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Tom Barkhuizen’s presence could not help Preston North End from falling to a 3-0 defeat to Luton Town in a Championship match on Saturday.

The 27-year-old attacking midfielder was in action for 57 minutes as Jamie Collins' hat-trick secured all three points for the hosts.

During the encounter, the South African descent managed just a shot with one dribble completed and the joint-highest pass accuracy (83.3 per cent) for Preston North End.

Saturday’s outing was Barkhuizens’ 17th appearance in the Championship but he could not add to his tally of four goals.

The result at Kenilworth Road came as a disappointment for Preston North End after their 3-0 victory over Middlesbrough in a midweek fixture.

The defeat dropped Alex Neil's side to 15th in the league table with 23 points after 18 matches while Luton Town rose to 11th with 26 points.

Captain Alan Browne, in his reaction, claimed the 3-0 loss was 'embarrassing' for the Lilywhites after maintaining an unbeaten run of three games in the second division while manager Neil described it as 'unacceptable'.

“It’s embarrassing, it’s inexcusable and it’s embarrassing to come off the pitch after a performance like that. Not one of us played well today, the only positive is it can’t get any worse,” Browne said.

Next up for Preston North End is a trip to Barnsley and Barkhuizen will be hoping to inspire Neil's side back to winning ways and their eighth league victory of the season on Wednesday.

Roy Keane has questioned the lack of passion in modern Manchester derbies, with the United legend savaging those who indulged in hugs and “wanting to be mates” at the end of a drab goalless draw at Old Trafford.

Two arch-rivals cancelled each other out on Saturday, with the points shared in a contest which produced few incidents of note.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Pep Guardiola reined in any attacking adventure in their latest meeting, with defences on top as both sides sought to ensure that they did not lose.

The flashpoints of days gone by were notable by their absence, with only two yellow cards handed out in a fixture that has delivered plenty of reds down the years.

Keane was quick to pick up on that afterwards, with the former Red Devils captain also taking issue with the post-match pleasantries that saw international colleagues embrace one another while indulging in idle chit chat.

He told Sky Sports: “You can make a lot of excuses. Just on today’s game, it’s really poor at the end of the game, with the quality they have, the lack of desire to go and win a game of football.

“Two bookings in a derby game, I have never seen so many hugs and chats after a derby game.

“I’m scratching my head and I’m really frustrated because I think you have to try and find a way to win a game of football.

“City, as we expected, had loads of possession but were predictable – sideways, backwards, no intensity and a real lack of quality given the players they had on the pitch.

“United, credit to them, defensively they did well. But the lack of quality and end product from both teams was really poor.”

Keane added: “I said at half-time, both of these clubs have had success over the last few years from going to win football matches.

“There is an element that you have to gamble a little bit. I’m not saying you have to put seven or eight people in the box but you have to try and win.

“We’ve been in teams that don’t settle for draws. It’s the derby and John Stones is talking about clean sheets and blah, blah, blah, you’ve got to go and win football matches.

“There is a long way to go in the season but when the game is there for you, with the quality on the pitch, I never felt City were going to score goals.”

Keane conceded that the subdued atmosphere created by a lack of supporters in stadiums makes it difficult to generate intensity, but he still feels that players should be able to raise their game for the biggest of occasions and put any personal friendships to one side.

The Irishman went on to say: “The fans is a big issue for derby games but still the quality on the pitch, go and find a way.

“And, like I said, at the end of the game with the staff smiling and hugging, the players chatting – just get down the tunnel. I don’t get it. Everyone wants to be pals with each other.

“You are playing for these clubs, particularly Man Utd, win football matches not to be mates with everybody.”

Chiamaka Nnadozie scored an own goal as Paris FC edged Dijon to a 3-2 victory in Saturday's French D1 Arkema encounter.

Nnadozie was handed her fourth league start since teaming up with the Parisian in January but her error did not halt her side's quest for a fourth win of the season at the expense of their visitors.

Nigeria's Desire Oparanozie was absent due to a hamstring picked up last month. Morocco's Salma Amani was given her 11th outing of the season but could not save Dijon from defeat.

With a run of three games without a win, the hosts aimed to end their winless form as Evelyne Viens' header beat Dijon goalkeeper Mylene Chavas off Camille Catala's fine cross in the fourth minute.

Sandrine Soubeyrand's team doubled their lead in the 16th minute after Clara Mateo fired past goalkeeper Chavas from six metres.

Dijon, however, pulled one back in the 28th minute when Lea Khelifi's effort from eight metres hit the left post before bouncing off the head of Nnadozie into the back of the net for an own-goal.

After the break, Viens started another attack for the hosts before only having defender Lena Goetsch to beat for her second of the match and third for Paris 10 minutes into the second half.

10 minutes from time, Mylaine Tarrieu beat an offside trap to reduce the deficit for the visitors but her effort was not enough to help them avoid their sixth defeat of the season at Stade Robert Bobin.

Despite scoring an own-goal, Nnadozie lasted the entire duration of the match and helped her side preserve their fourth win of the term.

On the other hand, Morocco's Amani featured for 72 minutes of the game on her 10th outing before she was replaced by Ines Barrier.

The result saw Paris head into the Christmas break in sixth position with 15 points from 11 matches while Dijon were left in eighth from the same number of games.

Yacouba Songne played a starring role as Yanga SC defeated their hosts Mwadui FC 5-0 at Sokoine Stadium to open a 10-point gap on top of the Tanzania Mainland League table.

The Burkinabe scored a brace and set up goals for Deus Kaseke and Tuisila Kisinda before Lamine Moro scored the fifth.

The 27-time champions came into the match as favourites owing to their good form in the league. They were facing their hosts who have struggled to get off the mark this season.

Timu ya Wananchi started the game on a high, pinning their opponents in their half. They had to wait until the sixth minute before getting their first goal against the Shinyanga-based side.

Songne managed to pick out his captain Kaseke who was advancing towards goal. The latter kept his cool to slot home the opener and cool the nerves of the travelling fans.

In the 14th minute, the former champions doubled their advantage. The hosts failed to clear a dangerous ball in their area and it fell to Mukoko Tonombe who picked out Songne.

The Burkinabe forward controlled the ball well with his first touch before shooting past the goalkeeper.

Those were the only goals scored in the first half, though the Yanga fans felt it could have been more if the strikers were more clinical in front of the goal.

The 28-year-old was at it again in the 49th minute, this time around capitalizing on poor defending by Mwadui.

The red-hot Songne continued terrorising Mwadui and managed to grab his second assist of the game. He managed to set up Kisinda, who did not waste the opportunity of scoring the fourth goal for Wananchi.

Mwadui looked lost, and it did not come as a surprise when defender Lamine Moro got the fifth goal with 20 minutes to go.

In another top tier game played on Saturday, Dodoma Jiji FC defeated fellow debutants Gwambina FC by a solitary goal.

The Gwambina defenders failed to clear a long ball and Rashid Abdallah Seif Karihe managed to get it and fire the ball past the helpless custodian to hand his team all the points.

Polisi Tanzania and Ruvu Shooting played out a goalless draw.

Tusker registered their first win in the 2020/21 Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League campaign after beating Western Stima 5-2 at Moi Stadium in Kisumu while Bidco United and Kariobangi Sharks drew 2-2 at Utalii Ground.

David Majak, Jackson Macharia and Eugene Asike scored for the 2016 Premier League winners while Samuel Odhiambo scored for the Powermen.

Majak and Macharia earned braces as Asike scored the other goal that ensured Tusker, after an opening loss to AFC Leopards and a consequent stalemate against Bandari, got a victory in the third game of the season.

Goalkeeper Odhiambo converted two penalties that denied Tusker an away clean sheet as Western Stima’s struggle persisted.

After losing 3-1 to Sofapaka on matchday two in Wundanyi, a 5-2 defeat at home is surely not the desired result for the Kisumu club who lost almost the entire unit of the first team in the last transfer window.

The Brewers will face Vihiga United on December 18 and might see a future amendment in the new year since they are now scheduled to face Zoo FC on January 3. Zoo remain expelled from the league given the FKF took the decision after the club failed to honour a 48-hour ultimatum to sign the StarTimes broadcasting deal.

For Western Stima, they are also set to learn a new rival given the calendar shows their next opponent will be Mathare United. The Slum Boys are the other side expelled from the top-tier after they failed to change their stance on the StarTimes deal too.

Meanwhile, Kariobangi Sharks were held to a 2-2 draw by Bidco United at Utalii Ground in their respective Premier League game.

It is the second draw for both sides in the campaign after Bidco United were held to a 0-0 draw against Western Stima in their opening game while Kariobangi Sharks registered the same result against Nzoia Sugar in their previous match.

Former Wazito FC striker Pistone Mutamba and Nelson Chieto scored for the debutants while Eric Kapaito, who opened the season with a brace against Wazito FC, and Patrick Otieno scored the goals for Kariobangi Sharks.

Bidco United, who have lost just a game, are set to meet Nairobi City Stars on December 17. Kariobangi Sharks, on the other hand, will make a trip to Taita Taveta county to play Sofapaka on December 19.

FC Goa edged out Odisha FC 1-0 in their fifth match of the ongoing Indian Super League (ISL) season on Saturday at the GMC Stadium, Bambolim.

Igor Angulo's first half strike (45+2') was enough to seal a comfortable win for the Gaurs over the Juggernauts.

Stuart Baxter made four changes to the Odisha lineup which lost to Mumbai City in their last game. Arshdeep Singh, Hendry Antonay, Vinit Rai and Manuel Ownu replaced Kamaljit, Goerge D'Souza, Nandhakumar Sekar and Daniel Lalhimpuia.

Juan Ferrando made just one change to the winning combination from their game against Kerala Blasters. Alberto Noguera returned to the lineup replacing Edu Bedia.

Goa controlled the game right from the off and had more than 65 per cent of ball possession in the first half. Odisha, on the other hand, were not up to the mark and failed to pose any threat in their attacking third.

Ferrando's men exploited both flanks and created numerous scoring opportunities but were not able to convert those until the very end of the half when Igor Angulo found the back of the net from Alexander Romario's pass. The winger beat Shubham Sarangi on the left edge of the box and found the Spanish forward who beat Steven Tayor with his first touch and struck past Arshdeep Singh to hand his team the lead.

The Gaurs continued to dominate proceedings in the second half as well as Odisha no real urgency to score an equaliser.

Juan Ferrando's side could have easily increased their tally if not for Arshdeep Singh's brilliant performance under the bar. Jorge Ortiz came close to score twice but on both occassions the Odisha goalkeepers pulled of quality saves.

Baxter introduced Marelinho in the final few minutes of the game. The Brazilian's absence was felt throughout the match as there was clearly a lack of creativity in the midfield.

FC Goa moved up to the fourth position on the league table while Odisha languished at the bottom half after today's result.

Gor Mahia started their Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League season on a winning note after defeating Ulinzi Stars by a solitary goal at Nyayo Stadium on Saturday.

Substitute Jules Ulimwengu scored the only goal in the second half to ensure the champions get maximum points.

The hosts started the match well and within the first five minutes, they had already threatened their visitors. They won a free-kick which was taken by Clifton Miheso, but James Saruni was saved by the upright. 

In the 15th minute, the four-time champions also managed to come close to opening the scoring.  K'Ogalo conceded a free-kick in a good area which was taken by Enosh Ochieng'. Goalkeeper Gad Mathews was well-beaten but he was saved by the crossbar. 

The ball then bounced to John Njuguna whose header was direct to the goalkeeper.

In the 24th minute, Philemon Otieno handled the ball in a good area giving Daniel Waweru an opportunity to test the goalkeeper. The forward managed to beat the wall but Mathews was equal to the task.

The Soldiers were denied a penalty moments later when Apudo seemingly handled the ball in the danger zone. However, the referee awarded a free-kick on the edge of the danger zone but it bore no fruit.

The Kenyan champions looked lost and gave their visitors chances to score. In the 32nd minute, a seemingly harmless ball found its way to Masita Masuta, whose first touch took the ball far. He somehow managed to reach it but the custodian ushered it out of danger.

K'Ogalo were lucky to finish the first half without conceding a goal as wasteful Ulinzi knew they could have done better.

Captain Kenneth Muguna was introduced at the beginning of the second half with interim coach Patrick Odhiambo believing he will stabilize the midfield and create chances for the hosts.

Against the run of play, it was K'Ogalo who opened the scoring in the 64th minute. Jules Ulimwengu converted the chance after a good assist from Nicholas Kipkirui.

Ulinzi tried to push for an equalizer, but failed to create any clear chances in the last 20 minutes as K'Ogalo held on to win their league opener. 

Gor Mahia XI: Gad Mathews, Philemon Otieno, Michael Apudo, Andrew Juma, Joachim Oluoch, Earnest Wendo, Clifton Miheso, Bertrand Konfor, Nicholas Kipkirui, Sydney Ochieng', Tito Okello

Subs: Boniface Oluoch, Kevin Wesonga, Geoffrey Ochieng', Frank Odhiambo, Andrew Malisero, Kenneth Muguna, Jules Ulimwengu, Nicholas Omondi.

Ulinzi Stars XI: James Saruni, Brian Birgen, Harun Mwale, Bonaventure Muchika, Boniface Andai, Bernard Ongoma, John Kago, John Njuguna, Enosh Ochieng', Masuta Masita, Daniel Waweru 

Subs: Alex Masinde, Boniface Okinyi, Clinton Omondi, Edgar Mukolwe, Quintine Indeche, Oscar Wamalwa, Abdalla Hamisi, Oliver Rutto, Mark Bikokwa, Elvis Nandwa, Churchil Muloma 

Jose Mourinho is not “boring the arse off people” at Tottenham, says Teddy Sheringham, with a winning brand of football considered to be comparable with the methods that made George Graham so successful at Arsenal.

A Portuguese coach in north London has always been famed for his ability to grind out results.

His approach may not always be pleasing on the eye, but it is effective and backed up by an enviable haul of honours that has been collected across stints at the likes of Chelsea, Inter, Real Madrid and Manchester United.

Mourinho is now being charged with the task of delivering long-awaited silverware at Spurs, with his side currently top of the Premier League table and progressing through domestic and European cup competitions.

His philosophy has been criticised by some, with Tottenham prepared to sit deep and hit opponents on the counter, but Sheringham is eager to point out that they are not the first to prosper down that path.

The former Spurs striker told CardsChat when asked if Mourinho is doing a good job: “You’ve caught me at a good time, haven’t you, asking me how has Jose done. Top of the league. What more can you say? 

“I wouldn’t say it’s the most exciting football you’ve ever watched but he’s been doing it for years. You only have to look back in my time and Arsenal with George Graham.  They weren’t fantastic at football, but they used to grind out their 1-0 wins and bore the arse off of people.

“I wouldn’t say Tottenham are boring the arse off people at the moment, but they’re certainly playing in a certain manner and everything’s fitting into plans at the moment for Jose. 

“Teams are coming on to Tottenham and they’re hitting them on the break and they’re scoring goals at the moment. So, from my point of view, long may that continue and I’m sure everyone’s happy inside the Tottenham camp.”

Pressed on whether Tottenham can be considered contenders for the Premier League title, Sheringham added: “It’s very early in the season to be talking about Tottenham as title contenders. 

“When you’re at places like Manchester United, you don’t even think about the title until the end of February. And here we are in December, you know, very, very early days, but it’s a fantastic start and we’ll see where that takes them.

“The money people at Tottenham would say getting into the Champions League is the priority this season but for the Tottenham supporters, it’s all about winning trophies. You’ve got to start winning something now – eventually. 

“I sat with three Gooners in our little camp the other day, watching the Arsenal vs Tottenham game, and all they could say was, ‘Yeah, they’re doing alright at the moment, but where’s their silverware?’ That’s all they kept saying. I understand that.

“Arsenal have picked up their FA Cups over the last five or six, seven years, which is amazing, the way I see it. They keep winning trophies and it’s what Tottenham need to do.”

Spurs will be back in action on Sunday when they take in a short trip to London neighbours Crystal Palace.

Bidco Uganda Limited (BUL) FC central defender Kenneth Ssemakula is optimistic he will have a breakthrough in the 2020/21 Ugandan Premier League season.

The youngster joined the Jinja-based side at the beginning of the campaign and went on to sign a two-year contract. He joined the team alongside Paul Mbaziira, Douglas Bithum, Ibrahim Mugulusi, Aggrey Madoi, Kenneth Kibaale, Peter Onzima and Davis Mutebi.

"I am sure that while at BUL FC, I am going to perform to my best, I feel this is my season," Ssemakula told Football256.

"As a footballer, I have passed through different ranks of football right from the start but currently I feel am ready to perform at the top level of Ugandan football."

The youngster has been a consistent feature for the Uganda U20 team commonly referred to as the Hippos. He went on to play six league games while with former team Busoga United.

In 2019, he was in the Hippos team that won the Cecafa U20 Championship held in Tanzania. He was also in the recent team that defended their title successfully and qualified for the U20 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) Championship.

Having played against BUL before, the defender feels it will not be hard for him to integrate with his new teammates.

"I feel I am happy to be here at BUL because it is a club I have faced before and I know most of the players," Ssemakula added.

"So I believe it will not be hard for me to fit in right at this mighty club.  

"According to the coach’s [Arthur Kyesimira] philosophy, I believe, it will enable me to play at my best because it gives me the freedom to play to my strengths."  
  
The youngster has promised to give the team his best to ensure he brings positive energy to his colleagues.

"I really cannot wait for my debut to don the colours of this mighty club and payback the trust entrusted in me. 

"I promise to give my best whenever I will be given a chance. 

"The goal is to help the club keep competing at the top, I am here to be part of the success." 

Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Benedict Vilakazi has described coach Josef Zinnbauer as having “failed the team” last season and that he has to listen to technical director Stanley ‘Screamer’ Tshabalala and club administrator Floyd Mbele on how to win the MTN8.

Pirates face Bloemfontein Celtic in the MTN8 final at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.

Following a video that went viral the whole week after Pirates’ 2-2 draw away at Cape Town City last Saturday, speculation that Tshabalala calls the shots at the club resurfaced.

In the footage, Tshabalala was seen giving instructions to captain Happy Jele in the stands, before the benched skipper went down to the pitch to supposedly relay the technical director’s message to players during the water break.

Vilakazi alleges Tshabalala and Mbele have been selecting the squad and suggesting tactics for MTN8 matches, while Zinnbauer has been in full charge of league matches.

The retired footballer believes there is need to make decisions for the German.

“There are dynamics in football whereby there is a technical director and your job is to oversee the team,” Vilakazi told iDiski TV.

“You decide with the coach on how to do things and if the coach does not listen, then you put your foot down as a technical director and say ‘either my way or your way.’ They gave him a chance last season because Pirates had an opportunity to win the league title, but the coach failed the team.

“So now they are saying ‘Coach, let us show you. Now the MTN8 is starting and you don’t have the pressure, leave it to us to show you that when we say we need a trophy, how you plan to win the Cup.

“The way they played in the MTN8 up to the final, you could see that their team was solid, strong and consistent as compared to his team [playing in the league]. So he has no choice, he just needs to do exactly what they are telling him to do because he failed.”

Vilakazi’s criticism of Zinnbauer stems from the Buccaneers' elimination from last season’s Nedbank Cup at the Round of 32 stage by Bidvest Wits, as well as failing to win the Premier Soccer League (PSL) title.

“Stanley and Floyd gave the coach the final 18 squad and then the starting XI. Why did they do that? Look at their matches against Kaizer Chiefs [MTN8 semi-finals], both first and second leg, Pirates played and simply won,” said Vilakazi.

“They didn’t want to change their line-up because they know and have been in this game for a long time. But there are times when I blame them, Floyd and Screamer.

“But in this scenario I don’t blame them. Pirates need this trophy and they [Floyd and Tshabalala] have decided ‘we will do it by ourselves. We had a chance to win the league title last season but you [Zinnbauer] blew it away. So we can’t give you that chance now, we will do it by ourselves.

“That’s why you realise that in the MTN8 games, they fielded a different line-up to league matches. That’s why you see that Pirates play in the MTN8 and then Orlando in the league.”

New Legon Cities coach Bashir Hayford believes Ghana legend Asamoah Gyan is physically out of condition for action following the club's Premier League (GPL) defeat to Asante Kotoko on Friday.

In their fifth game of the season, The Royals disappointed one more time as Osman Ibrahim's 10th-minute strike won all three points for home side Kotoko.

Gyan, who completed a one-year move to Legon in October, was introduced into the game on the hour-mark. He is yet to start a game for his new club.

"Asamoah Gyan if he even has 50 per cent of his form, it wouldn’t have been a problem but his form is completely down… We have to work on him," Hayford said at the post-match press conference of Friday's game.

“If he picks up 50% of his performance he will make the difference."

Legon's inability to score on Friday prolongs their search for a first goal from open play and their first win of the season.

Out of five games played so far, The Royals have lost two and drawn three of the matches. Their only goal so far has come from a penalty.

"Yes, we could have won it [against Kotoko] because we squandered some begging chances that we could have buried it," Hayford, who replaced Bosnian-German Goran Barjaktarevic who was fired after matchday two following the club's poor start to the season, added.

"This is the fifth game and we have not even converted one ball into the net.

“That is what I identified immediately I entered into the team…I told them we don’t have finishers. So we are working on that.

"Goalscoring is an art and it's all about pushing the confidence of goalscoring into them and it is not easy. It is not one week, it is not two weeks. Well, we shall overcome."

Gyan, Ghana's all-time top scorer with 51 goals in 109 international appearances, was out of action for nine months before joining Legon.

Before returning to the GPL for the first time in 17 years, he last played for Indian Super League side NorthEast United, with whom he parted ways in January.

His goalscoring achievements also includes an enviable record as Africa's all-time top scorer at the World Cup with six goals. 

Marcus Rashford says he's still hopeful Manchester United "can do something special" in 2020-21 despite their inconsistent start to the campaign.

United supporters have been taken on a rollercoaster ride in the early stages of the new season, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side proving to be one of the most unpredictable teams in European football.

The Red Devils have suffered damaging defeats against Crystal Palace, Tottenham and Arsenal in the Premier League, while also losing three of their six Champions League group stage fixtures.

The Old Trafford outfit ultimately exited the continental competition following a 3-2 loss at RB Leipzig on Tuesday, which put extra pressure on Solskjaer to deliver a positive result in this weekend's derby showdown against Manchester City.

United are currently sitting seventh in the top-flight standings with at least one game in hand on all six teams above them, and a win over their local rivals could put them in a position to mount a realistic title challenge.

Rashford still believes in the squad, and has suggested that picking up major silverware come May remains a realistic goal, as he told MUTV: “I think it’s still, with how the league has been going, way too early to be looking at the table really.

"I don’t even know where we were three games ago compared to where we are now and all it takes is a couple of wins and teams can be up and down.

"We’ll take it one game at a time to try to pick up points and see where we are a bit later on in the season. But I believe in the team, in the manager and the staff, so, hopefully, we can still do something special this season."

However, he also acknowledges the fact that results have fallen short of expectations in recent months, and has urged his team-mates to find a way of digging out wins more often when not playing at their best.

"I would put us up there in the top three or four most dangerous teams in the league. For us, it’s just about finding that consistent level of performance really," Rashford added.

“Sometimes, there have been times we’ve not played well and won games and, if you’re going to do something special in the league this year, we need to do that a lot more. You know you’re not going to play at your best every single game but it doesn’t mean you lose or draw the game. There is always a way to win the game and we have to find that more.

“Listen – we are a young team, we’re fresh, we’re strong and, yeah, there’s no reason… United always finish strongly. I feel that’s one thing Ole brought with him when he came to United, just that understanding, knowing the club, knowing what it is and what it stands for. Never giving up is right at the top of that list and we’ve shown it on countless occasions. We have to continue to do that.”

Asked if he expects Sunday's clash with City to be a cagey affair with a plenty on the line for both teams, Rashford responded: “No, I think we’ll get chances. You know that’s one thing we’ve improved a lot on - we are getting a lot more chances in games compared to a couple of seasons ago.

"I think, as players, we believe that we are going to get an opportunity to score a goal and, in terms of belief, that’s a massive thing.

"So we, as forwards, when the game is tight, we have a lot more confidence now than we did two or three years ago, that we’re going to get an opportunity at goal to score and win the game for the team. So I feel like we have a lot more threats, even from set-pieces, we’re a lot more threatening than we have been in the past. There are a lot more ways we can score goals.

"We’ve got a lot that we can bring to the table, as do they, and it’s going to be an interesting game, definitely a tactical game; and it’s a Manchester derby so anything can happen.

"Hopefully, we’ll get everyone fit. If we do have everyone fit, we have the best chance of winning the game. It’s been a miss not having Edi [Edinson Cavani] and Anto [Anthony Martial] in the team, but hopefully they’ll come back for this game and definitely give us a lot more firepower going forward."

Fulham fullback Ola Aina has expressed his appreciation to fans and teammates after winning the Premier League Goal of the Month award for November. 

The Nigeria international’s thunderous strike in the Cottagers’ 2-0 victory over West Bromwich Albion was adjudged the best effort in the month under review.

The 24-year-old fired home from 18 yards to open his account in the Premier League and helped his side clinch their first win of the 2020-21 campaign.

In winning the individual accolade, the defender beat off strong competition from compatriot and Crystal Palace midfielder Eberechi Eze.

He also saw off Manchester City's Riyad Mahrez, Southampton duo Danny Ings and James Ward-Prowse, Brighton and Hove Albion's Solly March, Leicester City's Jamie Vardy and Leeds United's Raphinha.

Aina has taken to social media to thank all those who supported him in scooping the individual accolade.

“So grateful to everyone that voted for me it’s a big pleasure. I thank God also and my teammates. The work continues,” Aina posted on Instagram.

Aina teamed up with Fulham in the summer on a season-long loan from Serie A side Torino with an option to make the deal permanent and has been delivering fine performances, defensively and offensively.

The Super Eagles fullback has made nine appearances for Fulham since teaming up with the side, helping them to win two Premier League games.

His showings also helped the Cottagers to climb off the bottom three on the league table after gathering seven points from 11 games.

Aina started his career with Chelsea and spent more than a decade at Stamford Bridge but only made three Premier League appearances for the club before leaving the side permanently in 2019 to join Torino.

The defender will hope to continue his impressive performances when Fulham slug it out against Premier League champions Liverpool on Sunday.

Arsenal chief executive Vinai Venkatesham has backed under-fire manager Mikel Arteta, describing him as a "powerful individual".

Arteta was handed a three-and-a-half-year contract at Emirates Stadium in December 2019 after being chosen to succeed Unai Emery in the dugout.

The former Gunners captain inherited a squad that had slipped to tenth in the Premier League standings, but he quickly set about raising confidence levels in the dressing room and bringing back a distinctive identity which had been lacking at the start of the post-Arsene Wenger era.

Although Arteta was only able to guide Arsenal to an eighth-place top-flight finish, he made sure they didn't miss out on European qualification by overseeing a thrilling run to glory in the FA Cup.

Optimism was high for the 2020-21 campaign following that record-extending triumph, but Arsenal have ultimately failed to kick on and re-emerge as a major force in English football.

The north London outfit find themselves down in 15th after 11 fixtures, having only picked up 13 points from a possible 33, with all 14 teams above them currently boasting better attacking records.

Questions are now being asked over whether Arteta is the right man to take the club forward, but Venkatesham still believes in the Spaniard's long-term project.

"With Mikel, we have got a number of things," the Gunners chief told The Times. "You've got an individual who has extraordinary experience in the Premier League across his time at Arsenal, Everton, Manchester City and then back at Arsenal.

"You have got a guy that loves this club and understands what it means to play for this club, and he was obviously captain here. You've got a guy who is a real team player.

"The team he's formed with technical director Edu - and also his staff - is really strong. You've got a guy who is absolutely driven to succeed, but doing it in a way that respects our history and traditions.

"I think with him we have got a really powerful individual."

Arsenal bounced back from another disappointing defeat in last weekend's derby clash against Tottenham by beating Dundalk 4-2 in the Europa League on Thursday.

Arteta will hope his side can build up some much-needed momentum when they play host to Burnley on Sunday, with little margin for error remaining in their pursuit of a top-four finish.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and Russian Premier League club Spartak Moscow have celebrated with Victor Moses on his 30th birthday.

The versatile forward was born in Lagos on December 12 but grew up in England after leaving the West African country at the age of 11.

The forward featured for the England youth teams before switching his allegiance to represent the Super Eagles in 2012.

The winger represented Nigeria with honour during his short time with the West African country, helping them to win the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, where he scored twice in the tournament and provided an assist.

Moses also featured for the three-time African champions in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and was one of the standout performers for the side at the 2018 edition in Russia.

The forward made 27 appearances for Nigeria, scoring 12 goals before his abrupt retirement from the national team in 2018.

The winger has been hailed by the NFF and his current club Spartak Moscow as he reaches a new age.

Moses teamed up with Spartak Moscow on a season-long loan from Chelsea in the summer and has played seven league games for the side, scoring one goal and providing one assist.

The forward started his career with Crystal Palace before joining Wigan Athletic in 2010 and made key contributions for the club to earn a big move to Premier League giants Chelsea.

The winger has featured in more than 90 appearances for the Stamford Bridge outfit and played a prominent role as they won the 2017 Premier League title.

Moses also helped the Blues win two Europa League diadems and an FA Cup trophy, and has also played for a number of clubs on loan.

He featured for Liverpool, Stoke City, West Ham United, Fenerbahce, Inter Milan before joining Spartak Moscow.

Real Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane has said that cross-town neighbours Atletico Madrid are favourites to win La Liga this season.

Madrid play host to unbeaten league leaders Atleti at Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano in Saturday's derby, with Diego Simeone's visitors holding a one-point advantage over Real Sociedad at the top of the table.

Defending champions Real are six points off the pace and Zidane believes Atletico are in the box seat to claim their first league crown since 2013-14.

Asked if Atletico are favourites for La Liga glory, Zidane told reporters on Friday: "Yes, for sure.

"That's what they're showing on the pitch. They're doing things well and competing. They've always been competitive and they're first right now.

"What interests us is what we're going to do. It'll be a good game of football and one that fans have marked in the diaries and one that the players want to play.

"What we want in each match is to show what team we are, without thinking about whether we'll win the league title. We want to win each match. We're competitive."

Atletico have failed to win in their last eight La Liga games against Real – drawing five matches and losing three – after winning four of the previous six against their rivals in the competition.

But Atletico have won their last seven league games, keeping a clean sheet in six matches – last winning eight or more in a row in the competition in March-April 2014.

After winning his first Liga game as coach against Atletico's Simeone in February 2016, Madrid boss Zidane is unbeaten in his last six games against the Argentine in the league.

"As usual we are always talking about finals, every game is a final here," Zidane added. "I see it as another opportunity to show what we are about as a team. 

"We know where we are. What we want is to play a great football match, just as we did the other day."

Asked about player fatigue amid this season's congested schedule, Zidane replied: "Each game is different and has its history.

"It is true that we have not made many changes in these [last] two games, but it is a particular moment.

"Tomorrow there is another game and there may be five changes, maybe not. It depends on each game."

Manchester City talisman Kevin De Bruyne has addressed comparisons with Bruno Fernandes, while admitting that the "wonderful" Manchester United star "makes football look fun".

Fernandes has had a huge impact on the Premier League since his €55 million (£50m/$67m) move to Old Trafford from Sporting CP in the winter transfer window.

The Portugal international immediately justified his hefty price tag by inspiring United to a third-place top-flight finish last term, scoring eight goals and laying on seven assists in his first 14 appearances.

The 26-year-old has picked up from where he left off in the early stages of the 2020-21 campaign, hitting 11 goals in 17 outings across all competitions, earning plenty of praise from supporters and experts along the way.

De Bruyne has been widely considered to be the best midfielder in the Premier League over the last few years, but similarities are now being drawn between the City playmaker and Fernandes - who picked up the player of the month award for November.

The two men will go head to head when Pep Guardiola's Blues arrive at Old Trafford to face Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's Red Devils on Saturday evening, and De Bruyne has talked up the talents of his midfield counterpart ahead of that clash.

"He’s a wonderful player," the 29-year-old told Sky Sports.

"He came in and he gave United a different momentum.

"They were struggling last year, I know they had some games where they won against good teams but the consistency wasn’t there last year for them.

"That’s much improved this year and Fernandes is a big reason for that. He’s a guy who makes football look fun.

"We’re pretty similar in a way but I don’t compare myself to other players.

"I enjoy other players but I never compare."

There is only one point separating United and City in the league standings at present, with the former sitting in seventh on 19 points and the latter one place further back in eighth.

Both sides have at least one game in hand on all of the teams in the top six, but can ill afford to lose any more ground in this season's title race, with Tottenham and reigning champions Liverpool currently leading the way on 24 points.