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Mikel Arteta feels the return to fitness of Thomas Partey will be the equivalent of a new signing for Arsenal.

The Ghana midfielder was Arsenal’s big signing of the previous transfer window from Atletico Madrid, but he has made only a handful of appearances on account of injury.

Partey returned from a month on the sidelines to feature in the north London derby with Tottenham on December 6, but broke down again with a recurrence of the thigh problem.

Arsenal are nursing him back to fitness, but he is now in training and could feature against Newcastle in the FA Cup on January 9.

Arteta says Partey has to come through a couple of additional sessions before being given the green light, but the Spaniard feels it will be like having a new signing in the team.

“We are in January and I think he’s played two and a half games,” Arteta said of Partey during a press conference following the 4-0 win over West Brom on Saturday. “That’s all and he was our main signing. 

“We’ve been missing him. He brings something different to the team, he’s a player with an enormous talent. But as well someone that can transform the team the way we want. 

“It’s great if we can have him, keep him healthy and I think he will contribute in a really positive way.

“He’s done the most part training the last few days. He’s feeling good and we will assess him. 

“He needs another two or three good sessions to see if he’s 100 per cent ok to play. And if that’s the case, great news for us.”

The Gunners were impressive in beating West Brom 4-0, their third win on the spin, and Arteta feels Arsenal are starting to produce the type of football he wants to see.

“There were moments that I think we were really, really good,” Arteta said. “Both defensively and offensively. 

“Obviously in attacking phases we had moments where it’s exactly what I want, it’s exactly what we tried to train and teach the players to do. And in other moments we became a little bit sloppy. 

“In certain moments where we thought the game was won, which is something that we have to improve. But in general it’s close to what we want."

Aaron Boupendza was the hero for Hatayspor after scoring a brace in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat of Konyaspor in a Super Lig clash.

The Gabon international came into the game having found the net four times in the Star of the South’s 6-0 defeat of Antalyaspor.

Against the Anatolian Eagles, however, he continued with his blistering form in front of goal to hand Omer Erdogan’s side a crucial home triumph.

In the keenly contested affair at the Hatay New Stadium, Antakya, it was the visitors who took a 33rd minute lead through Artem Kravets. Profiting from a shambolic defending from the hosts, the Ukrainian forward headed past goalkeeper Munir a pass from Nejc Skubic.

While it appeared like Konyaspor would be heading into the half-time break with a goal advantage, Boupendza equalised for the hosts in the 43rd minute. Left unmarked outside the goal area, the 24-year-old curled in a beauty past goalkeeper Ibrahim Sehic.

In the second-half, both teams came out stronger but their inability to convert begging chances ensured that scores remained 1-1.

Nonetheless, it was the African star who had the final say with his winner in the 68th minute courtesy of a half volley inside the opponents’ box.

Ahmet Calik levelled matters for Konyaspor with barely the last kick of the game, albeit, VAR replays ruled his goal out for being in an offside position to the anguish of the visiting side.

Two minutes to full time, Boupendza was substituted for Selim Ilgaz, while Nigeria’s Babajide David was in action from start to finish alongside Morocco international goalkeeper Munir and Senegal’s Mame Biram Diouf.

Malian midfielder Adama Traore was handed a starter’s role but he was taken off for Yusuf Abdioglu in the 90th minute. Elsewhere, Ghana’s duo of Joseph Akomadi and Isaac Sackey, Algeria’s Idir Ouali plus Senegal’s Dame Diop were not dressed for action.

For the visiting side, Uganda’s Farouk Miya did not make manager Ismail Kartal’s cut.

Thanks to this result, Hatayspor climbed to fifth in the Turkish Super Lig log with 27 points from 15 games, while occupy the 11th spot with 19 points from the same number of outings in the 2020-21 campaign.

Boupendza, who now boasts of nine goals so far will be aiming to add to his goal tally when Erdogan’s team travel to Genclerbirligi on Wednesday.

Zinedine Zidane has no plans to rest Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema as he vowed slowly ease Eden Hazard back to full match fitness.

Benzema failed to register a single shot on goal in Madrid's 2-0 win over Celta Vigo in La Liga on Saturday and twice missed the target from good positions.

The 33-year-old has started 15 of Madrid's 17 La Liga matches this season and only goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and Raphael Varane have played more minutes.

When asked in a post-match media conference if Benzema, who has scored eight goals in La Liga, needed a break, following a slightly jaded showing, Zidane disagreed.

"I don’t think he’s tired," Zidane said. "I think he did well and I took him off so that another player could play. We’re in a great spell. We’re doing the right things and we have to continue like this."

Hazard came off the bench for another run out late in the second half against Celta as he stepped up his return from an injury-hit start to the season.

"We are going to go little by little," added Zidane. "Little by little, you have to recover feelings.

"We have to take it slowly and not force anything. He has to get back to his best and take it slowly. That’s all it is."

Madrid's possession against Celta was 41 per cent which was the lowest recorded in a win under Zidane at home in all competitions.

The Madrid head coach was, however, satisfied with the manner in which his side were able to manage the game against Celta.

"We played a complete game from the beginning to the end," Zidane explained.

"We controlled the game well, we had a good balance, when it came to pressing up and getting the ball back, we did everything well.

"You have to control when the rival team has strong moments in the game, but the feelings are good, out of nine games we won six and three draws."

Goals from Lucas Vazquez and Marco Asensio gave Madrid the victory as the pair assisted each other in what was the fourth duo to combine between them in a single La Liga game this season.

Zidane added: "I am happy for Asensio. He has had a major injury and now he is much better and improving every time.

"Vazquez is very reliable, very involved and I am happy for what he is doing. We played a very serious game. I'm happy for everyone."

Ronald Koeman says Lionel Messi is back to full fitness and “really excited” to be in the Barcelona squad for the game with Huesca.

Messi was absent for the 1-1 draw with Eibar in La Liga on Tuesday on account of an ankle injury.

Koeman described Messi as a “ bit banged up in his ankle ” ahead of the game with Eibar, but he trained freely on New Year’s Eve and was pictured with his team-mates on Saturday.

Following the training session, Koeman confirmed the club’s talisman at 100 per cent fitness and ready for the trip to Huesca on Sunday.

“Leo is fine,” Dutch coach Koeman said at a press conference . “He was training the 30th and 31st while the rest of the squad was resting. 

“No doubts for him, he has great fitness and is happy and really excited and that is important for us.”

Messi returns with Barca facing an uphill battle in the Liga title race.

The draw with Eibar meant Barcelona entered 2021 trailing leaders Atletico Madrid by 10 points.

Even with a peak-form Messi, Barca would find it tough to peg back the deficit and the focus may now turn to the Champions League and securing a top-four finish in La Liga.

A player not in the squad for the trip to Huesca is midfielder Philippe Coutinho who has been sidelined by a knee injury that has required surgery .

“Philippe will be about three months out injured,” Koeman said. “He has always been an important player, and will be important again, but now he has to recover. 

“I do not know when he will be 100% recovered. He is an important absence and we will have to see how we can solve Philippe’s absence.”

Also missing the trip to Huesca is defender Samuel Umtiti who has been sidelined by a stomach illness.

Umtiti joins Gerard Pique, Sergi Roberto and Ansu Fati on the list of absences for Barcelona.

The trip to Huesca is the first of a run of four successive away games - Athletic Club, Granada and Elche being the others - for Barca as they bid to battle their way back into the Liga title picture.

Eberechi Eze and Jeffrey Schlupp scored to help Crystal Palace secure a 2-0 victory over Sheffield United in Saturday’s Premier League game.

Eze was handed his 14th league appearance since teaming up with the Eagles in the summer from Queens Park Rangers.

The Anglo-Nigerian utilized the opportunity to score his second Premier League goal of the season in fantastic fashion, similar to his debut goal for Palace in November, which won him the club's Goal of the Month award.

Schlupp also impressed in the encounter, scoring his second league goal in 15 appearances this season for the Selhurst Park outfit.

The Ghana international put Roy Hodgson’s men in front after four minutes into the encounter with a well-taken strike.

Schlupp’s strike is Palace’s fastest Premier League goal since November 2017 when James McArthur scored against Everton less than a minute into the game.

The forward then made ways for Eze in the 40th minute after suffering an injury, and the Super Eagles target continued from where Ghana forward had left off.

Moments before the end of the first-half, Eze sent Palace supporters into jubilation when he fired home a beauty.

The Nigerian midfielder dribbled past Sheffield United defenders before unleashing a fine strike into the back of the net.

After scoring his first goal for Palace from a free-kick, the 22-year-old, thus, become the first player to score two Premier League goals from outside the box since Ricky Newman in 1994.

Ivory Coast international Wilfried Zaha featured for the duration of the game while Black Stars forward Jordan Ayew was brought on in the 48th minute for Christian Benteke.  

The victory moved Palace to the 13th spot on the league table, above Arsenal, after gathering 22 points from 17 games.

Crystal Palace will hope to continue the impressive performance in their next outing against Wolverhampton Wanderers in a FA Cup tie on January 8.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes the floodgates will open for Anthony Martial in front of goal after seeing the French forward get back in the groove against Aston Villa.

The Red Devils’ No.9 found the target on 23 occasions last season, with that impressive return representing a personal best.

More of the same was expected this term, but Martial has found the going tough at times and he has just five efforts to his name, with only two of those coming in the Premier League.

An opener against Villa, in what was to be a 2-1 win for United, was Martial’s first in the league at Old Trafford this season, but Solskjaer is convinced there will be many more to come.

The Red Devils boss told reporters after seeing his favoured frontman turn home a cross from Aaron Wan-Bissaka: “I love diving headers. I can keep on about that in crossing and finishing sessions. It was a good goal.

“Anthony is going to improve. He’s going to be better and better. He’s had a few chances this season. 

“He’s still creating chances, he’s just not had that little bit of luck, margins in front of goal. They’ll come. We saw a better version of Anthony, a more confident one.”

Solskjaer, as a former striker himself, is always on hand to offer words of advice to Martial.

He has been holding regular talks with the 25-year-old during the 2020-21 campaign and expects “class” to shine through when it comes to a proven performer.

The Norwegian added on his efforts to bring the best out of Martial: “We’ve had some chats, of course.

“We have spoken about last season and how important he was for us then and he is going to be important for us this season.

“A player’s form is temporary but when you have got class that is permanent. I think he has proven he is class.

“Now he is getting fitter and fitter and that means he is going to get better and better.”

United, who have moved level with Liverpool at the top of the table, are about to put their Premier League commitments on hold as attention turns to knockout football and meetings with Manchester City and Watford in Carabao Cup and FA Cup competition.

Kosta Papic's Hearts of Oak began the New Year in style as they handed Ghana Premier League leaders Bechem United a 6-1 thrashing on Saturday.

A Victor Aidoo double and a goal each by Abdul Manaf Umar, Fredrick Ansah Botchway, Souleymane Lawali and Benjamin Kotey Afutu ensured full points for the Phobians in the matchday seven fixture at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Ghana U20 striker Prince Kwabena Adu recorded the visitors' consolation goal.

The result has taken Hearts to second on the league table, behind Bechem, who still sit top of the table with three points clear. 

The match was also the fourth for former Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, Enyimba and Young Africans coach Papic, who replaced Ernest Nii Odoom early into the season after a poor start to the latter's GPL campaign. The win is the second triumph for the Serbian on his return to the Phobian job for a second spell, having previously coached the club in 2008-09.

Papic made three changes to the team that started against King Faisal in their last game, bringing on William Dankyi, Daniel Barnieh Afriyie and Lawali in place of Michelle Sarpong, Patrick Razak and Afutu, who would later score as a substitute.

The highlight of the first half was Afriyie striking the woodwork in the 38th minute and Bechem's Emmanuel Asante receiving the marching orders for a second bookable offence a minute later.

After the break, the heavens opened with goals.

Umar broke the deadlock for Hearts in the 53rd minute before substitute Aidoo made it 2-0 with a cool finish in the 68th minute.

Five minutes later, Aidoo found the back of the net to put the Phobians in a comfortable lead. Then Botchway converted from the spot to make it 4-0.

Bechem would not go down without landing a blow of their own as Adu put the ball beyond Hearts goalkeeper Richmond Ayi to register a consolation.

Two minutes to full-time, Lawali scored for Hearts to add his name to the score sheet before Afutu wrapped things up with a strike on the stroke of full-time.

Hearts return to action against Elmina Sharks on matchday eight. 

Daniel Farke is confident Emiliano Buendia will remain at Norwich City, amid reported interest from Arsenal.

The former Argentina Under-20 international netted an excellent goal as Norwich beat Barnsley 1-0 on Saturday to cement their position at the top of the Championship.

The goal added to Buendia’s stock, and ramped up talk of a move to Arsenal, who have been linked with a move for the young Argentine in recent weeks.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is reported to be a fan of the forward, with Goal able to confirm that Arsenal have scouted him extensively.

Canaries boss Farke was asked about the future of the 24-year-old Argentinian and said he is confident the club would retain his services in January.

“Emi is a key player for us, an important member of the group, and he is totally committed to us,” Farke said. “He is our player and will continue to be our player - he is on a long-term contract with the club so we keep him.

“Everyone knows his qualities - and I don’t expect interest just because he scored a wonder goal today. He has scored a number like this for us and people know what he can do. It was an excellent finish and that is what Emi can do. He instinctively knows when to make a run and then has the quality to finish like that."

A creative force is top of Arteta’s wish list for the January transfer window, with the likes of Borussia Dortmund’s Julian Brandt also linked .

Arteta hinted recently that he would need to get players off the wage bill before being able to boost his squad. 

The aim for Norwich is to bounce back into the Premier League, and Buendia is a key figure in their bid as they currently sit atop the league.

Norwich currently maintain a four-point lead over second-place Swansea and a six-point lead over third-place Brentford, who have a game in hand.

Arsenal, meanwhile, sit 14th in the Premier League ahead of Sunday's clash with West Brom.

After that, the Gunners will look ahead to an FA Cup third-round clash with Newcastle next Saturday.

Ilkay Gundogan is happy to fill the role of unsung hero at Manchester City, with the German playmaker admitting that he allows “others to shine” in a galaxy of stars.

The 30-year-old midfielder boasts plenty of ability and has graced the Champions League final with Borussia Dortmund while collecting eight pieces of silverware in England.

He does, however, tend to steer clear of headline-making exploits, with those heroics being left to those operating alongside him.

Pep Guardiola is fully aware of how important players of that ilk can be, with the Catalan billing Gundogan as one of City’s best-ever signings, but the man himself is prepared to shun the spotlight.

“Someone said to me once I perhaps don’t shine but I allow others to shine, and that’s how I see myself,” Gundogan, who has taken in 177 appearances for City, told the Blues’ official website.

“You cannot just build a team of 11 players playing the same type of football and same type of characters and players.

“In the end, there has to be one harmony – one great picture that fits. That’s always the challenge.

“The most successful teams in history were so successful because they had different players playing in harmony.”

Gundogan has been catching the eye again for City this season, as he keeps things ticking over in the middle of the park, but he believes that his finest form in the Premier League came during a title-winning campaign in 2018-19.

“Maybe I would disagree [this is my best run of form] because the last few months where we won the league one point ahead of Liverpool, I felt very confident about my personal game,” added a man with 42 international caps to his name.

“That’s a period that still feels really good, not just for myself, but for the team. Maybe with the numbers people think I am better now, but I am honest, numbers are never really important for me in football.

“When I leave the pitch after the final whistle, if I feel I have played as good as I could, when I am happy and proud of what I have done on the pitch, that’s the point I feel comfortable – not if I score one, two goals or whatever.

“You need players who score, but that’s not something I identify with. Obviously, when I am in the region to score goals, I try.”

City have not been at their free-flowing best as a collective this season, but they have tightened up at the back and could move to within four points of defending champions Liverpool with victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Gor Mahia treasurer Dolfina Odhiambo has hit out at coach Sammy Omollo stating he was rigid in his strategy and had no experience playing against North Afircan teams after the embarrassing loss away to CR Belouizdad in the first leg of their Caf Champions League tie.

The Posta Rangers tactician had come in as a stand-in coach for K'Ogalo in the aftermath of that humiliation, and is now charged with avoiding a similar result in the return match. 

In the match, that was played at the Stade du 5 Juillet 1962 on December 26, the Great Chabab put six goals past K'Ogalo and the official believes the coach did not manage the game properly.

"I still maintain, our strategy sold us," Odhiambo told Radio Jambo on Saturday. "I am not saying that the coach [should be held fully responsible for the result] but the problem was that he was too rigid.

"If I was in his shoes, I would have given the boys three options because you can never tell," he added. "Also remember, he has never played with these Arabs.

"You know we were speaking from experience having [faced North African teams] before. He has never faced them as a coach, he has never had the Caf [Champions League] experience with these guys."

The vocal official opined the former Kenya defender should have changed the tactics early to avoid the humiliating loss in Algeria.

"[Omollo] was just being rigid, and that rigidity is what cost us," Odhiambo continued "Not that he is a bad coach; but if I were him, I would have given the players two or three different strategies for example after we conceded two goals in the first 15 minutes, we could have changed our strategy.

"He changed the strategy in the second half when we had already conceded four goals and by the time it was tough already."

Meanwhile, Gor Mahia players have once again threatened to boycott the second leg of their second preliminary round of the Caf Champions League game against CR Belouizdad if their dues are not settled.

The Kenyan champions are scheduled to host the Algerian giants on Wednesday, January 6 at Nyayo Stadium. However, all is not well at K'Ogalo and senior players have opted to stay away from training ahead of the game.

"The situation is not good at all, players have opted to stay at home in protest for their money," a senior source at the club told Goal "On Saturday, players were to report in training but a few fringe ones turned up. Remember, also current caretaker coach [Patrick] Odhiambo is also in his rural home with the family.

"If nothing is done, I doubt whether the Wednesday game will be played, or even if it will be played, results might be worse or close to the 6-0 loss suffered in the first leg."

Unai Emery has admitted that Takefusa Kubo is looking to find a way out of his loan spell at Villarreal from Real Madrid.

Real signed the Japanese teenager from FC Tokyo in 2019, but farmed him out on loan to Mallorca last season and Villarreal this term.

While he enjoyed a productive time at Mallorca, things have not gone as planned at Villarreal and the winger is keen to head out of the club in January.

“I asked Kubo if he wanted to stay or leave and he told me that he is looking for a way out,” coach Emery said after Villarreal’s 2-1 win over Levante on Saturday.

“Take’s behaviour is good, he has helped us and he must continue to grow as a player, however, he told me he wants to leave in order to find more minutes elsewhere and that’s why he wasn’t in the matchday squad today.”

Getafe are keen to pick up the player for the second half of the season.

Speaking on Onda Cero , Getafe president Angel Torres confirmed his club’s interest.

“Kubo wants to come to Getafe,” Torres said. “Yes, another reinforcement could be Carles Alena, but we are not going to go crazy.”

An agreement would need to be struck between Real and Villarreal for the early termination of the loan, but given that Kubo has been a bit-part player - and was not in the squad for the game with Levante - it suggests that will not be difficult to achieve.

Real are keen for the 19-year-old to secure regular game time in a bid to aid his development, and Getafe may be prepared to offer that chance.

While the focus at Villarreal is on securing a place in the top four in La Liga, the aim at Getafe is to avoid relegation.

Getafe sit in 15th in the table, two points above the relegation spots, and coach Jose Bordalas will hope any arrival is up to speed.

Bordalas’ side are on a three-game winless run and were beaten 1-0 at home by Valladolid on Saturday.

It is unlikely any deal will be done in time for Getafe’s trip to Cordoba on Tuesday.

Former Bafana Bafana midfielder Teko Modise is impressed with Mamelodi Sundowns' ability to adapt their style in order to beat Orlando Pirates.

The Brazilians edged out the Buccaneers 1-0 in the first Premier League encounter of 2021, played at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The only goal of the game came 10 minutes before the interval in Pretoria and was scored by Downs defender Brian Onyango, his first for the club.

It was not a pretty win for Sundowns, who were without several of their usual attacking threats, including Themba Zwane, Sibusiso Vilakazi, Hlompho Kekana, Gift Motupa, Gaston Sirino and Promise Makhuma, while Kermit Erasmus started on the bench as he makes his way back to full fitness.

In the end it took some backs-to-the-wall defending from Sundowns in the final 20 minutes of the game, which as Modise points out, highlights the fact that, although Masandawana are known for their free-flowing attacking play, they also have the tools to dig in and grind out victories when needed.

"Mamelodi Sundowns proved today that can defend. They did well, especially later on when the system required them to defend,” Modise said in his role as a SuperSport TV analyst. “Credit should go to Sundowns, defensively they did well. 

"I thought they were very defensive, but also because the game required them to do so, because we all know how dangerous Pirates are in transition.

“We also spoke about how Mamelodi Sundowns can be dangerous from set pieces, especially with the personnel that was on the pitch today, and they got the goal from a set piece," Modise, who played for both clubs, added.

Modise’s fellow analyst and former Buccaneer Dikgang Mabalane meanwhile believes that the manner of the win was a statement of intent from the Brazilians and bodes well for Masandawana’s hopes of securing a fourth successive league title.

“Not only did Sundowns win the game today, but they’ve shown the character of the team, the resilience of the team," he said. "These are the reigning champions, and they’re still at the top of the log.

"It's an intention, you can see the superiority of the team, in terms of competing in the league.”

Argentine football continues across the festive season this December and January with the playing of the Copa Diego Armando Maradona.

All games are live streamed on Fanatiz and you can sign up to watch free here.

Boca was crowned 2019-20 league champions in March after coming out on top during the 23-game season. 

The Copa Superliga was scheduled to follow on from the regular campaign, but was scrapped after just one game as football came to a halt.

This season’s action began with a new cup format, renamed after Diego Maradona following his death in November, where six groups of four teams competed for 12 places in the Campeon de Copa phase.

This next step consists of two groups of six teams and the winner of each will play in a final clash on January 17.

The winner of the Campeon phase will then qualify for the 2021 Copa Libertadores.

There is also a Sudamericana spot open to the sides disputing the Complementary phase, which is exactly the same in format and includes all the teams that failed to qualify for the Campeon phase.

It is expected that the new season of the next Primera Division will then follow in March 2021.

Fanatiz has the rights to the Copa de la Liga Profesional worldwide, excluding Argentina, Germany, Austria, Portugal, Israel, Russia, Sweden and the Balkans.

How to watch Boca vs River on US TV

The Superclasico fixture between Boca Juniors and River Plate is Argentina's showpiece clash, bringing together the nation's two biggest clubs who have disputed one of the world's fiercest rivalries for over a century. 

Saturday's game, though, the first played between the two since 2019, will take on a slightly different look. 

Covid-19 restrictions means that Boca's famed Bombonera home will be shorn of its usual passionate support, stripping the Superclasico of its usual colour and noise. 

Both Boca and River, meanwhile, have their minds elsewhere during this Copa Maradona despite playing in the decisive Championship phase - the sides currently sit joint-top of the group with only two games remaining - as their Copa Libertadores semi-finals with Santos and Palmeiras respectively approach midweek. 

Plenty of squad rotation is therefore expected for Saturday's crunch match, with the two sides focused first and foremost on their Copa aspirations. 

But that will not affect the commitment of those picked to walk out at the Bombonera, with expectations as high as ever in this most hard-fought of derbies.

Live Stream: Fanatiz English ( stream now )

Boca vs River team news and preview

Boca are set to rest a handful of key players for River's visit, including veteran captain Carlos Tevez.

Mauro Zarate and Ramon Abila are likely to start up front in Tevez's place, while Edwin Cardona will have the chance to shine after losing ground in the Boca starting XI in recent weeks. 

River coach Marcelo Gallardo trained during the week with an almost entirely changed, experimental first team, but it remains to be seen whether more established names such as Matias Suarez or Robert Rojas eventually push their way into contention to form a more familiar side. 

The Millonario will definitely be without injured defensive duo Fabricio Angileri and Milton Casco as well as Lucas Pratto, who sealed a move to Feyenoord at the end of December.

Watch all this weekend's Copa Diego Armando Maradona matches on Fanatiz in the US  with a 7-day free trial.

What other Copa Diego Armando Maradona matches are available on Fanatiz?

All games are live streamed on Fanatiz and you can sign up to watch free here.

Orlando Pirates head coach Josef Zinnbauer believes that luck wasn’t on his team's side in their defeat by Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday afternoon. 

The Buccaneers recorded their maiden defeat of the season when they suffered a 1-0 loss to Masandawana in a PSL match which took place in Tshwane. 

Zinnbauer watched on as Bucs created chances which they failed to take at Loftus Versfeld Stadium and he felt that his side was unlucky on the day.

"Set-pieces, goal, it's always difficult. We know against Sundowns. All the little luck in think in the first half we were good in the game," Zinnbauer told SuperSport TV.  "We had a lot of opportunities to score the first goal. Second half we did what we can.

"Played forward, chances yes, but not enough of the final shot or final pass."

Current PSL Golden Boot holder Frank Mhango was brilliantly denied by Sundowns goalkeeper Denis Onyango in the closing stages of the match, before striker Jean-Marc Makusu failed to control the ball in a one-on-one situation with the Uganda international. 

"We gave it all in our last 20 minutes, and when you do that, they could hit us on the counter. Then we had a little luck. I'm disappointed," he continued. "We did a lot of work, it was not a bad performance. But yeah we had not the goal that we need. I think if we scored in the first half, we could have won the game."

Full-back Wayde Jooste was substituted at half-time by Zinnbauer and the German tactician explained why he introduced midfielder Siphesihle Ndlovu, who was deployed in the right-back position. 

"It was a tactical aspect. We needed a goal. We know Ndlovu is flexible, he can play as a six or as an eight," he added. "This was the reason we changed at half-time. We wanted more offensive options. It wasn't just Ndlovu. It was the whole team.

"We had the opportunities but we didn't score and then it's not possible you can win a game."

Pirates have now turned their attention to their Caf Confederation Cup first round second-leg game against Angolan side Sagrada Esperanca.

The match will be played in Soweto, Johannesburg on January 6 and Bucs are leading 1-0 in aggregate.