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Algeria forward Said Benrahma scored his 32nd goal in English football across all competitions as West Ham United opened their Premier League season with a 4-2 victory over Newcastle at St James' Park on Sunday.

The 26-year-old, who had joined the Hammers permanently from Brentford in the off-season, found the back of the net in the 53rd minute when he converted a Michail Antonio pass to make the score 2-2.

The Magpies had opened the scoring in the fifth minute when Callum Wilson headed in an Allan Saint-Maximin cross.

However, in the 19th minute, the David Moyes-led charges equalized when Pablo Fornals picked out Aaron Cresswell in the danger zone and the latter tapped the ball in from close range. After a lengthy VAR review, the goal stood.

Benrahma thought he had won a penalty for his team when he went down under a challenge in the danger zone three minutes later, but referee Martin Atkinson was not interested.

The hosts reclaimed their lead two minutes before the half-time break after Jacob Murphy reacted fastest to Matt Ritchie's cross, giving Lukasz Fabianski no chance to make a save.

After coming close in the 45th minute, Benrahma finally had his name in the scoresheet eight minutes later. It was an easy finish after Antonio had done all the hard work.

Antonio could have scored 10 minutes later, but he failed to convert a penalty that was conceded by Murphy, as Freddie Woodman parried the spot-kick.

It mattered little as Tomas Soucek was there to tap in the rebound, and save his teammate's blushes. 

Benrahma put the icing on the cake after setting up Antonio four minutes later to score the fourth for the Londoners to ensure they won comfortably. 

Before Sunday's goal, Benrahma scored 30 while playing for the Bees. He scored 27 goals in the Championship while the remaining three came in the League Cup.

The other goal was last season, while he was on loan with the Hammers.

Moussa Niakhate was Mainz’s hero after scoring his club’s only goal in Sunday’s 1-0 triumph over RB Leipzig in a Bundesliga encounter.

The 25-year-old settled the encounter with his 13th-minute effort to hand Bo Svensson’s team a winning start inside Mewa Arena.

After finishing the 2020-21 campaign in fine fashion to avoid demotion to Bundesliga 2, Mainz picked up where they left off to take the lead early.

Profiting from Nordi Mukiele’s inability to clear a corner kick clearly, Niakhate picked up the ball and rifled past goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi.

Leipzig nearly levelled matters, however, Niklas Tauer’s last-gasp tackle prevented Christopher Nkunku from wreaking havoc after bursting into the penalty area.

Although Jesse Marsch’s men were in cruise control, even at that, they were unable to convert their numerous corners into goals.

In the second half, Paul Nebel was close to extending Mainz’s lead, nonetheless, his low drive was stopped well by Gulacsi, as the visiting side struggled to impress.

At the end of 90 minutes, it was Leipzig that returned home with heads bowed low.

While Niakhate was in action for Mainz from start to finish, Angolan defender Anderson Lucoqui was not listed for action by manager Svensson.

On the other hand, former France youth international of Guinean origin Mohamed Simakan played every minute while DR Congo prospect Mukiele was handed a starter’s role but was replaced by Brian Brobbey in the 82nd minute.

His compatriot Nkunku was subbed off for Dominik Szoboszlai four minutes after the hour mark while former England youth international of Nigerian background Ademola Lookman did not make the matchday squad.

Following their disappointing start to the new season, Marsch’s RB Leipzig would be hoping to bounce back when they host Stuttgart to the Red Bull Arena in their next outing on August 20.

For Mainz, who have won their last four games in all competitions, they travel to Vonovia-Ruhrstadion in a bid to continue their winning streak versus newly promoted side VfL Bochum.

Born in Roubaix to Senegalese parents, Niakhate is eligible to represent Senegal at senior level despite representing France at U19, U20 and U21 level.

With the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations five months away, he could be invited to Aliou Cisse's Lions of Teranga squad to compete for a place in the biennial Africa football showpiece billed for Cameroon.

Mamelodi Sundowns defeated Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 on penalties following a 2-2 draw in the MTN8 quarter-final match at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Goals from Peter Shalulile and Themba Zwane handed Masandawana a two-goal lead, but Amakhosi fought back and scored twice through Bernard Parker and Khama Billiat. 

Mothobi Mvala and Haashim Domingo surprisingly started in midfield ahead of Sundowns' experienced midfielders Hlompho Kekana and Andile Jali who were on the bench. 

On the other hand, Njabulo Blom was deployed in an unfamiliar right-back position with Phathutshedzo Nange, Cole Alexander, Kgaogelo Sekgota, and Sfiso Hlanti being handed their official Chiefs debuts.

Blom was targeted by Zwane and Lyle Lakay in the right flank with the Sundowns duo delivering some quality crosses into the Chiefs box for Shalulile.

The deadlock was broken nine minutes into the match as Lakay's delightful cross was headed home by Shalulile to hand Sundowns a 1-0 lead with the Chiefs' defence exposed.

Lakay was allowed to continue making overlapping runs and he played another cross for Shalulile, but this time the reigning PSL Footballer of the Year failed to keep his header on target.

The pressure was mounting on the Amakhosi defence and they conceded again in the 23rd minute when Zwane fired past goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune with a powerful shot to make it 2-0 to Sundowns.

Mvala tried his luck from a distance and his thunderous effort was finger-tipped over the crossbar by a Khune, who was then beaten by Lakay's long-range shot, but the upright came to Chiefs' rescue.

The hosts went to sleep at the back towards half-time and they conceded with Blom's pinpoint cross being headed home by Parker in the 38th minute and the score was 2-1 to Sundowns at the interval.

Sundowns saw most of the ball after the restart as they looked to restore their two-goal lead, but Chiefs defended much better with Erick Mathoho and Daniel Cardoso making important interceptions and clearances.

Coach Stuart Baxter decided to hand Keagan Dolly his Chiefs debut and the 28-year-old winger made an instant impact - playing a defence-splitting pass to fellow former Sundowns star Billiat.

The Zimbabwe international made no mistake as he fired past keeper Kennedy Mweene to level matters at 2-2 a minute before the hour-mark and Chiefs' comeback was complete. 

Sundowns' co-head coaches Manqoba Mngqithi and Rhulani Mokwena reacted by making a double substitution - introducing Jali and new signing Pavol Safranko.

Both teams then searched for the winning goal with Khune producing a great save with nearby Zwane ready to pounce and score following a shot-come-cross from Sundowns debutant Neo Maema.

At the other end, Mweene pulled off a fine save from Nange curling shot and the match ended in a 2-2 draw in regulation time and extra-time followed. 

The best chances went to Sundowns in extra time, but Khune made a superb save to deny Lakay and Safranko's free header missed the target and the game went into a penalty shootout.

Mweene proved to be the hero for the Tshwane giants as he denied Mathoho, Samir Nurkovic and Nkosingiphile Ngcobo during the shootout to ensure that Sundowns secured a 2-1 win on penalties. 

Harry Kane has been left out of the Tottenham squad to face Manchester City in their opening game of the Premier League season.

The striker has been linked with a move away from Spurs this summer, though it has been reported that he is not considered fit enough to feature in Sunday's clash.

Instead, Heung-min Son will line up at the head of the attack for Nuno Espirito Santo's first league match in charge of the north London side, with Steven Bergwijn and Lucas Moura on the wings and Dele Alli in support in attacking midfield.

Why has Kane been left out?

Goal reported earlier in August that the 28-year-old was late to return to training with Spurs following his summer holiday, though he released a statement denying claims he refused to practise with his team-mates.

Spurs boss Nuno said on Monday that Kane would be available for selection for the encounter with the Premier League champions.

However, speaking before kick-off, Nuno told Sky Sports: "He needs to work [on his fitness after returning late from his holiday]. He needs to keep on working until he's ready to help the team.

"He doesn't need too many sessions. He needs to be fit."

When asked if Kane is at the game, Nuno added: "He worked in the morning, I don't know what he's going to do [now]."

What does the future hold for Kane?

The England star has been heavily linked to a move away from Spurs this summer, with City the favourites to land him.

Goal reported in June that City were lining up a £100 million ($139m) offer to get him in the current transfer window.

But this week coach Pep Guardiola refused to touch on the possibility of a deal going through when asked at a press conference.

"He's a player from Tottenham, I'm not going to talk about him. I made an exception last time, usually I don't talk about transfers," he said.

Kane, who topped the Premier League's goalscorer and assist charts last season, has three years left on his contract with Spurs.

Further reading

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has lavished praise on forward Mohamed Salah, calling the Egypt international a "proper competitive boy" in the wake of his impressive display against Norwich City.

After setting up Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino, the African opened his account of the 2021-22 campaign as the Reds picked a 3-0 away win over Daniel Farke’s men at Carrow Road.

His 74th-minute finish was a fine left-footed shot from the top of the box that took a slight deflection, leaving Tim Krul helpless.

The 29-year-old has now scored in five consecutive Premier League openers, becoming the first player to hit that mark.

Klopp was full of praise for the Egypt international after the match.

“I would assume he knew about that and wanted to score it! Extra motivation! A really good game,” Klopp told the media, as reported by Liverpool's official site.

“When you know about that and you set up the first two goals, which is really cool, and after he scored he tried to find Sadio [Mane] twice with a pass, so that was really, really good.

“But Mo is Mo and when the competition starts, he goes into the next gear because he's a proper competitive boy. It's good to have him!”

In addition, Salah now has 10 total goal involvements in games on the opening weekend of the Premier League in his career, with seven goals and three assists.

Only former Manchester United star Wayne Rooney, who has eight goals and five assists in Premier League openers, has more. 

The two-time African Player of the Year would be hoping to continue his fine form when Liverpool welcome Burnley to Anfield in their next game on August 21.

Following his fine outing in the 2020-21 campaign, the Egyptian was named the Premier League PFA Fans' Player of the Year.

He scored 22 league goals and set up five others but they were not enough to help the Reds win the league title after finishing third behind Manchester United and champions Manchester City.

Since he returned to England from AS Roma, Salah has delivered eye-catching performances that saw him win the Premier League Golden Boot twice and the Player of the Season, among other individual honours.

Chelsea are preparing to send two more players out on loan as Flamengo make their final push to sign Kenedy, while Matt Miazga is in advanced talks with La Liga side Alaves.

Kenedy has been in talks with the Brazilian side all summer and they are growing confident the Blues will accept their loan offer that includes an option to buy at €10 million.

Miazga, meanwhile, seems set to join Alaves but the structure of the deal is still being discussed. With just one year left on his Blues contract, Chelsea will likely ask to extend that deal by one year before allowing him to leave on loan.

Chelsea raising funds through player sales

Chelsea have signed Romelu Lukaku and Marcus Bettinelli so far this summer, with the former Inter striker costing £98m ($136m).

They now look set to raise more money through player sales than what they have spent in the market, however,  having agreed on the €40m (£34m/$47m) sale of Tammy Abraham to Roma.

The 23-year-old has travelled to Rome to complete his medical and the Blues will have the option in 2023 to buy him back for £68m ($94m).

Furthermore, having already sold the likes of Fikayo Tomori and Marc Guehi this summer for more than £40m ($55m), the Blues are in talks with Besiktas to sell Michy Batshuayi.

Ike Ugbo has agreed on a £4m ($6m) move to Genk  that will soon be announced after a medical, while Tiemoue Bakayoko has held talks with Ligue 1 clubs Lyon and Rennes over a permanent move away.

Chelsea are still looking at options to sell further former loan stars in this transfer window including Ross Barkley, Davide Zappacosta and Danny Drinkwater.

The Blues have, meanwhile, turned down a loan bid from PAOK for Baba Rahman and are instead looking to sell him to a host of interested clubs.

Trevoh Chalobah had been set to move on loan but his first two performances of the season in the Super Cup and Premier League have given Thomas Tuchel food for thought.

However, Dujon Sterling is soon set for a loan move with a host of Championship and overseas clubs interested.

Will Chelsea buy again this summer?

The Blues have further funds available but Tuchel is cautious about upsetting the dressing room harmony with too many new signings.

Much could depend on the contract talks between the Premier League club and their two defenders Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.

Chelsea have also tested the market to sell Kurt Zouma although talks collapsed with West Ham and Sevilla.

The idea to move on Zouma was related to the Blues' desire to sign  Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde, who has a £68m ($94m) price tag.

Chelsea also have a space in midfield available with Ruben Loftus-Cheek battling to convince Tuchel not to sign any of the club's targets.

They include West Ham midfielder Declan Rice, Rennes star Eduardo Camavinga and Monaco ace Aurelien Tchouameni.

Further reading

Harry Maguire said Raphael Varane’s arrival at Manchester United has lifted the squad as he warns every player needs to be ready to fight for their place. 

The France international’s transfer from Real Madrid was completed on Saturday and he was officially unveiled on the pitch ahead of United’s first game of the season against Leeds. 

It is expected the 28-year-old will partner Maguire in the heart of United’s defence and the club captain believes Varane's arrival will encourage all at the club to raise their game. 

What was said? 

“To bring players into this club, obviously of his calibre as well, it's going to be really, really exciting,” said Maguire after the 5-1 win over Leeds.

“Everyone in the squad is obviously looking forward to working with him. I think one thing that it does is it boosts our defensive options.

"We've got an amazing number of centre-backs now at this club, all international players who are all proven in the Premier League. You've seen again how well Victor played [against Leeds]."

What will Varane bring to Man Utd? 

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is hoping Varane’s arrival will strengthen his back line and also bring a winning mentality to the dressing room having won the Champions League four times and the World Cup once. 

“I think you've seen what he's won over his career. He's played in some of the top teams about - the French squad and the Real Madrid team - and he's won absolutely everything,” Maguire added.

"I think he'll bring that winning mentality to the club and he'll also bring his footballing ability to the club. Like I said, bringing players in is great for the squad. It lifts the squad, it's great for the competition for the squad - not just as a centre-back but just in any position. 

“We thrive off it, that's how we play. At one of the biggest clubs in the world you don't expect to have an easy ride and have no competition for places."

What about Lindelof? 

The Swede, who was named captain of his national team this week, has developed during his time at Old Trafford and was solid in the win against Leeds.

“Victor has not just shown today [how good he is], but he's shown over the last two seasons while I've played with him,” Maguire said.

"He's an excellent footballer so, like I say, to have this amount of top centre-backs is great for the competition for places. It'll make people push further, push harder and it's exciting."

Further reading 

Morocco internationals Sofiane Boufal and Azzedine Ounahi were on target as Angers handed Lyon a 3-0 defeat in a French Ligue 1 match on Saturday.

The 27-year-old Boufal opened the scoring in the 20th minute before Marcelo scored an own goal in the 58th minute and defender Ounahi added the third in the 77th minute as the home team condemned Lyon to defeat in a match which saw Ivory Coast left-back Maxwel Cornet sent off for a second bookable offense at Parc Olympique Lyonnais.

Angers started the game on a high note as Ivory Coast midfielder Souleyman Doumbia went on a solo run deep into the Lyon danger zone but his final effort was weak to trouble goalkeeper Anthony Lopes.

A minute later, Lyon’s Castello Lukeba was booked by referee Clement Turpin after a reckless tackle on Boufal, and from the resultant free-kick, another Ivorian Ismael Traore watched helplessly as his header kissed the bar.

In the ninth minute, Doumbia got another big chance to break the deadlock after he raced to meet a through ball, but his shot went inches wide.

In the 13th minute, Moussa Dembele of Lyon got on the end of a pass and produced a promising first-time shot towards the left side of the goal but his effort was blocked by Paul Bernardoni.

However, in the 20th minute, Angers’ pressure finally paid off when Boufal fired home from close range after latching on to a well-weighted pass from Jimmy Cabot to make it 1-0.

It was Angers who almost stretched their lead in the 31st minute when Mohamed-Ali Cho latched onto a cross from inside the box and released it goalwards towards the top right corner, but keeper Lopes was well-positioned to calm the danger.

Doumbia was a menace for Lyon defenders as he tormented them with his speed and in the 40th minute he latched onto a lofted pass on the edge of the penalty box and unleashed a volley, but it went high over the crossbar.

On resumption, Lyon coach Peter Bosz decided to make a quick substitution - Maxence Caqueret coming in for Lucas Paqueta while Bruno Guimaraes was replaced by Thiago Mendes and in the 58th minute, Angers stretched their lead after Lyon defender Marcelo turned the ball into his own net, under pressure from a Boufal cross.

In the 65th minute, Lyon were reduced to 10 men after returning Ivorian Cornet, who was already on a yellow card, was shown his marching orders after a foul on Doumbia.

Angers took advantage of Lyon being a man down and scored the third goal in the 77th minute, Ounahi lashing home from just outside the box.

In the 82nd minute, Cameroon international Karl Toko Ekambi, who had a quiet game, was replaced by Zimbabwe international Tino Kadewere as Lyon continued to push for at least a goal while Angers coach Gerard Baticle pulled out Thomas Mangani for Pierrick Capelle and Mathias Pereira Lage came in for Doumbia.

Angers, who are now on top of the table with six points from two matches, will next face Bordeaux while Lyon, who are placed in 15th position following the defeat, will return home to host Clermont Foot with the two matches set for Sunday.

Germany and Bayern Munich legend Gerd Muller has passed away at the age of 75, the Bundesliga club confirmed.

The World Cup and European Championship-winning striker was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2015 and had been living in a specialised care home.

The Bundesliga giants announced that the former star passed away on Sunday and is survived by his wife, Uschi, and daughter.

What has been said?

"Today the world of FC Bayern stands still. The club and all its fans are mourning the death of Gerd Müller, who passed away on Sunday morning at the age of 75," a statement on their website read.

"Muller made history with Bayern and the Germany national team. He scored an incredible 566 goals in 607 competitive appearances for Bayern and still holds the record for the most goals scored in the Bundesliga with 365, as well as being top scorer seven times. He got 68 goals in 62 caps for the national team."

Hainer and Kahn pay tribute to Muller

Bayern president Herbert Hainer expressed his sympathy with Muller's family and promised the star will always be remembered by the club.

“Today is a sad, dark day for FC Bayern and all its fans," he said.

"Gerd Muller was the greatest striker there’s ever been, and a fine person and character of world football. We’re all united in deep mourning with his wife Uschi as well as his family.

"FC Bayern wouldn’t be the club we all love today without Gerd Müller. His name and memory will live on forever.”

CEO and former goalkeeper Oliver Kahn added: “The news of Gerd Müller’s death deeply saddens us all. He’s one of the greatest legends in the history of FC Bayern, his achievements are unrivalled to this day and will forever be a part of the great history of FC Bayern and all of German football.

"As a player and a person, Gerd Müller stands for FC Bayern and its development into one of the biggest clubs in the world like no other. Gerd will forever be in our hearts."

Muller's achievements for Bayern and Germany

Muller is regarded as one of the finest striker's in football history and an icon across the game.

He spent 15 years with Bayern and helped fire them to European Cup success on three occasions.

Muller also guided them to four Bundesliga titles, becoming the German top-flight's all-time top scorer along the way.

The prolific attacker was pivotal in Germany's success in the 1970s, too. He was the top scorer in Euro 72 and struck twice in the final as they beat Soviet Union 3-0.

He also netted the winning goal in the 1974 World Cup final as his side ran out 2-1 winners against Netherlands.

Further reading