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LONDON: Chelsea midfielder Kai Havertz was left out of their Champions League squad for the match against French side Stade Rennais after testing positive for COVID-19, manager Frank Lampard said before Wednesday's match.

The 21-year-old German, who joined Chelsea from Bayer Leverkusen in the close season for a reported 71 million pounds, is self-isolating.

Havertz has scored four goals in 10 games for the London club in all competitions this season.


Source: Skysports8888



Andrea Pirlo's side recovered from their defeat by group leaders Barcelona last time out and look well set to reach the knockout stages.

In his 100th game for Juve, Morata netted in the first half and curled in a delightful second on the hour mark.

Paulo Dybala's effort and Lasha Dvali's own goal completed a comfortable win.

Franck Boli netted a late consolation for the hosts but with four goals, Morata is the joint top scorer in this season's competition alongside Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford and Liverpool forward Diogo Jota.

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Lionel Messi scored from the penalty spot inside five minutes and Gerard Pique headed home to secure an unconvincing victory.


Messi is yet to score a goal from open play this season.

A consolation tap-in goal was a deserved reward for a spirited performance from Kyiv.

Dynamo Kyiv fielded a significantly depleted side, with only 13 first-team players traveling to Spain along with a further six youth players. Six players had tested positive for coronavirus at the Ukrainian club before the tie.

It was an uncomfortable night for Barcelona, ​​who struggled to assert themselves in the second half despite enjoying the lion's share of possession.

A valiant performance from 18-year-old Kyiv goalkeeper Ruslan Neshcheret on his first-team debut ensured the goal deficit was held to just one.

Barcelona dominated for the opening 20 minutes and it seemed it would be a routine performance for Ronald Koeman's side, who have struggled to find form in La Liga but won both of their other group matches in Europe comfortably.

Kyiv were tenacious and captain Viktor Tsygankov's 75th-minute goal made for a nervy finish to a tricky night for Barca, who looked ill at ease for large periods.

Goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen was involved more than expected between the Barcelona sticks as he made his first appearance since recovering from a knee injury.

Kyiv face another challenge in their next match in the Ukrainian Premier League against Shakhtar Donetsk.

Messi - trouble in front of goal?
Barcelona's star man Messi has failed to score from open play so far this season, despite featuring in every match for the Catalan side.

In fact, Messi has registered just one goal in six La Liga matches, a penalty against Villarreal. A considerable drought for someone who has scored 445 goals in his 16-year Barcelona career.

It has been a turbulent few months for the Argentine after handing in a transfer request hoping to leave the Nou Camp, culminating in some unpleasant rumors and the eventual decision to stay at the Spanish giants.

Granted, Barcelona are going through a period of change and it is not just Messi who is struggling to find form - Barcelona are 12th in La Liga with just eight points from six matches.

But the 33-year-old forward can often be relied upon to provide a moment of 'Messi magic' just when it's needed - something which, this season, he has so far been unable to do.
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 Youri Tielemans struck twice as Leicester recorded an emphatic win at Leeds to move to within a point of Premier League leaders Liverpool.


Jamie Vardy was involved in the Foxes' first three goals - teeing up Harvey Barnes within two minutes for the opener after a costly mistake by Robin Koch.


Tielemans netted Leicester's second - pouncing on a rebound from Vardy's diving header - before Stuart Dallas' cross flew all the way into the net for Leeds after half-time.


But Leeds' response in the second half was stumped as Vardy netted a third for Leicester before Tielemans scored from the spot in stoppage time.


Marcelo Bielsa's side - without record-signing Rodrigo, forced to self-isolate after coming into contact with somebody who tested positive for coronavirus - were made to pay for a sloppy first half.


Patrick Bamford had headed it tamely into Kasper Schmeichel's arms seconds before Barnes' early opener and Pablo Hernandez struck the post in the second half.


But the Foxes killed off the game late on to pick up their fourth win in a row.


Leicester started last season in blistering form and they are doing the same in 2020-21.


There was an intensity to their start in this match too - Barnes hurrying Koch into the early mistake, as the defender's pass back was picked up by Vardy, who selflessly laid it on a plate for his team-mate.


Vardy and Barnes combined throughout the first half and the striker's presence alone seemed to cause anxiety among the Leeds defenders.


It was only a matter of time before Vardy - whose diving header rebounded kindly for Tielemans to make it 2-0 - got on the scoresheet himself. He did so in the 76th minute, just as Leeds threatened to get back into the game.


Leicester's aggressive pressing in the first half saw possession overturned on countless occasions and the hosts were unable to deal with transitions on the counter-attack.


Their first-half dominance set the foundations and Brendan Rodgers was then smart to react as Leeds gained momentum in the second half - the Leicester manager bringing on James Maddison and Cengiz Under, who contributed to the third and fourth goals.


Maddison's through ball picked out Under, who smartly chipped it into Vardy's path for the third. Mateusz Klich was then penalised for a foul just inside the box on Maddison - referee Andre Marriner confirming the decision only after reviewing the incident on the VAR pitchside screen.


Leicester maintained a sense of maturity and never looked like throwing away the win, thanks largely to Vardy's consistent threat. It was a display that offered a reminder as to why the Foxes were top-four contenders last season - and a statement that they intend to be in the fight again.

Bamford went into this match having scored six times in Leeds' opening six Premier League matches, a run that included a hat-trick at Aston Villa.


But when the striker headed tamely into Schmeichel's arms from an unmarked position a few yards out within two minutes, it set the tone for the first half.


Leicester were sharp, ruthless and clinical, whereas Leeds looked shaky in possession and indecisive off the ball.


Koch's mistake, seconds after Bamford's missed chance, was a gift for Barnes, and Leeds struggled to settle afterwards.


Skipper Liam Cooper misjudged the bounce of the ball under pressure from Vardy in the minutes that followed, while goalkeeper Illan Meslier almost fumbled a cross inside his near post and Helder Costa turned into trouble in the build-up to a chance for Luke Thomas later on.


Bamford's poor touch when he was played through on goal towards the end of the half summed things up but Bielsa's team talk at the break seemed to spur Leeds on.


They were fortunate when Dallas' cross flew over everybody in the box and into Schmeichel's net - but Hernandez's curling effort, which struck the post, could have changed the game.


Leeds were more urgent - Dallas picking up a yellow card for an overly aggressive tackle on Marc Albrighton, while the coaching staff encouraged quick throw-ins to keep the intensity up.


But Leeds failed to deal with the runs in behind from Vardy and when Maddison came on, he had a big impact in midfield - regaining control and creating opportunities with his direct passing.


The result leaves Leeds 12th - yet only three points outside the top four - going into matches against Crystal Palace, Arsenal and Everton, which will give a clearer indication as to where their season is heading.

 


The Spurs manager couldn't help but make a cheeky comment about his Wales star, who was often criticised for his performances in Spain
Jose Mourinho praised Gareth Bale's "personality" after his winning goal against Brighton and said he is looking forward to hearing how those in Madrid react to his match-winning display for Tottenham.

Bale's first Tottenham goal since re-joining Spurs on loan from La Liga champions Madrid in September sealed a 2-1 victory over Brighton on Sunday to move them up to second in the Premier League, two points behind leaders Liverpool. 

Harry Kane had earlier scored his 149th top-flight goal from the penalty spot to move level with Les Ferdinand in 10th position on the all-time Premier League goals list, before Tariq Lamptey drew Graham Potter's side level shortly before the hour mark.

Bale sealed maximum points in the 73rd minute, though, heading home from eight yards just three minutes after replacing Erik Lamela in London.

Spurs head coach Mourinho was delighted with the Wales international's all-round contribution and could not resist a dig at his parent club, whose boss Zinedine Zidane had a public falling out with Bale. 

"For a week or so now, he's been improving," Mourinho told a media conference. "It's not just from watching him, the data supports that as well. We knew, Gareth knew. We share ideas and feelings.

"He deserves that [the goal]. When I have five minutes I'm going on Safari to look at the Madrid websites to see what they say about him.

"He showed great personality and had a great impact, scoring a very important goal for us. He also joined Harry in a very experienced way to play the last 15 minutes for us.

"They were very clever, very intelligent, especially at holding the ball up and bringing it into zones where they couldn't hurt us. 

"He knows that we care about him and he cares about the club. I think he's a perfect fit. He's very calm, very intelligent. I'm very pleased for him to score the winning goal."
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Arsenal ended a run of 29 games without a win at a big-six side as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's second-half penalty gave them a 1-0 victory at Manchester United.

In Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's 100th game in charge, Manchester United's much talked about diamond midfield struggled to deal with Arsenal's energy, and the visitors had the better of the chances as Willian hit the bar and Bukayo Saka headed over unmarked.

Aubameyang curled an effort just wide after the break, but he got another chance from 12 yards after Paul Pogba had fouled Hector Bellerin in the box, and the Gabon striker duly converted (69) to end the Gunners' hoodoo, which had lasted since 2015.

Arsenal's deserved win moves them into the top half, but Manchester United, who hit the post via a double Mohamed Elneny and Bernd Leno deflection late on, have just seven points from six games.

Player ratings
Man Utd: De Gea (5), Wan-Bissaka (4), Lindelof (6), Maguire (6), Shaw (6), Fred (4), McTominay (5), Pogba (5), Fernandes (5), Greenwood (5), Rashford (5)

Subs: Matic (6), Cavani (5), Van de Beek (7)

Arsenal: Leno (8), Holding (8), Gabriel (9), Tierney (7), Bellerin (8), Elneny (8), Partey (9), Saka (7), Willian (7), Lacazette (8), Aubameyang (7)

Subs: Nketiah (6), Maitland-Niles (NA), Mustafi (NA)

Man of the match: Thomas Partey.
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The 35-year-old, who missed four games, slotted in to make it 2-1 three minutes after coming on in the second half.


His second was a cheeky Panenka penalty after Adrien Rabiot's cool finish had given Juve a two-goal advantage.


Alvaro Morata gave the visitors the lead with a low angled strike before Tommaso Pobega equalised for Spezia.


The Turin club move up to second in the table with 12 points, four behind leaders AC Milan.


Ronaldo, who tested positive on 13 October, expressed his frustration on social media after failing to produce a negative result on the eve of his side's Champions League match against Barcelona on Wednesday.


After finally being cleared to play on Friday, the former Real Madrid forward was named as a substitute by coach Andrea Pirlo, who brought him on in the 56th minute. Three minutes later, Ronaldo scored when he took the ball around goalkeeper Ivan Provedel.


His second, and Juve's fourth, came 14 minutes from time after Federico Chiesa had been fouled in the area.

 


The hosts, who started the day 15th in the table, took a surprise lead when Brazilian keeper Neto was dispossessed by Luis Rioja.

Alaves were reduced to 10 men when midfielder Jota was sent off for a second yellow card in the 62nd minute.

Antoine Griezmann equalised a minute later but Barca could not find a winner.


Ansu Fati was denied a goal on his 18th birthday by Fernando Pacheco's excellent save, while Griezmann had a goal ruled out.

Pacheco frustrated Barca with further saves to keep out Lionel Messi, Miralem Pjanic and Sergino Dest.

While Barcelona top their Champions League group after wins over Juventus and Ferencvaros, they trail leaders Real Madrid by eight points in La Liga after dropping 10 points in six games.

"We are very angry because we really wanted the three points and we have to improve a lot," said Griezmann.

"We are missing a lot of chances, me more than anyone, but it's still early in the season and I know we're going to get better."

 


Thomas Muller opened the scoring with a penalty after home defender Marius Wolf had fouled Serge Gnabry.

Bayern doubled their lead when Gnabry curled a left-foot effort into the bottom corner before Dominick Drexler scored late on for the hosts.

Hansi Flick's side, who lead the table on goal difference, now have 15 points from their first six games.

Mats Hummels scored twice as second-placed Borussia Dortmund won at Arminia Bielefeld, while RB Leipzig are two points behind in third after losing at Borussia Monchengladbach on Saturday evening.


 



The Premier League and other elite sport can continue behind closed doors during a new four-week national lockdown in England.


Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced new restrictions for the country that will start on Thursday and run until 2 December to combat coronavirus and avoid the NHS being overwhelmed.


Culture secretary Oliver Dowden tweeted that "travel to a place of work will be permitted" for "elite sport played behind closed doors".


During a news conference to announce the measures, Johnson gave a thumbs up and said "Yes to the Premier League" when asked if top-flight football will continue.


The Premier League was halted in March before the first national lockdown and has been played without fans since it restarted in June. Players are tested weekly for the virus.


The English Football League says it has been told by the government that its competitions can continue in England and Wales.


"We acknowledge the government's national efforts in tackling this outbreak and would hope that during this next phase of the crisis, our national sport, negatively affected by Covid-19 like many other industries, can continue to provide some form of welcome distraction and give people in our communities up and down the country a sense of normality in very challenging times," the EFL said in a statement.


Confusion over grassroot sports and FA Cup ties

It is not clear how grassroots and amateur sport will be affected, but guidance is being drawn up.


However sources have indicated to BBC Sport that is unlikely that grassroots team sport will be permitted to continue.


Nine of the 40 FA Cup first round ties due to be played over 6-9 November involve teams from "non-elite" leagues.


The Football Association says it is "awaiting further information before we can confirm how this may affect non-elite football across England".


Leisure centre, gyms and golf courses to close

Under the new restrictions:


People are being told to stay at home unless they have a specific reason to leave, such as work which cannot be done from home and education.

People are allowed to exercise outdoors alone, with their household or with one other person.

The government has confirmed leisure centres and gyms will close, as will other indoor and outdoor leisure facilities including:


  • sports facilities including swimming pools,
  • golf courses and driving ranges,
  • bowling alleys,
  • dance studios,
  • stables and riding centres,
  • climbing walls and climbing centres,
  • archery and shooting ranges.

 



Portugal and Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo has recovered from coronavirus, testing negative after self-isolating.


Ronaldo, 35, tested positive on 13 October and missed Juventus' 2-0 Champions League defeat by Barcelona on Wednesday following another positive test on Tuesday.


During his absence he missed two Serie A games, plus the Italian champions' first two European matches.


Ronaldo last featured against France in the Nations League on 11 October.


Prior to his positive test, Ronaldo had scored three goals in Juventus' first two league games.


The Champions League group-stage draw had set up the possibility of Ronaldo and Barcelona's Lionel Messi - with 11 Ballon d'Or awards between them - being reunited on the same pitch for the first time in two years.


Their next opportunity to do so will be in the reverse fixture on Tuesday, 8 December at the Nou Camp.

 


Pep Guardiola hopes to remain at Manchester City beyond this season despite Barcelona presidential candidate Victor Font saying he wants him to return.


Font, who is the frontrunner to replace Josep Maria Bartomeu following his resignation earlier this week, said he wants to bring Guardiola back to the Nou Camp while also holding onto Lionel Messi.


Guardiola is in the final year of his contract with City but hopes to extend his stay at the Etihad Stadium.


"I am incredibly happy here," said Guardiola. "I'm delighted to be in Manchester and I hope I can do a good job this season to stay longer."


Guardiola has had to deal with a host of injuries in the early part of the season, a problem he feels has been exacerbated by the shortened summer break and the intensity of the pandemic-affected calendar.


Other clubs have also been affected and Guardiola has urged the Premier League to consider reverting to allowing five substitutes, as they did in the closing stages of last season after lockdown.



"Definitely they should, 100 per cent," said the City boss. "It is not only about one club.

 


The Sky Blues edged ahead, in a first half devoid of clear cut chances, when Gustavo Hamer struck his first goal for the club (23), but Lucas Joao tucked home for his ninth goal in as many games to level proceedings.

Matt Godden then tapped in from close range (76) and Sam McCallum thundered in a brilliant effort just minutes after his introduction (85), but though George Puscas added a second for the Royals in stoppage time (90+2), it wasn't enough to earn a point.

In spite of the defeat, Veljko Paunovic's Reading remain five points clear of second-placed Bournemouth ahead of the weekend's action, while an important three points for Coventry sees them deservedly move out of the bottom three and up to 18th.


How the unbeaten Royals were toppled in the Midlands

While Coventry's return to the Championship had been difficult in terms of results, Mark Robins' side have displayed a good level of confidence in making the step up to the second tier, which was apparent from the first whistle at St Andrew's.


Setting aside a wayward pass from Fankaty Dabo that almost gifted Sone Aluko a goal inside three minutes, it was a competitive start and one that the Sky Blues took advantage of when they became the first team this season to take the lead against the division's leaders.



It was a goal born out of excellent team work. Ryan Giles raced down the left and fed Godden, who turned and laid the ball off to Hamer, who calmly guided home his first goal since a summer move from Dutch side PEC Zwolle.

 


Nobby Stiles won 28 England caps and played every minute of victorious 1966 World Cup campaign; Stiles also part of Manchester United side which became first English club to win European Cup in 1968; Man Utd describe Stiles as a "titan of the club's history".

Stiles was also part of the Manchester United side which became the first English club to win the European Cup in 1968, when they beat Benfica in the final at Wembley.

A statement issued by the Stiles family read: "The Stiles family are sad to announce that Nobby Stiles passed away peacefully today (30/10/2020) surrounded by his family after a long illness.

"The family kindly ask for privacy at this sad time."

Stiles was credited with playing a key role in neutralising the threat of Portuguese star Eusebio in the 1966 World Cup semi-final.

Sir Geoff Hurst, whose hat-trick helped England to victory over West Germany in the 1966 final, paid a glowing tribute to Stiles.


"Hugely sad to hear Nobby has passed away," he wrote on Twitter.

"We were playing together way back for the U17s, U23s, and of course, for England, in fact, it was my first cap when Nobby scored, I think he was wearing No. 9!

"Great character, and the heart and soul of the team, he will be sorely missed."

In total he won 28 caps, the lowest number of any of the World Cup-winning side.

England offered their condolences on Twitter. Their post read: "We're incredibly saddened to learn of the passing of Nobby Stiles, a key member of our FIFA World Cup-winning squad, at the age of 78.

"All of our thoughts are with Nobby's loved ones."

FA chairman Greg Clarke said: "Nobby Stiles will forever be remembered as a major part of English football's proud history especially as a Wembley winner on two very notable occasions.

"He may not have been the most imposing player on the pitch, but he was certainly a formidable presence for club and country.

"The sight of him celebrating the World Cup triumph on the Wembley turf still lingers more than half-a-century on from that famous day and is remembered as much as his commanding semi-final display against Portugal."

The FA said a tribute would be paid to Stiles ahead of England's friendly against the Republic of Ireland next month.

Manchester United released a statement in which they paid tribute to Stiles, who played for the club from 1960-1971.

It read: "We are extremely saddened to learn of the passing of Nobby Stiles MBE.

"An integral part of our first-ever European Cup-winning side, Nobby was a titan of the club's history, cherished for his heart and personality on and off the pitch.

"He will be sorely missed by us all."

Current United club captain Harry Maguire wrote: "Sad day, a true Man Utd and England legend has passed away. RIP Nobby Stiles MBE."

Stiles was born in Collyhurst, Manchester, in May 1942, during an air raid.

He agreed apprentice terms with United in 1959, at a time when the club was still recovering from the Munich air disaster a year earlier in which eight players were killed.

He won league titles with United in 1965 and 1967, before the continental success the following year.

Stiles' former United team-mate Denis Law was "desperately saddened" to hear of his death.

Law added, in a statement released through the club: "Nobby was a top player and a top man. He was such a popular guy in the dressing room.

"Everyone knew Nobby would be there when the going got tough on the pitch, but you shouldn't underestimate what a good footballer he was too."

Stiles left United in 1971, going on to play for Middlesbrough and Preston.

He later managed Preston between 1977 and 1981, before coaching Canadian side Vancouver Whitecaps and then West Brom between 1985 and 1986.

He returned to United as a youth team coach under Sir Alex Ferguson in 1989 for a four-year stint.

Former England midfielder Peter Reid was one of the first to honour Stiles on social media.

"Nobby Stiles RIP," he tweeted, alongside a heart emoji.

Former England striker Gary Lineker said on Twitter: "Saddened to hear that Nobby Stiles has passed away."

"Another of our 1966 World Cup winning heroes leaves us. He had a heart that was even bigger than the gap in his teeth. RIP Nobby."

Former England goalkeeper Peter Shilton sent his condolences.

He tweeted: "So sad to hear the news of Nobby Stiles a great person who I admired very much one of the great 66 Legends England RIP."

Stiles suffered a series of health issues in later life, including a dementia diagnosis.

In 2010, after a mini-stroke, he decided to sell his medals in order to leave something to his family.

United bought them for £200,000 and the medals are now housed in the club's museum.

A number of Manchester United players who worked with Stiles in the 1990s took to social media to pay tribute to the World Cup winner's impact on their careers.

"Rest in Peace Nobby. Thank you for all you did for us. You taught us how to fight for everything in that red shirt," wrote Gary Neville.

"As a 16-year-old boy at Manchester United, it was a privilege to be coached by a legend of the game and a true gentleman," wrote Robbie Savage.

"Really sad news that @ManUtd legend Nobby Styles has passed away. A great hero and an inspiration for all United fans," wrote Peter Schmeichel.

West Brom, who Stiles managed between 1985-1986, posted a tribute on Twitter.

It read: "Farewell to the most famous grin in English football.

"A World Cup winning Lion who we are proud to have serve at The Hawthorns as manager for a brief spell in the mid-1980s.

"Rest in peace, Nobby."

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham described Stiles as "quite simply one of the greatest-ever Mancunians" on Twitter.

"From humble beginnings to a European & World Cup winner," he tweeted.

"Much-loved in Greater Manchester & by millions across the country. We will miss you, Nobby, but thanks for all the memories. Our love to family and friends."

Preston, who Stiles played for between 1973-1975 and managed between 1977-1981, added their own tribute.

The posted on Twitter (with a heart emoji): "Everyone at Preston North End is saddened to learn of the passing of former player and promotion-winning manager Nobby Stiles at the age of 78.

"Our thoughts are with Nobby's loved ones at this incredibly sad time."



 


Fabinho was substituted in the first half of Tuesday's 2-0 win over Midtjylland in the Champions League with a suspected hamstring injury.

The 27-year-old was withdrawn from Brazil's squad for next month's World Cup qualifiers on Thursday but Klopp is hopeful he has avoided a long-term injury and should be back after the international break.

The 27-year-old was withdrawn from Brazil's squad for next month's World Cup qualifiers on Thursday but Klopp is hopeful he has avoided a long-term injury and should be back after the international break.

"Fabinho is not in, that is clear. He has a little injury. He will be out for the weekend and probably slightly longer," said Klopp.


Fabinho's absence could leave Liverpool with just one recognised senior centre-back, Joe Gomez, available for this weekend's match at Anfield.


Virgil van Dijk is expected to miss the majority of the season after undergoing knee surgery on the anterior cruciate ligament damage he suffered against Everton in the Merseyside derby, while Joel Matip has not featured since the 2-2 draw at Goodison Park after having a scan on a muscle problem.



Rhys Williams replaced Fabinho against Midtjylland and could make his Premier League debut against West Ham, while Sepp van den Berg and Nathaniel Phillips are other options in central defence.

 



Virgil van Dijk has undergone "successful" knee surgery to repair the anterior cruciate ligament damage he sustained in the Merseyside derby, Liverpool have confirmed.


The Dutch centre-back suffered the injury in a challenge with Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford during the 2-2 draw at Goodison Park on October 17.


"The Liverpool defender's planned operation took place in London and was conducted successfully," read a club statement.


"Van Dijk will now immediately focus on the beginning of his rehabilitation with the support of the Reds' medical department.


Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is pleased the operation was a success but has warned Van Dijk has a long road to recovery.



In some ways, it's difficult to argue against a 3-0 win on any day of the week, but for an Arsenal side struggling for goals, a manager lamenting his forwards' finishing, and a Europa League victory with only six shots on target against a determined but very limited Dundalk side, there's plenty to pick apart.

Arsenal took 34 minutes to test veteran visiting goalkeeper Gary Rogers and owed their opening goal to his horrible fumble from a corner. It took a stunning strike from Nicolas Pepe and a fine finish while Dundalk were still composing themselves after shipping the opener to put the gloss on their performance.

Outside of that four-minute spell either side of half-time, the 39-year-old would have been most worried about catching a chill, because Arsenal gave him precious little work to do as their fringe players offered the same predictable attacking style Arteta's first choices have served up in recent weeks.

Too much of Arsenal's play came down the wings, with crosses Dundalk were happy to head away all night long and inside runs from the right from Pepe they could see coming a mile off.

Following back-to-back Premier League defeats, any win is welcome, but if Arteta was serious when telling BT Sport his side made victory "look easy", it doesn't bear thinking about how he would visualise their win being difficult.




Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has bemoaned the decision by Premier League clubs to vote against using five substitutes this season.

The rule was brought in when the 2019/20 season restarted in June after a three-month hiatus because of the coronavirus pandemic.

But the top-flight has reverted to three substitutions, something Solskjaer believes has contributed to the number of injuries this campaign in a congested calendar.

Asked whether he was in favour of five substitutes, Solskjaer said: "One-hundred per cent. I don't understand and I cannot believe the vote went against because we have to look after the players.

"We have to think about the players. This season is the most demanding season of all.


"I can see the point why clubs voted against but if you take a step back and think about these professional footballers and their mental and physical health the only sensible solution would have been to give us the opportunity to rest a few more.


"We have already seen a lot of injuries in the Premier League. I would have liked to have five subs."

 


Barcelona put their El Clasico defeat and off-field dramas behind them with an impressive 2-0 win at Juventus in the Champions League.


While Cristiano Ronaldo's positive coronavirus test meant there was no showdown between the Juventus star and his great rival Lionel Messi, the Argentina ace still delivered a masterclass and capped the victory with a late penalty after Ousmane Dembele's deflected opener.


Barcelona had been beaten 3-1 at home by Real Madrid on Saturday and seen president Josep Maria Bartomeu and the entire board resign on Tuesday, but there were no signs of those distractions during a dominant display in Turin.


It was a frustrating night for the second-best hosts, who saw Alvaro Morata put the ball in the net three times and be denied by an offside call on each occasion, and they had Merih Demiral sent off with 10 minutes to play for a second yellow card.


The result puts Barcelona in control of Group G with two wins from two, with Juventus in second spot after Dynamo Kiev and Ferencvaros drew 2-2.


How Barca won in Turin

Barcelona had the better of the early exchanges and hit the post just three minutes in through Antoine Griezmann. They took the lead in fortuitous circumstances, though, when Dembele latched onto a marvellous Messi pass and then saw his drive loop up off Federico Chiesa and give Wojciech Szczesny no chance.


Juventus thought they had come up with an immediate response when Morata followed up a fine save from Neto to bundle the ball home, but he was offside earlier in the move.

 


Manchester United have had to wait for their first home win of the season but it arrived in emphatic fashion with a 5-0 win over RB Leipzig on Wednesday night. Faced with two daunting fixtures to open their Champions League campaign, United have won both in style.

Marcus Rashford will take the plaudits, and rightly so after his quickfire hat-trick after coming on as a second-half substitute. But up against the dapperly dressed Julian Nagelsmann, widely regarded as the most astute young coach in European football, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer got it spot on and deserves huge credit for the manner of this victory against the Bundesliga leaders.


United's long unbeaten run towards the back end of last season was built around a 4-2-3-1 formation that relied heavily on a select group of players. These two European successes have come after changes to the shape and the personnel. A sign of adaptability and depth.


Donny van de Beek's role at the club came under intense scrutiny in the build-up to this game, much to Solskjaer's bemusement. The £40m signing from Ajax is still waiting for his first Premier League start but the season is only five games old and he was given his opportunity here.


The Dutchman's inclusion in a diamond formation not only proved that it is possible to find a role for him but might even point the way forward for United under Solskjaer.


Mason Greenwood's opening goal highlighted that perfectly. Fred won the ball back in midfield before Paul Pogba, floating on the left side of midfield, drove forward before threading a pass in behind the Leipzig backline. Greenwood, operating in a more central role as part of a front two, made the run from in to out and finished with his left foot.