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Pedro Obiang has tendered an apology for costing Sassuolo a 3-1 loss against Juventus after he was shown a straight red card in Sunday’s Serie A encounter.

The former West Ham United midfielder was dismissed on the stroke of half-time for his studs-up tackle on Federico Chiesa.

Following his expulsion, Danilo opened the scoring for Juventus five minutes into the second half but Gregoire Defrel's equaliser was not enough to save Roberto De Zerbi's side from defeat as late goals from Aaron Ramsey and Cristiano Ronaldo secured maximum points for the hosts.

Sunday’s expulsion was the first time Obiang was shown a straight red card in his professional career, however, he has taken to social media to say sorry and send his best wishes to Chiesa.

“First of all, I would like to apologise because I made a mistake in the game that cost my team. I never wanted to leave the team down to 10 men and I also send my wishes to Federico Chiesa,” Obiang tweeted.

The nine-cap Equatorial Guinea international will be suspended for Sassuolo's Coppa Italia fixture against SPAL on Thursday and their next Serie A match against Parma on Sunday, both at the Mapei Stadium – Citta del Tricolore.

Obiang has featured in 15 Serie A matches for the Black and Greens who are seventh on the league table with 29 points from 17 matches.

The 28-year-old returned to the Italian top-flight on a four-year deal from West Ham United in July 2019, after his first stint with Sampdoria where he spent seven years.

David Alaba is adamant the uncertainty over his future at Bayern Munich is not affecting his performances this season.

The Austria international is out of contract at the end of the current campaign and he is widely expected to leave Allianz Arena on a free transfer.

The 3-2 defeat at Borussia Monchengladbach last Friday prompted criticism from pundits of Alaba’s current form amid the speculation over his future.

Why does it matter?

Alaba has been a lynchpin of the Bayern defence for a number of years now, whether playing at left-back or in the centre of defence.

However, the 28-year-old has not been at his peak in recent months and it has coincided with Bayern not being as solid defensively as a whole.

After letting slip a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 at Gladbach, Hansi Flick’s side have now conceded 24 goals in their 15 Bundesliga games this season – the worst record among the top six teams in the table.

What’s been said?

“No, absolutely not,” Alaba told Bild when asked whether his dip in form was due to his situation at Bayern.

“Personally, I don’t think things are going so badly for me this season and I haven’t changed my style of play compared to last year.

“I’ve said it many times: For me, the only thing that counts is another successful season with Bayern. We are still leading the table and I am sure that we will win the next games and, in the end, we will be top.”

The bigger picture

Any perceived drop in Alaba’s form this season is not having a detrimental effect on Bayern’s chances of success at this stage, with the reigning Bundesliga champions two points clear of RB Leipzig at the top of the table.

Flick’s side are also through to the last 16 of the Champions League and will continue the defence of their crown with a first knockout round tie against Lazio in February.

Regarding Alaba’s own future, Bayern have been increasingly resigned to losing the defender in the summer, with Barcelona, Liverpool, Manchester United and Real Madrid linked with an approach.

Madrid are reported to be favourites to sign Alaba, although his wage demands are currently proving to be a stumbling block to a deal.

Further reading

Alaba to Real Madrid stalls as Bayern Munich defender demands higher salary than Sergio Ramos (Jan 4)

Bayern Munich resigned to losing Premier League-linked Alaba as Kahn admits defender is 'looking around' (Dec 23)

'It's not an issue at the moment' - Flick refuses to discuss Alaba contract as Bayern prepare for Leipzig clash (Dec 4)

Mikel Arteta has admitted that summer recruitment at Emirates Stadium did not go to plan, with Arsenal now set to dip into the market for a new goalkeeper.

Arsenal were the envy of most Premier League clubs with their options in the goalkeeping department last season, as Bernd Leno and Emiliano Martinez did battle for the number one spot.

Leno was Arteta's go-to man between the sticks until he picked up a serious injury post-lockdown, which allowed Martinez to step in and show off his talents.

The Argentine had waited eight years for his opportunity to shine in north London, and he grasped it with both hands, helping the Gunners finish their Premier League campaign strongly and secure a record-extending 14th FA Cup.

Martinez made a strong case to replace Leno, but Arsenal ultimately decided to stick with the Germany international upon his return to full fitness, and Aston Villa wasted no time in swooping for a man who had proven he could deliver at the highest level.

Villa snapped Martinez up for £17 million (£23m) in September, leaving the Gunners short on senior backup goalkeeping options, but the club took steps to rectify the situation as swiftly as possible.

Runar Alex Runarsson arrived at the Emirates from Dijon, with the 25-year-old committing his future to Arsenal through to 2024.

However, the Iceland international has struggled on the rare occasions he has filled in for Leno, and it has been suggested that he will be sent out on loan before the January market closes.

Arteta has no plans to sanction Runarsson's departure after seeing third-choice keeper Matt Macey leave for Hibernian earlier this month, but has revealed that the Gunners will look to reinforce a key area over the next couple of weeks.

The Spanish head coach told a press conference on Monday: "There is nothing there yet [regarding Runarsson].

"We are assessing what is going to happen with the three positions, the discussions we had in the summer with Edu and the club were a little bit different to what actually happened because of the transfer window and the situation that developed with Emi at the end of the day.

"We didn't have much time to do what we really wanted to do and we decided to assess the situation now in this window, which is what we are trying to do, and we will make a decision about how we want to move forward in those three positions in the goalkeeping area."

Arsenal extended their recent winning run to four matches by beating Newcastle 2-0 in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday, with Leno getting the nod in goal, and they are due back in Premier League action at home to Crystal Palace on Thursday.

Malaysian football has not seen the last of Bojan Hodak just yet, as the Croatian pens a deal to become the new head coach at Kuala Lumpur FC (KL) as the club returns to the Super League for the forthcoming 2021 season.

Hodak who had previously held the top post at Kelantan, Johor Darul Ta'zim and even with the Malaysia Under-19 national team, will bring with him a wealth of experience that includes leading both the two former teams to glory in the Super League.

But that would not be the task that is immediately expected of the 49-year-old as KL has shown a propensity to to swing between the Super League and Premier League in recent times and that is a pattern which Hodak is looking to abolish first and foremost.

"This team has the right combination of experienced and young players that I think can do a good job for the team in the coming season. I want them to remember that the Super League will be different from the Premier League and we have to work hard to stay longer in the top flight.

"When I see how the team performed previously, whenever they returned to the Super League, they always ended up finishing bottom and droppping back down. So I don't want the same to repeat for Kuala Lumpur this time and I'm hopeful to make them a stronger competitor.

"I asked Stanley Bernard a lot of question before accepting this job and he convinced me with the mission and long term plan for the club. Whether it's here or in Indonesia, I always prioritise how a club is run because when it is professional and structured, we are clear with the team's pathway.

"So when I'm back in the M-League now because I believe in the plans and ideas mentioned by Stanley and not because I want to be a quick fix and then fail halfway," said Hodak to Malaysian Footbal League (MFL).

There will be a familiar face for Hodak in this KL side with evergreen forward Indra Putra Mahayuddin being someone he has worked with during his time with Kelantan back in the 2012 and 2013 seasons. Indra among three well-traveled and experienced figures in the squad that also includes Shukor Adan and Safee Sali.

Stanley who is the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at KL looks to have put together a decent enough squad for Hodak to work with as is shown by the signing of Hadin Azman and potentially Irfan Zakaria, both of whom are regulars with internationals with Malaysia.

Simba SC have come out to explain why winger Bernard Morrison is not in the squad currently taking part in the Mapinduzi Cup tournament.

The Ghanaian midfielder missed the team’s two-legged Caf Champions League clash against FC Platinum of Zimbabwe and was later omitted from the squad for the one-week tournament in Arusha.

Simba stand-in coach Selemani Matola has now explained Morrison was left back in Dar es Salaam because he is yet to recover fully from a bout of malaria.

“Morrison was suffering from Malaria and he is gradually getting better now,” Matola told Daily News. “If we will reach as far as the finals of the competition, perhaps he will earn a chance to play.”

Simba have already reached the semi-finals of the competition after beating Mtibwa Sugar 2-0. It was Mtibwa who beat Simba 1-0 in last year’s final to lift the trophy and Matola says they are on course to return home with the trophy.

“The match was difficult but I am thankful to my players because what we tasked them to do prior to the match was executed well leading us to generate the positive results," he continued.

“The team is now focused to play in the semis and even the final, we want to go home with trophy, we have the chance and we will use it.”

On Monday, Simba confirmed winger Luis Miquissone had been withdrawn from the squad and will not play any part in the remaining matches.

Simba team manager Abbas Ally revealed Miquissone was asked by doctors to remain under observation and take a break hence the decision to allow him to leave the camp.

“Luis is already back in Dar after suffering an injury in the game against FC Platinum so he is currently undergoing treatment and I don’t think he will return to play the remaining matches,” Ally told Sokalabongo.

“We only have a semi-final match and then final [if we qualify] and that will be too soon to have him back again.”

Miquissone was not part of the starting line-up against Chipukizi in the tournament opener which Simba won 3-1, and he also missed the 2-0 win against defending champions Mtibwa Sugar.

Erling Haaland could be Manchester United’s No 9 for the next 10 years if they decide to spend big on the Norwegian says Michael Owen, who views the Borussia Dortmund star as the perfect striker to bring a run of stop-gap signings to a close at Old Trafford.

Considerable value has been found in ageing frontmen down the years by the Red Devils. Henrik Larsson, Robin van Persie, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Edinson Cavani have all made important contributions.

None though have been long-term options for United, meaning that regular forays have had to be made into the transfer market for more goalscoring talent.

Owen is calling for interest in Haaland to be rekindled as the Red Devils seek to add a new Wayne Rooney to their ranks.

The former striker told Stadium Astro: “If you look at the recent past of Manchester United, they have been buying a lot of players that have been coming to the twilight of their career – when you look at Cavani, before that Ibrahimovic, before that Van Persie, Henrik Larsson.

“They have gone for players right at the end of their career. The last one they bought early on in their career is Wayne Rooney. At least then you have got a player that is going to last you for 10 years.

“At the moment, Manchester United have struggled to find that young player that is going to take them all the way as a No 9. I think the one player out there that springs to mind, a player that could be in their team for 10 years and stop them having to buy stop-gaps all the time, is Haaland at Dortmund. He is the player on everybody’s lips at the moment.”

Another ex-United frontman, Dimitar Berbatov, agrees that Haaland would be a shrewd addition, but he is also of the opinion that academy graduate Mason Greenwood could yet become the prolific central striker that the Red Devils are crying out for.

The Bulgarian said: “Definitely he’s [Haaland] the guy. He is still so young and the future is ahead of him. The amount of goals he is scoring is unbelievable. He could be a great fit for United if he develops in the same way he is doing now.

“He is going to cost a lot of money but for talent like this, you can try your best to buy him, but honestly I would like to see Mason Greenwood develop and become better and better. I’m a big admirer of him. I would like to see more chances given to him to show how good he is.

“I like Martial and Rashford as well. If United don’t go and try to buy someone, I would like to see those three develop.”

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Kerala Blasters had 13 wins in their last 63 matches ahead of Sunday's fixture against Jamshedpur in the 2020-21 Indian Super League (ISL).

The Yellow Army had been defeated by Odisha who picked up their first win of the season in their previous match and it had been a night to forget for Kibu Vicuna and his players. 

And on Sunday, they were up against a team whom they had never defeated before. The odds were stacked against Blasters but the team managed to register their second win of the season at the end of a five-goal thriller. 

The victory was by no means straightforward and easy. Blasters had their fair share of nerve-racking moments throughout the game. But at the end of the ninety minutes, Vicuna had pocketed three points and that was what the fans were looking forward to the most. 

The game was a closely-fought contest, not just because of the final scoreline of 3-2. Jamshedpur completed 221 successful passes compared to Kerala's 197, held 51 per cent of the ball and had five shots on target while Blasters had seven. The numbers were close but Blasters created the better chances and were the deserved winners. 

Blasters have had a habit of conceding leads after the break this season but there was a welcome change against Jamshedpur. Costa Nhamoinesu's header and Nerijus Valskis' free-kick meant the sides were level when they came out of the tunnel for the second half. 

A poor challenge by Lalruatthara in the 67th minute was punished with a second yellow and Blasters were reduced to 10 men. The story of the game was going in a direction that Blasters supporters were a little too familiar with but the side didn't capitulate, also thanks to poor defending and a horrific goalkeeping error from TP Rehenesh. 

Jordan Murray turned hero by scoring two quick goals. First, the impressive Facundo Pereyra dribbled into the box and forces a save off TP Rehenesh who pushed the ball into the path of the Australian striker. The former A-League forward found the net easily to give Blasters the lead. 

The 10-man team were then gifted a two-goal cushion by their former player Rehenesh who fumbled a straightforward pass inside the box and allowed Murray to slot home the easiest goal he will score this season. 

Blasters had struck a hammer blow against Jamshedpur with just 10 men. However, their performance wasn't faultless. Valskis, who has more goal contributions against Blasters than any other ISL club, ghosted into the box to head home a cross and set up a nervous end to the game. 

But once again, Kerala Blasters' spirit helped them to hold on to their lead. Up against the Men of Steel, Blasters' display had a lot of steel in it. VIcuna will only hope it's not a one-off.

Gor Mahia custodian Levis Opiyo has moved to terminate his stay with the club over salary arrears.

Opiyo arrived at the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) champions from promoted side Nairobi City Stars at the start of the 2020-21 season, and was seen as a direct replacement for Peter Odhiambo, who left K’Ogalo to sign for Wazito FC.

However, despite joining the club, Opiyo is yet to start for the team this season with his only meaningful contribution coming in the Caf Champions League match against APR of Rwanda, where he was handed a bench role after veteran Boniface Oluoch was ruled out after suffering from malaria.

A source within K’Ogalo has now told Goal Opiyo, who has decided to terminate his contract, has already written to the club asking to move on.

“Opiyo has terminated his contract with Gor Mahia because he feels he cannot wait any longer to ask for his salary,” the source, who did not want to be named told Goal.

“He has been asking for his pay including the sign-on fee but it seems they are not ready to pay him so he has decided to officially leave the club.”

Gor Mahia have had a turbulent season as they are yet to pay players for close to five months and in recent times, the players have been staging go-slows to demand their pay.

The most recent incident happened during the return leg of the Champions League clash against CR Belouizdad, where players refused to honour the game but they were prevailed upon by the officials at the last moment but ended up losing 2-1 to exit the competition on an 8-1 aggregate scoreline.

Despite being eliminated from the Champions League, they received a lifeline as they will take part in the Confederation Cup, where they will face Napsa Stars of Zambia in the playoff round, with the first leg planned for Nairobi on February 14.

On the local front, Gor Mahia have started the season on a poor note, managing one win from three matches, the latest being a 4-3 defeat against Kariobangi Sharks at Kasarani Stadium on Sunday.

Gor Mahia had also lost 2-1 to Tusker FC after beating Ulinzi Stars 2-1 in their season opener played at Nyayo Stadium.

On Sunday, the club confirmed the appointment of Portuguese coach Carlos Manuel Vaz Pinto, who will replace Brazilian Roberto Oliveira.

On taking charge, the 47-year-old promised to help the team retain the league title and also reach the group stage of the Confederation Cup.

“I have a lot of experience in Africa. I worked before in two countries, Angola and Ethiopia I played Confederation Cup and Champions League and now I come to Gor Mahia because they are a big club,” Pinto told reporters after being unveiled.

“I am very proud to be the coach of Gor Mahia and of course I want to achieve big things and make history with the club. We start to work very hard to win games in the league and put Gor Mahia in the group stage of the Confederation Cup, that is my target here.”

On what he targets to achieve with the team, Pinto explained: “I am a young and ambitious coach and I want my team to be ambitious, we must be ready to achieve goals and we must achieve our targets, I am ambitious and I want my team to be ambitious, to fight in every game, win every game and win trophies as well.”

Gor Mahia will next face Mathare United on Thursday.

Simba SC have confirmed winger Luis Miquissone will not play any part in the remaining matches of the Mapinduzi Cup tournament in Zanzibar.

The Wekundu was Msimbazi are currently taking part in the one-week tournament and have already reached the semi-finals, where they are scheduled to take on Namungo FC on Monday.

However, Miquissone, who was the star attraction as Simba hammered FC Platinum of Zimbabwe 4-0 to advance to the group stage of the Caf Champions League with a 4-1 aggregate win, will not be available after picking up an injury, and has now been allowed to travel back to Dar es Salaam.

Simba team manager Abbas Ally has revealed Miquissone was asked by doctors to remain under observation and take a break hence the decision to allow him to leave the camp.

“Luis is already back in Dar after suffering an injury in the game against FC Platinum so he is currently undergoing treatment and I don’t think he will return to play the remaining matches,” Ally told Sokalabongo.

“We only have a semi-final match and then final [if we qualify] and that will be too soon to have him back again.”

Miquissone was not part of the starting line-up against Chipukizi in the tournament opener which Simba won 3-1, and he also missed the 2-0 win against defending champions Mtibwa Sugar.

His absence was not received well by the club's fans who thought the player was negotiating to leave the champions after reports emerged Platinum were interested in his services.

Against Mtibwa Sugar, the Selemani Matola-led charges scored their goals through Hassan Dilunga and Miraji Athumani.

Simba's rivals Yanga SC have also reached the semis of the competition and will face Azam FC, who sealed their place in the last four after labouring to a 1-0 win over Malindi FC at the Amani Stadium on Sunday night.

Captain Aggrey Morris scored the lone goal to help the Ice-cream Makers qualify for the last four.

After the competition in Arusha, the teams will shift their focus to the Mainland Premier League action with Yanga topping the 18-team table on 44 points from 18 matches, while Simba are second with 35 points from 15 matches and Azam are third on 32 points from 17 outings.

The absence of Selangor FC's star striker Ifedayo Olusegun from the club's 2021 pre-season training has understandably unnerved many of their fans.

Meanwhile, rumours are rife that one reason behind the 2020 Malaysia Super League top-scorer's non-appearance is that he is in the midst of obtaining his Bahraini citizenship, so that he will turn out for the Red Giants as an Asian slot player beginning this season.

On Sunday morning, he expressed his desire to return to action with Selangor, tweeting a photo of the club's training ground.

But hours later, he gave a more definitive answer, to Goal. In an exchange of texts between us and the Nigerian-born striker on late Sunday night, he confirmed the Bahraini rumour.

"I should be back [with Selangor] soon as a few things had to be tidied up first. We’ve done that already now.

"I’ve had a Bahraini passport for three years now, so Selangor think it’s better for them to utilise me as an Asian player. All is set now," explained the 29-year old player.

While he is one of the best foreign strikers in Malaysia at the moment, Olusegun has also made a name for himself in Bahrain, having turned out for three separate clubs in the country; Malkiya, Al-Hidd and Al-Riffa, between 2012 and 2019.

Dejan Kulusevski urged evergreen Milan star Zlatan Ibrahimovic to come out of retirement and play for Sweden at this year's rearranged Euro 2020.

Ibrahimovic has not represented Sweden in more than four years after retiring from international football following Euro 2016.

The 39-year-old forward – Sweden's all-time leading scorer with 62 goals in 116 appearances – has hinted he is ready to end his international retirement ahead of the European Championship as he continues to light up Serie A with Milan.

Sweden international and Juventus attacker Kulusevski talked up an Ibrahimovic comeback following Sunday's 3-1 win over 10-man Sassuolo.

"We write to each other. He is an idol for me, as hardly anyone in the world can do what he does," Kulusevski told Sky Sport Italia of Ibrahimovic, who has scored 10 league goals this season and 11 across all competitions for Serie A-leading Milan.

"When he speaks highly of me, it makes me work even harder the next day in training, because I am so proud.

"I really hope he returns for international duty with Sweden at the Euros. It would be wonderful for me and all of Sweden. Come on, Ibra!"

Juventus recorded their third consecutive league win for the first time since July after overcoming visiting Sassuolo in Turin.

Goals from Danilo, Aaron Ramsey and Cristiano Ronaldo kept fourth-placed Juve in touch with Milan, after Sassuolo's Pedro Obiang was sent off prior to half-time – the defending champions are seven points adrift.

Ronaldo completed the scoring at the death as the five-time Ballon d'Or winner made it 15-plus goals in 15 different seasons in the top five European leagues.

Juve also conceded a goal in a Serie A home game while playing with a numerical advantage for the first time since October 2013 against Milan after Gregoire Defrel cancelled out Danilo's 50th-minute opener 13 minutes into the second half.

Kulusevski came off the bench to replace the injured Paulo Dybala before the interval and he added: "I had just one thing in my mind when I came on, which was to win the game. I could've done much better, but I am glad we got the points.

"I see myself at Juventus for many years. I see myself closer to the goal, where I can do a quick one-two with my team-mates. I enjoyed where I played this evening."

Jose Mourinho is preparing for Tottenham's Premier League clash against Aston Villa to go ahead as scheduled on Wednesday.

After a significant coronavirus outbreak, Villa  used youth players in a 4-1 FA Cup loss to Liverpool on Friday.

The outbreak has put their hosting of Spurs at risk, but a postponement would create more fixture chaos for Tottenham.

After a 5-0 FA Cup win over Marine on Sunday, Mourinho was asked when Tottenham's next game would be and the Spurs head coach responded: "Wednesday."

"No one has told me any different that I am not going to play so tomorrow morning we'll start preparing that game," he added.

"The same Tuesday, unless we're told different."

Spurs are fourth in the Premier League table, four points behind Liverpool and Manchester United.

Mourinho and co. are also set to face Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final, while Spurs also remain involved in the Europa League knockout stages.

On Sunday, though, they took down lower-league Marine behind a Carlos Vinicius hat-trick, with Lucas Moura and Alfie Devine also scoring.

In the process, Devine became Tottenham's youngest-ever debutant as well as the club's youngest-ever goalscorer.

After the match, Marine manager Neil Young was full of praise for how Spurs approached the game, telling BBC Radio: "It has been a nice, tough week because we've had a lot of media duties, and with our players being part-time we've got jobs as well, but we'll reflect.

"I won't reflect on this game too much, it's a proud moment to be able to bring Tottenham here and to meet Jose personally. From an FA Cup perspective, to bring the team and subs they did is great.

"Jose was very complimentary about the club and the pitch. I've got so much admiration for Tottenham, not just because of the players they bought today but also the way their supporters have got behind our football club and logistically they've supported us with that."

He added: "It was a tough afternoon, they brought a very strong side really, and we're grateful for that. They've shown us respect have Jose Mourinho, and their club, to bring all their stars here to play against us. I'm very proud of my team, we've come a long way. It was our eighth FA Cup tie but it was a tough afternoon.

"It would have been easy not to and save them but it has been a great season and we're very proud of what we've achieved."

Juventus stars Paulo Dybala and Winston McKennie was both forced off in the first half of the Serie A champions' crunch clash with Sassuolo on Sunday, stoking fears of an injury lay-off for the pair.

The talented attacker and the youthful midfielder both fell to challenges before the break at Allianz Stadium, forcing Andrea Pirlo into a pair of premature swaps.

27-year-old Argentina star Dybala has arguably struggled to match the exploits he achieved under Maurizio Sarri last term, when he was named Serie A's Most Valuable Player.

But he has still been an integral presence for Pirlo in attack, particularly given the various absences of Cristiano Ronaldo as the Portuguese has battled multiple bouts of Covid-19.

22-year-old McKennie meanwhile, who has emerged as one of the Bianconeri's young leading lights this season, was able to jog off the field without assistance but nonetheless retired from the game before it was a quarter old.

The Schalke loanee and USMNT star, who arrived in Turin at the start of the current campaign, built his reputation as one of the most exciting American talents of his generation in the Bundesliga, having originally spent his youth career at FC Dallas.

The playmaker has seen his maiden campaign at Allianz Stadium already disrupted once by his own brush with Covid-19 but, like his teammate, now he could be set for another spell on the sidelines following his knock against the Neroverdi.

It represents a blow to Andrea Pirlo's side as they look to mount another successful challenge for the Scudetto, with McKennie in particular having emerged as a big-game player in a campaign that has seen Juve underperform domestically.

Heading into their clash with Sassuolo - who sit one point behind them - they were adrift of leaders Milan by double-digits, raising serious questions about their ability to challenge for major domestic and European honours this year.

They will begin their Coppa Italia campaign against Genoa later this week, hosting Davide Ballardini's side in Turin, while they also remain firmly in the hunt for the Champions League , with a round-of-16 tie against Porto set for February 17.

Percy Tau has made his debut for Brighton and Hove Albion following his appearance against Newport County in Sunday’s FA Cup game.

The South Africa international was brought in as a 71st minute replacement for Alireza Jahanbakhsh with scores still tied at 0-0.

On the back of an impressive spell at Mamelodi Sundowns where he won two Premier Soccer League titles, he joined the Premier League outfit in 2018 on a four-year contract for an undisclosed transfer fee.

Nevertheless, he was loaned out shortly after failing a UK work permit, as well as former manager Chris Hughton wanting him to gain European football experience.

After completing a two-and-half seasons loan spells at Union Saint-Gilloise, Club Brugge and Anderlecht, he was recalled to the Falmer Stadium, where he is expected to help Graham Potter’s men in their relegation battle.

Following his arrival, manager Potter is positive about the quality the 26-year-old would offer his team having scored four goals for the Purple and White in the first-half of the Belgian First Division A season.

"He's available. He's been training and playing in Belgium, so he's okay in terms of match speed and training time. It's just a case of him adapting to us," the tactician told  club website.

“It's exciting for him and it's exciting for us. Now we need to help him settle in. He needs to get to know his teammates and the team. We want to help him take the next step in his career and that's also the challenge for him.

"But I think he will adapt quickly from what I saw in training. He has a nice personality and has fitted into the group already.

“There's healthy competition in the team which you'd expect in the Premier League, but that's good for us, we need that.

“He's a left-footed attacking player. He plays in different positions, he attacks the goal, he progresses with the ball, he plays in spaces.

“He is able to find passes and dribble with the ball. It's just a case of us finding the best way to use him.”

Tau could also make his English topflight debut when his team travel to the Etihad Stadium for their clash against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City on January 13.

ATK Mohun Bagan will battle it out against Mumbai City for top honours in Monday's Indian Super League (ISL) clash at the Fatorda Stadium in Goa.

TV CHANNELS & LIVE STREAM

The Star Sports Network have the exclusive broadcasting rights of the ISL in India.

Commentary will also be available in vernacular languages across India.

TEAM NEWS

ATK Mohun Bagan Possible XI:

Injured - Michael Soosairaj 
Doubtful - None
Suspended - None

Key Players - Roy Krishna, David Williams      

Mumbai City Possible XI:

Injured - None
Doubtful - None
Suspended - Ahmed Jahouh

Key Players - Adam le Fondre, Hugo Boumous

Juventus earned a 3-1 win over 10-man Sassuolo as goals from Danilo, Aaron Ramsey and Cristiano Ronaldo kept them in touch with Serie A leaders Milan.

Sassuolo had frustrated the Bianconeri in the first half but their combative approach saw Pedro Obiang sent off moments before half-time.

Danilo put Juve ahead five minutes into the second half with a powerful long-range strike, yet Sassuolo equalised with a fine finish from Gregoire Defrel.

Sassuolo looked on course to take a point but late goals from Ramsey and Ronaldo secured the victory for Andrea Pirlo's side.

A slick Juve passing move opened up the Sassuolo defence early on but Gianluca Frabotta could only shoot wide following a clever backheel from Weston McKennie.

McKennie picked up an injury in the 19th minute and was replaced by Ramsey, while Ronaldo thumped the ground in frustration moments later when a strong challenge from Vlad Chiriches went unpunished.

Sassuolo seemed content to sit back and try to hit Juve on the counter-attack, with Francesco Caputo's speculative long-range effort the best they could muster early on.

Juve were dealt another blow before the interval as Paulo Dybala limped out with a knee injury before Obiang was dismissed for a lunge on Federico Chiesa following a VAR review.

Merih Demiral nudged the ball past Andrea Consigli in the Sassuolo goal in injury time at the end of the first half, but Ronaldo was unable to reach it in time to finish at the back post.

Pirlo's home team made the extra man count after the interval when right-back Danilo arrowed a low shot from around 25 yards into the bottom left corner of the net.

However, Sassuolo quickly hit back when Defrel latched on to Hamed Junior Traore's pass, deftly beat two Juve defenders and clipped the ball beyond Wojciech Szczesny.

Ramsey put Juve ahead again when he slid in at the back post to tap in Frabotta's low cross from the left with eight minutes remaining.

Ronaldo then put the gloss on the result in injury time with his 15th Serie A goal of the season after he latched on to Danilo's long ball and burst forward before coolly slotting past Consigli.

What does it mean? Juve keep pressure on Milan

Serie A leaders Milan beat Juve's city rivals Torino 2-0 on Saturday which heaped the pressure on Pirlo's side, but the defending champions dug deep here to earn victory late on.

It means Juve have won three Serie A games in a row for the first time since July 2020, and even though this performance was far from vintage they are seven points off top spot with plenty of games, including one in hand, to reel in their rivals.

Ronaldo drags Juve through

Ronaldo scored his first Serie A goals when his double helped Juventus beat Sassuolo 2-1 in September 2018 and he has now scored five goals against them in five meetings in the competition.

Even though Juve were below their best, the Portugal forward never stopped trying – his six attempted shots being more than any other player achieved – and he deserved his goal.

Obiang lets down his team-mates

In what was otherwise a disciplined display from Sassuolo, they were let down by the red card received by Obiang for a needless and reckless lunge.

Juve conceded a goal in a Serie A home game while playing with a numerical advantage for the first time since October 2013 versus Milan and it is hard to not think what might have been had Sassuolo kept 11 men on the pitch.

Key Opta facts

- Juventus substitutes have scored seven goals in Serie A this season, beaten only by nine from Atalanta's replacements.
- Juventus have scored at least two goals in each of their last nine Serie A games against Sassuolo.
- Ramsey has been involved in three goals in his last five Serie A appearances (one goal, two assists).
- Obiang's red card was the 11th for a Sassuolo player during the first half of Serie A games. Only Genoa (15 red cards) have had more first-half dismissals since Sassuolo’s Serie A debut in the 2013-14 season.

What's next?

Juve host Genoa in the Coppa Italia last 16 on Wednesday while Sassuolo are at home to SPAL in the same competition a day later.

Eduardo Camavinga says that he will not make any decision about his future until the end of the current campaign, as speculation continues to swirl over an exit from Rennes.

The France international enjoyed a breakout season with the Ligue 1 club last term, helping them to achieve a Champions League berth following a curtailed domestic campaign in 2019-20.

He has impressed once again this season for his club, while a raft of caps for Didier Deschamps's Les Bleus only further underlines his upward trajectory as a teenager and future star in the making.

Such performances have seen him catch the eye of bigger fish across Europe however, with Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus and Real Madrid all linked with a move for the Angola-born starlet in recent weeks.

Camavinga has however now put to rest rumours of his future - at least for the immediate remainder of the season - by pledging his current loyalty to Rennes, though he acknowledges that his career past the summer is up in the air.

"Of course it is nice when a big club is interested in you," the 18-year-old told Canal. "[But] me, I keep a cool head.

"I am at Stade Rennais. We will wait until the end of the season. We will meet around the table and we will weigh the pros and cons [then]."

Camavinga further reflected on how he came to take up football as a youngster, recalling his educational years where he first tasted the game.

"I had to have been seven, I think, or maybe six - I don't know anymore," he added. "We had matches between schools at noon.

"We had won a game and my mother came to get me. I saw that she was talking to the supervisor, who was called Fatima if I recall. I didn't know what they were saying to each other.

"Afterwards, my mother told me that she wanted to me to take up football. Today, I'm glad that the supervisor told her to sign me up for it."

Camavinga will hope to impress across the rest of 2021 as he looks to further integrate himself into Deschamps' plans for the rearranged Euro 2020 tournament, set to take place later this year.

As World Cup holders, Les Bleus are widely expected to be among the frontrunners to lift the trophy at Wembley Stadium in July.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has warned Manchester United’s recent good run of league form could count for nothing unless they kick on and build momentum in a big week.

United sit level on points with Liverpool at the top of the table and could go into next weekend’s crunch clash with Jurgen Klopp’s side as league leaders if they win their game in hand against Burnley on Tuesday night.

Solskjaer’s side last lost in the league at the start of November and, despite being knocked out of the Champions League and most recently the League Cup, they have continued to grind out results to push up the table.

But, the Norwegian, who is dismissing any early chatter of a potential title challenge says it’s too early to get carried away and just wants his side to keep building momentum.

“We’re not even halfway through the season and every game in the Premier League is a challenge, they’re tests,” Solskjaer said. “Every game is a different test. Watford, they gave us a test, Burnley is a test, Liverpool is another, then you go to Fulham which is a different test again. 

“No-one will remember how the league table looked like on 12 January 2021. We have good momentum, started well again after the disappointment of [losing to Manchester] City, bounced back really well with a win [against Watford] and of course we want to build momentum again.

“If we can get a win on Tuesday then that's two games on the bounce and we can go into the next game confident. Every game in the Premier League is a chance to build more confidence.”

United travel to Turf Moor on Tuesday night to play their rearranged game from the opening weekend of the season, but could be without Victor Lindelof, Paul Pogba, Luke Shaw and Eric Bailly.

The latter went off just before the half-time whistle as United beat Watford in the FA Cup at Old Trafford, having collided with Dean Henderson’s knee, while Solskjaer confirmed the other three missed the clash through injury.

“I hope [they'll be ready] for Liverpool, definitely, but I'm not sure if they’ll make the Burnley one,” Solskjaer said when asked for an update on their condition. “It's light training on Sunday then we’ll see on Monday.”