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John Obi Mikel was in action while Ismaila Sarr scored the match-winner as Watford secured a 3-2 comeback victory over Stoke City in Wednesday’s Championship game.

Mikel was handed his 10th league start since teaming up with the Potters in the summer and was afforded the opportunity to captain the side.

The 33-year-old formed a four-man midfield along with Jordan Thompson, James McClean and Tyrese Campbell.

Mikel played his part for Michael O'Neill’s men in the match but his effort was not enough to help them to avoid defeat as Senegal international Sarr emerged as the hero of the match.

Sarr, who was handed his seventh appearance for Watford, scored the goal that made the difference in the encounter.

Stoke started the game on an impressive note, opening the scoring as early as the second minute through Steven Fletcher.

Tom Cleverley levelled proceedings for the Hornets moments before the half-hour mark with a fine finish.

Watford continued to push for a home victory and were rewarded for their efforts when Joao Pedro converted from the penalty spot in the 61st minute.

Mikel was cautioned in the 79th minute after a late challenge and two minutes later, Nick Powell level matter for Watford.

Sarr then scored the all-important goal that handed Watford victory in additional time when he fired his effort into the bottom corner after receiving a sumptuous assist from Ken Sema.

The strike is the winger’s second in the current campaign after opening his season account against Wycombe Wanderers in October.

Sarr featured for the duration of the game while his teammate and Nigeria international William Troost-Ekong was an unused substitute.

Mikel was on parade for the entirety of the game and had 41 touches on the ball while also making two tackles.

The former Super Eagles captain has now featured 11 times for Stoke in the 2020-21 season and will hope to lead his side return to winning ways when they square off against Reading.

Sarr, meanwhile, will look to add to his tally when Watford take on Coventry City on Saturday.

Harambee Stars defender Musa Mohamed has joined Zambian Super League side Lusaka Dynamos for one year.

Mohamed joins the Lusaka club – his second in the Super League – after his contract with the Nkana FC ended at the end of last season.

The former KF Tirana star was part of the team that fought for the league title till the last match in the 2019/20 campaign that was cancelled in August after it had just restarted.

The Kenya international made the move after his talks with the Moroccan side Difaa El Jadida failed to materialise after lengthy talks.

“I have signed the deal that will see me be at Lusaka Dynamos for one year,” the Kenyan Premier League winner with Gor Mahia told Goal on Wednesday.

“My dream is to help the team win the league this season. As a player, that is my main target and I am sure with the new teammates we will achieve just that.”

Speaking about his immediate former club Nkana, Mohamed said he will forever appreciate the support he got while at Kalampa.

“I would like to say big thank you to Nkana family especially for the support I enjoyed while I was there. They believed in me and gave me the necessary support as a player," he continued.

“I wish them all the best in the season.”

The former Gor Mahia captain also said the Lusaka Dynamos transfer will help him grow as a player.

“I am cherished by the move because I think it is another step that will help me career-wise,” the centre-back concluded.

Lusaka Dynamos, who drew with Buildcon FC in the 2020/21 season opener, are 12th and will face Napsa Stars – home to Kenya’s Timothy Otieno and Shaban Odhoji - for the second game of the season on Wednesday.

Mohamed is among the Kenyans plying his trade in Zambia and was with Duke Abuya, Duncan Otieno and Harun Shakava at Nkana last season. Otieno has so far left and returned to AFC Leopards.

Former KPL top scorers Jesse Were and John Makwatta are at Zesco United alongside defender David ‘Calabar’ Owino and goalkeeper Ian Otieno, while former AFC Leopards midfielder Andrew Tololwa is at Red Arrows.

Manchester United would be title contenders under Mikel Arteta, according to Arsenal legend Ian Wright, who says Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is underachieving at Old Trafford.

Arteta masterminded Arsenal's first Premier League win at United in 14 years on Sunday afternoon.

A Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang penalty was enough to give the Gunners a 1-0 victory, condemning United to their worst start to a home league season since 1972-73.

The result also heaped more pressure on Solskjaer, with the Norwegian seemingly no closer to ending the Red Devils' wait for another title success than he was when he was handed a permanent three-year contract in March 2019.

In stark contrast, Arteta has turned Arsenal into a formidable force again over the space of just 11 months, giving the team a clear identity while also delivering silverware in the form of the FA Cup.

Wright thinks that United would be in a far better position if the Spaniard was sitting in the Old Trafford dugout instead of Solskjaer, who he believes is failing to get the best out of a squad brimming with talented players.

"Can I just say something, I'm just going to blast it in: If Arteta is managing Man United they are challenging," the former Arsenal striker said on his Wrighty's House podcast.

"Because, for me now I've got to the point where, when you look at the inconsistency of Man United with the components they have, the team that they have, what they should be doing.

"We're talking about [Paul] Pogba here, World Cup winner, you've got [Axel] Tuanzebe who can't even get on the pitch after marking arguably two of the most exciting and brilliant players in the world.

"He's using two holding midfielders when if he's playing Tuanzebe he doesn't need that! And you've got a manager who, for me, is playing off of vibes, he's managing off of pure vibes.

"Look at what Arteta has done in his time at Arsenal. We're seeing coaching change, we're seeing coaching on the field, we're seeing impact. Look at [Mohamed] Elneny, came out of the blue, found him and said, 'He can do this for me, he can do that for me'. He's making the parts work.

"And looking at Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who's got a Man United team with this [Alex] Telles – I think Telles looks like someone who could do something.

"Harry Maguire is starting to get back to what he can do, we know what Harry Maguire can do, with Tuanzebe next to him and [Aaron] Wan-Bissaka, and the goalkeeper is starting to find his form, they should be doing better than that.

"What they did against Arsenal the other day, for me, for Man United, coming off the back of the two results, was embarrassing. Roy Keane was saying the players will get him the sack. It's not just the players."

Barbra Banda netted a hat-trick and Grace Chanda bagged a brace as Zambia romped to a big 8-0 win in their Cosafa Women's Cup opener against Lesotho at the Wolfson Stadium on Wednesday.

Coming into the tournament as last year's runners-up, the Copper Queens were still beaming after a historic maiden qualification for the Olympic Games after upsetting Cameroon in March.

Yona Phiri's team started impressively but could not convert their many early chances until Prisca Chilufya set up Banda to fire the Zambians ahead on the half-hour mark of the encounter.

After the break, Zambia continued from where they left off as Banda bagged her brace of the match seven minutes into the second half before Chilufya got on the scoresheet in the 57th minute.

Eight minutes later, Maylan Mulenga, who scored five goals to finish as top scorer at 2019 Cosafa U20 Women's Cup, made a scoring competitive senior debut, with a fourth of the tie for Zambia.

Chanda, who finished as Africa's Olympic Games qualifier top scorer with eight goals, netted the fifth goal of the match a minute later before, Banda hit her treble of the contest in the 70th minute.

Phiri's ruthless side increased their tally to seven six minutes later through Chanda's second of the tie before Ireen Lungu struck six minutes from full-time to complete the rout.

The big win sees Zambia open their title quest for glory in style and sends them to the top of the log in Group B and they will aim to inch closer to clinching a semi-final spot against Malawi on November 9.

Following her hat-trick against Lesotho, Banda, who recently finished as 2020 Chinese Women's Super League top scorer with 18 goals, was named the Player of the Match. 

Marcus Rashford has been ranked above Neymar by Paul Ince, who insists he would rather have the Manchester United striker in his team than the "embarrassing" Paris Saint-Germain star.

Rashford and Neymar came up against each other at club level for the first time when PSG welcomed United to Parc des Princes for a Group H Champions League opener on October 20.

The French champions were heavy favourites heading into the contest, having made it all the way to the final in 2019-20, but the Red Devils produced a superb display of attacking football to earn an impressive 2-1 victory.

Bruno Fernandes put the visitors in front from the penalty spot before an Anthony Martial own goal gifted the hosts an equaliser, setting up a tense finale.

United pushed hardest for the winner and were rewarded for their efforts when Rashford arrowed a fierce strike into the bottom left-hand corner of Keylor Navas' net with just three minutes left to play.

The England international was a thorn in PSG's side throughout the 90 minutes, and was ultimately unfortunate not to come away with two or three goals to his name, while the likes of Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Angel Di Maria endured a surprisingly ineffective night at the other end of the pitch.

Rashford built on his match-winning display in Paris by hitting a superb hat-trick after coming on as a substitute against RB Leipzig at Old Trafford the following week, helping Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side wrap up an emphatic 5-0 win.

Ince thinks the 23-year-old is on track to reach the same level as World Cup winner Mbappe, and already feels he has a greater impact on matches than the Frenchman's frustrating PSG team-mate Neymar.

“I look at Rashford and the way he plays, his attitude, his application, his intensity, he's a main part of that team,” the former Red Devils midfielder told Ladbrokes.

“For such a young kid he's got a great responsibility on his shoulders, not just on the pitch but off it as well. He's the level United should be looking at when bringing in players.

“He's a great boy - he's still only 23. A Manchester boy, he plays like he loves the club - which is brilliant. Some players play like they want to get away from the club. It looks like he wants to be there for the rest of his life.

“You look at Kylian Mbappe, you look at Neymar. Would you put Rashford in that ilk? Not just yet, but he's still learning, he's young.

“Mbappe is a special player. You look at Neymar, though, against Man United, he was a disgrace. He was embarrassing. Losing the ball, standing still. That's not a great player.

“You wouldn't get that from Rashford. He came on and scored a hat-trick.

“If you were to ask me who I'd rather have in my team between Rashford and Neymar, it's Rashford, absolutely. That's for sure.

“If he keeps continuing doing what he's doing, I'm certain he'd be up there with the likes of Mbappe.

“He likes the pressure, he turns it on week-in, week-out. That's what a Man United player should be.”

Ghana Football Association (GFA) president Kurt Okraku has shed light on Greuther Furth attacker Jamie Leweling's Black Stars call-up for the upcoming 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying games against Sudan.

The 19-year-old was among the surprising names in coach CK Akonnor's 23-man squad, in part because he currently represents Germany at U20 level.

Although he represented the country of his birth at youth level, he remains eligible to line up for the west Africans at senior level because he is of Ghanaian descent.

"Jamie Leweling was recommended by the technical director [Bernhard Lippert] of the Ghana Football Association," Okraku told Hello FM.

"As a result, CK Akonnor travelled to Germany and watched Jamie [Leweling] two times and some of his videos. And considering all the information that we had, we thought it was imperative to bring him to the team.

"Some of the information were classified but Jamie must come to the team for which reason we gave the coach the green light to bring him.

"He's a 19-year-old, an offensive player and I think per his qualities he holds a good future."

So far this season, Leweling, who has also played for Germany at U18 level, has made six appearances for Furth in the Bundesliga 2.

Last weekend, he saw 16 minutes of action in the club's 4-1 home triumph over Hannover 96.

"He [Leweling] is a young man who is all over the place with lots of teams interested in him because of what he has done,” Akonnor said, as reported by the Ghana Football Association’s official website.

“He is growing very fast. He just got a chance from the [Greuther Furth] second team and now he is with the first team. He’s been a player I believe is a hope for the future.

“He is one of the guys that we can have because he’s young, 19 years of age and he has had the chance to play for the German national team and so we are looking at how we can also get him on board to also help us in the future. He’s somebody I believe if not today, he’s going to be the hope for our future and that’s why he’s here.”

Leweling could make his Ghana debut when they host Sudan in Cape Coast on November 12.

Mikel Agu has expressed his disillusionment over his inability to tie down a regular place in the Nigeria senior national team.

Since making his Super Eagles debut in a 3-0 friendly triumph over Togo on June 1, 2017, the Vitoria de Guimaraes midfielder only boasts of seven international caps.

After two years in the international wilderness, he was recalled to the three-time African champions’ squad for October’s friendly games against Algeria and Tunisia.

In the 1-0 defeat to the Desert Foxes, he was a second-half replacement for FC Midtjylland’s Frank Onyeka while he was completely overlooked against the Carthage Eagles.

He did not make Gernot Rohr's squad for the 2020 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers aganst Sierra Leone.

According to the 27-year-old, he doesn’t understand why he gets overlooked despite doing everything possible from his own end.

To him, his time in the senior national team is yet to come, nevertheless, he assured that he would always give his very best when invited and played in his natural position.

“I have done everything on my own part to settle in the national team, yet I get ignored sometimes, I know my time is yet to come with the national team,” he told Completesports.

“I just want to make one thing clear. In the games that I have played in, my comfortable position as a holding four, one was against Togo in Paris and the other was against Uganda in Asaba, I was one of the outstanding players in both games.

“I think the only game in which I didn’t play well was against Zambia in Uyo and that was because I had an off-day which is normal with every player.

“You can’t be 100 per cent every day. So, if I get to play in my natural position, then I know I will always give my best every time I’m on the pitch. I will continue to do my thing here in my club.”

After loan spells at Club Brugge, Vitoria Setubal and Bursaspor, Agu joined Primeira Liga outfit Guimaraes on a permanent deal in 2019.

In the 2019-20 season, he featured in 16 games, scoring once and accruing five cautions - against Moreirense, Belenenses, Sporting Lisbon, Tondela and Rio Ave.

This season, he has featured in five out of six outings as Joao Henriques’ team occupy the sixth position after accruing ten points so far.

Al Ahly midfielder Hussein El Shahat has responded to reports linking him with Mamelodi Sundowns. 

Recent reports indicated that Masandawana have made a $3 million (R48 million) bid for the highly-rated attacking midfielder.

The Tshwane giants are also said to have made another $2 million (R32 million) bid for El Shahat's teammate Ayman Ashraf at the Egyptian champions 

This came after it was reported that Al Ahly were keen to sign Sundowns' influential playmaker Gaston Sirino, after the club appointed Pitso Mosimane as their new head coach late last month.

El Shahat, who is an Egypt international, explained that he was unaware of Sundowns' interest in his services as he is currently on vacation. 

“I do not know anything about the existence of any official offers from the Sundowns Club,” El Shahat told MBC Egypt on Wednesday according to Eg24 News. 

“I am currently on vacation with my children and do not occupy my mind with anything, but certainly when you have performances, this means that you are doing well.”

Sirino was one of Mosimane's key players during the accomplished tactician's time with Sundowns and the Uruguayan player signed a new five-year deal at the Chloorkop-based giants in June 2020.

El Shahat is Al Ahly's record signing having joined the Cairo giants from United Arab Emirates (UAE) giants Al Ain, after they paid a whopping $5 million (R80 million) for his services in 2018.

However, the 28-year-old player revealed that he has received offers from the Arabian Gulf where he flourished whilst playing for Al Ain. 

“There are Gulf offers that came to me through my agent, but I only focus on the team and continue with it. I closed everything out of love for the Al-Ahly club that I chose," he added. 

El Shahat is keen to help Al Ahly clinch a record-extending ninth Caf Champions League title this year and he spoke about his working relationship with South African tactician Mosimane. 

“I hope to achieve the African Champions League championship with Al-Ahly and to dedicate the title to Moamen Zakaria. It does not matter which team we will face in the final match, and we will play to win," he continued.

“I had a shaky confidence after the opportunity I wasted against Wydad [Casablanca] in Morocco [in the Champions League semi-final first-leg match] after returning from injury and the feeling pressured me to score, but I managed to regain confidence during the return match.

“The coach, Pitso Mosimane, spoke to me and gave me more confidence, and told me that I gave everything I had in the match.”

Al Ahly will take on either Egyptian giants Zamalek or Morocco's Raja Casablanca in the Champions League final on November 27.

Simba SC recorded a 2-0 Mainland Premier League win over Kagera Sugar on Wednesday ahead of the Kariakoo Derby clash against Yanga SC.

John Bocco and Said Ndemla scored the important goals for Wekudnu wa Msimbazi who have now posted two straight wins after the initial one against Mwadui FC.

Bocco scored the opener for the reigning champions in the 42nd minute from the penalty spot after the first 40 minutes had few chances at goal. They extended their lead in the third minute of first-half added time through the effort of Ndemla.

The win is a morale booster for Simba who will tackle Kariakoo rivals Yanga SC on Saturday at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.

The 2020 treble winners are also in a race to catch up with Timu ya Wananchi and Azam FC after recording back-to-back losses against Tanzania Prisons and Ruvu Shooting.

“We need to win and reduce the gap separating us from Yanga,” Simba SC's head coach Sven Vandenbroeck told Mwanaspoti before the match as four points now stand between the most successful Tanzanian clubs.

Simba will miss Meddie Kagere and Gerson Fraga who are all injured while Bernard Morrison will sit out due to a three-match ban following an altercation that occurred during their match against Ruvu Shooting.

Chris Mugalu, who was also a doubt for the Yanga derby, was introduced in the 64th minute in place of captain Bocco, suggesting he could be fit enough for the Saturday big tie after an injury.

“We can start with one striker and have attacking midfielders like Luis Miquissone, Francis Kahata, Said Ndemla and Ibrahim Ajibu behind,” Vandenbroeck said as he plots for a win against Timu ya Wannachi.

“There is no doubt that the match against Yanga is a big one that touches on the emotions of many people. Having all key players available always brings more confidence but we will have to find an alternative although I have complete faith in my remaining players that they can actually do a good job.”

Meanwhile, Namungo FC were held to a 2-2 draw at home by JKT Tanzania while Ruvu Shooting fought for a 1-1 draw in the other matches.

Arsenal's Joe Willock says that Mikel Arteta's progress has been "mind-blowing", with the 21-year-old midfielder adding that he must now find a way to push his way into a more regular role in the manager's plans.

Arteta took over at Arsenal midway through the 2019-20 campaign, eventually leading the Gunners to an FA Cup triumph.

This season Arteta has Arsenal hopeful of pushing on for a top-four spot, having recently picked up a 1-0 win over fellow contenders Manchester United.

The Gunners also continue in the Europa League, having won their first two matches over Rapid Wien and Dundalk ahead of Thursday's clash with Molde in London.

Willock says that the entire squad is feeling good about the progress so far under Arteta, despite recent claims from Manchester United legend Roy Keane that there is a lack of respect for the Spanish manager.

"As you know we all really, really respect the manager," Willock said on Wednesday. "What he’s done over the 10 months he’s been here is mind-blowing and we can only hold our hats off to him and that’s something that we talk about

"We talk about the big respect we have for him in the changing room so I don’t think that’s a lack of respect; it’s just the relationship we each have with him."

Willock made 44 appearances for the Gunners last season, but has yet to feature in the Premier League this campaign. 

He had made five appearances across the Europa League, Carabao Cup and the Community Shield, but Willock says that he must find a way to push his way into Arteta's plans after the summer signing of Thomas Partey. 

"I always want to kick on, play more games and start more games in the PL and become a player that I’ve always wanted to be," he said. "I just wanted to focus on doing that.

"At the start of the season I had a few conversations with the boss and it was very encouraging and the manager is someone I have a good relationship with so I trust him. I’m just trying to work hard and have performances that ask questions.

He added: "For me I thrive off competition so when I had the competition with him that was a conversation that it was negative for me, it was something positive. I want to learn off these players that were coming in and I can train with every day and sort of compete with them.

"I’m 21 years of age and I want to compete with these players and I said to him that’s what I want to do and it was very encouraging for him to support me and say if I play well I’ll get the chance so that’s what I’m trying to do right now."

Wazito FC have confirmed the signing of striker Clinton Okoth from Kenyan Premier League (KPL) champions Gor Mahia.

The club has confirmed the arrival on their official website by stating: “Wazito is pleased to announce the signing of Clinton Okoth from Gor Mahia.

“The young striker joins us ahead of FKF Premier League (FKF-PL) kick-off in two weeks’ time. He is expected to beef our attack.

“The forward, a product of Migori Youth, joined Gor at the start of the year from National Super League side, Migori Youth FC. He took the NSL by storm scoring 14 goals in the first half of the season and in the process attracted interest from several top clubs.”

Wazito coach Fred Ambani said on the signing: “I am happy that he has joined us. He is a young quality striker who can get better with time. He is confident in front of the goal and as a former striker, I will sharpen him further. I have full confidence in his abilities.”

Okoth will be part of the team that will take on Zoo FC in a friendly match on Thursday in Kericho.

Wazito will be keen to win wrestle the league title from Gor Mahia after their attempt last season faded away in the first round of the competition.

The former National Super League (NSL) champions will start their campaign to win the trophy with a clash against Kariobangi Sharks on November 21 before playing away against Mathare United on November 29.

They will then take Sofapaka on December 5, tackling Ulinzi Stars on December 9, and then wind up their first opening fixtures with a clash against KCB on December 13.

Wazito have beefed up their squad with a number of signings including Maurice Ojwang, Edwin Omondi, Steven Odhiambo, and Fidel Origa from Western Stima, Castro Ogendo from Bidco United, Peter Odhiambo from Gor Mahia, and Jackson Juma from AFC Leopards.

Others are Kevin Okumu from promoted side Nairobi City Stars, Jackson Juma from AFC Leopards, Boniface Omondi from Gor Mahia, Kevin Kimani from Mathare United, Mark Otieno from Leeds United, and striker Vincent Oburu from AFC Leopards.

Mohamed Salah says equalling Steven Gerrard’s Liverpool Champions League record is an “honour” for him.

The 28-year-old got a goal and an assist as Jurgen Klopp’s men brushed aside Atalanta 5-0 at Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia on Tuesday night.

Salah’s effort, a composed left-footed finish at the end of a rapid burst forward, was the Egypt international's 21st in the Champions League proper for the team. And that moved him on level terms with Gerrard as the Reds' top goalscorer in European Cup and Champions League history.

“I am happy to have equalled Gerrard’s record [with 21 goals in the Champions League], he is a Liverpool legend,” Salah said on Sky Sports.

“It’s an honour for me, but my job is to score to help the team and win games most importantly.

“Unlocking the game immediately gave us confidence and the possibility of creating more chances. Atalanta’s game helped us, but it also helps them.

“They proved it last year, they are a team that scores a lot and also concedes a lot. They are a strong team, that’s for sure. They’ll do well again this year.”

Thanks to the away win, the Anfield giants lead Group D having garnered nine points from three games.

Since joining the Reds for £36.7 million ($45m) in the summer of 2017 from Serie A outfit AS Roma, the Egyptian has been an instant hit for Klopp’s men helping them win the Champions League, Premier League, Super Cup and Club World Cup.

His brilliance in front of goal saw him win the Premier League topscorer prize twice, and in the process joining the likes of Alan Shearer, Michael Owen, Thierry Henry, Robin van Persie and Harry Kane as players who have won the accolade for two consecutive seasons.

This season, however, he has found the net seven times and is next to Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Tottenham Hotspur’s Son Heung-Min in the race for the 2020-21 Golden Boot prize.

He is expected to lead the Reds’ charge for a sixth consecutive win across all competitions when his team travel to the Etihad Stadium for Sunday’s blockbuster Premier League showdown with Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.

The Ministry of Youth and Sports Development has insisted that Nigeria's game against Sierra Leone will be played without fans.

The Super Eagles will take on the Leone Stars in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifying game at newly renovated Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City on November 13.

The Presidential Task Force on Covid-19 recently gave their approval for contact sports to return in the West African country but behind closed doors.

The president of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick, recently stated that fans will be allowed into the stadium but at a reduced seating capacity.

In a letter, to the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, the Ministry insisted that the game will be played without fans in adherence to the directives from the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19.

“The ministry wishes to bring to your urgent attention that in compliance with the condition of no gathering agreed upon by the ministry and the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19 before the Federal Government opened up football and contacts sports, the match between Nigeria and Sierra Leone will not have any audience," read the letter, as per the Punch.

"No gathering save for players, match officials and government officials from both countries. Testings must be conducted on all of them prior to the match.

“The no gathering, no audience for football and contact sports is still in force, which means there shall be no gathering for the Nigerian vs Sierra Leone match, as any violation of this condition may lead to a rollback of the opening up of football and contact sports in the country.

“The PTF and the ministry are on the same page on this matter and the protocol for clearances rests with both the ministry and the PTF when it comes to staging any sports event in Nigeria.

“Full compliance with Covid-19 protocols is to be enforced. The PTF is worried about a spike following the second wave of Covid-19 and is considering another lockdown.”

Nigeria currently lead Group L with six points after securing victories against the Republic of Benin and Lesotho.

The Super Eagles played friendlies against African champions Algeria and Tunisia in October as part of their preparations for Sierra Leone.

Ajax star Edson Alvarez has revealed his desire to one day join Manchester City. 

The Mexico international has impressed with the Dutch outfit since joining from Club America in July 2019, establishing himself as a key member of the first team. 

Alvarez has featured in both central defence and central midfield for Ajax. In an interview with Voetbalzone, the 23-year-old admitted that adjusting to the Eredivisie took some time after his move from Liga MX.

“I always fight for my team and for my team-mates," Alvarez said. "I am reasonably satisfied with my level, but the football here is different from what I was used to at Club America.

“It all goes faster, so you have little time to make decisions. That is something I have to get better at."

Alvarez has enjoyed playing under manager Erik ten Hag, whose style he believes suits him well.

“I like our playing style and how we put pressure [on teams]," Alvarez said. 

"Many teams are waiting for their opponent, but we are not. At Ajax you have to put constant pressure on for 90 minutes and I love that vision."

Ajax have recently seen three of their key players depart for bigger teams: Donny van de Beek, who moved to Manchester United, Hakim Ziyech, who joined Chelsea, and new Barcelona full-back Sergino Dest. 

But the Dutch giants, as they usually seem to do, have recovered by unearthing new young stars, including Antony and Mohammed Kudus. Alvarez has been impressed by the pair of 20-year-olds. 

“The best players of this Ajax? Antony and Mo Kudus," Alvarez said. "Antony really is a top player. He is very fast, structured and also a nice person.

"He really has it all," Alvarez adds on Kudus, "so it's a shame for us that Mo has now been injured. I think he is our best player at the moment."

Though he's only been at Ajax for just over a year, Alvarez confessed that he's already dreaming of a move to England. 

“I would really like to achieve [an Eredivisie title] one day and then it is a dream of mine to play in the Premier League one day. 

"Manchester City is my favourite club, so that would be perfect."

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta thinks it is too early for talks about Mohamed Elneny's contract extension after his fine start to the 2020-21 season.

Elneny has delivered impressive performances in the Gunners' midfield this campaign since he returned from a season-long loan at Turkish Super Lig club Besiktas.

On Sunday, the Egypt international was outstanding in the middle of the park as Arsenal secured 1-0 win against Manchester United - a first Premier League win at Old Trafford since 2006.

He has featured in nine of Arsenal's 12 matches this season but his current contract is expected to expire at the end of the current campaign.

Ahead of Thursday's UEFA Europa League encounter against Molde at the Emirates Stadium, Arteta claims it is not the time for contract talks when quizzed about a new deal for the 28-year-old midfielder.

He said in a press conference: "Let's go step by step please! What I can say is that I'm really pleased with the player and hopefully he can continue like that and perform all season."

The Spanish coach also expressed satisfaction with the way Elneny has fought for his place in the team and how he is helping with his performances.

"I think he's responding really well to all the challenges we're putting in front of him," Arteta added. "He had a big one when he came back from his loan spell to show what he can bring to the squad. I think everybody's seen what he can do. I'm really pleased with his performances and what he can bring to the team."

Elneny is in contention to make his third appearance in the Europa League on Thursday, having played every minute of Arsenal's games in the European tournament this season.

One player who has struggled to make an impact at Arsenal is William Saliba, with Arteta admitting the defender could leave on loan in January.

He said: “I am fed up with the situation because as you could see we tried to find a way in the last few days [of the transfer window] to give him some football.

“I explained that he needed that transition year when we decided to buy him and send him on loan to Saint-Etienne, for many reasons that didn’t happen, he didn’t have that transition year and he needs to go through that.

“At the moment, with the amount of central defenders that we have in the team we had to leave him out of the squad which is painful because we have some injuries and we could have used him, but it’s part of this profession.

Clarke Oduor's Barnsley manager Valerien Ismael has stated he was disappointed by the manner in which they conceded three goals against Cardiff City on Tuesday.

Cardiff City picked up a 3-0 win to record a first home victory in the Championship as Oduor's side were beaten for the first time under their new manager.

The Bluebirds got the goals thanks to Junior Hoilett's close-range finish, as well as efforts from Joe Ralls and Harry Wilson.

Neil Harris' charges had only scored two points from four home matches before Barnsley's visit.

Cardiff City went to the 11th position as Ismael’s two-match winning run was halted and Barnsley dropped to the 17th place.

Although Ismael said he was not happy with how his players conceded, he was quick to point out that they deserved at least a penalty.

"I was disappointed with the defending for the goals,” Ismael said as per BBC Sport.

“But in the first half we could have had a penalty with Patrick Schmidt and then on the counter-attack we conceded a penalty, which was also a penalty, and that changed the game.

“We didn't do enough after 90 minutes.

“A lot of things went wrong, tiredness was an issue and we had injuries which forced us to change the formation.

“It was very difficult because we weren't dangerous enough in the opponents' box. We have to analyse why it was like this and put it right for the game against Derby on Saturday.”

On his part, Cardiff manager Harris praised the players for a positive reaction.

“I can talk a lot about the goals we scored, the chances we created, the clean sheet, but I am most impressed with the reaction of my players,” Harris said.

“Obviously I was honest in my opinion after the game on the performance in the first half previously at QPR. I was honest with my players at half-time and after the game.

“When you do that you want a positive reaction from the group and I got that.

“I thought the performance level individually and collectively was outstanding. The only frustration is that we didn't score more.”

Young Africans (Yanga SC) coach Cedric Kaze has admitted he was very impressed to see his side come out with a point from their Mainland Premier League match against Gwambina FC on Tuesday.

The promoted side put up a spirited fight to end Yanga’s three-match winning run as they secured a 0-0 draw at Gwambina Complex.

The Burundian tactician who was yet to drop a point since joining the Jangwani giants as a replacement for Serbian Zlatko Krmpotic, has now said it was better to pick a point from the fixture than to lose all because the home team fought hard for the draw.

“To get one point from an away match is not a bad thing,” Kaze is quoted saying by Sokaletu. “My players put all the efforts we needed from them and to get a point, is a worthy one to take home.”

Kaze continued: “Our focus now is on the derby against Simba SC on Saturday, we want to do well, we want to make sure that we beat them, so we have already shifted focus to the match.”

Meanwhile, Yanga’s pursuit for the league title has received a huge boost after defender Balama Mapinduzi has been allowed to start training, four months since he was ruled out owing to injury.

Mapinduzi picked the injury in June during their league match against Ndanda FC but according to the team doctor Shecky Mngazija, the player has recovered and ready to train with the rest of the squad.

“I can confirm Balama [Mapinduzi] will officially start training with the rest of the squad, when the team returns to Dar es Salaam,” Mngazija is quoted by Sokaletu.

“We have done tests to him and they are very okay, he has recovered well and we now want him to join the rest in training, we want him to start with light training sessions before we can push him to the starting eleven.”

The draw against Gwambina enabled Yanga to move top of the 18-team league table, a point adrift of second-placed Azam FC, who have a game in hand.

The derby between Yanga and Simba will be played at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium from 1600hrs.

David Alaba's contract saga at Bayern Munich heralds the return of 'FC Hollywood', according to team-mate Thomas Muller. 

The future of stalwart defender Alaba is the hot topic in Bavaria as his deal expires at the end of the season and the club last week withdrew their offer of a renewal. 

That move came after a deadline set by Bayern passed with no agreement in sight. 

Even as Bayern - the reigning European champions - continued their 100 per cent start to their Champions League defence with a late flurry of goals in Salzburg on Tuesday, ultimately running out 6-2 winners, talk centred around Alaba. 

Sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic has said Bayern must assume Alaba will depart, although Jerome Boateng claimed his centre-back partner had the squad's backing. 

For Muller, the conversation feels familiar, as he suggested a similarity to a previous era at Bayern when the club was known as 'FC Hollywood'. 

The World Cup winner is just happy Alaba is able to perform while the speculation entertains onlookers. 

“The [Alaba] topic has been with us for a long time,” Muller told Sky Sport. “The contract has still not been signed; there is nothing new. We'll see, I don't know. Let us be surprised by the future.

“He is his own man on the pitch for the team and is not influenced by it. At Bayern, we sometimes want you to hear something. Regardless of the discussion, David doesn't let himself be influenced and performs well.

“It's also interesting for the audience - it's nice when there's a little bit of drama at the club. I used to enjoy reading about that stuff - FC Hollywood - and now you can watch it live!”

Bayern head coach Hansi Flick also gave his thoughts on the situation following the German side's 6-2 thumping of RB Salzburg, stating that he wishes to ignore the speculation and focus solely on what happens on the pitch rather than what goes on off it.

“It's important to me that we have calm in the team and our surroundings,” Flick said. “We have a very, very important game against Dortmund on Saturday and I'm not interested in anything else. I won't say anything more about it.

“I didn't see Hasan's interview so I don't want to comment on it.”