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Mikel Arteta has been backed by Gilberto Silva to do “good work” for Arsenal after taking important lessons from managerial mentors Arsene Wenger and Pep Guardiola.

A promising Spanish coach was appointed by the Gunners in December 2019 in the wake of Unai Emery’s dismissal at Emirates Stadium.

Arteta boasts strong ties to the north London outfit from his playing days, having captained the club prior to hanging up his boots, but is a coaching rookie at the very highest level.

At just 38 years of age, he has only previously worked alongside Guardiola in an assistant role at Manchester City.

Early signs of encouragement have been offered, though, at Arsenal and the general consensus is that he will get things right if given the time and support he needs to be successful.

Ex-Gunners star Gilberto is among those expecting positive things from a highly-rated tactician, telling the Daily Mail of a man who has learned from some of the best around: “He knows the club, he played under Arsene, he worked with Pep and I’m sure he learned from both of them and the other managers he worked with.

“He can do good work for the club.”

Arsenal are leaning heavily on familiar faces when it comes to future planning as Arteta is in the dugout, Freddie Ljungberg and Per Mertesacker form part of the coaching and youth development teams and Edu fills a technical director post.

Gilberto, who was a member of Arsenal’s iconic ‘Invincibles’ squad from 2003-04, admits he would not be against returning to the Emirates if a suitable position was put to him.

The Brazilian said when asked about a possible retracing of his steps: “I’m enjoying my other work.

“But you never know. Arsenal hold a special place in my heart and if one day I get an invitation from the club of course I’d think in a special way about it.

“But for now I’ll be following from the outside and if I can help Arsenal in a different way at the moment, I’ll do my best.”

Arsenal remain in contention for European qualification and FA Cup glory this season, with Arteta’s side set to be back in action on Sunday when they take in a derby date with north London neighbours Tottenham.

Quique Setien is not a coach that Barcelona are “backing for the future”, claims presidential candidate Victor Font, with those looking to take control at Camp Nou planning on bringing Xavi back to the club.

The reigning La Liga champions only made a change in the dugout back in January, as two-time title winner Ernesto Valverde was ushered through the exits.

Setien was appointed in his place, but has struggled to convince many during his time at Camp Nou.

Barca have been knocked from the top of the table by arch-rivals Real Madrid, with star man Lionel Messi said to be concerned by leadership issues on and off the field.

Font admits that Setien is not viewed as a long-term solution in Catalunya, telling Ole: “He's the current Barca coach so for that reason alone he deserves all our respect and support.

“For me personally he's a coach I've always liked but it's true too that he's not the coach we're backing for the future.”

Barcelona are due to hold presidential elections in 2021, with Font among those looking to seize control from Josep Maria Bartomeu.

If he proves successful in that quest, then his intention is to have former fan favourite Xavi filling a prominent coaching post

“Absolutely,” Font said on a World Cup winner who is currently working at Qatari outfit Al Sadd.

“It's true that Xavi will be the coach when he decides, whoever is president, because Xavi is Barcelona and their biggest hope.

“I'm sure there will not be another project that has worked for so long to ensure that the sporting project that Xavi has in his head can be executed with the maximum chance of success.

“Xavi perfectly fits the profile of a player from here, formed in the youth academy, and knows and defends the style we defend ourselves.

“In the case of having the honour to be in charge, he will be the centre around which the whole football project will pivot in the coming years.”

Chelsea will be “stuffed” if they agree to sell Jorginho and do not bring in another defensive midfielder, claims Craig Burley.

The Blues boast alternative options to fill that position, with N’Golo Kante a World Cup winner and two-time Premier League champion.

Frank Lampard also has the potential of Scottish starlet Billy Gilmour to call upon, while Mateo Kovacic has filled a holding post in the past.

Burley, though, believes that another experienced option would be required if Jorginho is moved on.

The former Napoli star has been linked with a return to Italy, with another reunion with former Blues boos Maurizio Sarri being mooted at Juventus.

Lampard has given limited game time to the 28-year-old of late, but Burley believes he fills an important role in the squad at Stamford Bridge.

The former Blues midfielder told ESPN FC: "Well you'll have N'Golo Kante to play the defensive role, which looks likely.

"Billy Gilmour's come in but he's a young man learning the game and that's a lot to ask, but he'll get some game time.

"Kovacic is there, Barkley's had game time, [Ruben] Loftus-Cheek is back although he's more attacking.

"But I suppose the answer would be to have protection, if Frank Lampard sees it that way, if there's an injury to N'Golo Kante, they're kind of going to be stuffed for somebody who can play a deeper-lying midfield role and protect that back four."

Lampard has claimed to be happy with his options in the engine room, with the Chelsea boss offering no indication that he is planning for possible comings and goings.

He has said ahead of a meeting with Sheffield United on Saturday: "I have selection issues in midfield. Good issues because I have N'Golo Kante, Billy Gilmour, Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic.

"And then in slightly more advanced areas I have Mason Mount, Ross Barkley and I have Ruben Loftus-Cheek now.

"There are always players who are maybe unhappy or have moments out of the team, and that's Jorginho at the moment.

"If a player is missing for one game or a few games, it doesn't mean in any way that they are out of my thoughts going forward.

"There have been times when he has been pivotal for me this year, certainly on and off the pitch. That doesn't change and I am very happy with him."

Jack Grealish has not seen sufficient ambition from Aston Villa to tempt him to stay with the club, according to former captain Stiliyan Petrov.

Relegation from the Premier League looks a near certainty for Villa now, after Watford and West Ham claimed potentially decisive wins on Saturday to pull clear of the bottom three.

It will mean Villa's return to the top flight has lasted just one campaign, after Grealish spent three seasons in the Championship helping his boyhood club battle their way back to the elite level.

Grealish is widely expected to leave, having been linked with a host of leading clubs including Manchester United , and the 24-year-old may risk his potential going unfulfilled should he drop into the second tier again.

Although Villa were among the big spenders leading into the 2019-20 season, Petrov suggests the 1982 European Cup winners have still not matched Grealish's needs.

And in turn that leads to the inevitable suspicion he will call time on his Villa career.

Speaking to Stats Perform News , Petrov said: "As a Villa fan I'd love him to stay. Jack likes to compete, he wants to do that at the highest level. He loves the club. He showed that in the Championship, he helped us get promotion, he battled hard in the Premier League.

"If that moment comes [when Grealish leaves], it would be sad to see because he is an exceptional person, not just player. But as a club, have we done enough to keep him?

"I don't think so and it's a big problem going forward as a club, because we may get good players through the youth system, but can we do enough to keep them?

"If he goes, I don't think he can be blamed."

Former Bulgaria star Petrov, who made over 200 appearances for Villa from 2006 until 2012, says it would be a natural progression for Grealish to step up to an established Premier League club.

"Jack has a growth mindset," Petrov said. "He likes to improve, he wants to achieve.

"He likes to be in the spotlight, wants to be counted. He wants to compete at the highest level.

"Of course, he will generate interest from the top clubs because he does perform. If you remember, Pep Guardiola said he's one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.

"That compliment comes from one of the best managers in the world. Those managers don't waste their words saying this about someone who doesn't deserve it.

"That's why Pep came out and said he's one of the best and his performances this season have attracted attention. It's completely normal."

Jay Rodriguez's equaliser ended Liverpool's 100 per cent home Premier League record and dented their hopes of setting a new highest points tally as Burnley secured a 1-1 draw at Anfield.

The champions dominated the Clarets for much of the game and Andy Robertson put them in front in a one-sided first half that saw the outstanding Nick Pope make a string of fine saves.

Roberto Firmino hit the post after the break as Liverpool remained on the front foot, but the in-form Clarets started to pose more of a threat and Rodriguez salvaged an unlikely point.

Johann Gudmundsson rattled the crossbar late on as Burnley almost snatched a stunning victory.

Liverpool need seven points from their last three games to match Manchester City's record of 100 points in a top-flight season after slipping up at home following 24 successive league wins.

Liverpool played with the swagger of champions from the start and Pope produced a brilliant reflex save to keep out Mohamed Salah's right-footed volley before the Clarets goalkeeper superbly denied the Egypt forward once again.

The Reds applied relentless pressure and they were rewarded after 34 minutes, Fabinho picking out Robertson with a pinpoint diagonal ball and the left-back ghosted in unmarked from the right to plant a header into the far corner of the net.

Burnley were on the ropes and Pope produced more heroics on the stroke of half-time, somehow palming Sadio Mane's rasping left-foot drive away for a corner.

Liverpool carried on where they left off after the break, Firmino striking the post with his left foot before Curtis Jones - making his first Premier League start - fired into the Kop.

Salah was denied a penalty when he tangled with James Tarkowski, who was then involved in an equaliser from out of the blue with just over 20 minutes to go.

The centre-back nodded down a free-kick in the Liverpool penalty area and Rodriguez swivelled to drill into the far corner with his right foot and Gudmundsson struck the bar in a dramatic finale.

What does it mean? Reds have little margin for error in pursuit of a century

It appeared Jurgen Klopp's men were going to ease to yet another win on Merseyside, but a combination of Rodriguez and Pope had other ideas.

The champions need to win all three matches against Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle United to better City's tally of 100.

Outstanding Pope continues to stake England claim

Liverpool could have had the points sewn up at half-time if it were not for the brilliance of Pope. 

The Burnley keeper has been outstanding this season and is putting serious pressure on England number one Jordan Pickford.

Woe for Firminho 

Firminho has played a big part in Liverpool's success this season, but the Brazil forward has still not scored a home goal in the league.

He was left holding his head yet again after he beat Pope with a left-footed shot but saw his effort come back off the woodwork.

Key Opta facts

-  Burnley have lost just one of their last 13 Premier League games, winning seven and drawing five. Only Manchester United are on a longer current unbeaten run than the Clarets, who have not lost in their last five matches.
- Liverpool had 23 shots in the match, their most in a Premier League game they failed to win since December 2017 - when they had 23 versus Everton.
- Robertson's goal was his first in the Premier League for Liverpool at Anfield in 790 days, since netting against Brighton and Hove Albion on the final day of the 2017-18 campaign.
- Burnley striker Rodriguez has scored in back-to-back Premier League games for the first time since April 2018. He has been involved in a goal in each of his last four Premier League outings - with three goals and an assist.

What's next? 

Liverpool travel to the capital for a clash with Arsenal on Wednesday, while the Clarets face Wolves at Turf Moor on the same evening.

Arsenal starlet Gabriel Martinelli admits to having been left stunned by the “crazy” comments made by Ronaldinho which saw him compared to Brazilian icon Ronaldo.

The 19-year-old was snapped up by the Gunners in the summer of 2019 as a relative unknown.

Few at Emirates Stadium knew what to expect from the youngster, but the promising forward has settled quickly in English football.

Ten goals have been recorded through 26 appearances, with improved terms earned in a new contract along the way.

Ronaldinho is among those to have been impressed by Martinelli’s efforts, telling The Mirror in January: “We as Brazilians are very excited about him and his future.

“It is one thing to have the talent, but another at the age of 18 to have the confidence.

“He reminds me of Ronaldo. In his first season in Europe, he scored 30 goals and people were thinking, ‘who is this 18-year-old Brazilian kid?’

“He wanted the ball, he would run at players, there was no fear no matter what players or team he was playing against – and I see that similar attitude in Martinelli. He just wants to be on the ball and score goals.”

Martinelli will hope to follow in the footsteps of a two-time World Cup winner and one of the finest frontmen of all time, but admits that such a lofty billing is slightly premature.

He told Arsenal’s YouTube channel of the Ronaldo talk: “Wow, when I heard that I couldn’t believe it. It’s crazy because I was in Brazil until recently, playing in the Copa Sao Paulo, which is a prestigious youth-level competition, but it’s nothing like the Premier League.

“To get here and play in the Premier League for Arsenal, one of the best clubs in the world, and for one of the best Brazilian players of all time to speak so highly of me and compare me with one of the best forwards in football history is something that seems hard to believe.

“You think ‘could he really be talking about me? Is it me?' To be honest it still hasn’t sunk in. That’s the case for many things because they’ve happened so quickly in my life.

“As I said I always have to keep my feet on the ground. I’m grateful for those who praise me and I always try to give my best to keep earning that praise but above all it’s about working hard and going for wins and success here at Arsenal.”

Martinelli’s debut campaign at Emirates Stadium has been brought to a premature conclusion, with an unfortunate knee problem keeping him stuck on the sidelines, but big things are expected of him in 2020-21.

Semi Ajayi played 90 minutes as West Bromwich Albion were held 1-1 at Blackburn Rovers on Saturday, as they dropped two valuable points in the race to reach the Premier League.

The Baggies took the lead through Filip Krovinovic in the 41st minute, but the hosts pegged them back through Joe Rothwell three minutes after the hour mark.

While the draw keeps the Albion in the automatic promotion places, the gap to third-placed Brentford has been cut to three points after the Bees defeated Derby County away earlier in the day.

Algeria wideman Said Benrahma was in sensational form for the Londoners, netting twice to take his tally to six goals in his last three matches, as Brentford extended their winning run to seven games.

They’re now within touching distance of the Baggies, and with superior goal difference, may fancy their chances of overhauling the Midlanders in the remaining three games of the season.

Fulham, in fifth place on 76 points, may also fancy their chances of overhauling Ajayi and co, having won their last four matches in the second tier.

It was a frustrating afternoon for Albion, who took 17 shots to Blackburn’s seven, but were regularly repelled by their opponents, for whom Tosin Adarabioyo was excellent in the heart of the defence.

Rovers boss Tony Mowbray discussed his admiration for the on-loan Manchester City centre-back earlier in the week, but acknowledged that his side were unlikely to be able to afford the Anglo-Nigerian starlet on a permanent basis.

While Adarabioyo and his teammates will be delighted with a point, the Albion were left frustrated with their inability to win, particularly as Krovinovic could have added a second when he struck the bar.

The Throstles pushed men forward late on in search of a winner, a sign perhaps of their increasing desperation, while head coach Slaven Bilic was involved in a touchline altercation with Adarabioyo’s defensive partner Darragh Lenihan as tensions bubbled over.

Ajayi was booked late on but enjoyed a strong showing in which he won four aerial battles and created a goalscoring opportunity.

His defensive return of three tackles and six clearances was better than any other Albion player, as he again demonstrated his qualities in the backline.

Liverpool are still “working 100 per cent” despite dropping points in a 1-1 draw against Burnley, says Andy Robertson, with the Premier League champions determined to avoid stumbling past the finishing post.

The Reds wrapped up a first top-flight crown in 30 years with a record-breaking seven games to spare.

With another trophy added to the cabinet and there little more than pride to play for from this point, Jurgen Klopp’s side have seen their high standards slip since the restart in England.

They returned to action with a heavy defeat at Manchester City, while hard work was made of a home date with Aston Villa and a 1-1 draw played out when Burnley paid a visit to Anfield.

Robertson got Liverpool off to the perfect start in that contest, with his third goal of the season breaking the deadlock after 34 minutes.

The Reds were unable to build on that advantage, despite creating plenty of opportunities, and failed to emerge victorious in a Premier League fixture for just the fifth time this season as their 24-match winning run in the league at Anfield came to an end.

Robertson insists that was not for a lack of trying, with Klopp’s side working as hard as ever despite hitting their ultimate targets for the campaign.

The Scotland international full-back told BBC Sport of the joys of netting a rare goal and the frustration of being held: “The corner came back to the edge of the box and Fabinho saw the run. It was a decent header to be fair!

“It's always nice to contribute a goal but I would have preferred it to contribute to a win.

“Credit to Burnley but we needed to be much better than that. We dominated the first half and created a lot and they didn't really have any chances. We know with a team like Burnley, they grow with confidence when it's only 1-0.

“We have to be more clinical in front of goal. Burnley are in the position they are because they grind out the results. Fantastic squad, fantastic manager, so credit to them, but we know we can do better.

“Mo [Salah] had a shot in the 92nd minute that nine times out of 10 he scores, so we were still creating chances.

“We can assure you we are working 100% in training, in games. We were good enough to win the game today but didn't take our chances.”

Klopp shuffled his pack for a meeting with the Clarets, with youngsters Neco Williams and Curtis Jones handed starting berths, and Robertson sees the ongoing progress of exciting academy graduates to be a positive for the Reds on a disappointing afternoon.

He added: “They have been great all season and have been pushing the lads in their positions.

“I thought Neco was brilliant and I try to help him whenever I can as a full-back. Curtis [Jones] has all the confidence and all the ability in the world and he showed that in times today. Hopefully he has a big career at Liverpool.”

Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Thapelo Morena says he will not be upset if he fails to recover on time in the event the Premier Soccer League (PSL) season resumes.

The 26-year-old sustained a serious ankle injury during a Nedbank Cup Round of 32 1-0 win over SuperSport United in February, leaving him requiring surgery.

But he has been making progress in his recovery and joined the Sundowns squad at a training camp in Rustenburg where he is having light workouts.

Had football in South Africa not been suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic, Morena was sure to miss the rest of the season but now there is a possibility he could finish the campaign playing.

The resumption of the PSL current season is yet to be announced but the full-back-cum-winger is not worried about missing out of the remainder of Downs' bid for a third straight league title and Nedbank Cup.

“With me delivering what I did for the season I thought I wanted to give more but unfortunately the injury and most importantly for me I just wanted to deliver to the team and do my level best,” said Morena as per Sowetan Live.

“That’s why even now I put my head straight and say, ‘You know what, if I come earlier it’s a bonus to the team and if I take longer it’s still okay because it’s just a few games to play now and the season closes’. But for the new season, I will definitely be back, ready and fully fit.

“For now I’m just taking it easy as it comes and it’s just a matter of making sure that I fully heal. And like I said, if I come back this season it’s going to be a bonus for me also, but if not it’s OK – I will be looking to start the new season.”

Before being injured, Morena had featured in 29 games across all competitions this season, scoring five goals and making eight assists.

The hope of him taking part in Sundowns' remaining nine PSL games and Nedbank Cup semi-finals this season is because he has recovered faster than expected.

“So everything has gone according to plan, I’m getting there and getting a bit stronger and I’m happy also to be back in camp with the rest of the guys. You know this feeling, it’s been a while not having it,” Morena said.

“For me I think the support I had and being strong mentally and taking good care of myself, making sure that whatever I had to do I have to do it, I saw myself coming back quickly from it.

“We’re getting used to the training, the environment, to getting back to the field and having that fun again. The first three days were a bit difficult.”

Also injured at Downs is Mauricio Affonso who is recovering in his native Uruguay while Oupa Manyisa also had his season disturbed by injury.

Mumbai City FC are in advanced talks to sign Nigerian striker Bartholomew Ogbeche from Kerala Blasters for the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) season, Goal understands. 

Ogbeche's presence upfront will be vital for The Islanders next season, if they manage to seal the deal. Last season, Kerala had scored 29 goals and of those, 15 goals (51.72%) were scored by Ogbeche.

The Nigerian's 15 goals last season not only placed him in the race for Golden Boot but also helped him surpass Iain Hume as Blasters' all-time top scorer in his debut season.

The former Paris Saint-Germain footballer came to India during the 2018-19 season and had joined NorthEast United FC. He was the top goal scorer for the Highlanders and played a pivotal role in guiding them to the play-offs for the first time in the club's history.

After an epic season at the Guwahati-based club, Ogbeche followed coach Eelco Schattorie to Kerala Blasters last year. But now with Eelco Schattorie gone from the club after just one season, Ogbeche too is keen to experience greener pastures.

Kerala Blasters will look to rope in new players to boost their attacking arsenal in the case of Ogbeche's departure. Karolys Skinkis and Kibu Vicuna are in constant disucussion over the recruitment policy.

Mumbai City FC have been on a roll in the transfer market this season. They have already roped in former FC Goa coach Sergio Lobera and captain Mandar Rao Dessai. Gaurs' star defender Mourtada Fall and Ahmed Jahouh are also expected to follow suit.

It must be noted that Mumbai are undergoing a complete overhaul of their playing style and structure, with coach Jorge Costa parting ways with the club at the end of the season. With Lobera, they will be playing a completely different style of football.

Ogbeche's performances against FC Goa last season looks to have impressed Lobera who has strongly recommended his name to the management.

If Ogbeche comes in, Mumbai City's attack will have a menacing look about it, something they missed last season.

Jose Mourinho is in the process of edging Dele Alli out at Tottenham, claims Jermaine Jenas, with the working relationship between player and coach having seemingly turned “a little bit sour”.

Questions were being asked of the England international midfielder prior to a change in the dugout in north London.

Having once been one of the most productive and consistent goalscoring options from deep in the Premier League, the last few years have seen the talented 24-year-old allow his standards to dip.

Alli managed only seven goals during the 2018-19 season and has added just nine efforts to his overall tally in the current campaign.

Finding form has proved to be an issue for a man tied to a contract through to 2024, with only a brief resurgence enjoyed when Mourinho took the reins at Spurs.

Alli has slipped backed out of favour since then, with Jenas suggesting that he may now be ushered towards the exits at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The former Spurs star told BBC Radio 5 Live: "Dele, he's struggled by the looks of it. That's the key one I look at in terms of the way it's gone.

"If you think of the way he arrived, Jose, the smiles, the 'have I been watching Dele's brother'. All of a sudden Dele's scoring goals and it's all looking good.

"And then, we've not seen Dele. We've not seen that Dele for weeks, months. And I get the feeling that he will slowly edge him out from what I'm seeing.

"That's an indication of things going a little bit sour."

Alli is not the first to have fallen foul of Mourinho’s methods, with Jenas conceding that some of those at Spurs may not find the enigmatic Portuguese’s demanding nature to their liking.

The ex-England international added: "I always felt that Jose Mourinho, as good a tactician as he needed to be in all of those finals he's had in his career, that's still in him, but he's always been a people person in terms of the mentality side of the game.

"I had a conversation with Cesc Fabregas recently, who said Jose Mourinho is in the top three managers he's ever had. And that is because he challenged him on a regular basis to be better.

"If he had a bad game, Jose wouldn't talk to him. And he felt, 'I want the love back, I'm going to go and earn it'. Have these Tottenham players got that? I don't know if they've got that."

Kelechi Iheanacho has revealed his delight to play under Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers.

The Northern Irish tactician was appointed in February 2019, replacing Claude Puel and has been the driving force behind the success of the team.

The King Power Stadium outfit is close to realizing their Champions League target, considering their current fourth position on the table.

Iheanacho has endured mixed fortunes since teaming up with the Foxes from Manchester City but he is gradually becoming a key member of the team.

The forward has bagged 10 goals and provided four assists in all competitions this season and he has explained how the Northern Irish tactician has been motivating him as well as his other teammates.

"He’s a different class. He speaks to everyone and motivates and encourages them. He got me going, to be fair,” Iheanacho told the club website.

"He got everyone going. Whenever I’m playing, I’m free to express myself, so long as I stick to the plan, and it’s just a joy to play under him."

The Foxes were third on the Premier League table before the outbreak of coronavirus which forced football activities across the world into a hiatus.

The King Power Stadium outfit has, however, been able to secure only one win in their last five games since the restart of the English top-flight.

Iheanacho, who has scored twice in his last three games, has urged his side to remain focused in order to win their remaining four league games and finish in top-four at the end of the campaign.

"It’s been great, I’ve really enjoyed it. We worked hard in training before the restart on getting our fitness right,” he continued.

"It was a bit different because, normally when the season finishes, you come back after a holiday or travelling, but when you’re just inside for three months, it’s hard.

"Now, we need to keep our standard high and keep the philosophy that we’ve had since the start of the season. We just need to finish these four games well.

"It needs focus to get it done and dusted. We’re ready, we’re focused, and we’re trying to get there."

The forward also congratulated his teammate and England international Jamie Vardy, who recently reached the 100-goal mark in the Premier League.

"Jamie is a top striker. He’s one of the best in the Premier League, so congratulations to him. It’s been great working with him and I’ve learned a lot from him," he added

"Most importantly, he’s a great guy and he’s funny, so I’m happy learning from him."

Iheanacho will hope to add to his goal tally when Leicester take on Bournemouth in their next Premier League game on Sunday.

Middlesbrough lost 3-1 to Bristol City in Saturday’s English Championship fixture, with Britt Assombalonga getting Boro’s consolation strike.

Having silenced Millwall on Wednesday evening where the DR Congo international was among the goalscorers, Neil Warnock’s men went into the encounter with high hopes - aiming for all points at stake to leave the relegation zone.

However, the visitors who named an unchanged line-up to the side that defeated Hull City 2-1 during the week raced to a 2-0 lead going into the half-time break at the Riverside Stadium.

Following a pass from Andreas Weimann, Nakhi Wells put City ahead after six minutes after beating goalkeeper Dejan Stojanovic from outside the area. Stojanovic was forced to make a brave save a few minutes later to deny Famara Diedhiou from converting his low shot from distance.

Three minutes before half-time, Jamie Paterson converted from a tight angle with Weimann providing the assist. 

Despite manager Warnock bringing in Lewis Wing for George Saville at half-time, they struggled in their bid to launch a way back into the contest.

However, the Smoggies’ hopes got dashed with 10 minutes left after Wells completed his double of the evening after profiting from a through ball to fire the ball past impressive Stojanovic into the far corner.

Two minutes later, the Congolese pulled one back for the hosts. The 27-year-old found an opening inside the box before executing a good finish that completely beat goalkeeper Daniel Bentley. With that, he now boasts eight strikes in 32 league games so far.

Cameroon defender Harold Moukoudi who is on loan from Saint-Etienne was not listed for the encounter. 

For Bristol City, Benik Afobe was not dressed for action by the Robin’s manager as well as Gambia international Saikou Janneh and Anglo-Nigerian Hakeeb Adelakun. Senegal’s Diedhiou was handed a starter’s role but was replaced in the 82nd minute by Marley Watkins.

Thanks to this result, they are currently 11th in the log after garnering 61 points from 43 outings and they welcome Stoke City to Ashton Gate on Wednesday.

The Boro side remains two points above the relegation zone with three games now remaining to secure Championship survival. They are guests of Reading on Tuesday.

For the second season running Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) are in the premier club competition under the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) banner after their first group stage appearance in the 2019 tournament last year. The 6-time Malaysia Super League champions are grouped together with Guangzhou Evergrande, Vissel Kobe and Suwon Bluewings this season.

The first postponement came before the start of the first match with matches involving Guangzhou being the first to be postponed and initially scheduled for May but after only three matches played thus far in the group, the entire schedule has been disrupted by the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.

With things improving in the continent, AFC has worked out a revised schedule that would see the matches resuming in October where all matches within the group will be played a centralised venue.

Contents

Only three matches have been played in the group with JDT, Vissel and Suwon being the teams who have completed two matches each whilezGuangzhou have yet to take to the field. JDT had a horrible start to their 2020 ACL campaign when they were completely beaten by a Andres Iniesta inspired Vissel, who went on to also beat Suwon in the next match.

JDT however roared back into contention after a goal each from Gonzalo Cabrera and Mauricio earned them a massive 2-1 win over the Korean side at the new Sultan Ibrahim Stadium back in March.

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For the resumption of the competition that will be played out across 16 days will see JDT face off against Guangzhou on Nov 17 first before rematch against Suwon (Nov 23) and Vissel (Nov 29) to follow. Their group stage schedule will be completed with an encounter against Guangzhou on Nov 1.

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AFC Champions League 2020 Group G table

In their inaugural ACL outing, Vissel are sitting pretty at the top of the standings with maximum points after two matches played while JDT have put themselves in the running for a place in the next stage with that win over Suwon. However a clearer picture of the standings can only be seen after Guangzhou have completed their first two matches.

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Who could JDT meet in the Round of 16?

The draw dictates that the top two teams from Group G and Group H will crossover and meet each other in the first knockout stage. Currently in Group H, Yokohama F Marinos are the leaders and as it stands, it would see JDT taking on the Japanese champions who has a familiar face in Theerathon Bunmathan in their side.

But like a similar situation with Group G, the Chinese side in Group H which is Shanghai SIPG has yet to play a match and lots may still change when the matches return. While two-time champions Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors also cannot be discounted from the being one of the qualified teams. 

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has admitted Manchester United’s planning for next season is "up in the air" with the club still fighting for Champions League qualification. 

The United boss said he is planning for a number of different scenarios ahead of the 2020-21 campaign, which is scheduled to start in September, as the Red Devils don’t yet know if they will be competing in the Champions League.

United have four league games left, including a final-day clash against Leicester City, and should they win all their remaining fixtures they will finish in a lucrative top-four spot.

Finishing fifth may also be enough to secure a Champions League position, with the outcome of Manchester City’s appeal against their ban to be given on Monday.

There is also the option of securing a place in the competition by winning the Europa League but the final in Germany will not be played until August 21, giving United very little time to finalise plans ahead of the next season.

Solskjaer explained ahead of United’s clash against Southampton: "There is quite a lot of planning going on. When do we start the league? That is obviously determined by how far we go in Europe, you can't really decide on the training programme.

"There are so many small decisions, transfers are out of our hands as well.

"If the team is going well, what do we need? What don't we need? That's the way we're working and you've got to plan for different scenarios. Uncertainty of dates, how much holiday, what will next season look like? It's a little bit up in the air."

Solskjaer was adamant that the club would not panic buy should United fail to qualify for the Champions League for second season in a row.

"I don't think the club would panic or go crazy with plans that we've already talked about for years to come," he said. "You do have to have a long-term plan but short-term some decisions will be easier to make if you get the Champions League."

United’s next game in their battle to finish in the top four is at Old Trafford on Monday night as they host Southampton and Solskjaer is considering naming an unchanged side for the fifth consecutive league game.

"There are so many things you have to consider when you manage a team and there's a squad of players champing at the bit to play and players in rhythm keep playing well which means less work on the training ground," Solskjaer explained.

"There are loads of decisions to be made but they make it easier by playing and performing well and looking after themselves. We don't get too many injuries, so there's no reason to change too much when you're doing well."

Kelechi Iheanacho is hoping to play in the Champions League with Leicester City, having experienced the competition during his time with Manchester City.

The King Power Stadium outfit was third in the Premier League before the outbreak of the coronavirus which forced football activities into a hiatus.

The Foxes have, however, not been at their best since the restart of the English top-flight, winning only one of their last five games, owing to the injury problems suffered by some of their key players like James Maddison, Ben Chilwell and Ricardo.

Leicester are now currently fourth on the league table, one point above fifth-placed Manchester United, who have been in top form lately.

The 23-year-old Nigeria international has praised the Red Devils squad but insisted his side will be focused on their target.

"Bruno [Fernandes] is a top player. They've got Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogba back in the team now. They're flying. But that's not what we need to worry about. We just need to focus on our games," Iheanacho told Sky Sports.

"Madders [Maddison], Chilly [Chilwell] and Ricardo are fantastic players. They have a big impact on the team. I love playing with them.

"But everyone can fill the gaps as well. Everyone knows what to do when you're taking someone's place."

"We've worked really hard to get to this stage, so it would really be a dream [to qualify for the Champions League].”

Iheanacho has been in fine form since the restart of the league, scoring two goals in his last three games and explained how he stayed fit during the coronavirus break.  

"We've been training at home and the coaches have been giving us work to do. It's gone well. I was just keeping fit and training every day," he continued.

Iheanacho was deployed on the right of the front three in a 3-4-3 formation in the Foxes’ draw against Arsenal on Tuesday and explained the position is familiar to him.

He also praised Leicester’s first-choice striker Jamie Vardy and Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah for their brilliant finishes, which he hopes to emulate.

"It's not the first time I've started there. It's not really right-wing. It's two strikers and one behind me and Jamie [Vardy]. Sometimes I drift off to the right, so I'm more inside,” he added.

"Playing with Jamie is an honour. He's a top finisher, so whenever he plays and scores he inspires me because I want to repeat that.

"Mo Salah is Mo Salah! If I find myself in that position, I'll just crack on. We just need to play according to the plans."

Iheanacho teamed up with Manchester City on the back of his eye-catching performances at the 2013 U17 World Cup, where he scooped the Golden Ball award as he helped Nigeria clinch the title.

The forward made his debut in the Premier League against Watford in August 2015 after replacing Raheem Sterling and went on to make 46 league appearances, scoring 12 goals for the Citizens before joining Leicester in the summer of 2017 for a fee of £25 million.

"My Premier League debut was against Watford in 2015. I got a few minutes or so. It was truly heart-warming. So nice, being young and then scoring goals,” he added

"There are young players doing well now and I'm happy for them, like Phil Foden and Mason Greenwood. You never know how it really feels until you start getting older and understand more."

Iheanacho has bagged 10 goals and provided four assists for the King Power Stadium outfit across all competitions this season.

The forward will hope to continue his fine showings when Leicester take on Bournemouth in their next Premier League game on Sunday.

Wazito FC President Ricardo Badoer has promised to award anyone with enough proof of alleged match-fixing in Kenya KSh10 million.

Badoer had claimed in January there was an anonymous person who has been frustrating him with extortion and alleged match-fixing.

In a statement carried out by Wazito’s Twitter handle, the businessman has come out to promise any whistle-blower with millions concerning these revelations.

“I challenge anyone with proof of match-fixing in Kenya to come forward. Anyone who gives me the names of these people will get KSh10 million from me,” Badoer is quoted as saying.

The president also revealed why the club had to part ways with 11 players who were mostly signed at the beginning of the 2019/20 season.

“We are looking at some players from other teams to sign. We are going for young hungry players as we want players who want to play football for Wazito,” the businessman added.

“We released players based on performance, future goals and financial aspects.”

He also admitted it was not an easy decision to see head coach Stewart Hall leave especially after helping Wazito stabilise and remain in the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) after a turbulent start at the beginning.

“It was a tough decision to let [Stewart] Hall go because he had done a good job. But I always wanted a Kenyan to be in charge of Wazito,” he added.

“Fred Ambani [former head coach and now an assistant coach] is a good guy, he knows how to do the job and I have full confidence in him.”

The club owner also talked about the much-anticipated Wazito Stadium and plans to invest in a girls’ team.

“Construction of our stadiums will start soon. Covid-19 has affected the project but once we are able to travel things will take off really fast. We want to finish it in one year,” Badoer explained.

“I have plans of investing in women's football. It will show how much I love Kenyan football and how much I want to change the issues.”

Wazito players continued to enjoy salaries despite the league suspension and Badoer revealed why he had to ensure that was happening.

“We are a professional team and during this Covid-19 period we are paying our players, they have insurance. We are taking care of our players,” he concluded.

Wazito were 13th when the KPL was abandoned due to the restrictions brought about by the emergence of the coronavirus.

Paul Merson has expressed his belief that "Arsenal are a bit behind Tottenham", while admitting Spurs have a better chance of a top-four finish next season.

Sunday's north London derby could have a huge bearing on who finishes in the final Europa League places this season.

Arsenal are currently sitting eighth in the Premier League standings, one point behind seventh-placed Sheffield United and one ahead of arch-rivals Tottenham, who slipped to ninth after being held to a 0-0 draw away at Bournemouth on Thursday.

Jose Mourinho's side have only won two of their last five matches, while the Gunners have been in impressive form since suffering a shock 2-1 defeat away at Brighton on June 20.

Mikel Arteta's men have picked up four victories in all competitions since then, and were unfortunate not to extend that winning run after a 1-1 stalemate with Leicester at Emirates Stadium last time out.

Spurs missed a great chance to beat Arsenal when they met at the Emirates in the first half of the season as they squandered a 2-0 advantage during a thrilling 2-2 draw, which marked the final derby of Mauricio Pochettino's reign.

Mourinho has faced plenty of criticism for his perceived negative style of play since succeeding the Argentine, but Merson believes he has a strong enough squad at his disposal to fight for a place in the Champions League in 2020-21.

Despite the fact that Arteta has overseen a significant upturn in results recently, the Arsenal legend is not so sure that his old club can achieve the same goal, as he wrote in his latest column for the Daily Star: "Sunday’s derby is a close one to call. But I think Arsenal are a bit behind Tottenham.

"Neither of them are going to finish in the top four this season but there’s more chance of Spurs doing that next season than Arsenal. 

"Over a 38-game season, with the squads they have, and if everyone stays fit, I’d be surprised if Arsenal finish above Tottenham. I saw Arsenal against Leicester and they impressed me.

"But I liked what I saw from Spurs against Everton as well."