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It will be hard for any team in the Premier League to defeat Chelsea this season, according to Inhulets Petrove star Stephen Gopey.

The Blues settled for a 1-1 draw in Saturday’s English elite division showing against Liverpool at Anfield Stadium.

They took a 22nd-minute lead through Kai Havertz, however, Jurgen Klopp’s men leveled matters courtesy of Mohammed Salah’s penalty following a handball by Reece James – who was given his marching orders by referee Anthony Taylor.

Despite playing with a man down, Thomas Tuchel’s side held their nerves to pick a point away from home to continue their unbeaten run in the 2021-22 season.

Lifted by the reigning European champions’ performance against the Reds, the former Wikki Tourists star reveals that it would be hard for any team to break Chelsea in the race for the English elite division diadem.

“A big kudos to Thomas Tuchel for building a solid Chelsea team within a year. Personally, I feel it would be difficult for any team in the Premier League to stop them at the moment,” Gopey told Goal.

“Despite playing with a man down, they never gave up as they stopped Liverpool’s rampaging forward line from scoring the winner. That shows they have strong character and that’s how champions do.

“Well, it is too early to say that they would remain unbeaten for the rest of the season. However, with the way they are playing they look like a strong contender to win the Premier League title.”

He also reserved special praise for goalkeeper Edouard Mendy who made crucial saves to deny Liverpool.

“A big well done to goalkeeper Mendy for his crucial saves,” he added.

“That was a brave performance against a team that posses one of the best attacking line-ups in Europe at the moment.

“He continues to prove why he is Chelsea’s number 1 ahead of Spaniard Kepa Kepa Arrizabalaga.”

After the international break, Chelsea resume their league campaign with a home fixture against Aston Villa on September 9.

Three days later, they host Russian Premier League outfit Zenit as they begin their Champions League campaign.

Edouard Mendy recorded a personal best as Chelsea settled for a 1-1 draw with Liverpool in Saturday’s Premier League encounter.

The goalkeeper was called upon to make six saves against Jurgen Klopp’s men, the most in a single appearance since teaming up with the Blues in any competition.

Kai Havertz put his team ahead in the 22nd minute having been assisted by Reece James, nevertheless, the hosts restored parity through Mohamed Salah before the half-time break.

The dismissal of James gave the Reds a numerical advantage, albeit, they were denied the opportunity to score the winner thanks to the former Rennes goalkeeper’s heroics.

Before his move to the Premier League giants, the 29-year-old was relatively unknown as he starred for Ligue 1 side, Rennes.

However, he shot into the limelight having joined Chelsea in a £22m ($31m) deal as Tuchel’s men sought to find greater solidity between the sticks as costly errors had sneaked into Kepa Arrizabalaga’s game.

He has since proven to be one of the bargain signings, making crucial saves for the Londoners who finished fourth in the 2020-21 league campaign.

The Senegal international also played a key role in Chelsea’s Champions League success – featuring in 12 games and not conceding a goal on nine occasions – a feat that earned him Europe's Goalkeeper of the Year Award.

In a recent interview, former Sunshine Stars player Olumide Akinroyeje believes Mendy will remain Chelsea’s number one goalkeeper despite Arrizabalaga’s superb display against Villarreal in the Uefa Super Cup.

“Kepa [Arrizabalaga] was brave to have saved two Villarreal penalties and that is not a pointer that he would stroll back as Chelsea’s first-choice,” Akinroyeje told Goal.

“As it stands [Edouard] Mendy remains the first choice at Stamford Bridge and I don’t see that changing anytime soon.

“Since his arrival from Rennes, he has brought consistency to the Chelsea backline line and played a key role in the team’s Champions League win. So, it would be irrational to have him not sit on the bench because someone saved two kicks.

“What this means is that Mendy should work harder in training so that he can be counted on when it comes to penalty situations.”

Legendary Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Teko Modise discussed Pavol Safranko's game after the Tshwane giants' draw against Lamontville Golden Arrows on Saturday afternoon. 

The Slovakia international came off the bench to score a late equalizing goal as Masandawana fought back to hold Abafana Bes'thende to a 1-1 draw in the MTN8 semi-final first-leg match in Durban.

It was Safranko's fourth appearance of the current season - all coming as a substitute and he will be hoping that his first goal for Sundowns will earn him his first official start for the PSL champions.

Modise, who spent seven successful seasons with Masandawana, feels that the 26-year-old has a knack for finding himself in goalscoring positions. 

"I think Safranko when looking at his previous matches whenever he has been introduced, he always finds himself in those positions," Modise told SuperSport TV. 

"He always misses those half-chances which Sundowns tend to create.

"I did say when he was introduced that he will get those types of opportunities whether he will use them or not today it is another thing." 

A tall striker with a strong physique, and heading ability, Safranko joined Sundowns last month from Sepsi OSK where he scored nine goals from 34 matches in the Romanian Liga One last season.

The former Dundee United marksman came on in the 72nd minute with Masandawana trailing 1-0 and he poked the ball home after Arrows goalkeeper Sifiso Mlungwana had failed to hold on to Thapelo Morena's cross.

"Today he brought the team back into the game because he is forever in those types of positions," Modise, who was nicknamed the General during his playing days, continued. 

"But yet again I think the second half fitted his style of play because Sundowns were playing those crosses. Sundowns were chasing the game." 

Safranko will be hoping to make his full debut for Sundowns when they take on Kaizer Chiefs in a titanic PSL match at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on September 12.

He has already faced Chiefs this season having come on as a substitute in the MTN8 quarter-final match which ended in a 2-1 win for Sundowns on penalties following a 2-2 draw on August 15.

Everton manager Rafael Benitez has lauded Alex Iwobi for his impact in his team since the start of the 2021-22 season.

Iwobi was introduced as a 70th-minute substitute for Dominic Calvert-Lewin in Everton’s 2-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion in Saturday's Premier League outing.

The former Arsenal star replaced the England international after he doubled their lead at the Amex Stadium from the penalty spot in the 50th minute.

Iwobi did not really make an impact after his introduction, but the Spanish tactician expressed his satisfaction with how the 25-year-old has improved his game this term.

"When I was analysing all the stats, not just watching the games… he is one of the players who have the potential and energy and could do well,” Benitez told the club's website.

“My job was to try to give him confidence and adjust a couple of things in the way he is playing and his understanding of the game.

“I am really pleased with him and I think the fans can see a big difference in these three games from last year.

“He was injured [at Huddersfield] and carried on trying to help the team because we had 10 players.

“He was a key part in the success and I think the fans will really appreciate his commitment to the club."

Iwobi scored his first goal of the season with the opener in Everton’s League Cup victory over Huddersfield Town on Tuesday.

Benitez claims he is working to improve the performance of the Super Eagles star to get more goals and assists this season.

“We are working on his position and when he receives the ball and what he has to do [in possession in different areas] and the delivery," he continued.

“I know he has incredible in condition and work rate and his physicality is really good. He has to improve in the final third, he knows that.

“It is just to be sure he makes things simple, then he can score goals and give assists. He is doing well and growing in confidence.”

Iwobi will turn his attention to Nigeria's 2022 World Cup qualifying games against Liberia and Cape Verde after he was named in Gernot Rohr's 30-man squad for next month's outings.

Stephen Gopey was on target as Inhulets Petrove defeated FC Mariupol 3-0 in Saturday’s Ukrainian Premier League encounter.

With his team leading by two goals, the 21-year-old came off the bench to guarantee all three points for Serhiy Lavrynenko’s men inside the Inhulets Stadium.

Heading into the game, the hosts had gone on a run of two games without losing – with their last outing a 2-1 away victory at Lviv.

For the visitors – who finished 11th in the 2020-21 campaign – they had lost all their last four games so far in all competitions.

Inhulets got off to a flying start as they dominated ball possession while keeping Mariupol in their own half.

After several misses, they took the lead in the 22nd minute through Vladyslav Sharay.

Profiting from a poor clearance from defender Serhiy Chobotenko, the Ukrainian midfielder drilled a low shot past goalkeeper Oleg Kudryk.

Despite trailing by a lone goal, Ostap Markevych’s team could not find their way into the game as they were short of scoring opportunities.

Two minutes before the half-hour mark, Sharay completed his brace thanks to an assist from Hennos Asmelash. Left unmarked in the penalty area, he headed Asmelash’s pinpoint cross past the stranded goalkeeper.

Gopey – who was introduced for Artem Sitalo in the 56th minutes – ended the visitors’ ambition of a comeback with the third goal 14 minutes from full time.

The African star slotted the ball past Kudryk after he was teed up by Ilya Kovalenko who skipped past four of his markers.

With this strike, he now boasts two goals in the 2021-22 campaign.

Thanks to this result, Inhulets Petrove have now climbed to eighth on the league table with seven points from six matches.

For Mariupol, they remain at the base of the table with just one point from the same number of fixtures.

Due to his impressive displays at Nigeria Professional Football League side, Wiki Tourists – the youngster was signed by the Ukrainian elite division side on a three-year contract.

He would be hoping to add to his goal tally when Lavrynenko’s men travel to the Cultural Sports Complex Nika Stadium for their next outing against Oleksandria on September 10.

LA Galaxy and Los Angeles FC will have more than just local bragging rights at stake when they meet in MLS at Banc of California Stadium this weekend.

Watch LAFC vs LA Galaxy on fuboTV (free 7-day trial)

The derby in the City of Angels could both reignite hopes of a postseason push for one - and scupper the fading hopes of the other as August comes to a close.

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), MLS 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

It's over a month since the Black and Gold last tasted victory, with their hopes of a playoff spot gradually fading as the season winds its way towards the autumn.

A raft of injuries - plus the MLS All-Star call-ups for Eduard Atuesta, Diego Rossi and Jesus David Murillo - means that Mamadou Fall could be in for a rare game as Bob Bradley, fresh from his own representative commitments, shuffles the pack.

Predicted LAFC starting XI: Romero; Farfan, Blackmon, Fall, Harvey; Blessing, Duke, Cifuentes; Rodriguez, Musovski, Edwards.

Back-to-back losses have put the brakes on Greg Vanney's side's push for a Leagues Cup qualification place, but they very much remain in the hunt near the top of the Western Conference.

Oniel Fisher could be in line for a rare start after Jesus Arujo was on MLS All-Stars duty, while Sebastian Lletget will likely also miss out following the representative clash against the Liga MX All-Stars.

Predicted LA Galaxy starting XI: Bond; Fisher, Coulibaly, Williams, Hamalainen; Raveloson, Harvey; Alvarez, Kljestan, Cabral; Joveljic.

Last five results

Head-to-head

Nigeria international Tom Dele-Bashiru and Ghana’s Andy Yiadom had a bad day at the office as Reading suffered a humiliating 4-0 defeat against Huddersfield Town in the EFL Championship on Saturday.

It was the home team who took the lead at John Smith’s Stadium in the 39th minute when Lewis O’Brien powered home from close range before Matty Pearson doubled their lead in the 59th minute.

Sorba Thomas scored the third goal for Huddersfield in the 66th minute and two minutes later, they added the fourth when Danny Ward drilled home after a defensive lapse inside Reading’s dangerzone after an assist from Josh Koroma.

Yadiom, who joined Reading from Barnsley in 2018, was yellow-carded in the 23rd minute while Dele-Bashiru, who is on loan from Premier League side Watford, was also cautioned in the 51st minute and later substituted in the 70th minute by Alen Halilovic.

In another match, Egyptian midfielder Samy Sayed Morsy was sent off in the 81st minute as Middlesbrough snatched a 1-1 draw against Blackburn Rovers at Riverside Stadium.

Sam Gallagher had put the visitors ahead in the 17th minute as Boro under Neil Warnock were forced to wait until the 36th minute to level matters courtesy of Jonny Howson. Ivory Coast defender Sol Bamba was an unused sub by Boro.

Ghana international  Albert Adomah was also an unused sub as QPR scored two second-half goals courtesy of Lyndon Dykes in the 68th minute and Yoann Barbet in the 76th minute to sink Coventry at Loftus Road.

Kenya international Clarke Oduor played for the entire 90 minutes as Barnsley pulled a 1-1 draw against Birmingham City at Oakwell.

It was Callum Styles who put Oduor’s Barnsley ahead in the sixth minute but Lukas Jutkiewicz leveled the scores for the away team in the 33rd minute.

Nigeria international Ayomide Victor Adeboyejo was introduced by Barnsley in the second half while Birmingham gave minutes to another Nigeran player, Chuks Aneke.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Republic of Congo goalkeeper Brice Samba produced a splendid show as Nottingham Forest claimed a 1-1 draw against Derby Country at Pride Park Stadium.

It was Derby under former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney who took the lead in the 11th minute when Tom Lawrence hit the net from close range but Brennan Johnson salvaged a point for the visitors in the 82nd minute after smashing the ball home from 10 yards.

On two occasions, the 27-year-old saved Forest, first in the 28th minute when he was required to parry away a shot from 12 yards by Tom Lawrence and also in the 54th minute when he moved out of his line to deny the advancing Kamil Jozwiak.

Elsewhere, Zimbabwe defender Jordan Zemura started for Bournemouth as they battled to a 2-2 draw against Hull City at KC Stadium.

South Africa's all-time top scorer Benni McCarthy has slammed Percy Tau’s permanent move from the Brighton & Hove Albion to Egyptian Premier League giants Al Ahly.

The former Blackburn Rovers and West Ham United striker said the 27-year-old's exit from the Premier League shows his lack of willpower to fight for a place in the Seagulls set-up.

Tau decided to sign a four-year deal with the reigning Caf Champions League winners on Friday after playing just three Premier League matches since he left Mamelodi Sundowns in 2018.

McCarthy feels Tau’s transfer sends a bad signal about South African players in Europe.

“I am also a bit taken aback by his decision of going to Al Ahly but he’s not gone to just any team,” McCarthy told South African Football Journalists’ Association. “He’s gone to a team where he’s always going to live the limelight, but on the African continent.

“And him making that decision, which I know is probably just people’s opinion and the way they think in a negative way, has just made it kind of clear that this is what South African players are like, that they don’t have strong willpower, they don’t have a strong mentality, that when the going gets tough, they would rather take themselves out of the equation.

“As good as Al Ahly is, they are still in Africa. They are not in the European continent, they don’t play against the best players in the world, they don’t play week in and week out against the Liverpool’s, Chelsea’s, Man United’s, the Tottenham Hotspur’s.”

The 43-year-old who is still the only South African to win the Uefa Champions League (Porto, 2003-04 season) added that Tau’s reunion with Pitso Mosimane is 'a massive step down' in his career.

“They play against Pyramids, Arab Contractors, Zamalek. As good as their league is, the fact remains they are in Africa, so for me, it’s a massive step down for him. But, hopefully, he gets to play and he gets to do well and he improves every bit,” he continued.

“The whole reason he went there was to win things, to get himself playing week in and week out and on that front, I understand his point, but personally, I think staying in the Premier League and fighting your guts out [was what he should have done] because you couldn’t have been in a better league and in a better position than he was.

“Now it has just eliminated himself, which makes it tougher for South African players to get the opportunity because that’s the mentality people will have of us.

“They will look at us and say, ‘Ah, this player doesn’t play, he’s not up for a fight so he’d rather take a step down and go to a lesser league on a different continent than to fight it out and ride the wave when the going gets tough.'”

Ronald Koeman has admitted frustration at Barcelona's transfer limitations this summer as he hasn't been able to replace "best player in the world" Lionel Messi as other continental powers have added superstars.

While the Blaugrana have been frozen by financial difficulties, which ultimately forced Messi's exit to Paris Saint-Germain, PSG have had perhaps their best-ever window, and Manchester City and Manchester United have also splashed the cash.

Because of few squad additions beyond Memphis Depay on a free, Koeman has asked for patience as his younger players develop.

What has been said?

"I understand what people who love this club can feel, but the economic situation is what it is," Koeman said via SPORT. "It's frustrating, but you have to be realistic. Economically we can't compete with Paris, City or United. That's right and we have to accept it.

"We aspire to the maximum and we must have a winning mentality, but we cannot hope to be the best in the world. We have lost the best player in the world and I insist that we have to be realistic. We cannot demand the usual because the team is different.

"We are building a team with an exciting future, but you have to be patient. Pedri won't be the same at 24, as he is at 18. Or Nico [Gonzalez] or the others. We are building something, but we need time."

The bigger picture

This is new territory for Barcelona, who are typically one of the European bullies amassing top players.

However, they have not been able to participate much in a frenetic window that has seen PSG sign Lionel Messi and Sergio Ramos among others, Manchester City nab Jack Grealish, Chelsea add Romelu Lukaku and Manchester United bring in Cristiano Ronaldo, Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane.

Fortunately for them at the domestic level, Real Madrid have also been low on cash relative to their usual ability to spend, and they are expected to remain in La Liga's title race.

Further reading

West Ham United manager David Moyes is confident that his club will be able to tie up a deal for Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma this summer. 

The Blues are hopeful of selling Zouma in order to free up space in Thomas Tuchel's squad for further transfer activity. 

And West Ham, who have made a flying start to the 2021-22 Premier League season, are in pole position to clinch his signature. 

What was said? 

"Zouma's arrival? [It's] getting close," Moyes told reporters on Saturday following his side's 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace, which kept the Hammers at the Premier League summit at least until Liverpool and Chelsea finish their afternoon clash. 

"We do need a couple more in because we have a lot of games coming up. We have a good team and I like the players we have got."

West Ham twice threw away the lead against their London rivals to miss the chance to extend their 100 per cent start, and Moyes admitted it was a lost opportunity.

"The players are disappointed in the dressing room but that tells you the standards we have set ourselves," he added.

"We just didn't play to the standards we have reached in recent weeks.

"We scored another couple of goals and played really well at times in the first half. We have been good defensively but I was disappointed with the goals we conceded today."

The bigger picture

Zouma has been at Stamford Bridge since joining as a teenager in 2014 from Ligue 1 side Saint-Etienne. 

But, despite forming part of the squad which lifted the Champions League last season, Chelsea are now keen to off-load the defender in order to make room for Sevilla ace Jules Kounde. 

Earlier in the week Zouma underwent a medical in Paris ahead of his Hammers move, with the parties still ironing out personal terms before the move can be finalised. 

He has represented Chelsea 151 times in all competitions, scoring 10 goals.

Further reading 

Pep Guardiola defended managerial counterpart Mikel Arteta after Manchester City thrashed Arsenal 5-0 on Saturday.

Guardiola, who had Arteta on his coaching staff for several years, said "Arteta knows how I love him" and pointed out the Gunners are competing without numerous first-choice players amid an injury crisis.

However, the lopsided result has cast further doubt on Arteta's job security at Emirates Stadium as Arsenal are now without a win in their opening three Premier League matches this campaign.

What has been said?

“Arteta knows how I love him," Guardiola told BBC Sport. "In the two or three years he was here he was important to what we built. People want results right away, with the players he had today, Ben White, Thomas Partey were missing, many players they invested in were missing, without that it is difficult.

"I know his awareness as a manager and as a leader, the moment everyone is back he will do an excellent job. I know this because I know him, I know the job he can do.

“We scored a goal that we didn’t deserve. We didn’t play that good to score a goal.

"The first time we arrived in the Arsenal half we scored. We had problems in the first 15-20 minutes in our build-up. After 2-0 and the sending off [of Granit Xhaka] the game is completely different."

Guardiola then emphasised that he still wants his side to be stronger all-round moving forward.

"It was nice winning today but we have to be better," he said."We created chances, we scored [three] more [after the red], the most important thing is that we played with respect to the opponent and not do silly things with the ball. We are still in the process of improving."

Bigger picture

While Arsenal were indeed without several key players, that will provide little assurance to fans who could see their team closer to a relegation place than European qualification at the end of September.

Currently bottom of the table, the Gunners must travel to Turf Moor for a typically difficult fixture against Burnley and meet Tottenham on short rest before the month concludes.

Arteta's job will only become more tenuous if Arsenal cannot pull together a positive string of results soon.

Further reading

Real Madrid defender Alvaro Odriozola will play the 2021-22 season on loan in Serie A with Fiorentina, the clubs confirmed on Saturday. 

Odriozola, 25, has found first-team opportunities hard to come by since moving to the Bernabeu in 2018 from Real Sociedad. 

And he will now hope to feature regularly in an ambitious Viola side, who have looked to strengthen their squad during a busy summer in Florence.

Florence-bound

"ACF Fiorentina is pleased to announce that Alvaro Odriozola Arzallus has joined the club on loan from Real Madrid CF until June 30, 2022," Fiorentina confirmed in a statement published on the club's official website on Saturday . 

Madrid also moved to make the transfer official, stating that: "Real Madrid and Fiorentina have agreed the loan of the player Alvaro Odriozola for this season, until June 30, 2022."

Goal understands that the agreement does not contain an extension or purchase option, and thus will only run until the end of the current season. 

Odriozola moves despite having impressed coach Carlo Ancelotti in pre-season, placing a priority on picking up as many first-team minutes as possible. 

The bigger picture 

The Spain international is the latest new face to arrive in Florence this summer. 

Fiorentina have also swooped to bring in Uruguay midfielder Lucas Torreira on loan from Arsenal, while Nicolas Gonzalez signed on a permanent deal earlier in the window after impressing with Frankfurt and Argentina. 

The club additionally exercised its mandatory purchase option to sign defender Igor from SPAL and further strengthened their backline with Schalke's Serbia centre-back Matija Nastasic.

Odriozola's departure, meanwhile, is a boost to Madrid in their pursuit of Kylian Mbappe. 

Madrid now have 24 players registered for La Liga, meaning that there is a new spot open for the Paris Saint-Germain superstar, heavily tipped to complete a move to the Bernabeu in the coming days.

Further reading 

Mamelodi Sundowns had to dig deep to secure a 1-1 draw against Lamontville Golden Arrows in the MTN8 semi-final first-leg match on Saturday afternoon.

Nqobeko Dlamini handed Abafana Bes'thende an early lead, but a second-half strike from Pavol Safranko ensured that the rain-soaked encounter ended in a draw at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium.

Michael Gumede led the attack for Abafana Bes'thende, while Dlamini and Velemseni Ndwandwe operated as two holding midfielders and the impressive Nkosinathi Sibisi marshalled the defence.

On the other hand, Masandawana recalled Andile Jali, Gaston Sirino, and Kermit Erasmus to the starting line-up with Themba Zwane and Mothobi Mvala out injured.

Arrows pressed high to force mistakes from Sundowns, who were looking to play from the back, and the hosts' game plan paid off just six minutes into the encounter. 

The visitors lost possession in midfield and Dlamini dribbled past two markers, before unleashing a powerful low shot which beat goalkeeper Denis Onyango hands down to hand Arrows a 1-0 lead.

Masandawana had to find a way to level matters and they were looking dangerous from set-pieces with Peter Shalulile forcing keeper Sifiso Mlungwana into a spectacular diving save with a header. 

Arrows coach Lehlohonolo Seema had to make an early change after Pule Mmodi went down injured and he was replaced by Siboniso Conco, who netted a fantastic free-kick against Maritzburg United a week ago.

Abafana Bes'thende were giving away a lot of free-kicks near their own area with Masandawana having upped the tempo and Mlungwana pulled off a decent save from Lyle Lakay's curling set-piece.

Mlungwana was a busy man between the sticks and the South Africa under-23 international made two fine saves to deny both Sphelele Mkhulise and Erasmus to ensure that the first-half ended with Arrows leading 1-0 at the interval.

Sundowns continued to apply some pressure on the hosts after the restart with Rivaldo Coetzee's header being cleared off the goal-line by Sibisi, before Mlungwana produced two good saves to deny Erasmus and Lakay.

However, Arrows looked dangerous against the run of play and Onyango had to be alert to the danger on his line as the Ugandan star made a magnificent save to stop Ndwandwe's tricky cross from going in. 

Masandawana's co-head coaches Manqoba Mngqithi and Rhulani Mokwena decided to introduce their new strikers Safranko and Thabiso Kutumela with 17 minutes left on the clock.

Mlungwana continued to frustrate the reigning PSL champions as he produced a fantastic finger-tipping save from Sirino's curling corner-kick, before blocking Erasmus' goal-bound shot from inside the box. 

However, Mlungwana was finally beaten in the 85th minute when he failed to hold on to a low cross from Thapelo Morena and Safranko was there to poke the ball home from close range to make it 1-1, the Slovak's maiden goal for Sundowns.

The late goal ensured that the match ended in a 1-1 draw with the second leg scheduled to be played on September 28 in Pretoria.

Brentford confirmed that Frank Onyeka has tested positive for coronavirus ahead of their Premier League outing against Aston Villa on Saturday.

The 23-year-old, who joined Thomas Frank's side on a five-year deal from FC Midtjylland in July, started their first two league fixtures against Arsenal and Crystal Palace.

Earlier this week, he was introduced as a second-half substitute in Brentford’s 3-1 victory over Forest Green Rovers in the League Cup.

Due to his health status, Onyeka was replaced in the starting XI by Iran star Saman Ghoddos while DR Congo forward Yoane Wissa is on the bench.

On Thursday, the FC Ebedei academy product was named in Gernot Rohr's 30-man squad for Nigeria's 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifiers against Liberia and Cape Verde in September.

He is now doubtful for next week’s international assignment and he may have to wait for his second appearance for the Super Eagles.

Onyeka made his debut for the three-time African champions in a friendly game against Algeria in October 2020, and it ended in a 1-0 win for the North Africans.

Meanwhile, Brentford coach Frank applauded the impact the 23-year-old has made in his team since he arrived at the club during his press conference on Friday,

“[The new signings] have settled in well, especially Kristoffer Ajer and Frank [Onyeka] who started the first two games and did very well,” the Danish tactician said.

“Yoane Wissa came in a bit later, but we have big expectations for him and believe he can help us. He got 90 good minutes on Tuesday night. Alvaro Fernandez is a good goalkeeper and you have Myles Peart-Harris as well. They have settled in well.

“I think we have a strong squad and a squad that can compete. I am happy but we are always aware of the market. I can’t say one definitely won’t come in, but I can’t say one definitely will come in. We are not desperate to bring one in.

“We have built a squad that I think is strong enough and exciting enough to be competitive but also has some interesting players for the future.”

Arsenal have faced a barrage of criticism on social media after they suffered their third Premier League defeat in a row, going down 5-0 against Manchester City on Saturday.

Ilkay Gundogan opened the scoring for the home team at the Etihad in the seventh minute and Ferran Torres added a second five minutes later in what was a rapid start by the hosts.

The North London side were then reduced to ten men in the 35th minute when midfielder Granit Xhaka was dismissed for a two-footed lunge on Joao Cancelo, before Gabriel Jesus added the third for City in the 43rd minute to ensure they led 3-0 lead at the half-time break.

After the resumption, Rodri powered home the fourth into the corner in the 54th minute before Torres wrapped up the scoring with his second of the day with a header in the 84th minute.

The defeat now means Arsenal have lost all their first three matches – a 2-0 defeat against promoted side Brentford on the opening day, 2-0 against Chelsea at home last week, and now against City.

The latest result has left fans across Africa calling for Mikel Arteta's head, while others predicted the Gunners could face relegation at the end of the season.

Below is how Twitter reacted to the defeat by the Pep Guardiola charges.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang called on his Arsenal team-mates to show a dramatic improvement after suffering a humbling 5-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester City on Saturday. 

The Gunners, who played the last hour with 10 men following Granit Xhaka's red card, slumped to their third consecutive Premier League defeat in as many games this season, and have now conceded nine times without managing a single goal of their own. 

Despite investing heavily in new talent over the summer, things look grim for the club as the pressure mounts on manager Mikel Arteta. 

What has been said?

Speaking after the game, Aubameyang recognised that the team's performance levels simply were not good enough. 

"You have to take risks and you have to be brave on the ball, and we didn't today," said Aubameyang.

"After that and the red card, it was a completely different game, but as I said, this is not enough and everyone needs to raise the level, look at ourselves in the mirror and work this out as a team and stick together. This is the only way to go forward. 

"We have to play with courage and in this type of game, you have to play with everything. You have to take risks and we just didn't do enough today, and that's it. 

"I think we need to talk between us players. I think this is now important because we are Arsenal and we need pride. That's it. We have to talk and say the truth between each other, be honest and as I said, raise the level.

"For sure [the rebuilding process] is going to be difficult, but we are a team. We have to stick together in this moment. As the senior players, we have to show the way as well to the young players. I know that won't be easy but we will try to do our best."

Arteta's opinion

Aubameyang may have been brutal in his analysis of Saturday's meltdown, but his thoughts were supported by the embattled Arteta. 

"If he feels that then I really agree because they are the ones that are on the pitch and have feelings that no one else can have apart from them so if that's the case, then that's good," the manager explained after the final whistle. 

"I've always said it, I will be the one [to take responsibility]. I think I've been more critical about myself and taking the blame every single time, but only when we have defeats.

"I stand here today and I do exactly the same thing. I question myself and I have to try and have the right people around me and look at every decision that we make, and that I make, and try to improve it and change it if we believe that we should have done something different, of course."

Further reading 

Diogo Dalot is expecting to stay at Manchester United despite interest from Borussia Dortmund in the right-back, Goal has learned. 

The full-back spent last season on loan at AC Milan and enjoyed a great summer playing every game as Portugal reached the final of the European Under-21 Championship and earned himself a call-up to Fernando Santos’ senior team for Euro 2020 after Joao Cancelo had to pull out of the squad. 

Dalot has impressed during pre-season at United but, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer interested in Kieran Trippier, the right-back has been unsure about his future. However, with the deadline a few days away he is expecting to stay at the club.

What is the latest? 

It is understood Dortmund were in talks over a potential transfer before Tuesday’s deadline but the player is happy to stay and fight for his place and Solskjaer wants to keep him.

Up until recently the 22-year-old has been unsure as to the plans for him this season. United have an interest in Trippier but have been unwilling to pay Atletico Madrid’s asking price and the form of Dalot in pre-season has given Solskjaer confidence he can push Aaron Wan-Bissaka at right-back this season. 

It is understood Dalot is happy with the decision for him to stay at Old Trafford and is ready to fight for his place. 

How many times has Dalot played for Man Utd? 

Dalot signed in June 2018 from Porto and made his first-team debut against Young Boys in the Champions League. He went on to make 23 appearances in all competitions in his first season at the club but appeared just 11 times in his second campaign. 

He spent last season on loan at AC Milan where he impressed in 33 appearances in all competitions.  

Further reading

Red Bull Salzburg starlet Karim Adeyemi revelled in his first call-up to the Germany senior national team after the 19-year-old was included in Hansi Flick’s 26-man Die Mannschaft squad for September’s 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifiers.

The four-time World Cup winners take on Liechtenstein on September 2 before welcoming Armenia to Stuttgart’s Mercedes-Benz Arena three days later.

Germany then take on Iceland in their next Group J fixture on September 8 in Reykjavik.

Buoyed by the announcement, the teenager – who was tipped to represent the Super Eagles – went on social media to show his excitement.

“First a Champions’ League qualification at club level followed by a call-up to the senior team at the national level. What a beautiful week in my career as a footballer!” Adeyemi wrote on Twitter.

“I am grateful to everyone that has helped me on this journey of becoming. Danke!”

Born in Germany to a Nigerian father and Romanian mother, the youngster’s talent was first noticed by Bayern Munich before he continued his football education at SpVgg Unterhaching.

He joined RB Salzburg in 2018, albeit, he was loaned to Liefering to gain first-team experience and he was recalled to the Austrian club thanks to his impressive performances.

There, he became a regular in Jesse Marsch’s squad, helping them to win two Austrian Bundesliga titles as well as two Austrian Cup crowns.

On the international scene, he represented Germany at U16 and U17 level before his promotion to the U21 squad – where he played a starring role in the 2021 Uefa European Under-21 Championship.

Having been named on the 2021 NXGN list of the world's top footballing wonderkids, Salzburg sporting director Christoph Freund backed him to have a "great international career" with Germany.

"Karim has great potential and exceptional weapons, with his speed and scoring ability,” he told Goal.

"If he continues to really step on the gas and is spared injuries, I believe he can have a really great international career.

"The next step, however, is for him to really take off with us in Salzburg in the coming months."

In the 2021-22 campaign, he has scored six times in five league games. Adeyemi would be hoping to continue with his blistering scoring form when his team take on Hartberg on Saturday.

Steven Polack believes the shock return of Cristiano Ronaldo to Manchester United will push the side to challenge for the Premier League title this season.

On Friday, the Red Devils confirmed they had agreed on a deal to sign the Portuguese forward from Juventus, after rivals Manchester City, reportedly, pulled out of the race.

According to the former Gor Mahia coach, the return of the 36-year-old to Old Trafford, where he starred between 2003 and 2009, will give United a chance to challenge for the Premier League crown they last won in the 2012-13 campaign during the final season of Sir Alex Ferguson’s tenure.

Polack, however, insists United will not find it easy to lay their hands on the title and predicted stiff competition from Chelsea, Man City, and Liverpool.

What did Polack say?

“Nothing is guaranteed but with him [Ronaldo] being there, they have a great chance and should be challenging for the title,” Polack told Goal on Saturday when asked if United are now favourites to win the league.

“But it is going to be interesting, you have Chelsea, Man City, and Liverpool, I think it is going to be tight, it will not be a walk in the park but I can guarantee you that they will challenge for the title.”

On whether it was a good move for United to bring back Ronaldo, Polack said: “It is a good move for both sides, he is a legend a United and one of the best players in the world. He is a proven goalscorer and a winner.

“For sure he will help the team; he is a top player and that is what top players do and on the commercial side, it is very good and for the league too.”

Ronaldo is now better than he was

On whether United fans should expect to see the same Ronaldo as one of the previous stint at Old Trafford, the British tactician said: “People talk about his age, it is a just a number and he is fit and takes care of himself very well.

“He is more experienced more now, he has improved since he left United, take a look at his statistics’ Juventus 98 games 81 goals, Real Madrid 292 games 311 goals, United 292 games 118 goals, Portugal 179 games 109 goals.

“So that says he is a proven goalscorer and shows he is still at a good level.”

On announcing Ronaldo’s arrival, United said in a statement: “Manchester United is delighted to confirm that the club has reached agreement with Juventus for the transfer of Cristiano Ronaldo, subject to agreement of personal terms, visa and medical.

“Cristiano, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, has so far won over 30 major trophies during his career, including five Uefa Champions League titles, four Fifa Club World Cups, seven league titles in England, Spain, and Italy, and the European Championship for his native Portugal.”