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Sources: Man United see third Mount bid rejected

Mohamed Salah's late penalty saved his side from defeat, but the Reds midfielder was not happy with how they started the game
Original author: Goal
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LIVE: AC Milan vs Parma

Milan were on the brink of a first Serie A defeat in 23 outings before Theo Hernandez struck twice to earn a 2-2 draw with Parma on Sunday.

Theo Hernandez struck twice as Milan recovered from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Parma and keep their unbeaten start to the Serie A season intact.

The hosts looked to be heading for a first defeat in 23 league outings - and a first in 11 games this term - after Hernani and Jasmin Kurtic had put Parma in control.

But Milan showed exactly why they are top thanks to a couple of goals from Hernandez - the equaliser in the 91st minute - as they dug deep in Sunday's clash at San Siro.

The point was the least Stefano Pioli's men deserved, having hit the frame of the goal four times - Hakan Calhanoglu responsible for three of those - and had a strike disallowed between the visitors' two goals.

Hernani side-footed away from Gianluigi Donnarumma for the opener following some good wide play from Gervinho, who got at league debutant Pierre Kalulu - an early sub for the injured Matteo Gabbia - and pulled the ball back towards the penalty spot.

Milan thought they were back on level terms 10 minutes later through Samu Castillejo's tap-in after Brahim Diaz flicked Hernandez's cross into the attacking midfielder's path, only for VAR to chalk it off for a slender offside.

Diaz then hit the crossbar, five seconds before Calhanoglu did likewise with a volley that bounced off the surface as Milan pushed hard for an equaliser before half-time.

And the home side were further frustrated when Calhanoglu clipped the outside of the post from a free-kick and then thumped a shot against the crossbar either side of the interval.

With Pioli's charges committing bodies forward, Hernani sent in a cross from the right that evaded Andreas Cornelius but was powered home by the head of an unmarked Kurtic in the centre.

Milan's response was instant, Hernandez sneaking in to meet Calhanoglu's corner as the hosts scored for a 31st league match running.

After probing away for the next half an hour, Hernandez found a way through for a second time as he reacted quickest to fire a loose ball into the bottom corner and salvage a late point.

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Madisha could have been Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns captain – Shakes Mashaba

The 70-year-old veteran coach believes that there is nothing much that PSL clubs can do to prevent fatal car accidents

Former South Africa head coach Shakes Mashaba says Motjeka Madisha was destined to captain Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns in the future. 

The South African football fraternity is mourning the untimely passing of Madisha, who died in a car crash in Kempton Park, Johannesburg on Sunday morning.

Mashaba worked with Madisha during his time as South Africa under-20 coach and the team qualified for the 2015 Caf Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations finals. 

“He was a quiet youngster and he had the potential to become the captain of both Bafana Bafana and Sundowns. When water is spilt you cannot put it back into the cup, what else can we say… we are shattered,” Mashaba told The Citizen

Madisha also captained the South Africa under-20 side which won the 2015 Commonwealth Cup which took place in the Russian city of St Petersburg.

The no-nonsense defender was then promoted to the Sundowns first team from the club's academy and he went on to become one of the top centre backs in the PSL

His death comes barely a week since the burial of Sundowns right-back Anele Ngcongca, who also passed away in a car accident, and Mashaba feels that there is nothing much that PSL clubs can do to prevent such incidents from happening.

“It is becoming a problem because we always cry about these players; Richard Henyekane, Lesley Manyathela, Gift Leremi and others. Last month it was Anele who died in a car crash," he said. 

"I know when things are like this people will say players must be taught, but there is no way players will be taught things like these. They are not staying at clubhouses like a boarding school.

“It is really sad because they have not finished wiping tears because they just buried Anele, but we are saying Sundowns must be comforted at this point in time, they can’t be sitting and hanging themselves and say if Madisha was here and so forth."

Madisha, 25, had a successful 2019/20 season in which the Bafana international was a key defender for Sundowns as they clinched a domestic treble and he was nominated for the PSL Defender of the Season award

"He is not here anymore, sad and tragic as it is, it is reality. We have got to work hard to accept that he is no more and there is nothing that can happen now," Mashaba continued.

“Sundowns are really going to miss him at the back because of the responsibility that they gave him. He was playing more like a sweeper which is a very demanding position and he has been doing that very well and there was no one who doubted his abilities.”

Original author: Austin Ditlhobolo
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Title race is on! Manchester City are back on top as Arsenal stay in slump

The Reds fell behind to a goal from Bobby Decordova-Reid but grabbed a point thanks to a penalty from Mo Salah

Jurgen Klopp pointed the finger at his side’s slow start for their failure to beat Fulham at Craven Cottage, and suggested the packed schedule was to blame.

Liverpool fought back from a goal down to earn a 1-1 draw, with Mo Salah's late penalty canceling out Bobby Decordova-Reid's excellent opener for the Cottagers.

Klopp’s side finished the Premier League clash on Sunday the stronger of the two teams, but they were fortunate to still be in the game after a poor opening 30 minutes.

The German manager was seen berating his side from the touchline early in the game, and it was in a bid to shake them into life.

“We didn’t play well [at the start],” Klopp told Sky Sports. “If they had to wake up I don’t know, but I cannot write a book and throw it on the pitch and tell them to read it. 

“What I wanted was to shake ourselves and start again. 

“A good start is nice, but if you don’t have a good start then you can start again, start again, start again. We needed half an hour pretty much to get our feet in the game.

“So that is why I shouted a bit at them.”

Decordova-Reid's powerful drive from the edge of the box was the least Fulham deserved from the opening half an hour, while the Reds were indebted to the returning Alisson Becker for making a string of saves to keep them in the game.

In the second half Liverpool came on strong and had opportunities to assert themselves, but Jordan Henderson failed to convert a chance and Curtis Jones was denied by Alphonse Areola.

“After half an hour it was better, not good but better, second half it was good,” Klopp said. “So with the momentum on Fulham’s side, the crowd here fighting for a result, lucky in one or two situations - Hendo’s chance was a big one, Curtis, a sensational run, really good finish ancd a good save. 

"We could have got more. But the first 30 minutes it was not good. We could have lost the game in that 30-minute period. We didn't and the next 60 was good.”

Klopp suggested fatigue could have played a part following their Champions League exertions away at Midtjylland on Wednesday.

“We are dealing with human beings and these things can happen,” Klopp said of the slow start. "When you look at the results, all the teams who played in the Champions League or Europa League had a tough one. It is crazy.

"After all the games it is hard. You have to fight against it (fatigue) and that is what the boys did. 

“First half an hour we could have lost it, in the next 60 we could have won it. Got a point.”

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Video: Mourinho out - The stats behind the sacking

That's all for today. Thank you for following our coverage. Until next time, goodbye!

Real Sociedad provide the opposition for Barca at the Camp Nou when they return to action on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Levante are away at Racing Murcia in the Copa del Ray.

Lionel Messi scored the only goal of the game as a below-par Barcelona overcame a resilient Levante 1-0 in LaLiga. Ronald Koeman's side avoid recording a third consecutive game without victory and cut the gap on leaders Real Sociedad to nine points.

90' + 6' FULL-TIME: BARCELONA 1-0 LEVANTE

90' + 3' One last chance for Levante as Umtiti deflects a shot behind for a corner.

90' + 1' We are into the first of three additional minutes at the end of this game.

86' As for Barca, this would be their 15th consecutive victory in this LaLiga fixture at the Camp Nou. While the nature of the win may be far from convincing, they will take it.

84' Despite a courageous effort, Levante would remain inside the relegation zone and two points adrift of safety as things stand. That is unless they could launch a dramatic turnaround inside the last six minutes.

80' We are into the final 10 minutes at the Camp Nou. Now that Levante's reserve has been broken, will Barca press home their advantage or can the visitors respond?

78' That was Messi's 13th goal in his last 10 appearances against Levante in LaLiga and it could prove to be the winner today.

74' It has been nearly seven years since Levante went seven games unbeaten in LaLiga. They are just 16 minutes away from matching that run here.

72' FREE HEADER! Braithwaite is unmarked in the box as he meets an inviting corner. However, he heads wide with the entire goal to aim at.

67' Messi stands over a free-kick again. This time, he clips it into the box, where Lenglet heads over. Had the Frenchman scored, it wouldn't have counted as the offside flag had been raised.

65' Messi goes for goal with a free-kick, but it is quite a tame delivery and the goalkeeper gathers quite comfortably.

64' The French international has been involved in four goals in his last two LaLiga appearances at the Camp Nou - as many as in his previous 17 here in the competition. He will be hoping to make a telling impact today.

62' Space opens for Griezmann to try his luck from distance. But his effort is always rising.

60' Still goalless after an hour of play at the Camp Nou. Levante continue to be resolute, but must maintain their concentration and performance levels.

55' Barca are unbeaten in their last 12 meetings with Valencian sides - winning 11 and drawing one. Although, they will hope the 13th will not be unlucky for them today.

53' Messi finds himself in the box once more. But again, he is not allowed a clear sight on goal as Levante quickly regroup in numbers to snuff out his threat.

51' Good block! After beating the offside trap, Alba slips the ball through for Messi to run onto. However, Malsa tracks his run all the way and makes an important sliding intervention to deny him.

47' Barca look to get on the front foot early in the second half. Dest delivers a low cross into the box, but Fernandez collects.

46' The referee blows his whistle and Barcelona get the ball rolling once more.

Levante will be pleased with their display so far. The only negative has been their inability to turn chances into the opening goal of the contest. They will not want to rue those missed opportunities.

The deadlock still to be broken at the Camp Nou, where Levante are holding Barcelona at 0-0. Aitor Fernandez has made a couple of good saves, but Barca are still yet to really click into gear.

45' + 1' HALF-TIME: BARCELONA 0-0 LEVANTE

44' A brief concern for Levante as Malsa goes down following a challenge with Braithwaite. But the midfielder is soon back on his feet.

40' Messi unhappy as his appeals for a free-kick on the edge of the area are waved away by the referee. Replays show it would have been soft in all fairness.

39' Good save! The hosts continue to threaten and following a patient build-up, Messi pulls a cross back for the onrushing Griezmann to strike. But the goalkeeper gets down well to push it away.

38' A good spell of pressure from Barca sees them force a series of corners, but Levante stand firm and eventually clear the danger.

36' The hosts have an appeal for a penalty as Messi goes down under the challenge of Postigo. But the referee is not interested on this occasion.

34' Having suffered four defeats in their opening 10 games, Barca are enduring their worst start to a LaLiga season in 20 years. They ended up finishing fourth following an identical start to the 2000-01 campaign, but will be aiming much higher than that this time around.

31' Very unlike Messi! He has another chance following a strong and powerful run by De Jong. The Dutchman cuts it back for his team-mate, who ends up slicing his attempted shot out for a throw-in.

29' Messi is looking to maintain his impressive record against Levante. Barca's number 10 has scored 12 goals and provided 10 assists in his last nine LaLiga appearances against Las Granotas.

27' Free header! At the other end, Messi is unmarked as he connects with Alba's cross. However, he can only head wide of the target.

25' Levante continuing to hold their own against Barca. They get another shot away from the edge of the box, but this one is not troubling Ter Stegen.

23' Still goalless as we pass the midway point in the first half. Both sides have had their chances to break the deadlock, but to no avail as of yet.

21' GREAT SAVE! Griezmann is unmarked as he meets Messi's free-kick, but Fernandez produces terrific reflexes to keep out his header. The ball goes straight to Lenglet, who cannot react quickly enough and fires over.

19' Chance! Good link-up play between the Levante front two as Marti cleverly clips the ball into the path of Gomez. Under pressure from a defender, he blazes over from a tight angle, but that was another good opportunity for the visitors.

16' Good save! Good reflexes from Fernandez, who springs to his left to palm away Braithwaite's bending effort that was heading for the far corner.

14' The visitors will be hoping they are not made to rue that missed opportunity. Against Barca, you must take your chances and they should be in front here.

12' WHAT A CHANCE! Levante should be in front! De Frutos just about manages to stay onside as the ball breaks kindly for him. However, he shoots straight at Ter Stegen from point-blank range.

11' Good link-up play between Coutinho and Braithwaite down the left flank. The latter gets to the byline and crosses, but the goalkeeper easily gathers.

9' Griezmann with a chance to get in behind the defence as he chases a through ball, but Postigo sweeps up well to clear the danger.

7' Barca look to respond and settle into their natural flow. But with 11 men behind the ball, they are unable to find a way through Levante as of yet.

5' They may have struggled at the Camp Nou, but Levante do come into this showdown with two wins from their last five against Barca.

3' A promising start from Levante sees them force a corner in the early stages. They put a couple of dangerous balls into the box, but Ter Stegen gathers.

1' The referee blows his whistle and Levante get us underway.

The players are making their way out onto the pitch and kick-off is imminent.

Barcelona aiming to maintain their 100 per cent home record against Levante in LaLiga, having won all 14 previous encounters at the Camp Nou.

As for Levante, Paco Lopez makes just a single alteration to the side that started the 3-0 win over Getafe last time out. That sole change comes in the heart of midfield, where Mickael Malsa replaces Ruben Rochina.

Ronald Koeman makes three changes to the Barca side that began their Champions League defeat by Juventus. Martin Braithwaite leads the line as Philippe Coutinho is also recalled. Meanwhile, Sergio Busquets returns for his 593rd club appearance; moving him level with Carlos Puyol on the all-time list.

SUBS: Koke Vegas, Ruben Rochina, Nemanja Radoja, Son, Sergio Leon, Jose Luis Morales, Jorge Miramon, Oscar Duarte, Tono, Rober Pier, Dani Cardenas.

LEVANTE (4-4-2): Aitor Fernandez; Coke, Sergio Postigo, Ruben Vezo, Carlos Clerc; Jorge de Frutos, Nikola Vukcevic, Mickael Malsa, Gonzalo Melero; Dani Gomez, Roger Marti.

SUBS: Neto, Miralem Pjanic, Carles Alena, Matheus Fernandes, Oscar Mingueza, Riqui Puig, Samuel Umtiti, Junior Firpo, Trincao, Pedri, Konrad De la Fuente, Inaki Pena.

BARCELONA (4-2-3-1): Marc-Andre ter Stegen; Sergino Dest, Ronald Araujo, Clement Lenglet, Jordi Alba; Sergio Busquets, Frenkie de Jong; Lionel Messi, Antoine Griezmann, Philippe Coutinho; Martin Braithwaite.

Barca are aiming to recover from back-to-back defeats suffered against Cadiz and Juventus. They do so against a Levante side protecting a six-match unbeaten run.

Hello everyone and welcome to live text coverage of the LaLiga clash between Barcelona and Levante from the Camp Nou.

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Premier League fixtures this weekend as Arsenal face Aston Villa & Unai Emery

90' + 10' FULL-TIME: PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN 0-1 LYON

90' + 8' The stretcher is on for Neymar, almost immediately. Players have signaled straight to the bench. The striker is not getting back up under his own steam. The referee, who had handed a booking out, has gone to VAR for a look.

90' + 6' Free-kick to PSG now - and some serious trouble. Mendes drags his feet across Neymar with a slide tackle and catches the Brazilian straight in the ankle. He crumples and bursts into tears. That looked nasty.

90' + 4' So many blue shirts are flooding Lyon's final third right now. Still, the equaliser eludes them. Lyon are clinging on stubbornly.

90' + 2' Mbappe! We've seen the striker bury chances like this so often, from the lip of the box, and this time he just hooks it wide of the left post. So close for PSG.

90' + 1' We are in for six added minutes here at the Parc des Princes. You could almost feel the collective groan from Lyon. They need to withstand 300 more seconds or so.

90' Lopes makes another impressive last-gasp stop in a crowded box. PSG are pouring everything they can forward - which leaves them weak to blistering Lyon counters, now exemplified in an end-to-end effort that finishes with a Bruno Guimaraes shot parried away.

86' Having controlled more ball in the first half, Lyon are down to less than 40 per cent of possession for the whole game. Yet they have had six shots to PSG's five; they have kept golden chances at a minimum for their frustrated hosts.

84' Pereira skims a header from a free-kick wide of the left post at pace. Time is running out for PSG to find a result from this one.

82' PSG clear the immediate danger, but Toko Ekambi is coming again down the opposite flank a moment later, forcing a diving header from Danilo in an attempt to stem the latest Lyon attack.

80' Corner to the visitors now, as Toko Ekambi chases down a long ball and sees his attempted lob cross take a wild deflection from 30 yards out.

76' Herrera rattles in a corner and Lyon clear it outside the box. PSG keep the pressure on them in that final third though, and the visitors have to throw up a wall of white shirts to repel them.

74' Lopes has stayed on for the moment but does not take the free-kick from inside his box. Lyon may have to make a late change of goalkeeper here.

70' The Brazilian's set-piece delivery is tame and Lyon almost craft a perfect counter in response. It is to PSG's credit they rally, and race back down to their end, and send Neymar away again, his shot saved by Lopes this time.

68' Toko Ekambi cracks a looping effort over Navas - and unfortunately the goal - as he shoots for the far corner off the left edge of the box. Neymar brings the counter away and wins a free-kick 25 yards out.

67' Lucas Paqueta! Navas makes a fine diving stop to deny the Lyon midfielder, who lashes a keen effort towards the right post. The visitors are looking the more likely to score right now.

62' Movement in the dugout; Kylian Mbappe looks set to strip out of his overcoat. Ander Herrera too is looking set to enter the equation for the hosts.

60' Kadewere is inches away from latching onto Lucas Paqueta's throughball, with Navas just there in the nick of time to prevent the Lyon man bagging a brace. A second goal for the visitors could end this.

58' Depay is fortunately fine to continue and exchanges a quick hug with Paredes as he gets back to his feet. There didn't look to be any malice in the challenge; just the wrong touch at the wrong time.

54' Kean harries Lopes after the keeper snaps up a ball before the Everton loanee can craft a chance inside the Lyon box. The pair exchange words with a grin before the ball is belted back to midfield.

52' Lyon are furious - they think they should have had a penalty after a crunch challenge from PSG on Depay in the box. The hosts simply play to the whistle, go down the far end and are flagged for offside.

50' Mendes launches a speculative effort from distance that leaves Navas with an easy save. No Lyon player was chasing on the off-chance of a rebound either.

48' There's been no changes at the break by either side but it will surprise absolutely no-one to see Kylian Mbappe going through the motions on the sidelines. A swift arrival for the striker seems set.

46' We're back underway for the second half at the Parc des Princes. Can PSG mount their comeback from here or will Lyon be able to see this one out for an impressive three points?

Rudi Garcia will have few complaints with that first half. Thomas Tuchel saw his side take their time to get into the groove fully, but they were on top late on there. An equaliser - and a win - is very much still on the table.

Tino Kadewere's collected strike is the difference at the break in Ligue 1, as Lyon lead champions Paris Saint-Germain in a wide-open game. The hosts remain firmly in this - and they still have Kylian Mbappe to join the fray too. Half-time at the Parc des Princes, it is Paris Saint-Germain 0-1 Lyon.

45' + 1' HALF-TIME: PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN 0-1 LYON

45' This could be the last chance for the first half now though. Neymar wins a free-kick on the left flank and whips it into a crowded box. Lopes clears for a throw and Lyon manage to spirit it away. One added minute incoming.

43' How did that not go in? A PSG volley off the left edge flies off with a last-gasp deflection from Lopes and spins away. It looked destined for the top corner, for sure.

42' We're into the final few minutes of the half and PSG have stepped up their intensity. They don't like to be trailing at the best of times, and a slip-up here will be another frustration for them.

40' That disagreement between Neymar and Dubois is ongoing still, particularly after the former pats the latter on the head. The Brazilian goes close with a corner however, the ball finding the wrong side of the left post a moment later.

37' Neymar draws a smart foul in midfield and PSG promptly stray offside as they look to attack through a crossfield delivery. Kylian Mbappe shakes his head in the dugout.

34' Kadewere can't quite believe he's missed that. The opportunity presents itself - space, time, a lovely area to shoot from - and he smacks it over the crossbar. That's a waste.

33' Play halts after Kimpembe and Kadewere collide in the centre-circle. Both are fine to continue and play resumes with Depay unable to latch onto a decent cross into the PSG box.

31' It's unusually early for anything but an injury change. Depay meanwhile wins a free-kick and him and Marcelo combine at the set-piece - though Navas is ultimately left unchallenged.

27' Thomas Tuchel is in vocal form on the sidelines tonight. A slip-up for his side here is far from fatal, but he will know that anything less than three points is rarely acceptable in these parts.

25' For a game that has been quite a pleasingly open encounter so far, there's just the combined three shots so far in it between the pair. Neither has really looked like finding the net too often.

23' What a save by Navas! Kadewere was offside regardless, as he smashes the result of a free-kick out on the right wing towards goal from the centre of the box, but it's a crackerjack save regardless.

21' There's a bit of nip and tuck here as Paredes commits a stinging foul in midfield and Aouar returns the favour on Di Maria a moment later. Toko Ekambi then breaks, and puts a ball across the face of the PSG goal that nobody finds.

19' Now it is Di Maria's turn to spurn a chance for PSG, slapping a ball into the side netting as he tries to find a delivery into the box.

17' Bakker races onto a speculative cross and completely stuffs up his attempt, skimming it well wide of the left post. That could have been better from the left-back.

15' It's not to be for Lyon as the ball is pinged around several heads and safely cleared through a Neymar-led counter that ultimately fizzles out.

14' A hard push from the visitors down the right wing wins them an early corner now. Can they make a set-piece chance stick?

12' Kadewere hacks down Neymar inside the centre-circle with a clumsy challenge. It'll be a free-kick to PSG but the Lyon man escapes any further action.

10' A loose ball pinged into the PSG box is almost snapped into the net by Mendes, only for the power on his shot to be sorely lacking, allowing Navas the chance to swoop in and claim it.

9' It's been an open encounter so far. Both sides are playing down different channels, switching it up as they look to cut the other open, through the middle or on the wings. 

7' Florenzi! The defender meets a cross tipped over the Lyon box, from left to right, and volleys his finish across the face of goal, wide of the far post as Kean tries to tap it in. Close from the hosts.

5' Both sides are cautiously testing the other in these opening exchanges. Kadewere attempts to latch onto a nudged ball near the PSG box and lets it skitter past his control, out for a goal-kick.

3' It's a chilly - but for the moment, dry - December evening in the French capital right now. That could prove to be crucial as both sides adapt to the relatively crisp conditions going forward.

1' We are underway in this Ligue 1 clash between Paris Saint-Germain and Lyon!

The teams have emerged at the Parc des Princes and we're moments away from kick-off.

Lyon could be forgiven for having a score to settle too; they lost both the Coupe de la Ligue final and Coupe de France semi-final to PSG last term. Vengeance is in the mind.

Mbappe being benched means that it is Lyon who start the highest scoring player between the two teams today; Karl Toko Ekambi has seven to his name this term.

Subs: Sinaly Diomande, Djamel Benlamri, Jean Lucas, Moussa Dembele, Mattia De Sciglio, Maxence Caqueret, Melvin Bard, Julian Pollersbeck, Bruno Guimaraes.

LYON (4-3-3): Anthony Lopes; Leo Dubois, Marcelo, Jason Denayer, Maxwel Cornet; Lucas Paqueta, Thiago Mendes, Houssem Aouar; Tino Kadewere, Memphis Depay, Karl Toko Ekambi.

Subs: Thilo Kehrer, Kylian Mbappe, Rafinha, Sergio Rico, Layvin Kurzawa, Ander Herrera, Idrissa Gueye, Colin Dagba, Timothee Pembele.

PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN (4-3-3): Keylor Navas; Alessandro Florenzi, Abdou Diallo, Presnel Kimpembe, Mitchel Bakker; Marco Verratti, Danilo Pereira, Leandro Paredes; Angel Di Maria, Moise Kean, Neymar.

Leo Dubois and Thiago Mendes meanwhile are the two changes for the visitors, from the side who ran out 3-1 winners over Metz a week ago.

Hat-trick hero Neymar keeps his place from midweek, but Kylian Mbappe - who bagged a brace against Istanbul Basaksehir - is replaced by Angel Di Maria and Moise Kean up front.

Rudi Garcia has no Champions League or Europa League concerns however; just the desire to win. His side trail their hosts by just two points; victory would throw them into second.

Weeks ago, Thomas Tuchel was beset by European vexation - but Manchester United's implosion helped him steady his ship. His side ceded top to Lille today; they hope to reclaim it quickly.

Hello and welcome to live coverage of the 2020-21 Ligue 1 campaign, as champions Paris Saint-Germain aim to go back to the summit against top four chasers Lyon at the Parc des Princes.

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Ronaldo becomes first player to win 400 games in Europe's top-five leagues this millennium

The forward scored two penalties to see his side past the hosts and set another new record in the process

Cristiano Ronaldo broke new ground on Sunday with his 400th win in Europe's top five leagues, a number no other player has reached in the 21st century. 

The 35-year-old proved key to Juventus' latest Serie A victory, scoring twice to help the reigning Italian champions past Genoa in a 3-1 win. 

Both of Ronaldo's goals came from the penalty spot in the last 12 minutes, restoring Juve's advantage after Stefano Sturaro had cancelled out Paulo Dybala's opener for the away side. 

It was a typically dominant performance from the Portuguese forward, who thus brought up his quadruple century of league wins in the big five. 

Ronaldo, of course, starred in the Premier League for Manchester United and then La Liga with Real Madrid before moving across to Italy in 2018. 

No other man has managed to finish on the winning side as many times as him in the past 20 years, although Lionel Messi, with 365 wins, may catch him in the coming seasons. 

Cristiano's Juventus team-mate Gianlugi Buffon completes the podium, winning no less than 350 times in his illustrious league career that has spanned both Serie A and Ligue 1, with Paris Saint-Germain

Sunday's clash also brought up Ronaldo's 100th game in Juve colours, in which time he has netted an impressive 77 goals. 

Only Argentine club legend Omar Sivori, with 84, and Felice Borel (80) scored more in their first 100 appearances for the Old Lady. 

Sivori is also only one of three players to score 31 Serie A goals or more in a calendar year, as Ronaldo has in 2020, reaching that tally in 1961.

Juventus, who on Tuesday downed Messi's Barcelona side 3-0 at Camp Nou to seal top spot in their Champions League group, are back in action on Wednesday when they host Atalanta in Serie A. 

Andrea Pirlo's charges currently lie in fourth place in the standings, three points behind leaders Milan.

Original author: Goal
  311 Hits

Bolo links Gor Mahia's FKF Premier League struggle to Onyango, Juma exits

The defender did not appear for the second half at Craven Cottage and the problem has been confirmed as a back spasm

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is hopeful that the injury Joel Matip picked up against Fulham is a minor one.

Matip did not appear for the second half of the Premier League clash at Craven Cottage on Sunday, and it was reported from the touchline during the game that the problem was with his back.

Klopp confirmed as much in his press conference following the 1-1 draw , and says the central defender is undergoing treatment ahead of the Premier League clash with Tottenham on Wednesday.

The Reds boss is unsure if Matip will be fit for the meeting with Tottenham at Anfield, but is positive the injury is not a serious one.

“Joel Matip has a spasm in his back,” Klopp said at his post-game press conference . “We will see. In the moment, nothing else.

“He already got treatment, will get treatment and we will see. 

“I think there’s a chance for Wednesday. [It’s not that bad] in the moment, no.”

Following Matip’s departure, Liverpool were left without an established central defender on the pitch.

Fabinho is well capable of playing there, he has done so on numerous occasions, and he was joined in the heart of the defence by Jordan Henderson.

Taking on a Fulham side who were on the back foot for much of the second half was not a massive test for Fabinho and Henderson, but that will not be the case against Spurs on Wednesday.

Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham can call on England captain Harry Kane, although he is not Spurs’ top scorer this season. That tag sits on the shoulders of Son Heung-Min and those two will pounce on any shortcomings in Liverpool’s defence.

Klopp, who lamented his side's slow start against Fulham, cannot call on the injured Joe Gomez or Virgil van Dijk, so will hope Matip is able to shake off the back spasm to feature in the clash of the top two sides in the division.

While his defensive woes have increased, Klopp was able to welcome Alisson Becker back into the side following a spell out injured.

The Brazilian goalkeeper demonstrated his value to the side with a string of excellent saves as Fulham dominated early on, and he will be of huge importance against Spurs.

  99 Hits

Mason Mount is the real deal, there's no doubt about it

The Nigerian forward netted the second goal of the match for Las Blancas in their big victory at Espanyol on Sunday
Original author: Samuel Ahmadu
  136 Hits

Caf Champions League: How Kaizer Chiefs could start against Petro de Luanda

The Reds manager believes that Mohamed Salah was impeded in the move leading up to Bobby Decordova-Reid's strike

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was not happy to see Fulham's opening goal on Sunday stand, while admitting there was little he could do to change the decision. 

The Reds were forced to fight from behind to clinch a 1-1 draw against the relegation-threatened Londoners

Bobby Decordova-Reid fired Fulham into the lead 25 minutes into the game, before Mohamed Salah scored a late equaliser from the penalty spot to give the Premier League champions a share of the points. 

There was a suggestion that Salah had been fouled in the build-up prior to Decordova-Reid's goal, but Klopp was at first disinclined to dissect the passage of play that led to Fulham's strike.

“What did you think? Can I ask your opinion?" the German asked of the reporter who posed the question over the goal. 

When the journalist responded that referee Lee Mason could have gone either way, Klopp continued: “Neither of our opinions are 0.0% relevant, because we can’t change the decision.

"It’s a clear foul, nothing else. It’s not a yellow card or a red card, but the player who passed the ball gained an advantage, gets the ball by pushing Mo. If he doesn’t push Mo, Mo gets the ball.

"It’s not about how hard the foul is, it’s about the advantage. Two hands. Lee Mason, the VAR, says what – normal contact?

"I’m not sure what Lee Mason is doing at home, but that’s not normal contact in football. It’s enough contact to gain an advantage, so it’s a foul. But we can’t change it, and I only spoke about it because you asked.”

The result means that Liverpool missed the chance to move ahead of Tottenham at the league summit, after Jose Mourinho's men were also held 1-1 by Crystal Palace on Sunday. 

The two front-runners, who are level on 25 points after 12 games, will face off on Wednesday at Anfield, with each side playing for the opportunity to approach the festive period as outright leaders of the top flight.

Original author: Goal
  166 Hits

Arsenal 0-1 Burnley: Xhaka sent off as Aubameyang own goal piles pressure on Arteta

Arsenal 0-1 Burnley: Xhaka sent off as Aubameyang own goal piles pressure on Arteta

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang headed into his own net to condemn Arsenal, who had Granit Xhaka sent off, to a fourth straight home loss.

Arsenal had Granit Xhaka sent off as they slipped to an insipid 1-0 defeat against Burnley at Emirates Stadium - adding to Mikel Arteta's woes.

The Gunners forced Nick Pope into a number of saves, but their hopes of sealing a first Premier League win since the victory over Manchester United on November 1 were hit when Xhaka was dismissed shortly before the hour mark for grabbing Ashley Westwood by the throat.

Their misery was compounded in the 73rd minute when Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang headed into his own net from Westwood's corner, to the dismay of 2,000 returning Gunners supporters.

Arsenal, who have now lost four consecutive top-flight home games for the first time since December 1959, remain in 15th with 13 points, while the Clarets move up to 17th place.

The hosts made 10 changes from the side that beat Dundalk in the Europa League on Thursday, and started slowly. They should have fallen behind after 13 minutes, but an unmarked Chris Wood inexplicably headed wide from eight yards.

Rob Holding headed over at the other end, while Alexandre Lacazette was denied by the leg of Pope after being picked out inside the penalty area by Kieran Tierney.

The Burnley goalkeeper denied Tierney and Bukayo Saka in quick succession at the start of the second period before Xhaka's moment of madness.

The Switzerland international's initial caution for pawing at Westwood was upgraded to a red card by referee Graham Scott after he viewed the incident on a pitchside monitor.

That was the sixth Premier League red card for the Gunners since manager Arteta took over in December 2019 – double that of any other side in the same period.

Mohamed Elneny was fortunate not to also receive his marching orders soon after, Scott deciding his push on James Tarkowski warranted just a yellow card.

Arsenal's reprieve did not last long, though, Aubameyang glancing the ball past Bernd Leno to guarantee an uncomfortable few days for Arteta.

What does it mean? Arteta's faith in faltering players not repaid

Arteta said he had "zero doubts" his side would respond to last weekend's north London derby defeat to Tottenham, but the Spaniard is left to rue another costly setback against a side that started the day in the bottom three.

They were not entirely terrible, carving out 19 shots and enjoying almost 65 per cent of possession, but that will be of little comfort to Arsenal fans, who ultimately saw their side suffer a seventh Premier League defeat of the season and a first ever home loss to Burnley in the competition.

Westwood stars for Clarets

The former Aston Villa midfielder was superb in the middle of the pitch, creating the game's only goal with a teasing corner, making a team-high three key passes and putting in seven crosses – more than any other Burnley player.

Xhaka stupidity costs Gunners

Xhaka has had his very public issues with Arsenal supporters and he can expect to be in their bad books again after a pitiful display. There can be no arguments about his red card, which ultimately proved to be the catalyst for another miserable defeat.

What's next?

Arteta will hope to still be in charge when the Gunners host high-flying Southampton on Wednesday, while Burnley visit Villa a day later.

  273 Hits

ISL 2020-21: Mumbai City vs Jamshedpur FC - TV channel, stream, kick-off time & match preview

Sergio Lobera will hope to better his side's record winning run with Jamshedpur looking to derail that attempt...

Mumbai City will want to extend their lead atop the table when they face Jamshedpur FC at the GMC Stadium in Bambolim, on Monday evening.

Game Mumbai City vs Jamshedpur FC
Date Monday, December 14
Time 7:30 PM IST (GMT +5:30)
 

TV CHANNELS & LIVE STREAM

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

India (English) TV channels Online streaming
Star Sports 1 SD & HD, Star Sports 2 SD & HD Disney+ Hotstar and Jio TV


Commentary will also be available in vernacular languages across India.

Hindi TV channels Marathi TV channels
Star Sports Hindi 1 SD & HD, Star Sports 3, Star Gold 2 Star Sports Marathi
 
Malayalam TV channels Kannada TV channels
Asianet Plus, Asianet Movies Star Sports Kannada
 
Tamil TV Channels Telegu TV channels
Star Sports Tamil Star Sports Telugu

 

TEAM NEWS

Mumbai City Possible XI:

Injured - None
Absent - Mandar Rao Dessai    
Suspended - None

Key Players - Hugo Boumous, Adam le Fondre     


Jamshedpur FC Possible XI: 

Injured - Narender Gahlot, Joyner Lourenco, Nick Fitzgerald
Doubtful - David Grande
Suspended - Laldinliana Renthlei   

Key Players - Nerijus Valskis, Aitor Monroy

 

Original author: Anselm Noronha
  256 Hits

'So many things have been said that aren't true' - Dybala slams rumours over Juve future

The Argentine forward finally got off the mark in Serie A after struggling through a difficult start to the 2020-21 season

Paulo Dybala hit out at speculation over his Juventus future after opening the scoring in Sunday's 3-1 victory over Genoa

The Argentine has endured a difficult 2020-21 season to date, struggling for form and fitness. 

Prior to Sunday's clash he had failed to find the net in six Serie A outings, while reports suggested that talks over an extension to his contract, which expires in 2022, have been pushed back to next year due to doubts over his performances. 

Dybala finally managed to get off the mark in the league with his side's first goal against Genoa, before Cristiano Ronaldo hit twice from the penalty spot to seal victory. 

And after the match he could not hide his frustration at the constant talk over complications related to a potential new deal. 

"So many things that aren't true have been said in relation to my contract," the Argentina international fired to Sky Sport after the final whistle.

"My agent was in Turin for a long time and was never called up by the club. It disappoints me to hear talk of invested financial figures.

"It would be better if the truth could be told, because talking about those aspects in this period pits the fans against me, with all the love I have for Juventus." 

Juve director Fabio Paratici had addressed Dybala's contract back in October, affirming that discussions were in place to extend his stay.

 "We're in talks to extend Paulo Dybala's contract," Paratici had told Sky Sport.

He wants to stay and we want to keep him. He's part of our future. We'll continue the negotiations to find an agreement.

"It has been a tricky period because we were locked in the hotel for two weeks due to the Covid scare and not allowed to meet anyone. But we'll continue the negotiations to find an agreement."

Dybala joined Juventus from Palermo in 2015 and has gone on to make more than 200 appearances for the Old Lady, scoring 97 times in all competitions and lifting a total of 10 trophies, including the Scudetto in each of his five seasons at the club.

Original author: Goal
  271 Hits

'Sell Xhaka and sign me on a free!' - Ex-Arsenal midfielder Frimpong says fans deserve better

The ex-Gunner teed off on the former skipper and his old team after they put in another poor performance

Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong has called on the club to sell Granit Xhaka and sign himself on a free transfer as the Gunners crashed to another poor result in the Premier League.

Mikel Arteta's side were beaten 1-0 by Burnley at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday in their first match in front of supporters since March following the Covid-19 pandemic.

Misfiring Gunners skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored the only goal of the game at the wrong end of the pitch on 73 minutes - a quarter of an hour after the club's former leader Granit Xhaka grabbed Ashley Westwood on the neck and saw his yellow card upgraded to red by VAR.

Frimpong - who spent 13 years at Arsenal after joining the club as a nine year old - criticised the club in a series of tweet, first suggesting Arteta should get rid of Xhaka and sign himself back on a free transfer.

"Sell Xhaka and get me on a free," Frimpong tweeted to his 624k followers on his official account.

Frimpong is well-known for his humourous and blunt tweets over the past few years, and he continued to use Twitter to voice his opinion as the Gunners battled to get back into the game.

The 28-year-old free agent pointedly said Arsenal fans shouldn't have to put up with this level of performance and suggested the club should be wound up.

"Lets dissolve Arsenal with immediate effect," Frimpong tweeted.

He added in his next post: "Fans deserve way better than this crap."

Despite being down to ten men, Arsenal battled to get an equaliser in the final minutes but couldn't breach Sean Dyche's stubborn Burnley defence.

The result sees Arsenal languishing in 15th position on the Premier League table after 12 matches, with the club 12 points behind leaders and bitter rivals Tottenham.

Frimpong has been a regular critic of the Gunners on social media since he left the club in 2014 to join Barnsley.

The Ghanaian joined Arsenal in 2001, spent 10 years at the club'a academy before joining the first team and making his Premier League debut against Newcastle in 2011.

He only managed 16 appearances for the North London club as he was sent out on three unsuccessful loan spells to Wolves, Charlton Athletic and Fulham.

After joining Barnsley, Frimpong had stints in the Russian Premier League with Ufa and Arsenal Tula, before a short spell in Sweden with AFC Eskilstuna.

His last club was Ermis Aradippou in Cyprus during the 2017-18 season and he has remained club-less ever since.

Original author: Goal
  316 Hits

Milan 2-2 Parma: Hernandez brace keeps Serie A leaders' unbeaten record intact

Milan were on the brink of a first Serie A defeat in 23 outings before Theo Hernandez struck twice to earn a 2-2 draw with Parma on Sunday.

Theo Hernandez struck twice as Milan recovered from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Parma and keep their unbeaten start to the Serie A season intact.

The hosts looked to be heading for a first defeat in 23 league outings - and a first in 11 games this term - after Hernani and Jasmin Kurtic had put Parma in control.

But Milan showed exactly why they are top thanks to a couple of goals from Hernandez - the equaliser in the 91st minute - as they dug deep in Sunday's clash at San Siro.

The point was the least Stefano Pioli's men deserved, having hit the frame of the goal four times - Hakan Calhanoglu responsible for three of those - and had a strike disallowed between the visitors' two goals.

  270 Hits

The Tottenham lineup that should start against Wolfsberger

The Cameroon international and the Senegal forward endured mixed fortunes at Bahcesehir Okullari Stadyumu

Vincent Aboubakar found the back of the net while Khouma Babacar was sent off as Alanyaspor secured a 2-1 victory over Besiktas in Sunday’s Turkish Super Lig game.

Cameroon international Aboubakar was handed his eighth start of the season and made the most of the opportunity, scoring his sixth league goal.

Senegal international Babacar was also afforded a starting role in the encounter but failed to impress and was punished for his indiscipline.

Anastasios Bakasetas opened the scoring for Alanyaspor in the 26th minute, converting his effort from the penalty spot.

Bakasetas then completed his brace in the 79th minute to double his side’s lead after benefitting from Tayfur Bingol’s assist.

With eight minutes left to full time, Babacar received his second caution in the encounter and was subsequently sent off.

Shortly before the end of the game, Aboubakar scored a late effort, firing his strike beyond the reach of goalkeeper Marafona.

The victory helped Alanyaspor to consolidate on their lead at the top of the league table after gathering 26 points from 12 games.

The defeat condemned Besiktas to the fourth spot on the league table after accruing 19 points from 11 outings.

Aboubakar featured for the duration of the game in his ninth league appearance this season and has now scored six goals and provided one assist.

Algeria international and on-loan Leicester City forward Rachid Ghezzal was on parade for 83 minutes before he was replaced by Guven Yalcin but could not help his side avoid defeat. 

Aboubakar will hope to continue his fine form in front of goal when his side takes on Tarsus İdman Yurdu in a Cup tie on December 17.

Babacar, meanwhile, will be expected to miss Alanyaspor’s next league outing against Denizlispor on December 20.

 

 

 

 

 

Original author: Gbenga Adewoye
  187 Hits

Bengaluru 4-2 Kerala Blasters: The Blues punish error-prone Yellows

Bengaluru FC clinched a six-goal thriller and extended their unbeaten run in the ongoing season...

Bengaluru picked up crucial three points on Sunday as they beat rivals Kerala Blasters 4-2 in an Indian Super League (ISL) at the FatordaStadium, Goa.

Cleiton Silva (29'), Erik Paartalu (51'), Dimas Delgado (53') and Sunil Chhetri (65') were on target for the Blues while Rahul KP (17') and Vicente Gomez (61') scored for Kerala Blasters.

Carles Cuadrat made two changes to the Bengaluru lineup. Pratik Choudhary made his debut for the club replacing Rahul Bheke and Kristian Opseth returned to the starting eleven in place of Deshorn Brown. 

Kibu Vicuna made four changes as Jordan Murray, Lalruatthara, Prasanth Karuthadathkuni and Jeakson Singh replaced Costa Nhamoinesu, Jessel Carneiro, Rohit Kumar and Nongdamba Naorem. Murray joined Hooper upfront as the coach tweaked the formation to a 4-4-2.

Jordan Murray got the first chance of the match to break the deadlock in the 14th minute when he picked up Facundo Pereyra's pass on the right side of the box. An alert Gurpreet Singh Sandhu saved his shot at the near post. 

Blasters scored the opening goal against the run of play in the 17th minute. Dimas Delgado's short free-kick was intercepted by Garry Hooper who covered almost the full length of the pitch starting from his own penalty box and found Rahul KP to his right who scored past Gurpreet with an excellent finish. 

Bengaluru responded with an equaliser within 12 minutes as Cleiton Silva capitalised on a howler from Ruathhara and found the back of the net. The Mizo defender failed to clear a long goal-kick from Sandhu inside his own box and Silva was quick to punish him.

The Blues were the more dominant side in the first half and created more goal scoring chances than their opponents. Blasters looked lacklustre and shaky after conceding the goal.

The home team got the golden opportunity to take the lead just two minutes after the second-half kickoff when Bakary Kone brought down Kristian Opseth inside the Kerala box to give away a penalty but Sunil Chhetri's attempted panenka ended up in the gloves of Gomes. 

They finally took the lead in the 51st minute through Erik Paartalu's goal. Cleiton Silva initiated the move as he entered the penalty box before setting up Ashique on his left. The full-back delivered a low cross into the box and Kristian Opseth tapped the ball towards the goal and it took a deflection off Paartalu before going in. 

The Blues piled pressure on Blasters' defence as they scored the third goal in the next two minutes once again due to a bad mistake of Ruathhara. Albino played a short pass inside his own box towards the defender but he was too slow to react as Cleiton snatched the ball away from him and squared it to the middle. Opseth took a touch and set up Dimas Delgado for a shot and the midfielder guided the ball into the net. 

Blasters pulled one back in the 61st minute when Vicente Gomez scored from Facundo Pereyra's free-kick. The Spanish midfielder nudged the ball with the back of his head from the Argentine's curling free-kick which beat Sandhu. 

Just when Blasters were slowly regaining momentum in an attempt to comeback into the game, Sunil Chhetri found the back of the net with a clinical header off Harmanjot Khabra's cross. Chhetri rose above his marker Prasanth to head the ball into the net.  

The Blues extended their unbeaten streak to five matches this season and the Yellows continue to remain winless.
 

Original author: Ritabrata Banerjee
  434 Hits

Maurice Edu on James Sands' challenges at Rangers & why he's at the right club

The Senegal international found the back of the net for the seventh time this season as the Blue and Black secured victory at Bosuilstadion

Krepin Diatta was on the scoresheet in Club Brugge’s 2-0 victory over Royal Antwerp in Sunday’s Belgian First Division A game.

The midfielder played his 13th game of the season for the Jan Breydel Stadium outfit and made a significant impact in the encounter.

The Senegal international registered his seventh goal of the season to ensure his side extended their unbeaten run.

Diatta formed a five-man midfield along with Mats Rits, Eder Balanta, Federico Ricca and Hans Vanaken for Club Brugge.

The 21-year-old opened the scoring for the Blue and Black as early as the second minute in the encounter after benefiting from Noa Lang’s assist.

Royal Antwerp were then reduced to 10 men in the 16th minute after Jeremy Gelin was shown a straight red card for serious foul play.

Club Brugge soon profited from the setback and doubled their lead four minutes into the second half when Rits fired his effort into the back of the net.

Diatta has now scored seven goals in 18 appearances this season across all competitions, amid other dazzling performances.

The midfielder featured for the duration of the game along with teammate and Ivory Coast international Odilon Kossounou.

Nigerian forward David Okereke played for 11 minutes after he was brought on for Noa Lang while Senegalese Youssouph Badji was introduced for Charles De Ketelaere in the 90th minute.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo international Dieumerci Mbokani lasted for the entirety of the game.

The victory ensured Club Brugge maintained their lead on the top of the First Division A table after gathering 33 points from 16 games.

Diatta has been with the Jan Breydel Stadium outfit since 2018 when he joined the side from Sarpsborg 08.

The midfielder has helped the club to win two league titles and a Super Cup trophy since his arrival.

Original author: Gbenga Adewoye
  196 Hits

Top Five: Africa’s disappointments of the Bundesliga season

86' Liverpool are carrying the greater threat as the clock ticks down at Craven Cottage. A winning goal would send them top of the Premier League today.

84' Good effort! Jones embarks on an impressive run deep into the heart of the Fulham defence. He then skips away from a challenge before getting his shot away, but Areola gets down well to save.

82' None of the 14 Premier League meetings between the sides in London have ended level. Will that trend continue with a late winner arriving here?

78' PENALTY TO LIVERPOOL! Wijnaldum steps up and his delivery strikes the arm of Kamara. Given the current interpretation of the rules, the referee has no choice but to point to the spot.

77' Chance for Liverpool. They are awarded a free-kick right on the edge of the Fulham penalty area. Three players are stood over the ball...

73' Clever feet from Anguissa to skip away down the right wing. He gets his cross in, but Henderson is well-placed to intervene.

70' Good block! The Reds turn up the pressure with Minamino and Firmino leading the charge. The ball ricochets kindly into the path of the onrushing Williams, but his shot is blocked by Robinson.

66' Fulham still a goal to the good as we approach the midway point in the second half. They must maintain their concentration levels for the final 24 minutes.

64' Lookman continues to impress for Fulham. He shows good strength to hold off Wijnaldum and advance down the left. It takes an important intervention from Henderson to stop him in his tracks.

63' Klopp urges his players on from the touchline. The Liverpool boss has won 16 of his previous 26 Premier League away games in London. That win ratio of 61.5 per cent is the best of any manager to oversee at least 10 away matches in the English capital.

61' GREAT SAVE! Firmino neatly threads the ball through for Henderson to run onto. But Areola demonstrates tremendous reflexes to deny the Liverpool skipper.

59' Lemina is given the thumbs-up to continue and swiftly returns to the action.

58' A worry for Fulham as Lemina stays down after taking a knock to the head. The midfielder is receiving attention from the medical team.

56' Back come Liverpool with Alexander-Arnold whipping a dangerous free-kick into the box. It just evades the heads of Salah and Firmino and Fulham breathe again.

54' The hosts look to respond with a neat move at the other end. However, Decordova-Reid's attempted cross is lacking the desired accuracy and goes behind for a goal kick.

52' Fulham have conceded six goals inside the opening 15 minutes of the second half of games this season - more than any other side. They must be careful not to sit too deep here.

50' Interestingly, by drawing a blank in the opening 45 minutes, it ended a run of 12 straight halves against Fulham in which Liverpool have scored. They have looked better since the restart here.

48' Liverpool threaten again with Alexander-Arnold leading the charge down the right. He fizzes a low ball into the box, but Areola does well to hold onto it.

47' END-TO-END STUFF! A huge scare for Liverpool as Alisson somehow denies Cavaleiro from point-blank range. Within seconds, Salah's fierce long-range effort draws a fine save out of Areola.

46' Fulham get the ball rolling once more.

As for Liverpool, they have plenty of work to do in order to turn this match around. Klopp will certainly be having words with his players during this break.

Bobby Decordova-Reid's strike gives Fulham a half-time lead over a lacklustre Liverpool at Craven Cottage. The Cottagers have certainly been worthy of their advantage at the break.

45' + 3' HALF-TIME: FULHAM 1-0 LIVERPOOL

45' + 1' We are into the first of three additional minutes at the end of this first half.

44' Just wide! Salah gets his shot away on the turn from Alexander-Arnold's cross, but he cannot direct it towards goal.

42' The only side to score in each of their Premier League games this season, Liverpool must continue that run if they are to get anything out of today's game. The Reds must definitely improve after the break; they have not been at the races so far.

40' Chance for Mane, who pops up to meet a neat cross to the far post. However, he is unable to keep his header down.

39' Unlucky! Fulham exploit Liverpool's frailties down the left once again. Cavaleiro and Lookman neatly combine with the former racing into the box, but he pulls the ball right across the face of goal and it goes out for a throw-in.

36' Fulham are winless in their last 11 Premier League games against the reigning champions. You have to go back to a 3-0 win over Manchester United in December 2009 for the last time they tasted such success.

34' No joy for Anguissa on that occasion, but the Cameroon international has been hugely effective in the Premier League this season. In fact, no other player has completed more than his 38 dribbles in the English top-flight.

32' Offside! Adarabioyo gets away from his marker to meet a free-kick into the box, but cannot turn the ball past Alisson. The Liverpool goalkeeper unwittingly pushes it straight to Anguissa, who heads over from inside the six-yard box. However, both of their blushes are spared by the raising of the offside flag.

29' As for Liverpool, their struggles away from Anfield continue. The reigning champions came into this game without a win in four on the road in the Premier League.

27' Of course, there is still a long way to go in this game, but Fulham have reaped their rewards for a bright start to the game. Could they record their first victory in this fixture since the 2011-12 season?

24' The Cottagers are also yet to score from a set-piece this season. Therefore, it is no surprise that their latest corner delivery is far too high for anyone to connect with.

22' Fair to say Fulham have not enjoyed home comforts so far this season. In fact, they came into this game having lost four of their opening five in the league at Craven Cottage for the first time.

19' No penalty! After consulting with VAR and the pitchside monitor, the referee sticks with his initial decision to award Fulham a corner as opposed to a penalty.

18' Hang on a moment! Replays appear to show Fabinho catching the foot of Cavaleiro during that challenge, albeit contact is minimal. Either way, we're going to VAR.

16' Fulham more than holding their own during the early stages of this game. Cavaleiro causes problems for the Liverpool defence once again and it takes a well-timed Fabinho challenge to stop him in his tracks.

14' Good save again! Once more, Alisson denies Cavaleiro! Liverpool's defence slow to react again as the Fulham forward is allowed a clear sight on goal after being played in by Lookman. But the Reds goalkeeper makes himself big to deny the hosts.

12' Salah has scored 82 goals in 118 Premier League appearances since the start of the 2017-18 season; the best record of any player during that span. However, he has only found the net once in his last 12 games played in London.

10' Salah almost has a sight on goal as he is well found by Alexander-Arnold's low cross into the box. However, the offside flag goes up against Liverpool's number 11.

8' Liverpool have won each of their last 18 Premier League games against newly-promoted sides. This streak is only bettered by Chelsea's run of 27 victories between October 2002 and November 2006.

6' At the other end, Firmino looks to get a shot away from the edge of the box. But good pressure from Lemina and Andersen leads to him rushing his effort, which Areola comfortably gathers.

4' Good save! There has been plenty of energy in the hosts' start to this game. Cavaleiro beats the offside trap to run in behind, but Alisson's strong palms deny the forward from a tight angle.

2' An early opportunity for Fulham to get the ball in the box from a free-kick. It is cleared for Lemina to strike on the volley, but he is never troubling Alisson.

1' After conducting a minute's applause in honour of the late Fulham midfielder Papa Bouba Diop, Liverpool get the match under way.

The teams are out on the pitch and kick-off is moments away.

Can Liverpool record their seventh consecutive victory over Fulham? They will move back to the top of the Premier League if so.

After rotating in the Champions League in midweek, Jurgen Klopp makes two alterations from last week's 4-0 win over Wolves. The big news sees Alisson Becker return in goal, while Trent Alexander-Arnold is also recalled to the starting line-up. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could make his first appearance of the season from the bench after recovering from a knee injury, but Diogo Jota misses out and faces a knee injury lay-off himself.

With a fully-fit squad to choose from, Scott Parker makes a single change to the Fulham side that were beaten at Manchester City last weekend. Mario Lemina comes into midfield with Harrison Reed dropping to the bench. 

SUBS: Caoimhin Kelleher, Nathaniel Phillips, Jake Cain, Neco Williams, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Takumi Minamino, Divock Origi.

LIVERPOOL (4-3-3): Alisson Becker; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joel Matip, Fabinho, Andrew Robertson; Jordan Henderson (captain), Georginio Wijnaldum, Curtis Jones; Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane.

SUBS: Marek Rodak, Joe Bryan, Harrison Reed, Tim Ream, Tom Cairney, Neeskens Kebano, Aboubakar Kamara.

FULHAM (3-4-1-2): Alphonse Areola; Ola Aina, Joachim Andersen (captain), Tosin Adarabioyo; Bobby Decordova-Reid, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, Mario Lemina, Antonee Robinson; Ruben Loftus-Cheek; Ademola Lookman, Ivan Cavaleiro.

Liverpool could move back to the top of the table with victory today. Meanwhile, three points for 17th-place Fulham would move them four clear of the relegation zone.

Hello everyone and welcome to live text coverage of the Premier League match between Fulham and Liverpool at Craven Cottage.

  305 Hits

Sporting Kansas City sign William Agada from Hapoel Jerusalem

Nicolo Barella was the catalyst for Inter's fightback against Cagliari in Serie A but the coach still wants more from his youngsters.
  245 Hits

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