Looking for Soccer News?

What is wrong with Sadio Mane? Something has clearly gone awry for the Liverpool forward, whose ability, end-product, consistency and street-wise nature made him one of the most-complete attackers in Europe.

Undoubtedly, being voted Africa’s best player in January didn’t flatter him in the slightest, but the Senegal star has dipped since that mid-October meeting against Everton at Goodison Park. If anyone had predicted at the time the former Southampton attacker was to go two months without a league goal, he may have been laughed out of the room.

The reality of how events have panned out, however, presents a curious case amid Liverpool’s general Jekyll and Hyde campaign.

Maybe it’s a tad expected; after all, this side had been at the top of their game for about two straight seasons, where they won the Champions League in 2019 for the first time since Istanbul and only missed out on successive Premier League titles by a top-class Manchester City side in 18/19...so maybe a drop off was always around the corner.

There’s an impulse to put Mane’s apparent slump this season down to a lack of rest — he’s played 71 of the side’s 76 Premier League games in the last two seasons, starting 66 times — or little pre-season before the start of the new campaign.

Naysayers may brush that suggestion aside owing to how the defending champions had ample time, compared to other nominal top six rivals at least, to prepare for the 20/21 season.

They won the league with games to spare, didn’t have to feature in the revamped Champions League knockout stages in August, and were one of the few sides that had the benefit of pre-season friendlies.

Injuries, which always seem to be knocking at Liverpool’s door this term, haven’t helped Klopp’s side whatsoever and Mane’s numbers so far make for very grim reading. Despite starting the season amazingly, the 28-year-old hasn’t scored since October, having initially hit the back of the net four times in as many league appearances.

Diogo Jota’s immediate impact on Merseyside largely eased the burden on the Mane and Mohamed Salah’s shoulders, the pair who struggled for open-play goals from October until December when the latter scored against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

While the Egypt superstar has the advantage of being the Reds’ penalty taker, his West African teammate gets no gimmes and has toiled for goals and even assists in the last two months. The pair’s paucity of strikes was examined after the frustrating 1-1 draw at Brighton & Hove Albion in late November, and the former Southampton forward still hasn’t hit the back of the net since.

The injury to Jota thus puts the English giants in a quandary in every sense of the word as the Portugal attacker is likely to miss six to eight weeks, according to Klopp.

This means a return date could possibly be in mid-February, leading to a further absence in 12 games. Given how swiftly the former Wolves wide attacker has integrated into life at Anfield, he’ll be hugely missed, especially as Mane and Salah continue to struggle.

Even though the ex-Chelsea winger has netted in his last three games in all competitions, there’s a feeling he isn’t playing at his best, and the goals from 12 yards have mostly embellished an otherwise average campaign so far.

As for Mane, a dive into his underlying stats reveal quite interesting numbers. Per Fbref, the Senegal star is underperforming his Expected Goals tally slightly and is on pace to finish the campaign by scoring lower than he ought to for the first time in the last three seasons.

The Senegal forward’s xG of 6.0 has only resulted in four league goals in reality. Contrast this to 2018/19 when the former Metz forward netted 22 times from xG of 16.1, while he scored 18 goals in Liverpool’s title-winning season from Expected Goals of 13.8.

This year’s decline has been interestingly striking and below previous standards set, although an even deeper dive then suggests the corner could be turned soon enough. Mane xG per 90 this term (0.59) is higher than the average from the last two seasons — 0.45 last term and 0.47 in 18/19.

He’s apparently also averaging a higher involvement in the side’s build-up play, averaging 4.33 Shot-Creating Actions; which trumps the number in 19/20 (3.57) and two years ago (3.13).

The aforementioned numbers give the impression that Mane could get back on the goalscoring trail sooner rather than later but with Jota’s unfortunate injury, Klopp needs the striker to promptly blow away the cobwebs and rediscover the form that saw him voted Africa’s best player.

The Premier League’s top two—Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur collide at Anfield on Wednesday evening—with the chance to lead an engrossing table heading into the festive period up for grabs between these two heavyweights.

After 12 matches, Spurs and Liverpool are neck and neck on 25 points, with Tottenham leading the table by virtue of having a superior goal difference (+14) to the Reds’ +9.

Both of these two have identical win-loss records, but both were on the end of underwhelming results at the weekend, with Spurs ceding a lead to draw with Crystal Palace and Fulham holding Liverpool to a 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage.

Watch Premier League, La Liga and Serie A football live on your phone with Showmax Pro

Will these two giants cancel each other out once again—in this rematch of the 2019 Champions League final—or will either team take an advantage in this fascinating title race?

Liverpool vs Tottenham: Team News

Liverpool are facing a litany of injury problems as they head into this potential season-defining bout, with the likes of Thiago, Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Xherdan Shaqiri and James Milner all sidelined.

Jurgen Klopp will have hoped for Naby Keita to have been available for the festive period, but he’s also absent with a new muscle injury.

Their injury problems have been compounded recently by the absence of new arrival Diogo Jota—who sustained an injury in the Champions League game against FC Midtjylland—and Klopp faces an anxious wait to see whether Joel Matip will return to action after being taken off with injury against Fulham.

With van Dijk and Gomez both absent, it remains to be seen whether Klopp will trust youngsters such as Nat Phillips or Rhys Williams, or shunt midfielders Jordan Henderson or Fabinho into the backline.

For Spurs, Gareth Bale is set to be back in contention after missing the Palace game with illness, while Erik Lamela is out with injury.

Liverpool vs Tottenham: Key Stats

Spurs have a poor recent record against Liverpool, having won just one of their last 15 league games against the Reds.

Liverpool, by contrast, have won 10—including all of their last four league games against the North Londoners.

Not since 2011 have Spurs won away against Liverpool in the league, but they’ve also never before lost six consecutive matches against the Merseysiders in all competitions—a record they would break if they were defeated again on Wednesday.

However, Tottenham can take encouragement from Liverpool’s slight drop in form so far this season.

They’ve already dropped 11 points so far this season—a remarkable drop from having lost 15 throughout the entirely of their title-winning campaign—but Klopp has a strong record against Jose Mourinho when the German has home advantage.

In five attempts, the Portuguese coach has never defeated Klopp away from home, but could that record be broken this week?

Liverpool vs Tottenham: Predictions

If they have every player fit and firing, Liverpool would surely be further ahead at the top of the table and on course to retain their Premier League title…particularly considering their rivals’ failing.

However, the Merseysiders are really battling against a swathe of injury concerns, with Klopp forced to manage his resources—and a squad who appear to be leggy—as the games continue to come thick and fast.

How he organises his defence will surely be key, but without van Dijk and Gomez, can the Reds really expect to keep Harry Kane and Son Heung-min at bay?

They’ll hope to give Spurs problems going forward, although the Londoners—now underpinned by Mourinho’s traditional grit and rigour—will take confidence from taking seven points from recent fixtures against Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal.

Prediction: 1-1

Kaizer Chiefs captain Itumeleng Khune has explained why he has made two identical mistakes in back-to-back Premier Soccer League (PSL) matches.

Six days after giving away possession to Ovidy Karuru, who then scored during a 2-2 draw with Black Leopards, the experienced goalkeeper committed another error against SuperSport United on Tuesday night.

Khune tried to play a pass to Nkosingiphi Ngcobo and the ball was intercepted by the opposition who then scored through Bradley Grobler as Chiefs succumbed a 2-1 defeat by SuperSport.

The 33-year-old said he prefers building from the back rather than kicking the ball forward, but he feels he should now go back to focusing on basics of goalkeeping. 

"I don't know. I think I am trying to do too much. I am trying to be a ballplayer [and] I am trying to be a goalkeeper at the same time," Khune told SuperSport TV. 

"I think that I should just go back to sticking to be a goalkeeper because I want the team to play more. I mean I don't want us to keep playing the ball in the air."

The defeat to SuperSport extended Chiefs' winless run to five matches in the league and Khune promised to improve his form between the sticks.

"I want us to play more out from the back and I want to look for those pockets [of space] unfortunately tonight the guys [the opposition] read the ball that I wanted to play in the pocket to Mshini [Ngcobo]," he continued.

"They converted the chance and it is sad that I just gave away two goals in two weeks. It is very bad and we have to go back and work on it because I have been playing for many seasons and I have never made such mistakes." 

The accomplished shot-stopper has now conceded 10 goals from five matches in the league this season - averaging two goals per game.

It remains to be seen whether Chiefs head coach Gavin Hunt will keep his faith in Khune when they take on Bloemfontein Celtic in a league encounter at the iconic FNB Stadium on Saturday. 

Nigeria international Daniel Akpeyi has been patiently waiting for his chance as Amakhosi's second-choice keeper. 

Pyramids will be without Ramadan Sobhi for just one match after the Egyptian Football Association clamped down on the former Stoke City and Huddersfield Town winger.

The 23-year-old was given his marching orders in his debut game for PFC as they bowed 2-1 to Al Ittihad in Saturday’s Egyptian Premier League opener.

Furious with his team’s home defeat at the 30 June Stadium, Sobhi expressed his frustration to referee Mohammad Sabahi after the final whistle, leading him to getting a second caution for dissent.

His team had appealed the dismissal and were hopeful that Sabahi’s decision be rescinded but in an EFA statement on suspension and fines, the Egypt international has been hit with a match ban.

With this result, he will be unavailable for selection when Rodolfo Arruabarrena’s men take on Zamalek on Thursday evening.

He will return on December 27 for Pyramids’ trip to New Suez Stadium for their clash with newly-promoted Ceramica Cleopatra.

Ceramica made a bright start to life in the Egyptian topflight, securing a 2-0 away triumph at En Entag El Harby thanks to goals from Sherif Dabo and Mahmoud Nabil at the WE Al-Ahly Stadium.

In addition, Al Masry head coach Ali Maher has been suspended for one game and fined 20,000 Egyptian Pounds following his dismissal in the Canal Derby versus Ismaily. Ismaily’s Tarek Abo El-leil has also been handed the same sanction for the same reason.

Thanks to his impressive showing at Al Ahly, he was signed by Premier League side Stoke City on 25 July, 2016 for a fee of £5 million – making his English topflight bow on August 20 against Manchester City.

After two seasons with the Potters, Sobhi joined English Championship side Huddersfield Town on a five-year deal in a deal.

However, his inability to impress former manager David Wagner at the Kirklees Stadium saw him return to Al Ahly on loan in 2018. He extended his loan with the Egyptian giants for the 2019–20 season which was later cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Despite impressing with the Red Devils – where he scored seven goals and provided 14 assists in 36 appearances across all competitions, Sobhi decided to end his loan deal with the team to opt for a move to Pyramids permanently, for an undisclosed amount.

It seems that the misery gone through by Malaysia's footballing fraternity and its fans this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic will at last come to the end.

After a Malaysian Football League (MFL) board meeting that was held in Putrajaya on Wednesday, December 16, chairman Datuk Wira Hamidin Amin made several confident assertions regarding the Malaysian competitions for the coming year.

Hamidin, who is also the Malaysian FA (FAM) president, told the press that he will persuade the government to allow professional competitions to take place. This season, the FA Cup and Malaysia Cup were cancelled, while the Super League and Premier League were held in a truncated, half-season format.

"MFL and I have been working closely with MKN (Malaysian National Security Council) and the sports ministry to ensure that the league can be contested [in 2021]. Things are looking positive and I believe MKN will make an announcement.

"Clubs have been strict with the precautionary SOPs and we will follow any SOPs issued by MKN. I have insisted in meetings with the health ministry that football needs to continue to be played under the new norms.

"It's not just about [financial] losses; you can see that commuters can still take trains and busses... We want to be treated equally. If the government continues prohibiting us from operating, we will be forced to close shop," responded Hamidin to a question by Goal.

Hamidin Amin. Photo by MFL

Even better, the league organiser is also looking to convince the government to allow a small percentage of supporters to attend professional matches.

"Our affiliates have proposed the motion to convince MKN and the health ministry to allow a small number of fans to attend matches in 2021. 10 per cent [of the stadium capacity] is the figure we're looking for.

"The fans need to be there to make the league attractive, as well as to lure sponsorships. We'll start small before gradually increasing the size [of attendance]," he noted.

More assuringly, Hamidin has insisted that non-professional competitions will resume once again; such as the M3 third tier and youth leagues. These were all suspended this season due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

"They will all be held. By the end of this week we'll issue an announcement on the President's Cup (U-21), Youth Cup (U-19) and M3. We need to finalise the SOPs because these matches will be played at open-ground venues.

"The secretary-general will issue a letter on MPFL (professional futsal league), President's Cup, Youth Cup and M3. The formats will be different of course, due to the venues. We may even get the word out as soon as tomorrow," added Hamidin.

More importantly, the FAM president also revealed the national team's coming activity, in that they will return to training next month.

"Tan (Malaysia head coach Tan Cheng Hoe) is currently looking at his options, but God willing, it [centralised training] is going to be from 15 to 26 January in preparation for the next FIFA international calendar.

"We will be playing home and away normally [in the World Cup Asian qualifiers], but with a special dispensation. The team will be flying off on March 23 [for UAE clash] and will fly home on the 27th. Considering that the quarantine period [for travellers from outside of Malaysia] has been shortened to 10 days, we are hoping for a special permit from MKN and the health ministry, and to also allow as many fans into the stadium as possible for our crucial home match against Vietnam [on March 30]," he explained.

Antonio Habas's men started their Indian Super League (ISL) campaign on a high by winning three successive games, including the derby against East Bengal. But there has been a slump recently as they have picked up just one point from their previous two fixtures. 

While defending set-pieces has been a concern (all three goals in the last two games have been conceded from dead ball situations), the team's anaemic midfield should be a cause of bigger worry for the Spanish coach. 

Habas' teams are not known to play possessional football. They are happy to absorb pressure and hit on the counter. Against Kerala Blasters in their opening match, they made only 252 passes, which was a league-low after matchday one in the current edition of the league. 

Bagan continued in an identical style in the next match against East Bengal and at the end of matchday two, they continued to be the team with the least number of successful passes; yet they were on top of the table. But as the season progressed, their frailties in midfield are becoming even more evident. And it must be noted that after five matches, they continue to be the team with the least number of passes (1535). 

The fact that Pritam Kotal has the most number of touches and passes (171) to his name highlights the sorrow state of Bagan's midfield. Even Carl McHugh, who is known to be the metronome in midfield, comes second (168) on the list. Javier Hernandez's injury has further complicated matters for the team. 

The Mariners have mostly played with two banks of four where their creative midfielders are more involved in chasing down the opposition rather than building up their team's play. The opposition is having a free run around the centre circle once they bypass the initial press and are putting pressure on the defence. They are lacking the presence of a defensive midfielder who will break attacks and regain possession. 

Against FC Goa, this could prove costly for the Green and Maroon brigade. With players like Alberto Noguera and Edu Bedia in their ranks, the Gaurs definitely have the firepower to take control of proceedings and push back Bagan into their defensive cocoon. 

It should come as no surprise that FC Goa are the team with the most number of average passes (509) and touches (635) in a match. They knock the ball around at will and test the opposition's defensive resolve with patience and composure. A momentary lapse in concentration and an opportunistic striker like Igor Angulo will be more than happy to put a defender to the sword. 

Playing 90 minutes with such focus is difficult for any defence. ATK Mohun Bagan might have experienced campaigners like Sandesh Jhingan, Tiri and Kotal in the backline, who are yet to concede from open play, their skill set will be tested to the limits on Wednesday evening. 

The problem with ATK Mohun Bagan's midfield is that neither do they recycle possession and quickly pass the ball to the likes of Garcia to create openings nor do they stop the opposition from having a free run at their defence. 

Habas will have to look into this as they can ill afford to drop points if they wish to clinch the top spot on the league table and thereby, earn a spot in the prestigious AFC Champions League.

ATK Mohun Bagan are unbeaten at 'home' in the 2020-21 Indian Super League (ISL) as they take on FC Goa at the Fatorda stadium in Goa, on Wednesday evening.

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 - None
Doubtful - Tiri, Javi Hernandez
Suspended - None  

Key Players - Roy Krishna, Carl McHugh     

FC Goa Possible XI: 

Injured - None
Doubtful - None
Suspended - None  

Key Players -  Igor Angulo, Brandon Fernandes       

NASARAWA AMAZONS VS BAYELSA QUEENS

Nasarawa Amazons will be seeking a return to winning ways when they host Bayelsa Queens at the Lafia City Stadium on Wednesday.

The Solid Miners had a disappointing start to their 2021 Nigerian campaign following a 1-0 defeat at home by FC Robo a week ago.

The defeat saw the Amazons hovering over the relegation zone in the 11th position, with no points from their first game, and are in dire need of the maximum points against the Restoration ladies.

Bayelsa Queens launched their season on a fine note as they put Sunshine Queens to the sword with a 2-1 victory in Yenagoa.

The victory at home took them fourth with three points

Having pipped Nasarawa 1-0 to the Flying Officer's Cup title last month, Bayelsa will aim for back-to-back triumphs over their opponents in Lafia. 

FC ROBO VS OSUN BABES                   

Robo won their first game of the season in Lafia against Nasarawa Amazons last week and will aim to build on their fine start with an important home match against Osun Babes on Wednesday.

The away win took Emmanuel Osahon's side to fifth with three points from their opening game, and they will be hoping to beat the Omoluabi ladies to boost their chances of going top of the table this midweek.

On the other hand, Osun Babes will aim to also continue their fine start to the season following a 1-0 win at Ibom Angels last week.

Besides the quest for back-to-back wins in Lagos, the Osogbo-based outfit will hope to avenge their home loss to Robo last season. Osun are sixth on the log with three points after one game.  

ROYAL QUEENS VS ABIA ANGELS

Royal Queens suffered a losing debut in their maiden Nigerian top flight appearance in Benin against Edo Queens last week, but they do not have much time to brood over that with their first ever home match against Abia Angels slated for Wednesday.

Royal's defeat at Edo left them at the foot of the table with no point from the opening game and they are under pressure to beat the Abia Angels to celebrate their first win of the season this midweek.

Abia Angels, for their part, enjoyed an impressive opening day after they thrashed seven-time champions Pelican Stars 2-0 in Umuahia. They will aim to dash the hopes of the top flight newcomers at Warri Township Stadium in the quest to improve on their third position.

RIVERS ANGELS VS DELTA QUEENS

It will be the battle of two South-South gladiators when Rivers Angels host Delta Queens in a league tie. Delta had outshone their regional rivals, claiming the Super Six title on three occasions at the expense of their Port Harcourt opponents, in 2009, 2011 and 2012.

Defending champions Rivers fought back to hold Confluence Queens in a replay of last season's Super Four final to a 1-1 in Lokoja where they walked away with a point. However, Edwin Okon's ladies have recovered enough and will be hungry for victory against the visitors.

Delta had a contrasting start in the Nigerian league as they thrashed Dream Stars 4-1 at home to open their campaign on a high. To challenge for title success this term, they must surely be aiming for at least a point from the encounter fixed for Sharks Stadium in Port Harcourt.

SUNSHINE QUEENS VS CONFLUENCE QUEENS

Sunshine Queens narrowly lost 2-1 against Bayelsa Queens in Yenagoa but they know that it is only the three points that can placate their fans against the Confluence Queens on Wednesday.

Goals from Joy Jerry and Precious Vincent condemned the Owena Babes to a losing season opener despite Seun Fakunle's effort, as the defeat away from home saw Sunshine sitting in ninth position.

Confluence Queens could not stun champions Rivers Angels at home but will now seek to pull off an upset in Akure after a 1-1 draw against Edwin Okon's side put them in the eighth position.

DREAM STARS VS EDO QUEENS

Anya Ugochi will hope for a winning start to life in her first home match as the head coach of Dream Tornadoes on Wednesday as they welcome Edo Queens at the Agege Stadium in Lagos.

Having watched her side make a false start in Agbor against Delta Queens, the Galacticas will eye a return to winning ways after finding themselves in the relegation zone due to a 4-1 opening loss. 

Edo Queens began the season among the teams to watch out for, and claimed a 4-1 win in the front of their state government officials at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.

They win saw Rolandson Odeh's ladies secure the summit of the table as they push to challenge for their maiden domestic crown. 

Manchester City were held again in the Premier League as West Brom snatched a 1-1 draw thanks to Ruben Dias' own goal.

On the back of a lacklustre Manchester derby, City once again lacked the cutting edge they have so often shown under Pep Guardiola's tutelage. 

Ilkay Gundogan's 30th-minute strike – his first in the Premier League in almost a year – nosed City ahead on Tuesday, but they were pegged back when Dias turned in Semi Ajayi's wayward effort.

Though Sergio Aguero made his return late on, City failed to pick the lock, Sam Johnstone making two wonderful stoppage-time saves either side of Gundogan curling a free-kick inches wide as the Baggies held on for a hard-earned point.

Despite enjoying 63.2 per cent possession in the opening five minutes, City should have been behind when Grant found space in their area, only to curl a tame effort straight at Ederson.

Rodri sent a header over from Kevin De Bruyne's excellent corner in the 25th minute, yet City soon had the lead their dominance warranted.

Joao Cancelo fed Raheem Sterling, who rolled it back for Gundogan to sweep home his first Premier League goal in 359 days.

De Bruyne's set-piece skill opened up West Brom again in the 38th minute, with Cancelo volleying wide from a deep corner.

For all City's dominance, it was West Brom who struck next – Ajayi managing to get away a shot that diverted in off Dias to level the scores at half-time.

De Bruyne prodded wide from 18 yards shortly after the restart, before again turning provider with a corner, from which Gabriel Jesus headed over. 

Johnstone thwarted Jesus and De Bruyne as City kept up the pressure, with Guardiola turning to Aguero with 15 minutes remaining, but West Brom's goalkeeper again came up with the goods in injury time.

Having kept out a close-range header from Gundogan – who subsequently sent a free-kick into the side netting – Johnstone spread himself to deny Sterling a last-gasp winner and seal a deserved draw.

What does it mean? Little pre-festive cheer for City

While the draw takes West Brom six points clear of Sheffield United at the bottom, City, who are three points outside the top four, have risked losing further ground on the teams around and above them heading into a hectic Christmas period.

Guardiola's team had 76.9 per cent of the ball yet failed to take the chances that fell their way late on. Indeed, their tally of 18 goals after 12 league games is 17 less than they had managed at the same stage last season.

Johnstone stands tall to give Baggies a bounce

A former Manchester United goalkeeper, Johnstone did himself proud between the sticks as he pulled off a string of vital late saves.

He made six stops in total but saved the best for last. While both Gundogan and Sterling really should have directed their headers either side of West Brom's goalkeeper, Johnstone reacted with great speed and agility to claim a share of the spoils.

City's resurgent defence finally breached

Dias' own goal ended a run of 608 minutes without conceding for City, since Giovani Lo Celso put Tottenham 2-0 ahead on November 21.

Three different Portuguese players have now scored a Premier League own goal this season, matching the amount of players from Portugal who had put through their own net in the competition between 1992-93 and 2019-20.

Key Opta Facts

- This result ended a run of eight straight Premier League home wins against promoted sides for Manchester City, since a goalless draw against Huddersfield Town in May 2018.
- West Brom ended a 13-game losing streak against City in the Premier League, picking up their first point against them since a 0-0 draw in December 2011.
- City's haul of 26 shots was the most they have had in a Premier League home game without winning since August 2019 against Tottenham (30).
- Raheem Sterling has been involved in 148 goals in all competitions for City under manager Pep Guardiola (95 goals, 53 assists), more than any other player at the club since the Spaniard joined in 2016.
- Ilkay Gundogan's opener for City was his first Premier League goal in 22 games, since netting against Leicester City last December.

What's next?

A trip to high-flying Southampton follows for City on Saturday, while West Brom host Aston Villa in a west midlands derby.

Joe Cole has said Chelsea appeared to be hindered by fatigue in Tuesday's 2-1 defeat at Wolves.

The Blues went ahead early in the second half through a goal from Olivier Giroud but squandered their lead in the last 20 minutes of the match, as Daniel Podence's effort took a deflection before evading Edouard Mendy for the equaliser.

Pedro Neto then sealed the three points for the hosts when he latched onto a pass from substitute Vitinha before smashing into the bottom corner deep into stoppage time.

The defeat was the London side's second in a row in the league, having gone down 1-0 at Everton on Saturday.

Chelsea boss Frank Lampard admitted that his side were showing signs of fatigue during Tuesday's game, but insisted that is no excuse for the result.

His former team-mate Cole also sensed a lack of energy towards the end of the game and believes they may need to make some changes ahead of their home match against West Ham next Monday. 

"I think Chelsea, when they analyse that second half, will kick themselves," the former Chelsea and England player said on BT Sport.

"Particularly Neto's goal because they've lost their shape in attack. The game was getting end to end and Wolves looked like they had the fitter, stronger, athletic team.

"You have to take into consideration [Chelsea] have had a fantastic Champions League campaign.

"I think Frank might have to look at this and take a view of some players who looked a bit leggy. 

"Everton was a bump in the road, I think this is a bigger bump in the road. I don't think it's one of those you worry too much, but maybe tweak a few players here and there. In this game they looked a bit jaded."

The Stamford Bridge side are fifth in the Premier League after 13 matches and trail leaders Tottenham and Liverpool by three points before those two sides face each other at Anfield on Wednesday evening.

After next week's clash against West Ham, Chelsea will visit London rivals Arsenal before hosting Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge in their final game of 2020. 

Arsenal 0-1 Burnley. Just when you thought it couldn’t get worse for Mikel Arteta’s men, they lose yet another game at the Emirates Stadium, their fourth on the trot in North London.

Losing to Leicester City, Aston Villa or Wolverhampton Wanderers — teams in the top half of the Premier League at the time — is one thing, falling to defeat by the Clarets — a side in the bottom three before kick-off and with a sole win before Sunday — was beyond depressing.

Speaking of disheartening; Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang fired blanks, again. For anyone counting, it’s now 11 games on the spin since the Gunners captain netted from open play. His last goal of any kind was a penalty vs Manchester United in gameweek seven.

He appears low on confidence — which is telling for someone as assured and flamboyant as the Gabon star — amid the lack of goals and a general malaise of the team. Indeed, this has been obvious in the lack of conviction in front of goal.

This was somewhat evident by the Arsenal captain’s four shots against Burnley, which barely looked like scoring, as well as the blocked shot in the previous gameweek against Tottenham Hotspur. One late effort vs Spurs was blocked, and the former from Kieran Tierney’s pin-point cross could have been converted.

There’s an argument to be made that Auba’s headed effort would have been put away by a forward in form, but the breakdown of the forward’s Premier League strikes, by and large, suggests otherwise.

None of his goals in the second half of 2017/18 were headers; likewise, the following year, in which he won the Golden Boot, along with Liverpool’s Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah. Last season, however, saw a shift from the norm as the former Borussia Dortmund attacker scored three headed goals — against Chelsea, Newcastle United and Everton.

It’s not his forte, however, and, surprisingly, the Gunners have looked to cross constantly in the last few games and, indeed, this season.

“I think it’s the first time in the Premier League that we put in 33 crosses,” Mikel Arteta noted after the North London Derby defeat by Spurs. “I tell you if we do that more consistently, we are going to score more goals. It’s maths, pure maths and it will happen.”

The three-time PL champions put in 23 more against Burnley per Fbref, taking their total for the season so far to 187, the highest in the top flight. They are on pace to accumulate around 592, which will be significantly higher than their total last term (478) and 18/19 (466). In Arsene Wenger’s final season, the English giants put in 455 crosses

Strangely, if Arteta’s team continue to deliver balls into the box as frequently, their eventual tally will be lower in volume to Manchester City’s 605 in 18/19 and 617 last term. The Gunners are currently playing 15.6 crosses per game, which is lower than City’s average in the last two seasons respectively — 16.2 and 15.9.

Be that as it may, the issue with Arsenal’s recent penchant for sending balls into the mixer isn’t that act itself but the fact it appears to be Plan A, rather than the fall-back approach to events on the pitch. There’s also been a wider challenge with the timing of the crosses, quality of the deliveries and movement, or lack thereof, of the team’s forwards.

Liverpool, for instance, are a side whose full-backs, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson, tend to deliver balls into the box with regularity, as do Man City with Kevin De Bruyne — majorly from his favoured inside-right channel — or Benjamin Mendy when he features at left-back.

Jurgen Klopp and Guardiola’s teams send a plethora of deliveries into the box, in fairness, but they form part of a well-rounded, varied approach, regardless. Right now, Arsenal’s style seems singularly reliant on them without the proper timing, excellence or appropriate runs from players in the box.

Their lack of height, however, can’t be an undisputed explanation for the paucity of goals from crossing due to how neither the defending league champions nor the Cityzens have towering frontmen in attack.

Aubameyang, for his part, scored a few goals from balls sent into the box at times last season, notably against Spurs at the Emirates and at West Ham United, where his off-the-ball run and standard of delivery made it easier to finish.

Arteta’s team notably sent in only 23 crosses against the Clarets on Sunday but whether this will be attributed to an alteration in approach remains to be seen.

A positive for Arsenal, though, was their encouraging display especially after half time before Granit Xhaka’s mindless sending off in the 56th minute.

The Gunners seemed to show life and intensity against Sean Dyche’s side and it told in their Expected Goals of 1.85 per Understat, their highest xG since...that opening day win at Fulham.

Maybe there’s light at the end of the tunnel for the side on a run of six defeats in their last eight league games, maybe there isn’t; however, the next few weeks will be revealing for Aubameyang and the North London side’s general approach as they look to arrest a worrying slump that's placed them closer to the relegation zone than Champions League contention.

Jurgen Klopp admits Liverpool will face one of the world’s best counter-attacking teams when they take on Tottenham in their top-of-the-table clash.

The Reds head into Wednesday’s meeting knowing victory would take them to the top of the Premier League. 

But they will face a stern test against Jose Mourinho’s side, who are unbeaten in 11 league games and started this week at the summit of the table.

Klopp’s respect for Spurs was clear in his pre-match press conference. He described the north Londoners as “a complete package”, and warned his team they will need to be ready for one of the toughest games of the season.

“I don’t struggle with confidence before games,” Klopp told reporters. “I’m really positive about my boys. I don’t overestimate the last game or anything else, I know there is always a proper chance to win the next one.

“Tottenham has the quality of the top teams, and when they have the ball they show that. But on top of that they defend like a top team, and at the moment have probably the best counter-attacking movements out there. They have a lot of situations where they needed only three passes to be one-on-one with the goalie. 

“They are a proper package in the moment, and that’s what we know. But that doesn’t cost me confidence when I think about my team.”

Wednesday will mark exactly two years since Mourinho’s last visit to Anfield as a manager – a 3-1 defeat with Manchester United which saw him sacked two days later. 

It had been suggested at the time that the Portuguese’s time as an elite manager might have been over, but Spurs’ form this season suggests otherwise.

“I don’t think you can compare the last game of Man United with how his team plays now,” Klopp said. “From a confidence level, that’s completely different. 

“With the very long time Jose Mourinho has been successful in the football business, he played pretty much all different systems, and a lot of different styles. As a coach, you always have to adapt to the quality you have, and mix it up with the idea you have. That’s one of the best skills of Jose.

“In the end, it’s all about getting results – and maybe that’s the best skill of Jose! In the decisive moments, he’s not bothered about style, only about results, and that makes him one of the most successful, if not the most successful, managers around. 

“I respect that a lot. But did he reinvent himself? I don’t know. It looks a little bit like it when you see him on Instagram! But apart from that, he’s just so experienced and smart that he knows what he has to do.

“In the beginning he asked for time, and obviously it paid off.”

Klopp added: “We don’t play each other. It’s not one-on-one, Jose against Jurgen. All teams get our respect.

“It’s nothing to do with his legacy or the few things I won in my life. It’s two good teams, playing against each other. That’s my main focus. 

“I never saw Jose for a while, except on social media, so I am looking forward to that. Apart from that it’s business as usual.”

Pep Guardiola was left lamenting Manchester City's wasted opportunities after they drew 1-1 with West Brom on Tuesday.

The home side took the lead 30 minutes into the Premier League encounter through Ilkay Gundogan, with the German midfielder sweeping home after a pass from Raheem Sterling.

Shortly before half time, the visitors pulled level when Semi Ajayi's shot bounced in off of Ruben Dias.

City were dominant in the second period and made 26 attempts on goal over the course of the game, although only seven were on target whereas West Brom registered five shots and got just one on target.

Guardiola was disappointed in his side's failure to see out the victory and says they cannot afford to drop points at home to teams like Slaven Bilic's if they are to compete for the Premier League title this season.

"We didn't create much in the first half, they had a lot of people back, we struggled to win the second balls," he told Amazon. "In the second half we did everything we just couldn't score.

"We created enough to win the game, 26 shots I think, you just have to put the ball in. We are struggling with that. We have to be optimistic.

"You don't have to be so clever to see the gap between this year and previous years [in our results].

"It's not confidence, Sergio Aguero was injured for four months, but we create chances, we are there we just can't score.

"It is not about the points [to the top of the league], you have to win games like this. We know it, we drop points. These are the ones you have to win.

"It's not far away to the top of the league but you have to beat West Brom at home. There are a lot of games left. This situation is weird for everyone. We deserved to win the game but we didn't win it."

City have won just two of their last five matches in the Premier League and Tuesday's result leaves them five points behind Tottenham and Liverpool, who face each other at Anfield on Wednesday.

Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has said fixture congestion is partly to blame after his side were unable to defeat relegation-threatened West Brom at home on Tuesday. 

Gundogan gave his side the lead with a 30th-minute strike, but the Baggies drew level before half-time through an own goal from Ruben Dias. 

Though City dominated for long stretches, they were unable to breach West Brom's defence again and had to settle for a 1-1 draw.

It was a second straight league draw for City, who also tied local rivals Manchester United 0-0 on Saturday. With another game coming up at the weekend, Gundogan said the congested 2020-21 season is making it difficult for any European sides to put together a sustained run of form. 

"It's nearly impossible to have just one team that's on top and dominating anything, especially with the schedule coming up," Gundogan told BBC Sport.

"All teams in Europe are struggling to win games in a row. But we have responsibilities and we should win these kind of games, especially at home."

Man City had 76.9 per cent of possession and could have won late if not for two massive injury-time saves from Baggies goalkeeper Sam Johnstone. 

Gundogan felt that his side didn't put in their best performance, but still could have come up with three points on a different day.

"We are human beings, not machines, we struggle as well. We know we could have played better but it feels like it was in the details today," the Germany international added.

"We deserved better, we had the chances. I don't know what to say, it's disappointing to get one point, we must win these kind of games.

"It's not always easy in this period of the year, so many games, they defend so deep. They do it well, they play with all they have, they fight for every ball. It's not easy to create chances but we did - we just couldn't score more than one goal.

"We have played great football in the past, we set the level high. The expectation is not going down just up. When you win you need to prove yourselves again. You can see all over Europe the big teams are struggling. It is not going to get easier in the next few weeks."

Real Madrid continued their resurgent form with a 3-1 win over 10-man Athletic Bilbao in LaLiga on Tuesday.

Karim Benzema scored twice in the second half at Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano, lifting Madrid to a fourth straight victory in all competitions.

Zinedine Zidane's men joined Real Sociedad and Atletico Madrid on 26 points atop the table, but they struggled for large parts at home to Athletic.

Madrid played more than 75 minutes against 10 men following Raul Garcia's red card, but Toni Kroos' fine opener was cancelled out by Ander Capa.

But Benzema haunted Athletic once more to continue Madrid's winning run.

Athletic had made a decent start before Garcia's aggression proved costly, the midfielder's third foul inside 13 minutes – this one on Kroos – leading to his second yellow card.

Madrid struggled to create much of note despite their numerical advantage, although they improved late in the half as Vinicius Junior drew a good save from Unai Simon from close range and Federico Valverde poked wide.

The opener arrived on the stroke of half-time through Kroos, who produced a superb first-time finish from 20 yards after a Vinicius pass.

Athletic responded and made the dream start to the second half thanks to Capa.

Starting a run in his own half, Capa exchanged passes with Oscar de Marcos before keeping his composure to tuck away an equaliser after his initial effort was parried by Thibaut Courtois.

Athletic had done superbly to keep a lacklustre Madrid, who lacked ideas, at bay until Benzema struck in the 74th minute.

Dani Carvajal delivered a wonderful cross, Benzema getting on the end of it to head in his fifth LaLiga goal of the season.

Athletic went close to a stunning late equaliser, but Courtois stepped up with a huge stop to deny Mikel Vesga, with Madrid going down the other end and Benzema sealing the points after a pass from Luka Modric.

What does it mean? Madrid momentum keeps building

Madrid were under huge pressure to begin the month, facing Champions League elimination and struggling in LaLiga. Now, they have moved level on points with the leaders in the league, having already reached the last 16 in Europe's top club competition. With momentum building after a fourth straight win, silverware again looks in reach for Zidane and his men.

Benzema steps up again against Athletic

Kroos had dominated the encounter with Madrid playing against 10 men, but they still needed Benzema to step up late. The striker's header means he has been involved in 18 goals (13 goals and five assists) in 22 league games against Athletic, his joint-most against any opponent in LaLiga.

Garcia's moment of madness hurts Athletic

The midfielder had committed the game's only two fouls before adding a third and getting sent off. His red card was the fastest suffered by a Madrid opponent in LaLiga since March 2007, when Cesar Navas saw red for Gimnastic de Tarragona in the sixth minute. Already on a yellow, Garcia's challenge on Kroos, who was on the edge of his own area, was unnecessary and costly.

Key Opta Facts

- Real Madrid's Zinedine Zidane has managed nine LaLiga games against Athletic Bilbao without a defeat (W6 D3), his joint-best total versus an opponent.
- Karim Benzema has scored 10 goals this season in all competitions, more than any other LaLiga player. 
- Toni Kroos has scored his seventh goal from outside the box for Real Madrid in LaLiga. Since joining Real Madrid for the 2014-15 season, only Cristiano Ronaldo (13) and James Rodriguez (11) have scored more from outside the box than Kroos for the club in this competition.
- Dani Carvajal has been involved in 50 goals for Real Madrid in all competitions (six goals, 44 assists).
- Raphael Varane has made his 200th appearance as a starter in LaLiga. Only Karim Benzema (118) has made more starts for Madrid in this competition than him under Zidane (116, level with Toni Kroos).

What's next?

Madrid will look to continue their run away to Eibar on Sunday, while Athletic – who are winless in four games – have a shorter turnaround, hosting Huesca on Friday

Ex-Manchester United goalkeeper Sam Johnstone said he and his team-mates "love" manager Slaven Bilic after his heroics earned West Brom their first point against Manchester City since 2011.

The 27-year-old put in a man-of-the-match performance in the 1-1 draw at Etihad Stadium on Tuesday, including two superb stops with his foot to deny headers from Ilkay Gundogan and Raheem Sterling.

Johnstone spoke about the two saves that effectively secured a crucial point for the Baggies and praised his team-mates for their work-rate in achieving the result.

"The boys dug in, we fought for 95 minutes. They had a lot of the ball but we knew that," Johnstone told Amazon.

"The lads ran their socks off but I was there to make a few saves when needed. The two headers were close and I just got a leg to them and kept them out. The quality of the balls they put in is unbelievable. The lads are buzzing with that result. It's a massive game coming here.

"We love the manager. We knew getting promoted it would be difficult, we're not hiding away from that."

Gundogan put Manchester City ahead on 30 minutes with his first goal in almost a year, but West Brom drew level just before half-time when Ruben Dias diverted Semi Ajayi's wayward strike into the net.

Despite being under heavy pressure to City for most of the second half, the Baggies held on, with Johnstone insisting the point they earned was deserved because of their endeavour.

"We're buzzing with that. We knew it would be tough. We rode our luck at times but we deserved that result," he told BBC Sport. "We've played well in a few games and not got the result. Today we kept digging in and when that whistle goes the lads are buzzing.

"We knew the quality they have and it wasn't going to be easy. We knew they would have a lot of the ball. We thought for the club, for the manager and for ourselves."

Despite securing an excellent result on the road, West Brom remain in the relegation with only one win and seven points from their first 12 matches. They are two points adrift from safety with Burnley currently sitting in 17th on nine points.

Taiwo Awoniyi found the net as Union Berlin played out a 2-2 draw with VfB Stuttgart in Tuesday’s Bundesliga outing.

The Iron Ones seem to be heading for a famous away win at the Mercedes-Benz Arena, but the hosts clawed back in the closing stages of the game to ensure the points were shared.

Still fresh from Saturday’s 1-1 draw versus reigning European champions Bayern Munich, Urs Fischer’s side got off to a flying start against red-hot Stuttgart by taking a fourth-minute lead.

Following a harsh tackle from Konstantinos Mavropanos on a Union Berlin player that attracted a caution from referee Sascha Stegemann, the visitors were awarded a free-kick which was taken by Christopher Trimmel and headed home by Marvin Friedrich.

Stuttgart came out stronger after the deficit, however, their major undoing was their failure to convert the goalscoring opportunities that they created.

However, their chances of picking all maximum points suffered a massive setback as Awoniyi put the visitors two goals ahead.

Left unmarked in the hosts’ goal area, the on-loan Liverpool forward scored from a difficult position as he leaped high to connect with a cross from Christopher Lenz to send the ball sailing inside the right of Gregor Kobel’s post.

With Pellegrino Matarazzo’s team looking dead and buried, they produced an unanticipated comeback.

Sasa Kalajdzic reduced the deficit for the hosts in the 85th minute – five minutes after replacing Marc-Oliver Kempf. The Austrian striker headed Philipp Klement’s corner-kick past goalkeeper Andreas Luthe.

The comeback was complete in the closing stages with Kalajdzic completing his double with a cool finish as Union Berlin's defenders fumbled Daniel Didavi’s cross.

Awoniyi was in action from start to finish for his side whereas his compatriot Anthony Ujah was not selected for the encounter.

For the hosts, DR Congo forward Silas Wamangituka saw every minute of action while Guinea striker Momo Cisse did not make manager Matarazzo’s cut for the tie.

The outcome of this game means that Stuttgart occupy the seventh spot in the Bundesliga after garnering 18 points from 12 outing in the 2020-21 campaign, while Union Berlin are sixth with the same number of points although with a superior goal difference.