca scored from should have been a foul, but I don't think the ref was well-sighted,” said Zinnbauer as per News24.

“Malango is a very good striker with top skills and he had a very good game. When he gets chances, he scores most of the time.” 

Pirates now plan to visit the Green Devils for Sunday’s second leg hoping that Malango’s away goal will not come back to haunt them. 

“We want to go there and we're looking forward to the game. We want to go forward to the semi-finals. Both teams have quality players and it's going to be a big game that no one wants to lose,” Zinnbauer said.

There were a wide range of opinions after it emerged Leicester City had rendered an apology to Chelsea after Daniel Amartey's 'pennant incident'.

Following The Foxes' 1-0 FA Cup final triumph over The Blues at Wembley on Saturday, post-match dressing room footage showed the Ghana international throwing the Chelsea pennant over his shoulder to the ground as his team celebrated their first title success in the competition.

Many called his conduct "disrespectful", going on to criticise the behaviour.

It has been said on Monday that Leicester have made contact with Chelsea to apologise on behalf of their defender, who was also reportedly racially abused on social media by angry fans of The Blues after the incident.

Chelsea have reportedly accepted the apology as the two clubs prepare for a prompt clash again, this time around in the Premier League on Tuesday.

While some have commended the apology, others deem it unnecessary while another section of fans have called on Chelsea to respond on the pitch on Tuesday.

Below are reactions to the apology on social media:

Orlando Pirates coach Josef Zinnbauer has stressed the importance of Thembinkosi Lorch's return from injury but says he is yet to get a clear picture on whether the attacker would be ready to start in next weekend’s Caf Confederation Cup quarter-final, second leg match against Raja Casablanca.

Pirates were held 1-1 by Raja at Orlando Stadium on Sunday, leaving them facing what could be a tall order when they visit the 2018 Confederation Cup champions who grabbed a vital away goal.

The match in Johannesburg marked the return of Lorch who had been out injured since February and he came on as a substitute, replacing Fortune Makaringe and played the last 13 minutes.

With Pirates needing their best players available for the trip to Casablanca, Zinnbauer says it is important for them that Lorch is back.

“Tomorrow [we will see] what happened, what is the pain, how he is feeling for the next game. But I cannot say now whether he will be in the starting line-up or on the bench. Important for us is that he is available and that’s good for us.”

With Pirates facing what seems like a tough task when they travel to Raja, Zinnbauer concedes the Moroccans’ away goal places them in an advantageous position going into the second leg. 

But the German feels that does not take away the possibility of them also grabbing a goal away from home. 

“For us, it would’ve been better to win the home game. It’s also clear that it is an advantage for the opponent that they have scored today,” Zinnbauer said.

“But we also have the possibility of scoring there and if we score there, it won’t be easy for them. They have to score more. I don’t think Casablanca was better than us today. I think there were good levels, it was a tough game.”

Mason Greenwood admits to having endured "difficult" days at Manchester United this season after facing criticism for the first time in his career.

Having been nurtured through the academy system at Old Trafford, the 19-year-old forward is now trying to unlock his full potential as a senior star.

Greenwood is learning quickly how to deal with detractors and avoid allowing them to become a distraction.

What has been said?

After seeing his attitude and output questioned amid a barren run in front of goal and being dropped from the England squad for breaches of Covid-19 protocols, Greenwood told Sky Sports: "It was difficult.

"You know how it is, it was obviously going to come. It was a mental challenge but you have to block it all out really. If you play for United, one of the biggest clubs in the world, you have to overcome that. I have pushed that to one side just to concentrate on my football. I have overcome it now. I am happy to be back playing my best football."

Where has Greenwood improved?

Greenwood earned senior international recognition after 17 goals across all competitions last season.

Bettering that tally has proved tricky this term, but he still has 12 efforts to his name - with an impact role from the bench - and believes he has improved other areas of his game.

The teenager added: "My hold-up play has improved. I don't think I give the ball away as much as I used to do when I was younger and just coming into the team. 

"I know the game a bit more and the pace of the Premier League a bit more. It has all come together."

The bigger picture

Greenwood has the full support of United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in his development, as shown by the offer of a new contract, and Europa League glory could yet be savoured.

Positive showings across remaining Premier League fixtures and the continental clash with Villarreal should aid Greenwood in looking to earn favour from Gareth Southgate once more.

Asked if he could force his way into England's 26-man party for this summer's European Championship, Greenwood said: "It would be nice to go to the Euros but I just want to be fully focused on United for these two games and the Europa League final.

"What happens, happens. I have not really been thinking about it too much. I have just been going out there thinking about my performances for United, how to score and help the team score. I have just been focusing on my football."

Further reading

U.S. women’s national team (USWNT) duo Sam Mewis and Rose Lavelle have left Manchester City and returned to the United States after a year in the Women’s Super League.

Mewis will play for the North Carolina Courage again, the club where she won five trophies before her move overseas last summer, and has signed a contract until 2023.

Lavelle will join up with her new OL Reign team-mates after Washington Spirit traded her to the Tacoma-based club last August.

What has been said?

“I’m so grateful for my time here in Manchester,” Mewis, who scored in City’s Women’s FA Cup triumph at Wembley in November, said.

“To the fans - thank you so much for your undying support. I have loved representing this club and wish that we could have played in front of you all this season.

“I would like to thank the coaching staff and front office for making my time here so enjoyable and beneficial. I would be honoured to return to the club someday in the future.

“Thank you for believing in me, supporting me, and bringing me here to Manchester during such an uncertain time in the world. I’m a Man City fan for life!”

“I’d like to thank the front office and coaching staff for the opportunity to compete and grow in a world class environment,” Lavelle added. “It’s been an honour to work alongside some of the best players and teammates in the world.

“For everything soccer has given me, one of my favourite things is the friendships and I’m leaving City having met some of the best friends I could have ever asked for. I wish the club endless success in the future and will be a City fan for life now.”

Returning to the NWSL

The 2021 NWSL season started over the weekend, while Mewis and Lavelle were playing their final games for City in the FA Cup, a 5-1 triumph over West Ham.

Incidentally, the Courage and the Reign started their season against each other, playing out a goalless draw.

Mewis is expected to make her return to action in North Carolina on Friday 28 May, against Racing Louisville. The midfielder heads back home having made a serious impression in England, imposing herself on the WSL and playing a key role in City’s second-placed finish, as well as their FA Cup success. She was named in Goal’s 2020-21 WSL team of the season.

Lavelle, meanwhile, is expected to make her debut for OL Reign on May 20 against her former club, Washington Spirit.

The 26-year-old had a difficult time with City, the first half of her season in particular plagued by injury. However, her talent is unquestionable, with OL Reign CEO Bill Predmore saying: “We believe Rose has the ability to be the best player in the world. She is an extraordinary talent that is the perfect fit for our long-term vision for the team.

“From the moment the trade became a possibility last year we have been focused on finding a way to bring her to the club. We are thrilled to add her to the squad and believe she can play a key role in our efforts to compete for a championship this season.”

The Reign will pay $100,000 to Spirit in conjunction with Lavelle’s return to the league, as part of the trade made last year.

Further reading

Kevin De Bruyne has returned to training with Manchester City, allaying fears that he could miss the Champions League final.

The midfielder, who has been named in the Belgium squad for Euro 2020, missed City's last two matches with a muscle injury with the European final in Porto just 12 days away.

However he is set be in the squad for Tuesday's trip to Brighton as the new Premier League winners step up their preparation for their first Champions League final, against Chelsea.

What's been said?

"Kevin has trained the last two days and he feels good," manager Pep Guardiola said in his news conference. "Kevin is important like everyone. When we are able to stick together and push each other, it will be possible to win [the Champions League].

"Everyone is in the same level. We’ll see what his level is, he’s fit and ready to play."

The bigger picture

City were confirmed as the Premier League winners last week when second-placed Manchester United were beaten by Leicester, but while Guardiola's side had three games with nothing riding on it, Chelsea lost an FA Cup final at the weekend and are still to confirm a top-four finish.

"The mood is really good - they’ve been training really well and everyone is focused," the City boss added of his squad. "People know they have to maintain their rhythm to play the final in the best condition as possible, and on the day off people relax and then we focus in training."

Asked if it was advantage for Chelsea to have bigger games in the countdown to the final, Guardiola added: "I’m only concerned about what we have to do - to prepare as best as possible. It’s not my business.

"We’ll have six days to focus on the final after Everton. Now it is Brighton. We won’t be ready if we don’t prepare for Brighton. I didn’t speak one second about Chelsea.

"Tomorrow we’ll play to win again and this is the best way to arrive to the final. In the six days [after the final game], we’ll be more focused on Chelsea."

Further reading

Marc-Andre ter Stegen has ruled himself out of Germany's plans for this summer's European Championship, with the Barcelona goalkeeper preparing to undergo knee surgery.

The 29-year-old is ready to cut short his 2020-21 campaign, with Barca no longer in the running for La Liga title glory, and focus on getting himself fully fit for next season.

That also means passing up the chance to form part of Joachim Low's squad chasing down continental glory, with the decision taken at Camp Nou to send him under the knife.

What has been said?

Ter Stegen has posted on social media, after seeing Barca suffer a shock 2-1 defeat to Celta Vigo on Sunday: "I’m disappointed about yesterday’s defeat and that now we can no longer win La Liga. After a complicated start to the season, we showed good character going 19 matches unbeaten - but we weren’t able to keep this form.

"I have decided together with the medical team of the club that I will do a complementary intervention on my knee. I’m sad that I will miss the EURO 2020 this summer with Germany.

"For the first time in many years I will be a fan at home supporting my country, I hope we win it!

"After the summer break, when we are back on the pitch I hope to be able to play with fans once again, I miss it!

"Thank you for your support throughout a difficult season and stay healthy!"

When will Ter Stegen's operation take place?

With their season all but over, with only an outing against Eibar to take in on Saturday, Barca have wasted little time in getting Ter Stegen booked in for surgery.

They have revealed in a statement on the club's official website: "The first team player Marc-Andre ter Stegen will undergo a therapeutic procedure on the patellar tendon in his right knee on Thursday 20 May in Malmö by Dr Hakan Alfredson and under the supervision of the club's medical services."

The bigger picture

Ter Stegen has been a model of consistency again for Barcelona in 2020-21, taking in 42 appearances across all competitions.

He has committed to a new contract at Camp Nou and will be looking to help the Blaugrana chase down more major honours next season - with change now being mooted on and off the field in Catalunya.

One of the finest shot-stoppers in world football should be back to peak condition by the time a new campaign gets underway, with time on his side when it comes to his recovery.

Ruling himself out of contention for international duty will not have been an easy decision, but there is every chance that he would have been a back-up option this summer anyway.

Bayern Munich keeper Manuel Neuer remains first-choice for Germany and will not be giving up that position without a fight.

Further reading

Bernd Leno has insisted that he does not want to leave Arsenal while outlining his ambition to help the club reach the Champions League again.

Leno completed a £23 million ($33m) move to Emirates Stadium from Bayer Leverkusen in 2018, venturing outside of Germany for the first time in his professional career in the process.

The 29-year-old has since nailed down the number one spot in Arsenal's team; however, it has been suggested that he is one of several first-team stars likely to depart in the summer transfer window.

What's been said?

Mikel Arteta is being tipped to reshape his squad after a turbulent 2020-21 campaign, but Leno has dismissed the ongoing speculation surrounding his future while revealing he intends to see out the final two years of his contract.

"I don't want to flee here, I feel good and want to be successful again with Arsenal!" Leno told Sport 1.

"Arsenal are a big club, which is extremely underestimated in Germany, there are many Arsenal fans all over the world.

"I still have a two-year contract and hope to play in the Champions League again with Arsenal."

Leno has left the door open to undertaking a new challenge away from north London at some point, though, with it his belief that he still has plenty of years at the top level ahead of him.

"It is also clear that at some point in my career I want to do something different," he added. "So far I've played for two clubs. Maybe I'll get the urge to play in another league again. Maybe in the south.

"But there is time, I'm still getting to the prime goalkeeping age. But my focus is on Arsenal FC."

How has Leno performed for Arsenal this term?

Emiliano Martinez made a strong case to replace Leno between the sticks on a permanent basis after stepping in while he was injured at the end of the 2019-20 campaign.

However, Arteta ultimately decided to keep faith with Leno after he was cleared fit to play again, with Martinez subsequently sold to Aston Villa for £20m ($30m).

Leno has since struggled to repay his manager, allowing basic errors to creep into his game as the Gunners have slid out of contention for major trophies and a top-four Premier League finish.

Leno has featured in 47 games across all competitions for Arteta's side, but has only been able to record 15 shut-outs while conceding 47 goals.

Further reading

Simba SC coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa has claimed Kaizer Chiefs left them shocked with their master class display in the Caf Champions League fixture on Saturday.

The Msimbazi giants failed to replicate their good form in the group stage of the competition after they suffered a 4-0 defeat against Amakhosi in their quarter-final first leg meeting at FNB Stadium, leaving them with a mountain to climb when they face off again in the return leg at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on May 22.

The Soweto giants celebrated their big win with a brace from Samir Nurkovic, while Erick Mathoho and Leonardo Castro netted one each to help put one foot in the semi-finals.

The French tactician has admitted the level of performance displayed by Chiefs surprised them, insisting they did not underrate their opponent one bit and they lost to a better side on the day.

“It was a master class display by Kaizer [Chiefs] despite not performing well in the local league,” Da Rosa said as quoted by Daily News.

“As I said before the match, Chiefs are a very good team, very good offensively and today [Saturday] they have recorded a clean sheet which proves they are solid. Even with their bad situation in the league, we did not underestimate them.”

Da Rosa further admitted his team was not in good shape and did not deserve to get anything from the fixture but remained optimistic of overturning the result in the return leg.

“There’s no good reason to explain why we lost today [Saturday], we do not have an excuse; we were not tough enough for this kind of match. It is very important to be very aggressive particularly in the aerial duels,” Da Rosa continued.

“We did not play badly particularly in the first half but in the defence, we were not efficient enough."

On whether they can beat Chiefs on Saturday, Da Rosa explained: “It is a tough call but still, it is possible for us to do better and win.

“It is important to believe we can overturn the results but for the result to change in our favour, then we must also be at our very best, we must produce a good game to stand a chance.”

“You need to believe in us that it is possible to win the next match, even though it is going to be very difficult but nothing is impossible.”

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes the return of fans will give Manchester United an "extra lift" in their final few games of the season. 

Supporters will be inside Old Trafford for the first time since March 2020 for United’s final home league game of the season, against Fulham, and after two defeats on the spin at home the United manager is hoping their support will give them a boost. 

After recent protests, Solskjaer is also hoping the supporters will get behind the team and hopes the game won’t be "marred by violence."

What was said? 

Solskjaer said: “Of course you hope that the game against Fulham will not be marred by any violence or over the top things. 

“I know our fans, I know the Manchester United fans, they’re the best fans I’ve had and I’ve got such a great relationship with them and they know how to support the team so I don’t expect any of the fans coming here making any trouble. 

“I think the mood in any club and the relationship between the team and the fans is vital to what happens on the pitch. The players are all human beings, we’re all human beings, and we will react to getting our supporters back in a positive way. 

“They have always been giving us extra energy and hopefully the players will give the fans a reason to cheer and that’s what we have to focus on. It’s a big game for us in that respect.”

What else was said? 

Midfielder Scott McTominay was also asked about the return of fans for the final couple of games. He said: “Get the fans back in. We’re desperate for that feeling of adrenaline from all the people inside the stadium and to see everyone smiling and back enjoying football again.”

Will United be able to bounce back? 

Solskjaer’s side lost against Leicester and Liverpool at Old Trafford in the league last week, but he’s hoping to see a reaction from his side on Tuesday night. 

He said: “The last week has been draining. The season has been long enough so I gave them two days off, Friday and Saturday, and they’ve been bright and bubbly, sharp and looking forward to the end of the season and playing in front of our fans again.

“It’s a completely different matter and the fans coming in will give the game an extra lift and give the players an extra lift and of course we’re very focused on securing second place.”

Further reading

Orlando Pirates coach Josef Zinnbauer felt there was a foul in the build-up to Raja Casablanca's goal in the 1-1 Caf Confederation Cup first leg quarter-final draw at the Orlando Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The second leg encounter is set to take place on Sunday evening at the Mohamed V Stadium in Casablanca and Raja are in the driving seat after netting an all-important away goal in Soweto.

The goal was scored on the hour mark by Raja's burly DR Congo marksman Ben Malango, who brushed aside Ntsikelelo Nyauza before turning Bongani Sam and then beating Wayne Sandilands with a low strike.

It's arguable whether Malango simply out-muscled the Bucs defender or whether Nyauza lost his balance, or if the Raja striker actually did foul him.

Zinnbauer felt it was the latter.

"The goal that Casablanca scored from should have been a foul, but I don't think the ref [Peter Waweru of Kenya] was well sighted," Zinnbauer said, as quoted on News24.

"Malango is a very good striker with top skills and he had a very good game. When he gets chances, he scores most of the time."

What would also have been frustrating for Zinnbauer is the fact that his team barely gave their north African opponents any sighters on goal – Malango’s effort was one of the few occasions goalkeeper Wayne Sandilands was left exposed.

"We defended well and we didn't give Raja many chances and what the team did today was very good,” the Bucs coach commented.
 
While mindful of the physical presence the Raja side poses, Zinnbauer remains hopeful of turning things around this weekend.

We want to go there and we're looking forward to the game. We want to go forward to the semi-finals," he said.

"Both teams have quality players and it's going to be a big game that no one wants to lose.

"We know what they can do and they have giants. You can't compare them with some of the teams, but we have the quality,

"We also have first-hand information on them and not things that we see on TV and they'll also know that it's not easy against us."

Maritzburg United head coach Ernst Middendorp has described the team's defeat to Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila as nonsense. 

The two teams met in the PSL on Saturday at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, and Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo struck in the 68th minute to hand the hosts maximum points. 

The Team of Choice tactician was not amused and went on to express his anger, stating his charges have to improve.

"This defeat is nonsense, it is unacceptable," the 62-year-old Middendorp said afterward.

"We conceded a goal with one against four in the centre. I cannot accept this, and it makes me angry. We have to learn and improve going forward."

Vhadau vhadamani coach Dylan Kerr welcomed the win, describing it as massive from the way his players played, insisting they would have scored more.

"It is a massive win, and it is not massive because we won the game; it is massive because of the way that we played," the former defender said.

"I thought that we were fantastic and that we controlled the game. We did not give Maritzburg any opportunities and we defended well and dominated in midfield. On any other day, we could have won this game by three or four goals."

The tactician has now set his eyes on the match against rivals Baroka targeting a win to continue surging upwards on the table.

"If we can approach the derby against Baroka with the same work ethic and enjoyment we can collect another three points and knock on the top-eight doors," the 54-year-old Kerr concluded.

The Limpopo-based charges are riding high in confidence after winning the Nedbank Cup a week ago when they beat Chippa United. As a result, they secured their ticket for Caf Confederation Cup football next season.

They are now aiming at winning the relegation battle and remain in the top-tier beyond this season. They are currently placed in the 13th position with 28 points from the 27 matches they have played. 

Vhadau vhadamani have managed to collect seven wins, as many draws and 13 losses. They have scored 19 goals and conceded 35.  

Andrew Robertson has hailed Alisson after the Liverpool goalkeeper's dramatic winning goal against West Brom, saying "any striker in the world is happy with that header".

Liverpool seemed to be heading towards a disappointing draw at The Hawthorns on Sunday, with Hal Robson-Kanu and Mohamed Salah both getting on the scoresheet, before Alisson ran the length of the pitch for a late corner from Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The Brazilian shot-stopper rose highest to meet the cross and direct an unstoppable header past West Brom no 1 Sam Johnstone, sparking wild scenes of celebration among the Reds squad and coaching staff.

What's been said?

Robertson was left in awe after Alisson's finish, having initially been concerned that Liverpool might be caught out on the counter-attack when he came up.

"I've given up now trying to describe it," the Scottish defender told the club's official website. "This team, I've said it time and time again – of course it was maybe when we were going for titles and things like that – but we just don't know when to give up. 

"We keep fighting, we keep going, we keep probing. We had some really good chances [in the] last 10 minutes and we just couldn't find the chance. 

"Then you get a corner and I see Ali sprinting by me and I'm thinking, 'I'm not sure about this.' I go back to the halfway line and any striker in the world I think is happy with that header – it's unbelievable."

Robertson on Alisson's tribute to his father

Alisson dedicated his stunning goal to his late father Jose Agostinho Becker, who tragically passed away after an accident in Brazil in February.

"For him, for his family, what he's been through, everyone's been through a rubbish time but him particularly," Robertson said of his team-mate's moving tribute. 

"Not being able to go back to Brazil after losing his dad and everything like that, the number of emotions that man has probably felt throughout this whole year, welcoming a baby boy into the family, it's incredible. 

"We are one big family. When one of us hurts, we all hurt and we all felt the impact of when his father sadly passed away. 

"It's an incredible, emotional moment for him and I'm sure there won't be a dry eye back in Brazil for him. Clearly his dad is looking over him."

State of play in top-four race

Liverpool's victory saw them move to within a point of fourth-placed Chelsea in the race for the final Champions League spot.

Jurgen Klopp's side will hope the Blues drop points again when they take on third-place Leicester City on Tuesday, which will give them the chance to move into fourth with a win away at Burnley the following day.

The Reds are due to wrap up their season against Crystal Palace at Anfield on May 23.

Further reading