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Champions League last 16 TV guide: How to watch PSG and Chelsea in UK, USA and Canada

Hakim Ziyech opened the scoring and set up Timo Werner to round it off as Chelsea earned a comfortable victory away at Burnley on Saturday.

Hakim Ziyech produced a stellar display as Chelsea overcame Burnley 3-0 in the Premier League on Saturday.

Injuries delayed Ziyech's introduction to the Chelsea team, but he followed up his goal in the 4-0 Champions League win over Krasnodar in midweek by registering the opener at Turf Moor.

Kurt Zouma had a couple of sloppy moments in the first half but there was no doubt about the powerful header he produced to double the visitors' lead in the 63rd minute.

Ziyech then teed up Timo Werner – who only started due to an injury Christian Pulisic sustained in the warm-up – to hand Burnley a fourth straight home Premier League defeat for the first time since April 2010.

Ashley Barnes collided with Edouard Mendy after lifting a shot over the goalkeeper and the crossbar in the fifth minute, though referee David Coote did not deem it worthy of a penalty.

Nor did the official point to the spot when Ben Chilwell was nudged out from under Reece James' cross by Josh Brownhill, with play continuing and Nick Pope having to tip a looping Tammy Abraham header behind.

After Zouma stopped Barnes punishing his error near the halfway line, Pope was caught out when Ziyech fired a low drive from the edge of the box through Dale Stephens' legs and into the bottom-right corner in the 26th minute.

James Tarkowski made an important intervention to deny Werner a tap-in before half-time, but he was lost at sea when Zouma rose to steer Mason Mount's corner into the net.

Burnley unravelled and after Ashley Westwood's cross-field ball was intercepted by James, Ziyech slid a pass through for Werner to put the game to bed in the 70th minute.

 

What does it mean? Lampard making strides with defence

Chelsea let in at least two against Liverpool, West Brom and Southampton this season but have now kept a clean sheet in each of their past four outings.

Their shutout at Old Trafford last weekend was just their second on their travels in the Premier League under Frank Lampard – they have now achieved back-to-back clean sheets on the road in the top flight for the first time since October 2018.

Mendy replacing Kepa Arrizabalaga has helped tighten things up, with the former Rennes keeper emulating club great Petr Cech, who, in August 2004, was the last Blues keeper to avoid conceding in each of his first three Premier League appearances.

Hakim the dream

Ziyech became the first Chelsea player since Diego Costa in 2014 to score in both of his first two starts in all competitions, but he also provided a display of the range of passing that makes him such a threat from the wing.

Toothless Clarets

Burnley delivered nine crosses from open play but failed to register a single shot on target. Of the five attempts they did muster, only one of them came from inside the box. Sean Dyche's side lack a cohesive plan going forward and a trip to Turf Moor no longer represents the tough challenge it used to.

Key Opta Facts

- Chelsea have won six of their seven away Premier League matches against Burnley (D1), winning each of their last four in a row.
- Burnley have picked up just one point in their opening six league games this season, their worst ever start to a league season in their history.
- Edouard Mendy has conceded just one goal in six appearances for Chelsea in all competitions – Kepa Arrizabalaga has conceded 14 goals in his past six appearances for the Blues.
- Since the start of last season, Ziyech has been directly involved in 30 goals in 40 matches in all competitions across spells with Ajax and Chelsea (11 goals, 19 assists).
- Ziyech is the first player to score and assist on his first Premier League start since Ruben Neves in August 2018, and the third African player to ever do so, after Mohamed Salah and Dame N'Doye. 

What's next?

Chelsea are back in Champions League action at home to Rennes on Wednesday, while Burnley have a Premier League trip to Brighton and Hove Albion on Friday to look forward to.

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Transfer news and rumours LIVE: Man City eye Brighton's Bissouma as Fernandinho replacement

90' + 2' The fourth official indicates five minutes of stoppage time will be added. 

82' Yarmolenko steals the ball from the foot of Salah and goes on a winding run through midfield, ending on the opposite flank inside Liverpool’s half. It’s smart from the striker who manages to buy his side time to step up. They’ve been under immense pressure, and those few moments allow for some reorganisation.

80' With 10 minutes remaining, Liverpool will at least feel enthused that the spaces are opening up in West Ham’s defence. It’s been a much better second-half performance by the hosts, who have clearly been spurred on by the ticking clock.

78' Jota finds the back of the net but it’s wiped away after a lengthy VAR check! Mane’s shot from close range is parried by Fabianski, but only as far as the edge of his six-yard box. The forward looks to follow the effort up and slides into a challenge with both Ogbonna and the goalkeeper. It squirms out to Jota who finishes it comfortably in the open net -  but the referee deems that the Liverpool striker’s sliding pass was reckless, and therefore a foul. We remain level at 1-1.

76' Diogo Jota has scored in both of his Premier League games for Liverpool at Anfield – the last player to score in each of their first three at home for the Reds in the competition was Luis García in October 2004.

72' Fornals hits a switch from left to right in hopes of finding an unmarked Bowen, but Gomez allows himself to go wide in order to win the header and reclaim possession before pushing forward again in search of a winner.

69' Henderson sprays a phenomenal pass wide to Robertson inside the penalty area, but the volleyed effort towards goal from an acute angle is parried well by Fabianski before it’s put out by West Ham desperately for a Liverpool throw-in.

67' West Ham look to be getting changes ready on the touchline, as Yarmolenko receives his instructions. Haller has failed to impress in the opening 67 minutes, but the match is still there to be won.

65' Fornals gets through into the penalty area but forces a shot which is blocked by three converging Liverpool defenders. Bowen - who was up in support - does not look happy at the option taken as perhaps he could have been played through on-goal.

63' Play is stopped momentarily for Cresswell, who is in need of treatment after awkwardly lunging for the ball and ending up in the splits. He should be okay to continue, but there won’t be a player on the pitch who won’t understand the need for a minute’s pause.

61' Gomez looks to capitalise on a bit of confusion in the West Ham defence, but his launched pass for Mane is just out of the forward’s reach - rolling out for a goal-kick.

59' West Ham have lost 21 of their 24 Premier League away games against reigning champions (W1 D2), with their only victory coming in December 2001 against Manchester United at Old Trafford (1-0).

57' Phillips chips a clever pass over the top of the West Ham defence for Salah, but Cresswell is there to win possession before Fornals is able to win a throw-in and slow play down in order to reorganise.

55' West Ham continue to make careless errors as Ogbonna’s pass out to the left for Masuaku isn’t tracked by the left-back, who allows it to roll out for a Liverpool throw.

53' West Ham fail to get it clear after Masuaku’s poor clearance, allowing Liverpool to continue to press into the opponent’s 18-yard box. A ball-winning tackle from Masuaku saves his blushes and allows him to find a pass to Bowen in-space.

51' Alexander-Arnold wraps his foot around the ball, curling a lovely delivery into the penalty area in search of a leaping Mane, but again the goalkeeper gets to it first. 

50' It's a clever free-kick from Liverpool, as Robertson fakes a kick and gets the West Ham line to move, before clipping it over the top for Salah. The finish doesn't meet the required standard though, as Salah's backwards header is comfortably smothered by Fabianski. 

48' Jones slaloms through midfield and attempts a pass through, into the penalty area for Firmino. It’s a good idea, but an alert Fabianski rushes off his line to gather the ball at the foot of the striker.

Liverpool get the match restarted from the kick-off! 

Despite looking rather assured in defence, West Ham have looked toothless going forward as they’ve struggled to get the numbers required up the pitch. With Benrahma and Lanzini both ready and waiting - Moyes will have the option to go for a second goal should he need to. For Klopp, midweek match-winner Jota, as well as Shaqiri and Minamino could all prove useful as Liverpool search for the goal that would give them a three-point cushion over Everton ahead of tomorrow. 

The first 45 minutes comes to a close with the two sides level at 1-1. Fornals’ opener after 10 minutes gave West Ham the cushion they needed to sit back and defend in a low block, keeping all 11  men in their own half. Liverpool looked short of answers as Henderson and Jones lacked the necessary incision to break down the defence - but a rather fortunate challenge from Masuaku on Salah gave the hosts the chance they needed to get back into the match. Salah’s conversion from the spot levelled the contest three minutes before the whistle - erasing a half-hours worth of defensive diligence from the Hammers.

45' + 2' HALF-TIME: LIVERPOOL 1-1 WEST HAM. 

44' The fourth official indicates two additional minutes will be added to the end of the first half for stoppages. 

40' PENALTY TO LIVERPOOL! Masuaku goes across to defend Salah, but catches the strikers’ leg and not the ball - sending the Egypt international to the ground in a heap. It’s a bit exaggerated - but there was contact nonetheless as Liverpool are given a chance to equalise from the spot!

38' Alexander-Arnold takes a free-kick just outside the 18, but it crashes into the wall. Robertson collects the loose ball, but Rice does well to keep him from turning - and wins back possession. 

36' Robertson forces a volleyed effort after Mane’s cross from the far side of the penalty area, but the chance sails high and harmlessly over the bar.

34' A short-worked free-kick for Liverpool ends extremely disappointingly after the short pass to Salah is fed back to Robertson, who is dispossessed on the edge of the 18. A quick West Ham counter-attack brings it down to Alisson’s box, but last-ditch defending saves the goalkeeper from having to spring into action. 

32' Jones, Robertson and Mane combine well down the left to open up some space, but the referee’s whistle brings the action to an end as a carelessly taken up position forces the fourth official to raise his flag for offside.

30' With every attack, Liverpool are being allowed to comfortably walk into the West Ham half as their opponents are virtually ceding them half the field. Haller has rarely initiated a press, instead choosing to sit back and wait for the eventual balls in-behind to Salah and Mane, which have been dealt with superbly thus far.

28' Jones wins possession in midfield after a throw, but his long, searching pass for Mane is whacked out of the air by a leaping Ogbonna - not for the first time in this match. 

26' Henderson is again forced to pass it square to Robertson - who in-turn sends it back to the defence. It’s been a lacklustre performance in the opening 30 minutes from Liverpool, who are short of ideas without a number of first-choice midfielders.

24' HENDERSON GOES WIDE! Salah’s leading pass sends Mane into the penalty area, but he’s unable to force a shot after West Ham’s defenders converge inside the 18. The ball is pushed out to the Liverpool captain, who slashes a shot inches wide of the post!

22' Henderson flicks a cross into the penalty area, but without a team-mate attacking it, Balbuena is able to clear it without too much trouble. 

20' Despite having a dominant share of possession, Liverpool have done very little with it, failing to even register a shot. Without someone able to pick apart the spaces in midfield, it’s going to be very difficult for the hosts to find a way through the low block.

18' Robertson sends a corner into the penalty area looking for Gomez, but Masuaku gets the first touch to the ball before Rice is able to put it out of play for a throw-in. 

16' Fornals has scored in his last two PL appearances at Anfield against Liverpool.

14' Alexander-Arnold lays off a free-kick on the left for Robertson, but the left-back’s delivery to the far post for Salah is poor - forcing the forward into too tight a space.

12' Liverpool look to answer immediately through Salah, but Fornals and Cresswell combine to clear the danger as the Hammers look to stabilise following their breakthrough. 

9' Coufal shapes a lovely cross from the right for Haller, but Phillips gets involved for the first time today - putting it out for a corner. The ensuing set-piece is extremely disappointing for the Hammers, as it’s taken to the far post, but an alert Alexander-Arnold can watch it roll out for a goal-kick.

7' Alexander-Arnold tries to put a cross into the area for Mane, but a diving Balbuena repels the attack at the first opportunity.

5' Liverpool are having trouble finding room to operate in the middle of the park, as West Ham’s three midfielders are doing well to stay organised and block the lanes. The Hammers haven’t been able to find much success of their own - choosing to just blast it down the field at any opportunity.

3' Salah receives Alexander-Arnold’s pass down the right flank, but a touch-tight Ogbonna squeezes the space and shields it out for a goal-kick. 

1' West Ham get the match underway from the kick-off! 

West Ham make a single, enforced change from their 1-1 draw with Manchester City as an injury to Michail Antonio allows Haller to start at striker.

Liverpool make two changes from their 2-1 victory over Sheffield United, with two youngsters introduced into the starting XI. An injury to Fabinho in midweek sees Phillips take his spot in defence, while a change in formation necessitates an extra midfielder - which is why Jones is favoured over Jota.

WEST HAM SUBS: Said Benrahma, Darren Randolph, Robert Snodgrass, Ryan Fredericks, Issa Diop, Andriy Yarmolenko, Manuel Lanzini.

WEST HAM XI (5-4-1): Lukasz Fabianski; Vladimir Coufal, Fabian Balbuena, Angelo Ogbonna, Aaron Cresswell, Arthur Masuaku; Jarrod Bowen, Tomas Soucek, Declan Rice, Pablo Fornals; Sebastien Haller.

LIVERPOOL SUBS: Xherdan Shaqiri, Adrian, James Milner, Takumi Minamino, Neco Williams, Diogo Jota, Rhys Williams.

LIVERPOOL XI (4-3-3): Alisson; Andrew Robertson, Nathaniel Phillips, Joe Gomez, Trent Alexander-Arnold; Georginio Wijnaldum, Jordan Henderson, Curtis Jones; Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah.

With 15 minutes to go before kick-off, let's look at how the two sides will line up - starting with the hosts! 

David Moyes brings his West Ham side to familiar surroundings, as the former Everton and Manchester United manager has been to Anfield 16 times in his career but has yet to win - losing nine times and drawing seven. It’s been just over five years since the Hammers last took three points home from Liverpool - though recent results against the big sides have been positive for today’s visitors: beating Leicester and earning draws with Spurs and Manchester City in their last five matches.

Liverpool have made it three wins on the bounce in all competitions after a 2-0 midweek win against Midtjylland in the Champions League. Should they make it four, Jurgen Klopp’s side will go temporarily top of the table by themselves - at least until Everton’s clash with Newcastle tomorrow. Despite the absence of Virgil Van Dijk the Reds defence has held firm, conceding just once in the three matches since his injury.

Hello and welcome to our LIVE commentary of the Premier League fixture between Liverpool and West Ham!

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Grading the 10 most expensive transfers ever by position

Its been a baptism of fire for the new man in the Glamour Boys hot-seat following two heavy defeats in the four matches he's overseen

It was a tough day in the office for Kaizer Chiefs head coach Gavin Hunt as his side lost 3-0 to Orlando Pirates in a first leg MTN8 semi-final match at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The most successful coach currently in the Premier Soccer League, Hunt would have been relishing leading South Africa’s most popular club out into battle against their traditional Soweto rivals.

However, it all went wrong on the day. It wasn’t that Chiefs were played off the park by Pirates. It was more a case of Amakhosi shooting themselves in the foot on several occasions and the Buccaneers ruthlessly capitalising on those mistakes.

Indeed, had Khama Billiat and Leonardo Castro taken two great chances inside the opening 20 minutes, it could have been a different game.

Hunt was rather lost for words in his post-game interview...or rather, perhaps he was reserving himself to give his men a tongue-lashing back in the changing room, rather than publicly.

“There’s not much I can say. Long road, we’ll battle on and try regroup and go again,” Hunt told SuperSport TV after the match.

“First half we should have been 2-0 up before they scored," he added. We haven't scored a goal in four games now, the strikers."

It’s not just up front though where Hunt has work to do. In defence, his team have conceded three goals twice this season in the four matches they’ve played and none of the six or so players he’s used at the back this campaign have been in any sort of commanding form.

“The defending, there’s a lot to be desired,” Hunt elaborated. “In honesty, I don’t think its a 3-0 game. Turn-overs and then big long balls down the back of us. Lot of work to do.

“I can’t say too much now, there’s a lot I want to say but I’ll rather reserve it. Some things I see - first goal turn-over, second goal was a free kick, big long ball, bounces in our box, lot to be desired.

“Third goal is our corner, he tried to control it near the half-way line, he miss-controlled it, straight to them [Pirates] and its a goal. Overall….I don’t want to say to much. Everything is workable, we’ll keep battling on.”

Hunt has just a week now to find solutions and to somehow conjure up a minor miracle if he’s to turn the tie around – the second leg takes place next Sunday, October 8.

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2020/21 PSL Awards: When it takes place, how to watch & all categories

The Chamazi-based giants have confirmed they will start to honour their best players in the team starting from September

Azam FC have confirmed the return of monthly awards as they set sights on winning the Mainland Premier League title.

The Chamazi-based giants have confirmed in a statement they will start honouring their best player every month starting from September.

“We are pleased to announce the return of the best player award for every month in the top-flight,” Azam confirmed in a statement on their social media pages. “The winner of the award will be picked by votes from the fans and also a committee which will be set up.

“On Sunday, the club members will meet to form the committee that will be charged with the exercise and we want to ask all those involved to attend the meeting at Chamazi.”

The statement continued: “We will start the award from September and October and all the winners will be rewarded on November 5, before our league match against Dodoma Jiji.”

In a separate interview, Azam information officer Thabit Zakaria told Goal the reason to re-introduce the awarding system is aimed at improving the team’s performance as they chase for the league title which they last won in 2013-14 season.

“We want to make sure that our playing unit is well motivated and hence the decision to have the awards,” Zakaria told Goal. “We want to compete and achieve our targets this season, we have to play our part at the office and motivate the players, and that is what we have done.”

Azam have enjoyed a good start to the current 2020-21 campaign as they managed to go for seven matches without losing before they suffered defeat against Mtibwa Sugar and also dropped points in a 1-1 draw against JKT Tanzania.

“For the players to perform, you must support them,” Zakaria continued. “We are still on top of the table, we want to continue playing and getting points, we don’t want to let go of the position, and we must now win our next match to remain on course.”

The introduction of the awards comes just a day after Azam coach Aristica Cioaba was named the best for the month of September by the Tanzania Premier League Board while striker Prince Dube, also of the Chamazi-based club, was named the best player for the same month.

Original author: Dennis Mabuka
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Conte to leave Inter as club owners plan economic downsizing

The Blues manager spoke after his side's comfortable win over the Clarets at Turf Moor as they added goals to their run of clean sheets

Frank Lampard thinks that Chelsea are growing in confidence after a run of four clean sheets and with back to back wins following their 3-0 away victory at Burnley.

Hakim Ziyech, Kurt Zouma and Timo Werner got the goals at Turf Moor for a win which has hauled the Blues up to fourth in the Premier League table and sees them just one point behind top of the table Everton.

It comes after a period of inconsistent displays with poor defending one week and an inability to create the next. Speaking in Lancashire, Lampard was pleased with how his side looked as he switched to a 4-3-3 system for the first time from the start and he thinks that the west Londoners are beginning to build momentum.

“I thought it was a very complete performance," Lampard told reporters after the match. "It’s a tough place to come here and play; they make it very difficult. You know you have to defend your box well, you have to be very strong with the first and second balls.

"I wanted that to be one focus and the other to be to keep developing the way we play on the ball. That is what really pleased me today. Some of the passing and the movement in the team from minute one, to the end of the game was very good.

"It feels like a nice step forward. I keep talking about the work we need to do; we are nowhere near the end of the road with that, so the performance was a really solid win."

Part of the reason for the slow start was a lack of pre-season following reduced time between last year and the new campaign because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Lampard has pointed to less time on the training pitch as the reason why his side, with six new signings, haven't quite gelled yet. However, there are increasing signs that it is coming together on that front.

“Certainly we have had good momentum from this week," he continued. "Drawing at Manchester United, clean sheet, and two performances that are progressing and getting better. I have felt it. Before the start of the season we brought in players, we didn’t have pre-season.

"We haven’t had that working time and the work is happening. I knew we couldn’t throw everything up in the air and it would work perfectly. We are not at the end of the road. But the clean sheets are a great sign of a spine of the team,

"Thiago and Edouard Mendy have massively helped that, but the group, the way we are defending with the mentality, today was really positive on the ball. I’m not going to jump and up and down after a win like this, but it was a really positive day.”

Chelsea's run of three away games has now come to an end. The next two games are at home against Rennes in the Champions League and Sheffield United in the Premier League.

Original author: Nizaar Kinsella
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Paolo Maldini confirms Gianluigi Donnarumma will leave Milan

The former Chelsea midfielder led the Potters' to secure maximum points after Tuesday's loss at Swansea City
Original author: Taiye Taiwo
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United in 'final stages' on making Greenwood call

With makeshift centre-back Fabinho out and Joel Matip still injured, the 23-year-old starts alongside Joe Gomez at the heart of the Reds' back line

Jurgen Klopp has trusted Nathaniel Phillips to line up at centre-back for Liverpool against West Ham because he is the most experienced option available.

The Reds are battling a defensive injury crisis after seeing Virgil van Dijk ruled out for several months with a knee ligament injury sustained against Everton in early-October.

With makeshift centre-back Fabinho out and Joel Matip still injured, 23-year-old Phillips has been drafted in for Saturday’s Premier League clash at Anfield.

Rhys Williams was the one trusted to replace Fabinho after the Brazil international limped off in the first half of Liverpool’s Champions League win against Midtjylland on Tuesday, while Klopp also highlighted 17-year-old Billy Koumetio as an option to partner Joe Gomez in the back line.

Meanwhile, the manager also said he is open to moving left-back Andrew Robertson into the middle to plug the gap.

Phillips had made just one senior appearance for the Reds - an FA Cup match against Everton earlier this year - before being handed his Premier League debut on Saturday.

The former Bolton youth academy player spent a season on loan at Stuttgart in the second tier in Germany, and Klopp believes his experience made him the ideal candidate to start against David Moyes’ side.

"Nat is the most experienced of the guys," Klopp said ahead of kick-off.

"He looks good in training, is a proper challenger, he loves the one on one situations and is good in the air. It's a special day for him 100 per cent."

Youngster Curtis Jones is also given another opportunity in midfield alongside Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum.

Elsewhere, Klopp's team has a more familiar feel, with the favoured front three of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino all back in. None of the trio started the Champions League win in midweek, though they did feature off the bench.

West Ham, meanwhile, started with Sebastien Haller up top in the absence of the injured Michail Antonio.

Liverpool are unbeaten in their last eight Premier League games against West Ham, who have lost 21 of their 24 away matches against the reigning league champions in previous seasons.

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'She is so powerful' - Umotong backed to deliver more goals for Lewes

The Cameroon international and the Nigerian defender were in action for their respective clubs at RheinEnergieStadion

Eric Choupo-Moting featured for Bayern Munich in their 2-1 victory over Tolu Arokodare’s Koln in Saturday’s Bundesliga game.

Choupo-Moting has been delivering fine performances for Hans-Dieter Flick’s men since his arrival in the summer, scoring twice against Düren Merzenich earlier this month.

The Cameroon international was handed his first league start at RheinEnergieStadion and gave a good account of himself.

Nigerian centre-back Arokodare was also afforded his third appearance for the Billy Goats in the encounter as a second-half substitute.

Bayern started the game impressively dominating proceedings and pressed for an early goal with Choupo-Moting spearheading the attack.

The Cameroon international was, however, cautioned in the 10th minute following a reckless challenge on Salih Ozcan as he aimed to win the ball for his side.

Three minutes later, Thomas Mueller opened the scoring for the Bavarians, converting from the penalty spot after Marius Wolf was adjudged to have handled the ball in the area.

Serge Gnabry doubled the lead moments before the half-time break after receiving a timely pass from Joshua Kimmich.

Koln took the game to the Bundesliga champions after the restart and were duly rewarded for the effort when Dominick Drexler reduced the deficit in the 82nd minute.

Despite making frantic efforts to avoid defeat, Bayern held on to their lead to secure all three points at RheinEnergieStadion.

Choupo-Moting struck two shots and had a 100% successful pass rate in the encounter before he was replaced by Nigerian youngster Joshua Zirkzee.

Arokodare, meanwhile played for 11 minutes after his introduction for Sebastian Andersson and made seven touches on the ball.

Recently, Koln general manager Horst Heldt revealed the Nigerian centre-back still needs to improve to get to the standard of the Bundesliga.

Choupo-Moting will hope to help Bayern continue their winning form when they take on Salzburg in a Champions League game on November 3.

 Arokodare will look to get more minutes under his belt when Koln square off against Werder Bremen on November 6.

Original author: Gbenga Adewoye
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Everton vs Manchester City postponed due to positive Coronavirus tests

The Morocco international has now scored in each of his first two starts for the Blues after recovering from an early-season injury

Chelsea head coach Frank Lampard is grateful for the "big boost" his side has received from in-form Hakim Ziyech. 

Ziyech scored the opener on Saturday at Burnley as Chelsea cruised to a 3-0 win at Turf Moor that took them up to fourth in the Premier League table. 

With the goal, Ziyech became the first Chelsea player since Diego Costa in 2014 to score on his first two starts for the club in all competitions, after he also netted in a midweek Champions League win at Krasnodar.

After making a £37 million ($48m) move from Ajax, Ziyech's debut with Chelsea was pushed back due to a twisted knee sustained in the club's only pre-season game away at Brighton.

Now that he is back, Lampard couldn't be happier with what he's seen from the Morocco international. 

“I expected a lot of him because I was very aware of his qualities and how important they can be to the club," Lampard told a post-game press conference.

"He brings a different property to us, with an eye for a pass, his receiving, crossing and assist-making. But what I have seen since he has been here is his absolute personality when he plays to want the ball.

"His work-rate off the ball is very, very good as well. He has brought those qualities and comes with real confidence. He has given us a big boost. His demeanour, the way he plays.

"Two games in a few days with a trip to Russia for him after being out for so long has been really good by him.”

Another summer Chelsea signing starting to find his rhythm for the club is Ben Chilwell, who has started the club's last four Premier League games after recovering from an early-season foot injury.

Lampard was also full of praise for the attacking contributions made by the 23-year-old, who joined in the off-season from Leicester City.

"It has been a really positive impact and it is an important part of how I want to play involving our full-backs in an offensive sense," Lampard added.

"I am not taking away the defensive thing because I thought him and Reece [James] found the perfect moments to join in, get higher up the pitch and then perfectly recovered back up the pitch for second balls that were coming at us today.

"With the quality of Chily, we have to utilise him and get him high up the pitch at times. [It] is a big deal for us and he will get better as he is settling in. There’s a lot more to come from Chily."

Original author: Goal
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Ghana midfielder Schlupp happy to 'move around' for Crystal Palace 

The 27-year-old is delighted to use his ability to play in multiple positions to the benefit of The Eagles 
Original author: Prince Narkortu Teye
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Captain Ayew scores in Swansea City’s defeat of Blackburn Rovers

Thanks to his goal against the Riversiders, the Ghana international now boasts four goals in nine Championship fixtures so far in this term

Swansea City were 2-0 victors against Blackburn Rovers in Saturday’s Championship encounter, with Ghana’s Andre Ayew among the goalscorers.

With the Riversiders threatening to erase their one-goal deficit, the 30-year-old guaranteed victory for Steve Cooper’s men a minute after the hour mark.

The hosts went into the game having silenced Stoke City in their penultimate outing on Tuesday at the Liberty Stadium.

For Rovers, they arrived in South Wales as the division’s leading scorers – with 18 goals from eight games. Against the Swans, however, they were unable to beat on loan Newcastle United goalkeeper Freddie Woodman.

The first chance of the game fell to Adam Armstrong inside the opening minutes, albeit, his shot went wide despite skipping past Ben Cabango.

As the game progressed, the hosts grew in confidence. Jamal Lowe went close to scoring the opener after latching onto Yan Dhanda’s through ball.

Nevertheless, they took the lead in the 25th minute with Cabango – who returned to the starting XI - showing great strength to hold off Darragh Lenihan’s challenge to head home Conner Roberts’ corner.

Tony Mowbray’s team looked to respond with Joe Rankin-Costello heading wide from Lewis Holtby’s inviting cross. On the stroke of half-time, the left-back was involved at the other end as the Swans had a shout for a penalty turned down by referee Dean Whitestone.

Blackburn Rovers came out stronger in the second-half in search of an equaliser but it was the Swans who doubled their advantage in the 61st minute through stand-in skipper Ayew who headed past goalkeeper Aynsley Pears from a sumptuous cross from Yan Dhanda.

Even at the two-goal deficit, the visitors kept fighting but returned home with their heads bowed low. Saturday’s victory was the Swans’ first in four attempts against Rovers.

Ayew who now boasts four goals in the 2020-21 Championship campaign so far, was in action from start to finish as well as Namibia international Ryan Nyambe for Blackburn Rovers.

With five wins from nine games, Cooper’s men are second in the league after accruing 18 points – three points less than leaders, Reading. They travel to Brentford in their next game on November 3.

Original author: Shina Oludare
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Barkhuizen's Championship goal drought continues as Preston North End suffer back-to-back defeats

The South African descent is yet to score a league goal this season as the Lilywhites' struggle in the English second-tier division

Tom Barkhuizen's Championship goal drought continued on Saturday as Preston North End suffered a 2-1 loss to Birmingham City.

The 27-year-old forward has played in eight league matches this season and are yet to find the back of the net, with his last Championship effort dating back to February.

Riley McGree gave Birmingham City an early lead at Deepdale with his opener in the second minute but Jayden Stockley brought the hosts level with his 24th-minute goal.

Preston North End were dealt a blow towards the end as Gary Gardner grabbed the match-winning goal for the Blues in the 85th minute.

During the encounter, Barkhuizen managed three shots in total but two were on target and could not beat goalkeeper Neil Etheridge.

It is a different tale for the Bafana Bafana hopeful in the Carabao Cup where he has scored two goals in his two appearances so far.

Preston North End dropped to 16th in the Championship standings after conceding their second straight loss in the league.

They have gathered 10 points from nine games, with two wins in their last five outings.

Barkhuizen will be aiming to end his poor run in front of goal when the Lilywhites travel to Reading for their next league fixture on November 4.

Original author: Taiye Taiwo
  244 Hits

'Mess que un club' - Messi's Barcelona exit shocks football

The South African was a stand out on her first start as her effort handed her side a crucial away win over the hosts

Thembi Kgatlana scored the winner on her first start for Eibar as they secured a 1-0 win at Espanyol in Saturday's Spanish Primera Iberdrola contest at Ciutat Esportiva Dani Jarque.

The South Africa international joined Eibar from Portuguese outfit SL Benfica this summer and had scored once in all her previous three outings as a substitute for Iker Dorronsoro's team.

Following her fine showing in her last games, the 24-year-old was handed her first start by manager Dorronsoro and she played a significant role in her side's second victory of the campaign.

Sheila Elorza teed up Banyana star Kgatlana to net the vital winner in the 19th minute and ensured Eibar's return to winning ways.

Her goal was her second in her fourth appearance for Eibar as she played for 35 minutes before Nigeria's Charity Adule took her place.

Equatorial Guinea's Ruth Alvarez was an unused substitute, while South Africa's Noko Matlou, who arrived at the Spanish club a week ago, would have to wait a little longer for her debut.

The victory moves Eibar to fifth on the Spanish log with seven points from four matches - five points adrift of leaders and defending champions Barcelona.

The Gunsmiths will aim to build on their latest win at home when 2018 champions Atletico Madrid visit on November 5.

 

Original author: Samuel Ahmadu
  66 Hits

Messi leaves Barcelona due to 'economic' issues

The couple have confirmed they are engaged, four years after meeting at the 2016 Olympic Games

United States women's national team star Megan Rapinoe and basketball legend Sue Bird have announced their engagement, with Joe Biden among the first to offer congratulations.

Two-time Women's World Cup winner Rapinoe, who was hugely influential in last year's triumph at the finals in France, met Bird at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.

They announced they were a couple in July 2017, and Bird has now posted a picture on Instagram of Rapinoe putting a ring on her left hand.

Speaking to ESPN three years ago, Rapinoe explained how she and four-time Olympic gold medallist Bird found love, saying: "We have a lot in common and just sort of clicked. I joke she is my number one go-to-for-advice person. She's just so level-headed."

Tennis great Billie Jean King sent warm wishes to the couple, with Chelsea Clinton also congratulating Rapinoe and Bird, as did the USWNT and the WNBA's Seattle Storm, Bird's longtime team.

U.S. presidential candidate Biden wrote on Twitter: "Love will always win. Congratulations, @S10Bird and @mPinoe!"

Earlier this year, Rapinoe offered to be the running mate for Biden, the Democratic Party's candidate.

The 35-year-old has used her platform to speak out on societal issues including racism, homophobia and the gender pay gap.

She drew the ire of incumbent U.S. president Donald Trump having said she had no intention of visiting him if the USWNT won last year's Women's World Cup.

Rapinoe has been on a hiatus from the game, having last seen the field in March. She skipped the Challenge Cup and the fall series with her NWSL side OL Reign this year. 

After she opted out of October's USWNT training camp, head coach Vlatko Andonovski said he still has Rapinoe in his plans moving forward.

"Of course we’re in constant communication with Pinoe," Andonovski said. "We had a good talk and Megan said that she didn’t feel like now was the right time to come back to the team, and had some physical concerns as well so we’ll continue to monitor her.

"She’s not going to be here, some of the more experienced players are not going to be here so we’ll just use this opportunity to evaluate some of the younger players and see how they fit in the environment."

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‘Ramos is writing his name into Real Madrid’s history books’ – Casemiro loving life alongside iconic captain

The England youngster impressed throughout at Turf Moor on Saturday and admitted he is happier in a more central position

Chelsea star Mason Mount is delighted to have claimed a place in the Blues' midfield, affirming that it is the position in which he feels most comfortable. 

The 21-year-old has played across the pitch for his side so far in 2020-21, including stints on both wings. 

But it is in a more central role that he has thrived, as he showed in a fantastic display to take down Burnley on Saturday. 

Mount contributed an assist for Kurt Zouma to net the second goal of Chelsea's 3-0 away win, which takes the Blues up to fourth in the Premier League standings, and the youngster hopes he will continue in his favoured spot for some time to come. 

"I am a number eight and a midfielder," the England international explained to Chelsea's official website after the final whistle at Turf Moor.

"I have always been in my whole career, so it is natural for me to play in there and I know I have started a bit wider this season, but I love playing in midfield.

"It is my position and the fluidity we had in the game with the wingers [was good today]."

A fine afternoon for Frank Lampard's charges was marred by a potentially serious injury setback for Christian Pulisic. 

The ex-Borussia Dortmund star was forced out in the warm-up before kick-off and now faces a scan on his injured hamstring, as revealed by Lampard after the game. 

"I felt sorry for Christian, he felt his [hamstring] in the warm up so hopefully he is back soon," Mount added.

"He is an unbelievable player. We dedicated the win to him today. Timo [Werner] came in and was brilliant as were all the players after a tough week.

"It was a tough week this week, three away games. A lot of travelling and flights, so we didn't have a lot of time to recover for games but today I thought we were brilliant.

"Winning the game, winning the fight, matching them up and then we knew what we could do on the ball. I thought we did brilliantly and it showed in the scoreline."

Original author: Goal
  65 Hits

Inter 2-2 Parma: Perisic snatches late point after Gervinho double

Inter narrowly avoided back-to-back home defeats in Serie A as they rallied from two goals down to draw with Parma.

Ivan Perisic scored in the 92nd minute as Inter recovered from Gervinho's double to draw 2-2 at home to Parma in Saturday's Serie A clash. 

Gervinho found a way through 19 seconds into the second half - the third straight game he has scored against Inter - and added a second shortly after the hour mark. 

That had Inter facing the real prospect of back-to-back home league defeats, though substitute Marcelo Brozovic pulled one back 137 seconds later to give his side some hope. 

Inter had a strong penalty shout rejected but Perisic glanced in a last-gasp equaliser to deny Parma, who can still hold claim to being unbeaten in five away games with Inter at San Siro.

  255 Hits

Hazard scores wonder goal as Real Madrid ease past Huesca

Real Madrid returned to the top of LaLiga by beating Huesca, as Eden Hazard scored his first goal since last October.

Eden Hazard scored his first Real Madrid goal for more than a year as the LaLiga champions eased to a 4-1 win over Huesca.

Making his first league appearance of the season, the Belgium star opened the scoring in brilliant fashion before Karim Benzema doubled the lead at Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano.

Federico Valverde scored the third after some fine interplay between Benzema and Hazard, who looked sharp throughout his hour on the pitch, before David Ferreiro's consolation.

Much of the pre-game talk had centred on Benzema and a recording of him appearing to tell Ferland Mendy not to pass to Vinicius Junior during the Champions League draw with Borussia Monchengladbach, and the striker should have scored his side's fourth when teed up by substitute Vinicius in what would have capped an improved Madrid display.

Benzema eventually got his second in the 90th minute, nodding in from Rodrygo's header across goal.

An obstinate Huesca kept Madrid at bay for much of the first half, although Sergio Ramos – making his 500th appearance in LaLiga – saw a header saved by Andres Fernandez.

The breakthrough came 40 minutes, as Hazard produced a moment of true brilliance too rarely seen in a Madrid shirt, rolling away from Kelechi Nwakali's challenge and blasting a left-footed shot beyond Fernandez from nearly 30 yards out.

Benzema doubled the lead just before the interval, chesting down Lucas Vazquez's deep cross before drilling a finish into the bottom-right corner.

Huesca started the second positively but the threat of a comeback was quashed 53 minutes in. After Hazard and Benzema had combined superbly down the left, the latter crossed for Valverde to take a touch and hammer home from 12 yards.

Benzema and Isco missed chances for a fourth before Ferreiro scored a consolation, steering a finish past Thibaut Courtois from Rafa Mir's cross, but Benzema had the final word when he turned in Rodrygo's header from point-blank range.

What does it mean? Hazard looks sharp again as Madrid return to top

The victory moved Madrid back to the summit of LaLiga, two points clear of Real Sociedad after seven games each.

It also marked an impressive return to form for Hazard and Zinedine Zidane's side as a whole, as they once again followed up a disappointing performance in Europe with a much-improved domestic display.

Huesca, one of just two sides without a LaLiga win this season, are 18th after eight games.

Hazard levels rising

This was not a virtuoso Hazard performance: he created zero chances for team-mates, produced no crosses and only had one shot on target.

However, that solitary strike earned him his first goal in 392 days and seemed to breathe some life into his link-up with Benzema. Zidane will be encouraged.

Right-back worries

Auxiliary right-back Lucas Vazquez was taken off after 52 minutes and did not seem to be wholly comfortable. Given injuries to Dani Carvajal and Nacho, any further concerns in that position will be most unwelcome to Zidane.

Key Opta facts

- Hazard has scored his second goal for Madrid in all competitions (24 appearances), the other coming in October 2019 against Granada, 392 days ago.
- Madrid have scored four goals in a single game in all competitions for the first time since February 2020 and for the first time in a match at home this year.
-  Ramos has become the 10th player to reach 500 appearances in LaLiga history (461 for the Madrid and and 39 for Sevilla) and the third defender to reach this milestone, after Manolo Sanchis (523) and Miguel Soler (504).
- Benzema has been involved in 13 goals in his last 13 starts in all competitions, scoring nine goals and assisting four.
- Huesca coach Michel Sanchez has lost nine of his 10 LaLiga games against Madrid (D1), two as manager and seven during his playing career (D1 L7).

What's next?

Madrid host Inter in the Champions League on Tuesday before next Sunday's visit to Mestalla to meet Valencia. Huesca have a week off until they host Eibar.

  256 Hits

Transfer Talk: Werner, Sterling and Cavani on Barca's shortlist

It has been five years since the striker featured for the national team and the former winger believes it is time he was welcomed back into the team

Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema deserves to be given another chance in the France squad, Robert Pires says.

The 32-year-old has 81 caps and 27 goals to his name for Les Bleus but has not been part of the squad since October 2015.

In November that year, Benzema was arrested for allegedly playing a role in blackmailing national team-mate Mathieu Valbuena over a sex tape, but France’s highest court ruled in 2017 that the investigation of the attacker was unfair.

Nevertheless, France coach Didier Deschamps has decided against bringing him back into the squad, and former winger Pires says it is time he changed his mind.

“It’s a tricky issue, one that has created and continues to create a lot of debate in France,” he told AS.

“I’m not really interested in whatever happened between him and [Mathieu] Valbuena, but given all that he has achieved and is achieving at Real Madrid, of course he deserves a France call-up.

“He’s one of the best strikers in Europe. But [France boss Didier] Deschamps has the final say.”

In Benzema’s absence, Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe has emerged as the national team’s most prized attacking asset, scoring 14 times in 36 matches.

Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has previously revealed his admiration for Mbappe, who has six goals and five assists in seven games this season.

The 21-year-old has been heavily linked with a switch to the Santiago Bernabeu and Pires says he would benefit from making the move.

"Of course. I'm French, I like Paris Saint-Germain and I'd like him to stay in Ligue 1," he added.

"But if he wants to keep growing as a player, he should sign for Real Madrid."

Another rising star in France, Eduardo Camavinga, has also been heavily linked with a move since his breakthrough at Rennes in 2019.

But Pires believes it would be in the teenager’s best interests to stay put for a while before he makes the step up to one of Europe’s top sides.

“He’s only 17, eh? My opinion is that he should stay at Rennes for another couple of years to keep on developing, and then go to a top club like Madrid or Barca, or whichever he chooses,” he added.

“It’s too early for him. If they can, Rennes should try to keep hold of him.”

Zidane has also been under pressure at Madrid, who have won just one of their past four games in all competitions ahead of hosting Huesca on Saturday.

"I think it's incredible that people talk about a crisis and the end of an era when Real Madrid lose two games before the Clasico and then draw at the death against Borussia Monchengladbach," Pires said.

"I know there's a lot of pressure at Madrid, but the coach and the players need to be given a calmer climate in which to do their job.

"Just because they're Madrid or Barcelona, they can't always beat everybody. If that were the case, football would be very boring."

  57 Hits

'Amad reminds me of Mahrez' - Shaw eager to see Man Utd winger make a first-team impact

The 22-year-old was ordered by the Federation to pay the Red Eagles Ush25 million for breach of contract

Defender Disan Galiwango is free to play for Vipers SC after Express FC agreed to let him leave.

There have been tussles between the Venoms and the Red Eagles regarding the player.

On July 1, the Ugandan Premier League (UPL) champions announced they had beaten rivals Kampala City Council Authority (KCCA FC) to the services of the left-back, who had penned a four-year contract to sign for the St Marys Kitende-based giants.

However, the move was not welcomed as the Wankulukuku-based side revealed the defender had renewed his contract after negotiations and accepted a fee of USh15 million although his initial value was quoted as was USh30 million. 

The Red Eagles further stated Galiwango affirmed his wish to stay after signing the papers with the club chairman Kiryowa Kiwanuka. Since then, reports emerged that Vipers signed Galiwango, gave him USh60 million as a sign-on fee inclusive of USh15 million that he was to pay Express. 

It is for this reason Express took their complaint to the Federation of Uganda Football Association (Fufa) Dispute Resolution Chamber.

"Disan Galiwango released after fulfilling the Fufa dispute resolution chamber ruling," the club confirmed via their official social media forums.

 The club's CEO Isaac Mwesigwa confirmed the development and was pleased with the outcome.

"We are happy this has come to an end," the administrator said. "In all this, football wins and the club wishes Disan a great career ahead."

On September 2, the body ordered the defender to pay Express FC USh25 million for breach of contract.

"The player, Dissan Galiwango is ordered to refund the USh15,000,000 [Fifteen million shilling only] he received from Express FC in November 2019," the resolution chamber decreed.  

"Disan Galiwango is ordered to pay compensation for breach of his obligations vis-à-vis the club, Express FC under the preliminary contract/pre-contract in the amount of USh10,000,000 [Ten million shillings only].  

"Disan Galiwango shall not be issued a player’s license until the total amount of USh25,000,000 [Twenty-five million shillings only] is fully paid to Express FC." 

After the latest development, the Venoms can now plan with the defender in their team for the new season.

The defending champions will be aiming at defending their title and perform well in the Caf Champions League as well.

Original author: Seth Willis
  55 Hits

Ndidi starts, Iwobi and Iheanacho on the bench as Everton clash against Leicester City

The 18-year-old wide player has been linked with top clubs around Europe, however the Premier League outfit have won the race

Teenage winger Filip Stevanovic will move to Manchester City from Partizan Belgrade in the January transfer window for a fee of £6 million (€6.5m/$8m).

The 18-year-old wide player has been linked with clubs across Europe since emerging for the Serbian side, but the Premier League outfit have won the race and will complete the deal for Stevanovic when the next transfer window opens in 2021.

Whether Stevanovic remains with City for the second half of this season remains to be seen, with a return to Partizan on loan or a temporary move elsewhere both likely options.

Manchester UnitedReal MadridLiverpoolBayern MunichChelseaJuventusAC MilanBorussia Dortmund and Inter were the standouts from some 15 clubs who were keen on a deal.

City, however, have signed Stevanovic for a reduced fee, given the interest in his services, as a result of the economic pressure of the coronavirus pandemic.

"We have had an offer on the table for Filip Stevanovic for six months now, which is over €10 million (£9m/$11m)," Partizan coach Savo Milosevic told TV Happy in April.

"Now the deal will be much more complicated, but if the team can pick up from where we left off [before the Covid-19 shutdown] and he plays the way he did in the autumn, then I am sure that the price will return quickly."

Stevanovic contributed nine goals and three assists in 35 matches in all competitions for Partizan in 2019-20, and has scored three and provided two more in 11 games so far in 2020-21.

He joined Partizan at the age of nine after taking his first footballing steps with hometown club Vranic Arilje, and Stevanovic has spent the last decade making his way through the club's age-group sides.

Due to his ability and willingness to play both as a winger and as a central forward, he has been likened to Cristiano Ronaldo in his native Serbia. Stevanovic, though, has another player that he regards as his footballing idol.

"He [Ronaldo] is not among my favourites, but he is my role model when it comes to work and goals," he told Mondo. "I don't like to praise myself, because I think others should do it, but I like dribbling the most. Dribbling is perhaps my best characteristic as a footballer. Cristiano is great, but he is not a dribbler.

"Ronaldinho, though, was magical and special. Of course, I wouldn't mind being like [Lionel] Messi or Neymar, but Ronaldinho had some magic. He had incredible control of the ball, and could do things that no one else could - that no one even thought of."

  57 Hits

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