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Tusker registered a 2-1 win over Bidco United to claim the Football Kenya Federation Premier League title on the season's final day at Utalii grounds on Sunday.

The Brewers crowned their campaign with two goals scored in the first half by Rodgers Aloro and Henry Meja while the Thika-based club scored courtesy of David Orem in the second half.
 
Bidco United's Anthony Simasi did well to block Meja and Luke Namanda's ambitious run in the second minute as Tusker began on a high note. Apollo Otieno's seventh-minute fierce shot was deflected into a corner as the Brewers made another attempt to break the deadlock in the early moments of the game.
 
Bidco United's first chance came in the 20th minute, but Emery Mvuyekure in Tusker's goal was alert enough to stop a shot by Peter Anyona.

However, the Brewers won a penalty in the 23rd minute just as their rivals looked to have settled into the game.
 
Humphrey Mieno, Eugene Asike, and Boniface Muchiri engineered an attacking move before the former was brought down for the hosts to win a penalty.

Aloro took the spot-kick and made a successful conversion to reward his hard-working teammates with an opener.
 
After failing to score in the 31st minute with a good chance, Jimmy Mbugua helped Meja find the back of the net two minutes later to extend the lead for Tuskers, who were very dominant at this point.
 
Anthony Akhulia's side, who kept launching sporadic attacks against the home side, were able to score and denied Tusker a clean sheet on their big day when Orem fired past Mvuyekure in the 52nd minute.
 
Tusker have now won their 13th Premier League title and this is the first one since they did so in 2016 when they also claimed a double. KCB - who gave the Brewers a run for their money - concluded their campaign with a 3-0 win over Nairobi City Stars.

Tusker XI : Emery Mvuyekure, Jimmy Mbugua, Sammy Meja, Rodgers Aloro, Eugene Asike, Apollo Otieno, Luke Namanda, Humphrey Mieno, Henry Meja, Jackson Macharia, Boniface Muchiri.

Subs : Michael Wanjala, Hillary Wandera, Kelvin Monyi, Vincent Ngesa, Kevin Okoth, Michael Madoya, Sydney Ochieng, Erick Zakayo, George Odhiambo.

Bidco United XI : Brian Opondo, David Kalama, Lambert Otieno, Anthony Simasi, Collins Okumu, Peter Nzuki, Alex Juma, Jacob Onyango, Peter Anyona, Stephen Obukui, Raphael Okeyo.
 
Subs:  Edwin Omwabani, Kassim Mwinyi, Francis Oduor, Steven Okiro, Zachary Gathu, Batts Awiti, Stephen Waruru, David Orem, Eric Gichimu.
 

New Manchester United signings Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane are making progress in their return back to peak condition, explained manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. 

Varane, signed from Real Madrid, is yet to feature in a competitive match for United, while Sancho made his debut off the bench in a short cameo during last week's 5-1 thrashing of Leeds United.

But they were included on the bench against Southampton on Sunday as the Reds looked to make it two wins out of two in the Premier League so far. 

What was said? 

"Scott [McTominay] has a slight injury, hopefully he can do half an hour," Solskjaer told Sky Sports before the match when asked about his starting selections.

"Anthony [Martial], we thought was the right man for this game, he did well against them in the league last season.

"Sancho and Varane? Both of them are getting there. They're still lacking a little bit of fitness but if they're needed they'll come on."

When will Lingard feature?

Jesse Lingard also earned a place on the bench for the trip to the south coast. 

The winger was welcomed back to the United first team after a brilliant loan spell with West Ham in 2020-21, but has seen his preparations interrupted by a bout of Covid-19 which is thankfully now behind him.

"He's been really good," Solskjaer said of the England international. 

"His illness, Covid, a couple of weeks ago, was a big setback for Jesse but he's been so bright all pre-season and he's knocking on the door as well."

Further reading 

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer channelled a former president of the United States as he defended Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho ahead of Manchester United's first away Premier League game of the season.

While Rashford is out injured, Sancho could make his first appearance in front of a hostile crowd since missing a penalty for England in the Euro 2020 final shoot-out loss to Italy at Wembley.

Man Utd travel to Southampton on Sunday and, with a chance of a repeat of last week at Old Trafford where visiting Leeds fans sang Rashford and Sancho "let their country down", Solskjaer quoted Teddy Roosevelt as he spoke up for his players.

What has been said?

“I don’t expect that to happen with too many away fans, or other fans,” Solskjaer said of the England players being targeted, ahead of thej game against Southampton. “More of them are more respectful and support their country more. You see other clubs’ fans show their support to the players who’ve been brave enough to step up for their country.

“The old Theodore Roosevelt ‘man in the arena’ [speech] resonates for me in this situation."

Solskjaer was referring to a 1910 speech by Roosevelt, who said: “The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly.”

What has been the reaction to England's loss?

After missing their penalties, Rashford, Sancho and Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka were the victims of horrendous abuse online, including racist insults. A mural of Rashford in Manchester was also vandalised - however it soon became a shrine for tributes and support for the three players, with widespread condemnation of the abuse.

Saka was applauded by Brentford fans when they faced Arsenal on the opening day of the Premier League season, as the majority of fans look to counter the abusive minority.

Solskjaer makes Beckham comparison

The Man Utd manager remarked on how his former Old Trafford team-mate David Beckham was treated after being sent off at the 1998 World Cup during England's last-16 defeat to Argentina.

Beckham was roundly abused by fans and sections of the press afterwards, and Solkjaer is drawing on the way Sir Alex Ferguson supported the player through that time in the way he is dealing with the pelters Rashford and Sancho have got.

“The way the manager dealt with the Becks situation was just the right prototype,” he said. “Jadon and Marcus are strong characters; that won’t be an issue. We will protect them; I will protect them.”

Further Reading

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is a big fan of Erling Haaland, admitting that he cannot help but take interest in what the forward is achieving at his old club Borussia Dortmund. 

Haaland, 21, started the 2021-22 Bundesliga season in typically bombastic fashion, netting twice on the first day of the season to take down Frankfurt 5-2. 

He boasts an incredible 62 goals in 63 games for BVB, a strike-rate that has caught the attention of the world's biggest clubs - and an old Dortmund favourite. 

What was said? 

"Of course there is a danger with such an extraordinary talent. The boy is a force of nature," Klopp explained to Bild.

"During a goal celebration he hit the ball on the ground... I wasn't sure if there was a dent in the ground after! 

"Sooner or later he'll be in the conversation of big clubs. I don't know if that will already be the case next year, but then Dortmund will have to stand up to him."

When asked if Liverpool would be interested in Haaland, Klopp replied: "He is simply a very interesting player. I really like the energy he brings to the pitch. But he would generally suit most teams."

2024 and beyond

Klopp joined Liverpool in 2015 and has since become a hero at Anfield as his Reds team regularly compete at the top of the table. 

The German delivered Champions League glory in 2019, while the following season he ended a 30-year wait for domestic honours with victory in the 2019-20 Premier League. 

His current contract expires in the summer of 2024, and he admits that what lies beyond that date is still uncertain. 

"There's no point in saying anything about that because it's still so long away," he said when asked about a possible extension. 

"How am I supposed to know what's going to happen in three years' time? Most people don't even know where they'll be in two, three weeks."

One possibility that has been mentioned is a move to the Germany national team, although he played down that prospect at least as an immediate option.

"If it's the end for me at Liverpool in 2024, then I'll have a year off first," Klopp added. "Hansi Flick's contract would have to run until 2025 for me to even be considered. Nobody should call me in 2024."

Further reading 

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is unmoved by critics of his transfer policy at Emirates Stadium and is convinced he is building a winning team, despite the Gunners' recent struggles. 

The club has focused on youth in the current window, with Aaron Ramsdale becoming the fifth player under the age of 23 to sign for the first team on Friday following the arrivals of Ben White, Nuno Tavares, Albert Sambi Lokonga and Martin Odegaard. 

Arteta is also in need of immediate success, as last week's defeat to Brentford piled on the pressure following a disappointing 2020-21 campaign. 

What was said? 

"We have to be sustainable," Arteta explained to Sky Sports. "We have to perform now and we also need a plan for the medium and the long term.

"A lot of the decisions we have made over the last 18 months are because we had a big imbalance in certain areas that was putting the club in a difficult position.

"Then, we wanted to recruit talent, specificity, and players with a big capacity to interact with the players who already exist here and who could develop into potential starters and increase the level of the team and the squad."

"I've been in constant contact with the hierarchy of the club, with Eddy [Edu], with Richard [Garlick] and with our coaching team, trying to find the players we want to recruit and trying to be on top of every deal to make it happen in conditions we can afford.

"I think we have created a really strong team who really enjoy working together. Hopefully you will see the fruits of this."

No time to lose

Having missed out on Europe altogether last time round, though, finishing a lowly eighth in the Premier League, the onus will be on Arteta to accompany his rebuilding efforts with signs of positive short-term progress. 

The Gunners host European champions Chelsea on Sunday and defeat would leave them rooted to the bottom of the table with zero points after two games. 

"We have had seven departures from the side that we had last year, maybe eight,"  Arteta added. "With five coming in, we are talking already about a turnaround of 13 players, so it's huge.

"We are just trying to have the best quality and balance that we possibly can. It's about increasing the quality and having a healthy squad, which is really important as well."

Further reading 

Real Madrid have been drawn at home to Manchester City in the most eye-catching tie of the second round of the UEFA Women's Champions League (UWCL).

The final round before the group stage, it sees 24 sides drawn against each other in 12 two-legged knock-out matches, the winners joining PSG, Bayern Munich, Chelsea and reigning champions Barcelona in the pools.

Several big guns from the European women's game join the competition at this stage, and the most notable match will see English and Spanish giants go head to head.

Who will face who?

As well as Madrid and Man City, among the big names in the draw were Lyon, whose five-year reign as champions was ended last season by Barca. The seven-time winners travel to Levante.

Two-time champions Wolfsburg are against Bordeaux, while 2007 winners Arsenal face Slavia Prague. The Gunners were initally drawn against Man City, but teams from the same nation cannot meet at this stage, so their opponents were re-drawn.

While Madrid have prestige to their name, in reality this is the first time their recently formed women's team will enter European competition, making former semi-finalists City the favourites to reach the group stage.

Among the other notable ties, Juventus - who will host the final at Allianz Stadium in Turin - take on Albanian champions Vllaznia.

Draw in full

Champions path

Sparta Praha (CZE) vs Koge (DEN)
Osijek (CRO) vs Breidablik (ISL)
Vllaznia (ALB) vs Juventus (ITA)
Twente (NED) vs SL Benfica (POR)
Apollon LFC (CYP) vs WFC Kharkiv (UKR)
Servette FC Chenois (SUI) vs Glasgow City (SCO)
Valerenga (NOR) vs Hacken (SWE)

League path

Levante (ESP) vs Lyon (FRA)
Arsenal (ENG) vs Slavia Praha (CZE)
Real Madrid (ESP) vs Manchester City (ENG)
Wolfsburg (GER) vs Bordeaux (FRA)
Rosengard (SWE) vs Hoffenheim (GER)

The first legs will take place on August 31 or September 1, with the return fixtures a week later. The draw for the group stages will then take palce on September 13, with those matches commencing on October 5 and 6.

Further Reading

Emmanuel Boateng grabbed a goal as New England Revolution registered a 4-1 win against FC Cincinnati in a Major League Soccer fixture on Saturday night.

It was Tajon Buchanan who put New England ahead in the seventh minute before Boateng doubled their lead in the 21st minute. Adam Buksa grabbed the third in the 33rd minute for a 3-0 half-time lead at Gillette Stadium.

After the half-time break, Brenner Souza da Silva pulled a goal back for Cincinnati, his fifth of the season after a clever assist from Luciano Acosta, who notched his fifth assist of the current campaign.

On-form Buksa then sealed the game for New England in the 61st minute with his brace after finishing off a cross from Buchanan, who had combined well with Boateng from the middle of the park to slot it home.

Boateng, who joined New England as a free agent from Columbus Crew in January 2021, was the key tormentor for Cincinnati as he pulled the strings from both wings.

Cincinnati head coach Jaap Stam admitted they did not deserve to get anything from the game.

"We gave away too much space. They utilized it very well but that's why they're top of the league," Stam said as quoted by cincinnati.com.

“We still needed to do a lot better tonight [Saturday], and then you go 3-nil behind basically the first half. In the second half, we try to reorganize, restructure a little bit and you score one goal and maybe you have the feeling, you never know what happens if you can get a second one.

“Then they score a fourth one and then the game's been played totally. Yeah, that's makes it very hard to swallow after a long period of playing consistently in a certain way.

“Not winning but having at least draws and playing consistently and creating opportunities. Today, we couldn't get to the level of what we've done before."

On what next for the team, Stam said: “You never know.

“Today [Saturday], we're losing against the No. 1, against the team that's been beating all the teams in the MLS so, in a way, you can say that's not a shame but we expected more today and that's from all of us.

“We made it too easy for the opposition goes from today...we always look at it from game to game.”

Thomas Tuchel has revealed that he questioned the decision of Chelsea's board to sack Frank Lampard last season when he was interviewed for the vacant managerial position.

The German succeeded the Blues legend at the helm at Stamford Bridge following a slow start to the 2020-21 campaign, and delivered a shock Champions League triumph just four months later.

Yet speaking ahead of this weekend's Premier League clash with Arsenal, the former Paris Saint-Germain boss has admitted that he had reservations about the role - and whether the club had got it right in parting ways with Lampard.

What has been said?

"I actually said to the board, 'are you sure of doing this? Because they will not like you. Maybe he deserves more time'," Tuchel told Sky Sports News.

"When I think of Chelsea I think about Frank Lampard, John Terry, Petr Cech, Didier Drogba. I think about [Lampard] in the very first moment because he embodies everything that Chelsea is.

"[It's] hard work; [an] aggressive player, [a] big leader, but at the same time a normal guy on the pitch and such a team player. [He's] a true, true legend.

"But I understood the choice was more or less made and it was take it or leave it. I hoped for a fair chance with the players because when you step in, not everybody [is] happy."

Tuchel aware of weightier expectations

Having taken charge of Chelsea with the Blues in the knockout stages of the Champions League and slipping towards mid-table in the Premier League, hopes were low for immediate success under the German's watch.

But having taken them to the biggest prize in European club football alongside another top-four finish, Tuchel is aware that there will be more pressure upon his side to perform this season.

"We raised the bar," he added. "It creates expectations, it creates demands, but I hope we don't get affected by it too much from outside.

"I know what I demand from myself, which is always the highest level. I know what the team can produce - they are really ambitious, really competitive.

"I think we need to be honest, to accept that we were fourth last season, so we have to close the gap to Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City.

"After a big success, you have to start from scratch. This is what top-level sports is all about and this is what we love it for."

Further reading

Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Yves Bissouma was voted the man of the match by the fans after playing a key role in helping the team claim a 2-0 win over Watford in the Premier League on Saturday.

The Mali international commanded the midfield effectively as the Seagulls collected their second win of the season. His first meaningful contribution was in the third minute when he managed to get a shot off, but failed to hit the target.

The 24-year-old's contribution ensured the Hornets did not find it easy and it was no surprise when Shane Duffy scored for his team in the 10th minute. 

Once again, in the 24th minute, Bissouma had an opportunity to test the goalkeeper but the wall dealt with his freekick.

The midfielder was almost everywhere for his team and he finally made a major contribution when he intercepted a poor pass by William Troost-Ekong and set up Neil Maupay to score their second in the 41st minute.

After the half-time break, he continued from where he left and was eventually recognized for his effort.

"Absolutely everywhere [on Saturday]," the club tweeted. "You have voted Yves Bissouma as your Man of the Match!"

Meanwhile, Bissouma wished Maupay a quick recovery after he was injured in the win over the Hornets. The 25-year-old French forward was substituted at the start of the second half after picking up a knock. Aaron Connolly took his place in the team.

"My personal goalscorer, I love you my brother, get well and get back to us soon. Great team performance," Bissouma posted on his official social media account.

Saturday's win was the second for Brighton in as many matches this season after they started their campaign with a 2-1 win over Burnley.

Arsenal and Chelsea will be determined to leave everything on the line when they meet in an early-season heavyweight highlight of the new Premier League campaign this weekend.

Watch Arsenal vs Chelsea on fuboTV (free 7-day trial)

After their Super Cup triumph and strong domestic start, the Blues will be out to earn local bragging rights against a misfiring Gunners side seeking a spark to set their hopes aflame.

Ahead of the game, Goal has the details of how to watch on TV, stream online, team news and more.

TV channel, live stream & how to watch

In the United States (US), Premier League matches can be watched live and on-demand with fuboTV (watch with a 7-day free trial).

New users can sign up for a free seven-day trial of the live sports streaming service, which can be accessed via iOS, Android, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Roku and Apple TV as well as on a web browser.

Team news & rosters

Mikel Arteta's side got off to the worst possible start in their opening loss to Brentford, but they now know that they have an immediate chance to turn the conversation back in their favour against their London rivals.

Alexandre Lacazette and Alex Runarsson remain out of contention thanks to Covid-19, while Martin Odegaard will have to wait for a second debut due to visa issues - but Aaron Ramsdale could feature following his move from Sheffield United.

Predicted Arsenal starting XI: Leno; Bellerin, White, Mari, Tierney; Elneny, Xhaka; Pepe, Smith Rowe, Martinelli; Balogun.

A three-goal dispatch of Crystal Palace ensured a winning start to the domestic campaign after Super Cup glory against Villarreal for the Blues - and now, the only way may be onwards and upwards.

The Champions League holders have been reunited with Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku - and the former Inter man may well make his second debut for Thomas Tuchel's side this weekend, particularly with Christian Pulisic ruled out through Covid-19.

Predicted Chelsea starting XI: Mendy; Zouma, Christensen, Rudiger; Azpilicueta, Jorginho, Kovacic, Alonso; Mount, Havertz; Lukaku.

Last five results

Head-to-head

Barcelona are less feared without Lionel Messi, Ronald Koeman has admitted, with the Blaugrana manager stating that rivals were "more scared" when the Argentine was at the heart of their side.

The exit of the prolific forward after a glittering, near-two-decade career at Camp Nou, has left a major void to fill for the Catalan club this term.

An opening win in La Liga against Real Sociedad has since given way to a frustrating draw with Athletic Club - and speaking after his side were held to a stalemate, Koeman has acknowledged that without their former talisman, they have lost a major psychological edge.

What has been said?

“I don't like to always talk about the same thing, but we're talking about the best in the world," the Dutchman told his post-match press conference.

"Our opponents were more scared when Messi was here.

"For us as well, if you pass the ball to Leo, usually he won't lose it. You can tell [Messi] isn't there. We know that and we can't change it."

Koeman mulls "fair" result

Memphis Depay snatched his first goal for Barcelona and rescued a point after Inigo Martinez's opener had put the hosts in front at San Mames, while Eric Garcia was sent off in injury time.

Koeman admitted that he had no quibbles with the result in the end, paying credit to his side's opponents, stating: "It was a great game for many things in football.

"I think we made things too difficult for ourselves at the start of the game. We need to know when we can play short, from the keeper as well. We weren't calm enough in the first 15 minutes.

"I think a draw is a fair result, we had chances to win, Athletic were at a very high level. Playing like that, this is a very tough ground, so I can't be unhappy with the result."

The bigger picture

As Barcelona continue to mull their post-Messi future, the Argentine is edging closer to a debut for new club Paris Saint-Germain.

Having missed their Ligue 1 openers, the 34-year-old could be in line to feature against Reims at the end of the month.

Messi will hope to get crucial minutes under his belt ahead of a likely return to the Argentina fold for their Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifiers, following his Copa America success last month.

Further reading

Orlando Pirates interim co-coach Mandla Ncikazi says other teams would not be able to manage being in the Soweto giants’ injury situation, but the tactician believes they have enough players in the squad.

Pirates have made five signings during the current transfer window but among their new acquisitions, there is no outright striker despite struggling upfront over the last 12 months.

Midfielder Bandile Shandu, defender Kwanda Mngonyama, and midfielder Goodman Mosele are some of the new Pirates signings.

They also secured the signature of Monnaoule Saleng but the midfielder was sent on loan at Swallows FC, while right-winger Ntsako Makhubele is their latest arrival.

“We’ve got enough [players]. If other teams were in the same position like Pirates where they’ve got 10 injured players, I’m sure they’d request the league to cancel their fixture,” Ncikazi told reporters as per iDiski Times.  

“The side [Stellenbosch] that we played, the way we played and the effort, the performance, for somebody who doesn’t know I don’t think you saw that there were players that were not there.”

Pirates have made five signings while their traditional rivals Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns have each welcomed nine new players.

Some glaring shortcomings continue to be witnessed in the Pirates squad as witnessed in last week's MTN8 quarter-final defeat by Swallows as well as Saturday's 2-2 home draw against Stellenbosch.

Injuries to key players still haunt the Buccaneers with strikers Zakhele Lepasa and Tshegofatso Mabasa injured since last season.

While appearing to be satisfied with their new signings Ncikazi, however, hinted at bringing in more players.

“The wisdom of our management to bring the pool of players that we’ve had, they will surprise you,” added Ncikazi.

“I don’t want to disclose much because I don’t have that permission. Don’t be surprised if it increases, don’t be surprised if it decreases.

"But I’m happy with what we have, I’m happy with the wisdom of how they signed the players and let’s take it from here and move forward.”

Pirates are reportedly close to signing Ghanian forward Kwame Peprah who has been training with the team for the past two weeks.

Nigerian centre-back Olisa Ndah was also said to be on trial at the Soweto giants recently but the club’s decision on the player is not yet known. 

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena has praised Rivaldo Coetzee and Haashim Domingo for their performance against AmaZulu on Friday at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
 
Coetzee was named man of the match for an outstanding performance in the Premier Soccer League opener which the Brazilians ended up winning 1-0.

"Rivaldo has worked extremely hard to make sure that he is fit and that he stays injury-free so that he can play more games and contribute to the success of this team," Mokwena told the club's website.

"He is a very important player for us, we are just happy that he got his performance to be slightly better than what it was against Kaizer Chiefs.

"He is a special talent, a special human being who also works hard and is extremely honest and extremely intelligent too.

"He has a very good football brain too and I think we get to see that every single day in video sessions and in meetings."

Domingo was also a prominent figure during the league encounter against last season's runners-up and Mokwena pinpointed some of his best traits.

"Haashim’s job is just to continue with the work that he is doing," added the coach. "He's got a very good head on his shoulders, he’s got a very good base with regards to his development and, from a technical perspective, that allows him to have a technically rich profile.

"He has shown that he's got qualities to play here. He has just had to work on a few mental issues and not put too much pressure on himself and try to control the levels of anxiety, because if he does that he has shown that he's got so much quality and he gives so much for us particularly now that we are without Lebohang Maboe."

The South African tactician, however, was not impressed by the manner in which his side coordinated their attack against Benni McCarthy's Usuthu.

"We don’t complete our attacks and facilitate shots at goal because that’s how you win football matches, to have such a dominant performance with so much possession, creating so many possibilities to have goals and only have one shot at goal is probably something that leaves a sour taste in our mouth," he said.

On Tuesday, Masandawana will be up against Chippa United for their second matchday action at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

Romelu Lukaku's natural abilities as a number nine can help Timo Werner flourish after a misfiring first season at Chelsea, Thomas Tuchel has said ahead of the Belgian's second debut.

The former Inter striker has returned to Stamford Bridge 10 years on from his first stint, to further bolster the Champions League holders' attack following last term's European success.

He joins a strikeforce that includes Germany star Werner, who struggled to adapt to life in the Premier League at points in his maiden campaign with the club. With Lukaku's addition, however, Tuchel feels that the former will be able to raise his game to new heights.

What has been said?

"I truly believe that this can be a big upgrade for [Werner]," Tuchel told a pre-match press conference ahead of his side's trip to the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

"Having the attention on Romelu, who likes to be in the centre of the pitch and to fight physically with defenders, can create space for Timo. [With] the position, he can play a bit wider than he used to play for us last season.

"To play around Romelu, who is like the reference as a number nine, he hopefully gives Timo the freedom and the space to play around him and feel that it’s easier to find more dangerous spaces and start scoring again."

Lukaku poised for second Blues debut

Having struggled to make his mark a decade ago at Stamford Bridge, before greater success elsewhere in the Premier League and abroad, the Belgian returns to west London looking to ensure that the second time is the charm.

Tuchel previously confirmed that, having arrived too late to feature in either their Super Cup triumph over Villarreal or their season opener against Crystal Palace, Lukaku would be in line to face Arsenal this weekend.

"We are hoping he’s on the pitch for Sunday and things look like that will happen," the German stated.

Further reading

Kaizer Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter has revealed the reason veteran goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune will captain the Glamour Boys this season.

The 34-year-old custodian was Chiefs’ captain in the 2020-21 campaign but he did not play regularly owing to injury and loss of form, which meant the armband was rotated between Ramahlwe Mphahlele, Samir Nurkovic, and Bernard Parker.

With Amakhosi set to kick off their campaign with an away game against TS Galaxy on Sunday, Baxter has revealed why Khune will continue to carry the armband in 2021-22 season.

What did Baxter say?

“We had a discussion around this the other day and the club captain will be Itu,” he told reporters as quoted by idiskitimes.

“Club captain, meaning whenever he plays he’s captain, whenever he doesn’t play, he’s still club captain. It doesn’t change that he is the voice of the squad and he is the go-to man, now that will not change.”

Despite confirming Khune as the captain, Baxter could not reveal who will take the assistant role.

“Apart from that, we wanted a captain for the team; we want all players to take responsibility. We want all players to have a voice, we want all players to be confident enough to help their teammates,” Baxter continued.

“Now, we’re talking about a senior player or a player that has been outstanding or a player that has clearly shown leadership qualities.

“Now that one, we might see against Mamelodi Sundowns but we want to be a captain-full team with people that are there to take the pressure, are there to take responsibility, there to have a voice and dare to express themselves.

“I think if you get lots of players good enough, the armband can almost go to anybody.”

Khune is among the players whose contracts were extended by the Soweto-giants ahead of the start of the season.

He started out as a striker when he arrived for trials at Chiefs in 1999, but assumed the gloves by chance after he experienced chest problems during a junior game and found himself being reduced to a ball boy.

Further PSL reading