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Barcelona's miserable away run continued as Cadiz claimed another big scalp with a 2-1 win on Saturday.

The Blaugrana are now winless in four on the road in LaLiga - their worst such run since May 2008 - and a dismal defensive mix-up gifted all three points to surprise package Cadiz.

Alvaro Gimenez struck a scrappy, contentious opener with just eight minutes played, but the promoted side, who enjoyed a stunning win away at Real Madrid earlier this season, were pegged back by Pedro Alcala's own goal before the hour mark.

Rather than protect their point, Cadiz rallied again and were rewarded when veteran substitute Alvaro Negredo seized possession from Marc-Andre ter Stegen to restore the home advantage 44 seconds after his introduction.

Barca had 82 per cent of possession but could not break down the spirited hosts, who moved fifth as Ronald Koeman's side fell 12 points off the pace set by Atletico Madrid.

Cadiz had peppered the Madrid goal early on in October to stun the champions, taking the lead with their seventh effort inside 16 minutes, but their sole first-half shot proved enough to be in front at the interval this time.

Oscar Mingueza went to ground in a tussle with Marcos Mauro from a corner and recovered only to direct a header towards his own goal, with Ter Stegen's save falling kindly for Gimenez to slam into the net from on the goal line.

Barca appealed in vain for a foul but responded strongly and Lionel Messi started to pull the strings. He set in motion a move that saw Philippe Coutinho fire over from an acute angle, before feeding Martin Braithwaite for a low shot that was diverted away by the boot of goalkeeper Jeremias Ledesma.

Mingueza and Coutinho were replaced at half-time, with Pedri and Ousmane Dembele introduced, but Barca still required a slice of fortune to draw level as Jordi Alba's low cross clipped Alcala - on in place of Mauro - and wrongfooted Ledesma at his near post.

The Blaugrana's hard work was quickly undone. Clement Lenglet failed to control a routine throw-in on the left and the ball instead ran for Ter Stegen, who Negredo charged down before evading Frenkie de Jong's despairing challenge to tap into the net.

Sergino Dest scuffed wide from a promising position as Barca again piled on the pressure, though Ivan Alejo and Bobby Adekanye each passed up late chances to increase the margin of victory.
 

What does it mean? No shifting Barca bother

This has been a testing year for Barcelona, but it was still assumed they would escape the mid-table muddle and return to a tussle at the top eventually. However, while they cannot win away from home, title talk is fanciful.

Frank Rijkaard was coach when Barca last endured such a miserable stretch on the road, then going six without a win, and they must improve in the coming weeks to avoid seeing that run extended further, their 21attempts here evidence more of territorial dominance than final-third creativity.

Too much left to Messi

Messi is Barca's talisman, but this was proof he cannot always win games on his own. The legendary number 10 had 10 shots - including a 20-yard stoppage-time free-kick - but could not find the net.

He was surrounded for much of the second period after Coutinho paid for a poor first half with an early withdrawal, allowing Cadiz to focus their defensive efforts on the sole remaining creator.

Heroic team effort

Cadiz spent much of the game on the back foot, but there was not a player in yellow who failed to play their part in this sublime success.

Ledesma made eight saves, Fali seven clearances, Yann Bodiger six interceptions, Isaac Carcelen five blocks and Alfonso Espino five tackles – all of which were game highs. Alberto Perea, who matched Espino's tally, also completed five of his six dribbles to relieve pressure, while Gimenez scored with his only shot and Negredo had an instant impact.

Key Opta Facts

- Barcelona have earned 14 points in their opening ten league games, their lowest tally at this stage since the 1987-88 season (13, three points per win), the campaign prior to Johan Cruyff's arrival as coach.
- The last promoted team to win against both Madrid and Barcelona was Real Betis in 2001-02, and the last to do so in a first half of a league season was Elche in 1973-74.
- Barcelona lost with a 82.09 per cent possession, the second-highest amount for a losing team in a single LaLiga game since at least 2005-06 (Barcelona had 82.28 per cent possession when they lost 1-0 at Granada in April 2014).
- Cadiz and Xerez are the teams to have played the most LaLiga games versus Messi without conceding to the Argentina star (two games, zero goals).

What's next?

Barca are already through in the Champions League but must fend off Juventus and Cristiano Ronaldo to clinch top spot in their group when the sides meet on Tuesday. Cadiz have nine days to enjoy this win before returning at Celta Vigo.

Kylian Mbappe’s strike against Montpellier on Saturday in a 3-1 win marked his century of goals for Paris Saint-Germain, placing him in some elite company.

The 21-year-old only joined PSG in 2017, initially on loan from Monaco before making the transfer permanent the following year, and his goals have come at an impressive rate.

His first goal came against Metz on September 8 2017, his second appearance for the club in the league.

Mbappe’s first season with PSG was steady rather than spectacular in terms of goal return, but he stepped up a gear after his transfer was made permanent.

Teams in France and around Europe were put to the sword in a campaign that yielded 39 goals in 28 matches. 

Lyon felt the full force of Mbappe’s finishing talents on October 7, 2018 as he plundered four goals in a 5-0 rout, while hat-tricks were posted against Guingamp and former club Monaco.

Mbappe’s hunger was made clear in his interview following his 13-minute, four-goal burst against Lyon.

"I should have scored more goals, it's part of the steps I have to go to get to the top,” Mbappe said. “As long as an attacker creates opportunities, everything is fine."

The 2019/20 season saw Mbappe spend time on the sidelines due to injury, but his goal return was as impressive as the previous campaign.

He returned 30 goals in 21 matches as he helped his club to a third successive Ligue 1 crown.The season was not capped off as they would have hoped, as Bayern Munich beat them 1-0 in the Champions League final.

Mbappe has spoken about going one better in Europe, while remaining dominant domestically, and he has kicked off the current season in sparkling form.

Two goals in the 3-2 loss to Monaco immediately after the international break took him to 99 goals for PSG and be brought up the century on December 5 against Montpellier. 

Bringing up his century took him level with Dominique Rocheteau in equal fourth on PSG’s all-time goalscorers list.

He has some way to go to match top scorer Edinson Cavani’s 200, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s 156 - but third-placed Pauleta on 109 will be overhauled this season barring injury.

Olivier Giroud's hot goalscoring form continued as Chelsea came from behind to claim a 3-1 win over Leeds United in the Premier League on Saturday, sending the Blues top.

Former Chelsea player Patrick Bamford put Leeds ahead with their first shot of the game as Chelsea were punished on the counterattack.

Giroud, who scored all four of Chelsea's goals in a Champions League win over Sevilla during the week, equalised just before the half-hour with an instinctive close-range finish.

Chelsea went ahead when Kurt Zouma headed in from a corner and the hosts finished Leeds off in stoppage time thanks to Christian Pulisic.

Leeds went ahead in the fourth minute when Bamford got on the end of a superb pass from Kalvin Phillips and nipped past Edouard Mendy before guiding the ball into the vacant net.

It helped Bamford, who left Stamford Bridge in 2017 without making a first-team appearance, take his tally of Premier League away goals to seven – the joint-best alongside Tottenham's Son Heung-min and Leicester's Jamie Vardy.

Timo Werner should have done better when the ball dropped to him from a corner but he could only scuff a close-range finish and then somehow struck the crossbar when it seemed easier to score.

Chelsea got themselves back on level terms when a low cross from Reece James was met by Giroud, who directed the ball past Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier at his near post.

Frank Lampard was forced to make a change when Hakim Ziyech left the field clutching his hamstring and was replaced by Pulisic.

The intensity of the first half continued after the break, with a last-ditch block denying Raphinha for Leeds before Werner saw two efforts saved by Meslier.

Zouma climbed highest to meet a Mason Mount corner just after the hour and powerfully headed the ball past Meslier to put the home side ahead.

The Chelsea defender has four goals in 10 Premier League games this season, as many as he managed in his first 141 games in the competition

Pulisic put the gloss on the result in the third minute of added time when he tapped home from Werner's cross as Leeds were caught on the break.

What does it mean? Lampard gets one over on Bielsa

This was Lampard's first meeting with Marcelo Bielsa since the 2018-19 Championship season when he was in charge of Derby county, and a row between the two erupted over the 'spygate' affair.

Bielsa has won three of their five meetings but Lampard narrowed the gap with his second victory over his Leeds counterpart here.

Arguably of greater satisfaction for Lampard will the fact this victory sent Chelsea top of the Premier League table, although Tottenham and Liverpool will both climb back above them with victories on Sunday.

Evergreen Giroud on target again

For all of the hype around the attacking talents of Kai Havertz and Werner, it is the most experienced member of Chelsea's forward line who has impressed the most recent recently.

Giroud now has 13 goals in his last 13 starts in all competitions for Chelsea and became the first Chelsea player to score in six consecutive Premier League starts since Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink in October 2001.

Nervous Llorente poor in possession

Leeds were dealt a blow early on when defender Robin Koch limped out of the action clutching his knee and was replaced by Diego Llorente.

Bielsa's side lost their composure at the back, especially whenever Llorente was on the ball as he gave possession away 19 times - more than any other Leeds player.

Key Opta facts

- Chelsea have finished a day top of the Premier League table for the first time since September 2018.
- Chelsea have beaten Leeds in what is their first league encounter since May 2004, while it is their third consecutive victory against them in all competitions.
- Chelsea have won four of their last five Premier League games (D1) - indeed, no current Premier League side is on a longer unbeaten run than the Blues (nine – W5 D4).
- Christian Pulisic became the 13th different player to score for Chelsea in the Premier League this season – the Blues have had at least four more than any other side in the competition in 2020-21(excluding own goals).
- Leeds have conceded five goals from set pieces (excluding penalties) in the Premier League this season, only Leicester have conceded more from such situations (6).

What's next?

Chelsea host Russian side Krasnodar in their final Champions League group fixture on Tuesday, while Leeds welcome West Ham to Elland Road in the Premier League on Friday.

Paris Saint-Germain returned to winning ways in Ligue 1 as a landmark strike from Kylian Mbappe put the seal on a 3-1 victory over Montpellier at Stade de la Mosson on Saturday. 

Thomas Tuchel's side had picked up just one point from their previous two top-flight games against Monaco and Bordeaux and they looked set for more disappointment after Stephy Mavididi had cancelled out Colin Dagba's opener before half-time. 

The champions sealed a fifth win in six games against their hosts in the final 13 minutes, though, with Moise Kean lashing home from an acute angle and Mbappe coming off the bench to tap in from close range for his 100th PSG goal.

The result means PSG are four points ahead of Marseille at the league summit, although Andre Villas-Boas' side have played two games fewer.

PSG, who rested Neymar, started sluggishly and scarcely got close to Jonas Omlin's goal inside the opening half an hour.

They belatedly woke from their slumber and forged ahead after 33 minutes, Dagba sliding home his first professional goal from eight yards following superb work down the left from Angel Di Maria.

Montpellier responded before the interval, though, courtesy of Mavididi's third goal of the season. The former Juventus forward's initial shot was blocked by Dagba, but he squeezed his follow-up effort over the line despite the best efforts of Keylor Navas.

And only a fine stop from Navas prevented Mavididi from adding a second from close range before half-time.

On-loan Everton striker Kean had two presentable chances to restore PSG's lead in the early stages of the second half, but his finishes lacked precision.

Di Maria was denied what would have been a wonderful individual goal in the 67th minute by a smart save from Omlin, but Kean got the better of the Montpellier goalkeeper 10 minutes later, thundering into the roof of the net from eight yards.

Mbappe then added gloss to the scoreline, sliding home Layvin Kurzawa's low ball in stoppage time for his 10th league goal of the campaign, bringing up a century in PSG colours.

What does it mean? PSG's finishing proves to be the difference

Montpellier's 17 shots on goal is evidence that PSG did not have it all their own way.

Had the hosts managed to get more than just two of them on target, Tuchel's men might not have had the chance late on to seal all three points through Kean and Mbappe.

The visitors, meanwhile, will point to the fact they had 13 shots of their own and enjoyed almost 65 per cent possession as proof they were good value for the win.

Di Maria impresses for PSG

He did not get on the scoresheet, but the Argentina international was comfortably PSG's brightest spark. He teed up Dagba's opener with a fine low ball into the box – one of four key passes – took three shots and put in six crosses, which was twice as many as any other visiting player. 

Herrera off the pace

Ander Herrera was a long way from his tenacious best and it came as little surprise to see him hauled off shortly after the hour mark. The former Manchester United man won just two of his six duels, lost possession 12 times and failed to play any key passes to his team-mates.

What's next?

PSG take on Istanbul Basaksehir on Tuesday knowing a draw will be good enough to qualify for the Champions League last 16. They follow that with a home clash against Lyon on Sunday, a day after Montpellier travel to Lens.

FC Goa are set to host Kerala Blasters at the Fatorda stadium in Goa in the second of the two games on Sunday evening, after Mumbai City and Odisha take to the pitch earlier in Bambolim.

TV CHANNELS & LIVE STREAM

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

Commentary will also be available in vernacular languages across India.

TEAM NEWS

FC Goa Possible XI:   

Injured - None
Doubtful - None
Suspended - Redeem Tlang     

Key Players - Igor Angulo, Brandon Fernandes       

Kerala Blasters Possible XI: 

Injured - Sergio Cidoncha   
Doubtful - None  
Suspended - None  

Key Players - Facundo Pereyra, Vicente Gomez      

Paris Saint-Germain sporting director Leonardo has revealed the club is making progress as they look to tie Kylian Mbappe down to a new deal. 

The 21-year-old's current contract expires in 2022 with PSG eager to secure an extension to ward off interest from the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona. 

While there was some doubt over whether Mbappe would remain in Paris , the Ligue 1 giants are making headway with their star attacker as talks continue heading into the new year. 

"We're talking. We want to discuss, and he also wants to discuss. Now is also the time to come to a clearer idea of his future," Leonardo told Canal+ on Saturday.

"It is going well. We have taken steps forward compared to 10, 15 days ago and we will continue." 

On the pitch, Mbappe is without a goal in his past three appearances for PSG , failing to score from any of his nine shots in those games and hitting the target only twice.

The 2018 World Cup winner has also now gone nine games without a goal in the Champions League, though his manager Thomas Tuchel isn't concerned. 

"We will have to decide on that today. In my head there are several different possibilities," Tuchel said on Friday. 

"We have to make decisions for Tuesday as well. We may have some changes to make, but for Kylian personally, I am calm.

"For me he had a good game [against United], a better game than in matches he has scored in. He put in a lot of effort both in an attacking and defensive sense. He had a bit of bad luck with his chance, but it will come for him. He should stay calm because I am also very calm."

Ex-Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon has recently urged his former club to sign Mbappe next summer with Los Blancos seemingly in need of an attacking spark. 

"Without a doubt, Mbappe is the player most desired by all and it would be great news for our team," Calderon told Goal .

"He is a player who, being very young, has already managed to attract the attention of all the fans and presumably his best moment is yet to come.

"What the big clubs always need is to have the best players in their primes, regardless of their age."

Sporting director Leonardo has played down speculation linking Paris Saint-Germain with a sensational move for Lionel Messi.

The 32-year-old’s future  is the subject of intense scrutiny as it looks increasingly likely he will move on from Barcelona in the summer.

Messi is into the final year of his contract at Camp Nou and, having expressed his desire to leave earlier this year, it seems a new deal is unlikely, meaning he would be able to leave on a free transfer.

Brazil attacker Neymar revealed last week that he would love to be reunited with Messi, having played alongside him to devastating affect at the Camp Nou between 2013 and 2017.

That inevitably sparked frenzied rumours linking PSG with a move for Barca’s all-time top scorer, though Leonardo was keen to downplay the significance of Neymar’s remarks.

“No. You know, it's normal for Neymar to say that to an Argentinian journalist. He had to talk about Messi. It's normal,” he told Canal+ .

“We have to maintain respect for others. He's a Barcelona player. When somebody talks about our players, we are not happy. So we don't touch other people's players. Now is not the time to think about the transfer window.

“We are very happy with the squad we have. We are thinking of our season and the end of the first part of the season, which was very complicated.

“We have to stay focused on our goals such as qualifying for last 16 in the Champions League. And also we have to think about Ligue 1, and avoid finding ourselves in a complicated situation. Let's keep our focus.”

Leonardo’s comments struck a similar tone to that of PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, who was also keen to distance himself from an imminent bid when he was asked about a move for Messi last week.

Barca boss Ronald Koeman was also keen to play down rumours surrounding his star striker, though he did express his frustration at comments by interim club president Carlos Tusquets, who said the club should have cashed-in on Messi last summer rather than risk losing him for nothing next year.

Robert Lewandowski has hailed Lionel Messi as one of football's greats, suggesting it could be another century before a player of his quality comes along again.

Lewandowski led Bayern Munich to a domestic and European treble last term, scoring a remarkable 55 goals across all competitions.

The 32-year-old has picked up where he left off this season, with 15 goals from 14 appearances ahead of Saturday's Bundesliga clash with RB Leipzig.

Lewandowski scored one and set up another as Bayern trashed Messi's Barcelona 8-2 en route to their Champions League triumph in August, a result which contributed to the Blaugrana's talisman asking to leave Camp Nou.

Messi did not get his wish, however, and ultimately agreed to stay on and see out the final year of his contract.

With the Argentinian set to become a free agent at the end of the season, a number of Europe's biggest clubs will be on high alert, and Lewandowski believes Messi is such a unique talent that it may well be another 100 years before another player of his ilk comes to the fore.

"He is a great player, one of the greatest in the history of football," Lewandowski told Ole.

"I know that the expectations around him are enormous and what he has already achieved as a footballer is something that perhaps no one will achieve.

"Maybe you have to wait 100 years for someone like him to be born again. With what he has already done, he is and will be one of the greatest in all of history."

With the Ballon d'Or not being awarded for 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, Lewandowski has at least been nominated alongside Messi to be named The Best FIFA Men's Player.

Six-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi received the FIFA award last season and Lewandowski chuckled at the suggestion the 33-year-old should stand aside for somebody else.

"I know that he also wants to win it!" Lewandowski said. "It is logical. It's our job."

Lewandowski also paid tribute to Argentina great Diego Maradona, who passed away last month.

"A great sadness. The news was very ugly," Lewandowski said. "That a player as fabulous as Maradona has left is very sad for all of football.

"We are all very sad but it happened, sadly. When he played, I was hardly born, but I know very well what he did in football and in the 1986 World Cup, how many great games he played.

"As a person it was the same as a player. He liked to have fun and enjoyed life both on and off the field."

Orlando Pirates will feel they should have claimed more than just a point after they drew 2-2 with Cape Town City at the Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch on Saturday afternoon.

This is the view of former Pirates winger Dikgang Mabalane, in his capacity as an analyst in the SuperSport TV studio.

The Soweto side twice showed good character to come from behind and to claim the draw, thanks to a brace from Vincent Pule.

Overall it was the visiting side who created more chances on the day, and had they been more clinical, they may have snatched a victory.

Not helping their cause were some missed chances, some excellent saves by home keeper Peter Leeuwenburgh, and the woodwork, which twice came to City's rescue.

Mabalane feels that his former club passed up on an extra two points.

"Pirates as a team, as a whole, they need to start winning games. For them having such quality in the team, the players, the acquisitions that they have made, I think they should start getting maximum points now," the ex-player known as the 'Terminator' in his day, said.

"With Pirates, they will be the more disappointed. I mean, pound for pound, they've got the players to do it, they've got the players to win the game for them. When you compare the quality they have in the team against Cape Town City. Not taking anything away from City, I think they are a well-organized team."

Zakhele Lepasa had some good moments in the match, but also missed a few chances. Mabalane thinks the young striker could find himself under pressure, as fellow forward Gabadinho Mhango comes back from injury.

"Unfortunately the pressure will always be on him," Mabalane said.

"He's been given an opportunity. Mhango was injured and he got an opportunity. Yes, he hasn't done bad, but he needs to start scoring goals.

“Because when Mhango comes back and he starts scoring goals, then he (Lepasa) will probably be relegated to the bench. But I think he works hard, he's a striker who works hard."

Asante Kotoko's scheduled 2020-21 Caf Champions League preliminary round second leg home fixture against Mauritanian side Nouadhibou on Saturday was called off after over an hour of kick-off delay.

The Ghanaian side only mentioned "medical-related issues" as the reason for the no-show at the Accra Sports Stadium but Goal understands the concern in question was to do with detection of coronavirus cases in the camp of the visitors.

The Ghanaians are having to hold their home games in Accra due to ongoing renovation works at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi where the club traditionally host their matches.

Saturday's fixture was to decide the winner of a qualification ticket to the first round of the competition, the first leg tie having ended in a 1-1 draw away in Mauritania.

"AKSC vs Nouadhibou: Kick-off delayed due to a medical-related issue concerning the visiting team," Kotoko tweeted 43 minutes after the supposed kick-off time.

Moments later, the Porcupine Warriors released another update on Twitter, saying: "Our Caf Champions League preliminary round second-leg clash is officially called off. Stay tuned for more details."

Unconfirmed reports indicate two Nouadhibou players were detected positive for the coronavirus moments before kick-off following a test conducted on both teams on Friday.

Reports indicate the match officials directed both players to be excused from the game and immediately be isolated but the visitors refused the order on suspicions of collusion between the officials and the home teams to destabilise their side.

The match officials, though, held on to their decision, refusing to sanction the game to proceed, a situation that led to a long kick-off delay.

After over an hour of failing to reach any agreement, the match officials decided to call the game off altogether.

It is currently unclear whether winning points will be awarded to Kotoko or a new date will be set for the second leg fixture.

The ultimate winners progress to the next round of the competition where a date with Al Hilal Club of Sudan or Ugandan outfit Vipers awaits.

Kotoko are looking to reach the first round to boost their chances of making the group stage of the Champions League for the first time since 2006.

Last season, the Kumasi-based side were eliminated by Tunisian club Etoile Sahel in the first round. 

New Young Africans (Yanga SC) striker Saidi Ntibazonkiza has promised to help the club reach set targets for the 2020-21 campaign.

The Burundian striker was signed by the Jangwani giants after the window had closed last August, but he is now eligible to play for the club and has already arrived in Dar es Salaam to start work with the team.

The player, who received a warm reception on landing at Julius Nyerere International Airport, has now said he will not let the fans down and will strive to help Yanga achieve their targets, which include winning the Mainland Premier League title.

“I do not have a lot to say other than promising that a lot of work will be seen on the pitch,” Ntibazonkiza said as quoted by Daily News.

“Yanga belongs to citizens and I am pleased to see that you have put your trust in me to play in the team. I also thank the warm reception you have given me as such, I will not let you down, God willing.

“I do not speak a lot because I let my work speak for me and allow people to judge.”

The striker also expressed confidence that his arrival, at a time when Yanga is top of the 18-team league table and with an unbeaten run, will help him to work even harder to help the team.

Ntibazonkiza started to play football at Vital'O and as an asylum seeker, he came to the Netherlands in 2005. NEC was the nearest professional football club, and because of that, he trained with their youth team.

Eventually, NEC signed him on a permanent deal. At the beginning of the 2006-07 season, he began playing for the youth team but was shortly thereafter promoted to the first-team squad. On November 18, 2006, against Sparta Rotterdam, Ntibazonkiza played his first game in the Eredivisie.

After receiving a Dutch residence permit, Ntibazonkiza signed a contract binding him to NEC until the summer of 2009. He also signed another contract extension until 2012 in January 2009.

On February 10, 2017, Ntibazonkiza signed for Kazakhstan Premier League club Kaysar Kyzylorda. After being released by Kaysar Kyzylorda, Ntibazonkiza returned to his first club, Burundian side Vital'O, where Yanga have secured his services.

Manchester City opted against making a single substitution in a Premier League game for the first time in 15 years against Fulham on Saturday, despite manager Pep Guardiola leading the calls for the number of changes permitted to increase from three to five.

First-half goals from Raheem Sterling and Kevin De Bruyne secured a routine win for Guardiola’s side at the Etihad Stadium,  though it could and perhaps should have been more given the number of chances they created.

The game was also notable because Guardiola opted against bringing a player off the bench, the first time City have chosen not to make a substitution in a Premier League game since a 2-2 draw against Charlton Athletic in 2005.

The statistic is given extra significance because the Catalan has been vocal in his desire for the Premier League to change the rules  and allow teams to make five substitutes in a game once more.

The rule was introduced during Project Restart to ease the strain on players given the hectic schedule. But, while other leagues in Europe have continued to allow teams to make up to five substitutions, clubs in the English top flight have twice voted against the idea and returned to a maximum of three.

There are some who believe the five substitutes rule disproportionately benefits the bigger clubs, who have larger squads.

Speaking in October, Guardiola dismissed that suggestion,  saying it is simply to protect the players, many of whom average a game every three or four days.

That is certainly the case for City, who have played 17 games in 75 days since the start of the season, with two international breaks also taking place in that period.

City have also been hit by key injuries with Sergio Aguero, Fernandinho, Gabriel Jesus, Benjamin Mendy and Nathan Ake having fitness issues, strengthening Guardiola’s argument that too much strain is being put on the players.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is another top-flight manager who has argued for five substitutes, saying England boss Gareth Southgate will suffer  because of the workload Three Lions players face between now and the European Championship next summer.

Eric Dier admits to having mulled over a move away from Tottenham before earning the trust of Jose Mourinho, a new contract and a settled position at centre-half.

The 26-year-old committed to fresh terms with Spurs over the summer that are set to keep him in north London until 2024.

There was, however, a stage when the England international was readying himself for a move elsewhere.

Dier was reluctant to remain a bit-part player in the final year of his previous deal, with a regular role proving hard to come by following Mourinho’s arrival.

On the big future call he faced, Dier told the Daily Mail: “That [leaving] was definitely on my mind. I didn't feel like I was achieving what I wanted.

“When your contract starts to come to an end, you question if you're part of the future.

“I had no desire to be at a club in the last year of my contract. The club knew the summer would see a decision made either way.”

Dier hit a personal low last season when he was hauled off in a Champions League clash with Olympiakos after 29 minutes.

He admits that outing was “one of the toughest moments in my professional life”, adding on his situation at that stage: “The manager was completely right to take me off. I wasn't performing. And we won the game.

“But having to take steps back from the commitment I had made to my new position at that time was very difficult for me.

“I had played [Mauricio] Pochettino's last two games at centre-back, so it was difficult to go back to playing in midfield again.

“I explained that to Mourinho. I said to him: 'This is where I want to play. In defence'. But I knew it was a risk.”

Mourinho eventually came round to the idea of using Dier as a centre-half, with a versatile operator now feeling settled and happy again in his current surroundings.

Dier said: “After Chelsea he came to me. He just said: 'Ok if you want to play centre-back, now is your chance. Show me'.

“I thrived off that challenge. It was what I had wanted to hear. It was an opportunity. 

“My main focus is always to be in a position competing to play. Feeling there's a plan in place for me is important, too. 

“They were the major factors in me deciding to stay here and I couldn't be happier.”

Dier will be looking to earn a spot in Spurs’ starting XI when they take in a derby date with north London neighbours Arsenal on Sunday.

Nigerian giants Kano Pillars have crashed out of the Caf Confederation Cup after a disappointing 3-1 aggregate defeat to ASC Diaraf in the preliminary round.

Goals from Assane Mbodj, Junior Sambou and Makhtar N'Diaye had condemned Sai Masu Gida to a 3-1 defeat in the first leg staged at the Stade Lat-Dior, Thies.

In Saturday’s return leg, however, the result ended 0-0 at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium as the hosts were punished for their inability to convert the few chances that came their way.

Also, elimination from the competition gives coach Lionel Soccoia a dreadful start to life as handler of the four-time Nigeria Professional Football League winners.

The Frenchman was appointed to help the club in their continental assignment but his team’s failure to move to the next round could see the management of the Nigerian top-flight side show him the way out in the coming days.

Pillars went into the encounter against Diaraf without the trio of Emmanuel Anyanwu, Achibi Nwenike and Victor Dennis due to several injuries.

At the blast of the whistle, they went in search of early goals with the duo of Nwagua Nyima and David Ebuka troubling the Senegal Premier League side, while the quartet of Rabiu Ali, Auwali Ali, Muhammad Jamil and Mustapha Salisu held sway in midfield.

Even at that, they failed to find the net as they were punished for failing to convert the few chances that came their way.

Having in mind that they boast a two-goal advantage, Abdoulaye Sarr’s men were contented with sitting back while relying on counter-attacks on a few occasions, although, goalkeeper Suraj Ayeleso was rarely threatened.

Despite dominating most of the ball possession, Pillars failed to score. Soccoia’s men played like a wounded animal in the last 45 minutes, notwithstanding, the game ended on a no winner, no vanquished note – a result that sent them out of the Caf Confederation Cup.

With this result, Diaraf will face Cote d’Ivoire’s FC San Pedro in the first round of the second-tier African club championship. San Pedro, 2019–20 Cote d'Ivoire Ligue 1 runners-up were drawn a bye from the preliminary round.

Andre Ayew contributed an assist and a goal as Swansea City cruised to a comfortable 2-0 victory over Luton Town in a Championship outing on Saturday.

The 30-year-old delivered an outstanding performance to lead Steve Cooper's side back to winning ways after Wednesday's 2-1 loss to Middlesbrough.

Ayew laid the assist for Connor Roberts to open the scoring in the second minute and he later sealed all three points for the hosts in the 89th minute.

The Swansea City captain fired in a right-footed strike from outside the penalty area to take his tally to seven goals after 15 league matches.

He was later replaced by Viktor Gyokeres in stoppage time while DR Congo's Kazenga LuaLua came on for Luton Town in the 81st minute.

The victory moved Swansea City to fourth in the Championship table with 29 points after 16 games while Luton Town dropped to 12th place with 22 points.

After the game, Ayew was voted the Man of the Match by the club faithful after gathering 44.7 per cent of the total 646 votes while Connor came second with 31 per cent votes followed by Benjamin Cabango and Korey Smith in the third and fourth spots respectively.

Ayew will aim to help the Swans extend their fine unbeaten run at Liberty Stadium to six games when they host AFC Bournemouth on Tuesday - their last and only home defeat in this campaign was a 2-1 loss against Huddersfield Town on October 17.

Juventus scored twice inside the final 13 minutes to secure a scarcely deserved 2-1 win over Torino in the Derby della Mole on Saturday.

Andrea Pirlo's men cruised past Dynamo Kiev 3-0 in the Champions League in midweek, but they were badly off the pace against a Torino side who had only won once in Serie A prior to their visit to the Allianz Stadium. 

The visitors took a ninth-minute lead through Nicolas Nkoulou's first goal of the season and comfortably held Juve at bay for much of the match. 

Champions Juve maintained their unbeaten start to the Serie A campaign, though, thanks to headed goals in the 77th and 89th minutes from Weston McKennie and Leonardo Bonucci respectively.

Juve started dismally and found themselves a goal down after nine minutes, Nkoulou half-volleying home from six yards after Cristian Ansaldi's corner had fallen kindly for him.

Wojciech Szczesny denied a clean through Simone Zaza soon after, while Lyanco flashed wide from distance shortly after the half-hour mark.

Matthijs de Ligt headed over from a free-kick at the other end as Juve ended a dire first half with just a solitary shot on target, Paulo Dybala tamely curling into Salvatore Sirigu's hands from outside the penalty area.

The hosts started the second half brightly and thought they had drawn level after 57 minutes, but Juan Cuadrado's deflected long-rang effort was ruled out for offside against Bonucci. 

Sirigu denied Federico Chiesa as the game entered the final 15 minutes, but he could do nothing about McKennie's first Juve goal moments later, the American rising highest to head home Cuadrado's cross from close range. 

Cuadrado was the provider for Juve's dramatic late winner, too, the Colombian's ball in from the right powered past Sirigu by Bonucci to spark wild celebrations from the hosts, resulting in a red card for substitute Carlo Pinsoglio.

What does it mean? Juve leave it late again in the derby

It was not pretty from the champions but they had enough in the end to squeeze past Marco Giampaolo's spirited side.

Bonucci's header means they have now scored at least one goal after the 80th minute in each of their last seven matches against Torino at home.

The win moves them up to second, three points behind Milan, but Stefano Piloi's side, as well as the two sides they overtook - Inter and Sassuolo - are yet to play this weekend.

Cuadrado's delicious deliveries

Cuadrado has yet to score this season but Juve will hardly care if he continues to lay on goals like he did here. The Colombian's sublime crosses were simply begging to be put away by McKennie and Bonucci, which they duly did. He also enjoyed more touches (107) than any player on the pitch and completed the third highest number of passes of any Juve player.

Kulusevski endures a game to forget

Any number of Juve players could have been the first to be hauled off but it was Dejan Kulusevski who suffered the ignominy. The Swede can hardly complain after failing to have any shots or make any key passes in his 57 minutes on the pitch.

What's next?

Already-qualified Juve travel to Barcelona in the Champions League on Tuesday knowing only a big win will see them qualify for the last 16 as group winners. They then travel to Genoa in Serie A on Sunday, a day after Torino host Udinese.

Juventus scored twice inside the final 13 minutes to secure a scarcely deserved 2-1 win over Torino in the Derby della Mole on Saturday.

Andrea Pirlo's men cruised past Dynamo Kiev 3-0 in the Champions League in midweek, but they were badly off the pace against a Torino side who had only won once in Serie A prior to their visit to the Allianz Stadium. 

The visitors took a ninth-minute lead through Nicolas Nkoulou's first goal of the season and comfortably held Juve at bay for much of the match. 

Champions Juve maintained their unbeaten start to the Serie A campaign, though, thanks to headed goals in the 77th and 89th minutes from Weston McKennie and Leonardo Bonucci respectively.

Juve started dismally and found themselves a goal down after nine minutes, Nkoulou half-volleying home from six yards after Cristian Ansaldi's corner had fallen kindly for him.

Wojciech Szczesny denied a clean through Simone Zaza soon after, while Lyanco flashed wide from distance shortly after the half-hour mark.

Matthijs de Ligt headed over from a free-kick at the other end as Juve ended a dire first half with just a solitary shot on target, Paulo Dybala tamely curling into Salvatore Sirigu's hands from outside the penalty area.

The hosts started the second half brightly and thought they had drawn level after 57 minutes, but Juan Cuadrado's deflected long-rang effort was ruled out for offside against Bonucci. 

Sirigu denied Federico Chiesa as the game entered the final 15 minutes, but he could do nothing about McKennie's first Juve goal moments later, the American rising highest to head home Cuadrado's cross from close range. 

Cuadrado was the provider for Juve's dramatic late winner, too, the Colombian's ball in from the right powered past Sirigu by Bonucci to spark wild celebrations from the hosts, resulting in a red card for substitute Carlo Pinsoglio.

What does it mean? Juve leave it late again in the derby

It was not pretty from the champions but they had enough in the end to squeeze past Marco Giampaolo's spirited side.

Bonucci's header means they have now scored at least one goal after the 80th minute in each of their last seven matches against Torino at home.

The win moves them up to second, three points behind Milan, but Stefano Piloi's side, as well as the two sides they overtook - Inter and Sassuolo - are yet to play this weekend.

Cuadrado's delicious deliveries

Cuadrado has yet to score this season but Juve will hardly care if he continues to lay on goals like he did here. The Colombian's sublime crosses were simply begging to be put away by McKennie and Bonucci, which they duly did. He also enjoyed more touches (107) than any player on the pitch and completed the third highest number of passes of any Juve player.

Kulusevski endures a game to forget

Any number of Juve players could have been the first to be hauled off but it was Dejan Kulusevski who suffered the ignominy. The Swede can hardly complain after failing to have any shots or make any key passes in his 57 minutes on the pitch.

What's next?

Already-qualified Juve travel to Barcelona in the Champions League on Tuesday knowing only a big win will see them qualify for the last 16 as group winners. They then travel to Genoa in Serie A on Sunday, a day after Torino host Udinese.

In Saturday's action, Bloemfontein Celtic edged past Maniema Union on aggregate in African competition, while in the domestic league, Golden Arrows and Swallows FC drew 1-1, and there was the same scoreline between Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila and AmaZulu.

In a Caf Confederation Cup preliminary round second leg fixture at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium, Celtic scraped through to the next round, despite being beaten 2-0 by Maniema Union.

That was the same score which Phunya Sele Sele beat the DR Congo team away from home a week ago, which meant the match went to penalties where the home side came out on top, 3-2.

Celtic were fielding a second-string side, in order to ensure their top players are fresh and fit for next weekend's MTN8 final against Orlando Pirates.

The Free State side will play Futuro Kings of Equatorial Guinea or Rivers United of Nigeria in the next round.

At the Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium on Saturday afternoon, Golden Arrows and Swallows FC played out to an entertaining 1-1 draw in the Premier Soccer League (PSL).

After a lively start to the game, during which time both keepers were called into action, it was the away team who drew first blood when a mix up in the Abafana bes'Thende defence resulted in Zaphaniah Mbokoma netting for the Gauteng side in the 20th minute.

The goal spurred Arrows back into action and 11 minutes later the match was back on even terms as Nduduzo Sibiya curled in a free-kick around the wall and into the back of the net.

In what was an intense game, both teams continued to slug it out, leading up to the break, and after the restart.

As the game moved into the final quarter, Arrows stepped up the ante and it took some determined defending and a couple of good saves from Swallows keeper Virgil Vries to keep the scores level.

In the end, though there was no separating the sides after what had been an enthralling 90 minutes in Durban. Both clubs remain unbeaten in the league.

On a very rainy evening in the Limpopo province, AmaZulu and Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw at the Thohoyandou Stadium.

TTM had the better of the first-half play, but were punished for failing to capitalise as AmaZulu struck in the 33rd minute with a lovely goal from Luvoyo Memela.

After a well-worked move down the right, Memela's former Orlando Pirates team-mate Augustine Mulenga whipped in a great cross, which the former expertly guided into the net with a superb volley.

The PSL newcomers, however, showed good fight and they were back on level terms 13 minutes into the second half when Rhulani Manzini got on the score-sheet to level it up at 1-1.

The final 25 minutes of the match provided a flurry of goalmouth action as both teams had chances, but 1-1 it remained at the final whistle in Thohoyandou.

Orlando Pirates winger Vincent Pule was left to rue his side's missed chances following their clash with Cape Town City on Saturday afternoon.

The Buccaneers drew 2-2 with the Citizens in a Premier Soccer League (PSL) match which was dominated by the Soweto giants.

It was a game which saw Pirates come from behind twice with Pule grabbing a brace in an enthralling encounter.

Pule praised the team's performance, but he felt that they should have converted the countless chances which they created on the day. 

"It was a good effort from the boys. We fought hard for this point. I think in the first 20 minutes we should have scored more [goals]," Pule told Pirates TV. 

"We fought hard to come back. We have a good squad with fighters. We have soldiers. So, we need to carry on and fight. Something will come up"

The Buccaneers have now recorded two successive draws in the league, but they remain undefeated this season.

Pule feels that there are some positives that they can take from the match which was played at Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch.

"There are a lot of positives. We are creating chances. We just have to bury our chances. I think we are really doing well. We were fantastic today," he added. 

"Like I said we created chances which we should have scored. We have to bury our chances."

Pule, who was making his return to action after missing last weekend's 1-1 draw against Baroka FC, has now netted three goals from eight matches across all competitions this season. 

Pirates remained third on the league standings - three points behind leaders, Mamelodi Sundowns, who are the defending champions.

Josef Zinnbauer's side has now turned their attention to the MTN8 final clash against Bloemfontein Celtic which is scheduled to be played at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on December 12.

The Soweto giants will be looking to end their six-year trophy drought having won their last major title in May 2014 which was the Nedbank Cup.

They defeated the now-defunct Bidvest Wits 3-1 in the Nedbank Cup final at Moses Mabhida Stadium six years ago.

Ademola Lookman has been one of the biggest talking points on African Football HQ so far this season, with Malek Shafei and Ed Dove taking very different stances on the Anglo-Nigerian starlet.

There’s no doubt he had a point to prove when he arrived at Fulham on loan from RasenBallsport Leipzig at the start of the campaign.

While the Bundesliga upstarts enjoyed a successful season last time out—looking like title outsiders for much of the year and also enjoying a long run in the Champions League—Lookman was a peripheral figure throughout.

His move to Germany was meant to be a fresh start; the youngster had failed to make the breakthrough at Everton—only being used in fits and starts under Marco Silva—and a return to the Bundesliga made sense.

After all, Lookman had enjoyed some success in Germany earlier in his career—while on loan at Leipzig—and has rarely demonstrated that form since that temporary spell in the Bundesliga.

Moving to Fulham was a gamble, the Cottagers were almost everyone’s favourites to go down, but Lookman had the opportunity to prove he could be a difference-maker in the top flight.

His early successes—the fine strike against Sheffield United—was utterly undermined by his miserable outing against West Ham United, when he took one of the weakest penalty kicks you’re ever likely to see.

Lookman’s panenka fail threatened to define his career, as the youngster’s shocker cost Fulham a point and prompted an angry response from the usually mild-mannered Scott Parker.

The ex-England midfielder urged Lookman to learn from his errors and bounce back stronger, while the young forward took responsibility for his moment of madness and make amends moving forward.

Since then, he’s been in excellent form; scoring in defeat against his former club Everton, and then opening the scoring on Monday as Leicester City were dispatched.

It’s done enough to earn the respect of some portions of the Fulham fanbase, and while he may not be entirely redeemed just yet, he’s at least offering hope that the Londoners can beat the drop.

Admittedly, they may come crashing back down to earth against Manchester City on Saturday, but with Lookman on song, they at least have hope of beating the drop.