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Fan View: 'Tottenham Hotspur made Arsenal look like prime Barcelona'

The Gunners scored thrice in the first half to silence their city rivals who scored their consolation late in the game

Fans have taken to their respective social media accounts to express their feelings after Arsenal's 3-1 win over their North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

The Gunners needed just 12 minutes to set the ball rolling. Bukayo Saka picked an unmarked Emile Smith Rowe inside the area and the latter made no mistake from close range.

Smith Rowe then set up his captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for the Gunners' second in the 27th minute, before Saka made it 3-0 seven minutes later to ensure the hosts went into the break with a healthy lead.

Spurs managed to get their consolation in the 79th minute after Son Heung-Min finished a Sergio Reguilon pass. 

The victory ensured the Mikel Arteta-led charges climbed to 10th position on the log with nine points, as many as their sworn rivals who are a position lower with as many points. The win also ensured Arsenal went above Spurs for the first time since October 25th, 2020.

Here are the best reactions by the fans after Sunday's North London Derby.

(Originally posted by Seth Willis)
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Aguero, Suarez to Firmino: Who are the top 5 South American goalscorers in Premier League of all-time?

Goal takes a look at the top five highest South American goalscorers in Premier League's history...
(Originally posted by Ritabrata Banerjee)
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Osimhen scores again as Napoli climb to the top of Serie A table

The Super Eagles striker opened the scoring to help the Parthenopeans stretch their perfect league start with a comfortable home win

Victor Osimhen continued his fine goalscoring run with his fourth Serie A goal of the season in Napoli’s 2-0 victory over Cagliari on Sunday.

After his brace against Sampdoria on Thursday, Osimhen got Luciano Spalletti’s side off to a flying start at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona with his 11th-minute opener courtesy of Piotr Zielinski’s assist.

The Nigeria international has now scored at least a goal in his last four matches for Napoli across all competitions.

Later in the second half, Lorenzo Insigne sealed maximum points for the hosts with his effort from the penalty spot in the 57th minute.

The victory powered Napoli to the top of the Serie A table with an unblemished record of 18 points out of six games – two points above second-placed AC Milan.

Osimhen was in action for 77 minutes before he was replaced, while Cameroon midfielder Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa and Senegal defender Kalidou Koulibaly played from start to finish for the Parthenopeans.

Cagliari, on the other hand, introduced Senegal's Keita Balde as a 68th-minute substitute but his contributions were not enough to help them grab their first league win of the season. They are 19th in the league table with just two points from six matches.

Osimhen recently revealed the secrets behind his fine form in front of goal this campaign after the challenges he faced in his debut season in Italy.

“It was important for me to start the season well and I want to thank the coach for his confidence in me. I’m honoured to play for this club,” the former Lille star said. “Last year, I had Covid and then got a bad injury.

"I’m in good shape this season. I’m training consistently and I’m listening to the advice the coach gives me and the help I get from the team," he added. “I’m pleased with what I’m doing but I know I need to continue working hard.

"We all need to continue down this track.”

Osimhen will shift his attention to Thursday's Uefa Europa League outing against Victor Moses' Spartak Moscow with the aim of helping Napoli extend their winning streak.

After the European outing, Spalletti's men visit Fiorentina for their next league fixture on October 3.

(Originally posted by Taiye Taiwo)
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Musa Barrow opens season account as Bologna bow to Empoli

The Gambia international got off the mark as the Red and Blues crumbled to the Blues away from home

Musa Barrow scored his first goal of the season as Bologna suffered a 4-2 defeat against Empoli in Serie A on Sunday.

The Gambia international had featured in four league games for the Blues without success in front of goal. Against Aurelio Andreazzoli’s Blues, he found the net but that could not prevent his team from losing.

Following their 2-2 home draw with Genoa their last time out, Sinisa Mihajlovic’s men travelled to the Stadio Carlo Castellani with the aspiration of securing their first away win of the season.

They got off to a stuttering start in the very first minute when Liam Henderson’s misplaced pass deflected off Kevin Bonifazi and past goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski – leading into an own goal.

Ten minutes later, Barrow responded for the visiting side after burying the ball past goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario following a well-taken free-kick from Danish forward Andreas Skov Olsen.

Nine minutes later, they had a chance to take the lead for the first time after winning a penalty. Notwithstanding, Marko Arnautovic hit the ensuing kick against the woodwork.

Both teams continued to attack but it was Andreazzoli’s side who took the lead when Andrea Pinamonti beat goalkeeper Skorupski from close range following an assist from Petar Stojanovic.

In the 54th minute, Nedim Barjami gave Empoli a two-goal advantage from the penalty spot. Bologna almost reduced the deficit, but Barrow and Arnautovic hit the crossbar in quick succession.

With 13 minutes left on the clock, Arnautovic scored his fourth goal of the season to hand his team a glimmer of hope, only to miss a later effort when he hit the woodwork.

Samuele Ricci powered rifled home a beauty from outside the box in the 90th minute to guarantee maximum points for his side.

Barrow was in action from start to finish for Bologna, while Senegal international Ibrahima Mbaye was an unused substitute. Nigeria’s Kingsley Michael was not listed for action.

Following this result, the Red and Blues occupy the 10th position in the log after accounting for just eight points in six matches.

They will be hoping to bounce back to winning ways when they try Lazio for size on October 3.

(Originally posted by Shina Oludare)
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Oliseh surprised by Arsenal's ‘tactical discipline’ in victory over Tottenham Hotspur

The Gunners continued their winning run with three first-half goals that powered them to a comfortable win over their local rivals

Former Nigeria coach Sunday Oliseh has  by Arsenal’s performance in their 3-1 triumph over Tottenham Hotspur in Sunday’s North London derby.

First-half goals from Emile Smith Rowe, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Bukayo Saka gave the Gunners a deserved lead that powered them to their third straight win in the Premier League.

Arsenal put on a commanding display at the Emirates Stadium to compound Spurs’ woes in the league as they have now conceded three goals in their last three league games.

After the match, Oliseh did not hesitate to commend Arsenal's performance and he lauded the players for their discipline and attitude after seeing them bounce back from their disappointing start to the season and climb to 10th in the Premier League table with nine points from six matches.

The former Ajax midfielder also reserved special praise for Bukayo Saka as the man-of-the-match after he grabbed a goal and an assist in the encounter.

"Rarely do I get “pleasantly surprised” like today, Watching Arsenal’s renaissance (I hope) vs. Tottenham. Not just because they won, but the qualitative manner, commanding, and tactical discipline they showed from word Go!. Glad for on fire MVP Bukayo Saka !! Bravo,” Oliseh tweeted.

Arsenal manager Arteta, on his part, was satisfied with his team's performance and he concluded that his players finally got a quality they have been missing on Sunday.

It was the third time the Gunners have scored three goals or more in a match this season, after a 6-0 win over West Bromwich Albion and 3-0 triumph over AFC Wimbledon both in the League Cup.

The Spanish coach told the club’s website: “Well certainly, I think we all agree that we saw a team that convinced from the beginning, with good energy and high rhythm, with a lot of quality, great cohesion and understanding of what we wanted to do with and without the ball.

“Then we were super efficient. That is something we have been lacking in the final third, the right pass, the shot to hit the target more and I think we did that all really well in the first half.”

(Originally posted by Taiye Taiwo)
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Mumbai City won but looked unconvincing against FC Goa

Ahead of Thursday’s Europa League showdown against the Citizens, the Nigeria international got a treble against Jordi Condom’s men on Sunday night

Paul Onuachu has sent Dinamo Zagreb a strong warning ahead of Thursday’s Europa League game with a hat-trick as Genk silenced Seraing 3-0 on Sunday night.

The Nigeria international scored all goals to send the Smurfs to the third position in the Belgian First Division A log.

Having suffered a 4-2 defeat to Royal Antwerp last time out, John van den Brom’s men welcomed Jordi Condom’s team – who suffered a 1-0 loss to Standard Liege – to the Luminus Arena as they targeted a return to winning ways.

Ghana’s Joseph Paintsil thought he had given Genk a 17th-minute lead, but it was chalked off by referee Jonathan Lardot after VAR adjudged he was in an offside position.

Another chance beckoned for the hosts after Japan forward Junya Ito was fouled in the danger zone – with Lardot awarding a penalty. Nevertheless, Onuachu missed the ensuing kick.

The Super Eagle made amends for his miss 10 minutes later when he put the Smurfs ahead having been set up by Ito.

Two minutes later, he completed his double to give Van den Brom’s side a two-goal advantage into the half time break.

Four minutes into the second half, the 27-year-old completed his treble from the penalty spot following a foul on Paintsil in the goal area.

With no goals scored in the remaining minutes, Genk secured all three points, while the newly promoted Belgian topflight team returned home disappointed.

Onuachu – who has now scored seven times in his last five matches – was substituted for Nigeria prospect Ike Ugbo with three minutes left to play, while Ghana’s Paintsil was subbed off for Luca Oyen in the 80th minute.

However, Tanzania international Kelvin John was not dressed for action by manager Van den Brom.

For Seraing, Ibrahima Cisse (Guinea), Ablie Jallow (Gambia), Yahya Nadrani (Morocco) and Wagane Faye (Senegal) all played a role in the defeat.

Onuachu would be hoping to take this fine form to Thursday’s Europa fixture against Damir Krznar’s Dinamo Zagreb.

His late minute finish handed Genk a 1-0 victory over Rapid Wien in their first match of the 2021-22 tournament staged at the Allianz Stadion, Vienna.

(Originally posted by Shina Oludare)
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Riekerink confident Cape Town City will cope without Mamelodi Sundowns newboy Erasmus

The England youth star and Bukayo Saka were standout performers in the Gunners' commanding derby victory on Sunday

Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is relieved that his children will have a chance to be like Emile Smith and Bukayo Saka after their starring displays in their 3-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur.

Smith Rowe and Saka grabbed a goal and an assist each in Sunday’s North London derby, with the former providing the assist that helped Aubameyang score their second goal at the Emirates Stadium.

The duo developed through Arsenal’s Hale End academy before earning their spots in Mikel Arteta’s side.

Meanwhile, Aubameyang is delighted that his kids can emulate the England stars when they begin their football career development.

"Arsenal can be proud of these boys [Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka] because they are great guys who are doing well," Aubameyang said, per Joe UK.

"I'm happy that my kids will go to Hale End and maybe one day be like Smith Rowe."

Sunday’s effort was Aubameyang’s second Premier League goal of the season in his fifth appearance and manager Mikel Arteta can not overemphasize his influence in the team with the Gunners currently on a four-game winning run in all competitions.

“I'm really happy with the performance today and the performance against Burnley and with what Auba is doing. He was getting criticised and we were asking him to do more,” Arteta told the club's website.

“He stood by it and put his head down and he is working tremendously hard for the team, and now I can tell you that he is really giving.

(Originally posted by Taiye Taiwo)
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Transfer news and rumours LIVE: AC Milan and Juventus eye USMNT star Pepi

Goal takes a look at the biggest transfer news and rumours from the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A and around the world
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Insane professional Neuer is in the form of his life - Flick

The midfielder was caught by a falling Lucas Moura following a Thomas Partey tackle and had to be assisted to reach the sideline

Mikel Arteta admitted he's "pretty worried" about a potential layoff for Granit Xhaka after he was forced from the field during Arsenal's 3-1 derby win over Tottenham.

The midfielder was caught by a falling Lucas Moura following a Thomas Partey tackle and had to be assisted off the field by medics after a lengthy treatment on the pitch.

It took the shine off one of the most impressive results of his coach's era at the Emirates Stadium - and now the Gunners boss fears that a lengthy spell out could be in store.

What has been said?

“I’m pretty worried because it doesn’t look very positive at the moment,” Arteta told his post-match press conference when asked about the severity of the Switzerland skipper's injury.

On his side's impressive revival, the Spaniard checked any expectations, but admitted he was thrilled by the result, adding: “That’s the beauty of this game and the danger of this game as well.

“It was one of the nicest feelings that I had certainly in this stadium. It was a big occasion for us, a big game, to win it the way we did and to feel that connection. It made it really special."

Xhaka's record

Having first joined in 2016 from Borussia Monchengladbach, the 28-year-old has proven himself to be a central presence across a transitional era for Arsenal - and an anchor for their silverware.

As one of only three players who started both their 2017 and 2020 FA Cup final triumphs, Xhaka has proven a link between the Arsene Wenger era and that of his successors.

His position at the club has seemed somewhat conflicted on occasion, but before he was forced off Sunday, his performance showed just why the club handed him a new three-year deal this year.

The bigger picture

With no European football this term, Arteta at least will not see his players take part in the continental commitments that many of the Premier League's big sides will face.

Instead, they will turn their attention towards starting October with a bang, with a trip to Brighton next on the agenda.

The Seagulls could well be at the summit come the pair's meeting, with Graham Potter's side having emerged as an early-season surprise package.

Further reading

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Kaizer Chiefs player ratings after Marumo Gallants draw: Manyama goes missing, Hlanti awful

Goal runs the rule over the individual performances of the Amakhosi players after the Soweto giants' 0-0 draw with Bahabane Ba Ntwa on Sunday
(Originally posted by Austin Ditlhobolo)
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Morgan: USWNT needs more patience in attack

The 33-year-old was on hand to play her first minutes for her new club at Meadow Park, as they made it three wins from three across the new campaign

Tobin Heath made her Arsenal debut with a late cameo off the bench as the Gunners ran riot against Manchester City to further bolster their place atop the Women's Super League.

A Kim Little double proved the centrepiece of a 5-0 victory at Meadow Park, as Jonas Eidevall's side made it three wins from three to keep their perfect start to the new season intact.

Vivianne Miedema, Katie McCabe and Leah Williamson also scored, while U.S. national team star Heath's late appearance will have also thrilled Gunners supporters.

When did Heath come on?

With Arsenal 4-0 up and cruising to victory, two-time World Cup winner Heath came on for fellow striker Beth Mead in the 86th minute.

The 33-year-old - a childhood Gunners fan who spent time last term with Manchester United - then played out the remaining nine minutes of the match.

Although she did not manage to find the target herself, she was on hand to celebrate Williamson's effort late in injury time which added a final touch of gloss for the hosts.

Eidevall hails star's 'ambition'

Speaking after the match, Eidevall was quick to praise Heath for her commitment following a quick turnaround that only saw her arrive in the country at the end of the week.

"It's obviously been [three] intense days for her," he stated. "She landed on Friday, she did one session Saturday and she was on the pitch here now on Sunday.

"It's a long [trip] from the U.S. to here so I think she has managed it extremely well. She was very much focused on looking forward to trying to get minutes here today.

"I always love when the players have that ambition. Hopefully we can add some more training time and get her settled in even more."

The bigger picture

Heath's debut comes after she played sparingly in the USWNT's recent friendlies against Paraguay - but with further minutes likely to come, she will hope to feature for both club and country.

With Arsenal, she will aim to back up her reputation as the signing of the off-season in the WSL, as the Gunners go in search of further silverware

With her country, she will hope to figure in their upcoming friendlies with South Korea, scheduled for the end of October.

Further reading

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'A fantastic game ruined' - Mourinho fumes at officials after Roma edged by Lazio in derby

The Portuguese saw his side fight back from a two-goal deficit twice in pursuit of a draw, but was left fuming after a defeat

Jose Mourinho has branded the quality of the match officials for Roma's clash with Lazio as "not at the right level" after his side were edged in a five-goal thriller in Serie A on Sunday.

The Portuguese saw his side fight back from a two-goal deficit twice in pursuit of a share of the points, only to fall 3-2 against Maurizio Sarri's side in the Rome derby.

Across a typically feisty encounter, referee Marco Guida dished out six bookings - but speaking afterwards, Mourinho stated that he felt the match was undone by his grip on the whistle.

What has been said?

“Unfortunately, a fantastic game was ruined by the referee and VAR, who were not at the right level for this match," the veteran manager told DAZN in his comments at full-time.

“The second goal could’ve been 1-1, it went to 2-0. The [lack of a] second yellow for Lucas Leiva was important too. I think my team was the best on the field today.

“We dominated, we gave Lazio huge problems, they controlled the final minutes the way they wanted to, and because the referee allowed them to do so.”

Mourinho hails 'improved' quality

Despite his criticism of the referee, the former Inter boss was quick to highlight the improvement of Serie A since his last tenure in Italy.

"Italian football has improved a great deal from [a decade] ago," the 58-year-old added. "The quality of football, the attacking approach, the desire to win, has all improved."

The bigger picture

The loss against Lazio hands Roma their second defeat in their last three league games, which has checked their stride as they attempt to keep pace with the summit.

They trail both Inter and AC Milan, plus Napoli, but will turn their immediate attention back towards Europe ahead of their return to continental action.

The Giallorossi will travel to Zorya Luhansk this week in the Europa Conference League as they look to back up their 5-1 drubbing of CSKA Sofia.

Further reading

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Kaizer Chiefs coach Baxter: Nurkovic wasn’t giving his best...and he agrees

Amakhosi were indebted to keeper Daniel Akpeyi for the point they claimed at the Peter Mokaba Stadium after the Nigerian made some breathtaking saves

Following Sunday’s 0-0 draw with Marumo Gallants, Kaizer Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter further elaborated on the absence of Serbian striker Samir Nurkovic.

When Chiefs nearly won the league title two seasons ago, it was the form of Nurkovic which spearheaded their challenge as he netted 13 times in the league.

However, he missed the first couple of months of last season due to injury and then struggled in front of goal.

This season, Nurkovic has again been battling to make it count in front of goal, and it was subsequently revealed on Friday by Kaizer Chiefs that he is to undergo a knee operation on Wednesday next week.

During his post-match interview on Sunday with SuperSport TV, Baxter gave some more insight into the situation.

“Well, he’s been carrying a minor injury for quite a long time, from back in last season I think,” Baxter explained after seeing his side held to a 0-0 draw, "and now we think it’s at the level where he’s not giving his best and he agrees.

"Therefore we are going to go for the operation.”

The surgery will be to the meniscus of Nurkovic’s right knee.

In Nurkovic’s absence, there was a rare start for Lebogang Manyama, but by Baxter’s admission, the former Bafana Bafana attacker struggled, and he never came out for the second half.

“First half, I wasn’t happy with our possession,” the coach said. “At half time we changed it a little bit, we brought Bernard [Parker] on, Lebo did his best, but he’s a little bit short.

"Bernard came on, he gave us a little bit extra, he arrived in the box a little bit more, we secured the ball around their box, I think we played better, but those clear cut chances, difficult.”

Manyama has himself been making his way back from injury. Fellow forwards Dumisani Zuma, Leonardo Castro and Kgaogelo Sekgota are also unavailable due to injury, as is midfielder Phathutshedzo Nange and defender Siyabonga Ngezana.

Sunday’s draw with Gallants leaves Chiefs in 13th position. They are next up against AmaZulu, at the Kings Park Stadium in Durban on Saturday.

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Harry Kane says England should be proud of Germany draw

The Harambee Star did not make the matchday squad as his side recovered from a goal down to collect maximum points at home

Kenya international Joseph Okumu was missing from the matchday squad but his teammate Michael Ngadeu-Ngadjui featured for 90 minutes as KAA Gent recovered to beat Club Brugge 2-1 in a Belgian Pro League match on Sunday.

It was the visiting side who took the lead in the 38th minute when Alex Millan converted from the penalty spot but an improved second-half display ensured Gent carried the day as they scored through Julien De Sart in the 63rd minute and Darko Lemajic in the 73rd minute.

The towering Harambee Star, who has managed 463 minutes coming from seven appearances since joining the Belgian side from Swedish side IF Elfsborg, was not named in the matchday squad as Gent started the game on a high note at KAA Gent Stadium.

It was Tarik Tissoudali, who threatened to put Gent ahead in the 23rd minute but after evading his markers including Togolese midfielder Ahoueke Steeve Kevin Denkey, but he failed to beat goalkeeper Thomas Didillon, who moved out of his line to collect the ball.

The home team continued to threaten, and in the 27th minute, another open chance fell to Alessio Castro-Montes but his feeble effort was easily gathered by goalkeeper Didillon.

However, Gent were left to rue the missed chances as Brugge took the lead against the run of play, when Senna Miangue was brought down inside the box and up stepped Millan, who sent goalkeeper Sinan Bolat the wrong way.

In the 38th minute, Cameroonian Ngadeu-Ngadjui was yellow-carded after his clumsy challenge on the advancing Franck Kanoute of Senegal as the two teams went into the half-time break with Brugge enjoying a 1-0 lead.

On resumption, Gent upped their tempo and they were rewarded in the 63rd minute when De Sart sneaked the ball past Didillon to make it 1-1.

Kanoute was also yellow-carded after his effort to clear the ball hit his hands and in the 73rd minute, Lemajic made it 2-1 to stun the away team.

Despite the defeat, Brugge remain top of the 18-team table with 18 points from nine matches while Gent moved up two places to position twelve with eleven points from nine matches.

Gent will shift their focus to the Europa League where they will host Anorthosis in their Group B fixture on September 30 before they return to league action with an away game against Antwerp on October 3 at Bosuilstadion.

(Originally posted by Dennis Mabuka)
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Tottenham appoint Gretar Steinsson as new performance director

The stalemate means Stuart Baxter’s Amakhosi side have managed only one win from their five league outings this term, having lost two and drawn two

Kaizer Chiefs could only manage a 0-0 league draw against bottom-of-the-table Marumo Gallants at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Sunday evening.

Were it not from a couple of brilliant saves from visiting keeper Daniel Akpeyi, the Soweto outfit may well have returned home empty handed.

The first half saw Gallants dominating in terms of chances on goal, and they nearly scored from their first opportunity, when following an intricate move, Katlego Otladisa got on the end of a 14th minute cross from Mpho Mvelase, the header drawing a superb reflex save from Akpeyi.

While Amakhosi were not outplayed, they battled to create chances in the first half, and although Khama Billiat was a willing runner up front, too often the final ball was lacking.

And so while home keeper Washington Arubi had little to do, Nigerian international Akpeyi was made to work again in the 30th minute as he fisted away a stinging shot from outside the area from Celimpilo Ngema.

Unable to penetrate the Gallants defence at the opposite end of the field, Amakhosi's only shot on goal was one by Cole Alexander, 35-yards out, which was well-struck but flew comfortably over the bar, seven minutes before the interval.

The match remained evenly-poised after the restart before half chances were traded as Ngema headed wide in the 52nd minute before Keagan Dolly's free kick was easily gathered by Arubi.

With 15 minutes to go, the Glamour Boys were reduced to 10 men after Sifiso Hlanti picked up a second yellow card and was giving his marching orders. It looked a harsh call though as there was minimal contact between Hlanti and Otladisa, in both of the two bookings the former Bidvest Wits left-back picked up.

Moments later, from the resulting free kick, Gallants were unlucky not to score as Thabo Mnyamane’s  header from a Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo free kick was pushed onto the bar by Akpeyi, who should also be credited for a brilliant reflex stop.

The playing field was levelled in the 80th minute when Ngema was red-carded after he had recklessly kicked the ball at a prone Billiat from close range – after the Zimbabwean had first been fouled and after the referee’s whistle had blown.

Amakhosi’s first genuine effort on goal came as late as the 90th minute, when Erick Mathoho’s header from Billiat’s free kick drew another brilliant save, this time from Arubi.

From the resultant corner, Arubi failed to claim the ball, but with the goal at his mercy, Chiefs defender Daniel Cardoso headed wide of the target.

Amakhosi continued to push hard for a goal, and there was another chance, this time for Dolly, but he shot straight at Arubi.

 

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Cavani will score 'lots of goals' but Man Utd should have signed a centre-back, says Berbatov

Victor Letsoalo continued his scoring form in Durban having also netted in the victory over Amakhosi

Royal AM leapfrogged Orlando Pirates on the PSL standings after securing a 4-2 victory over TS Galaxy at Chatsworth Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Thwihli Thwahla came into the encounter oozing with confidence having stunned Kaizer Chiefs 4-1 with Victor Letsalo grabbing a brace at the iconic FNB Stadium last weekend. 

The victory over Galaxy took the KwaZulu-Natal side to fourth spot on the league standings as they leapfrogged Orlando Pirates, who slipped down to fifth place on the log. 

Letsoalo maintained his scoring form against Galaxy as the Bafana Bafana international netted Royal AM's third goal after he was set-up by Zukile Mkhize on the stroke of half-time.

The 28-year-old striker was also involved in the build-up to the opening goal as Thwihli Thwahla pressed the Rockets high up the pitch - forcing the visitors into making mistakes in their own half.

Tshidiso Monamodi pounced and scored as he blocked a clearance from goalkeeper Websten van der Linde and the ball hit the back of the net just four minutes into the encounter.

Galaxy were then reduced to 10 players in the seventh minute after Marks Munyai, whose poor back pass led Royal AM's opening goal, made a reckless challenge and he was sent off.

Owen Da Gama's side was trailing 3-0 at the interval with the in-form Letsoalo having netted his fourth goal in his last three league games just before the break.

The Rockets came back an improved side following their half-time team talk with coach Da Gama as they applied some pressure on the hosts' defence and they were awarded a penalty.

Mokone Mereko was adjudged to have handled Mokete Mogaila's cross in the box and Pogiso Sanoka scored from the resultant spot-kick to make it 3-1 in the 77th minute - making it 3-1. 

However, defensive mistakes were a big problem for the visitors on the day as Igor Makitan gave away possession at the back with four minutes left and Kabelo Mahlasela pounced and scored to make it 4-1 to Royal AM.

Mxolisi Macuphu then reduced the deficit in stoppage time when the tall striker scored with a header, but the goal proved to be a mere consolation for Galaxy as Royal AM held on to secure a 4-2 win.  

Therefore, Galaxy remain winless in the current campaign and they are placed 15th on the league standings.

(Originally posted by Austin Ditlhobolo)
  334 Hits

Transfer Talk: Barcelona, PSG to battle for Pogba, Kessie in midfielder search

Raul Jimenez scored his first goal for Wolves since coming back from injury.

The Mexico international suffered a fractured skull last November and was kept out of action until his return at the start of this season.

The 30-year-old slotted in the opening goal of the game against Southampton after 61 minutes, 11 months since his last goal which came against Newcastle.

What was Raul JImenez's goal like?

The Wolves star ran on to a long pass from goalkeeper Jose Sa, beating Southampton defender Jan Bednarek in a physical tussle to get the ball.

He then cut in to evade the tackle of Mohammed Salisu and dragged the ball back, sending Bednarek sliding past him, before sending it beyond the onrushing Alex McCarthy.

The goal is his 35th in the Premier League for Wolves.

 

More to follow...

(Originally posted by Peter McVitie)
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LIVE: Barcelona vs Levante

BARCELONA SUBS: Yusuf Demir, Neto, Ansu Fati, Riqui Puig, Inaki Pena, Samuel Umtiti, Clement Lenglet, Ronald Araujo.

BARCELONA (4-3-3): Marc-Andre Ter Stegen; Oscar Mingueza, Gerard Pique, Eric Garcia, Sergino Dest; Sergio Busquets, Nico Gonzalez, Gavi; Philippe Coutinho, Luuk de Jong, Memphis Depay.

Meanwhile Levante are yet to pick up a win this season, having drawn four and lost two of their opening six games, to leave them 16th in the table. They suffered a 2-0 defeat against Celta Vigo last time out.

Barcelona are winless in their last three games in all competitions, having suffered a 3-0 defeat against Bayern Munich, which was following up by two draws in LaLiga against Granada and Cadiz, which leaves them eighth in the table.

Hello and welcome to our LIVE match commentary of the LaLiga clash between Barcelona and Levante at Camp Nou.

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Ex-Arsenal and Manchester City star Nasri announces retirement aged 34

The former France international last played for Anderlecht in 2020 and confirmed he will not be making a return to the game

Samir Nasri has confirmed he has retired from professional football at the age of 34.

Nasri has been without a club since leaving Anderlecht in 2020, having made just eight appearances for the Belgian giants before injuries cut his season short.

Since then, the former France international has been working as a pundit on television channel Canal+ and says his playing days are behind him.

Why has Nasri retired?

The ex-Arsenal and Manchester City midfielder says the 18-month suspension he was given in 2018 for receiving an intravenous treatment at a clinic in Los Angeles played a key role in his decision to retire.

He told Le Journal du Dimanche: "An episode hurt me very badly and changed my relationship with football: my suspension. I found that more than unfair, I had not taken any doping product. It was just an injection of vitamins because I was sick. It cut me off in my tracks.

After returning from his suspension, Nasri joined West Ham on a short-term contract but played just six times before his deal expired, and he subsequently made the move to Anderlecht.

"I came back to West Ham with a coach I knew (Manuel Pellegrini). It was perfect but I got injured three times in a row," he added.

"There, Vincent Kompany called me to come to Anderlecht. There was an emotional side to it, but also the idea of ​​being a player and also a little in the staff. As I would like to coach, I told myself that I would learn with him. It didn't go as planned. Then the championship was stopped because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

"After that, I didn't necessarily want to continue. No challenge has stood out to me and I couldn't see myself coming back to France if it wasn't to play for Marseille."

Nasri's career

The attacking midfielder came through Marseille's academy and made his professional debut for the club in 2004 at the age of 17. He went on to make 166 appearances over four years for the Ligue 1 side before he was bought by Arsenal.

Nasri scored 27 times in his three seasons for the Gunners before moving to Manchester City in 2011, and went on to win two Premier League titles as well as the League Cup.

Injuries soon started to affect Nasri at City however, and limited him to just 12 Premier League matches in 2015-16. He was unable to regain his place in the team and was loaned to Sevilla the following season, where he featured 30 times.

After that, he ended joining Antalyaspor in 2017 on a two-year contract, but the deal was terminated the following January as injury problems plagued Nasri's time in Turkey.

Weeks after leaving Turkey, he was banned for six months by UEFA for breaching anti-doping rules, which was eventually extended by a further 12 months.

Nasri earned 41 caps for France and scored five goals, with his last appearance coming in a 2-0 defeat to Ukraine in the World Cup play-offs in 2013.

Further reading

(Originally posted by Peter McVitie)
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