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Emile Smith Rowe is "top drawer", according to Ian Wright, who praised the Arsenal starlet for inspiring the team's victory over Newcastle on Saturday.

The FA Cup holders booked their place in the fourth round of the competition by seeing off the Magpies at Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal needed extra-time to overcome a determined Newcastle outfit though, with goals from substitutes Smith Rowe and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang sealing a 2-0 win.

The Gunners struggled for inspiration in the final third until Smith Rowe’s introduction early in the second half, with the 20-year-old adding a much-needed creative spark.

The English midfielder’s night looked like being cut short when he was shown a red card for a mistimed tackle on Sean Longstaff in the dying moments of normal time, but the referee overturned his initial decision after consulting VAR.

Smith Rowe responded by producing a stunning finish to open the scoring in the 109th minute, and also played a key role in the build-up to Aubameyang’s strike.

Wright was hugely impressed by the youngster’s latest performance, and credited him for making the difference in a tight game which required someone to pull something special out of the hat.

"He's [Smith Rowe’s] quality. Top drawer. He is a real player. Absolutely delighted for him,” the Arsenal legend told BBC Sport.

“It's what he deserved. In the first half we weren't getting enough midfield players joining and in the box and he's someone who does that naturally in his game.

"He's done well there. You want a calm, composed strike on target and he's done that.

"He's literally one of the only players we have in the squad who plays on the half-turn in there.

"He comes into that area of the pitch, we had [Granit] Xhaka and [Mohamed] Elneny and they're deep, they need someone in the middle of the pitch to lay it into who can link with the midfield and the forwards.

"He's the kind of person that wants the ball in there to progress it forward. That's what we didn't do in the first half and in the previous games to the ones we've won."

Wright added on the Gunners’ overall display and Mikel Arteta being rewarded for his faith in the club’s youth: "In the end, [Arteta] had to bring on his top guys because first half the guys he brought in to step up and do a job, they didn't do it.

"That was the opportunity for Newcastle to put a bit more pressure on Arsenal and maybe nick something and then the pressure would've been on.

"They didn't have the quality to do it. They defended very well but Arsenal's quality and the tiredness of Newcastle showed.

"I'm pleased for [Arteta] because he had to find a way.

"We brought the young guys in with their enthusiasm and energy and Smith Rowe's quality in that area of the field where we haven't got too many players that do what he does.

"It's coincided with the wins. Again, he's finished the game today with the team that's probably been involved in those wins. His problem is now is the depth."

The government has moved to suspend the initial plan that allowed the return of Zambians to football stadia in November.

Initially, the Zambians had been banned from the stadium due to the emergence of the coronavirus but after broad deliberations between the Ministry of Health and Football Association of Zambia (FAZ), the ban was lifted in November.

But a recent spike of the coronavirus cases has forced the government to set aside the order and ban stadium attendance again.

“Following a recent spike in the number of Covid-19 cases reported in Zambia, the government has announced a ban of football fans from stadia in the 2020/2021 football season,” FAZ announced.

“In this regard, the Football Association of Zambia wishes to inform its stakeholders and all members of the football family that with immediate effect, there will be no fans who will be allowed inside football stadia as a precautionary measure.”

FAZ general-secretary Adrian Kashala stated the federation is ready to adhere to the new order by the Minister of Sports Emmanuel Mulenga until a time when a contrary notice is given.

“The health of players, officials, fans and other stakeholders remains our priority,” Kashala said.

“The decision by the government to prohibit fans from stadia will allow us to continue with a football under the new normal based on the advice we have received from the Ministries of Health and Sport.”

The FAZ official further stated the federation and the Zambia Medical Association will work hand in hand to ensure the players’ safety is taken into serious consideration. He also said their main priority is to see the ongoing league games are played in the safest of environment.

“The clubs must take responsibility and act in a responsible manner in the new normal and also I appeal to football-loving fans to adhere to the health guidelines and not to force their way into the stadium,” he added.

“We appeal to all clubs to ensure that they follow all Covid-19 health guidelines such as putting in place handwashing facilities, sanitising, social distancing and masking up without fail.

“These measures will help in ensuring that football continues to be played despite the prevailing situation in the country.”

The Zambian Super League and the lower competitions are ongoing and organisers will now have to adhere with the outlined new guidelines.

Pep Guardiola says this season's packed fixture schedule is no issue for Manchester City star Ruben Dias, who he has described as an "incredible player".

Dias has been a mainstay in Guardiola's starting XI since joining City from Benfica for £64 million ($87m) at the end of September.

The 23-year-old has helped transform the Blues into the best defensive side in the Premier League while forging a formidable partnership with John Stones.

Dias has already racked up 22 appearances across all competitions for City in total, with his latest stellar display coming in a Carabao Cup semi-final win over Manchester United.

The Portuguese was colossal as Guardiola's side triumphed 2-0 in the derby clash at Old Trafford, and he could feature yet again in an FA Cup third-round tie against Birmingham City on Sunday.

Guardiola has no concerns that Dias will be hampered by burnout, having been amazed by the centre-back's powers of recovery in his first few months at Etihad Stadium.

“The player who influences the team and is important in the team is the player who can play every three days,” the Spanish head coach told City's official website.

“The quality is there, but if a player gets injured every few weeks, that is not good for the team.

“When you buy players you know their quality but don't know if they can play every three days, but he recovers immediately.

“His ability is incredible. He wants to learn. All of us are impressed with how he takes care of his body and his mind.

“The day after a game he is in the gym at 8:30 in the morning. He lives his profession 24-hours a day.

“I can assure you we have signed an incredible player for the next years. And it is not easy to find that.

"That’s why we are so fortunate. Hopefully, he can continue at this level.”

One man who could also be in Guardiola's line-up when City take on Birmingham is Zack Steffen, who has been filling in between the sticks in the coronavirus-enforced absence of Ederson.

The Blues head coach says Ederson remains his first-choice shot-stopper, but admits Steffen has given him more of a selection dilemma after performing well in wins against Chelsea and United.

“He can fight for No.1,” said Guardiola. “He can put pressure on Eddie, but Eddie is the No.1 in this position right now. If he performs well, he stays No.1.

“But we cannot forget he [Steffen] played at Stamford Bridge and Old Trafford and solved all the situations he faced brilliantly.”

Guardiola also reserved special praise for Derby County loanee Scott Carson, with the veteran 'keeper considered to have had a positive effect on the dressing room over the past few months.

“Scott Carson is like our captain behind the scenes,” he added. “It’s not noticed in the papers or on the field but in the locker room he is like another captain. Hopefully, he can stay longer with us.”

Experienced defender David Ochieng' has revealed he chose to sign for Mathare United owing to their style of play.

The 28-year-old, who is commonly referred to as 'Cheche', opted to join the Slum Boys at the start of the season. He went on to say the 2008 league champions are among a few teams that play a passing game which fits him.

"I joined Mathare because they play kind of football players want to be associated with," Ochieng' told Goal.

"They possess the ball and play as some big teams do. 

"Mathare is among the few teams in the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League who play tiki-taka type of football and that is my type of football."

The former Tusker FC and Nairobi Stima player has further thanked the Nairobi-based side for having faith in him and his abilities, to the point of going for his services.

"Football is a game of chances and I take this opportunity to thank Mathare United for giving me a chance to redeem my career," Ochieng' added.

"I am optimistic about repaying their faith in me by helping them to win as many matches as possible.  

"The national team is for every player, I might be there or not, but as long as I am playing football I cannot rule out the chances of making it to the team again. What matters is your performance especially at the club level." 

The 28-year-old has been a free agent after his contract with Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Ansar FC expired. 

Ochieng' started his professional career in 2011 with the National Super League side Nairobi Stima. A year later, he joined Tusker FC and was part of the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) title-winning team. He also won the KPL Super Cup.

The defender then left for Saud Arabia where he played for Al Tawoon FC from 2013 to 2015. He was among the key players at the team and went on to make 51 appearances, scoring one goal in the process.

American outfit New York Cosmos were interested in the 28-year-old's services and they signed him in 2016, but the defender left again a year later. At the time, he had played a total of 29 matches and scored one goal.

The next destination was in Sweden for Idrottsforeningen Brommapojkarna in 2018. It was a short-term contract for the player and he played 13 times for them before he made a return to Kenya, signing a six-month contract with AFC Leopards in 2019.

After that, he left for Al-Ansar where he was plying his trade before his contract expired.

The ‘Slum Boys’ also confirmed the arrival of striker Eugene Wethuli from National Super League (NSL) side Nairobi Simba, Cersidy Okeyo from Sofapaka, and defender Moses Mburu from AFC Leopards. 

Julian Nagelsmann backed Erling Haaland to get even better after his RB Leipzig team were on the receiving end of a masterclass from the Borussia Dortmund striker. 

Haaland scored twice and had a hand in another goal for Jadon Sancho as Dortmund beat Leipzig 3-1 on Saturday, with Nagelsmann's side missing the opportunity to take top spot in the Bundesliga from Bayern Munich. 

The brace took Haaland's Bundesliga total to 25 goals in 25 matches, of which only 20 have been starts. He has netted with a hugely impressive 34.3 per cent of his shots, too.

BVB's opponents on Saturday were also interested in Haaland when he left Salzburg and coach Nagelsmann acknowledged his latest performance was evidence of why he was so sought after. 

He also pointed to the talent around Haaland in the Dortmund team to explain why it is so difficult to deal with one of Europe's standout stars. 

"Erling we could have defended, but not if the players around him have too much space in a one-against-four situation," Nagelsmann said.

"Of course, he is an exceptional striker - this is why we wanted him, too. Dortmund got him.

"I think he just scored 25 goals in 25 Bundesliga games, something like that. This is truly extraordinary. Unbelievable stats."

Haaland had also scored twice against Leipzig in the sides' meeting at the end of last season.

Nagelsmann added: "This is not the first goal he scored against us. He has some serious quality and is very young.

"So, I think I can't judge him as well as our opponent but he for sure has some potential to develop. He will get even better.

"And the league will have a lot of joy with him. Not the opponents, though."

With several clubs across Europe interested in Haaland, Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke  expressed his belief this week that the striker will stay for at least one more season.

Haaland is contracted to remain on Dortmund's books until 2024, but it has been reported that a €75 million (£67m/$92m) release clause was included in that deal which is due to become active in the summer of 2022.

After weeks of rumour, Kedah Darul Aman have finally made the official announcement; they have signed Singapore international Anumanthan Mohan Kumar.

The 26-year old midfielder's signing on a one-year contract was revealed by the club on Saturday, with Anumanthan replacing compatriot Shakir Hamzah in the club's ASEAN player slot.

The Red Eagles are his first ever overseas club, and prior to his move across the Causeway, he had played exclusively in the Singaporean league for Young Lions, Huogang United and Home United.

In an interview produced by the club's media department, Anumanthan spoke of his eagerness to take part in the coming Malaysia Super League season, to the extent that he has been training on his own prior to linking up with his new club.

"My training didn't start on my first day here. In fact, I didn't rest between the end of my last Singaporean league season and my arrival here. I had started my pre-season on my own, doing weight training five times a week with the Singaporean Sports Council. 

"I could have started training full pelt when I got here, if not for the need to familiarise myself with the team first, especially after my seven-day [Covid-19 precautionary] quarantine," revealed the midfielder.

He also spoke of his desire to continue his success story with former head coach Aidil Sharin Sahak, when the Singaporean trainer was still coaching in his home country.

"I am very happy to join Kedah and reunite with [former] coach Aidil. Everyone greeted me warmly on my first day here, and I look forward to greater challenges at a big club such as Kedah. I'm lucky and fortunate to be here and I'm ready to be in action.

"I look forward to the big matches such as the Sumbangsih Cup (season opener between defending league champions JDT and runners up Kedah) next month. Kedah are a great team and we will be able to face off against any team in the league. In 2021, I personally want to win titles and go far in the AFC Cup. I've been successful with Aidil previously, we've won the zonal AFC Cup stage together, and this time around we want to go farther," explained the 2016 S.League Young Player of the Year.

Seven days, three matches and seven points. East Bengal have indeed come a long way since their dismal start to the season and are now looking formidable with each passing game.

With the win over Bengaluru FC, East Bengal ended the first phase of the Indian Super League (ISL) on a high. They started the season with a winless run in five consecutive matches but in the last five games, the Red and Golds have remained unbeaten, collected nine points and are just five points off the play-offs spot.

The Kolkata side came into the match after a convincing performance against FC Goa and were up against a demoralised Bengaluru side who lost their last three games and had recently parted ways with their head coach Carles Cuadrat.

East Bengal started the match on a brighter note and dominated Bengaluru in the first half. Anthony Pilkington was once again kept out of the matchday squad as he is still nursing an injury. But the trio of Harmanpreet Singh, Jacques Maghoma and Bright Enobakhare upfront made sure that the former Norwich attacker was not missed.

Enobakhare, who has taken to the ISL in an efficient manner, was seen constantly coming deep into the midfield to take the ball and dictate play. He was ably supported by Jacques Maghoma whose towering figure and ability to control the ball is proving to be extremely beneficial to the side.

The five-man defence which started the game against FC Goa was kept unaltered and they delivered yet again against the Blues. Ahead of the match, East Bengal was handed a boost by the All Indian Football Federation's (AIFF) decision of cancelling skipper Daniel Fox's red card and scrapping his suspension. Under the leadership of Fox, the backline is improving.

East Bengal are changing gears and are peaking at the right time of the season. Their attack looks formidable since Enobakhare joined the team and with Pilkington joining the squad soon, it could become a potent force.

While the Red and Golds are slowly witnessing a change in their fortunes midway into the season, the Blues' misery continued. Bengaluru suffered their fourth defeat on the trot, something they experienced for the first time in the brief history of the club.

The South Indian club mostly played without purpose in the first half and struggled. Interim coach Naushad Moosa had decided to bench both their strikers Kristian Opseth and Deshorn Brown and deploy Cleiton Silva as the lone striker but the Brazilian did not have the same impact and spent more on the floor. 

In the second half, the Blues showed some urge but were toothless in the final third. Also, some top notch saves by Debjit Majumder in goal made things worse for them. It must be noted that East Bengal, playing their third match in seven games, decided to sit back and play on the counter which was one of the reasons Bengaluru could attack at will. In fact, East Bengal had plenty of chances on the counter and Enobakhare could very well have had a hat-trick on the night which showed how good Gurpreet Singh Sandhu was and how poor the defence was.

While Bengaluru FC will take heart from their attacking intent in the second half, there is still a lot of room for improvement. Five out of their next six matches are against teams who are placed below them on the table. This should make the going easy for Moosa, who has promised an entertaining brand of football.

However, entertaining brand of football always implies being defensively compact, something which was missing throughout the game against East Bengal. Against an opponent, whose strikers are in good form, this Bengaluru defence can certainly concede much more, if not for the presence of Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.

​Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has lavished praise on midfielder Scott McTominay, calling the Scotland star a "monster of a human being" after his winner against Watford on Saturday.

McTominay's header in the fifth minute against the Hornets was the game's only goal at Old Trafford, sending United through to the FA Cup fourth round with a 1-0 win.

The 24-year-old has now scored four goals in all competitions this season, one short of his best tally in a single campaign (five in 37 appearances in 2019-20).

With United starting a number of reserves, McTominay also had the honour of wearing the captain's armband for the Red Devils for the first time. 

Speaking to the BBC after the game, Solskjaer was full of praise for the United academy product. 

"Scott has had a very good season," the Norwegian said. "He is being more and more dangerous, we know he can be a box-to-box midfielder.

"He should have scored a few more on set-plays before now because he is a monster of a human being. I am very happy he got the goal."

Solskjaer was happy to see his side go through on a night when he admitted United lost steam after a bright opening to the match. 

"The most important thing in the cup is that you go through so that will make everyone happy, but the first 15-20 minutes I think were the highlights of our game," he added.

"I think we played some very good stuff, created chances and then we let them back into the game. But we are through."

With United facing a league match against Burnley on Tuesday, Solskjaer knew he needed to rotate the squad as his side continue to deal with a hectic schedule. 

“They had a chance to prove they could play the next game and the game after and get some match fitness," Solskjaer said of his lineup. "We will need all of them over the season and that was part of the reason we made changes.

"I’m delighted we are through. I told them I didn’t expect them to start like a house on fire. I expected them to grow into the game. The opposite happened more or less. We started brightly."

Scott McTominay has spoken of the honour he felt at being told he would captain Manchester United against Watford.

With Harry Maguire handed a rest - albeit he came on due to an injury to Eric Bailly - McTominay was handed the captain’s armband by manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for the first time in his United career.

The 24-year-old led by example as the midfielder scored the only goal of the game to propel United into the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Following the match, McTominay gave his feelings on what it felt like to lead out the club he has been with for more than 18 years.

“When the manager told me it was a surreal moment,” McTominay told BT Sport. “I have been at this club since I’d just turned five years old, so 18 years associated with this football club.

“So to get that is a huge honour. I love this football club and it has been my whole life, so it is a real honour.

“The manager has been nothing but amazing for me since he came to the club. 

“I have a lot to thank him for and the best way to thank him is to put in performances on the pitch and doing the best I can.

“As long as I have got the manager’s trust I am happy and will keep doing my job every day in training and matches as well.”

United started brightly and took the lead on five minutes when McTominay headed home, but a much-changed side did not put the match to bed.

McTominay felt the changes contributed to some patchy play, but believes it will benefit the club down the line to get minutes into fringe players’ legs.

“We started really well,” he said. “For the first half an hour we were really good, we moved the ball well, the combination play was really good. But we just did not find it after that.

“For the boys who came into the team it is difficult as they have not played for a long time and it is about finding your rhythm.

“First 30 minutes I bet [Solskjaer] wasn’t expecting the rhythm we got, but then maybe a combination of tired legs and tired minds.”

Sam Folarin scored Middlesbrough’s only goal in their 2-1 defeat to Brentford in Sunday’s FA Cup game played at the Brentford Community Stadium.

The 20-year-old, who is a product of the club’s youth setup, was brought in for Marcus Browne before the start of the second-half and he did not disappoint with a goal three minutes into his introduction.

Warnock made seven changes to the side which silenced Wycombe Wanderers, including a first-time appearance for Hayden Hackney while the bench consisted of several players from the club’s under 23 side.

Even at that, it was the visitors who threatened, albeit, Chuba Akpom, Marc Bola and Hackney took their turn to miss clear-cut opportunities.

Nevertheless, Brentford took the lead in the 35th minute through Halil Dervisoglu who converted a well-taken corner kick from Saman Ghoddos as the Bees took a slim 1-0 lead into the half-time break.

Before then, Browne had gone down before being stretchered from the pitch after receiving lengthy treatment.

His replacement Folarin made an instant impact scoring his first senior goal to level matters against Thomas Frank’s side. The Nigerian showed huge composure to finish after good work by Marcus Tavernier and Patrick Roberts.

The hosts regained their lead four minutes after the hour mark when Saman Ghoddos worked himself some space before curling the ball beyond the reach of Jordan Archer.

Akpom could have sent the game into extra-time but his header off Tavernier’s cross went wide.

Looking tired after a trying evening, Akpom was replaced in the 90th minute by Rumarn Burrell, while Egypt's Sam Morsy and Britt Assombalonga were not selected for action.

For the hosts, Ghanaian midfielder Tariqe Fosu saw every minute of the clash, whereas French winger of Cameroonian descent Bryan Mbeumo did not make the matchday squad.

Middlesbrough return to the Championship on January 16 with a date versus Birmingham City.

Having accrued 36 points from 22 games in the 2020-21 campaign, they occupy the seventh spot in the English second tier log.

Zinedine Zidane has hit out at the decision to allow Real Madrid’s match at Osasuna to go ahead.

Spain has been battered by Storm Filomena, with large swathes of the country blanketed in snow. Atletico Madrid's match against Athletic Club was postponed earlier on Saturday.

Madrid were forced to travel to Pamplona ahead of the game, despite their plane being stuck on the tarmac for over three hours as they awaited clearance to take off.

Pamplona was hit hard by snow on Saturday and the pitch at El Sadar was extremely tough for both sides to perform on.

It was little surprise, then, that the game ended in a goalless draw.

Following the game, Zidane cut a frustrated figure in his press conference - and was clearly unhappy about the events of recent days.

“We did what we could do on the field but it was not a football match,” Zidane said. “The conditions were very difficult.”

With Madrid also being battered by snow, the Real squad have no chance of getting home on Saturday - and will remain at their hotel in Pamplona. It could be some time before they are able to travel, much to Zidane’s chagrin.

“Everything that has happened these two days has been very complicated,” he said. “We do not know when we can return.”

Pressed further on his feelings about the game, Zidane was unequivocal in his thinking.

“Yes, clearly the match against Osasuna should have been postponed,” Zidane said. “That is clear.

“The conditions to play football were not met, which in the end is what everyone wants. As much for us as our opponents.”

Zidane was asked for comment on the Spanish FA, who pushed for as many games to take place this weekend as possible.

“I'm not going to get into these things,” he said. “We have done what they have told us, we have played and that's it. 

“We have to think about recovering even if we don't know if we are going to go to Madrid tomorrow, if we are going to return on Monday. And on Wednesday we have another game."

Real have a quick turnaround as they travel to Alcoyano to take on the minnows in the Copa Del Rey on Wednesday.

Mauricio Pochettino insists there is still room for improvement from his Paris Saint-Germain side after brushing aside Brest 3-0 on Saturday .

Second-half substitutes Mauro Icardi and Pablo Sarabia added to Moise Kean's opener as the reigning Ligue 1 champions ran out comfortable winners at the Parc des Princes.

The win, coming three days on from a 1-1 draw with Saint-Etienne in Pochettino's first game in charge, moves PSG within a point of leaders Lyon, who were held 2-2 by Rennes.

But despite the comfortable manner of the scoreline, Pochettino - named as Thomas Tuchel's successor last week - accepts there are still things to work on.

"We are satisfied with the result, it is the fruit of the effort of all the players," he told Canal+.

"But there is still a lot we have to correct. We must continue to work with high standards."

Kylian Mbappe fired a blank for the third time in four outings, failing to find the net from any of his three shots on target - more than any other player on the field.

But the France forward claimed an impressive assist for Sarabia's goal by taking the ball past a couple of opponents and teeing up his team-mate.

He cut a frustrated figure at times but Pochettino is pleased with Mbappe's overall display.

"Mbappe has done good things," Pochettino said. "He had chances and it's a shame he didn't score. But he had a good game."

PSG had 60.9 per cent of the ball against Brest - compared to an average of 63.9 per cent under former boss Tuchel - and attempted 11 shots on target.

Sarabia, who netted his third league goal of the season 27 minutes after being brought off the bench, believes Pochettino's style of play is already clear to see just two games in.

"He wants us to have a lot of the ball and to knock the ball a lot to destabilise the opponent," he said.

"He asks us to do a lot of pressing, very high. It is very important to capture all the ideas of the coach to try to do the best possible. 

"There are things that are similar between Tuchel and Pochettino but there are things that are very different. We have to work because there are a lot of things that are new."

PSG now switch focus to Wednesday's Trophee des Champions clash with Marseille and a chance to win a first piece of silverware of the Pochettino tenure.

"It's a very special match for Paris and for me too," the former Tottenham boss said. 

"We hope to have a good match and to arrive in the best conditions to be competitive. And of course, like every time we play Marseille, we have to win."

Lyon have confirmed they are in talks with Atletico Madrid over the sale of Moussa Dembele to the Liga leaders.

Atletico are seeking a replacement for Diego Costa, who had his contract terminated by mutual consent last month.

With Diego Simeone’s side fighting for honours on a number of fronts, the coach has spoken of the need to secure support for Luis Suarez in attack.

It would appear as if he has settled on the former Fulham and Celtic forward – who has also been linked with West Ham – to fill Costa’s boots.

Following Lyon’s 2-2 draw at Rennes on Saturday, sporting director Juninho confirmed the talks were taking place.

"Moussa came to see me, he thinks that this is the moment to change teams, that he has lost a bit of motivation,” Lyon sporting director Juninho told Telefoot. “This was not something we foresaw, I like him a lot. 

“Keeping someone who does not really want to keep up the intensity through the next five months, that is not ideal. 

“We are in talks with Atletico, I think that Moussa has found an agreement with Atletico.”

It is clear that Atletico need reinforcements, as they are in a position of strength in La Liga and would not want to squander it.

They are one point clear of defending champions Real Madrid at the top of the table, but following the postponement of their game against Athletic Club on Saturday they have played three games fewer than their title rivals.

Lyon will now look to bring in a replacement for Dembele, as they are locked in a title battle in Ligue 1, leading Paris Saint-Germain and Lille by a point after 19 games.

Juninho said that out-of-favour Leicester City forward Islam Slimani could be brought in, after the club nearly signed the Algerian over the summer.

"Slimani is a player we appreciate a lot, but he's one of a few possibilities," he said. "Halfway through the season, it's not always easy to find a striker to play for six months or a year and a half. It is expensive.

"We are looking at other players. We spoke with [Slimani] at the start of the season, we had almost reached an agreement. He wants to come and wear our jersey."

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed that Paul Pogba, Victor Lindelof and Luke Shaw all missed Manchester United’s FA Cup win over Watford on Saturday through injury.

Scott McTominay's header in the fifth minute against the Hornets was the game's only goal at Old Trafford,  sending United through to the fourth round with a 1-0 win.

Pogba, Lindelof and Shaw all started on Wednesday, as United fell 2-0 to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup semi-final. 

But in his post-game press conference just days later, Solskjaer confirmed that all three were injured – though he did not elaborate on the nature of their concerns.

Asked about the trio, Solskjaer would only say: "They’re injured."

With those three players out and Solskjaer looking to rotate his squad amid a busy fixture schedule, several fringe players got a chance to start against Watford. 

Among them was Donny van de Beek, who hasn't enjoyed a consistent run of playing time after making a summer move from Ajax.

Solskjaer was happy with what he saw from the Dutch international on Saturday, saying he demonstrated his considerable ability. 

"I think Donny showed again his qualities, his pace, he is very technically clean," Solskjaer said.

"One little flick to play Juan [Mata] through and he’s got that quality to open up tight games. He will benefit from this game as well."

Brandon Williams also got a start against Watford. After a breakthrough campaign last season, Williams has seen his playing time limited in 2020-21, leading to talk he could leave the club on loan this month. 

"I thought he had a very good game," Solskjaer said of the 20-year-old defender. "He’s not played for a while, playing on right-hand side. It might be easier on the right side but very pleased with Brandon, one of the positives."

United face a quick turnaround after their victory over Watford, as they travel to Turf Moor to face Burnley in a Premier League match on Tuesday. 

Solskjaer's side are currently level on points with Liverpool at the top of the table, and have played one game fewer than Jurgen Klopp's men.

Former Kaizer Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp added salt into Kaizer Chiefs’ wounds when his Maritzburg United side beat Amakhosi 2-0 in a league match at the FNB Stadium on Saturday evening.

A second-half brace from Judas Moseamedi, who seems to love scoring against Chiefs, left Amakhosi perched precariously just one point above the relegation zone and with just one win in nine league matches this season.

For Middendorp, it was his first match back at the FNB Stadium since he left Amakhosi at the end of a 2019-20 campaign which ended with the Glamour Boys conceding the league title to Mamelodi Sundowns in heartbreaking fashion on the final day of the season.

It was only last weekend that Maritzburg recorded their first win of 2020/ 21, 2-1 against Bloemfontein Celtic.

Chiefs had not been in action domestically this year but were away in Angola for a Caf Champions League tie on Tuesday. Middendorp felt it was the Amakhosi players’ travel-weary legs which gave his team the upper hand in Soweto.

"We had a full week to prepare. This is a little bit of a handicap of a team travelling to Angola, not really having recovered. I could see it already in the begging to be very honest,” the German told SuperSport TV after the game.

“But this is part of the business. If you want to be an international side...it came to our advantage. The freshness I could see on the [Chiefs] side was not there.”

A tactical switch as well as an injury to Khama Billiat three minutes after the break had the net result of the visitors getting stronger the longer the match went on.

It culminated in Moseamedi scoring with a well-taken header in the 66th minute before adding a gem of a goal 13 minutes later as he controlled a long throw-in into the box and fired home a left-footed volley from the tightest of angles.

“Of course we had to adjust in half time, we had some problems with Khama [Billiat], no doubt about it,” Middendorp explained.

“But I think more and more we felt more comfortable. And good, we have the difference - we can make out of three or four chances, two goals.

“I don’t know how Judas scored [the second] goal, it was fantastic, outstanding. But this is his quality. Compliments to the entire team, it was absolutely fantastic fighting spirit.”

Neeskens Kebano sealed Fulham's passage into the FA Cup fourth round with a goal in their 2-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers on Saturday.

The DR Congo winger came off the bench as a 78th-minute substitute to inspire the visitors to triumph in extra-time.

He doubled the lead at Loftus Road three minutes into stoppage time after Bobby De Cordova-Reid opened the scoring in the 104th minute.

The strike was Kebano's maiden strike of the season since he scored five goals in July during the 2019-20 Championship campaign.

In the absence of Tosin Adarabioyo, Nigeria's Ola Aina put in a solid defensive shift to help Scott Parker's side keep their second straight clean sheet in all competitions.

Senegal goalkeeper Timothy Dieng was in action for QPR alongside Zimbabwe's Macauley Bonne and Anglo-Nigerian Bright Osayi-Samuel who were later replaced in the 73rd minute and 90th minute respectively.

The result stretched Fulham's unbeaten streak to five games, which includes four consecutive draws in the Premier League before the trip to Loftus Road, however, their hosts are now winless in their last 10 matches in all competitions.

“It was a tough game. The same as when we played them last year so we knew that,” Parker said after the game. “I think over the 90 minutes we both punched away and both teams had some good chances.

“After the couple of weeks we’ve had, to go to extra time and look as strong as we did was pleasing.

“Momentum sticks with us, it’s a win. Unbeaten now in five, a clean sheet as well so a lot of positives out there today.”

Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa and Nigerian descent Ademola Lookman were not called up by Parker but they will be hoping to return to action when Fulham host Chelsea for their next Premier League fixture on January 15.

The Cottagers are 18th in the English top-flight table with 11 points after 15 matches, three points away from safety.

Emile Smith Rowe affirmed that he is living a dream by starring for Arsenal following an eventful afternoon on Saturday.

The midfielder is having a breakthrough campaign for the Gunners, and he helped fire the side into the fourth round of the FA Cup with a 2-0 win over Newcastle at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

Arsenal required extra time before seeing off the Magpies, with Smith Rowe’s precision finish into the corner setting the holders on their way to a place in round four.

It was a remarkable turnaround for Smith Rowe, as he was shown a straight red card in the 90th minute by referee Chris Kavanagh for a challenge on Sean Longstaff, only for it to be downgraded to a yellow following an intervention from VAR.

Smith Rowe has admitted it was a relief to see the red card overturned, and to take advantage by scoring the first goal in the 2-0 win which was sealed by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s close-range finish in the dying moments.

“I am really happy,” Smith Rowe told BBC Sport. “It is a bit of a relief, as the incident before was not ideal. It definitely was not intentional so I am happy to get the goal and go through to the next round.

“We knew it would be a tough game. It was about breaking them down and we’re happy with the win.”

Smith Rowe has had an excellent few weeks, with his form mirroring the uptick in the club’s fortunes since the Christmas period got underway.

“From a young kid I always dreamt of playing for this club,” he said. “All the young players, it is great to get opportunities so I am really happy to be playing for the club.”

Smith Rowe claims the work of manager Mikel Arteta and his staff on building bonds off the field is starting to pay off in their results.

“It shows how together we are,” the 20-year-old midfielder said. “We have been working off the pitch to get closer as a group and that is starting to show on the pitch. 

“We are just happy to keep winning games and we have got to keep going.”

Eric Bailly was a first-half casualty for Manchester United against Watford on Saturday when he was forced off the pitch after clashing with goalkeeper Dean Henderson.

The defender started United's FA Cup third-round clash alongside Axel Tuanzebe at the back as the Reds looked to progress against their Championship opponents. 

And things appeared to be going to plan for the hosts at Old Trafford when Scott McTominay fired them into the lead after just five minutes. 

But manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who heavily rotated his squad for the cup clash, was forced into a change just before half-time after an unfortunate mishap involving two of his players. 

Henderson came charging out of his goal to clear a cross from Nathaniel Chalobah, and managed to punch the ball away from danger. 

But in the process the former Sheffield United loanee crashed into Bailly, who was floored by the impact. 

The Ivorian received treatment on the pitch before being walked off by United medical staff, and clearly looked to be suffering the effects of the collision as he appeared dazed. 

United took no chances with the possibility of a head injury, removing Bailly from the game and sending on Harry Maguire in his place for the final minutes of the first half. 

Bailly has been in and out of the Reds line-up during 2020-21, and went almost three months without an appearance after being sidelined in the wake of the club's humiliating 6-1 reverse at the hands of Tottenham in October. 

But Solskjaer recalled him to the defence shortly before the festive period and he has gone on to start United's last three Premier League games, most recently playing all 90 minutes of their 2-1 New Year's Day victory over Aston Villa. 

That recent run of solid form has enthused ex-Reds favourite Rio Ferdinand, who believes him to be the perfect partner for Maguire. 

"A big thing that has gone under the radar is Eric Bailly," the United legend said on his YouTube channel FIVE.

"He’s added a little bit of pace and steeliness to that back four. My only issue with Eric Bailly has always been his fitness, he can never stay fit. 

"He’s always injured or a game away from an injury, and that’s a problem. You don’t get that consistency of performance or get to know each other.

"I think Maguire needs pace next to him, he has other attributes but pace isn’t one of them. In the modern game, to have two centre-backs who aren’t electric quick, you’ve got a problem.

"Bailly has good attributes, he’s quick and aggressive. If he can cut the silly mistakes out which he had previously and gets away from injuries and gets a clean bill of health, I think Manchester United are onto a good thing."