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The Indian transfer window came to an end on October 20. What this meant was that the Indian Super League (ISL) clubs cannot anymore sign players who are not free agents.

However, the ISL registration window ended on October 23. So if a club had to sign a free agent then they should have done so and get him registered by October 23. 

An ISL side can register a maximum of 35 players in their squad. 

The clubs must bear in mind that they must have at least six and not more than seven foreign players in their squad. Out of which one of them must belong to an AFC (Asian Football Confederation) member association nation. 

Additionally, there must be at least three developmental players (born after 1st January 2000) included in the squad. 

Previously, it was also mandatory for the clubs to get the approval of the league for three of their foreign signings. Players who have played a minimum of 1000 minutes last season were automatically approved. But this rule has now been scrapped and the clubs no longer need to approach the ISL for approval. 

As earlier mentioned, the ISL registration window closes on October 23. So under normal circumstances, no player can be registered after that stipulated date. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule.  

If a player is injured and ruled out for at least two months, the club can permanently replace him only after the league’s approval.

Also if the club terminates the contract of a registered player, then a replacement can be signed. 

But if a club registers less than seven foreigners (and the squad length is still less than the maximum size of 35) by October 23 they can still fill the quota post the stipulated date provided the player is a free agent. 

For example, if a club has signed only six overseas players and their maximum squad strength is 33, they can sign a free agent at any point during the season. 

Moreover, if the ISL club sells or loans a player to another club of a different country, then it can register a replacement. 

East Bengal have signed 25-year-old German midfielder Matti Steinmann for the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) season.

Steinmann comes to the Kolkata side with the experience of playing in the Bundesliga and Danish Super League. A former graduate of the Hamburger SV academy, he has represented Die Rothosen in 12 Bundesliga matches in total.

Steinmann last played for A-League club Wellington Phoenix in the 2019-20 season where had played 24 matches for the New Zealand club.

Debut and Bundesliga experience

Steinmann was a part of Hamburger SV from 2009 to 2014. During that time, he had played for the club’s U-19 as well their reserves team in Regionalliga (Fourth tier of German football) and youth leagues.

The midfielder was promoted to the senior team ahead of the 2014-15 season and he made his senior debut against German giants Bayern Munich when he came on as a late substitute. Hamburger had managed a goalless draw against the champions in that match. In the same season, he once again took the field for Hamburger against Bayern Munich in a DFB Pokal match which Bayern won 3-1.

In the subsequent, Steinmann was sent on loan to third division side Chemnitzer FC where he had appeared in 16 league games. He had also played against Borussia Dortmund in a DFB Pokal match which Chemnitzer lost 0-2.

During the 2018-19 season, he was once again sent on loan to Danish top division side Vendsyssel Forenede Fodboldklubber where had appeared in eight matches and scored one goal.

International football

While Steinmann has never represented his country at the senior level, he has played for Germany's U20 side in the 2015 U20 World Cup. He had played four matches in the tournament out of which he started in two games and came on as a substitute in the other two. The Germans were knocked out of the competition in the quarterfinal as they lost to eventual champions Mali in the penalty shootout.

Last stint

The midfielder joined A-League side Wellington Phoenix ahead of the 2019-20 season on a one-year deal and had made 24 league appearances last year. He was one of the important figures in the Kiwi club’s midfield. His deal ran out after the 2019-20 season after which he decided to join East Bengal.

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 1-0 triumph at Burnley.

Jose Mourinho's men appeared to be heading for a second successive Premier League draw after what was a largely toothless display at Turf Moor on Monday, but Son headed in from close range with 14 minutes to go after fine work from Kane.

Spurs saw more of the ball in the first period but Burnley went closer to breaking the deadlock, testing Hugo Lloris on a couple of occasions and having a goal chalked off.

James Tarkowski went closest of all for the Clarets, but his effort was cleared from right in front of the goal-line by Kane, who then brilliantly set up Son's winner with a clever header of his own for their ninth goal combination of the season already.

Although Spurs showed promise early on, they were unable to establish control and that encouraged Burnley, who saw an Ashley Barnes strike disallowed for offside in the 21st minute.

While that did not lead to a sustained period of pressure for Burnley, they did finish the first half in the ascendancy, with Lloris thwarting Ashley Westwood and Johann Gudmundsson.

Burnley went close again early in the second half – Josh Brownhill seizing on a wayward Ben Davies pass and driving just wide of the bottom-left corner.

Kane, who had endured a frustrating match in attack, proved decisive at the other end with 18 minutes to go, clearing Tarkowski's header off the line to keep Spurs on level terms.

Just four minutes later he was key in the Burnley area, running away from goal to head a corner delivery into Son's path and the South Korean threw himself forward to nod in the winner.

What does it mean? Unspectacular Spurs find a way

It certainly was not impressive, but Spurs got the job done eventually. Mourinho's side looked the least threatening of the two teams for much of the game, with a lot of the play suggesting Burnley might nick a result towards the end.

In the end, however, Spurs' superior individual quality got them over the line, with the Son-Kane route once again paying off for Mourinho, whose team are up to fifth.

Kane and Son deliver again

It is fair to say Spurs would be significantly worse off without Kane and Son, who have now combined for nine goals this season – one more and they will set a new club record for a single campaign.

On top of that, Kane's eighth Premier League assist of the term means he has had a hand in 13 goals in his first six matches of 2020-21, a new record for the competition.

Lucas disappoints

One of Spurs' main issues until the latter stages was a lack of creativity; Lucas Moura was a part of that. He was hooked in the 57th minute as he had hardly influenced the game at all, making just one key pass. The Brazilian had 21 touches – fewer than all but two Spurs players, both of whom were substitutes – and his replacement, Erik Lamela, was much livelier.

Key Opta Facts

- Burnley have won just one of their previous 24 Premier League home games against the 'big six' sides (D4 L19), a 2-1 victory against Tottenham in February 2019.
- Tottenham have recorded clean sheets in successive games in all competitions after failing to record a shutout in 10 games stretching back to last season.
- In his managerial career, against no other side has Mourinho faced more often without losing than Burnley (10 – W6 D4), winning five of his six away matches against the Clarets.
- Kane has recorded eight assists in six Premier League appearances this season, the most he has ever provided in a single campaign in the competition.
- Spurs duo Kane and Son have combined for 29 Premier League goals, with only Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard managing more (36).

What's next?

Spurs turn their attention back to the Europa League as they go to Antwerp on Thursday. Burnley welcome Chelsea to Turf Moor in five days' time.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored twice but Milan's perfect start to season was ended by Roma after a thrilling 3-3 San Siro draw on Monday.

Ibrahimovic put Milan ahead early on with deft finish from close range but Edin Dzeko equalised shortly afterwards with a header.

Alexis Saelemaekers edged Milan in front again with a composed finish only for Jordan Veretout to draw Roma level from the penalty spot.

Ibrahimovic netted a penalty of his own 11 minutes from time, but Milan were denied a fifth consecutive victory when Marash Kumbulla volleyed in a dramatic late equaliser.

Ibrahimovic gave Milan the lead in the second minute with an intelligent poacher's goal after he got on the end of a delicious Rafael Leao lofted pass.

However, Roma were back on level terms 10 minutes later after a goalkeeping error from Milan's Ciprian Tatarusanu on his first competitive start for the Rossoneri.

The Romanian, deputising for Gianluigi Donnarumma after he tested positive for COVID-19, came to punch Lorenzo Pellegrini's corner but completely missed the ball, which allowed Dzeko to head home.

Milan increased their advantage shortly after the interval with Leao instrumental again as he burst down the left flank and crossed for Saelemaekers who confidently fired his shot beyond Roma goalkeeper Antonio Mirante.

Roma were awarded a controversial penalty, though, when Ismael Bennacer was deemed to have brought down Pedro despite appearing to be fouled himself, and Veretout confidently converted.

Ibrahimovic thought he had secured the points when he sent Mirante the wrong way with a spot-kick, again controversially awarded, after Hakan Calhanoglu was felled by Gianluca Mancini.

Roma refused to give up, though, and gained a share of the spoils with seven minutes remaining when Kumbulla got on the end of a flick from a corner to slam the ball home.

What does it mean? Milan defence under scrutiny

With defending champions Juventus making a stuttering start to the season, Milan find themselves clear at the top of Serie A with four wins out of five.

But this performance was a defensive nightmare, leaving Pioli with plenty of work on the training ground as his side allowed Roma to take 12 shots at goal, with seven on target.

Leao outshines Zlatan

Ibrahimovic turned 39 at the start of October and was involved in everything Milan did well but was upstaged here by Portugal forward Leao – some 18 years his junior.

Marauding with intent on the left flank, Leao provided superb assists for both goals, made 17 passes with an accuracy of 82.4 per cent and was key throughout.

Tatarusanu endures tough debut

It was a difficult Milan debut for back-up goalkeeper Tatarusanu, who was at fault for two of Roma's goals with a failure to command his box.

Tatarusanu made just four saves as he let in three goals and generally appeared a bag of nerves. Donnarumma cannot come back soon enough.

Key Opta Facts

- Milan have scored at least two goals for 11 consecutive games in all competitions, equalling their own such record of 1959.
- Zlatan Ibrahimovic has scored multiple goals in three straight games. The last to do so in Serie A was Cheick Diabate in 2018.
- Edin Dzeko has scored three goals in his last two league games, one more than in his previous 11 appearances.
- Rafael Leao registered two assists in this game, as many as in all of his previous 34 Serie A appearances.
- Jordan Veretout has scored six goals in his last seven league appearances. 

What's next?

Both sides have home group fixtures in the Europa League on Thursday. Milan host Czech outfit Sparta Prague while Roma welcome Bulgarian side CSKA Sofia.

Asante Kotoko communications director Moses Antwi Benefo believes new Brazilian acquisition Fabio Gama Dos Santos brings a lot of quality to the side despite criticism of the club's signing of the player.

The Porcupine Warriors announced the 28-year-old's capture in a two-year deal on Friday, giving him a football home for the first time since March when he parted ways with Swedish second-tier outfit Jonkoping Sondra.

He is a former Brazil national youth player, having represented the South American nation at U17 and U21 levels.

"Fabio Gama Dos Santos, a lot of people are lambasting us [for signing him]. It has become the talking point in the country [Ghana] but as we speak, about 17 international top sports websites are reporting about him," Benefo said, as reported by Footballghana.

"The French-speaking countries, Portuguese and others are all talking about him and it tells you his level.

“Some describe him as a top player while others are sceptical. His signing is creating a buzz around the team, the boy, and around the league because people will be willing to watch that orthodox No.10.

“Brazil is bound with talents so if he is able to feature for the U17 and U20 national teams it tells the quality he possesses. We should forget about people saying he does not score goals, he is an orthodox player."

Gama joins the list of Brazilian players to have signed for Kotoko in recent times, following the likes of Gleisson de Souza Ferreira in 2005 and Hermes da Silva in 2013.

His move to Kotoko has been criticised by a section of fans who have focused on his recent spells with lower division clubs, tagging him as below the standard of Kotoko who are two-time African champions and the most successful club in the history of the Ghana Premier League (GPL).

His career was largely based in his home country, and Gama's last two clubs before joining Kotoko were Varnomo and Jonkoping, who were based in the Swedish second division.

Back home in Brazil, he played for Bahia, Botafago-SP, Botafago, Serrano-BA, Operario-MS, SE Gama, ABC FC and most recently Itabaiana-SE and UR Trabalhadore.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League side Wazito FC have been ordered to pay their illegally dismissed players more than six million shillings for breach of contract.

The Fifa Dispute Resolution Chamber ruled Ghanaian forward Paul Acquah, Togolese defender Issofou Bourhana, Ugandan midfielder Mansoor Safi Agu, Liberian Augustine Otu, and DR Congo forward Piscas Muhindo were illegally dismissed and deserved compensation. 

As a result, Bourhana has been handed $9600 compensation (Ksh1.04 million) for breach of contract while Otu has been handed $7800 (Ksh848,776) for the aforementioned reason. 

Wazito have been ordered to pay Mansoor Ksh1,698,000 with Ksh370,000 outstanding remuneration. Paul Acquah will benefit Ksh2,165,806 plus Ksh150,000 remuneration while Muhindo has been handed Ksh1,040,000 and Ksh200,000 for outstanding remuneration.

The 2018/19 National Super League champions have been given 45 days to settle the aforementioned debts or face the consequences. 

"In the event that the amount due, plus interest as established above is not paid by [Wazito] within 45 days, as from the notification by the Claimant of the relevant bank details to the Respondent, the following consequences shall arise:   

"The Respondent shall be banned from registering any new players, either nationally or internationally, up until the due amount is paid and for the maximum duration of three entire and consecutive registration periods," read part of the ruling obtained by Goal.

"The aforementioned ban mentioned will be lifted immediately and prior to its complete serving, once the due amount is paid.  

"In the event that the payable amount as per in this decision is still not paid by the end of the ban of three entire and consecutive registration periods, the present matter shall be submitted, upon request, to the Fifa Disciplinary Committee."   

In the current transfer window, the Kenyan outfit parted ways with several players who they deemed as surplus to requirements.

Among those dropped were long-serving custodian Steven Njunge, midfielder Teddy Osok, forwards Victor Ndinya, Pistone Mutamba and Derrick Otanga.

The foreign quartet of Paul Acquah from Ghana, DR Congo's Piscas Kirenge, Augustine Otu of Liberia and Togolese Issifou Bourahana were not spared either. Kevin Omondi, who has also been serving as the club's first-choice goalkeeper, has been axed as well.

Paul Mungai Kiongera was also shown the door by the Nairobi-based side.

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has hinted that Eden Hazard will be involved in some capacity during their Champions League clash against Borussia Monchengladbach on Tuesday. 

Hazard has struggled with injuries since securing a move to the Santiago Bernabeu from Chelsea in 2019 and made just 22 appearances for Zidane's side last season - scoring once.

The Belgium international suffered another injury setback at the start of the new campaign  and is yet to feature for Real this season. 

On the back of the club's 3-1 win over Barcelona in La Liga on Saturday, Hazard appears ready to play again - with Zidane excited to have another attacking option up his sleeve. 

"If Hazard is with us it is because he is well and that is good news. We are all happy to see him with us," Zidane said on Monday.

"Tomorrow we will see how we are going to use him. It is very positive news for us.

"We know that the season is long and we are going to need everyone. It is true, I have always said it, because they are players who always play.

"It is true that we have had problems on the wing, but there are other players who can replace them and it will not give us problems." 

Gladbach could prove tricky opponents for Real on Tuesday with the Bundesliga outfit undefeated across their past five matches, which included a 2-2 draw with Inter in their Champions League group opener last week. 

While Zidane saw his side triumph in El Clasico, it's been a difficult start to the new campaign for the reigning La Liga champions with Real losing to Cadiz and Shakhtar Donetsk in the space of a few days . 

Despite reports pressure is mounting on Zidane's position as manager, the Frenchman remains focused on taking each game as it comes during a busy period. 

"We want to continue what we did over the weekend, playing a good game for the full 90 minutes as a team," Zidane said.

"Every three days we play a difficult team, like tomorrow. If we use what we have inside us, give a strong performance for 90 minutes, we'll have chances to win.

"That's what we want to do tomorrow."

Manchester City star Bernardo Silva has called for changes to be made after the club's disappointing start to the new season . 

Pep Guardiola's side are currently 13th in the Premier League after their first five games have produced just two wins. 

While they began their latest Champions League campaign with a 3-1 win against Porto last week, City were held to a 1-1 draw with West Ham in the league on Saturday as their stuttering start continued. 

Silva is used to much higher standards at the Etihad and believes City must mix things up if they are to remain competitive this season. 

"The truth is that we haven't started the season well at all, we have to do a lot better than two Premier League games won out of five," Silva told L'Equipe .

"It's true that we had a lot of injuries, and players who get injured again and again. But that can't be an excuse with the team we have.

"I don't have a good explanation, we have to talk among ourselves in the team, with the coach, because if we want to win a title this season, something must be changed. 

"We have the impression of a team that lacks punch, taking offensive responsibilities. All the teams know how to play. And we find ourselves against teams that do not want the ball, they are only waiting for the counter. At the start of the season, we didn't manage to be dangerous, to create a lot of chances, or to be effective."

Silva himself is yet to score or claim an assist across five appearances this season, with Guardiola recently backing the Portugal international to rediscover his best form . 

The 26-year-old concedes his performances have dipped over the past year but he is ready to step up whether his side needs him moving forward. 

"It turned out that it was not a very good season for us, and neither for me personally. We have a very complete squad, with a lot of world-class players and competition," Silva said.

"On the right, I have Riyad [Mahrez] and Ferran Torres, even Raheem Sterling. In the middle, I had David Silva, [Ilkay] Gundogan and Kevin De Bruyne. But of course I have to do better this season. 

"I'm not a fast player, I can't be an eccentric like Raheem Sterling or like Leroy Sane was. But I can play on the side. The last few seasons I've played right, middle, left, striker, I can play anywhere actually."

Serie A President Paolo Dal Pino has warned the Italian government that football “is close to collapsing” in the country after fresh coronavirus restrictions banned supporters from stadiums once more.

Up to 1,000 fans have been allowed into Serie A stadiums over recent weeks since restrictions were eased in September.

However, following an increase in cases Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has imposed tighter restrictions once more in an attempt to curb the spread of the virus.

Bars and restaurants must now close at 6pm each evening, while sports centres and gyms will remain shut until November 24.

Professional sport is allowed to continue but must now take place behind closed doors, meaning Monday night’s Serie A clash between AC Milan and Roma took place at an empty San Siro, while Wednesday’s blockbuster Champions League clash between Juventus and Barcelona will also be played without fans.

Dal Pino understands the need to safeguard public health but has questioned the severity of the regulations and wonders whether the government appreciates the damage it is causing to the football industry.

He has also called on the government to provide some economic support to try and mitigate some of the losses caused by the lack of supporters at games.

"I hope the government understands the value of football as an industry, beyond any superficial demagogy,” Dal Pino told reporters.

“We are very concerned, we are close to collapsing and I fear that the country’s economy will pay dearly for the restrictive measures that have been put in place.

“Health comes first but it is important to do the right things, planning in the medium and long term and think about the consequences on employment.

“The side effects of the recent measures affect many sectors, including our own, which lost €600m (£544m/$708m) in 2020 due to the closure of stadiums.

“We expect attention and sensitivity from the government. The Prime Minister has clearly said that the sectors affected by forced closures will have an economic aid and we expect that an industry like ours, which pays more than €1 billion (£907m/$1.2bn) in taxes every year, will receive what was announced.”

Bernardo Silva admits he'd love to see Manchester City try to sign Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe. 

The 21-year-old, who already has six goals from five Ligue 1 games this season, continues to be linked with a future move to Real Madrid.

PSG club ambassador Youri Djorkaeff recently revealed the plan for Mbappe is for the forward to help the French side win the Champions League before he signs for a "big club".

While Real Madrid are reportedly front of the queue for the France international, Premier League side Liverpool have also been linked and Silva seemingly hopes City could enter the race too. 

Asked which France player he'd like to take to City following Portugal's draw with Les Bleus, Silva told L'Equipe: "Kylian Mbappe. He was already a special player for Monaco when I was there and he's also a friend. If we could buy him, that wouldn't be bad!"

City could certainly use the attacking spark of Mbappe right now as Pep Guardiola's side currently sit 13th in the Premier League after a stuttering start to the new campaign. 

Silva has called for changes to be made at the Etihad to ensure they remain competitive moving forward and admits playing without fans as a result of the coronavirus pandemic has changed the complexion of the game. 

"Without the supporters, there is no longer this pleasure, this atmosphere, this passion. We miss the supporters very much," Silva said. 

"We have to accept reality, everyone has to change their way of life a little to try to protect us. But the truth, we are not going to lie, it is not the same football."

City travel to Marseille in the Champions League on Tuesday night having won their group opener against Porto 3-1. 

Silva has good memories of playing against Marseille during his time with Monaco and knows just how challenging the away trip can be.

"I scored my first goal with Monaco against Marseille. During my last season at ASM, I also scored twice at the Velodrome," he added.

"It's not easy to play at the Velodrome, even if we know that now it's a different reality without the supporters. It will be a physical, complicated match." 
 

Former Manchester United star and current Wales manager Ryan Giggs says that he has felt "different" at times due to his mixed-race heritage, although he says he is "immensely proud" of his background.

Giggs' father Danny Wilson, a former rugby union player, is black, while his mother Lynne Giggs, is white, and the former Red Devils star says that he didn't experience anything that made him notice his own background until moving from Cardiff to Manchester due to his father's rugby career.

It was at that point that Giggs says he began to feel "different", especially since most people could not guess that he was mixed-race.

 "I didn't experience anything in Cardiff. I was seven, so I can't remember a lot before that. It wasn't until I moved to Manchester," he told ITV Wales.

"Where I lived, my dad was very well known, because he was such a good player. He was probably the best player in the team in that town.

"As you can guess, to look at me, you wouldn't think my dad was black.

"But obviously everyone knowing that was my dad, and my dad quite clearly being black, that's really when I sort of experienced the first time. Which was a bit weird, because I'd never experienced that before."

He added: "It was weird because when I was in Manchester there was no black people at my school. One or two. And obviously when I go back home I'm just surrounded by my dad's family.

"I loved it. There used to be a carnival every year down the docks, and I used to love going to that. It was just normal for me. It was great for me to have that diversity."

Giggs and his staff recently took a knee ahead of recent Wales matches as he wanted to show his support for the "important message" of the Black Lives Matter movement.

Wales began the international break with a 3-0 friendly loss to England before then drawing with Ireland and beating Bulgaria in Nations League matches. 

The Wales boss said the demonstration was done to make sure he reiterated that the country doesn't "put up with discrimination or racism", as he added that there was "no hesitation with myself and with my staff and with the team".

Tottenham captain Harry Kane believes the team is capable of achieving “something special” this season after a 1-0 win at Burnley lifted them up to fifth in the Premier League.

Son Heung-Min’s second-half header from Kane’s flick-on earned the points for Jose Mourinho’s side, who had struggled to break down a resolute Burnley defence up to that point.

After falling to defeat on the opening day of the season against Everton, the north London side are now unbeaten in 10 matches in all competitions, progressing through to the Europa League group stages and the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup.

That has raised expectation levels among the club’s supporters, with Kane equally excited about the team’s potential.

"I think we are at a stage where we have been so close for so many years, a lot of us have been together for four or five years,” he told Sky Sports.

“The additions this year have been great and we are all getting more experienced. We know with the team we have got and the players we have got we can do something special.

“It's making sure when you come to places like this you are fighting for every point and result. To bounce back and grind these results out, these are the results that count at the end of the season.”

The early Premier League table meanwhile has an unusual look about it, with the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City currently languishing in mid-table.

That has raised the prospect of a shock title winner, with reigning champions Liverpool joined by the likes of Everton, Leeds and Aston Villa at the summit of the table.

Tottenham are also in the mix thanks to their fine run of form, though Kane is not getting carried away with any title talk just yet.

"It's still early on. We need to take each game as it comes,” added the England captain. “I know it's a cliche. We still have a lot to learn and build on but I think nights like this will give us a lot of confidence."

Jose Mourinho has praised former Tottenham coach Mauricio Pochettino for his role in the flourishing deadly attacking partnership between Harry Kane and Heung-min Son.

Kane and Son once again combined to score the winning goal as Spurs downed a stubborn Burnley 1-0 at Turf Moor on Monday night.

The duo have now combined to score 29 goals in the Premier League, which ranks them only seven strikes behind Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba as the most prolific pairing in the competition's history.

When asked why the connection between Kane and Son was so profound, Mourinho was quick to credit Pochettino for establishing the initial connection, but did point out the England international was playing in a different position.

"It is an understanding that comes from Mauricio's time," Mourinho said. 

"I don't want all the credit myself, let's share with Mauricio. They played together for a long time, probably a different way because Harry is not always a nine now.

"What pleases me more about them both is that they are two top players but close friends, no jealousy, they both play for the team.

"Credit to them, two great players, two great boys."

Pochettino, who was replaced by Mourinho as Spurs manager in November last year, oversaw Kane's rise to becoming a world-class striker, while also bringing Son to the club from Leverkusen in 2015.

The star Tottenham attackers' combination against Burnley was one of their more unusual, with the usual deft pass by foot replaced by Kane using his head to flick Lamela's corner to the back post, where Son arrrived unmarked to fire his own header into the net.

Mourinho admitted his team's rhythm during the 90 minutes was below what he desired, but crecited Sean Dyche's Burnley with making things difficult for a side that has scored a total of 20 goals in their last five games.

"My players didn't play the quality football that we want but that was because of Burnley, not because of us," Mourinho said.

"Second half, the game was much more under control. I had some question marks and some doubts because this is the kind of match that if you take too many risks you can lose it.

"I know Sean, I know the difficulties he can bring to the best attacking teams. He's very clever, he plays with what he has and he gave us what I was expecting – a very difficult match."

Marcus Rashford has been spearheading a movement to make sure underprivileged schoolchildren are able to have access to free food over the holidays.

The Manchester United footballer has been vocal about his efforts to put an end to child food poverty, and Goal has what you need to know about the campaign.

What is Marcus Rashford's free school meals campaign?

Rashford has been working to extend the government's free school meals campaign to function over the holidays until Easter 2021, instead of only during term time.

The Manchester United star has been passionate in his efforts to combat child hunger across England, following his efforts over the summer in which he was able to change the course of the UK Government's decision in order to provide free meals for underprivileged children during the summer school holidays.

It followed an extension for free school meals available to eligible children during the Easter holidays earlier in the year, but another road block was hit in October when the Labour bid to extend free school meals was rejected by MPs in Commons 322 to 261.

The government blocked the bid and decided not to follow in the footsteps of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, stating that they had already given councils £63 million in funding for families who are in disadvantaged positions financially due to Covid-19, in addition to increasing welfare support by £9.3 billion.

But Rashford has voiced his disappointment at the UK Government, taking to Twitter to express his frustrations and launching a petition urging the government to double down in their efforts to end child poverty.

And though Labour's bid was rejected, several businesses promised to aid Rashford and start their own campaign to provide free school meals during holidays, with the forward retweeting the locations of those who had stepped up.

"Put aside all the noise, the digs, the party politics and let's focus on the reality," Rashford had written on Twitter. "A significant number of children are going to bed tonight not only hungry but feeling like they do not matter because of comments that have been made today.

"We must stop stigmatising, judging and pointing fingers. Our views are being clouded by political affiliation. This is not politics, this is humanity.

"We talk about the devastating impact of Covid-19 but, if projections are anything to go by, child food poverty has the potential to become the greatest pandemic the country has ever faced.

"We must start working together and unite to protect our most vulnerable children. No more sticking plasters.

"Let's face this head on. Let's level up once and for all. The asks of the Child Food Poverty Taskforce remain the same. We are endorsing Government-commissioned policy recommendations that were built from extensive research and data analysis.

"These policies are vital to stabilising millions of households across the UK and need to be implemented without delay. Child hunger should never be faced with looming deadlines."

He has since invited Downing Street negotiate further plans of action.

"Following private and public approaches, I once again invite Number 10 to sit around the table with the taskforce so that, together, we can collaborate on how best to combat child food poverty in the UK," he continued. "We are here to help, but we require guidance and insight from those in Number 10.

"I don't have the education of a politician, many on Twitter have made that clear today, but I have a social education having lived through this and having spent time with the families affected.

"These children matter. These children are the future of this country. They are not just another statistic, and for as long as they don't have a voice, they will have mine. You have my word on that."

How can I sign Marcus Rashford's petition?

The petition, created by Rashford in October 2020, beckons the UK Government to provide during meals during all holidays for schoolchildren, and for free school meals to be extended to households who are on universal credit.

The petition can be accessed using this link.

"If you can do one thing for me tonight, sign the petition," Rashford wrote on Twitter.

"It’s time we put party politics aside and worked together to find a long-term sustainable solution to child food poverty in the UK.

"Implement the three asks. I appreciate you all."

The statement on the petition states: "Government should support vulnerable children & #endchildfoodpoverty by implementing 3 recommendations from the National Food Strategy to expand access to Free School Meals, provide meals & activities during holidays to stop holiday hunger & increase the value of and expand the Healthy Start scheme."

The petition passed 250,000 signatures two days after it was launched, and reached 800,000 signatures in the nine days since.

Tottenham Hotspur duo of Harry Kane and Son Heung-min are fast closing in a Premier League record currently held by Chelsea greats Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard.

In a largely toothless outing at Turf Moor on Monday night, Jose Mourinho’s men recorded a 1-0 away win against Burnley.

With 14 minutes left to go, South Korea international Son headed in from close range after a fine work from strike partner Kane as Sean Dyche’s men lost their fourth game of the 2020-21 campaign.

The pair have now combined for 29 goals in the English topflight – equalling a feat achieved by Manchester City’s David Silva and Sergio Aguero (29) as well as the duo of Thierry Henry and Robert Pires (29).

Arsenal’s French connection was a huge part of the Gunners’ most successful period of the English elite division era. Before heading for Barcelona, Henry won a record four Golden Boots but his profitable partnership with his compatriot proved the best, scoring 19 goals with Pires finding the net on 12 occasions.

Another Spurs combo Darren Anderton and Teddy Sheringham sit fifth in the ratings for the competition’s most deadly partnership having combined for 27 goals during their time with the North Londoners.

Top of the charts are Lampard and Drogba, who combined for a whopping 36 goals during their celebrated time together at Chelsea. The current Blues manager assisted his teammate on 24 occasions with the former Cote d’Ivoire international returning the favour 12 times.

Their partnership also yielded three Premier League diadems including back-to-back triumphs in 2005 and 2006.

Barring any form of injury, Kane and Son are on course to match Drogba and Lampard’s tally this term.

Thanks to their latest result, Mourinho’s side now occupy the fifth spot in the log after accruing 11 points from six outings so far. Their attention shifts to the Europa League as they travel to Belgium on Thursday for a date versus Royal Antwerp in a Group J showdown. 

Orlando Pirates coach Josef Zinnbauer has conceded his side are far from being a formidable team he desires as he seeks better fortunes in their next Premier Soccer League (PSL) match against Stellenbosch on Wednesday.

The Soweto giants kicked off their season with a 1-1 draw against AmaZulu away in Durban but they now return to Orlando Stadium hoping for their first set of maximum points.

“There is a lot of work to be done with the team. We will take things slowly, we are not there yet. A point is a point. It’s important for us, we worked hard for this point,” said Zinnbauer as per Sowetan Live.

“This wasn’t easy ... AmaZulu are a good team. They made high pressure, they fight. It was an away game for us. First game isn’t easy, you saw the results from other games. We have the next game on Wednesday, we must focus on that. We always expect to get three points, a home game now but we know Stellenbosch are a good team.”

Zinnbauer and his men face a Stellenbosch side which also shared the spoils in their opening league match.

The Western Cape side was held 1-1 by PSL returnees Swallows FC at home on Sunday.

Zinnbauer is aware of the possible upset his side could suffer at the hands of Stellenbosch who they edged 1-0 in last season's penultimate league match early in September.

The Buccaneers coach could make some changes in his squad to face Stellies and Zinnbauer says he will “work on a plan” to beat the visitors.

“We need freshness in the team and we’ll know exactly in the next two days what will happen.... the fitness and the spirit in the team‚ then we can make the decision for the next game,” Zinnbauer said.

“We’re always expecting to win the three points and it’s a home game now‚ but we know Stellenbosch is a good team. They’ve got good pressing‚ they always wait for the chance and they can play the counter-attack.

“Don’t forget the game we played against them in the bio-bubble. It was a difficult match for us in the first 15 minutes and then we became better in the game. But we know exactly what we want and we will work on a plan to win these three points.”

Victory over Stellenbosch would spur Pirates ahead of Saturday’s MTN8 semi-final match against their bitter rivals Kaizer Chiefs.

Uganda coach Johnny McKinstry has revealed why he opted to take the team to Dubai for a 10-day residential camp instead of playing friendly matches.

While other nations played friendly matches during the just concluded Fifa international break, Uganda instead camped in Dubai for 10 days as they prepared for their Group B Africa Cup of Nations double-header against South Sudan in November.

The Northern Irish tactician has now explained the reason behind the move.

“I decided to use two approaches: more training and the classroom,” McKinstry told KFM Sports as quoted by Daily Monitor. “In the first qualifiers I didn’t have much time with the players, so the Dubai training provided that environment to spend more time on the training ground together and in the classroom.

“We agreed with Fufa we shall have two friendly matches this year but now, also because of the pandemic, more bonding and the classroom helps improve communication with the players.

“So we train, and, thereafter, do the classroom. We never let a session go without players asking a question. I normally call on a player, play a video, and ask them to explain what we’ve just been on. That way, you improve their confidence and communication, and feedback.”

McKinstry continued: “If a player is still asking questions on the day of the match, then that is a problem for all of us. Players must be empowered to speak and speak out, to act. That translates to the pitch during the match.”

The former Rwanda coach further explained why no local-based players were included in his 20-man squad for the back-to-back fixtures.

“The more Ugandan football grows, the less and less local players will play for the national team. “When I was coaching Sierra Leone, all our players played in Europe, but I’d be forced to call up someone playing at AC Milan rather than one in the lower division because of the level at AC Milan.

“When you do well in the UPL, you definitely move to a better club, that should encourage local-based players.

“We just can’t call them up for the sake of it. So, if Allan [Okello] plays well in the UPL and moves to a bigger and better club out of Uganda, do I drop him because we need to play a local player?

“But local-based players will still get the chance and what I can tell them is look, if you get a chance to step onto that pitch, leave your heart out there.”

Uganda are seeking to qualify for the Afcon for a third successive time.

Mustafa Kizza has praised Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA FC) for giving him a platform to develop until he was scouted by Montreal Impact.

The Ugandan full-back has already left to join the Major Soccer League teammates after he signed a two-year contract that brought to an end his seven-year stay with the Kassasiro Boys.

The left-back said he arrived at KCCA as a boy and now has left as a man.

“It was a pleasure for me to play for this big club and I want to thank all the stakeholders, the coaches and teammates for the seven years,” Kizza told KCCA’s Youtube Channel.

“I want to extend my thanks to the coaches who I have passed through their hands for the opportunity they gave me to play for the big club.

“I have to say I played for the biggest team in Uganda and it has been a pleasure and honour.

“I came here as a boy and now I am leaving as a man. As a young boy, I wanted to play for KCCA because it was a club that I supported and the dream of playing for them was achieved.

“The coaches helped me grow because they were pushing me to improve in every aspect of the game after I joined from the junior side. It was their job to push me and it was my duty to push myself.”

The defender picked their 2018 Caf Champions League group stage qualification as their best moment, given that they had to beat all odds to achieve it.

“The best moment was the time we qualified for the Champions League and the other one was the time we won the Cecafa Club tournament [in 2019],” he added.

“No one believed in us before and qualifying for the Champions League group stage was great because we played against big teams.”

Kizza also did not rule out the possibility of returning to his boyhood club in future.

“I am grateful how I was treated as a young boy at KCCA, they made my dream come true and it will remain an honour for me to have served them,” he concluded.

“KCCA will remain my home and I will return whenever I get an opportunity. You never know it might be my retirement home in future.

“I believed I was going to make it like any other player and I will work hard to see I get a starting position at Montreal Impact.

“I am working hard to see that I become one of the great players in that team and in my country. To all the youngsters, never give up and stay focused on what you do.”

Manchester City are “missing a trick” by not re-signing Daniel Sturridge to bolster their injury-hit frontline, according to his former City team-mate Micah Richards.

The 31-year-old is currently a free agent after his contract at Trabzonspor was terminated in March just six months into a three-year deal shortly before his four-month worldwide ban for breaching betting rules.

Prior to that disappointing spell in Turkey, Sturridge had enjoyed a successful career in the Premier League, having graduated from the City academy in 2006 before going on to play for Chelsea, Bolton, Liverpool and West Brom.

Richards, who played alongside Sturridge at Etihad Stadium, believes the striker is still good enough to play in the top flight and City are making a mistake in not snapping him up.

Pep Guardiola’s side are short of forward options currently with Gabriel Jesus still sidelined with a thigh problem suffered in their season-opening win at Wolves, while Sergio Aguero picked up a hamstring injury during last weekend’s draw at West Ham.

“When he plays football again it might be with another team abroad, but I can't help but think that there are several clubs in the Premier League who are missing a trick by not signing him,” Richards told BBC Sport.

“I would include City in that, just to fill in while Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus are injured. Even if he was half-fit, he would score goals in that side.

“At the moment it almost feels like people have forgotten how good he is, but Daniel still has time to remind them, and show everyone what he is really all about.”

Richards also hit back at suggestions Sturridge is a disruptive influence in the dressing room, while dismissing concerns over his injury record.

The former England international was particularly critical of former Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan, who suggested Sturridge was a “problem player” shortly after his departure from Liverpool in 2019.

“I thought what he [Jordan] said about him was absolutely disgusting,” added the 32-year-old.

“Jordan called Daniel a 'problem player' and a 'divisive influence' and said he wouldn't go anywhere near him, adding that he 'wouldn't want Sturridge in my dressing room or at my training ground around younger players'.

“I was listening and I was flabbergasted. I phoned Daniel up straight away to ask what had happened and he said he had no idea - he had never dealt with Jordan, and neither had his agent.

“I don't know whether someone else was touting him around various clubs without his authority and they were asking for ridiculous money - that kind of thing does happen. But you cannot tarnish Sturridge because he wasn't involved, and it definitely doesn't justify a personal attack like that.

“Daniel's had to deal with a lot of stick in recent years, mostly to do with his injury record.

“The way it has been reported is that he won't play unless he is 100% fit, which is nonsense. He's been struggling with his hip from a young age but if he could play, he always would.

“In the past, Daniel has considered retirement too, partly because of his injuries but also because of the way he is portrayed in the media. It must have felt like he was fighting a losing battle to prove people wrong.”