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When Owen Coyle returned to his hotel room in Goa after a puzzling Indian Super League (ISL) game against East Bengal, he would have still been wondering how his team hadn't managed to get three points against a team that played with 10 men for over an hour. 

It was a match which Jamshedpur could and should have won. Even with 11 men on the pitch, Jamshedpur looked superior as a team but they were a tad too confident once the referee gave Eugeneson Lyngdoh his marching orders in the 25th minute. 

The referee decided to spoil the party when he produced a second yellow to Lyngdoh for a challenge in which he had made contact with the ball first. It was a harsh decision and more importantly, one that threw Robbie Fowler's gameplan out of the window. 

It was a solid battle in the midfield by both teams with and without the ball and there was a midfielder each for both teams that deserves credit. Alex Lima controlled the game for the Men of Steel and ensured that everything was under control in the centre of the park.

For East Bengal, it was the Matti Steinmann show in the midfield. The German midfielder has impressed for the Red and Golds despite their poor collective output in the first four matches and he will be one to watch out for as the season unravels for Fowler and co.

The issues for both teams were in the final third. Coyle shrugged off suggestions after the game that his team is too reliant on Nerijus Valskis for goals. But with the 2019-20 Golden Boot winner marked out of the game, there seemed to be no other way that Jamshedpur would come up with a goal from open play even with a man advantage. It is concerning for a team vying for a spot in the top four.

After three back-to-back defeats to start the season with, a point would be welcome for the Red and Golds, especially with Jamshedpur having looked more likely to score throughout the game with their possession and numerical advantage.  

Fowler's attacking woes have been the talk of the town since their first game and they just refuse to go away. He started with Balwant (Singh) upfront in the initial matches and Jeje Lalpekhlua was handed the opportunity on Thursday. The Mizo Sniper, who is returning from a long-term injury layoff, played 23 minutes in the 0-3 loss to Mumbai City and made his first start in over a year-and-a-half but looked completely out of touch.

He looked unfit for the gameplan that Fowler had in place and was lost whenever aerial balls were played to him with tall centre-backs, Peter Hartley and Stephen Eze, managing to easily deal with the threats. 

East Bengal are yet to score a goal in 360 minutes of football in the ISL.

In the end, the Red and Golds did well to grind out a point - their first of the season - in difficult circumstances especially because the red card to Lyngdoh came across as harsh and unnecessary.

Would East Bengal have scored goals if the game been 11 vs 11? Understandably hypothetical but still unlikely. And that cluelessness in front of goal remains Robbie Fowler's biggest concern after four rounds of 2020-21 ISL. 

A soda sharbat from Palarivattom junction, followed by a Kochi Metro ride to the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium junction and a short swim through the yellow sea to the designated stadium counter to get to the allocated seat. Aha, anthass . 

Kerala Blasters supporters would get it right away because they think about their matchday routines on all matchdays which are now in Goa due to the Coronavirus pandemic. 

Matchdays are not only about the 90 minutes of football that take place inside the stadium. It is much more than that, as both the West Block Blues and Manjappada clearly understand. And that is why the 2020-21 Indian Super League (ISL) fixture between Kerala Blasters and Bengaluru, which is a rivalry that developed off the field through social media, will feel different. 

This fixture has been all about the rivalry between the two groups of supporters as on the field, Kerala Blasters haven't been able to match Bengaluru's quality. In the six matches played between the two teams, Blasters have only recorded one win which also was incidentally in the last fixture these two have played against each other.

Bartholomew Ogbeche scored twice to overcome Deshorn Brown's opener which had given Bengaluru the lead at the Kochi stadium back in February this year. Only 7,754 fans attended that game. 

If the rivalry is all about the fans, will a game behind-closed-doors several kilometres away from either Kochi or Bengaluru help Kerala Blasters? The story so far suggests that it may be of help more than harm for Kibu Vicuna's team.

Blasters are winless after four games - they have two draws and defeats. Vicuna badly needs a win and would love it if Gary Hooper finds his scoring boots. While it would be fantastic to have supporters inside the stadium for such big games, Blasters previously have not performed well under pressure and in front of their fans, especially in Kochi - they have gone months without a single win at home.

The Yellow Army, despite the strong backing on and off the pitch, have also been heavily criticised for their performances. Sometimes these criticisms have crossed the line and turned into abuses from fake profiles on social media. Several players have spoken about the issue and it is one of those things that fan clubs cannot be criticised for because there are so many supporters and it is difficult to micro-manage large fanbase. 

This has often put players - especially Indian footballers - under pressure when playing in front of their own fans and time and again, they have only been able to produce sub-par displays. It has gone on for too long and it can be argued that Vicuna's squad is stronger mentally - but are they? It'll take time to find out. But for now, playing against a difficult opponent like Bengaluru behind closed doors could be a boon rather than a bane. 

Sofapaka have received a huge boost as they prepare to face rivals AFC Leopards in a Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League match at Kasarani Stadium on Saturday.

Batoto ba Mungu, who started the 2020-21 campaign with a 1-0 defeat against Bandari before beating Western Stima 3-1, will welcome forwards Paul Kiongera, who was signed from Wazito FC, Nigerian Promise Chinonso, and defender Willis Obayi for the clash against Ingwe.

The club have confirmed this on their official website by stating: “Ahead of our clash with AFC Leopards, the club has been handed a massive boost with the timely recovery of forwards Kiongera, Chinonso, and defender Obayi,” Sofapaka wrote on their official page.

“Striker Kiongera has been out for a month having suffered a hip injury, but is now fully fit and back in training, the Nigerian forward suffered a groin injury, and has healed and returned to training while Obayi suffered a knock on his right knee in our opening match against Bandari but has recovered.”

Sofapaka will be coming up against an AFC Leopards side who have won both their league matches so far this campaign. Ingwe opened the season with a 2-1 win against Tusker before keeping a clean sheet in a 2-0 win against Bidco United.

In an interview after beating Western Stima, Sofapaka coach John Baraza remained confident they have started the work of chasing for the title.

“[Sunday] was a must-win match for us, we had no option but to give a response and yes we did," the former Harambee Stars forward said.

“I am proud of the playing unit, they played to instructions, we created and utilised our chances. Work has just begun and we want to get positive results moving forward.”

Meanwhile, new AFC Leopards signing Peter Thiong'o is impressed with the spirit in his new team ahead of their assignment against Sofapaka.

Thiong’o, who joined Ingwe from Kakamega Homeboyz, has said on the club's social media pages: “I am very proud to have joined the team in training this week.

“I love the morale that I have seen in my teammates during our training sessions and the motivation from our last two wins and our target is to keep winning matches.”

The winger was a vital player for the Western-based side and managed to score eight goals as they finished second in the abandoned 2019/20 Kenyan Premier League (KPL) season.

He is expected to make his debut on Sunday against 2009 champions Batoto ba Mungu at Nyayo Stadium.

Ingwe dominated Sofapaka last season winning by identical 2-1 results in both home and away meetings.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president Nick Mwendwa has maintained his stance that the ‘rebel’ clubs yet to sign the undertaking with StarTimes will be expelled from the league by the expiration of the two-day ultimatum.

On Wednesday, the FKF gave Mathare United and Zoo FC 48 hours to sign the deal, while Ulinzi Stars were given until Monday, December 14 at 17:00.

It means for Mathare and Zoo their period of signing the broadcast contract will expire on Friday at 17:00 and Mwendwa has again said they will be expelled from the league.

“We don’t have anything to negotiate further, we have been kind enough to the three teams, we gave them time to read and sign the contract but they have refused, we have added them 48 hours to sign the same, we are waiting to see what happens, but no team has responded yet, they have until Friday 17:00,” Mwendwa told Goal on Friday.

“It is upon the officials of the three clubs to make sure they save the teams from being expelled, the decision has already been unanimously passed by the National Executive Council (NEC) and it is not reversible, we don’t have time to waste now, it is either they sign or they go.”

Asked whether they are prepared to counter the clubs if they opt against signing and move to court, Mwendwa said: “We are ready for them, we already know what they are planning, they will be sorted, let them try do anything, we are ready to handle them.”

On Wednesday, Mathare United and Zoo were removed from the fixtures after being suspended with Mwendwa explaining to Goal: “We have suspended Mathare United and Zoo because they have refused to sign the StarTimes deal and for now they will not be part of the fixtures.

“However, the teams have the next 48 hours to decide whether they will sign the deal or not, if they don’t sign in the next two days, then we will have no option but to expel them from the league.”

Mwendwa continued: “The same applies to Ulinzi Stars, they have until Monday at 5 pm to confirm their commitment. Ulinzi are only committed by word and said they will sign the letter but they have not returned it back.”

Mwendwa further said they will open a mini-transfer window for players from the affected clubs to seek transfers elsewhere.

“We will open for them a small transfer window of two weeks so that they can join teams of their own choice, I know they will get preferred teams," he confirmed.

“It is unfortunate we have been forced to take such a stand but we don’t have any other option because we must play football and cannot be held at ransom by three clubs who feel they know more than other clubs.”

The 2020-21 season got underway two weeks ago and already teams that signed the broadcast deal have received Ksh2million from sponsors StarTimes and BetKing.

About 30 minutes had passed at Turf Moor but Carlo Ancelotti had seen enough.

With Everton trailing 1-0 to an early Robbie Brady goal, the former Bayern Munich boss forewent the usage of a back three which he’d switched to in November’s win at Fulham.

It wasn’t by design, however, but an enforced change prompted by Fabian Delph’s apparent hamstring injury in the 26th minute against Burnley.

Whether or not the experienced Italian already had the alteration in mind before the makeshift left wing-back’s injury is anyone’s guess; but taking advantage of the window of opportunity was striking, nonetheless.

Andre Gomes’ introduction had its consequences for a rejigged Toffees backline, especially for Alex Iwobi and Ben Godfrey, who went on to play the rest of the game in Lancashire at right-back and left-back respectively.

The Nigeria attacking midfielder has had an interesting last few months under the ex-Chelsea boss, starting the season out of the side before working his way into the mix after a bright showing off the bench in that rip-roaring win over Brighton & Hove Albion October.

Richarlison’s return from a three-game suspension was expected to push Iwobi back into the bit-part role he’d resigned to at the start of the campaign, but Ancelotti surprised observers by starting the Arsenal academy graduate in an unfamiliar role at wing-back against Fulham.

While this, by and large, worked for Iwobi — aided by Godfrey, the right-sided centre-back, and Abdoulaye Doucoure who moved laterally to that side to help the West African, the team’s overall structural weakness led to the concession of two goals at Craven Cottage.

An unfortunate injury to Lucas Digne meant the Nigeria star had to switch to left wing-back against Leeds United to, frankly, disastrous repercussions as Marcelo Bielsa’s team routinely caught the interim wing-back upfield and took advantage of the oceans of space in that area by storming forward rapidly.

There’s a desire to cut the former Gunners star some slack for that Leeds performance largely due to being thrown into two separate unfamiliar roles in the space of a week. It’s not ideal for a player with mostly attacking instincts, and the utilisation of the Super Eagle at right-back means he’s now played three different roles for Ancelotti since that encounter in the West London sunshine.

Placing the right context on the performances actually enhance Iwobi’s qualities in possession, although the caveat of those solid performances coming against Fulham — a relegation struggler — and Burnley — sat third-bottom — somewhat dilutes the excitement over his expertise in these alien positions.

The underlying numbers, though, are encouraging for the Nigerian. He’s joint-third with Richarlison for Expected Assists per 90, second for passes into the penalty area per game (higher than James Rodriguez in third) and third for crosses into the area per 90.

He was involved in the build-up to Everton’s second goal at Craven Cottage and should have had an assist at Burnley, but Dominic Calvert-Lewin failed to dispatch a pin-point arched cross in the 13th minute.

The visit of Chelsea on Saturday presents the toughest test for Iwobi since that Leeds defeat, to test his growth at wing-back, or perhaps full-back if Ancelotti reverts to a back four when the in-form Blues rock up at Goodison Park.

This scenario is likely especially after the Italian manager’s immediate reaction to the stalemate last weekend.

“After 30 minutes we were in the game and, in the end, we played a good game,” the 60-year-old reflected after the 1-1 draw. “I think we were more comfortable with three midfielders because we are used to playing that system.”

On Iwobi and Godfrey having to adapt to odd positions, he remarked: “It is true we needed to adapt with Godfrey at left-back and Iwobi at right-back and, honestly, they did really well.”

Ancelotti seemed satisfied with the reaction to going behind early and may retain the 4-3-3 his players are suited to playing.

Regardless, there are extensive doubts as to whether this solves the defensive fragility of the Toffees who let in 14 goals in eight games preceding the change (an average of 1.75 goals conceded per game), before allowing four goals in three (1.3 per game) utilising three defenders — in truth, a small sample size of games.

Against a Chelsea side with the second-best attack in the league, Iwobi’s apparent evolution playing in an unstable defence should be tested, although the return of fans to Goodison could help a great deal.

Lampard will remember the corresponding fixture last season, where interim boss Duncan Ferguson’s side were buoyed by the raw emotion from the stands to overwhelm the five-time PL winners 3-1.

The Toffees were in bad form then — one win in six before that victory — as they are in now — a sole win in their last seven.

Admittedly, there won’t be as many supporters in the stands on Saturday night, but Ancelotti will hope the returning fans steer Iwobi and his teammates through a tough test as they look to arrest a worrying run of performances and results against the seeming title contenders.

Kaizer Chiefs coach Gavin Hunt is happy with Njabulo Blom's progress but still expects more from seasoned striker Khama Billiat.

Amakhosi have battled for results this season and in total have won only three of 11 games played in all competitions.

They were nearly on the end of a humiliating defeat to Black Leopards in midweek, but recovered from a 0-2 half-time deficit to come back and grab a point in a 2-2 draw at the FNB Stadium.

On target for Chiefs in the second half were Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, as well as Billiat.

Billiat profited from some chaotic defending from Leopards and was left with a simple tap-in, for what was his first goal of the season.

His coach will be hoping that sparks the Zimbabwean into goal-scoring form, although at the same time, he says Billiat still has work to do on his game.

"Any goal you score is a great goal, so you know, those ones count," Hunt told the media.

"There's a lot to work on his overall performance, but he scored, got us the equaliser and we move on, and try eradicate the mistakes we made."

Blom, meanwhile, put up a stellar performance in the centre of midfield and helped Amakhosi wrestle back the initiative in the second half.

Although it was Leopards striker - and former Chiefs man - Ovidy Karuru who officially got the Man of the Match award, Hunt felt that from his team's point of view, Blom put in a standout display.

"Blom was man of the match, fantastic performance, and long may it continue," the coach said.

"But we are all in this together, young and old, and we are going to need everybody obviously with our situation not being able to make changes."

The 21-year-old Blom has featured in all 11 of Chiefs' matches this term. Ngcobo, also 21, has played in 10 of the 11 games.

The Glamour Boys’ next fixture is against SuperSport United in Pretoria on Tuesday, December 15.

Yanga SC coach Cedric Kaze is anticipating a tough outing away to Mwadui in the Tanzania Mainland League game scheduled for Saturday.

Timu ya Wananchi are unbeaten in the 14 games played and are enjoying a healthy seven-point lead on top of the table. Despite playing against a team that is second last on the table with 10 points, the tactician believes there should be no room for complacency. 

"Last season Simba SC lost their first league game [after a seven-match unbeaten run] at Shinyanga," Kaze said ahead of the game. 

"Playing Mwadui will not be easy, it will be a tough match. We would not look at the standings but will take the game with the seriousness it deserves.

"We are taking every game seriously."

The Burundian says the preparations for the game have been good and the current crop of players are ready to give their best on the pitch to ensure the team gets good results.

"We have been training well, working on vital departments to ensure we continue with our good run," Kaze continued.

"The most important thing is to ensure we win every game we play regardless of the opponent we are playing against.

"I am confident with the players I have; they can fight to get a win anywhere. Getting a win either home or away is not a problem for us; the main objective is ensuring we get a point in every game."

Timu ya Wananchi are on 34 points after winning 10 games and drawing four. They are the only team in the 18-team division yet to taste defeat. They have managed to score 17 goals and conceded just five.

Mwadui FC are in the 17th position after playing 14 games as well. They have managed to get just three wins in the process, drawing one and losing 10 games.

They have scored 11 goals and conceded 28 which is the most goals conceded in the league.

On Friday, Mtibwa Sugar will host KMC from 16.00 EAT. On Saturday, JKT Tanzania will be away to Biashara Mara United with Polisi Tanzania playing Ruvu Shooting.

John Obi Mikel is still a doubt for Stoke City's Championship trip to Derby County, according to manager Michael O'Neill.

The Nigeria international is yet to recover from a calf injury he picked up since the Potters' goalless draw against Sheffield Wednesday on November 28.

Having played 14 matches in the English second-tier in this campaign, Mikel missed his third straight game on Wednesday as Stoke City suffered a 2-1 loss to Cardiff City.

O'Neill's side dropped to eighth in the Championship table after the defeat, however, the former Chelsea midfielder still needs to wait for his return to action and might miss the trip to Pride Park Stadium on Saturday.

"We will wait to see on Tyrese. Jacob collided with an advertising hoarding and felt his shoulder,” O’Neill told the club website.

“Jacob had probably run his race. He gave us so much on Saturday (1-0 win against Middlesbrough) and also against Cardiff.

"We are hopeful, without being definitive, about Fletcher and Jordan, but the Derby game might come too soon for John Obi Mikel. I don’t think any of the other injured players will be available.”

Mikel moved to the bet365 Stadium on a free transfer after leaving Turkish club Trabzonspor in the wake of the coronavirus crisis in June.

The former Nigeria captain has made himself a key player for O'Neill's team since he returned to England and he was appointed as stand-in captain back in October following injuries to Ryan Shawcross and Joe Allen.

In addition to the worrying team update, Stoke City will be without James McClean after the Irish midfielder picked up his fifth yellow card of the season on Wednesday, and he will consequently serve a one-match ban.

Marcelo Flores has outlined his ambition to become an Arsenal legend while revealing the influence of Bukayo Saka and Per Mertesacker on his career so far.

Flores signed his first professional contract with Arsenal in October, having enjoyed a rapid rise through the club's academy ranks at Meadow Park following his move from Ipswich Town in 2019.

The 17-year-old, who has scored three goals in his first 12 outings for the Gunners' U18s, was invited to train with the senior squad in pre-season, and he is now hoping to build on that platform by making a big impact at Emirates Stadium in the near future.

“It was like a dream training with the first team, I couldn't believe everything that was happening," Flores told Goal.

"After training, it went well for me, I went out to play as normal. I am delighted, enjoying all the moments that I am living.

"Right now I don't know (when I will debut), let's see how things turn out. I want to play and become a club legend."

The Mexican teenager went on to credit Arsenal and England winger Saka for playing a key role in his development over the past year.

"I see Bukayo, he is a very good role model for me. He is the best person to talk to, we text and we talk a lot," he said.

"He worked very hard to get where he is. He gives me advice and shares his own experiences so I'm ready for whatever is coming”.

Flores also expressed his gratitude towards Arsenal academy director Per Mertesacker, as he added: “He is a very good friend, he helped me enormously.

"I am grateful to him because he believed in my abilities, he gave me a lot to be what I am now."

The former Ipswich starlet wants to break into Mexico's set-up as he progresses at Arsenal, and has already received positive feedback from those in charge of the national team with regards to stepping up to the international stage.

“I haven't heard anything yet. But I am working hard for that call and live that experience," said Flores.

"A couple of people from the Mexican Football Federation have called me and told me to keep working, and something good will come soon".

Quizzed on the similarities that have been drawn between him and former Mexico striker Carlos Vela, the talented young forward responded: “They still remember Vela, but they never made the comparisons to me before.

"He is a great player and I love seeing him, but we're different. [My favourite position] is the No. 10 behind the strikers, although I don't mind doing it as a winger to be in one-on-one situations."

West Ham United defender Arthur Masuaku has seemingly ruled himself out of Friday's Premier League match against Leeds United after having a knee surgery.

Earlier on Thursday, David Moyes did not give any news about Masuaku's condition but he confirmed Michail Antonio will miss their visit to Elland Road due to a hamstring injury.

Masuaku played the entire duration of last Saturday's Premier League match against Manchester United which ended in a 3-1 loss.

In his social media post which was later deleted, the DR Congolese star stated that the knee problem has been affecting him for nearly two years.

Although no timescale has been given for his return to action, the former Olympiacos defender expressed his readiness to support the Hammers from the sidelines.

“Hi everyone, I hope you are all good. Today I’m having a knee surgery to help me remove the pain that’s been bothering me for nearly two years now,” Masuaku wrote on Instagram before deleting.

“It’s been a very difficult decision to make but for my good being and the rest of my career I have to make it.

“I’ll be giving updates here through my recovery and will see you soon again on the field. I wish my teammates/brothers the very best.”

The 27-year-old has been a crucial fixture in Moyes' squad this campaign with his fine performances in the left-back position.

Masuaku's absence might create a vacuum in West Ham's defence having started all but one of West Ham’s Premier League matches so far this campaign.

With a record of five wins and two draws from11 matches, the Hammers are placed eighth in the league table with 17 points and victory over Leeds United would stretch their dominance over Marcelo Bielsa's side who occupy the 14th spot with 14 points.

Leon Balogun, Joe Aribo and Bongani Zungu featured as Rangers secure a 2-0 win over Lech Poznan in Thursday’s Europa League game.  

Balogun was handed his fifth appearance in the European competition since teaming up with the side in the summer after leaving Wigan Athletic.

The centre-back formed a four-man team for the Gers along with Borna Barisic, Connor Goldson and Nathan Patterson and delivered solid defensive performances to help Rangers keep a clean sheet.

Aribo, meanwhile, was afforded his second start in five games in the tournament, starring in the midfield along with Ianis Hagi and Scott Arfield and gave a good account of himself.

Cedric Itten opened the scoring for Steven Gerrard’s men in the 31st minute, firing home his effort past goalkeeper Filip Bednarek.

Hagi then sealed the Gers’ victory in the 71st minute, with a fine strike after benefitting from Barisic's assist. 

Balogun featured for 80 minutes in the encounter and had 47 touches on the ball, made one interception and three clearances before he was replaced by Calvin Bassey.

The Super Eagles defender has now made 13 appearances across all competitions for Rangers in the 2020-21 campaign.

Aribo on his part was on parade for the duration of the game, struck one shot, had 57 touches on the ball and made 80 per cent successful pass rate.

Zungu played for 76 minutes, had 60 touches on the ball, won two tackles, made two interceptions and two clearances before making ways for Brandon Barker.

The victory ensured Rangers top Group D with 14 points from six games to seal a place in the next round of the European competition.

The African stars will be expected to continue their contribution to Rangers when they take on Dundee United in their next league game on December 13. 

The Gers are currently on top of the Scottish Premiership table after gathering 44 points from 16 games.

They finished as runner-up behind champions Celtic last season and are looking to clinch the highly coveted trophy this term.  

Mikel Arteta has demanded Arsenal transfer their Europa League form into the Premier League, where he says his side need to start winning matches “immediately”.

Goals from Eddie Nketiah, Mohamed Elneny, Joe Willock and Folarin Balogun helped the Gunners ease past Irish side Dundalk 4-2 in Dublin on Thursday to finish top of Group B with a 100 per cent record - the first time they have won six successive European matches since 2005.

That fine European form is in sharp contrast to their domestic struggles, where the club have lost six out of their last nine matches to slump to 15th in the table.

With the Europa League now finished with until February, Arsenal can focus all their attention on domestic competition, with Arteta stressing the urgent need to pick up positive results, starting with Sunday’s home match against Burnley.

“At the end of the day we need to start winning football matches immediately,” he said.

“We cannot sustain the results we had in the last six to eight weeks and that has to be immediately and we know that has to start on Sunday.

“Now we have to forget about the Europa League till February and focus on the Premier League strongly, and the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup when it restarts in January.

“And now we need everybody on board. Obviously we have a large squad and we have a lot of players back from injury so we will have the opportunity to pick who is better in the moment to still rotate some players, but that gives us more options in the Premier League as well to focus there and to get the results that we need.”

Arteta also reiterated Balogun’s desire to stay at Emirates Stadium.

The 19-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and had looked set to leave last summer after talks over a new deal broke down.

However, negotiations have now resumed and Arteta says the teenager wants to remain in north London.

"We’re having some discussions with the player, he knows we want to retain him at the club," said the Spaniard. "We know that the length of his contract at the moment is an issue, but we’re trying to resolve it in the best possible way.

"We want him to stay he said to me he wants to stay at the club, so hopefully we can reach an agreement and extend his contract."

Leicester City sealed top spot in Europa League Group G as goals from Cengiz Under and Harvey Barnes led Brendan Rodgers' side to a routine 2-0 win over AEK Athens on Thursday. 

Leicester missed the chance to confirm first place when they lost to Zorya Luhansk last week, but the Foxes never looked in danger of squandering a second opportunity as they opened up an unassailable two-goal lead after 14 minutes at the King Power Stadium. 

Under put Leicester ahead with his first goal following a loan move from Serie A outfit Roma before Barnes' sixth goal of the season doubled the hosts' advantage soon after.

The result meant Leicester finished level on 13 points with Braga, but won the group courtesy of their better head-to-head record against the Portuguese side, while AEK ended bottom with just three points.

Despite making seven changes from the weekend win over Sheffield United, Leicester wasted little time stamping their authority on the game.

Under set the tone for Leicester in the 12th with a sumptuous volley from 15 yards after Stratos Svarnas had horribly sliced Youri Tielemans' cross into his path. 

Barnes added a second just two minutes later – the winger cutting in from the left and beating Panagiotis Tsintotas with a strike that took a significant deflection off Ionut Nedelcearu.

Barnes flashed wide after another impressive run, while Dennis Praet prodded wide from a corner as Leicester continued their domination in the second period. 

Leicester substitute Ayoze Perez was denied a third by Tsintotas, but it mattered little as the hosts wrapped up their Europa League group campaign with minimal fuss. 

What does it mean? Foxes in cruise control

With qualification for the knockout stages secure, Rodgers shuffled his pack for the visit of AEK and his new-look starting XI did not let him down.

They had 16 shots to AEK's three and enjoyed a whopping 68.9 per cent of possession in what was a dominant win.

Barnes adds to glowing reputation

It is hardly surprising that Barnes is attracting the attention of the Premier League's biggest sides. The 23-year-old was too hot to handle for AEK, taking four shots – scoring with one – making two key passes and generally running the defence ragged.

Iheanacho squanders opportunity to shine

Kelechi Iheanacho did little to suggest he deserves a place in Rodgers' best XI, the Nigerian having just one shot and winning only one of his six duels before he was replaced by Perez in the 67th minute.

What's next?

Leicester return to domestic action on Sunday, with the Foxes hosting Brighton and Hove Albion in the Premier League.

Tottenham sealed top spot in Europa League Group J as second-half goals from Carlos Vinicius and Giovani Lo Celso helped Jose Mourinho's side to a 2-0 win over Royal Antwerp on Thursday.

Premier League leaders Spurs lost the reverse fixture 1-0 in October - their only group defeat - and needed a win in front of their 2,000 fans to usurp Antwerp, who had also already booked a last-32 spot.

The visitors more than held their own in a first half devoid of any real action but Vinicius tapped in with 56 minutes played after Gareth Bale's sublime free-kick hit the post and landed at the Brazilian forward's feet.

Son Heung-min and Harry Kane were introduced at that point and the latter played in Lo Celso for the second to ensure Tottenham will be among the seeded sides for Monday's draw.

Alireza Beiranvand kept out long-range efforts from Vinicius and Lo Celso, either side of Cristian Benavente's angled shot being blocked by Davinson Sanchez.

Visiting keeper Beiranvand was called into action again late in a balanced first half as he closed the angle to deny Vinicius after the forward was played in by Lucas Moura.

But the half-time introduction of Steven Bergwijn for Sergio Reguilon and a switch to a four-man defence gave Tottenham more control and they were soon in front.

Bale's dipping free-kick from more than 30 yards out was pushed onto the post by Beiranvand and Vinicius reacted quickest to the loose ball.

Substitutes Son and Kane went close to doubling Tottenham's tally but there was to be no denying Lo Celso, who took Kane's pass in his stride and calmly picked out the bottom-left corner with an outside-of-the-boot finish.

That was the 27th goal Kane has been directly involved in for Tottenham this season - more than he recorded in 34 games in 2019-20 - and he would have added another goal to his collection had he not slipped when shooting late on.

What does it mean? Spurs avenge Belgian beating

Mourinho made four half-time changes in the reverse meeting as his side produced their sloppiest display of the campaign.

It was somewhat ironic, then, that the introduction of Bergwijn midway through - one of those hooked six weeks ago - helped turn the game in Tottenham's favour today.

The performance may not have been pretty, with Spurs seeing just 44 per cent of the ball, but they picked up the win they needed to overtake Antwerp into top spot.

Vini-three-us

The back-up striker has had to largely settle for appearances in the Europa League since arriving in the close season but he is slowly making his mark.

His strike today, from one of three shots on target, makes it three goals and three assists in his first three appearances in the competition at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

No room for Alli

Like Vinicius, Dele Alli has also had to do his talking in the cup competitions but he was left out of Tottenham's starting XI here despite Mourinho making nine changes.

Mourinho made all five of his subs with 22 minutes still to play and a frustrated Alli headed for the tunnel at that point.

Spurs certainly did not lack in terms of creativity in Alli's absence during a far improved second-half showing, getting six shots on target and scoring from two of them.

Key Opta facts:

- Spurs have recorded six consecutive home wins in all competitions for the first time since December 2018.

- Tottenham's Harry Kane has 13 assists in all competitions this season, the most of any player within Europe’s top-five leagues – three ahead of Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne with 10.

- Jose Mourinho has won 18 of his last 19 home matches in games played on a Thursday (D1), winning all five with Tottenham.

- Spurs have won 15 of their 18 home UEFA Europa League group stage matches (D2 L1).
 

What's next?

Tottenham return to Premier League action with a trip to London rivals Crystal Palace on Sunday, the same day that Antwerp host Club Brugge in the Belgian First Division A.