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In-form Ilkay Gundogan added another two goals to his impressive tally in Manchester City’s Premier League clash with Tottenham, but he was unable to see the game out after offering Pep Guardiola’s men an injury scare.

The Germany international took his haul for the season in all competitions to 13 with a well-taken brace against Spurs, but was forced off in the 69th minute after appearing to tweak a muscle.

Gundogan made his way from the field suggesting that a groin complaint was causing him problems, with City taking no chances on a player who has hit a serious purple patch of mate.

What happened to Gundogan against Spurs?

The 30-year-old had been at his sparkling best before having to be replaced.

It was he who lured Pierre-Emerick Hojbjerg into a clumsy challenge just past the 20-minute mark.

City were awarded another penalty as a result of his quick feet, with Rodri taking on spot-kick duties.

The Blues have struggled from 12 yards this season, leading Guardiola to claim that goalkeeper Ederson could be next in line.

He was keen against Spurs, but was waved back to his own area as Rodri drilled a low effort through a weak hand from Hugo Lloris.

The Tottenham goalkeeper will feel that he should also have done better for Gundogan’s first of the game, as he burst into box and poked a shot beyond the French custodian.

Ederson, who was denied his big moment earlier in the game, then got in on the act in the 66th minute as his drilled pass downfield picked out a perfectly-timed run.

Gundogan’s first touch was exquisite, allowing him to leave Davinson Sanchez on the deck and drill into the bottom corner.

Within three minutes of extending his fine form in the final third, the City playmaker was forced from the field.

Guardiola’s men were comfortable by that point, but will be hoping for a positive update from their medical staff.

Ismaila Sarr was on target twice as Watford decimated Bristol City 6-0 in Saturday’s English Championship encounter.

Having played a 0-0 draw against Coventry City their last time out, the Hornets hit the visitors for six with the Senegal international beating goalkeeper Daniel Bentley on two occasions while providing two assists also.

Xisco Munoz's men got off to a flying start at Vicarage Road with Taylor Moore turning the ball into his own net.

In the 15th minute, Sarr doubled the lead before Will Hughes got the third goal in the 30th minute while Ken Sema made it four for the hosts in a goal-laden first half.

The Hornets continued their dominant display in the second-half with Sarr completing his brace in the 55th minute, while substitute Philip Zinckernagel wrapped up the game in the 90th minute.

Alongside Nigeria international William Troost-Ekong, Sarr was in action from the start to finish while Morocco's Achraf Lazaar was introduced for Kiko in the 77th minute.

At the Madejski Stadium, Guinea Bissau’s Alfa Semedo scored Reading’s only goal as they stuttered to a 2-1 defeat at home to Millwall.

Semedo, who is on loan from Benfica had given the hosts a 17th minute lead after getting the better of goalkeeper Bartosz Bialkowski.

Nevertheless, the visitors came out stronger in the second half to secure all points at stake thanks to goals from Matt Smith and Mason Bennett.

Semedo saw 90 minutes of action alongside English midfielder of Nigerian descent Ovie Ejaria and Zimbabwe prospect Andy Rinomhota. Whereas, Cote d'Ivoire's Yakou Meite, Ghana's Andy Yiadom and Sone Aluko played no part in the tie.

Despite the setback, Reading occupy fifth spot on the log after accruing 48 points from 29 outings.

Elsewhere, John Obi Mikel was cautioned as Stoke City were brought down 4-1 by Norwich City.

The former Chelsea star went into the bad books of referee Jeremy Simpson in the 43rd minute following a poor tackle and his team went on losing to the hosts who relied on a brace from Teemu Pukki plus strikes from Todd Cantwell and Argentina midfielder Emiliano Buendia.

Mikel was taken off in the 62nd minute for James McClean while Cameroonian goalkeeper Blondy Nna Noukeu was not listed for action by manager Michael O'Neill.

In another Championship showdown, former Belgium youth international Isaac Mbenza of Congolese background scored his fourth goal of the season for Huddersfield Town, yet his team lost 3-2 at Wycombe Wanderers.

Juninho Bacuna had given the Terriers an early lead before Mbenza doubled the advantage four minutes before the half-time break.

Yet, they ended up on the losing side as the visitors were propelled by strikes from Anis Mehmeti, Joe Jacobson and Josh Knight.

DR Congo international Neeskens Kebano scored his first goal for Middlesbrough as they stuttered to a 2-1 defeat at Derby County.

The midfielder joined Boro on loan from Fulham and after a below-par performance in his maiden game for Brentford, he showed his quality at the Pride Park Stadium.

Wayne Rooney’s men took the lead through Lee Gregory in the 15th minute before they raced to a two-goal advantage in the 32nd minute with Colin Kazim-Richards getting past goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli.

Seven minutes before the half-time break, Kebano pulled one back for Neil Warnock but that could not prevent them from crumbling against the Rams.

With Boro's defeat, they dropped to eighth after garnering 40 points from 29 outings so far in the 2020-21 campaign.

Marcus Rashford admits “silly things” have cost Manchester United this season, with the Red Devils forward still disappointed at missing out on a place in the last 16 of the Champions League.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side slipped out of elite European competition in the final round of group-stage fixtures, and have also suffered further semi-final heartache in the Carabao Cup.

There are, however, still major prizes for them to chase down – as they remain in contention for Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League honours – and Rashford wants them to become more consistent.

What has been said?

Rashford has told Sky Sports of the progress being made at Old Trafford: “The image that we wanted and the Manchester United team that we wanted to be, we have taken massive steps towards that.

“It’s been up and down but we have shown that we improved, without a doubt. At the same time we have missed out on silly things, like the Champions League. We shouldn’t have got knocked out of that.

“There have been a few games where we haven’t shown the true resemblance of how far we have come. That is something we still have to work on, becoming more consistent. If we do that, we will go on to do big things.”

Pressed further on whether a first top-flight title in eight years could be secured this season, Rashford added: “There is still a chance. There is always a chance. But we just have to focus on ourselves and focus on taking steps forward as a team.

“We are far from the finished article. The team that you see this season should hopefully improve next season.

“We are still on the journey of becoming the best team that we can be. If we do that, then we have definitely got a chance of winning big trophies.”

The bigger picture

United have pushed their way into Premier League title contention this season, but have won only one of their last four top-flight fixtures and two in six.

There is still all to play for, though, with Manchester City currently topping the table and the side to chase down.

Elsewhere, the Red Devils have booked an FA Cup quarter-final date with Leicester and are due to face Real Sociedad in the last-32 of the Europa League.

Having gone four years without major silverware, there is a desire on the part of all concerned at Old Trafford to return to the winners’ enclosure in 2021.

Further reading

Real Sociedad star Mikel Oyarzabal is almost certain to be in contention to face Manchester United in the Europa League after being included in the squad to face Getafe in La Liga.

The forward emerged as a doubt earlier this week when he was withdrawn late on in the 4-1 win over Cadiz in La Liga last Sunday.

Sociedad confirmed a hamstring problem and that he would be evaluated, with no timeframe set for his return.

What was said?

“Mikel Oyarzabal has presented with tendinopathy in the proximal hamstring tendons of the right thigh," the statement from Sociedad read.

“He has begun physical therapy treatment. A return to action will depend on the evolution of his symptoms.”

Rapid improvement

Marca reported on Friday that Oyarzabal’s injury had responded excellently to treatment, and that he would undergo a fitness test on Saturday ahead of a decision on whether he would travel to Getafe.

La Real released their squad list on Saturday evening, and Oyarzabal’s name featured among the 23-man travelling party.

The bigger picture

Sociedad coach Imanol Alguacil is in something of a quandary, as his side have slipped to sixth in La Liga and are in danger of losing touch with the top four. 

The temptation must be to start Oyarzabal, but Alguacil will know that the meeting with United in the last 32 of the Europa League on Thursday is a bigger occasion and the extra days’ rest would be a huge benefit to a player who has scored 12 goals already this term.

Further reading

Gabriel Martinelli claims to be over his injury struggles at Arsenal and 'ready' for whenever Mikel Arteta needs him, with the talented teenager looking to follow in the footsteps of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

The 19-year-old saw his debut campaign at Emirates Stadium disrupted by the coronavirus outbreak before then picking up a long-term knee complaint.

He has spent time on the sidelines again this season, taking in just seven competitive appearances, but says he is available for selection and eager to prove his worth.

What has been said?

Martinelli has told ESPN: “I’m feeling very good. I don’t feel any more pain on my knee and this is the most important thing. I’m ready when Mikel needs me."

He has added on his ambition in north London, with an ideal role model presenting him with competition for minutes: “I’m working very hard (to start). Of course Auba plays in my position but I look to him every day, in every training, to learn as much as I can from him, he’s also a great guy off the pitch.

“I want to follow into Aubameyang’s footsteps, he’s a captain, he wears the No. 14 shirt, that is a symbol for this club and of course, I hope to be very successful at Arsenal.”

What has Martinelli achieved so far?

The Brazilian youngster was snapped up by Arsenal from Ituano in the summer of 2019 and, after easing him into the fold, saw him deliver a welcome return of 10 goals through 34 appearances.

He is yet to get off the mark in the current campaign, with his most recent outing seeing Arteta haul him off at half-time in a 0-0 draw with Manchester United on January 30.

Martinelli has not been seen since, with his manager saying of that absence: “Well, he came back and did really well, but then he picked up another injury.

“It took him a while to come and now it’s about getting in his rhythm and getting his place in the team like anybody else. Don’t forget that we played him last time against Manchester United and he started ahead of other players, so it’s not like he’s not having the opportunities.

“We know that he’s got a huge potential and he’s done some really good things since he’s come back. He has a lot of things to develop in his game because of course at his age it’s normal.”

Further reading

Mamelodi Sundowns secured their fourth consecutive win across all competitions when they defeated Al Hilal Omdurman 2-0 in their Caf Champions League Group B game on Saturday evening. 

Mosa Lebusa scored his first goal of the season when he broke the deadlock in the first-half to hand Masandawana the lead, before Kermit Erasmus ended his three-match goal drought by scoring in the last minute. 

Masandawana were looking to extend their 20-match unbeaten run at home in the Champions League having edged Stellenbosch FC 3-2 in their previous game which was the Nedbank Cup clash last week.

Denis Onyango and Mothobi Mvala were recalled to the starting line-up as Sundowns head coach Manqoba Mngqithi made two changes to the team which took on Stellies at home. 

On the other hand, the Blue Wave were banking on their six-match unbeaten run in the Champions League and they had thrashed Al Ahli Khartoum 3-0 in a Sudanese Premier League game on Monday.

Experienced forward Mohamed Abdel Raman led the attack for coach Zoran Manojlovic's side, while Ivorian defender Mohamed Ouattara was deployed in defence and former Sudan under-20 goalkeeper Mohamed Abooja started in goal.

Sundowns were typically quick out of the blocks with Themba Zwane forcing Abooja into a fine diving save after Lebohang Maboe's cross had flashed across the face of goal narrowly missing the target.

Abooja was beaten in the 10th minute when Mosa Lebusa's bullet header hit the back of the net to make it 1-0 to Sundowns after connecting with a delightful cross from Lyle Lakay.

Masandawana were hungry for goals as Siphelele Mkhulise's attempt was brilliantly pushed away by Abooja after a quick move involving Zwane and Peter Shalulile. 

Zwane was keeping the Blue Wave's defence busy with dribbling skills and movement and one of his passes sent Mkhulise through on goal, but the attacking midfielder's effort was cleared off the goal-line.

The Blue Wave started defending much better after the half-hour mark with Ouattara and his central defensive partner Mohamed Saeed Ahmed making some crucial interceptions and clearances.

Al Hilal were able to contain the hosts until Egyptian match referee Ghead Grisha blew the half-time whistle and Sundowns were leading 1-0 at the interval.

The visitors threatened first after the restart as goalkeeper Onyango produced a superb save to deny Ibrahima Ndiaye from a free-kick as the two-time Champions League runners-up looked to level matters.

Onyango then came out rushing to deny Raman from a one-on-one situation after the former CA Bordj Bou Arreridj striker was sent through on goal with the Masandawana defence exposed.

The Sundowns technical team reacted by introducing attackers Kermit Erasmus and Lesedi Kapinga in the 65th minute as the hosts searched for their second goal of the match.

Abooja produced two great saves to deny Masandawana's free-kick specialist Lakay after the hosts were awarded two free-kicks in the latter stages of the encounter. 

The last chance of the game fell for Erasmus in the 90th minute and the experienced player made no mistake as he calmly slotted past Abooja to seal a 2-0 victory to Sundowns with Shalulile providing the assist.

The win saw Masandawana start their Group B campaign with a victory and their next match is against Baroka FC in a PSL encounter on February 17.

Arsene Wenger admits to having “offered a lot of money” to take Jamie Vardy to Arsenal in 2016, but his advances were rebuffed and the Gunners missed out on one of the Premier League’s most prolific strikers.

An enigmatic character on the Foxes’ books attracted admiring glances from north London after helping to deliver a remarkable Premier League title triumph to the King Power Stadium.

Vardy had shown himself to be more than capable of mixing it with English football’s elite, making him of obvious appeal to any number of rivals, but a switch to north London could never be pushed through.

What has been said?

Asked on beIN Sports how close he came to signing Vardy during his time at Arsenal, Wenger said: “I offered him a lot of money at the time.

“Leicester had just won the championship in 2016, and [Vichai] Srivaddhanaprabha at the time, who unfortunately after had the helicopter accident, did absolutely not want to lose him and they offered him a longer contract and approximately the same money, if not more.”

Wenger added when quizzed on whether Vardy would have fit his system: “We had more of the ball, yes, but still around the box, the timings of his runs, he finds the space.

“When you see the big strikers, they’re on the move when others stand still in the box, and he has that.

“You see they read (the game) earlier than others, they anticipate better, they understand quicker than other people what’s going on, and (he has) that quality of anticipation, that speed of understanding.”

Why did Arsenal want Vardy?

In the 2015-016 campaign, which was only Vardy’s second on a Premier League stage, Leicester stormed to the most unexpected of title successes.

Their No.9 led that charge, with the target found on 24 occasions.

Arsenal’s leading marksman that season, Olivier Giroud, matched that overall return but only managed 16 efforts in the league.

Wenger wanted a different type of frontman, one that could run in behind and move opposition defences around, but he saw Vardy commit to fresh terms at the King Power Stadium.

Former Arsenal transfer fixer, Dick Law, has claimed in the recent past that the Gunners had an agreement in place, only for the player to have a change of heart.

He told The Athletic in April 2020: “The deal with Leicester was done, the deal with the player was done.

“He came down to visit with his wife Rebekah, he sat on the couch in front of Arsene… and then he backed off.

“On his way back to Leicester I get a call from the player saying he wants to think about it overnight. At that point, you know it's bad news.”

The bigger picture

Vardy has gone on to take his tally of goals for Leicester to 144 in 333 appearances.

Of those efforts, 115 have come in the Premier League – making him one of 29 centurions in the English top flight.

He signed his latest contract extension with the Foxes in 2020, with a three-year agreement set to keep him in the East Midlands beyond his 36th birthday.

Further reading

Thamsanqa Gabuza struck late at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday evening to hand SuperSport United a 2-1 league win over Cape Town City, while in the Free State, Chippa United came from a goal down to claim a 1-1 draw against 10-man Bloemfontein Celtic.

Ghampani Lungu, who had missed a fifth-minute header, put Matsatsantsa ahead in the 23rd minute with a finish from a few metres out after an excellent bit of work by Evans Rusike, the man charged by SuperSport CEO Stanley Matthews this week to score more goals.

The Cape club was close to restoring parity on 40 minutes when Nduduzo Mdantsane went close with a curling shot.

It was City who were to score next, as Bradley Ralani levelled matters two minutes after the interval with a brilliant 18-yard shot into the top corner before being denied a second by SuperSport keeper Ronwen Williams two minutes later.

Having survived an onslaught from the Citizens, SuperSport reclaimed the advantage when Thamsanqa Gabuza headed Bradley Grobler's 80th flick-on into the back of the net.

Williams was forced into a couple of superb late saves which enabled the Tshwane side to make it to the final whistle after a frenetic final 10 minutes, to move within two points of log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.

Meanwhile, at the Dr Molemela Stadium, Phunya Sele Sele were forced to share the spoils despite arguably having the better of the game against Chippa United, although the point earned was enough to lift them into the top eight bracket.

With captain Ndumiso Mabena injured, Lucky Baloyi was given the armband for Celtic and he was to assist in his side taking the lead after he won a penalty following a foul by Mduduzi Sibeko in the 10th minute.

Victor Letsoalo took the spot-kick duties and sent goalkeeper Ayanda Mtshali the wrong way to put the hosts in front.

Chippa tried to hit back but home keeper Sipho Chaine was up to the task as he did well to deny Andile Mbenyane from close range.

The Free State side's job was made harder when Tshepo Rikhotso was dismissed in the 44th minute after a clumsy foul on Anthony Laffor.

The Chilli Boys started the second half on the front foot and got their equaliser when Bienvenu Eva Nga scored with a close-range effort in the 73rd minute after a fantastic delivery from Riaan Hanamub.

Liverpool’s alarming dip in form has been summed up by a stat that shows no player who has had 100 touches or more in Europe's top five leagues has lost possession more in a single game than Trent Alexander-Arnold did against Leicester.

The England international right-back was a shining light in the previous two seasons, with his effervescence and attacking instincts winning him fans across the globe.

However, his form has dipped this term and it has been highlighted by a stat that showed he squandered possession 45 times during the Reds' 3-1 loss on Saturday.

The numbers

No player in Europe's top-five leagues has lost possession more in a single game, for players who have had at least 100 touches of the ball, than Trent Alexander-Arnold in Liverpool's defeat at the King Power Stadium on Saturday.

Indeed, Alexander-Arnold tops the list for Europe's top-five leagues for the 2020-21 season for the amount of times possession has been lost in a game, in relation to the touches they've had over the 90 minutes.

What has been said?

Alexander-Arnold is aware of his shortcomings this term, admitting his form has been below what he produced in previous years.

When asked by Sky Sports if he was performing to the high standards he has set for himself, the right-back said : "Me? No. 

"There's been times this season I felt like I've been playing quite well. Recently I've been trying to get back into that rhythm I was talking about earlier from a personal point of view.

"It's been a tough reason in that respect in just trying to find that rhythm and get back into it and just letting things happen naturally. It's been quite difficult. 

"But again there's no excuses. I want to try to make things happen for the team and perform as well as I can to help us win games and that's what I'm trying to do."

The Goal view | Neil Jones | Liverpool correspondent

We are becoming accustomed to stats such as this, with regards to Alexander-Arnold. His high-risk passing style means there is always a danger of wastefulness.

In fairness to the 22-year-old, he was far from Liverpool's worst performer at Leicester. In fact, I'd go so far as to say he was among the better ones for the most part. His drive and tenacity created the Reds' goal, and he had earlier come close to opening the scoring himself with a free-kick which struck the bar.

There were also some excellent passes in amongst it all - one to Sadio Mane with the outside of his foot in the first half stands out - but in the end he looked like his team-mates did; shellshocked. No wonder, given the way those final 12 minutes panned out.

The view from the ex-pros

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has been concerned with the 22-year-old’s form for some time and recently urged him to seek out another Reds great for advice.

"We too easily forget that Trent Alexander-Arnold is only 22," Carragher told the Telegraph . "Trent could do worse than share a private call with Steven Gerrard.

"I remember well how Stevie overcame a slight dip after his first initial breakthrough into the first team, guided back to his best. It happens."

While things look bad for Alexander-Arnold at the moment, he can look to comments from Brazil legend Cafu in a bid to rebuild his confidence.

“He's not afraid to attack, defends well, good passer, hits a great free-kick,” Cafu told the Daily Mail . “He will be a star at the next World Cup."

"He can take the position of right-back to another level.“

Further Reading

Former Chelsea, AC Milan and Brazil striker Alexandre Pato will line up at Orlando City for the coming season, the MLS side confirmed on Saturday. 

Pato, 31, was available as a free agent after cutting ties with Sao Paulo during 2020. 

Once tagged as one of the world's most promising talents, his move to Florida is another chance to kick-start a career which has stalled since he first burst onto the scene in Brazil and Italy 

What has been said? 

“We are very excited to welcome Pato to Orlando. He’s a veteran player who has featured at some of the top clubs around the world and has a proven track record at the international level. The experience that Pato brings with him will be invaluable to the Club,” Orlando City EVP of Soccer Operations Luiz Muzzi explained in a statement published on the club's official website.

“Pato is a high-calibre player and we’re excited to add another great target up top.”

The bigger picture 

Pato made his professional debut in 2006 aged just 16 for Brazilian giants Internacional, and by the end of his first season had helped his side to victory in the Club World Cup. 

That prodigious talent did not go unnoticed, and the following year Milan swooped to bring him to San Siro for a whopping fee worth around  €24 million, although he could not play official matches for the Serie A team until turning 18 the following January. 

The striker showed plenty of promise to start with, but saw his form and fitness collapse from 2011 onwards due to a run of injuries that kept him out of the Milan first team. 

By 2013 he was on his way back to Brazil with Corinthians, while he also spent time on loan at rivals Sao Paulo and also Chelsea, where he managed just two Premier League appearances, scoring twice. 

In recent seasons Pato has starred in the Chinese Super League but fared rather less successfully back at Sao Paulo, with whom he parted company by mutual consent in August after scoring just nine times in 35 games.

Further reading

Tusker picked a 9-0 win over Mihuu United while Ulinzi Stars won 5-0 over Elim FC in Football Kenya Federation Shield Cup on Saturday.

Tusker were dominant from the first whistle and were 4-0 up at the half-time break. Luke Namnada scored the opener before Nicholas Madoya added the second. The former Zoo FC midfielder scored on his first start of the season for the 2016 Shield Cup and Premier League winners.

Henry Meja's persistent attacks on the Divison One side led to an own goal and then a third goal for the Premier League's current leaders. A minute to the half-time break, Madoya earned his brace as Tusker exerted their dominance over the lower league side at Sudi Stadium in Bungoma.

Apollo Otieno scored the fifth goal just as the second half started before George Odhiambo added goal number six in the 52nd minute. Charles Ashitiva earned his debut goal when he struck the seventh for the 11-time for the Premier League winners. It was his maiden goal since he was promoted to the senior team by head coach Robert Matano.

It did not take long before the Brewers made it 8-0 when Namnada struck to earn his brace. The 2018 Midfielder of the Season, Madoya scored late on to hand Tusker a 9-0 win over Mihuu United as he bagged a hattrick.

Meanwhile, after they were unable to find a way past Elim FC in the first half, Ulinzi Stars were clinical in the second half as they fought to see off their rivals 5-0.

Michael Wamalwa scored the opener in the 59th minute before Clinton Omondi made it 2-0 in the 71st minute. Masita Masuta headed in the third goal when he rose to meet a corner delivered by Omondi in the 76th minute.

A lively Omondi got the fourth goal for the Soldiers in the 85th minute when he slotted home after the Elim goalkeeper failed to clear a shot from Harun Mwale. Daniel Njuguna scored in the 85th minute to hand the 2010 Premier League winners a big win in Kitale.

In Naivasha, Kariobangi Sharks were awarded a walkover after they travelled to Nakuru County only for their opponents Flamingo FC to fail to turn up.

Finally, Kitale Transfoc FC earned a 5-0 win over the National Super League side Migori Youth.

Anthony Nwakaeme received his third career red card in Trabzonspor’s 1-0 victory over Gaziantep FK in Saturday’s Super Lig game.

The 31-year-old was handed his 20th league appearance, starring behind centre-forward Djanini Tvaris along with Ghana international Caleb Ekuban and Tasos Bakasetas.

The Nigeria international did not, however, completed the encounter as he was given his marching orders for indiscipline.

Anastasios Bakasetas scored the only goal in the game in the 67th minute after benefitting from an assist from Flavio.

Nwakaeme, who was earlier cautioned in the 56th minute of the encounter, was sent off after receiving his second caution with few minutes left to full time.

Despite the one-man loss, the Black Sea Storm held on to their lead to secure all three points and extend their winning run to eight games.

Nwakaeme has now received three red cards since he started his senior career with Universitatea Clu in 2006.

The centre-forward got his first red card during his time with Hapoel Ra'anana in their league game against Hapoel Acre in October 2013.

The Super Eagles forward was sent off for the second time in his career during Trabzonspor’s Cup tie against Denizlispor in January 2020.

Nwakaeme has been with the Black Sea Storm since the summer of 2018 when he teamed up with the side from Israeli Premier League club Hapoel Be'er Sheva.

The forward has been delivering impressive performances for Trabzonspor since his arrival at the club, having scored 26 league goals in 71 appearances for the side so far.

In the current campaign, the attacker has found the back of the net six times and provided five assists in 19 league games. 

Nwakaeme will be expected to miss the Black Sea Storm’s next league game against Istanbul Basaksehir on February 19 following the red card.

Trabzonspor are fourth on the Turkish Super Lig table after gathering 45 points from 24 games.

Jurgen Klopp was left cursing another controversial VAR ruling after seeing his Liverpool side suffer a 3-1 defeat at Leicester , with the Reds boss of the opinion that a “clear offside” call went against the Reds.

In what is becoming a testing run for the Premier League champions, they hit a new low at the King Power Stadium.

Mohamed Salah fired them in front, but a late flurry of goals from the Foxes was sparked by a James Maddison free-kick that was allowed to stand despite a flag initially being raised for offside.

What has been said?

“We conceded a goal, a really tough one to take, it was a turning point in the game on VAR,” Klopp told BT Sport afterwards.

“I have seen it and when they stop the situation it looks a clear offside - that's it.

“The second goal is a misunderstanding, we said they need to get used to each other and they were fine for 75 minutes, it was a really good game.

“On the pitch we were the clear dominant side. We had chances and then we concede two goals.”

Another error from Alisson

The Reds’ cause was done few favours when, after seeing the hosts pull level, their Brazilian goalkeeper rushed out of his area in the 81st minute and got in a mix-up with debutant Ozan Kabak.

Alisson, who endured an error-strewn performance in a 4-1 defeat to Manchester City, sliced the ball into his centre-half and could only watch on helplessly as Jamie Vardy pounced to roll into an empty net.

Klopp said of his keeper: “We were much too open at that moment and that is not OK. Alisson had a super game and then at that moment he came out, I didn't hear him shouting.

“The turning point was the first goal. We changed too much with one goal, that's the criticism for us. We didn't react well.”

What now for Liverpool?

The Reds have suffered three successive Premier League defeats under Klopp for the first time, while James Milner has been added to an ever-growing injury list.

The men from Merseyside are now looking anxiously over their shoulder, with there no guarantee that they will finish in the top four this season, and Andy Robertson admits that they have serious work to do.

The Scottish full-back has told BT Sport : “A huge blow, you can say that. For large parts of the game we were dominant and then that's not us out there.

“One setback - we've been so good at bouncing back and staying in the game but we were opened up and we played into their hands.

“We were 2-1 down with 15 minutes to go but we opened completely up. When that happens against a really good Leicester team you will get punished.

“We played with a lot of confidence for large parts of the game - played the ball really well. Then I don't know what happened in the last 10-15 minutes.

“It can't happen in a game like this. We really need to look at that. Every game is massive for us now. We need to put an end to it.”

Further reading

Wilfred Ndidi provided an assist while Mohamed Salah scored as Leicester City secured a 3-1 victory over Liverpool in Saturday’s Premier League game.

The Nigeria international was handed his second consecutive start since overcoming a thigh muscle strain and delivered an impactful showing in the encounter.

Ndidi starred in front of the back four, comprising of Daniel Amartey, Jonny Evans, Caglar Soyuncu and Ricardo Pereira.

The game started with both sides aiming to secure an early goal but despite their efforts, the first-half ended goalless with the best chance falling the way of Jamie Vardy.

The centre-forward found himself in a one-on-one situation with goalkeeper Alisson but his effort hit the crossbar.

After the restart, Salah broke the deadlock in the 67th minute after receiving a fine backheel pass from Roberto Firmino, thus, extending his fine partnership with the Brazil forward. 

The Egypt international has now scored 10 away goals in the Premier League this season, making him the first player to achieve the feat.

James Maddison levelled proceedings for the King Power Stadium outfit in the 78th minute before Vardy made amends for his earlier miss by scoring three minutes later.

Ndidi then orchestrated the third goal for Leicester with five minutes left before the end of the game when he set up Harvey Barnes to seal the victory.

The Nigeria midfielder featured for the duration of the game while his compatriot Kelechi Iheanacho was an unused substitute.

Salah played throughout the match along with his strike partner and Senegal international Sadio Mane, but they could not help Liverpool avoid their third consecutive defeat.

With the victory, Leicester climbed to the second spot on the Premier League table after gathering 46 points from 24 games.

Despite the defeat, Liverpool remain in the fourth spot on the league table after accruing 40 points from the same number of matches.

Ndidi has now made 17 appearances across all competitions this season for Leicester and will hope to help his side continue in winning ways when they take on Slavia Praha in the Europa League.

Celtic are considering appointing Juventus chief scout Matteo Tognozzi as director of football.

The Premiership side are looking to overhaul their football operations as they prepare for the departure of long-time chief executive Peter Lawwell.

Former Scottish Rugby chief operating officer Dominic McKay will take Lawwell's place, but the club are looking to find another experienced figure to take over as director of football.

Who is Matteo Tognozzi?

Tognozzi is being monitored as an option, having gained experience in Italy, Germany and Russia over the years.

Tognozzi decided to follow the path set by his father, Stefano, by pursuing a career in football.

His dad worked in a technical role for Luciano Spalletti at Empoli and took Matteo along to matches as a child while he scouted players. He even used to recommend signings to his father. Stefano then followed Spalletti to Zenit in 2007.

He went on to work as a sports director at lower league sides Rosignano and Pontedera before eventually joining up with his father and Spalletti in Russia.

From there he ended up in scouting roles at Bayer Leverkusen and Hamburg before returning to his homeland to join Juventus in 2017.

Who are the other candidates?

While Tognozzi may be a top candidate for Celtic, the Glasgow side are also eyeing other options.

The Scottish Sun reported last week that the Scottish giants are also considering offering Manchester City's Fergal Harkin the role.

Harkin joined the Premier League side's scouting department in 2009 and was soon put in charge of the club's loan players the following year.

Celtic in turmoil

Celtic have endured a difficult season after years of dominance in the Scottish top-flight.

Despite winning each of the last nine Premiership titles, they have fallen 18 points behind city rivals Rangers, though the Bhoys have a game in hand.

The pressure has been building on manager Neil Lennon after they were knocked out of the Europa League at the group stage this season and slipped up 10 times in the league.

Further reading

Liverpool’s struggles show no sign of abating, with the Reds hitting a seven-year low in a 3-1 defeat at Leicester while recording an unwanted Premier League first under Jurgen Klopp.

The reigning Premier League champions continue to see a title that they waited 30 years to claim slip from their grasp in 2020-21.

Injury setbacks and struggles for consistency have been doing their cause few favours, with another serious wobble endured at the King Power Stadium despite seeing Mohamed Salah fire them in front.

What does defeat mean for Liverpool?

The Reds have suffered three successive top-flight defeats under Klopp for the first time since a German tactician inherited the reins at Anfield from Brendan Rodgers in October 2015.

The last time they became stuck in such a rut was back in 2014, when the current Leicester boss was calling the shots on Merseyside.

Liverpool have now collected no points from consecutive outings against Brighton, Manchester City and Leicester.

They remain fourth in the Premier League table, but are now casting anxious glances over their shoulder.

Chelsea and West Ham are just a point behind the Reds, while Everton are three adrift of their arch-rivals and Tottenham four off the Champions League-chasing pace.

A top-four finish could now represent the height of Liverpool’s ambition, with a 10-point gap still separating them from leaders City while taking in two more fixtures than the Blues.

What happened against Leicester?

James Milner was forced off inside 17 minutes to hand Liverpool another untimely injury headache.

The Reds appeared to have overcome that setback when taking the lead in the 67th minute, with Salah collecting a clever flick from Roberto Firmino to curl home.

James Maddison levelled matters, though, after a VAR review determined that his low free-kick should not be ruled out despite an offside flag being raised.

Jamie Vardy then benefited from another moment of madness from Alisson to put the Foxes in front, with Liverpool’s usually reliable No.1 racing out of his box and slicing the ball off debutant Ozan Kabak and into the path of Leicester’s top marksman.

Harvey Barnes raced clear five minutes from time to compound the Reds’ misery, with Klopp being forced back to the drawing board in a bid to try and ensure that a season which promised so much does not implode.

Further reading

Harry Kane is similar to Karim Benzema in a lot of ways, says Sergio Reguilon, but Tottenham’s former Real Madrid defender admits that his current team-mate offers “more goals” and all-round threat.

Spurs have continued to look to their talismanic frontman for inspiration this season, with collective standards dipping whenever he is absent through injury.

Reguilon has already become a big fan of the England international, having linked up with Spurs in the summer of 2020, and sees similarities with another prolific presence that he worked alongside in Spain.

What has been said?

“Harry, I’ve never seen that. Karim looks like him, but Harry has more goals than Karim, he’s an amazing, amazing player,” Reguilon has told Soccer AM.

“Yes, they are very similar, because they are strikers and they play for the team, they score goals for sure, but how many assist does Harry have for [Heung-min] Son? I think eight? I don’t know, but he plays for the team also.”

Kane’s stats in 2020-21

The 27-year-old has continued to link up with South Korea international Son on a regular basis this season, with the pair matching the mark of former Blackburn stars Alan Shearer and Chris Sutton when it comes to most goal combinations in a single season.

They are also well on course to setting a new benchmark for the Premier League as a whole, with Chelsea duo Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba being chased down.

Kane has teed up 14 goals for grateful team-mates in 2020-21, but his game has always been about finding the target himself.

He has done that on 21 occasions across all competitions, posting a number of notable achievements along the way.

The Spurs striker has passed 200 goals for the north London giants, becoming their second-highest scorer of all time, and surged beyond 150 efforts in the Premier League as he continues to chase down Shearer’s record tally of 260.

How has Benzema fared?

The French frontman has taken on a more prominent role at Santiago Bernabeu since Cristiano Ronaldo departed for Juventus in 2018.

He has always been a regular source of end product, but has stepped up his efforts now that he is free of the shadow cast by a Portuguese superstar.

Benzema has 16 goals and five assists to his name this season, with his overall tally of strikes for the Blancos taken to 265 through 540 appearances.

Further reading