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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has issued response to Rwanda President Paul Kagame’s ‘mediocre’ Arsenal comments after they suffered defeat against Brentford last Friday.

The East African Head of State, who is an ardent Arsenal fan, issued a scathing assessment of the team’s performance after they suffered a 2-0 defeat in their Premier League season opener at Brentford Community Stadium.

Speaking to the press ahead of the team’s league match against Chelsea at Emirates on Sunday, Arteta was asked whether President Kagame had reached out to him or whether he agreed with his sentiments.

Arteta responded as quoted by Football London: “I agree that Arsenal should not accept mediocrity. I totally agree with that.”

Arteta further revealed he was not happy with some people who are trying to ‘bury’ him but could not mention names.

“I’m talking about the lack of clarity in the messages and using moments to try to come and using some very disrespectful ways to describe certain things. That’s what I'm saying. Nothing new,” Arteta continued.

“No, it’s not about pointing, it’s about expressing the feelings that are so obvious in moments like this.”

The defeat by the promoted side which came courtesy of goals from Sergi Canos in the 22nd minute and Christian Norgaard in the 73rd minute saw Kagame pour his pain into a series of Twitter posts calling out Arsenal's management and suggesting the club’s fans don’t deserve their current predicament.

“What?? It's football, it's a loss for Arsenal against Brentford,” Kagame wrote on his social media pages. “Brentford deserved to win and they did.

“The game itself aside, Arsenal and the fans don't deserve to kind of get used to this....NO!!! I say this as one of the big fans of Arsenal.

“The change has taken too long to come!”

Kagame also questioned why Arsenal does not have a working plan, especially when buying new players.

“It's been a struggle of about decade(s) - ups and downs - more downs until this point. Can't we have a plan that really works? “One part to look at is how we deal in the market - players we buy to execute the plan.

“The touch and go mentality does not bring change.”

He further called on Arsenal fans not to accept mediocrity, insisting those in charge understand the problem and should take the burden.

“We just must not excuse or accept mediocrity,” Kagame continued. “A team has to be built with a purpose to win win-win. So that when we lose...it was not to be expected!

“I am sure we all know on whose shoulders the heaviest burden rests. I hope they know too or even accept it.”

Lionel Messi's transfer from FC Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain was one of the biggest developments in the ongoing summer transfer window.

The Argentine superstar ended his 21-year long relationship with the Catalan giants after his contract ended with the club in the summer of 2021. After issues with his contract renewal, Messi ended up moving to the French capital and joined the Ligue 1 giants on a free transfer.

It was an emotional break-up between the two parties. Though both parties wanted to renew the contract, financial constraints forced Barcelona to let go of their most accomplished footballer ever. The club loyalists too were extremely morose watching the departure of the Argentine star. There were even demands among several quarters of the fanbase to retire Messi's iconic number 10 shirt.

Retiring a club legend's jersey is not uncommon in the world of football. Napoli retired Diego Maradona's number 10 shirt after the legend left the club, New York Cosmos also retired Pele's number 10 jersey. Italian clubs like AC Milan and AS Roma also did the same when Paolo Maldini and Francisco Totti retired from their respective clubs.

But unfortunately, despite the popular demand, Barcelona couldn't retire Messi's jersey and there is a reason behind it.

Why can't Barcelona retire Messi's number 10 shirt and what is the La Liga rule?

La Liga rules on squad number clearly state that players in the senior team of all clubs have to be handed jerseys between 1 to 25 with one being assigned to a goalkeeper. Each club is allowed to register a total of 25 players in their squad including three goalkeepers. Other than jersey number 1, goalkeepers can also be assigned jerseys 13 and 25. 

If a club decides to register a player from the reserves side in the middle of the season they can be assigned any number between 26 to 50.

Thus, even if Barcelona wants to retire the number 10 shirt in honour of Messi, they won't be able to as they are bound to assign the number to a senior squad player. If they retire the number, they will not be able to register more than 24 players in the league squad.

It is a similar case for Real Madrid who also parted ways with star defender and club legend Sergio Ramos this summer. Ramos, like Messi, has also joined PSG. So even if Real Madrid want, they will not be able to retired Ramos' iconic jersey number 4.

What is the rule in Premier League, Serie A and Bundesliga?

The rules in England, Italy and Germany regarding squad numbers of players are much more lenient compared to that of La Liga.

Premier League

In the Premier League, any squad number can be assigned to a player. Legendary English defender John Terry wore the number 26 shirt throughout his time at Chelsea. Italian forward Mario Balotelli wore the number 45 shirt at Manchester City and Liverpool.

There are even instances in Premier League clubs where a defender has donned a number 9 shirt which is traditionally reserved for the club's main striker. Dutch defender Khalid Boulharouz wore the number 9 jersey at Chelsea when he joined the Blues in 2006.

Bundesliga

In Germany, the rules were very strict regarding assigning squad numbers to players. Until the 1994/95 season, players of Bundesliga clubs were not assigned any number as they would get a squad number according to the playing eleven of the clubs. The rule stated that 1 to 11 jerseys were assigned to the 11 players who played in a particular game that too as per their positions. So only if a player featured in the starting lineup or a matchday squad, they would get a jersey number.

Since the 2011/12 season, the rules have been relaxed and the league started allowing clubs to assign any number between 1 to 40 to their players with 1 being reserved for a goalkeeper.

Serie A

In Italy, the rules are completely relaxed as the clubs can assign any jersey number to a player. When Brazil legend Ronaldinho joined AC Milan in 2008, he chose to wear the number 80 shirt. At Parma, legendary Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon wore number 77 shirt.

Senegal's Idrissa Gueye opened his goal account for the 2021-22 Ligue 1 season and Morocco's Achraf Hakimi grabbed an assist in Paris Saint-Germain's 4-2 win over Brest.

Friday's encounter was Gueye's maiden outing of the season following his recovery from coronavirus which kept him out of action since July.

The 31-year-old scored the visitors' third goal at the Stade Francis-Le Ble, after strikes from Andre Herrera and Kylian Mbappe in the first 45 minutes.

The former Everton and Aston Villa midfielder made it 3-1, thanks to an assist from Herrera in the 73rd minute but it did not take long for Benin striker Steve Mounie to reduce the deficit for Brest.

Mounie who has played every minute of league football with the Pirates so far, grabbed his first goal of the season with five minutes to full-time.

The game eventually ended in PSG’s favour after Hakimi supplied Angel Di Maria to make it 4-2 in the first minute of stoppage time.

The contribution means Hakimi, who joined the Parisians from Inter Milan this summer, now has a tally of a goal and an assist in three Ligue 1 matches.

The Morocco right-back played the entire duration alongside Senegal duo Abdou Diallo and Gueye. Brest, meanwhile, had Mounie and Algeria's Haris Belkebla on parade.

The victory powered Mauricio Pochettino's men to the top of the French top-flight table with nine points after three games while Brest remain winless with two points from three outings which put them in the 12th spot. 

Next up for PSG is a Ligue 1 trip to Reims on August 29 and they will be looking to maintain their winning start to the season.

The 2021-22 Serie A will kick-off with Inter beginning their title defense against Genoa on Saturday.

It's the beginning for life without Romelu Lukaku (Chelsea) and Achraf Hakimi (PSG) for the reigning champions, while AC Milan have roped in Olivier Giroud and Roma have signed young striker Tammy Abraham from Chelsea after losing Edin Dzeko to Inter.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic will look to lead Juventus and AC Milan to glory, whereas Jose Mourinho will be looking to guide Roma to a UEFA Champions League finish this season.

Here's how you can watch all the Serie A action.
 

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Where to watch or stream the Serie A

Viacom18 Media have won the rights to stream Serie A in India for the next three years. 

Voot, the flagship channel of Viacom18, will air Serie A matches exclusively in the upcoming season along with select national and regional network channels. 

Serie A will also be available for streaming through  JioTV.

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Serie A fixtures

Matchday 1

*All Serie A matches may be watched online on JioTV.

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Related links

Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that Liverpool have opened talks with Mo Salah over a new long-term contract.

The Reds, Goal understands, are hoping to tie their star man down to a two-year extension, which would keep him at Anfield until 2025 and make him the highest-paid player in the club’s history, earning around £250,000 a week.

Salah’s current deal, signed in 2018, has less than two years left to run, but Liverpool sources are confident an agreement will be reached, and that the 29-year-old will become the latest player to commit his long-term future, following in the footsteps of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Fabinho, Alisson Becker and Virgil van Dijk.

What did Klopp say? 

Speaking ahead of his side’s Premier League clash with Burnley, Klopp was asked if he was aware of any progress between the club and Salah’s representatives.

He said: “I’m involved in pretty much everything that happens in the club. Maybe some talks happen without me, that’s possible but I’m not sure. Apart from that I know about all things.

“It is how it always is; we don’t speak about these things. I know we changed that a little bit with Hendo [Jordan Henderson], but that doesn’t mean we will from now on tell you about each little step with negotiations.

“Firstly, Mo is obviously in a really, really good moment, form-wise, mood-wise, how he behaved from the first day he came back, absolutely great.

“We are all adults, we are all professionals. If there are talks there are talks, and if there's a decision then we will tell you. Until then it’s only important how the parties work together - and that’s not about Mo, it’s in general. We don’t have to talk about anything else, and the decisive people can talk in the background. 

“But yes, with two years left, you can imagine that there are talks. That is it.”

What about Jordan Henderson's contract situation?

Earlier, Klopp had given little away when asked about Jordan Henderson's situation, amid reports a three-year deal had been agreed with the captain.

"No," said a straight-faced Klopp when asked if there was any update. "Still all good."

When subsequently asked if there was anything to be concerned about, he simply replied: "No."

‘If there are records, Mo knows about them!’

Salah, meanwhile, started the new Premier League season in typical fashion, setting two goals up and scoring one himself as Liverpool beat Norwich 3-0 at Carrow Road last weekend.

With 126 goals in 204 games for the Reds, he sits 12th in their all-time scoring list, and needs only four to move level with 10th-placed Sam Raybould.

Asked whether he used such records, or perhaps the idea that he could one day be considered the greatest forward in Liverpool history, to motivate Salah, Klopp smiled.

“I don’t have to,” he said. “He knows that. Mo is aware of all these things, and that is absolutely fine! He enjoys it. 

“Breaking records is great, and the records he broke already are absolutely insane. I obviously didn’t know last week when he scored, that he is now the first player in the history of the Premier League to score in five successive [opening-day] games. And there’s a reason why nobody else did it - because it’s really difficult!

“If there are any records out there, he knows about them. And he doesn’t have to change his style, he just has to play football, and when he plays his football, when he works as hard as he does, there will come situations where he can score. 

“With his quality, he can obviously do that, and I think he can set records with assists as well. Just being around goal situations, that’s Mo Salah! 

“I’m really happy with him, but I never told him that he could be the biggest Liverpool legend ever, or whatever. That’s not something you go for, because people will judge you on that after your career.”

Further reading

Aston Villa is looking for its first win of the new Premier League season when it takes on Newcastle on Saturday.

Watch Aston Villa vs Newcastle on fuboTV (free 7-day trial)

Both Villa and Newcastle scored two goals apiece on the opening weekend, but neither side was able to come away with a win in their respective games.

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

Aston Villa could be boosted by the return of Douglas Luiz to the midfield after the Brazilian resumed training following his trip to the Olympics.

Ollie Watkins missed out last weekend, but is hopeful of featuring following a knee problem.

Both Trezeguet and Morgan Sanson remain sidelined for Dean Smith's side.

Predicted Aston Villa starting XI: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett; McGinn, Luiz; Bailey, Buendia, Ramsey; Ings.

Goalkeeper Karl Darlow is still recovering from coronavirus and is unlikely to play any part this weekend.

Martin Dubravka and Paul Dummett will miss out once again, but Jamaal Lascelles is back in contention after being named on the bench last weekend.

Joe Willock rejoined the Magpies from Arsenal and is in line to go straight into the starting XI.

Predicted Newcastle starting XI: Woodman; Fernandez, Lascelles, Clark; Murphy, Willock, Hayden, Almiron, Ritchie; Wilson, Saint-Maximin.

Last five results

Head-to-head

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel is delighted to welcome Romelu Lukaku back to Stamford Bridge, stating that the forward's intense desire to return and make his mark at the club was a key factor in his £97.5 million ($133m) move.

The Belgium international could make his first appearance since signing from Inter at the weekend against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. 

Big things are expected of him after shining in Serie A last season, and Tuchel has full confidence that he will make a big impression. 

What was said?

"We could feel that he tried hard and we could reach already a point which is very important and has maybe not been mentioned – how much does the player want to play for Chelsea?" Tuchel explained to reporters when asked about Lukaku.

"How much of the story does he want to write at this club? Is this the next step on his way to (somewhere else)? Or is this like ‘yes, I would love to but I am happy where I am’ or is this ‘yes, this comes at the right moment and I will actually walk to you’. And this is what Romelu absolutely transported to us.

"There were not many names and one of the absolute top solutions was Romelu.

"In the end, we can only push for things that people have and Romelu brings something to the squad on which we are absolutely aware and convinced by. So at the moment it is more fun than pressure. It looks like the perfect fit and it’s our job of course to bring out the best of this group."

Second time lucky? 

Lukaku made little impression during his first spell with Chelsea, having joined as a teenager from Anderlecht in 2011. 

The striker failed to hit the net in 15 appearances in all competitions for the Londoners and spent much of his three-year stint away from the club on loan spells at West Bromwich Albion and Everton. 

Both those moves proved successes, with Everton opting to make the transfer permanent at the start of the 2014-15 season. 

Lukaku went on to become a favourite at Goodison Park and, while he did not enjoy the success many had hoped for during his subsequent stay at Manchester United, he still held his own during a tough period for them. A brilliant haul of 64 goals in 95 games for Inter, meanwhile, showed the 28-year-old merits a place among football's attacking elite.

Further reading 

Manchester City has a must-win game this weekend, looking to pick up maximum points as it hosts Norwich in the Premier League.

Watch Man City vs Norwich on fuboTV (free 7-day trial)

Pep Guardiola's side slipped up against Tottenham last weekend and cannot afford to fall further behind in the title race at this very early stage.

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

The big talking point remains who will score for Man City after it failed to score in both its competitive games so far this season.

A deal has not yet been done for Harry Kane, so Kevin De Bruyne could be chosen as a false nine against Norwich.

Ilkay Gundogan has a shoulder injury and could miss out, while Phil Foden is definitely out with a foot injury.

Predicted Man City starting XI: Ederson; Walker, Stones, Dias, Zinchenko; Gundogan, Rodri; Mahrez, Grealish, Sterling; De Bruyne.

Milot Rashica made his Norwich debut last week and should feature in the starting XI against Man City.

USMNT forward Josh Sargent was introduced from the bench and is still building fitness.

Sam Byram is out for the Canaries, while Onel Hernandez and Jordan Hugill are not expected to return in time.

Predicted Norwich starting XI: Krul; Aarons, Hanley, Gibson, Giannoulis; Lees-Melou, Gilmour, Rupp; Cantwell, Pukki, Rashica.

Last five results

Head-to-head

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel promised that he would remain open to giving the club's budding young academy talent a chance to shine. 

Trevoh Chalobah has made a big first impression so far this season in defence, scoring in the Blues' 3-0 Premier League victory over Crystal Palace on the opening day of the season. 

And his boss called on other academy graduates to make their own case for selection over the course of 2021-22.

What was said? 

"Always. Always, always, always and the door is always open," Tuchel said when asked if he would consider youngsters in the first team. 

"Actually, I love it and I truly believe that the supporters love it. The mix between big name players from abroad, big personalities and famous players can mix with academy guys.

"This is what makes the club special. And when you look in the photo when we raise the trophy in Champions League there are so many boys from the academy in this photo.

"That makes it special and this is how it has to be. It’s always about the mix. At the same time, there are no gifts on this level. You have to earn your way, you have to overcome obstacles.

'Simply fantastic'

Tuchel did warn that pushing into Chelsea's incredibly competitive squad would not be easy for any player, and cited Chalobah as the example to follow.

"You have to fight hard for it. If you want to make it at Chelsea, it’s so much harder than most of the clubs in Europe," he added.

"It’s simply like this, it’s a reality and we cannot start to be political and prefer somebody from the academy over another player if he does not provide the same level because in the end we are here to win football games and to play and to push the group to the highest level.

"This is what Trevoh did and I’m more than happy to have him in the squad and happy about how he managed to make his way through to first team football on this level. He joined the academy at eight years old, and this is simply fantastic.

"This is what I will always be happy to push players like this but then you have to take your heart into your hands and you have to be brave and courageous enough to take responsibility when it is there and we will never hold anybody down. The opposite.

"If you come from the academy and you are a nice guy like Reecey, like Mason, like Trevoh, like Callum, we will never stop pushing you."

Chelsea continue their Premier League campaign with another London derby, as Sunday sees the Blues visit Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

Further reading 

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has accepted the blame for Fashion Sakala’s injury which will make him miss his third game in a row on Sunday.

Sakala is yet to return to action since he played 18 minutes in their Uefa Champions League qualifiers against Malmo, over a few weeks ago.

Ahead of the Gers’ league trip to Ross County, Gerrard faulted his decision to rush the Zambia striker into his squad after he missed their full-preseason training.

“Sakala’s got a bit of a niggle in his groin. I think he’s paying for myself and the staff pushing him a little bit too quickly,” Gerrard was quoted as saying by Glasgow Live.

“He didn’t get a full pre-season and we’ve put him in a little bit too quick, taking him out of the hotel and putting him straight into full training, part of that little niggle is on me as well.

“That’s a frustrating one, but what we don’t want to do is put him in while it’s niggling away and make it worse. Hopefully he won’t be too far away. “

After scoring in Rangers' 2-1 friendly win over Real Madrid in July, Sakala made his Premiership debut later in that month but he is yet to open his goal account for the team.

Gerrard also provided an update on ex-Nigeria U20 star Nnamdi Ofoborh who is yet to play for the club after signing a four-year deal from Bournemouth.

“Nnamdi is going for further tests next week, so we are hoping for good news. But he’s been around the group, he’s settled and he just need to try and get him back in a safe way and be patient with him as well.”

Another Nigeria star, Leon Balogun is also expected to return to Gerrard’s squad after he watched their last Uefa Europa League play-off match against Armenian club Alashkert on Thursday.

Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers has praised the performance of Ghana defender Daniel Amartey as the club continues to battle with the fitness of centre-back options Jannik Vestergaard and Jonny Evans.

In the absence of first choice right-centre-half Wesley Fofana, who has been ruled out of action until the New Year following an injury in pre-season, Amartey has emerged as the preferred partner for Caglar Soyuncu in the heart of the Foxes’ defence.

His chances for first-team football was also boosted by the late arrival of new signing Vestergaard and injury to Evans.

"We'll see [if Vestergaard will be in shape for Monday’s Premier League game]. I was pleased with him coming into the game last weekend,” Rogers said in his teams ahead of the upcoming clash with West Ham United, his club’s official website has reported.

"He showed his class and composure. He's still obviously not up to speed, fitness-wise, but we'll assess that over the next couple of days.

"Daniel Amartey's been outstanding in the games he's played and he fills in a number of positions for us, but we'll see where Jannik's at in the next few days and take it from there.

"He [Evans] out [on the training pitches], but he's obviously not training with the team. It's just ongoing with Jonny and the injury. We said at the time we'll see where he's at after the international break, but he's not near to playing as of yet.

"We've had experience with other players with it. It's one of those frustrating injuries and he might wake up in a week's time and it's all okay. It's just one of those ones we have to be patient with. Hopefully we get him back pretty soon."

Against Manchester City in the Community Shield, Amartey made the most of his rare start for Leicester, putting up an outstanding performance as they registered a 1-0 victory.

He was rewarded with another opportunity in last week’s Premier League opener against Wolverhampton Wanderers where Jamie Vardy scored to ensure a 1-0 triumph.

The 26-year-old, who has been invited for Ghana’s upcoming 2022 World Cup qualifying matches against Ethiopia and South Africa, is currently in his sixth season with the Foxes.

Tigres will look to make it back-to-back wins for the first time this season when they face Mazatlan at Estadio de Mazatlan in Liga MX on Friday.

Watch Mazatlan vs Tigres on fuboTV (free 7-day trial)

Los Auriazules have finally nipped their Apertura blank streak in the bud, but will have to overcome the Canoneros on their own turf if they hope to keep their reclassification hopes firing.

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), Liga MX 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

Already on their third manager inside less than two seasons, the Canoneros have made a solid start to their second campaign, but may feel that they still have more to give moving forward,

Benat San Jose saw a hard-earned draw against Toluca keep his side ticking over and they'll look for another big result here, anchored at the back by Chile international Nicolas Diaz.

Predicted Mazatlan starting XI: Vikonis; Padilla, Vidrio, Diaz; Freitas; Coula, Rodriguez, Sanchez, Vargas; Acre, Sanvezzo.

A comfortable victory over Queretaro in midweek has finally proven to be a step in the right direction for Miguel Herrera's side, but they will know that they cannot rest on their laurels.

Andre-Pierre Gignac remains on the sidelines for now, joined by long-term absentee Francisco Meza, whose cruciate ligament issue means he likely won't feature until the Clausura.

Predicted Tigres starting XI:  Guzman; Avalos, Salcedo, Reyes, Aquino; Carioca; Lopez, Fernandez, Vigon, Quinones; Gonzalez.

Last five results

Head-to-head

Billy Gilmour will have his heart set on being "a Chelsea player" despite agreeing to leave Stamford Bridge this summer, says Alan Hutton, with the 20-year-old Scot praised for taking the brave decision to join Norwich on loan.

Despite making a senior breakthrough at his parent club, while also gracing a major international stage at Euro 2020, regular game time has proved hard to come by for a highly-rated midfielder.

With only 11 appearances taken in during each of the last two seasons in west London, Gilmour has opted to spread his wings and join Premier League new boys at Carrow Road for the 2021-22 campaign.

What has been said?

Hutton believes the right choice has been made, with the former Scotland international - speaking in an interview via Coffee Friend - telling Goal of fellow countryman Gilmour: "I think he's done the right thing. He could have sat at Chelsea and hoped to get some game time, but it probably wouldn't have happened. Going to Norwich, they play a certain brand of football that suits him. [Daniel] Farke doesn't change his identity, he wants to play football and I think that suits him. 

"For him to go there and flourish and play games, get minutes under his belt, that's ideal for him. He'll want to move back to Chelsea and be a Chelsea player but for me and Scotland, he could be the go-to guy for a long time. There is an opportunity for him to really break through and shine. He has got everything to be a top-class midfielder."

Hutton added on favouring a potential relegation scrap over a safer, more secure option: "It shows you the type of guy that he is. I go back to Norwich and Farke, they play a good brand of football, they don't just kick it long, play five at the back and be defensive. I think him going there, it will suit him. They will want to get on the ball, to play and to make things happen. It suits his ability, his skill set, so even if they do struggle this season, they are still going to play a brand of football that suits him.

"It's a good move for him. He probably wanted to get it done nice and early, which he did, and get a good pre-season in, hit the ground running and play as many games as possible. For his development, I think that was key."

What is the target for Gilmour this season?

While still finding his feet an elite level for club and country, competitive minutes are the most important learning aid for Gilmour at this stage of his development.

Hutton admits as much, with the youngster told that numbers - in terms of goals and assists - do not need to be a priority as he works on mastering his craft.

"He's still young. He's just breaking through really," Hutton added.

"He has not played many games for Chelsea so it's about him getting that Premier League experience of playing week in, week out. Of course you want to score goals and have assists, but this is the next step in his development - getting those numbers up on the pitch. Goals and assists will come, he has got the ability, that's for all to see, so it's about enjoying his football and working hard and being a mainstay in that team."

Gilmour made his competitive bow for Norwich in a 3-0 opening day defeat to Liverpool and will want to remain in Farke's plans for another testing encounter with defending champions Manchester City on Saturday.

This interview was in association with Coffee Friend, an international retailer for coffee and coffee machines.

Further reading

Liverpool open their 2021-22 Premier League home campaign against Burnley on Saturday.

Sunday has Southampton's meeting with Manchester United, besides Arsenal facing Chelsea later in the day.

Here's how to catch all the Premier League action in India: 
 

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Where to watch or stream Premier League from India?

The Star Sports network (Star Sports and Star Sports Select) has the rights to show Premier League matches in India.

In addition to the English Broadcast on Star Sports Select, regional feeds in Bangla and Malayalam will be made available for key weekend matches on Star Sports 3 (geo-tagged for West Bengal and Kerala) and Star Sports 1 Bangla.

Matches will also be available on streaming mobile application Disney+ Hotstar VIP, allowing supporters to watch multiple games simultaneously and catch the replay of matches in their preferred language.

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Premier League fixtures

Matchday 2

*All Premier League matches may be streamed online on Disney+ Hotstar VIP.

**Also available on Star Sports 3 (Malayalam/Bangla) and Star Sports 1 Bangla.

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Key Premier League derby dates 2021-22

Here is a handy breakdown of the main derby match dates this season.

Merseyside derby

Manchester derby

North-west derby

North London derby

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Related links

Eric Bailly believes Manchester United are strong enough to challenge for trophies this season after the addition of Raphael Varane and Jadon Sancho.

Varane signed a five-year deal with the Red Devils last Saturday and Sancho completed a permanent move from Borussia Dortmund to Old Trafford earlier this summer.

Varane’s arrival is expected to provide more competition in the defence, however, Bailly is unfazed by his arrival as he hopes to enjoy an injury-free season.

The Ivorian centre-back disclosed how the duo will help Ole Gunnar Solskjaer win his first title as coach at the club.

"Yes, that’s United; we always have good players," Bailly told the club’s website.

"We have a very strong squad – we have brought in Varane, who has good experience and is a very good player. Ten years, I think he had in Spain, winning many trophies and that is very good for the mentality of the team.

"Sancho is a good young player and has come to help the team. This season, we are all here to try to win trophies.

“I think the guys have good experience. They both know English football. Varane has played a few games against United and many other English clubs and I know he is ready to give everything for the team.

"For me, this season, the first thing is to be injury-free, to train well and wait for my time.

"That’s my mentality. With the team, I hope we win many, many trophies. Last season, we played well and were second in the league and we lost in the final to Villarreal, but always, in football, you have another chance and I think this year is one for us to try to win many trophies."

Bailly recently returned to training after his international assignment with Ivory Coast at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

He scored a goal in the tournament before the West Africans were eliminated by Spain after a 5-2 defeat in the knockout stage.

The former Villarreal defender reflected on his maiden outing in the quadrennial tournament which was later won by Brazil.

"It’s really good to be back with the team. Before that, I had the Olympics in Tokyo which was a good experience,” the 27-year-old said.

"For me, when you’re a kid, you always want to do something with your country and something like that was a good moment which we enjoyed.

"I scored in the last game but, unfortunately, we lost [it] in the last minute. For me, the most important [thing] is to play with my team-mates and to enjoy. We had a very, very hard game against Brazil and Germany and we did well.

"It was my first experience [at the Olympics] and, for me, it was a really good experience, apart from losing [an equaliser] to Spain in the last minute, but, you know, football is like that.

"Now it’s finished. I’m back with the team which has been enjoyable and we have started well in the league."