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Kenya defender Michael Kibwage has vowed to give his best to make it to the final squad that will play Comoros in November.

The Harambee Stars will be playing the islanders in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier doubleheader scheduled for November. The Sofapaka FC defender is among the 40 players summoned by coach Jacob 'Ghost' Mulee to prepare for the fixtures.

"It is an honour and privilege to be part of the national team to represent millions of Kenyans," Kibwage told Goal on Friday.

"The competition in the team is really stiff but that is what pushes one to give his best. As a matter of fact, I am intending to go all the way and help Kenya get a win. I want to be in the final squad, I want to play and all that will happen if the technical bench is convinced of my ability to do the job on the pitch."

The 22-year-old was last involved with the national team on September 8, 2019, against Uganda. In a match that eventually ended 1-1, the youngster was paired alongside Joash Onyango but was replaced later on by Johnstone Omurwa.

"It is never easy to get that chance of playing in the national team because there are many players who are yearning for that chance," Kibwage revealed.

"To be honest, I am happy and delighted to be back and my desire is to continue being involved regularly, only if I also give my best on the pitch at my club level and grab my chance with both hands in the international level as well."

The first match will be played at Kasarani on November 11 with the second one four days later away.

Goalkeepers: Arnold Origi (HIFK, Finland), Robert Mboya (Tusker, Kenya), Brian Bwire (Kariobangi Sharks, Kenya), Ian Otieno (Zesco United, Zambia), Timothy Odhiambo (Ulinzi Stars, Kenya)

Defenders: Johnstone Omurwa (Wazito, Kenya), Brian Mandela (Unattached), Joash Onyango (Simba, Tanzania), Daniel Sakari (Kariobangi Sharks, Kenya) Andrew Juma (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Mike Kibwage (Sofapaka, Kenya), Joseph Okumu (Elfsborg, Sweden), Samuel Olwande (Kariobangi Sharks, Kenya), Baraka Badi (KCB, Kenya), David Owino (Zesco United, Zambia), Hillary Wandera (Tusker, Kenya), Eric Ouma (AIK, Sweden), David Owino (Mathare United, Kenya)

Midfielders: Kenneth Muguna (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Victor Wanyama (Impact Montreal, Canada), Ismael Gonzalez (UD Las Palmas, Spain), Eric Johanna Omondi (Jonkoping’s Sodra, Sweden), Cliff Nyakeya (Masr FC, Egypt), Antony Akumu (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa), Musa Masika (Wazito, Kenya), Bonface Muchiri (Tusker, Kenya) Lawrence Juma (Sofapaka, Kenya), Johanna Omolo (Cercle Brugge, Belgium), Ayub Timbe (Unattached), Peter Thion’go (AFC Leopards, Kenya), Hassan Abdallah (Bandari, Kenya), Elli Asieche (Sofapaka, Kenya), Mathew Olake (Unattached), Moses Mudavadi (Kakamega Homeboyz, Kenya), Austin Odhiambo (AFC Leopards, Kenya)

Forwards: Michael Olunga (Kashiwa Reysol, Japan), Benson Omala (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Masud Juma (JS Kabylie, Algeria), John Avire (Tanta FC, Egypt), Oscar Wamalwa (Ulinzi Stars, Kenya)

Reserves: Dennis Sikhayi (Wazito, Kenya), James Kinyanjui (Mathare United, Kenya)

Leon Balogun is confident of Rangers’ chances against Benfica after they defeated Lech Poznan 1-0 in their latest Uefa Europa League outing.

The Nigeria international produced a fine performance at the back as Alfredo Morelos came off the bench to score the only goal that separated both teams at Ibrox Stadium on Thursday night.

The result was Rangers’ second straight win the Europa League this season and it also extended their unbeaten run to 17 matches across all competitions so far.

Balogun thinks the Gers’ fine form will continue to give them confidence as they aim to progress from Group D.

"We kind of made it a big thing to get the three points out of this game because we knew how massive it would be and I think everybody is happy that we accomplished that, because it wasn't an easy game. They are not a pushover,” the 32-year-old told the club website.

"We played a really, really good side and you could see that against Benfica as well. So yeah, it's a massive win and it definitely puts us in a good position for the rest of the group stage.

"Again there is still no need to get carried away, but I think definitely that was a big step forward for us."

Rangers and Benfica are level on six points after two games but the latter sit at the summit of Group D with a superior goal difference.

The Scottish Premiership leaders visit the Portuguese club for their next Europa League fixture on November 5 and Balogun is upbeat about their chances at the Estadio Sport Lisboa e Benfica.

"Nobody will go in there with fear. If at all, probably with respect, which we actually have for every team,” he continued.

"Those teams have qualified for Europe not because they are just some team. Benfica, we all know about the strength of that club, but I don't think we have to hide or anything.

"Definitely those last two games [against Standard Liege and Lech Poznan] gave us confidence, rightfully so, and we have a good management staff and they are going to prepare us well.

“We go into the games with Benfica to win them, there is no point going into the game just to participate. We want to win if possible and I think we are going to have a match plan next week that will show us ways to do that.

"Then it is on us on the pitch to put that into life and breathe life into that plan."

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson says there was no need for Everton counterpart Jordan Pickford to make the tackle on Virgil van Dijk that resulted in the defender's serious knee injury.

Van Dijk will be out for several months after sustaining ligament damage when Pickford challenged him in the Everton box just 11 minutes into the Merseyside derby this month.

Pickford escaped a red card for the tackle and the England international has faced heavy criticism since, with the likes of Reds boss Jurgen Klopp, midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum and Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl among those who have voiced their shock at the clash. 

Brazilian shot stopper Alisson says it was unnecessary for Pickford to charge in the way he did.

"Every goalkeeper has a different way to play and a different way to move, but in that moment, 100 per cent, it was not a necessary movement," he told Sky Sports.

"Thinking what I have in my mind when I go for a situation - I go to finish the situation, if I go too soft, I know the opponent can score - but everyone has their own way to go for the ball. I don't agree with that way [Pickford on Van Dijk], everybody can see that. It was just an unnecessary moment and movement."

Klopp called on Fabinho to take Van Dijk's place in the centre of defence, but the Brazil international picked up an injury of his own in the first half of Tuesday's Champions League win against Midtjylland and could be out for several weeks.

The Liverpool manager has backed Rhys Williams, Nathaniel Phillips and Billy Koumetio to fill in at the heart of the back line and Alisson is confident his side can cope with the injury crisis.

"We have everything we need to keep doing our job, playing our football, playing the way we play," he added. "We don't need to make changes. Obviously you will miss some things - [like] Virgil's headers!

"He doesn't just help us in the defensive phase but attacking and scoring goals as well, but this will prove the strength of our team. We are a really strong side with many players who can play."

Simba SC coach Sven Vandenbroeck has explained the reason he started striker Ibrahim Ajibu as the lone frontman against Ruvu Shooting in a Mainland Premier League match four days ago.

The Wekundu wa Msimbazi went on to lose the match by a solitary goal and it came three days after they had suffered the same result to Tanzania Prisons at Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

The Belgian tactician has now revealed he did not have options to play upfront owing to the injuries suffered to strikers John Bocco and Meddie Kagere, hence the move to start Ajibu.

“I did not have enough options because my other two strikers [Kagere and Bocco] are injured, it was not my fault but because of the condition my team was in, we did not have fit strikers,” Vandenbroeck explained to Sokaletu.

Ajibu started the game as a lone striker with Kenya midfielder Francis Kahata and Luis Miqussone assisting him, and he ended up with four shots that did not hit the target.

In an earlier interview, Vandenbroeck admitted he was yet to come to terms with the team’s two consecutive defeats in the Mainland Premier League.

“First of all, I want to apologise for the two losses in a row to the Simba family and it is very hard for us to digest,” Vandenbroeck said as quoted by Daily News. “If you look at the game, we missed some aggressiveness in the first half which was not our usual level of play.

“The second half was much better as we took some risks but in total, we were not efficient enough to take good results today [Monday]. It hurts to all of us.

“At this point, it is very difficult to point out what is the problem and if I have to analyse everything, it is something which I cannot share with the members of the media.

“According to the way we pushed in the second half, I do not think match fitness is the problem to point at. I think the question is what we have available in the striking position which made me play with a false number nine.”

The defeat against Shooting saw Simba surrender the third spot in the 18-team table as they dropped to fourth while their rivals Young Africans (Yanga SC) who are still unbeaten, moved to second behind table-toppers Azam FC.

Simba will next face Mwadui FC at Uhuru Stadium on Saturday.

The Premier League 2020-21 kicked off on September 12, 2020.

Everton continue to lead the standings despite defeat at the hands of Southampton while it gives Liverpool an opportunity to draw level on points atop as the Reds  returned to winning ways in the Premier League with Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota on target against Sheffield United.

Meanwhile, in Matchday 6, Manchester City produced more of the ponderous play that saw them drop points against Leicester City and Leeds United until Phil Foden came off the bench to equalise after a wonderful overhead kick from Michail Antonio but Pep Gaurdiola's men were held by West Ham.

Edinson Cavani made his debut off the bench and almost scored with his first touch but Manchester United's home struggles continued, making it five without a win in the league after a dour draw against Chelsea in an underwhelming clash at a rainy Old Trafford. Chelsea sit sixth on the table and United 15th, though they are only separated by two points.

At the Emirates Stadium, Leicester City pulled off a smash-and-grab victory over Arsenal through a late Jamie Vardy header, while Tottenham continue to reap the rewards of Harry Kane and Son-Heung-min's seemingly telepathic partnership as the pair combined for Spurs' late winner in a triumph at Burnley.

A blockbuster tie awaits among the fixtures of Matchday 7 as Manchester United host Arsenal.
 

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Where to watch or stream the Premier League

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Premier League fixtures

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Folarin Balogun feels ‘great’ to play his first game for Arsenal’s first team in Thursday’s 3-0 Europa League defeat of Dundalk.

With victory already guaranteed against the League of Ireland Premier Division side, the 19-year-old forward replaced Eddie Nketiah with 16 minutes left to play.

In the process, Balogun became the 876th player to represent the Emirates Stadium giants in a first team outing.

Despite playing for limited time, the Anglo-Nigerian showed flashes of brilliance that threw football fans into frenzy on social media.

“It feels great. It's a moment I have been waiting for a little while so to finally get it feels great,” he told Arsenal website.

“I can only thank Mikel [Arteta] and the staff for this opportunity and I look forward to doing it more often.

“It's been tough, I've been at a few other clubs doing trials and stuff like that, but I've been working my way through the academy and I think as time has gone on I've become a better player.

“I think that's shown in my performances and I think it's good now to get the recognition that my performances deserve.”

He also revealed what he felt when manager Mikel Arteta told him he was going onto the pitch, while giving a hint of what the fans should expect from him.

“Loads of emotions really,” he continued. “I knew that this was the moment I'd been waiting for but at the same time I knew there was a job that needed to be done.

“So I just tried to come on, make runs, be a nuisance and just help the team.”

Folarin added: “They are going to see lots of energy, and I'd like to say lots of goals.

“But yeah, I think I'd like to carry my performances from the youth team into the first team. That's what got me here so it's important I carry on playing the way I do.”

Meanwhile, Joe Willock gave an assessment of the Nigeria prospect while disclosing the advice he gave to him.

"I thought he did well," Willock told Arsenal website. "It's never easy coming on for such a big team and making your debut.

"I thought he did well, he's scoring a lot of goals in the under-23s and that's all he can do.

“I'm happy for him and I congratulated him because I was once in that position. I told him to kick on, keep working hard and that he'd get more opportunities at this club."

Kalidou Koulibaly insisted he loved Napoli, but said "we'll see what happens" amid speculation over his future.

Koulibaly, 29, has regularly been linked with a move away from the Serie A side, with Liverpool among the Premier League suitors reportedly interested in the defender.

The Senegal centre-back is contracted at Napoli until 2023, with the club being able to keep hold of the defender despite the frequent links with a big-money move.

 Following Thursday's 1-0 Europa League win over Real Sociedad, the defender acknowledged the interest in him, but he added that he loves the Italian club despite all of the interest abroad.

"I love Naples and Naples loves me, that's the most important thing," Koulibaly said via Sky Sports.

"I always make myself available game after game, I still have three years of contract, I'm calm, the teams are looking for me but I'm still here.

"I play at my level and I help this team and these people because I want to give something back to them then we'll see what happens."

After dealing with injuries last season, Koulibaly played his fewest minutes in a league campaign for Napoli since arriving from Genk in 2014.

Koulibaly, whose Napoli are second in the Serie A table through five games this campaign, said it was a tough 2019-20 season.

"I had a more difficult season even if I didn't do badly but we know the level I have and we knew I could give more," he said. 

"This year the coach told me that it mattered a lot about me because I have to help the team and I had to get back to my level. He simply told me the truth and told me to my face and I went to work and available to everyone and today we see the result,

"But we must be aware that the season is still long and there are many games where we need to maintain this level."

Napoli currently sit second in their Europa League group, with AZ Alkmaar currently leading the way with two wins from two games.

The Italian side will host Sassuolo this Sunday as they look to keep pace with AC Milan atop Serie A before then visiting Croatian side HNK Rijeka in their third Europa League group stage match. 

Barcelona and U.S. men's national team fullback Sergino Dest admitted he was star-struck the first time he met Lionel Messi as the American defender also revealed he believes his club can go on to compete on several fronts this year.

Dest joined Barcelona from Ajax this summer, reportedly turning down Bayern Munich in the process.

The defender is a long-time admirer of Barca, and Messi in particular, as he now calls the Argentine his teammate

Speaking to CBS Sports, Dest admitted that he was a little starstruck the first time he met the Barcelona icon, but he also says he is beginning to feel comfortable playing alongside him.

"It's unbelievable. The first time I saw him, he was in the gym, I came in and looked to the right and I saw him. My face lit up like, 'Wow, that's Lionel Messi next to me'," he said.

"It's special. To play with him, to pass him the ball, to get the ball from him, it's really special to play with the best player in the world."

He added: "[Barca is]the biggest club in the world. It was my dream club. My dream came true.

"I felt like I had options to play here, for playing time with a Dutch coach. I know him because he wanted me with the Dutch national team.

"We talked and I had a good feeling with this club, especially because they created and are starting a new project with young players. This will be a perfect experience for me."

The young American has high hopes for his time at Barca, even if he's still learning how to communicate with his new teammate Messi. 

Dest says he is currently taking Spanish classes and plans to learn Catalan as he continues to adjust to life with Barcelona.

And, despite a recent setback in El Clasico, Dest believes that Barca is a team that can compete for titles both now and in the future.

He also has similar hopes for the USMNT, as Dest believes that the next year can be a big one for both his club and his country.

"I want to develop myself really well and of course I want to achieve big things with the club," he said. "I want to win the Champions League, La Liga, the cup.

"For the U.S., we have qualifiers in the summer. Qualifiers or Gold Cup, I'm not sure, but I want to win every single game with the U.S. and then qualify for the 2022 World Cup. I

"t's important for all of us and, for me, I want to play in a World Cup."

Dest is expected to be a part of the USMNT that gathers for November's friendly against Wales.

Before that, though, he'll continue to continue his acclimation with Barca as the Spanish giants face matches in La Liga and in the Champions League, but the defender says he's really excited to continue to grow alongside a young, talented USMNT squad.

"Everybody is really hungry for opportunities. Everybody wants to make the U.S. great," he said. 

"For me, personally, I work really hard and I want to reach my full potential, not only for myself but also for the country. I want to achieve big things with the U.S., and I think we have a good generation coming up.

"Hopefully, everybody is doing the same and working hard. Hopefully, we can achieve something nice, hopefully. in 2022, but definitely in 2026."

He is only 18 years old, but forward Luqman Hakim Shamsudin has already recorded his name in the Malaysian football history books.

Last weekend, he became the first Malaysian footballer to play in a European top league, coming on as a second half substitute for his club KV Kortrijk in their 3-1 Belgian First Division A defeat to RSC Anderlecht. Although he did not score in his debut, the Mokhtar Dahari Academy graduate was involved in the movement that led to De Kerels being awarded a late penalty, for their consolation goal against former Manchester City star Vincent Kompany's charges.

The Kota Bharu, Kelantan-born lad however had scored goals, two for their U-21 team, and one for the first team in a friendly match.

In subsequent interviews published by the club, Luqman expressed his gratitude for the chance to make his official debut, while vowing to keep on improving.

"I'm happy to have made my debut in Europe. We lost 3-1 but it's okay, we'll try again and won't give up. He (Kortrijk manager Yves Vanderhaeghe) told me 'do your best and give everything you have'. He believed in me and gave me a chance to play.

"Europe is very different and tough, very tough for me. I must never give up, I have to believe in myself and give everything. 

"I'm always training and pushing myself because I want to achieve my dream. I want my country to be proud of me, as Malaysians are always happy for me. I hope they keep on supporting me no matter what, because I'm here to give my best for Malaysian fans and the fans in Belgium too," explained the 2018 AFC U-16 Championship joint top-scorer.

East Bengal have signed several quality foreign players this season under the guidance of head coach Robbie Fowler. East Bengal are set to make their debut in the seventh season of the Indian Super League (ISL).

Fowler handpicked some quality names who have experience of playing at the highest level. One such name who has joined the Red and Golds is former Scotland international defender Daniel Fox.

Here is all you need to know about East Bengal’s new recruit Danny Fox.

Senior debut

After graduating from the Everton’s academy, Fox was handed a full-time contract by the Toffees in 2004 but the young defender failed to get any game time. Hence he was sent on loan to Scottish Second Division side Stranraer FC before joining League Two side Walsall FC in 2005. He spent three seasons at Walsall before heading to Coventry City where he played under the tutelage of former Wales national team manager Chris Coleman.

Scottish Premiership, Premier League and European experience

The defender joined Scottish giants Celtic FC ahead of 2009-10 season. He played 15 matches in the Scottish Premiership as his side finished second behind champions and bitter rivals Rangers FC. He had also gained European experience during his time with Celtic. He played against Arsenal in UEFA Champions League qualifying game which Celtic lost and appeared in four games in the group stages of Europa League.

After just six months in Scotland, during the January transfer window, Fox had moved to the Premier League to join Burnley on a three and a half year contract. The East Bengal defender scored and assisted on league debut as Burnley defeated West Ham United 2-1.

The next two seasons, he had to play in the Championship as Burnley got relegated after the 2009-10 season. In 2011, the defender moved to fellow Championship side Southampton for an undisclosed fee. The Saints gained promotion in the subsequent year and Fox was back in the Premier League in 2012-13 season. During that campaign, Fox appeared in 20 Premier League games and had managed to score just one goal which came against Arsenal.

International football

The defender represented England at the U21 level but later decided to play for Scotland's national team. He had qualified to represent the Scots through his grandfather’s Scottish connections. Fox made his debut in an international friendly against Wales in 2009 which Scotland lost 0-3. He again got a call from the national team in 2012 ahead of the 2014 World Cup qualifiers. He played three matches in total at that time which included a friendly match against Australia which they won and two qualification games against Wales and Belgium which Scotland lost.

Last Stint

Fox played for Wigan Athletic in the Championship during the 2019-20 season. He continued his association with the club this season as well. He had signed a short-term deal at the beginning of the 2020-21 season but after playing just two matches in the League One, the defender decided to mutually terminate his contract with the Latics to join the Red and Golds.

Bakary Kone wants to be the best player in the Indian Super League (ISL) and win the championship with Kerala Blasters. 

The former Lyon defender has set out long-term objectives ahead of his debut in Indian football. In an interview to Goal , the Coupe de France winner said, "My long-term objective in India is to become one of the best players in the league and also to bring a title to Kerala Blasters.

"I won the Coupe de France with Lyon and I would like to do the same in India for sure."

The 32-year-old defender's most notable displays were during his time with French giants Lyon for five years from 2011. The Burkina Faso international faced off against the likes of  Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Edinson Cavani and won the Coupe De France and Trophee Des Champions during his time in France.

Lyon was also runners-up of Ligue 1 in the 2014-15 and 2015-16 season. The resilient defender also has the experience of playing in the UEFA Champions League and the Europa League.

"My best memory at Lyon was playing my first Champions League game against Rubin Kazan. For me, it was an amazing experience. Because when you play Champions League, you play at the top level."

Not many players from Burkina Faso has come to India to play football. Kone is the second from his country to join an ISL club after Saidou Panandétiguiri who turned out for Pune City in 2014.

"I am really proud to be one of the first Burkino Faso footballers to play in India (in the ISL). I hope that I will open the doors for many other players. It is important to adapt to conditions, I happy to know something new."

Kone will also have to adapt to playing behind closed doors in the seventh season of ISL which is set to begin on November 20 in Goa. 

"I am sad to play in an empty stadium but we have to adapt. It is like this all over the world. When you play in front of fans, they give you extra energy and that can change the game." 

Blasters have been part of the ISL since 2014 but are yet to win a trophy. With an experienced player like Kone in the ranks, the Yellow Army will be hopeful of landing a title soon. 

Milan boss Stefano Pioli insists it was a pre-planned decision to substitute Zlatan Ibrahimovic at half-time of their 3-0 Europa League victory against Sparta Prague.

After Brahim Diaz's opener, Ibrahimovic missed the chance to double Milan's lead when his 36th-minute spot-kick hit the crossbar, one of three shots without hitting the target during the opening period.

He was subsequently replaced at the break by Rafael Leao, who did double Milan's advantage in the second period before Diogo Dalot sealed a comfortable victory.

Pioli, however, insists the decision to remove Ibrahimovic at that point had been made before the game and not influenced by his performance.

"We had already planned the substitution," he told Sky Sport Italia. "Zlatan is a champion and probably wanted to continue, but we have another very difficult match coming up on Sunday, so it was only right to balance out our efforts."

Pioli made five changes to the side that drew 3-3 with Roma in Serie A at the weekend as Milan went on to claim their ninth win from 10 games - including one penalty shoot-out - across all competitions this season. 

The Rossoneri return to domestic action on Sunday with a trip to Udinese and Pioli says he is finding it tough to cram so many in-form players into his side. 

"The team knows what it has to do on the pitch and how to read the games," he added. 

"We were coming off a good performance against Roma where we could've done better in controlling the situation. Today we made the most of the spaces that were allowed.

"I must admit, it becomes increasingly difficult to choose the starting XI, as everyone is doing so well. 

"The lads work in such a unified fashion and that is the attitude that makes me want to pick them. We wanted strength in depth, so it's only right that we make the most of it."

Sandro Tonali was particularly impressive in midfield, completing more passes (72) than any other Milan player and gaining possession a team-high 10 times. 

Pioli was delighted with his display and believes the 20-year-old is starting to find his feet at San Siro. 

"Sandro Tonali made two steps forward in his performance this evening," he said. "It was inevitable he'd take a while to settle as he arrived after pre-season, so I am very satisfied with the way he is growing into the team and finding form. 

"He's perfect for creating competition for places."

Slavia Prague manager Jindrich Trpisovsky has showered encomium on Peter Olayinka following his impressive performance against Bayer Leverkusen on Thursday.

The 24-year-old attacker scored the only goal that handed his side a 1-0 victory over the Bundesliga club in a Europa League game.

The Nigeria international started from the bench for the Red and Whites and made a significant contribution in the encounter.

The forward replaced Oscar Dorley moments after the hour mark and scored the goal that made the difference.

Olayinka fired home past goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky after he was set up by Nicolae Stanciu, who earlier missed a penalty in the match.

 Trpisovsky has praised the Super Eagles attacker and revealed why he did not start the match at Sinobo Stadium.

“I must say thanks to Peter Olayinka. Normally he would play in the starting eleven, but he wasn’t ready after his recovery from Covid,” Trpisovsky said in a post-match conference.

“He is the hero of the game for me, he sacrificed for the team, he came on the pitch to help us. We need players like him.”

The victory bolstered Slavia Prague chances of progressing into the knockout stage of the competition as they are now joined on three points with Leverkusen and Hapoel Beer Sheva but with goals difference while Nice are at the base of the Group.

Olayinka has now featured eight times for the Sinobo Stadium outfit, scoring two goals across all competitions this season.

The forward will be expected to continue with his fine performances in front of goal when Slavia Prague take on French side Nice in their next outing in the European competition on November 5.

Olayinka has been with Slavia Prague since the summer of 2018 when he teamed up with the Czech Republic side from Gent.

Mikel Arteta acknowledges Nicolas Pepe must be more consistent, but the Arsenal manager does not question the winger's attitude and is keen to help.

Pepe was a club-record signing from Lille in August 2019 yet struggled to translate his dominant Ligue 1 form to the Premier League last term.

The Ivory Coast international's first campaign in England brought just five league goals, having netted 22 times in his final year in France.

Pepe showed a flash of his talent on Thursday, netting a fine strike in the 3-0 Europa League win over Dundalk, his second of the new season in all competitions.

But that was the only one of his five shots to hit the target, while the 25-year-old created just a single chance and completed none of his three dribbles. Pepe's crossing – at 16.67 per cent accuracy – was also particularly wasteful.

Arteta was asked if the pressure of the player's price tag could be a problem but said: "Knowing Nico, I don't think it's something that worries him too much.

"It's about him hitting his best, every single week. I believe this is where he believes he can do better and we have to try to help him.

"I think he's so willing to do well and show everybody and first of all his team-mates, myself and then the fans that he's a player that can make the difference every week. 

"Obviously, he's not been first choice in a lot of games but, to be fair, he's played quite a lot of moments better than others.

"It's about finding the consistency, not through the games but during the games as well, to be more insistent and be able to do the right thing in many, many occasions when he has to make the right decisions on the pitch.

"It's nothing to do with his attitude. He's a player who takes risks and he's a very creative player, and it's the most difficult thing in football when they all know what you can do as well, how much they want to prevent the space, the overloads that they generate to defend you, so creating a situation as well is complicated. 

"But sometimes, it's the simple things – the deliveries, the amount of situations that he's able to create or attract and then make the right decision, to keep evolving that phase of play, the finishing, the position inside the box – that he has to be more consistent at.

"We are working on that and hopefully he will be doing that much more efficiently."

The left-footed Pepe has been accused of being one-dimensional but scored Thursday's goal on his right side.

"It is nothing to do with me," Arteta added. "That was his action, he scored a magnificent goal. He's been [unpredictable] a little bit more recently, going down the outside is something he can do.

"It's just about when he attracts people as well and frees something, the last pass, the last delivery, which foot he needs to attack of the defender sometimes as well to make things easier for him, the starting position sometimes is not right.

"But he's trying really hard, he's a player who loves to play the game and we need to give him more help to try to be more successful."

Having started just once in the league this season, Pepe must now hope he has done enough to win a place in the Gunners XI at Manchester United this weekend.

"They are always in the frame to play," Arteta said of his Europa League stars. "It's not because we lose or win, it's what they bring to the team, how they train, what they are showing.

"Results, at the end, are consequences of many things, but individually how they do things is what determines whether they have the opportunity to play or not."

Kalidou Koulibaly disclosed that Napoli deserved to defeat Real Sociedad in Thursday’s Europa League encounter.

After a stuttering start to the competition where they lost 1-0 at home defeat to AZ Alkmaar, the Serie A outfit returned to winning ways with a 1-0 win at the Anoeta Stadium.

With the first-half ending 0-0, Gennaro Gattuso’s men stepped up their game in the last 45 minutes to pick all three points at stake courtesy of Matteo Politano’s 56th minute strike.

Despite having Victor Osimhen’s sent off by referee Craig Pawson for a second caution in the closing stages, the Whites and Blues were unable to get the much-needed equaliser.

Speaking on the outcome against the Spaniards, the 29-year-old who captained the Blues said his side merited the away win, albeit, admitted that the game was hard-hitting.

"Winning tonight here was important to continue our journey in Europe." Koulibaly told club website.

"It was essential to win the three points here in Spain after the unfortunate debut. We deserved success on a very tough field."

"The further we go, the more we are aware of our potential and tonight we have expressed them against a strong opponent such as Real Sociedad".

Despite being on the radar of several top European teams at the beginning of the 2020-21 season, the Senegal international remained at Stadio San Paolo where is a dominant figure in Napoli’s backline.

So far, he has played four out of his team’s five Italian topflight games while lauding manager Gattuso for his new-found form.

"This season I feel great, Gattuso has given me confidence and spoken to me clearly,” he continued.

“I've regained excellent form and I want to continue like this because I know it won't be easy to keep the level of performance so high. This year we want to get to the top."

Koulibaly is expected to be in action when the Naples based club face Sassuolo in their next league outing on Sunday.

Four days after that showdown, they travel to Croatia to face Simon Rozman’s Rijeka FC in their next Group F Europa League outing.