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"The players deserved this." 

This has been Khalid Jamil's answer whenever he is asked about his team's change of fortunes since he took over the reins at NorthEast United from Gerard Nus.

Apart from January signing Deshorn Brown, the rest of the lineup has more or less remained the same under both Nus and Jamil. But there has been a remarkable difference in mentality on the pitch and that attitude helped them turn their season around and qualify for the playoffs. 

The Highlanders were once seven matches without a win and that was the club decided to sack Nus. They turned to Jamil, who was initially asked to leave the first team in Goa to focus on the club's youth development programme. 

Jamil has been with the club since last season and played a key role in assembling this season's squad. In fact, he handpicked several key signings for the season and was familiar with the strengths and weaknesses, especially the Indian players. He put the Indian contingent together in the off-season and in many ways, it could be said that this NorthEast side is a proper Khalid Jamil team. 

When a coach is asked to put together a squad, he usually has a proper strategy in place to make them tick. If you were surprised by how the team suddenly looked better and well-gelled, don't be, because Jamil was no stranger to this side. 

Since taking charge following a 1-1 draw against Bengaluru, Jamil had led his team to the ISL playoffs by going nine games without a single defeat. As icing on the cake, they have also managed to finish third, two points and a spot above FC Goa. 

Players like Lalengmawia, Ashutosh Mehta, VP Suhair and even Imran Khan have been a revelation on the pitch under Jamil. Managing Indian talents has never been an issue for the former Aizawl head coach. But to his credit, he has boosted the confidence of some of the team's foreign players as well.

Khassa Camara has been the standout performer in midfield. Federico Gallego has threatened in the final third but he has also been used cleverly by Jamil. Luis Machado needed freedom to unleash his full potential and that is what he showed towards the business end of the league phase. Brown, who joined from Bengaluru, started scoring goals again with a smile on his face.

Jamil has lifted the mood in the camp and has helped players believe they can actually go all the way. The Highlanders have already completed a double over league stage winners Mumbai City and Jamil had managed to outwit Antonio Habas' ATK Mohun Bagan with a 2-1 win during his unbeaten run towards the end of the season.

As they prepare to face the Mariners again in the two-legged playoffs, Jamil will be a confident manager.

The UAE Football Association (UAEFA) have formally submitted a request to AFC (Asian Football Confederation) expressing their interest to host the remaining Group G matches of 2022 World Cup qualifiers.

They have zeroed down on Al Nasr’s Al Maktoum Stadium and Al Wasl’s Zabeel Stadium, in Dubai as the two venues to host the qualifiers.

"The UAE candidacy file meets all the standards, conditions and requirements set by the continental federation, including stadiums, residences, referees and officials of the AFC, in addition to a high-quality health protocol that guarantees everyone’s safety," said Mohammed Abdullah Hazam Al Dhaheri, UAE FA General Secretary, in a statement.

All parties interested to host the qualifiers have to submit their entries by March 8 and the announcement will be made on March 15 by the AFC.

The AFC had to postpone the remaining four fixtures slated to be held in March, due to the Covid pandemic and thereby, shifted it to June. All matches will be held at a centralised venue to reduce travelling and to maintain the bio-bubble. 

UAE are currently fourth in Group G with six points from four matches. While Vietnam are in the top spot with 11 points from five matches.

The Whites are scheduled to play Malaysia on June 3, whereas Thailand will lock horns with Indonesia. Their next fixture is on June 7 when they go up against the War Elephants while Vietnam will face Indonesia. 

UAE's last two matches are against Indonesia and Vietnam on June 11 and June 15 respectively. AFC has mandated that the second round of qualification must be completed by June 15. 

The four best fourth-placed teams across all groups will advance to the Asian Cup qualifying third round. The remaining four fourth-placed teams will advance to the Asian Cup qualifying play-off round.

Juventus midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur has tested positive for Covid-19, the club announced on Thursday.

The Uruguayan is not experiencing any symptoms but has entered isolation in accordance with virus protocol, keeping him out this weekend in Serie A against Lazio and next Tuesday in the Champions League last-16 against Porto.

Bentancur's illness comes with the Turin giants already short in the midfield, as Andrea Pirlo's squad is currently without injured Brazilian orchestrator Arthur.

What did Juventus say about Bentancur?

"Juventus Football Club announces that, during the checks provided for by the protocol in force, Rodrigo Bentancur has tested positive for Covid 19," wrote the club in a statement on its website.

"The footballer is in isolation and asymptomatic.

"The club is in contact with the relevant health authorities for the definition of an effective implementation of the protocols required to allow the training and competition activities of the Team Group."

Which midfielders are available to Pirlo?

Weston McKennie, Aaron Ramsey, Adrien Rabiot and Nicolo Fagioli are currently available, though McKennie has been dealing with hip pain and Fagioli has barely featured this year.

Bentancur has played in 33 matches across all competitions this year, so he will be sorely missed by his Turin team-mates as they try to overturn a 2-1 aggregate deficit against Porto next week.

Further reading

Jurgen Klopp has defended his decision-making after he removed Mohamed Salah for Diogo Jota in the 62nd-minute of a 1-0 home loss to Chelsea on Thursday - a substitution that led the forward to shake his head as he walked off the pitch.

Klopp said he makes the "decisions that I think are right in the moment", though he admitted he could have removed either Sadio Mane or Roberto Firmino instead of the Egyptian forward.

With the defeat, Liverpool have now lost five straight matches at Anfield for the first time in their history. They've scored just once across those games.

How did Klopp explain the Salah sub?

The manager told BBC Sport that Salah "looked like he felt the intensity tonight" before defending his call to take him out of the firing line.

"I didn't want to risk it," Klopp said. "It is all fine, I make decisions that I think are right in the moment."

"I just brought on flesh legs," Klopp added to Sky Sports. "[Salah] looked like today he suffered a bit, he played a lot of games.

"I could have taken off Sadio [Mane] or Bobby [Firmino], that is all clear but at that moment it looked like Mo. [James] Milner we bought on to wake them up a bit and keep them in the game because we needed one situation."

What did Salah's agent tweet?

Shortly after Salah was taken off earlier than he ever had in a home Premier League start for Liverpool, his agent posted a mysterious message on Twitter.

It's unclear whether the single punctuation mark was connected to Klopp's substitution, but the gesture did generate social media buzz.

What is the history between Salah and Klopp?

Salah's time at Liverpool has mostly been a dream for all parties involved. Just last week, Klopp said he hoped the attacker would be an important player for the Reds for "a very long time", and the manager has generally been a vocal supporter of his top scorer.

The one shaky moment this season was a controversial interview in which Salah said he was "very disappointed" to have been snubbed for captain in a Champions League dead-rubber game against Midtjylland. He was benched against Crystal Palace soon after, but the incident has since seemed to be resolved, at least publicly.

Further reading

Andrew Robertson admitted Liverpool's form is "nowhere near good enough" after their humbling at the hands of Chelsea, while insisting they "can't rely on the past".

The defending Premier League champions slipped to seventh in the table following a 1-0 loss at home to the Blues on Thursday night.

Mason Mount grabbed the only goal of the game in the 42nd minute, but the Reds were fortunate not to lose by a greater margin, and Robertson concedes that their performance levels are falling well below the required standard at the moment.

What's been said?

The Liverpool full-back told Sky Sports after the final whistle: "These games are won and lost on fine margins and these goals can't happen. For us to get beaten on the counter-attack is not good enough.

"Five home games without a win, that is nowhere near good enough. Nothing is going to help the fans at home and it is simply not good enough because games are running out for what we want.

"Too many heads are going down when we go 1-0 down, we cant do that. Football is about taking knocks.

"We can't rely on the past. Last season is over with, it is done. We have nowhere near been good enough to what a Liverpool team should be. We are dropping further and it is not good enough.

"Games are running out and we need to put the pressure on the teams below us. People will think we are down and out and we need to get the results to show them we are not. At the moment we are not doing that."

Liverpool's spectacular fall from grace

Liverpool seemed to be marching relentlessly towards a second successive title after thrashing Crystal Palace 7-0 at Selhurst Park on December 18 - a result which saw them lead the standings once again on Christmas Day.

However, Jurgen Klopp's side have only won three of their subsequent 13 fixtures, drawing three and losing seven, including their last five at Anfield.

The Reds are now four points behind Chelsea in the race for the final Champions League spot and a whopping 23 adrift of current pacesetters Manchester City, who look destined to pick up the Premier League trophy again come May.

The bigger picture

Liverpool still have 11 games left to overhaul Chelsea, starting with a home fixture against Fulham on Sunday, and the return of a number of injury absentees will surely boost their chances.

Diogo Jota and Fabinho both returned against the Blues after lengthy respective spells on the sidelines, while Naby Keita was named on the bench following two months out with an ankle injury.

The likes of Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Jordan Henderson are all still missing, but Liverpool still have enough strength in depth to compete with the best if they can rediscover their confidence in the coming weeks.

They can also still qualify for the Champions League by winning the competition in May, having already put one foot in the quarter-finals by beating RB Leipzig 2-0 in the first leg of their round of 16 tie.

Further reading

Thomas Tuchel has expressed his delight after seeing his "brave" Chelsea side pick up a "deserved" victory over Liverpool on Thursday night.

The Blues moved up to fourth in the Premier League standings after beating the reigning champions 1-0 at Anfield, thanks to a first-half goal from Mason Mount.

Tuchel was pleased with the "courage" his players showed against Liverpool and delighted by the final result, but insists that they have no time to celebrate as the race for Champions League qualification continues to heat up.

What's been said?

The Chelsea boss told Sky Sports post-match: "We played with courage, had excellent moments with the ball, had moments we needed to suffer, never lost the attitude and desire and a deserved win and big performance.

"It was a very good team performance. They ask you a lot of questions and we need to have the answers.

"Everyone was very brave and everyone was sharp. It is a six-point game because the others lose. The race is on, there are still 11 games to go.

"We go step by step. We can never rest and never celebrate, there is no time."

How did Chelsea see off Liverpool?

Chelsea extended their unbeaten run under Tuchel to 10 matches across all competitions after their win against the Reds, who struggled to find a way through the visitors' stubborn rearguard throughout the 90 minutes.

The Blues looked far more threatening than the hosts in the opening 40 minutes of the game, with Timo Werner seeing a goal chalked off for offside after a tight VAR call and generally getting a lot of joy in behind Liverpool's defence.

The west London outfit's pressure finally told when Mount cut inside and fired a powerful low shot past Alisson three minutes before the interval, which capped a superb all-round display from the England international.

Klopp's team were unlucky not to get a penalty early in the second half after N'Golo Kante handled the ball in the box, but Chelsea deservedly held out for all three points to move four clear of their rivals in the table.

What's next?

Chelsea will now start preparing for a clash with Everton at Stamford Bridge on Monday night, which comes five days before they are due to take in a trip to Leeds United.

Liverpool, meanwhile, are due back in Premier League action at home to Fulham on Sunday, where they will be aiming to halt a five-game losing streak at Anfield.

Further reading

Liverpool's 1-0 defeat to Chelsea on Thursday was a "massive blow" for the Premier League champions, Jurgen Klopp says.

Mason Mount struck in the first half to secure the win for the visitors as the Reds suffered a fifth consecutive defeat at home.

The Reds are now seventh in the Premier League and four points behind the Blues, who occupy the final Champions League qualifying place.

What has been said?

Klopp admits his side need to get back to winning ways as soon as possible and must react better in crucial moments.

"The individual quality of Mason Mount in that moment made the difference. It was a tight game, intense game. Both teams invested a lot. That is it pretty much," he told Sky Sports.

"They had the goal they scored which was offside. The second half another counterattack, we had more situations around, the great one with Sadio Mane and other situations where we did not score.

"You have to defend differently and we didn't do well there. There are a lot of things out there you have to consider. In the end, we conceded one goal, we made the mistake there, the other was offside and you can say it was good defending but with all the possession we had you need to have more chances. Everything was really good until the final pass.

"Unfortunately we cannot say it is only at home. It is not about Anfield or whatever, it is in general, too often. In the decisive moments, we have to improve. We have to show our quality in these moment and we don't do that often enough.

"It is a massive blow. It is not done yet. We have to win football games."

What next for Liverpool?

Liverpool are in action again on Sunday when they host Fulham. 

Three days later they will welcome RB Leipzig to Anfield for the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie. The Reds have a 2-0 lead from the first leg.

Further reading

Liverpool are on a club-record losing streak at home after they were beaten 1-0 by Chelsea on Thursday.

Mason Mount's first-half strike was enough to secure the three points for Thomas Tuchel's team in the Premier League clash at Anfield.

And, as Liverpool's misery continued, their most recent loss made club history in the worst possible way.

How many home games have Liverpool lost?

The reigning champions have now lost five home matches in a row in the English top-flight for the first time in their history. They are the first Premier League title holders to go on such a dismal home run. 

They are now seven games without a win at Anfield, having drawn with West Brom and Manchester United before a run of losses against Burnley, Brighton, Manchester City and Everton before the London club bested them.

The Reds' toothless display against Chelsea was encapsulated by the fact that Georginio Wijnaldum's effort in the 85th minute was their first shot on target in the game.

The last time they had to wait so long to test the opposition's goalkeeper in a Premier League match at Anfield was in 2010, when they failed to hit the target until the 90th minute in a 2-0 defeat to Chelsea. They finished seventh in the table that year.

Jurgen Klopp's team have earned just 10 points from a possible 33 in the league in 2021. Only three teams - West Brom, Newcastle and Southampton - have collected fewer this calendar year.

Chelsea in good form under Tuchel

While Liverpool's misery continues, Chelsea are on a solid run under new coach Tuchel.

They have taken 18 points from eight matches since the German was appointed as Frank Lampard's replacement. Manchester City are the only team to have won more points in that time, having collected 24.

Meanwhile, they have conceded only two goals in 10 games in all competitions under Tuchel.

What next for Liverpool and Chelsea?

Liverpool will have the chance to arrest their dismal home form on Sunday when they host relegation-threatened Fulham on Sunday.

Three days later they will face RB Leipzig in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.

Chelsea, meanwhile, will welcome Everton to Stamford Bridge on Monday, followed by a trip to Leeds five days later.

Further reading

Fulham manager Scott Parker has expressed his disappointment after Josh Maja’s equaliser against Tottenham Hotspur was disallowed for handball by the VAR.

The Nigeria international thought he had cancelled out Tosin Adarabioyo’s own goal for the hosts in the 62nd minute, but the Video Assistant Referee adjudged Gabon’s Mario Lemina to have touched the ball with his hand in the build-up.

Thursday's 1-0 defeat ended Fulham's five-game unbeaten run in the English top-flight and the Cottagers coach believes referee David Coote could have done better with his decisions.

“You’re losing the raw emotion of a game you absolutely love, it’s a shame and my opinion has not changed. It would only have damning effects,” Parker was quoted by the Mirror .

"You’ll get to a point where there is no emotion in the game, tonight is about common sense really.

“I understand why the goal was not given tonight, that’s the law. I don’t agree with that, looking at it I don’t know what he can do, his arm is by his side.

“But maybe a bit of common sense is needed, we’ve got VAR so you can always look back and see if there has been a clear advantage and there wasn’t a clear advantage tonight.

“We should have got something out of the game today, we’ve not done that and that’s disappointing. Overall, a first-class performance.”

The result left Fulham 18th in the league table with three points adrift of safety, when asked further if they can beat the drop, the former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder said, per Football London : “I honestly think that and believe that. We played against a fantastic team and top football club.

“I spent time there, I understand what the football club is about, arguably the best front in the division. Tonight, if it is the first time watching a football match tonight, the two teams where they are, you wouldn't know it's the case. Constant believe we'll get results and we need to maintain that.”

Carlo Ancelotti has expressed his hope that Everton can go onto achieve a "fantastic" season after their win at West Brom, proclaiming "we're in the fight at the top of the table".

Everton moved up to fourth in the Premier League standings after picking up a hard-fought 1-0 victory over the Baggies on Thursday night.

Ancelotti was in an optimistic mood after the final whistle as he challenged his players to build on the result by going on to seal Champions League qualification, having been impressed with his team's disciplined performance at the Hawthorns.

What's been said?

The Italian head coach told BBC Sport: "It was really hard, really difficult, but the Premier League is like this. West Brom has a lot of strength, fight, long balls and a lot of spirit.

"We needed to be ready and we were ready.

"Defensively we are strong and we have quality at set-pieces and on the counter-attack.

"We're doing well and now we're in the fight at the top of the table. The season is still long but we are there and pleased to be there.

"I would like to say the season has been a fantastic one at the end of the season."

How did Everton see off West Brom?

The Toffees were made to work for the three points against Sam Allardyce's relegation-threatened Baggies, who stuck to a solid shape defensive while looking to hit the visitors on the counter at every opportunity.

Jordan Pickford needed to be at his best between the sticks to keep out Mbaye Diagne's early header, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin was guilty of wasting a golden chance at the other end in a highly competitive first-half.

Everton eventually managed to find the breakthrough just after the hour mark, with Richarlison netting his fourth goal in as many games after rising to head home a Gylfi Sigurdsson cross, and West Brom were unable to find a way back into the game thereafter.

What's next?

Everton will now look ahead to a meeting with fellow top-four hopefuls Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Monday, before preparing for a home fixture against Burnley five days later.

Further reading

FC Goa and Mumbai City take on each other in leg 1 of the first semi-final clash of the 2020-21 Indian Super League (ISL) at the PJN Stadium in Fatorda, on Friday evening.

TV CHANNELS & LIVE STREAM

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

Commentary will also be available in vernacular languages across India.

TEAM NEWS

FC Goa Possible XI:

x

Injured - Brandon Fernandes
Doubtful - Seriton Fernandes
Suspended - Alberto Noguera, Ivan Gonzalez

Key Players - Igor Angulo, x

Mumbai City Possible XI: 

x

Injured - None
Doubtful - None
Suspended - Amey Ranawade

Key Players - Hugo Boumous, Adam le Fondre

Ed Woodward has reiterated his support for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer adding that the progress Manchester United have made this season gives optimism for the future.

United topped the table in January but after a string of disappointing results, where they have won just three out of 10 in the league, they sit second,14 points behind league-leaders Manchester City.

Solskjaer has regularly spoken about the progress he has seen in his side since taking the reigns in December 2018 and he continues to have the backing of the board as Woodward spoke about the manager in a statement released alongside the latest set of financial results.

What was said?

United’s executive vice-chairman Woodward said: “While the disruption to our operations remains significant, we are pleased by the tremendous resilience the club has demonstrated through the pandemic, underpinned by the dedication of our people and the strength of our commercial business.

“We have been reminded of the importance of football as a source of community, entertainment and pride to fans around the world, even as we have sorely missed them at Old Trafford. The progress made by Ole and the players this season is clear and our thriving academy and women’s team are also adding to the optimism we feel about the future on and off the pitch.”

Has there ever been any doubt over Solskjaer’s position?

With United having a poor start to the season there was plenty of speculation that Solskjaer’s days at the club may have been numbered. But, it is understood that while the board wanted an improvement in results, the Norwegian continued to have their backing and his position was never under threat.

What were the figures released in the report?

The figures, which were for the second quarter up to 31 December 2020, showed that the debt is up 16 per cent to £455.5m while revenue is down seven per cent year-on-year to £281.8m  and profit is down seven per cent £33.6m. While the principal debt remains the same the net debt has increased primarily due to a loss of matchday revenue and deferred sponsorship payments.

Further reading

Manchester City star Riyad Mahrez is anticipating a “tough and different” derby outing against Manchester United in Sunday’s Premier League clash.

The Algeria winger believes that victory at the Etihad Stadium would boost the Citizens’ hunt for this season’s league title as they currently sit at the top of the table with a 14-point lead above their closest rivals Man United.

Mahrez and his teammates are aware of the importance of the derby to fans, and they have turned their attention to stretching their impressive 21-game winning streak in all competitions.

“It is a derby and we know it means a lot to the fans,” Mahrez told the club website. “We are going to try and enjoy today and then we will start to focus on United.

“It is going to be another tough game, different, but tough as well, so we will see.

“If we win on Sunday it will be good, but we know we are not at that point yet and we have to recover today and try to be ready for then.”

On Tuesday night, Mahrez produced a man-of-the-match display as Manchester City hammered Wolverhampton Wanderers 4-1 in a Premier League match.

The 2016 African Footballer of the Year contributed to the comfortable win with a goal to his name.

However, his performance got former City defender Nedum Onuoha talking and he described the 30-year-old winger as a joy to watch and a blessing in Guardiola’s team.

“I love him. I think he’s one of many players in the team who don’t necessarily get the headlines but do a great job for the team,” Onuoha said in admiration of Mahrez.

“For him when you add that he’s scored seven and got five assists, he’s contributing.

“As a coach you can have your ideas but can you get your players to buy into it all the time? And Pep has that in someone like Mahrez.

“He works exceptionally hard defensively and he understands his role and occupies the defence in a certain way.

“And if he gives away the ball he reacts straight away and there’s always a moment where he’ll get someone isolated inside the box and that’s bad news (for the opposition).

"It’s a blessing to have people like him on the field who can do something a bit different.

“He’s getting some isolations there one on one, and I’m just there in the background making all types of noises by the stuff I’m seeing.

“It’s unique, it’s special, it’s part of the system but it’s a joy to watch and long may it continue.”

Jose Mourinho has praised Dele Alli for working his way back into his Tottenham line-up, insisting he "deserved to start" their latest Premier League fixture.

Alli was handed his first top-flight start in almost six months against Fulham on Thursday, and marked the occasion by playing a key role in the winning goal.

Mourinho was pleased with the 24-year-old's performance and says he earned his place in the team with his recent performances in the Europa League and hard work on the training ground.

What's been said?

"He deserved to start. It was not a gift. It was a consequence of his work since he came back and working 100 per cent," the Spurs boss told reporters post-match.

"He was giving us important things. Did very well in the Europa League and very well in every minute he had.

"He was deserving. We need the squad we have."

How did Tottenham beat Fulham?

Spurs picked up from where they left off after their 4-0 win over Burnley at the weekend by scoring 19 minutes into their clash with the Cottagers at Craven Cottage.

Alli initially claimed the glory after flicking a Son Heung-min cross towards the net, but it took a heavy deflection off Tosin Adarabioyo on its way in and ultimately went down as an own goal.

Spurs had chances to increase their lead thereafter, with Son and Harry Kane both guilty of wasteful finishing, but Mourinho's side still managed to hold on for a crucial 1-0 victory.

Mourinho added on the importance of the final result as Tottenham continue to chase a top-four finish: "Important win. We need points and of course three better than one.

"I think we clearly showed from the first minute that we wanted that. First half was good but the second half was harder.

"When we made the changes we added fresh energy and we had the best chances in the last 10-15 minutes."

What's next?

Alli will be back in contention for a place in Mourinho's starting XI when Spurs play host to Crystal Palace on Sunday.

The north London outfit are due back in Europa League action four days later, with a first leg round of 16 clash against Dinamo Zagreb on the cards.

Further reading

South Africa coach Molefi Ntseki said Percy Tau is struggling for playing time at Brighton & Hove Albion because of competition in the Premier League team.

Tau was recalled in January from his loan spell at Anderlecht, but he has found it difficult to cement a spot in the Seagulls' starting XI.

The 26-year-old has made five appearances in all competitions so far, which include two Premier League games which date back to January (vs. Leeds United and Manchester City).

Last month, the South Africa international only managed to play just a match which was their FA Cup defeat at Leicester City and he was an unused substitute in games afterwards – a situation which got Bafana Bafana coach concerned.

Ntseki revealed that he had conversations with Tau and his club management before inviting him and 25 other players for South Africa’s Africa Cup qualifying fixtures against Ghana and Sudan later this month.

Tau’s lack of game time is not connected with discipline and commitment issues

"The last matches Percy was never played you know," Ntseki told Kick Off. "But I have managed to speak to him and the coaching staff to find out what is actually happening you know.

"So it's got nothing to do with Percy's discipline or commitment, it's just competition within the team.

"If competition puts him outside, and he's not training properly, he's not part of the team all the time, then it means his performance will obviously be affected [when it comes to being selected for Bafana]."

Tau will be looking to make his third Premier League appearance when Brighton & Hove Albion host Leicester City for their next fixture on Saturday.

They are 16th in the league table with 26 points from 26 matches.

Tottenham midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has called for more consistency in VAR reviews for handball offences after Fulham had a goal disallowed in Thursday's Premier League clash.

Spurs claimed the three points at Craven Cottage as their goal just 19 minutes into the encounter proved enough to make the difference.

However, the game's big moment came in the second half due to a controversial handball call on Mario Lemina.

Why did Fulham have a goal disallowed?

Fulham thought they had equalised in the second half when Josh Maja fired past Hugo Lloris, but the goal was disallowed when a VAR check showed the ball struck Lemina's hand in the build-up.

The decision was a controversial one as Lemina's hand was down by his side when the ball made contact with it. However, the handball rule states that it is an offence if the ball strikes the hand or arm of an attacking player immediately before a goal, even if it is accidental.

What has been said?

Asked if the call to rule out the home side's goal was the right one, Hojbjerg said: "I haven't seen it. I don't know. My own opinion is that this handball situation is a very difficult one.

"For the players and maybe the referees it is a very difficult one because some are high intensity and not on purpose but they get given.

"As players I think what we wish is some kind of consistency in the reviews with the handball situations but I haven't seen it so I can't say if it was on or not."

Meanwhile, Fulham coach Scott Parker said that the game is in danger of becoming dull as a result of VAR.

He said in a press conference: "I don't see what else [Lemina] can do. The ball has hit him. The referee is just sticking to the law but you'd like to see some common sense. VAR looked at it as well.

"We're trying to make the game so pure and so sterile. We want to see the game as fans full of goals and excitement. VAR has taken that out of the game.

"You don't celebrate because you're worried it will be ruled out. It's taken the joy out of the game."

Twitter reacts to the incident

The decision to disallow the goal sparked outrage on social media, as many felt Lemina had been unfairly penalised.

Further reading

Former Inter Allies sensation Victorien Adebayor has left Danish side Koge for Ghana Premier League big spenders Legon Cities, teaming up with Black Stars legend Asamoah Gyan.

The Niger international joins The Royals on loan in a deal that runs until the end of the season.

He makes a comeback to the GPL only five months after snubbing interest from local giants Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak in favour of a move to Denmark.

"HB Koge has made an agreement with Ghanaian club Legon Cities FC. The deal means striker Victorien Adebayor will be loaned out to Legon Cities, who play in the Ghanaian Premier League. The lease is valid for the rest of the year," the Danish side has announced on their official website.

Upon learning of Adebayor's imminent move back to Ghana, Hearts reportedly once again expressed interest in the attacker who chose Legon instead.

During his first stint in Ghana, the forward topped the 2019-20 GPL goalscorers' chart with 12 goals as at matchweek 15 when the championship was cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic.

In all, he found the back of the net 19 times in 25 league outings for the Eleven-Is-To-One over two seasons.

"In this way, we meet the wishes of Adebayor. For personal reasons, he has a strong need to be close to his family for the time to come. We have listened to that," says Koge director Per Rud.

"We have come to the conclusion that if he does not thrive here because he [has not been himself and this] is the right solution.

“Adebayor’s first time in Denmark has not been easy. There has been corona. The paperwork with visas and work permits have been a long time coming. We have not yet succeeded in bringing his girlfriend to Denmark.

"At the same time, he has been hit by injuries, which has meant that he has not been given the desired playing time. Now he gets a period in a club where he is safe. At the same time, he can get in shape and, in addition to football, focus on family life.”

Adebayor joined Koge in a three-year deal from Allies, leaving the Ghanaian side as the club's all-time top scorer in GPL history.

"We have now put together a plan together with Legon Cities FC. It must ensure the framework for Adebayor's development. He is an exciting player and we still believe in the model with players from Africa and that we can integrate them," Rud added.

"Effiong Nsungusi is on the verge of his breakthrough in HB Koge, and Frank Assinki, with whom we have a long contract, is currently playing for the Ghanaian U20 national team at the Africa Cup of Nations. They have shown that they can handle the transition from Ghana to Europe."

Legon, who signed veteran Ghana striker Gyan in October last year, also have Black Stars' 2014 World Cup No.1 goalkeeper Fatau Dauda on their books.