&nbsp;North Korea will play their World Cup qualifier against Lebanon behind closed doors in Beirut on Tuesday due to security concerns, the Asian Football Confederation said, as the country struggles with a wave of protests against its leaders.

An AFC spokesman told Reuters the reason was "same as last week - security concerns".

Last week's qualifier between Lebanon and South Korea was also played in front of an empty stadium following the advice of the local security forces, the AFC said.

The Lebanese protesters blame their leaders for steering the country towards economic collapse. Parliament was unable to hold its first session in two months on Tuesday as the protesters prevented lawmakers from even reaching the building.

Lebanon are tied on seven points with North Korea in Group H of the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, and either side could go top with a victory on Tuesday.

South Korea, who top Group H with eight points from four matches, were held to a 0-0 draw in Thursday's match in Asia's second round of 2022 World Cup preliminaries.

"The Lebanon Football Association, following the advice of the Lebanese security forces, has decided Tuesday's Asian Qualifiers tie between Lebanon and DPR Korea will be played behind closed doors," the AFC said in a statement.

North Korea will play their World Cup qualifier against Lebanon behind closed doors in Beirut on Tuesday due to security concerns, the Asian Football Confederation said, as the country struggles with a wave of protests against its leaders.

North Korea will play their World Cup qualifier against Lebanon behind closed doors in Beirut on Tuesday due to security concerns, the Asian Football Confederation said, as the country struggles with a wave of protests against its leaders. An AFC spokesman told Reuters the reason was "same as last week - security concerns". Last week's qualifier between Lebanon and South Korea was also played in front of an empty stadium following the advice of the local security forces, the AFC said. The Lebanese protesters blame their leaders for steering the country towards economic collapse. Parliament was unable to hold its first session in two months on Tuesday as the protesters prevented lawmakers from even reaching the building. Lebanon are tied on seven points with North Korea in Group H of the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, and either side could go top with a victory on Tuesday. South Korea, who top Group H with eight points from four matches, were held to a 0-0 draw in Thursday's match in Asia's second round of 2022 World Cup preliminaries. "The Lebanon Football Association, following the advice of the Lebanese security forces, has decided Tuesday's Asian Qualifiers tie between Lebanon and DPR Korea will be played behind closed doors," the AFC said in a statement.

North Korea to play in Lebanon behind closed doors on security concerns: AFC

Playing attacking football and winning trophies still remains the ultimate goal for Manchester United, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/english-premier-league-promises-to-improve-and-speed-up-var-use-262258">Premier League</a> club said after sponsorship deals helped them post a jump in first-quarter core earnings.

The 20-time English champions, who failed to qualify for this season's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-costas-stoppage-time-gem-sends-juventus-into-last-16-260436">Champions League</a>, Europe's premier club competition, saw their revenue flat line in the quarter but stood by their annual revenue and core profit targets.

Financial performance was driven by an 8 per cent&nbsp;jump in sponsorship revenue largely due to new deals with well-known brands, highlighting the club's commercial appeal even as they misfire on the pitch.

Executive Vice Chairman Ed Woodward promised significant investment over the coming transfer windows to add "world-class acquisitions" to a relatively young squad made up of several academy graduates.

United sit in seventh place after 12 matches in the Premier League, outside the automatic European qualification spots. They have also qualified for the knockout round of the continent's less lucrative <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/europa-league-manchester-united-brush-partizan-aside-to-reach-last-32-260704">Europa League</a>.

Woodward, a former investment banker who advised the American Glazer family on its takeover of United in 2005, has often come under fire from fans who claim that he puts commercial interests above success on the pitch.

Manager <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/solskjaer-hails-manchester-uniteds-best-performance-of-season-against-brighton-261327">Ole Gunnar Solskjaer</a> has relied heavily on players coming through the youth academy to try and turn the team's fortunes around, putting the spotlight on academy graduates including Marcus Rashford, Scott McTominay and Mason Greenwood.

United have a history of success with youthful squads, most notably under Matt Busby in the 1950s and 1960s and Alex Ferguson's class of 1992, which included the likes of David Beckham and Ryan Giggs.

Since Ferguson's retirement after the 2012-13 season, United have failed to challenge for the league title, while rivals Manchester City have won three championships and traditional foes <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-masterclass-leaves-manchester-city-in-tatters-261238">Liverpool</a> are now top of the standings.

United's core profit rose 18.4 per cent&nbsp;to 34.8 million pounds ($45.05 million) for the three months to September&nbsp;30, as employee costs also fell nearly 9 per cent.

The club had warned in September that annual revenue would fall for the first time in five years as they will not be able to capitalise on UEFA's broadcasting revenue distribution system.

Revenue from broadcasting dropped by nearly a quarter, and the club said the majority of the full-year impact from missing out on the Champions League would occur in the second quarter.

The company's New York-listed shares were up 2.5 per cent&nbsp;at $16.65 in premarket trading.

Playing attacking football and winning trophies still remains the ultimate goal for Manchester United, the Premier League club said after sponsorship deals helped them post a jump in first-quarter core earnings.

Playing attacking football and winning trophies still remains the ultimate goal for Manchester United, the Premier League club said after sponsorship deals helped them post a jump in first-quarter core earnings. The 20-time English champions, who failed to qualify for this season's Champions League, Europe's premier club competition, saw their revenue flat line in the quarter but stood by their annual revenue and core profit targets. Financial performance was driven by an 8 per cent jump in sponsorship revenue largely due to new deals with well-known brands, highlighting the club's commercial appeal even as they misfire on the pitch. Executive Vice Chairman Ed Woodward promised significant investment over the coming transfer windows to add "world-class acquisitions" to a relatively young squad made up of several academy graduates. United sit in seventh place after 12 matches in the Premier League, outside the automatic European qualification spots. They have also qualified for the knockout round of the continent's less lucrative Europa League. Woodward, a former investment banker who advised the American Glazer family on its takeover of United in 2005, has often come under fire from fans who claim that he puts commercial interests above success on the pitch. Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has relied heavily on players coming through the youth academy to try and turn the team's fortunes around, putting the spotlight on academy graduates including Marcus Rashford, Scott McTominay and Mason Greenwood. United have a history of success with youthful squads, most notably under Matt Busby in the 1950s and 1960s and Alex Ferguson's class of 1992, which included the likes of David Beckham and Ryan Giggs. Since Ferguson's retirement after the 2012-13 season, United have failed to challenge for the league title, while rivals Manchester City have won three championships and traditional foes Liverpool are now top of the standings. United's core profit rose 18.4 per cent to 34.8 million pounds ($45.05 million) for the three months to September 30, as employee costs also fell nearly 9 per cent. The club had warned in September that annual revenue would fall for the first time in five years as they will not be able to capitalise on UEFA's broadcasting revenue distribution system. Revenue from broadcasting dropped by nearly a quarter, and the club said the majority of the full-year impact from missing out on the Champions League would occur in the second quarter. The company's New York-listed shares were up 2.5 per cent at $16.65 in premarket trading.

Manchester United sponsorships march on despite on-field slip ups

World champions France produced a fitting inaugural match in Albania's newly-built Arena Kombetare stadium after goals from Corentin Tolisso and Antoine Griezmann gave them a 2-0 win in a Euro 2020 Group H qualifier on Sunday.

Having already booked their berth in next year's 24-nation tournament, France finished top of the group on 25 points from 10 games, two ahead of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/turkey-qualify-for-euro-2020-with-draw-against-iceland-france-also-secure-spot-262254">second-placed Turkey</a> who cruised to a 2-0 win at Andorra.

Albania, who had no chance of breaking into the top two, looked subdued in front of a passionate home crowd and UEFA dignitaries including the soccer governing body's chief Aleksander Ceferin.

Tolisso fired the French into an eighth-minute lead when he headed home superbly inside the near post after Griezmann swung in an inviting free kick from the left.

Griezmann netted the second in the 31st minute when he turned in a sharp low cross by Leo Dubois, as the gulf in class between the two sides was everywhere to be seen in front of a capacity 22,000 crowd.

France continued to press after the break and Olivier Giroud missed three chances to extend their lead, having twice been denied by goalkeeper Etrit Berisha before hitting the post with a fierce shot from inside the penalty area.

Turkey, who also sealed qualification with a match to spare, breezed past Andorra thanks to a first-half brace from striker Enes Unal.

In the group's other fixture, Iceland eked out a 2-1 win in Moldova and although the Nordic nation failed to progress from the group, they will have another chance through the playoffs in March.

World champions France produced a fitting inaugural match in Albania's newly-built Arena Kombetare stadium after goals from Corentin Tolisso and Antoine Griezmann gave them a 2-0 win in a Euro 2020 Group H qualifier on Sunday.

World champions France produced a fitting inaugural match in Albania's newly-built Arena Kombetare stadium after goals from Corentin Tolisso and Antoine Griezmann gave them a 2-0 win in a Euro 2020 Group H qualifier on Sunday. Having already booked their berth in next year's 24-nation tournament, France finished top of the group on 25 points from 10 games, two ahead of second-placed Turkey who cruised to a 2-0 win at Andorra. Albania, who had no chance of breaking into the top two, looked subdued in front of a passionate home crowd and UEFA dignitaries including the soccer governing body's chief Aleksander Ceferin. Tolisso fired the French into an eighth-minute lead when he headed home superbly inside the near post after Griezmann swung in an inviting free kick from the left. Griezmann netted the second in the 31st minute when he turned in a sharp low cross by Leo Dubois, as the gulf in class between the two sides was everywhere to be seen in front of a capacity 22,000 crowd. France continued to press after the break and Olivier Giroud missed three chances to extend their lead, having twice been denied by goalkeeper Etrit Berisha before hitting the post with a fierce shot from inside the penalty area. Turkey, who also sealed qualification with a match to spare, breezed past Andorra thanks to a first-half brace from striker Enes Unal. In the group's other fixture, Iceland eked out a 2-1 win in Moldova and although the Nordic nation failed to progress from the group, they will have another chance through the playoffs in March.

Euro 2020 qualifiers: France celebrate 2-0 win in Albania's new stadium

Defender Matthias Ginter scored one goal and was involved in two more as Germany comfortably saw off Belarus 4-0 on Saturday to clinch their place at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/soccer-ronaldo-moves-onto-99-as-portugal-qualify-for-euro-2020-262792">Euro 2020</a>, qualifying for the finals for a record 13th time in a row.

The inspired Ginter broke the deadlock in the 41st minute with a clever backheel, provided a dummy which allowed Leon Goreztka to score the second and the pass for Toni Kroos to add the third.

Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer saved a penalty from Igor Stasevich in the 75th minute and Kroos added a fourth to complete his first national team brace since the 7-1 World Cup semi-final win over Brazil in 2014.

Group C leaders Germany were given a helping hand by arch-rivals the Netherlands who held Northern Ireland 0-0 away to ensure the Dutch and Germans qualified with one match to spare.

Germany have 18 points, from six draws and one defeat,&nbsp;while the Dutch have 16 and Northern Ireland 14.

Belarus have four points but could still qualify as they have reached the playoffs of the Nations League which offers four more places.

"I'm satisfied, there were some very good passing exchanges," said coach Joachim Loew, who took over in 2006 and will be in charge at his seventh major tournament.

"We did a good job. All in all, I'm very satisfied. Kroos is extremely important for the team, he's always ready to play, always keeps his cool - he's elementary for such a young team. He does that very well."

As expected, Germany quickly took control although their early attacks were somewhat predictable.

They were given a fright when Stasevich's dipping long-range shot forced Neuer into a difficult save and they went ahead shortly afterwards.

Serge Gnabry wriggled past his marker and fired a low ball across the face of goal which was flicked in by Ginter for his first Germany goal on his 29th appearance.

Germany increased their lead four minutes after halftime when Kroos sent a low corner to the edge of the area, Ginter dummied and Goretzka fired home.

Six minutes later, Ginter's pass found Kroos on the edge of the area and he swept the ball home with a trademark first-time shot.

Belarus were awarded a penalty when Robin Koch tripped Pavel Nekhaychik but Neuer dived to his right to save Stasevich's spot-kick. Kroos rubbed it in when he collected the ball in the area, spun past his mark, evaded another and fired a low shot past Aleksandr Gutor to complete the rout.

Defender Matthias Ginter scored one goal and was involved in two more as Germany comfortably saw off Belarus 4-0 on Saturday to clinch their place at Euro 2020, qualifying for the finals for a record 13th time in a row.

Defender Matthias Ginter scored one goal and was involved in two more as Germany comfortably saw off Belarus 4-0 on Saturday to clinch their place at Euro 2020, qualifying for the finals for a record 13th time in a row. The inspired Ginter broke the deadlock in the 41st minute with a clever backheel, provided a dummy which allowed Leon Goreztka to score the second and the pass for Toni Kroos to add the third. Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer saved a penalty from Igor Stasevich in the 75th minute and Kroos added a fourth to complete his first national team brace since the 7-1 World Cup semi-final win over Brazil in 2014. Group C leaders Germany were given a helping hand by arch-rivals the Netherlands who held Northern Ireland 0-0 away to ensure the Dutch and Germans qualified with one match to spare. Germany have 18 points, from six draws and one defeat, while the Dutch have 16 and Northern Ireland 14. Belarus have four points but could still qualify as they have reached the playoffs of the Nations League which offers four more places. "I'm satisfied, there were some very good passing exchanges," said coach Joachim Loew, who took over in 2006 and will be in charge at his seventh major tournament. "We did a good job. All in all, I'm very satisfied. Kroos is extremely important for the team, he's always ready to play, always keeps his cool - he's elementary for such a young team. He does that very well." As expected, Germany quickly took control although their early attacks were somewhat predictable. They were given a fright when Stasevich's dipping long-range shot forced Neuer into a difficult save and they went ahead shortly afterwards. Serge Gnabry wriggled past his marker and fired a low ball across the face of goal which was flicked in by Ginter for his first Germany goal on his 29th appearance. Germany increased their lead four minutes after halftime when Kroos sent a low corner to the edge of the area, Ginter dummied and Goretzka fired home. Six minutes later, Ginter's pass found Kroos on the edge of the area and he swept the ball home with a trademark first-time shot. Belarus were awarded a penalty when Robin Koch tripped Pavel Nekhaychik but Neuer dived to his right to save Stasevich's spot-kick. Kroos rubbed it in when he collected the ball in the area, spun past his mark, evaded another and fired a low shot past Aleksandr Gutor to complete the rout.

Ginter the inspiration as Germany clinch Euro 2020 spot

Croatia qualified for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/euro-2020-qualifiers-france-celebrate-2-0-win-in-albanias-new-stadium-262830">Euro 2020</a> after second-half goals from Nikola Vlasic, Bruno Petkovic and Ivan Perisic inspired a comeback 3-1 home win over Slovakia in a pulsating Group E qualifier on Saturday.

The result left the Croatians on 17 points from eight games as they completed their campaign, with three sides behind them still in contention for next year's 24-nation tournament.

Second-placed Hungary (12 points) visit third-placed Wales (11 points) on Tuesday in a dogfight for a top-two finish where a win would see either through.

A draw, however, could allow fourth-placed Slovakia (10 points), who are at home to bottom team Azerbaijan in their final game, to squeeze through as they have a better head-to-head record against the Hungarians.

Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic, who guided them to a runners-up finish at the 2018 World Cup, was delighted.

"I am proud and I congratulate the players for winning the group and qualifying," he said.

"I wasn't worried when we fell behind because we were playing well and it was much easier after we equalised.

"All credit to the fans too who turned up in numbers and I hope we will bring more joy to Croatia in the European Championship."

Petkovic added: "We vowed not to lose our heads if we conceded first and managed to turn it around because we kept our composure. This young team has a very good chemistry."

Croatia squandered a flurry of first-half chances and were punished in the 32nd minute when Robert Bozenik turned in a Stanislav Lobotka cross from the left.

Bozenik almost doubled Slovakia's lead as Croatia keeper Dominik Livakovic just managed to tip over the 19-year-old striker's ferocious drive from the edge of the penalty area.

Yet that was as good as it got for Slovakia on a rainy night in the coastal city of Rijeka, as Croatia turned the tide with a fierce second-half onslaught.

Vlasic equalised in the 56th minute with a low drive from 20 metres and Petkovic fired Croatia ahead four minutes later when he powered an unstoppable header into the top corner after Luka Modric swung in an inch-perfect corner.

Slovakia had winger Robert Mak sent off in the 66th minute for a second bookable foul before Perisic added the third for the home side, volleying home a Borna Barisic assist to delight a packed home crowd in Rujevica stadium.

Slovakia keeper Martin Dubravka spared Slovakia a heavier defeat with several fine saves in the closing stages.

Croatia qualified for Euro 2020 after second-half goals from Nikola Vlasic, Bruno Petkovic and Ivan Perisic inspired a comeback 3-1 home win over Slovakia in a pulsating Group E qualifier on Saturday.

Croatia qualified for Euro 2020 after second-half goals from Nikola Vlasic, Bruno Petkovic and Ivan Perisic inspired a comeback 3-1 home win over Slovakia in a pulsating Group E qualifier on Saturday. The result left the Croatians on 17 points from eight games as they completed their campaign, with three sides behind them still in contention for next year's 24-nation tournament. Second-placed Hungary (12 points) visit third-placed Wales (11 points) on Tuesday in a dogfight for a top-two finish where a win would see either through. A draw, however, could allow fourth-placed Slovakia (10 points), who are at home to bottom team Azerbaijan in their final game, to squeeze through as they have a better head-to-head record against the Hungarians. Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic, who guided them to a runners-up finish at the 2018 World Cup, was delighted. "I am proud and I congratulate the players for winning the group and qualifying," he said. "I wasn't worried when we fell behind because we were playing well and it was much easier after we equalised. "All credit to the fans too who turned up in numbers and I hope we will bring more joy to Croatia in the European Championship." Petkovic added: "We vowed not to lose our heads if we conceded first and managed to turn it around because we kept our composure. This young team has a very good chemistry." Croatia squandered a flurry of first-half chances and were punished in the 32nd minute when Robert Bozenik turned in a Stanislav Lobotka cross from the left. Bozenik almost doubled Slovakia's lead as Croatia keeper Dominik Livakovic just managed to tip over the 19-year-old striker's ferocious drive from the edge of the penalty area. Yet that was as good as it got for Slovakia on a rainy night in the coastal city of Rijeka, as Croatia turned the tide with a fierce second-half onslaught. Vlasic equalised in the 56th minute with a low drive from 20 metres and Petkovic fired Croatia ahead four minutes later when he powered an unstoppable header into the top corner after Luka Modric swung in an inch-perfect corner. Slovakia had winger Robert Mak sent off in the 66th minute for a second bookable foul before Perisic added the third for the home side, volleying home a Borna Barisic assist to delight a packed home crowd in Rujevica stadium. Slovakia keeper Martin Dubravka spared Slovakia a heavier defeat with several fine saves in the closing stages.

Croatia reach Euro 2020 with 3-1 win over Slovakia

England's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-masterclass-leaves-manchester-city-in-tatters-261238">Premier League</a> has promised to improve and speed up the use of the VAR system following several controversial decisions and widespread criticism from fans and pundits.

The Premier League, using the technology for the first time this season, said in a statement that VAR was discussed at length during a shareholders meeting on Thursday and Mike Riley, its chief referee, accepted that "improvement is required".

"The Premier League and PGMOL (match officials) committed to improving the consistency of decisions, speeding up processes and increasing communication to fans," it said.

Riley told clubs that speed and consistency of decision-making "are priority areas of work and will improve as the officials become more experienced with the technology and protocols".

More information will be provided to fans, such as explaining why an incident was being looked at, Riley said.

"Ensuring the pace and tempo of Premier League football remains an important focus for clubs," the statement added.

"The core principles of VAR were reiterated. These are minimum interference for maximum benefit, maintaining the pace and tempo of Premier League football and correcting clear and obvious on-field errors."

Unlike other leagues which use VAR, such as Serie A and the Bundesliga, Premier League referees do not routinely view incidents on the pitchside monitor and this is to remained unchanged.

"It was reemphasised that it would be reserved for unseen incidents, or when information from the VAR is outside the expectation range of the referee," said the statement.

Aston Villa chief executive Christian Purslow told reporters there was a "very robust discussion".

"Messages to through to the league and the referees' association that fans are unhappy and many other stakeholders think we have got to do a whole lot better," he said.

England's Premier League has promised to improve and speed up the use of the VAR system following several controversial decisions and widespread criticism from fans and pundits.

England's Premier League has promised to improve and speed up the use of the VAR system following several controversial decisions and widespread criticism from fans and pundits. The Premier League, using the technology for the first time this season, said in a statement that VAR was discussed at length during a shareholders meeting on Thursday and Mike Riley, its chief referee, accepted that "improvement is required". "The Premier League and PGMOL (match officials) committed to improving the consistency of decisions, speeding up processes and increasing communication to fans," it said. Riley told clubs that speed and consistency of decision-making "are priority areas of work and will improve as the officials become more experienced with the technology and protocols". More information will be provided to fans, such as explaining why an incident was being looked at, Riley said. "Ensuring the pace and tempo of Premier League football remains an important focus for clubs," the statement added. "The core principles of VAR were reiterated. These are minimum interference for maximum benefit, maintaining the pace and tempo of Premier League football and correcting clear and obvious on-field errors." Unlike other leagues which use VAR, such as Serie A and the Bundesliga, Premier League referees do not routinely view incidents on the pitchside monitor and this is to remained unchanged. "It was reemphasised that it would be reserved for unseen incidents, or when information from the VAR is outside the expectation range of the referee," said the statement. Aston Villa chief executive Christian Purslow told reporters there was a "very robust discussion". "Messages to through to the league and the referees' association that fans are unhappy and many other stakeholders think we have got to do a whole lot better," he said.

English Premier League promises to improve and speed up VAR use

Turkey&nbsp;qualified for the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/euro-2020-qualifiers-giroud-spot-kick-gives-france-hard-fought-win-over-moldova-262241">&nbsp;Euro&nbsp;2020</a>&nbsp;finals with a goalless&nbsp;draw&nbsp;in a Group H&nbsp;against&nbsp;Iceland&nbsp;on Thursday, with the result&nbsp;also&nbsp;ensuring&nbsp;France&nbsp;a place in the championships.

They join Belgium, Italy, Poland, Russia, Spain and Ukraine as the teams who have already qualified for the tournament that will be staged across 12&nbsp;European countries from 12 June to 12 July&nbsp;2020.

Turkey&nbsp;lead Group H with 20 points although&nbsp;France&nbsp;can overtake them at the top if they beat Moldova later on Thursday. Third-placed&nbsp;Iceland&nbsp;is out of the running as they have 16 points with one qualifier remaining.

Both teams struggled to make an impact with&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;striker Burak Yilmaz failing to find a way past&nbsp;Iceland&nbsp;keeper Hannes Halldorsson.

The hosts pressed harder in the second half but&nbsp;Iceland's defence kept them from scoring.

Midfielder Ozan Tufan came close to scoring in the 63rd minute but his effort brushed past the crossbar.

Iceland&nbsp;also&nbsp;missed a chance to score in the closing stages when Hordur Magnusson's header was blocked by&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;defender Merih Demiral on the line.

Before kickoff, Turkish fans whistled as&nbsp;Iceland's national anthem was played.

Turkey qualified for the Euro 2020 finals with a goalless draw in a Group H against Iceland on Thursday, with the result also ensuring France a place in the championships.

Turkey qualified for the Euro 2020 finals with a goalless draw in a Group H against Iceland on Thursday, with the result also ensuring France a place in the championships. They join Belgium, Italy, Poland, Russia, Spain and Ukraine as the teams who have already qualified for the tournament that will be staged across 12 European countries from 12 June to 12 July 2020. Turkey lead Group H with 20 points although France can overtake them at the top if they beat Moldova later on Thursday. Third-placed Iceland is out of the running as they have 16 points with one qualifier remaining. Both teams struggled to make an impact with Turkey striker Burak Yilmaz failing to find a way past Iceland keeper Hannes Halldorsson. The hosts pressed harder in the second half but Iceland's defence kept them from scoring. Midfielder Ozan Tufan came close to scoring in the 63rd minute but his effort brushed past the crossbar. Iceland also missed a chance to score in the closing stages when Hordur Magnusson's header was blocked by Turkey defender Merih Demiral on the line. Before kickoff, Turkish fans whistled as Iceland's national anthem was played.

Turkey qualify for Euro 2020 with draw against Iceland, France also secure spot

France's efforts to celebrate their qualification for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-czechs-clinch-euro-2020-spot-with-2-1-win-over-kosovo-262227">Euro 2020</a> were almost spoiled by Moldova, with an Olivier Giroud penalty sparing their blushes as they came from behind to win 2-1 and go top of Group H on Thursday.

Turkey's scoreless draw with Iceland earlier in the evening ensured they and world champions France would qualify from the group, but the Moldovans were intent on spoiling the French party.

The visitors took the lead in the ninth minute when France defender Clement Lenglet followed up a bad defensive header with an even worse one, giving Moldovan striker Vadim Rata the chance to poke the ball home.

France equalised in controversial circumstances in the 35th minute as Giroud contested with Moldova keeper Alexei Cosele for a free kick lifted into the box, forcing Cosele to spill the ball for Raphael Varane to head into an empty net.

The Moldova players protested vehemently that their keeper was fouled by Giroud, but Lithuanian referee Gediminas Mazeika waved away the protests and allowed the goal to stand.

Despite the glittering array of attacking players at their disposal, France struggled to break down the dogged Moldovans, and it took a 79th-minute Giroud penalty for a foul on Lucas Digne to secure the three points.

Elsewhere in the group, Albania had to come from behind to grab a 2-2 draw at home to Andorra.

France, who travel to Albania for their final game, top Group H on 22 points, two ahead of Turkey, who host Andorra to round off their qualifying campaign.

France's efforts to celebrate their qualification for Euro 2020 were almost spoiled by Moldova, with an Olivier Giroud penalty sparing their blushes as they came from behind to win 2-1 and go top of Group H on Thursday.

France's efforts to celebrate their qualification for Euro 2020 were almost spoiled by Moldova, with an Olivier Giroud penalty sparing their blushes as they came from behind to win 2-1 and go top of Group H on Thursday. Turkey's scoreless draw with Iceland earlier in the evening ensured they and world champions France would qualify from the group, but the Moldovans were intent on spoiling the French party. The visitors took the lead in the ninth minute when France defender Clement Lenglet followed up a bad defensive header with an even worse one, giving Moldovan striker Vadim Rata the chance to poke the ball home. France equalised in controversial circumstances in the 35th minute as Giroud contested with Moldova keeper Alexei Cosele for a free kick lifted into the box, forcing Cosele to spill the ball for Raphael Varane to head into an empty net. The Moldova players protested vehemently that their keeper was fouled by Giroud, but Lithuanian referee Gediminas Mazeika waved away the protests and allowed the goal to stand. Despite the glittering array of attacking players at their disposal, France struggled to break down the dogged Moldovans, and it took a 79th-minute Giroud penalty for a foul on Lucas Digne to secure the three points. Elsewhere in the group, Albania had to come from behind to grab a 2-2 draw at home to Andorra. France, who travel to Albania for their final game, top Group H on 22 points, two ahead of Turkey, who host Andorra to round off their qualifying campaign.

Euro 2020 qualifiers: Giroud spot kick gives France hard-fought win over Moldova

Harry Kane scored a first-half hat-trick as England booked their place in the finals of Euro 2020 as group winners with a crushing 7-0 victory over Montenegro at Wembley Stadium on Thursday.

England lead Group A on 18 points with one game remaining and can now look forward to next year's tournament in which the semi-finals and final will be played at Wembley.

Montenegro, level on three points with Bulgaria at the bottom of the table, offered no examination of the credentials of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/euro-2020-qualifier-gareth-southgate-says-youngsters-will-handle-hostile-montenegro-atmosphere-205498">Gareth Southgate's</a> side for the tournament, which begins in June, but England's total of 33 goals from seven games certainly shows the potency of their attack.

"We've won a group that we should win but we've won it comfortably and we've found a way of playing against those lower-ranked teams that defend in numbers," said Southgate.

"We've found a way to break them down, which may be in the past we haven't," he added.

Southgate again put his faith in youth, with the starting line-up's average age of 23 years and 255 days, the youngest Three Lions side since 1959.

As expected, Manchester City's Raheem <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-sterling-dropped-by-england-after-training-ground-disturbance-261542">Sterling was left out</a> by Southgate as punishment for his role in an altercation with Liverpool's Joe Gomez at England's training camp on Monday. Gomez was booed by some fans at Wembley when he entered came on as a substitute.

But even without Sterling, England have no shortage of options in attack with Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford lining up alongside Kane in a three-pronged attack.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, whose progress with the national team has been hampered by injury, put England ahead in the 11th minute, drilling into the bottom corner after left-back Ben Chilwell found him with a clever chip over the defence.

Leicester City's Chilwell created the second seven minutes later with a free-kick that picked out Kane, who smartly glanced home a header.

The same pair combined for the third with Kane losing his marker to head in a corner from Chilwell.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-manchester-uniteds-attacking-trio-gives-solskjaer-reason-for-optimism-260729">Manchester United striker</a> Rashford drove home the fourth after Montenegro goalkeeper Milan Mijatovic parried out Harry Maguire's header.

Kane wrapped up his hat-trick in the 37th minute, with a sharp turn and shot into the bottom corner as England went into the break 5-0 up.

"We have had one slip-up in the group and responded really well. Got the job done and wanted to put on a show in our 1,000th game and with five goals in the first half I think we did that," said Kane, who moved up to fifth in England's all-time top-scorer rankings.

Mason Mount had a goal disallowed for offside but an own goal from Aleksandar Sofranac made it six after a scramble in the box.

Substitute Tammy Abraham grabbed his first England goal, six minutes from the end, sliding in at the near post to convert a low cross from Sancho.

"Super quality passing and crossing and clinical finishing," said Southgate, who warned that England's defence would face sterner tests in the tournament.

"We have to get both ends of the pitch right. We conceded a couple of chances we shouldn't. There is still work to do without the ball but we are improving," he said.

Harry Kane scored a first-half hat-trick as England booked their place in the finals of Euro 2020 as group winners with a crushing 7-0 victory over Montenegro at Wembley Stadium on Thursday.

Harry Kane scored a first-half hat-trick as England booked their place in the finals of Euro 2020 as group winners with a crushing 7-0 victory over Montenegro at Wembley Stadium on Thursday. England lead Group A on 18 points with one game remaining and can now look forward to next year's tournament in which the semi-finals and final will be played at Wembley. Montenegro, level on three points with Bulgaria at the bottom of the table, offered no examination of the credentials of Gareth Southgate's side for the tournament, which begins in June, but England's total of 33 goals from seven games certainly shows the potency of their attack. "We've won a group that we should win but we've won it comfortably and we've found a way of playing against those lower-ranked teams that defend in numbers," said Southgate. "We've found a way to break them down, which may be in the past we haven't," he added. Southgate again put his faith in youth, with the starting line-up's average age of 23 years and 255 days, the youngest Three Lions side since 1959. As expected, Manchester City's Raheem Sterling was left out by Southgate as punishment for his role in an altercation with Liverpool's Joe Gomez at England's training camp on Monday. Gomez was booed by some fans at Wembley when he entered came on as a substitute. But even without Sterling, England have no shortage of options in attack with Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford lining up alongside Kane in a three-pronged attack. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, whose progress with the national team has been hampered by injury, put England ahead in the 11th minute, drilling into the bottom corner after left-back Ben Chilwell found him with a clever chip over the defence. Leicester City's Chilwell created the second seven minutes later with a free-kick that picked out Kane, who smartly glanced home a header. The same pair combined for the third with Kane losing his marker to head in a corner from Chilwell. Manchester United striker Rashford drove home the fourth after Montenegro goalkeeper Milan Mijatovic parried out Harry Maguire's header. Kane wrapped up his hat-trick in the 37th minute, with a sharp turn and shot into the bottom corner as England went into the break 5-0 up. "We have had one slip-up in the group and responded really well. Got the job done and wanted to put on a show in our 1,000th game and with five goals in the first half I think we did that," said Kane, who moved up to fifth in England's all-time top-scorer rankings. Mason Mount had a goal disallowed for offside but an own goal from Aleksandar Sofranac made it six after a scramble in the box. Substitute Tammy Abraham grabbed his first England goal, six minutes from the end, sliding in at the near post to convert a low cross from Sancho. "Super quality passing and crossing and clinical finishing," said Southgate, who warned that England's defence would face sterner tests in the tournament. "We have to get both ends of the pitch right. We conceded a couple of chances we shouldn't. There is still work to do without the ball but we are improving," he said.

Harry Kane treble as England demolish Montenegro to book Euro 2020 spot

Czech Republic punched their ticket to Euro 2020 by coming from behind to beat Kosovo 2-1 as Alex Kral scored one goal and set up another to give the hosts second spot in Group A on Thursday.

The Czechs dominated possession but failed to convert their chances in the first half before falling behind when striker Atdhe Nuhiu scored against the run of play in the 50th minute.

But the home side roared back and levelled in the 71st minute when midfielder Kral pounced on a loose ball and unleashed a fierce strike that gave the Kosovo keeper no chance.

The goal energised the Czechs who hit the woodwork twice in quick succession before 21-year-old Kral directed a header towards Ondrej Celustka who guided the ball home in the 79th.

"It's awesome," Kral said. "We worked to qualify and it's done. We reacted well to the Kosovo goal and now we're through."

The Czechs, who play Bulgaria on Sunday, have 15 points and will finish second in the group behind England who has 18 after thrashing Montenegro 7-0 at Wembley to secure the runners-up spot.

Czech Republic punched their ticket to Euro 2020 by coming from behind to beat Kosovo 2-1 as Alex Kral scored one goal and set up another to give the hosts second spot in Group A on Thursday.

Czech Republic punched their ticket to Euro 2020 by coming from behind to beat Kosovo 2-1 as Alex Kral scored one goal and set up another to give the hosts second spot in Group A on Thursday. The Czechs dominated possession but failed to convert their chances in the first half before falling behind when striker Atdhe Nuhiu scored against the run of play in the 50th minute. But the home side roared back and levelled in the 71st minute when midfielder Kral pounced on a loose ball and unleashed a fierce strike that gave the Kosovo keeper no chance. The goal energised the Czechs who hit the woodwork twice in quick succession before 21-year-old Kral directed a header towards Ondrej Celustka who guided the ball home in the 79th. "It's awesome," Kral said. "We worked to qualify and it's done. We reacted well to the Kosovo goal and now we're through." The Czechs, who play Bulgaria on Sunday, have 15 points and will finish second in the group behind England who has 18 after thrashing Montenegro 7-0 at Wembley to secure the runners-up spot.

Football: Czechs clinch Euro 2020 spot with 2-1 win over Kosovo

India played out a 1-1 draw against Afghanistan in the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../first-time-in-nearly-40-years-women-in-iran- attend-football-match-255102"> FIFA World Cup 2022 Qualifiers</a> at the Central Republican Stadium here on Thursday.

Afghanistan opened the scoring at the stroke of half-time through Zelfagar Nazary, but super-sub Seiminlen Doungel headed in his first goal for India to equalise in the 93rd minute as the spoils were shared.

With this result, India now have three points from four matches in Group E -- this being their third draw in a row.

In their previous encounter at home to Bangladesh, it was Adil Khan who scored the equaliser in front of a packed house in Kolkata to earn the Blue Tigers a point. 
This time, Doungel scored in added time of the second half. Following Brandon's corner, Doungel leapt higher than all and headed it home much to the relief of the Indian fans and bench.

The first half saw the Blue Tigers start well with Pritam Kotal creating a couple of crossing opportunities from the right flank which was cleared by the Afghan defence.

The best chance for India came in the 27th minute, thanks to some excellent pressing. Sahal Abdul Samad and Ashique Kuruniyan teamed up to force an error at the edge of the Afghanistan penalty area, with the latter's shot just going off target.

Seven minutes later, Ashique looked to create another opportunity as he looked dangerous down the left flank. He went past two defenders to enter the penalty area but was denied at the last moment by a third, who cleared the ball away.

Afghanistan came up with a shot on target from distance in the 39th minute through Faysal Shayesteh, which was turned around the post by a diving Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.

It looked as if both teams would enter the dressing room with the goalless scoreline but Afghanistan broke the deadlock through Zelfagar Nazary. Full-back David Najem crossed the ball from the right flank and it was converted by Zelfagar.

India created the last chance before the breakthrough Brandon Fernandes, who came up with a rasping drive from long range which went just wide of the goal.

Farukh Choudhary was introduced by Igor Stimac at the start of the second half, in place of Mandar Rao Dessai, and fashioned a shooting opportunity five minutes after the changeover. Cutting in from the left he fired in a shot from the top of the 18-yard box which was wide of the mark.

Ashique took the role of left-back and was a threat with his crosses, producing a fine cross in the 58th minute that just evaded an onrushing Sunil Chhetri. Pritam crossed it in from the right subsequently, which was met by Sunil this time, whose header was off target but saved by a diving Ovays Azizi in the Afghan goal.

The woodwork prevented Afghanistan from extending the lead six minutes after the hour mark. Substitute Noraollah Amiri came up with a powerful shot from 25 yards out that hit the crossbar and went out of play.

On the other side, it was a matter of inches yet again -- on two occasions -- as Sunil came close to scoring. He got his head to a cross from Pritam in the 67th minute but it was clawed away for a corner by Ovays again.

From the resulting set-piece, Brandon fired in a curling delivery that found Sunil, whose header from close range went just over the bar.

Gurpreet was called into action in the 77th minute and did well to palm the ball away from a long-range strike, with Seiminlen Doungel coming on for Pritam as the away side pressed for the leveller.

With two minutes to go, Brandon came up with a shot from 25 yards, which deflected off the defender and was saved by the Afghan custodian.

India played out a 1-1 draw against Afghanistan in the FIFA World Cup 2022 Qualifiers at the Central Republican Stadium here on Thursday. Afghanistan opened the scoring at the stroke of half-time through Zelfagar Nazary, but super-sub Seiminlen Doungel headed in his first goal for India to equalise in the 93rd minute as the spoils were shared.

India played out a 1-1 draw against Afghanistan in the FIFA World Cup 2022 Qualifiers at the Central Republican Stadium here on Thursday. Afghanistan opened the scoring at the stroke of half-time through Zelfagar Nazary, but super-sub Seiminlen Doungel headed in his first goal for India to equalise in the 93rd minute as the spoils were shared. With this result, India now have three points from four matches in Group E -- this being their third draw in a row. In their previous encounter at home to Bangladesh, it was Adil Khan who scored the equaliser in front of a packed house in Kolkata to earn the Blue Tigers a point. This time, Doungel scored in added time of the second half. Following Brandon's corner, Doungel leapt higher than all and headed it home much to the relief of the Indian fans and bench. The first half saw the Blue Tigers start well with Pritam Kotal creating a couple of crossing opportunities from the right flank which was cleared by the Afghan defence. The best chance for India came in the 27th minute, thanks to some excellent pressing. Sahal Abdul Samad and Ashique Kuruniyan teamed up to force an error at the edge of the Afghanistan penalty area, with the latter's shot just going off target. Seven minutes later, Ashique looked to create another opportunity as he looked dangerous down the left flank. He went past two defenders to enter the penalty area but was denied at the last moment by a third, who cleared the ball away. Afghanistan came up with a shot on target from distance in the 39th minute through Faysal Shayesteh, which was turned around the post by a diving Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. It looked as if both teams would enter the dressing room with the goalless scoreline but Afghanistan broke the deadlock through Zelfagar Nazary. Full-back David Najem crossed the ball from the right flank and it was converted by Zelfagar. India created the last chance before the breakthrough Brandon Fernandes, who came up with a rasping drive from long range which went just wide of the goal. Farukh Choudhary was introduced by Igor Stimac at the start of the second half, in place of Mandar Rao Dessai, and fashioned a shooting opportunity five minutes after the changeover. Cutting in from the left he fired in a shot from the top of the 18-yard box which was wide of the mark. Ashique took the role of left-back and was a threat with his crosses, producing a fine cross in the 58th minute that just evaded an onrushing Sunil Chhetri. Pritam crossed it in from the right subsequently, which was met by Sunil this time, whose header was off target but saved by a diving Ovays Azizi in the Afghan goal. The woodwork prevented Afghanistan from extending the lead six minutes after the hour mark. Substitute Noraollah Amiri came up with a powerful shot from 25 yards out that hit the crossbar and went out of play. On the other side, it was a matter of inches yet again -- on two occasions -- as Sunil came close to scoring. He got his head to a cross from Pritam in the 67th minute but it was clawed away for a corner by Ovays again. From the resulting set-piece, Brandon fired in a curling delivery that found Sunil, whose header from close range went just over the bar. Gurpreet was called into action in the 77th minute and did well to palm the ball away from a long-range strike, with Seiminlen Doungel coming on for Pritam as the away side pressed for the leveller. With two minutes to go, Brandon came up with a shot from 25 yards, which deflected off the defender and was saved by the Afghan custodian.

India manage to pull off a 1-1 draw against Afghanistan after a last minute header in FIFA World Cup 2022 Qualifier

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/la-liga-unleashed-by-messi-barcelona-look-to-continue-winning-surge-259181">La Liga</a>'s hopes of staging Villarreal's game with Atletico Madrid on December 6 in Miami have ended after a local court declined a request to grant an injunction against the Spanish soccer federation (RFEF), who oppose playing the match abroad.

The league's organising body filed a complaint against the RFEF last year over the latter's refusal to authorise playing regular season matches outside Spain, claiming the RFEF did not have the authority to block the move.

That complaint will be heard next February.

"Madrid's Mercantile Court No. 12 today decided not to grant interim measures to stage an official La Liga match in Miami in a case about the pending authorisation from the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF)," said a statement from La Liga.

"La Liga respects this decision, which does not prejudge the substance of the matter, which will be permanently settled in February 2020. Staging an official match abroad is part of a long-term La Liga strategy for international growth.

"We hope that from February La Liga will be able to organise an official match beyond Spanish borders."

This is the second time the league has been unsuccessful in its bid to play regular-season matches abroad, after Barcelona withdrew from plans to play a league game last January against Girona in Miami, citing a lack of support.

La Liga and the RFEF have been at loggerheads since the league signed a 15-year deal with US entertainment company Relevant in 2018, which included a commitment to play one regular-season match in North America per year.

The RFEF's president Luis Rubiales has refused to sanction La Liga's plans as he says world governing body FIFA does not approve of domestic competition games being played outside their usual territories.

The RFEF announced on Monday that it is to stage the next three editions of the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia, but Rubiales stated that no other Spanish soccer competitions could be played abroad.

La Liga's hopes of staging Villarreal's game with Atletico Madrid on December 6 in Miami have ended after a local court declined a request to grant an injunction against the Spanish soccer federation (RFEF), who oppose playing the match abroad.

La Liga's hopes of staging Villarreal's game with Atletico Madrid on December 6 in Miami have ended after a local court declined a request to grant an injunction against the Spanish soccer federation (RFEF), who oppose playing the match abroad. The league's organising body filed a complaint against the RFEF last year over the latter's refusal to authorise playing regular season matches outside Spain, claiming the RFEF did not have the authority to block the move. That complaint will be heard next February. "Madrid's Mercantile Court No. 12 today decided not to grant interim measures to stage an official La Liga match in Miami in a case about the pending authorisation from the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF)," said a statement from La Liga. "La Liga respects this decision, which does not prejudge the substance of the matter, which will be permanently settled in February 2020. Staging an official match abroad is part of a long-term La Liga strategy for international growth. "We hope that from February La Liga will be able to organise an official match beyond Spanish borders." This is the second time the league has been unsuccessful in its bid to play regular-season matches abroad, after Barcelona withdrew from plans to play a league game last January against Girona in Miami, citing a lack of support. La Liga and the RFEF have been at loggerheads since the league signed a 15-year deal with US entertainment company Relevant in 2018, which included a commitment to play one regular-season match in North America per year. The RFEF's president Luis Rubiales has refused to sanction La Liga's plans as he says world governing body FIFA does not approve of domestic competition games being played outside their usual territories. The RFEF announced on Monday that it is to stage the next three editions of the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia, but Rubiales stated that no other Spanish soccer competitions could be played abroad.

Football: La Liga plans to take game to Miami halted by court decision

BT has retained the UK broadcast rights to Champions League soccer for three years from 2021 at an annual cost of 400 million pounds ($512 million), despite reported competition from rival Sky.

The price is in line with the current three-year contract but BT said it covered an additional 77 matches as well as the rights to highlights and in-match clips.

The renegotiation had been seen as a test of the appetite of BT Chief Executive Philip Jansen, who took on the role in February, to spend on sports rights.

The deal also covers matches from the Europa League and a planned third competition for European clubs, BT said in a statement on Friday.

"We're delighted to remain the home of UEFA Champions League in the UK," said Marc Allera, CEO of BT's Consumer Division

BT has had the rights to European club soccer since 2015 after ousting Sky and ITV. Sky, now owned by U.S. media group Comcast, had been expected to bid to win back the rights.

The news helped BT shares to make up some lost ground after Britain's opposition Labour Party said it would nationalise BT's fixed line network to provide free full-fibre broadband for all if it wins the election next month.

BT has retained the UK broadcast rights to Champions League soccer for three years from 2021 at an annual cost of 400 million pounds ($512 million), despite reported competition from rival Sky.

BT has retained the UK broadcast rights to Champions League soccer for three years from 2021 at an annual cost of 400 million pounds ($512 million), despite reported competition from rival Sky. The price is in line with the current three-year contract but BT said it covered an additional 77 matches as well as the rights to highlights and in-match clips. The renegotiation had been seen as a test of the appetite of BT Chief Executive Philip Jansen, who took on the role in February, to spend on sports rights. The deal also covers matches from the Europa League and a planned third competition for European clubs, BT said in a statement on Friday. "We're delighted to remain the home of UEFA Champions League in the UK," said Marc Allera, CEO of BT's Consumer Division BT has had the rights to European club soccer since 2015 after ousting Sky and ITV. Sky, now owned by U.S. media group Comcast, had been expected to bid to win back the rights. The news helped BT shares to make up some lost ground after Britain's opposition Labour Party said it would nationalise BT's fixed line network to provide free full-fibre broadband for all if it wins the election next month.

BT keeps Champions League soccer rights in $1.5 billion UK deal

Zlatan Ibrahimovic will not return to the LA Galaxy for the 2020 MLS season, the team said in a statement on Wednesday.

The 38-year-old Swedish striker tallied 52 goals and 17 assists in 53 starts for the Galaxy, the team he joined in March 2018 from Manchester United.

The charismatic Ibrahimovic, who has also played for some of Europe's biggest clubs including Barcelona, Juventus, Paris St Germain, Inter Milan and AC Milan, said he was leaving Los Angeles on a high note.

"I came, I saw, I conquered," Ibrahimovic wrote on Twitter.

"Thank you @lagalaxy for making me feel alive again. To the Galaxy fans -- you wanted Zlatan, I gave you Zlatan," he said.

"You are welcome. The story continues ... Now go back to watching baseball."

Despite Ibrahimovic being the highest-paid player in the league, pocketing $7.2 million for the 2019 campaign, the Galaxy won just one playoff game in his two seasons.

The team fell to crosstown rivals LAFC 5-3 in the MLS Cup conference semi-finals last month.

He was the team's top goal scorer both seasons and was twice named in the MLS Best XI list.

Few had expected him to return for a third season with his contract expiring at the end of the year and it is unclear what is next for Ibrahimovic, who has been linked in media reports with returns to AC Milan and Manchester United.

"We would like to thank Zlatan for his contributions to the LA Galaxy and Major League Soccer," LA Galaxy President Chris Klein said in a statement, which described the decision as mutual.

"Since his arrival in 2018, Zlatan has positively influenced the sport of soccer in Los Angeles. We are grateful for his work ethic and passion. We thank Zlatan for his professionalism and immeasurable impact on the Los Angeles community and the soccer community in North America as a whole."

Zlatan Ibrahimovic will not return to the LA Galaxy for the 2020 MLS season, the team said in a statement on Wednesday. The 38-year-old Swedish striker tallied 52 goals and 17 assists in 53 starts for the Galaxy, the team he joined in March 2018 from Manchester United.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic will not return to the LA Galaxy for the 2020 MLS season, the team said in a statement on Wednesday. The 38-year-old Swedish striker tallied 52 goals and 17 assists in 53 starts for the Galaxy, the team he joined in March 2018 from Manchester United. The charismatic Ibrahimovic, who has also played for some of Europe's biggest clubs including Barcelona, Juventus, Paris St Germain, Inter Milan and AC Milan, said he was leaving Los Angeles on a high note. "I came, I saw, I conquered," Ibrahimovic wrote on Twitter. "Thank you @lagalaxy for making me feel alive again. To the Galaxy fans -- you wanted Zlatan, I gave you Zlatan," he said. "You are welcome. The story continues ... Now go back to watching baseball." Despite Ibrahimovic being the highest-paid player in the league, pocketing $7.2 million for the 2019 campaign, the Galaxy won just one playoff game in his two seasons. The team fell to crosstown rivals LAFC 5-3 in the MLS Cup conference semi-finals last month. He was the team's top goal scorer both seasons and was twice named in the MLS Best XI list. Few had expected him to return for a third season with his contract expiring at the end of the year and it is unclear what is next for Ibrahimovic, who has been linked in media reports with returns to AC Milan and Manchester United. "We would like to thank Zlatan for his contributions to the LA Galaxy and Major League Soccer," LA Galaxy President Chris Klein said in a statement, which described the decision as mutual. "Since his arrival in 2018, Zlatan has positively influenced the sport of soccer in Los Angeles. We are grateful for his work ethic and passion. We thank Zlatan for his professionalism and immeasurable impact on the Los Angeles community and the soccer community in North America as a whole."

Football: Zlatan the Conqueror to leave LA Galaxy

Egypt's Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has been ruled out of their African Cup of Nations qualifiers against Kenya and Comoros with an ankle injury.

Egypt released a statement on their official Twitter account on Tuesday confirming Salah will miss the games, along with a picture of the striker with a protective boot on his left ankle.

Egypt host Kenya in their opening Group G qualifying match on Thursday and visit Comoros on Monday.

Salah has scored six goals for Liverpool this season and was on target in Sunday's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-masterclass-leaves-manchester-city-in-tatters-261238">3-1 win over Manchester City</a> which took his side eight points clear at the top of the Premier League.

But the 27-year-old has had niggling injuries since twisting his ankle against Leicester City at the start of October, which forced him to miss the 1-1 draw at Manchester United, the only Premier League game Liverpool have failed to win this season.

Salah has been unable to complete 90 minutes in the league since hurting his ankle against Leicester, being <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-mohamed-salah-fires-liverpool-to-comeback-win-over-spurs-258415">substituted against Tottenham Hotspur</a>, Aston Villa and Manchester City.

Egypt's Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has been ruled out of their African Cup of Nations qualifiers against Kenya and Comoros with an ankle injury. Egypt released a statement on their official Twitter account on Tuesday confirming Salah will miss the games, along with a picture of the striker with a protective boot on his left ankle.

Egypt's Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has been ruled out of their African Cup of Nations qualifiers against Kenya and Comoros with an ankle injury. Egypt released a statement on their official Twitter account on Tuesday confirming Salah will miss the games, along with a picture of the striker with a protective boot on his left ankle. Egypt host Kenya in their opening Group G qualifying match on Thursday and visit Comoros on Monday. Salah has scored six goals for Liverpool this season and was on target in Sunday's 3-1 win over Manchester City which took his side eight points clear at the top of the Premier League. But the 27-year-old has had niggling injuries since twisting his ankle against Leicester City at the start of October, which forced him to miss the 1-1 draw at Manchester United, the only Premier League game Liverpool have failed to win this season. Salah has been unable to complete 90 minutes in the league since hurting his ankle against Leicester, being substituted against Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and Manchester City.

Liverpool's Salah out of Egypt games with ankle problem

A day after<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../football-sterling-dropped-by-england-after- training-ground-disturbance-261542">&nbsp;Liverpool</a>'s&nbsp;Andy&nbsp;Robertson&nbsp;made his fourth assist of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../football-arsenals-under-fire-emery-gets-clubs- public-backing-261544">Premier League</a> season in Sunday's 3-1 victory over defending champions<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../liverpool-masterclass-leaves-manchester-city-in- tatters-261238"> Manchester City</a>, he issued a challenge to fellow&nbsp;full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The Scotland captain posted a short video clip on Twitter of himself smiling wryly with the caption "Realising you have more assists than @trentaa98" to which his teammate responded, "Come back in May."

The healthy rivalry between the Merseyside club's marauding&nbsp;full-backs&nbsp;has seen them create chances on par with some of the best forwards in the world, adding venom to&nbsp;Liverpool's&nbsp;already potent attack as they chase a first league title in 30 years.

"Me and Trent had big numbers last season in terms of contributing to goals and stuff, but it was more than that,"&nbsp;Robertson, 25, told&nbsp;Liverpool's&nbsp;website.

"Defensively we were also very good and this season we've tried to do the same. We just try and produce&nbsp;high&nbsp;standards&nbsp;in every single game ...&nbsp;it's not always possible."

Robertson&nbsp;and England's Alexander-Arnold have combined for 30 league assists,15 each, since August 2018 when Liverpool began to hit top gear under manager Juergen Klopp.

In the 12 games, the pair have started this season, Liverpool have conceded 10 goals with only second-placed Leicester City (eight) and Sheffield United (nine) letting in fewer.

Robertson&nbsp;hailed the remarkable progress of Liverpool-born<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../football-liverpools-alexander-arnold-eyes- captains-armband-259179"> Alexander-Arnold</a>, who is not far behind him with three assists this season.

"Trent is 21 and he's producing performances unbelievably and hopefully he keeps that up,"&nbsp;Robertson&nbsp;said.

"Hopefully the team keeps it up because we're doing well so far and there's confidence in that changing room."

More praise came from former Liverpool striker Peter Crouch.

"Some of Trent's passing is as good as a midfielder's. I've played with Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso and I'd put him right up there," Crouch told the BBC in his role as an analyst.

"With what they do for this Liverpool team,&nbsp;Robertson&nbsp;and Alexander-Arnold are redefining the way&nbsp;full&nbsp;backs&nbsp;play."

A day after Liverpool's Andy Robertson made his fourth assist of the Premier League season in Sunday's 3-1 victory over defending champions Manchester City, he issued a challenge to fellow full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold.

A day after Liverpool's Andy Robertson made his fourth assist of the Premier League season in Sunday's 3-1 victory over defending champions Manchester City, he issued a challenge to fellow full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold. The Scotland captain posted a short video clip on Twitter of himself smiling wryly with the caption "Realising you have more assists than @trentaa98" to which his teammate responded, "Come back in May." The healthy rivalry between the Merseyside club's marauding full-backs has seen them create chances on par with some of the best forwards in the world, adding venom to Liverpool's already potent attack as they chase a first league title in 30 years. "Me and Trent had big numbers last season in terms of contributing to goals and stuff, but it was more than that," Robertson, 25, told Liverpool's website. "Defensively we were also very good and this season we've tried to do the same. We just try and produce high standards in every single game ... it's not always possible." Robertson and England's Alexander-Arnold have combined for 30 league assists,15 each, since August 2018 when Liverpool began to hit top gear under manager Juergen Klopp. In the 12 games, the pair have started this season, Liverpool have conceded 10 goals with only second-placed Leicester City (eight) and Sheffield United (nine) letting in fewer. Robertson hailed the remarkable progress of Liverpool-born Alexander-Arnold, who is not far behind him with three assists this season. "Trent is 21 and he's producing performances unbelievably and hopefully he keeps that up," Robertson said. "Hopefully the team keeps it up because we're doing well so far and there's confidence in that changing room." More praise came from former Liverpool striker Peter Crouch. "Some of Trent's passing is as good as a midfielder's. I've played with Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso and I'd put him right up there," Crouch told the BBC in his role as an analyst. "With what they do for this Liverpool team, Robertson and Alexander-Arnold are redefining the way full backs play."

Football: High standards helping Liverpool's full backs fire, says Robertson

Arsenal manager Unai Emery has been given the club's public backing but the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-manchester-united-earn-3-1-win-over-brighton-261290">Premier League</a> side's hierarchy has warned the Spaniard that results must improve, the BBC reported on Monday.

Emery's position is under the spotlight after two wins in Arsenal's last 10 league games with the latest setback coming in a 2-0 defeat at high-flying Leicester City on Saturday.

However, the sixth-placed London club's head of football Raul Sanllehi and managing director Vinai Venkatesham have no immediate plans to make a change of manager.

"We firmly believe Unai is the right man for the job," the BBC reported them as telling more than 200 staff from across the club at a pre-planned meeting on Monday.

"We are as disappointed as everyone else with both our results and performances at this stage of the season.

"We share the frustration with our fans, Unai, players and all our staff as they are not at the level we want or expect. Things need to improve to meet our objectives for the season."

"We are all working intensively behind the scenes to turn things around and are confident we will."

Emery, 48, was appointed as Arsene Wenger's successor in May 2018 and his first season ended with a 4-1 Europa League final loss to Chelsea, having missed out on the top four by a point.

The currently have 17 points from 12 games and are eight points adrift of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-costas-stoppage-time-gem-sends-juventus-into-last-16-260436">Champions League</a> places.

Arsenal manager Unai Emery has been given the club's public backing but the Premier League side's hierarchy has warned the Spaniard that results must improve, the BBC reported on Monday.

Arsenal manager Unai Emery has been given the club's public backing but the Premier League side's hierarchy has warned the Spaniard that results must improve, the BBC reported on Monday. Emery's position is under the spotlight after two wins in Arsenal's last 10 league games with the latest setback coming in a 2-0 defeat at high-flying Leicester City on Saturday. However, the sixth-placed London club's head of football Raul Sanllehi and managing director Vinai Venkatesham have no immediate plans to make a change of manager. "We firmly believe Unai is the right man for the job," the BBC reported them as telling more than 200 staff from across the club at a pre-planned meeting on Monday. "We are as disappointed as everyone else with both our results and performances at this stage of the season. "We share the frustration with our fans, Unai, players and all our staff as they are not at the level we want or expect. Things need to improve to meet our objectives for the season." "We are all working intensively behind the scenes to turn things around and are confident we will." Emery, 48, was appointed as Arsene Wenger's successor in May 2018 and his first season ended with a 4-1 Europa League final loss to Chelsea, having missed out on the top four by a point. The currently have 17 points from 12 games and are eight points adrift of the Champions League places.

Football: Arsenal's under-fire Emery gets club's public backing

England winger <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-we-figured-things-out-englands-sterling-draws-line-under-gomez-clash-261525">Raheem Sterling</a> has been dropped from the squad to face Montenegro in their Euro 2020 qualifier at Wembley after a "disturbance" at the national team's training camp on Monday, the Football Association said.

"The FA &nbsp;can confirm Raheem Sterling will not be considered for Thursday’s EURO 2020 qualifier against Montenegro as a result of a disturbance in a private team area at St. George’s Park today," the FA said in a statement.

The Daily Mail reported that Manchester City winger Sterling had clashed with Liverpool defender Joe Gomez after the England team got together at their Burton on Trent training centre on Monday,&nbsp;less than 24 hours after<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-masterclass-leaves-manchester-city-in-tatters-261238"> City lost 3-1 at Liverpool</a>.

The newspaper reported that "Sterling attempted to grab Gomez by the neck following his arrival in the players' canteen". The pair squared up in the latter stages of Sunday's Premier League clash after Gomez came on as a substitute.

The FA statement, which said Sterling will remain with the squad, did not address the specifics of the dispute or confirm if Gomez was the other party but England boss Gareth Southgate linked the incident to Sunday's top-of-the-table clash.

“We have taken the decision to not consider Raheem for the match against Montenegro on Thursday," Southgate said.

"One of the great challenges and strengths for us is that we’ve been able to separate club rivalries from the national team. Unfortunately the emotions of yesterday’s game were still raw," he added in the FA statement.

“My feeling is that the right thing for the team is the action we have taken. Now that the decision has been made with the agreement of the entire squad, it’s important that we support the players and focus on Thursday night," he added.

Sterling has become a key player for England in the past year after being criticised for his displays at the 2018 World Cup.

Last season he was named Footballer of the Year by the Football Writers' Association after scoring 25 goals in all competitions as City won a domestic treble of the Premier League title and the two Cup competitions.

For England, Sterling has scored 12 goals in 55 games but has been a regular under Southgate and scored twice in the recent 6-0 win away to Bulgaria.

England top Group A and will guarantee a place at the finals with a draw against Montenegro. They face another qualifier on Sunday away to Kosovo in which Sterling could feature.

England winger Raheem Sterling has been dropped from the squad to face Montenegro in their Euro 2020 qualifier at Wembley after a "disturbance" at the national team's training camp on Monday, the Football Association said.

England winger Raheem Sterling has been dropped from the squad to face Montenegro in their Euro 2020 qualifier at Wembley after a "disturbance" at the national team's training camp on Monday, the Football Association said. "The FA can confirm Raheem Sterling will not be considered for Thursday’s EURO 2020 qualifier against Montenegro as a result of a disturbance in a private team area at St. George’s Park today," the FA said in a statement. The Daily Mail reported that Manchester City winger Sterling had clashed with Liverpool defender Joe Gomez after the England team got together at their Burton on Trent training centre on Monday, less than 24 hours after City lost 3-1 at Liverpool. The newspaper reported that "Sterling attempted to grab Gomez by the neck following his arrival in the players' canteen". The pair squared up in the latter stages of Sunday's Premier League clash after Gomez came on as a substitute. The FA statement, which said Sterling will remain with the squad, did not address the specifics of the dispute or confirm if Gomez was the other party but England boss Gareth Southgate linked the incident to Sunday's top-of-the-table clash. “We have taken the decision to not consider Raheem for the match against Montenegro on Thursday," Southgate said. "One of the great challenges and strengths for us is that we’ve been able to separate club rivalries from the national team. Unfortunately the emotions of yesterday’s game were still raw," he added in the FA statement. “My feeling is that the right thing for the team is the action we have taken. Now that the decision has been made with the agreement of the entire squad, it’s important that we support the players and focus on Thursday night," he added. Sterling has become a key player for England in the past year after being criticised for his displays at the 2018 World Cup. Last season he was named Footballer of the Year by the Football Writers' Association after scoring 25 goals in all competitions as City won a domestic treble of the Premier League title and the two Cup competitions. For England, Sterling has scored 12 goals in 55 games but has been a regular under Southgate and scored twice in the recent 6-0 win away to Bulgaria. England top Group A and will guarantee a place at the finals with a draw against Montenegro. They face another qualifier on Sunday away to Kosovo in which Sterling could feature.

Football: Sterling dropped by England after training ground 'disturbance'

England's Raheem Sterling has conceded that emotions got the better of him in a bust-up with teammate Joe Gomez at the national training camp but said he was ready to move on after being dropped by the Football Association.

The Daily Mail reported that Manchester City winger Sterling had clashed with Liverpool's Gomez after the England team got together at their Burton on Trent training centre on Monday -less than 24 hours after City<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-masterclass-leaves-manchester-city-in-tatters-261238"> lost 3-1 at Liverpool</a>.

"Both Joe and I have had words and figured things out and moved on. We are in a sport where emotions run high and I am man enough to admit when emotions got the better of me.

"...This is why we play this sport because of our love for it - me and @joegomez5 are good we both understand it was a 5-10 second thing... it's done, we move forward and not make this bigger than it is.

"Let's get focus on our game on Thursday," Sterling said on his Instagram account.

The FA has decided to drop Sterling from Thursday's EURO 2020 qualifier against Montenegro as a result of a "disturbance" in a private team area.&nbsp;

Sterling, who has scored 12 goals in 55 England appearances, has been one of the first-team regulars under manager Gareth Southgate and scored twice in the recent 6-0 win to Bulgaria.

Last season, he was named Footballer of the Year by the Football Writers' Association after scoring 25 goals in all competitions as City won a domestic treble of the Premier League title, League Cup and FA Cup.

England's Raheem Sterling has conceded that emotions got the better of him in a bust-up with teammate Joe Gomez at the national training camp but said he was ready to move on after being dropped by the Football Association.

England's Raheem Sterling has conceded that emotions got the better of him in a bust-up with teammate Joe Gomez at the national training camp but said he was ready to move on after being dropped by the Football Association. The Daily Mail reported that Manchester City winger Sterling had clashed with Liverpool's Gomez after the England team got together at their Burton on Trent training centre on Monday -less than 24 hours after City lost 3-1 at Liverpool. "Both Joe and I have had words and figured things out and moved on. We are in a sport where emotions run high and I am man enough to admit when emotions got the better of me. "...This is why we play this sport because of our love for it - me and @joegomez5 are good we both understand it was a 5-10 second thing... it's done, we move forward and not make this bigger than it is. "Let's get focus on our game on Thursday," Sterling said on his Instagram account. The FA has decided to drop Sterling from Thursday's EURO 2020 qualifier against Montenegro as a result of a "disturbance" in a private team area. Sterling, who has scored 12 goals in 55 England appearances, has been one of the first-team regulars under manager Gareth Southgate and scored twice in the recent 6-0 win to Bulgaria. Last season, he was named Footballer of the Year by the Football Writers' Association after scoring 25 goals in all competitions as City won a domestic treble of the Premier League title, League Cup and FA Cup.

Football: 'We figured things out': England's Sterling draws line under Gomez clash

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp says he feels no extra pressure to deliver the team's first Club World Cup title next month but expects an intense tournament in Qatar amidst a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-liverpools-klopp-unsure-how-he-will-approach-two-games-in-24-hours-260260">busy run of fixtures</a> across all competitions.

Liverpool enter the tournament at the semi-final stage and face a second-round winner on December&nbsp;18 and the German believes the European champions could be pushed hard by unfamiliar opponents in the seven-team competition.

"I'm not someone who has to be the first on the moon or the first winning the World Cup with Liverpool, but when we're there we'll try with all we have," Klopp told the FIFA website.

"So far, I don't feel any pressure. I see it as an absolute opportunity... the interesting and difficult part is that we'll be playing against teams from other continents, which doesn't happen that often... it'll be a tough one for sure."

The teams involved in the December&nbsp;11-21 tournament are CONCACAF champions Monterrey of Mexico; Qatar champions Al Sadd; Oceania title holders Hienghene Sport of New Caledonia; African champions Esperance of Tunisia; the eventual South American champions and the Asian Champions League winners.

"We'll prepare for it as we would usually and we'll see if it's right or wrong... I don't get to see a lot of Brazilian, Argentinian, Mexican or Arabic football... so I don't know too much about them... It'll be really intense," added Klopp.

Liverpool outclassed Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 in the Champions League final in June to claim their sixth European Cup and followed that by beating Europa League winners Chelsea 5-4 on penalties to lift the UEFA Super Cup.

Klopp's side have an eight-point lead <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-masterclass-leaves-manchester-city-in-tatters-261238">atop the Premier League</a> as they target a first English title in 30 years and can add another trophy to their cabinet before the year ends.

"Unfortunately, we won't round off 2019 in that moment (with the Club World Cup trophy) because there will be games to come before the year ends," said Klopp, whose side play 12 games across four competitions between November&nbsp;23 and January&nbsp;2.

Such is the fixture crunch that Liverpool could field two different squads in the League Cup quarter-final on December&nbsp;17 and Club World Cup the following day due to a lack of available dates to postpone the domestic game.

Klopp said he would not take the Club World Cup for granted.

"The only reason for us to go there is for the opportunity to win it and that's what we'll try... the boys want to play it so it'll be interesting... it'll feel big for us, 100 per cent."

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp says he feels no extra pressure to deliver the team's first Club World Cup title next month but expects an intense tournament in Qatar amidst a busy run of fixtures across all competitions.

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp says he feels no extra pressure to deliver the team's first Club World Cup title next month but expects an intense tournament in Qatar amidst a busy run of fixtures across all competitions. Liverpool enter the tournament at the semi-final stage and face a second-round winner on December 18 and the German believes the European champions could be pushed hard by unfamiliar opponents in the seven-team competition. "I'm not someone who has to be the first on the moon or the first winning the World Cup with Liverpool, but when we're there we'll try with all we have," Klopp told the FIFA website. "So far, I don't feel any pressure. I see it as an absolute opportunity... the interesting and difficult part is that we'll be playing against teams from other continents, which doesn't happen that often... it'll be a tough one for sure." The teams involved in the December 11-21 tournament are CONCACAF champions Monterrey of Mexico; Qatar champions Al Sadd; Oceania title holders Hienghene Sport of New Caledonia; African champions Esperance of Tunisia; the eventual South American champions and the Asian Champions League winners. "We'll prepare for it as we would usually and we'll see if it's right or wrong... I don't get to see a lot of Brazilian, Argentinian, Mexican or Arabic football... so I don't know too much about them... It'll be really intense," added Klopp. Liverpool outclassed Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 in the Champions League final in June to claim their sixth European Cup and followed that by beating Europa League winners Chelsea 5-4 on penalties to lift the UEFA Super Cup. Klopp's side have an eight-point lead atop the Premier League as they target a first English title in 30 years and can add another trophy to their cabinet before the year ends. "Unfortunately, we won't round off 2019 in that moment (with the Club World Cup trophy) because there will be games to come before the year ends," said Klopp, whose side play 12 games across four competitions between November 23 and January 2. Such is the fixture crunch that Liverpool could field two different squads in the League Cup quarter-final on December 17 and Club World Cup the following day due to a lack of available dates to postpone the domestic game. Klopp said he would not take the Club World Cup for granted. "The only reason for us to go there is for the opportunity to win it and that's what we'll try... the boys want to play it so it'll be interesting... it'll feel big for us, 100 per cent."

Football: No pressure to land Club World Cup crown, says Liverpool's Klopp

Wolverhampton Wanderers shrugged off their midweek <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/europa-league-manchester-united-brush-partizan-aside-to-reach-last-32-260704">Europa League</a> exertions to comfortably beat Aston Villa 2-1 in Sunday's Midlands derby with goals by Ruben Neves and Raul Jimenez.

After a slow start to the season, and despite already playing 24 games, Wolves are gathering momentum and a comfortable win lifted them to eighth in the Premier League.

Nuno Espirito Santo's side are unbeaten in the league since September&nbsp;14 and enter the international break in high spirits.

"I'm happy with the performance. We played really good. When you produce so many good things, you want more (goals)," he said. "We always have a threat on the break."

Villa, on the other hand, remain one place above the bottom three after a difficult afternoon that began when they had to replace injured keeper Jed Steer to injury after five minutes.

With first-choice keeper Tom Heaton missing it meant a debut for Orjan Nyland in the heat of a local derby.

Wolves dominated and the only surprise was it took them until nearly halftime to go ahead.

Villa's defence switched off from a free kick and Joao Moutinho pulled the ball back for the unmarked Neves to power an unstoppable shot inside the right-hand post.

Another injury for Villa led to left back Matt Targett being replaced before the interval but the visitors showed more endeavour after the break to at least stay in the game.

Wolves should have been well clear with Adama Traore's thunderous drive smashing against the crossbar, while Jimenez and Diogo Jota also missed good opportunities.

Villa threatened to equalise on the odd occasions, once when Wesley curled a shot wide, but Wolves effectively sealed the points when Jimenez fired into the corner after good work by the dangerous Traore, a former Villa player.

There was some consolation for Villa when Trezeguet halved the deficit in stoppage time but it was too late.

Wolves's first Premier League win over Villa for eight years lifted them to 16 points from 12 games while Villa remain fourth from bottom with 11 points.

Villa manager Dean Smith did not use the injuries as excuses, saying his side failed to match Wolves' desire.

"That's as bad a first 45 minutes I've had since Wigan away last year. Very poor, didn't start," he said.

"It appeared the game was bigger for them than it was for us, we didn't win any balls, duels, didn't pass it well.

"The best thing I got out of the first half was it was only 1-0 at halftime."

Wolverhampton Wanderers shrugged off their midweek Europa League exertions to comfortably beat Aston Villa 2-1 in Sunday's Midlands derby with goals by Ruben Neves and Raul Jimenez.

Wolverhampton Wanderers shrugged off their midweek Europa League exertions to comfortably beat Aston Villa 2-1 in Sunday's Midlands derby with goals by Ruben Neves and Raul Jimenez. After a slow start to the season, and despite already playing 24 games, Wolves are gathering momentum and a comfortable win lifted them to eighth in the Premier League. Nuno Espirito Santo's side are unbeaten in the league since September 14 and enter the international break in high spirits. "I'm happy with the performance. We played really good. When you produce so many good things, you want more (goals)," he said. "We always have a threat on the break." Villa, on the other hand, remain one place above the bottom three after a difficult afternoon that began when they had to replace injured keeper Jed Steer to injury after five minutes. With first-choice keeper Tom Heaton missing it meant a debut for Orjan Nyland in the heat of a local derby. Wolves dominated and the only surprise was it took them until nearly halftime to go ahead. Villa's defence switched off from a free kick and Joao Moutinho pulled the ball back for the unmarked Neves to power an unstoppable shot inside the right-hand post. Another injury for Villa led to left back Matt Targett being replaced before the interval but the visitors showed more endeavour after the break to at least stay in the game. Wolves should have been well clear with Adama Traore's thunderous drive smashing against the crossbar, while Jimenez and Diogo Jota also missed good opportunities. Villa threatened to equalise on the odd occasions, once when Wesley curled a shot wide, but Wolves effectively sealed the points when Jimenez fired into the corner after good work by the dangerous Traore, a former Villa player. There was some consolation for Villa when Trezeguet halved the deficit in stoppage time but it was too late. Wolves's first Premier League win over Villa for eight years lifted them to 16 points from 12 games while Villa remain fourth from bottom with 11 points. Villa manager Dean Smith did not use the injuries as excuses, saying his side failed to match Wolves' desire. "That's as bad a first 45 minutes I've had since Wigan away last year. Very poor, didn't start," he said. "It appeared the game was bigger for them than it was for us, we didn't win any balls, duels, didn't pass it well. "The best thing I got out of the first half was it was only 1-0 at halftime."

Premier League: Wolves beat Villa to move into top eight

Manchester United climbed back into the top half of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-masterclass-leaves-manchester-city-in-tatters-261238">Premier League</a> table on Sunday, as goals from Andreas Pereira and Marcus Rashford and an own goal from Davy Propper gave the side a 3-1 home win over Brighton and Hove Albion.

United climbed to seventh place on 16 points from 12 games after stretching their unbeaten home run against the Seagulls to 12 matches in all competitions. Brighton slipped to 11th place on 15 points.

The home side benefited from a fine individual display by Anthony Martial, who set up two goals and ran tirelessly at Brighton's defenders.

Manager <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-manchester-uniteds-attacking-trio-gives-solskjaer-reason-for-optimism-260729">Ole Gunnar Solskjaer</a> praised the Frenchman alongside 19-year-old left back Brandon Williams.

"Anthony Martial did not get a goal but he was outstanding," Solskjaer told the BBC.

"Brandon Williams was excellent too, he has had some good games already and he seems he wants to be out there and enjoy himself.

"We should have scored many more goals. It was an excellent performance from the lads, when you see them going forward it is a joy to watch."

Pereira fired United ahead in the 17th minute with a fortuitous goal, as his shot from inside the penalty area took a heavy deflection off Dale Stephens and left Brighton goalkeeper Mathew Ryan stranded.

Pereira initially lost control of the ball as he raced forward before Martial unselfishly teed up the rebound for the Brazilian to hit a left-foot shot.

Propper then bundled the ball into his own net two minutes later as an inswinging free kick from Fred caused havoc in Brighton's six-yard box. The goal was awarded after a VAR check.

Lewis Dunk pulled one back for Brighton in the 64th minute with a close-range header, but Rashford restored United's two-goal advantage two minutes later when he blasted in a shot from 12 metres off the underside of the bar.

Again the goal resulted from good work by Martial, who beat a defender and Ryan to the ball before squaring it back for Rashford from a tight angle.

United missed several chances in the closing stages to win by a bigger margin, with Rashford guilty of two glaring misses while Ryan pulled off some superb saves.

The match ended on a sour note for United midfielder Scott McTominay, who limped off injured moments before the final whistle after an innocuous-looking duel.

Manchester United climbed back into the top half of the Premier League table on Sunday, as goals from Andreas Pereira and Marcus Rashford and an own goal from Davy Propper gave the side a 3-1 home win over Brighton and Hove Albion.

Manchester United climbed back into the top half of the Premier League table on Sunday, as goals from Andreas Pereira and Marcus Rashford and an own goal from Davy Propper gave the side a 3-1 home win over Brighton and Hove Albion. United climbed to seventh place on 16 points from 12 games after stretching their unbeaten home run against the Seagulls to 12 matches in all competitions. Brighton slipped to 11th place on 15 points. The home side benefited from a fine individual display by Anthony Martial, who set up two goals and ran tirelessly at Brighton's defenders. Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer praised the Frenchman alongside 19-year-old left back Brandon Williams. "Anthony Martial did not get a goal but he was outstanding," Solskjaer told the BBC. "Brandon Williams was excellent too, he has had some good games already and he seems he wants to be out there and enjoy himself. "We should have scored many more goals. It was an excellent performance from the lads, when you see them going forward it is a joy to watch." Pereira fired United ahead in the 17th minute with a fortuitous goal, as his shot from inside the penalty area took a heavy deflection off Dale Stephens and left Brighton goalkeeper Mathew Ryan stranded. Pereira initially lost control of the ball as he raced forward before Martial unselfishly teed up the rebound for the Brazilian to hit a left-foot shot. Propper then bundled the ball into his own net two minutes later as an inswinging free kick from Fred caused havoc in Brighton's six-yard box. The goal was awarded after a VAR check. Lewis Dunk pulled one back for Brighton in the 64th minute with a close-range header, but Rashford restored United's two-goal advantage two minutes later when he blasted in a shot from 12 metres off the underside of the bar. Again the goal resulted from good work by Martial, who beat a defender and Ryan to the ball before squaring it back for Rashford from a tight angle. United missed several chances in the closing stages to win by a bigger margin, with Rashford guilty of two glaring misses while Ryan pulled off some superb saves. The match ended on a sour note for United midfielder Scott McTominay, who limped off injured moments before the final whistle after an innocuous-looking duel.

Premier League: Manchester United earn 3-1 win over Brighton

England have gone backwards since their semi-final run at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/major-takeaways-from-story-packed-womens-world-cup-233968">women's World Cup</a> in June-July and fatigue can no longer be used as an excuse for their poor run of results, head coach Phil Neville said.

Neville was speaking after England lost 2-1 to Germany at Wembley in a friendly on Saturday which had a record attendance of 77,768 for a women's match in the country.

England have won only one of their last seven games -- away at Portugal -- while they have lost against the likes of Brazil and Norway in recent months after their World Cup semi-final exit at the hands of eventual champions United States.

"Yes, I think so," Neville told reporters when asked if England have gone backwards since their women's World Cup campaign. "There is no hiding from that. One win in seven is totally unacceptable.

"We can talk about coming down from the emotional highs to feeling the fatigue and everything of the World Cup. But when you get into November that becomes an excuse and we're not having any excuses."

Neville, who took charge of the team in January 2018, took responsibility for his team's failings and said they needed to find answers before their next match -- a friendly match away at the Czech Republic on Tuesday.

"I've got to take responsibility for those results, I'm the one that picks the team," he added.

"I'm the one that sets the tactics, I train them, I talk to them, I communicate with them.

"Ultimately the buck has got to start with me and finish with me because the team always reflects the manager. The results haven't been good enough which means I've not been good enough. We need to do something about it very quickly."

England have gone backwards since their semi-final run at the women's World Cup in June-July and fatigue can no longer be used as an excuse for their poor run of results, head coach Phil Neville said.

England have gone backwards since their semi-final run at the women's World Cup in June-July and fatigue can no longer be used as an excuse for their poor run of results, head coach Phil Neville said. Neville was speaking after England lost 2-1 to Germany at Wembley in a friendly on Saturday which had a record attendance of 77,768 for a women's match in the country. England have won only one of their last seven games -- away at Portugal -- while they have lost against the likes of Brazil and Norway in recent months after their World Cup semi-final exit at the hands of eventual champions United States. "Yes, I think so," Neville told reporters when asked if England have gone backwards since their women's World Cup campaign. "There is no hiding from that. One win in seven is totally unacceptable. "We can talk about coming down from the emotional highs to feeling the fatigue and everything of the World Cup. But when you get into November that becomes an excuse and we're not having any excuses." Neville, who took charge of the team in January 2018, took responsibility for his team's failings and said they needed to find answers before their next match -- a friendly match away at the Czech Republic on Tuesday. "I've got to take responsibility for those results, I'm the one that picks the team," he added. "I'm the one that sets the tactics, I train them, I talk to them, I communicate with them. "Ultimately the buck has got to start with me and finish with me because the team always reflects the manager. The results haven't been good enough which means I've not been good enough. We need to do something about it very quickly."

Football: England women have gone backwards since World Cup, says Neville

&nbsp;England have called up Sheffield United goalkeeper Dean Henderson for the Euro 2020 qualifiers against Montenegro and Kosovo after Aston Villa's Tom Heaton pulled out with injury, the FA said on Sunday.

Heaton sustained a calf injury in training on Saturday which prevented him playing in Sunday's 2-1 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-masterclass-leaves-manchester-city-in-tatters-261238">Premier League</a> defeat at local rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers, with Jed Steer replacing him in goal.

Henderson, on loan from Manchester United, leads the English top flight with five clean sheets this season.

Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley has also been ruled out through injury but England manager Gareth Southgate did not name a replacement. Barkley has been sidelined since October&nbsp;19 after suffering an ankle problem against Newcastle United.

England face Montenegro at Wembley on Thursday in the country's 1,000th international fixture, before visiting Kosovo on November&nbsp;17. They need one point from their remaining games to guarantee their place in next year's finals.

England have called up Sheffield United goalkeeper Dean Henderson for the Euro 2020 qualifiers against Montenegro and Kosovo after Aston Villa's Tom Heaton pulled out with injury, the FA said on Sunday.

England have called up Sheffield United goalkeeper Dean Henderson for the Euro 2020 qualifiers against Montenegro and Kosovo after Aston Villa's Tom Heaton pulled out with injury, the FA said on Sunday. Heaton sustained a calf injury in training on Saturday which prevented him playing in Sunday's 2-1 Premier League defeat at local rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers, with Jed Steer replacing him in goal. Henderson, on loan from Manchester United, leads the English top flight with five clean sheets this season. Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley has also been ruled out through injury but England manager Gareth Southgate did not name a replacement. Barkley has been sidelined since October 19 after suffering an ankle problem against Newcastle United. England face Montenegro at Wembley on Thursday in the country's 1,000th international fixture, before visiting Kosovo on November 17. They need one point from their remaining games to guarantee their place in next year's finals.

Football: England bring in keeper Henderson for injured Heaton, Barkley out

As&nbsp;Roma lost third place in Serie A when they slumped to a 2-0 defeat at Parma after Mattia Sprocati and Andreas Cornelius grabbed second-half goals on Sunday to end the visitors' six-match unbeaten league run.

Roma, playing three days after a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/europa-league-manchester-united-brush-partizan-aside-to-reach-last-32-260704">Europa League</a> defeat by Borussia Moenchengladbach, nearly went ahead midway through the second period when Aleksandar Kolarov rattled the woodwork with a free-kick and Javier Pastore's effort from the rebound was brilliantly saved by Luigi Sepe.

Instead, Sprocati fired Parma ahead from Riccardo Gagliolo's cross in the 68th minute and Cornelius added a second on the break with the last move of the match.

Roma were overhauled by free-scoring Lazio, who beat visiting Lecce 4-2, and Cagliari, who hammered Fiorentina 5-2 at home. Both have 24 points, followed by Atalanta and Roma on 22, Napoli with 19 and Parma who are eighth on 17.

Five players shared Cagliari's goals as the Sardinians continued their impressive season - Marko Rog, Fabio Piscane, Giovanni Simeone, Joao Pedro and Radja Nainggolan, who also provided three assists.

Dusan Vlahovic scored twice late on to make the score more respectable for Fiorentina.

Serie A leading scorer Ciro Immobile took his tally to 14 this season by converting a penalty for Lazio.

Joaquin Correa put Lazio ahead on the half-hour and Gianluca Lapadula replied 10 minutes later.

Sergei Milinkovic-Savic put Lazio back in front in the 62nd minute but then gave away a penalty five minutes later.

Khouma Babacar saw his effort saved by Thomas Strakosha and although Gianluca Lapadula put the rebound in, it was disallowed for encroachment.

Immobile made no mistake when Lazio were awarded a penalty to make it 3-1 and Correa then got his second for the hosts before Andrea La Mantia pulled one back for Lecce.

Udinese goalkeeper Juan Musso saved a penalty from SPAL substitute Andrea Petagna in the eighth minute of stoppage time to rescue a 0-0 home draw for his side as the visitors moved off the bottom of the table.

Claudio Ranieri's Sampdoria also managed a 0-0 draw at home to Atalanta who had Ruslan Malinovskyi sent off for a second bookable offence in the 74th minute.

As Roma lost third place in Serie A when they slumped to a 2-0 defeat at Parma after Mattia Sprocati and Andreas Cornelius grabbed second-half goals on Sunday to end the visitors' six-match unbeaten league run.

As Roma lost third place in Serie A when they slumped to a 2-0 defeat at Parma after Mattia Sprocati and Andreas Cornelius grabbed second-half goals on Sunday to end the visitors' six-match unbeaten league run. Roma, playing three days after a Europa League defeat by Borussia Moenchengladbach, nearly went ahead midway through the second period when Aleksandar Kolarov rattled the woodwork with a free-kick and Javier Pastore's effort from the rebound was brilliantly saved by Luigi Sepe. Instead, Sprocati fired Parma ahead from Riccardo Gagliolo's cross in the 68th minute and Cornelius added a second on the break with the last move of the match. Roma were overhauled by free-scoring Lazio, who beat visiting Lecce 4-2, and Cagliari, who hammered Fiorentina 5-2 at home. Both have 24 points, followed by Atalanta and Roma on 22, Napoli with 19 and Parma who are eighth on 17. Five players shared Cagliari's goals as the Sardinians continued their impressive season - Marko Rog, Fabio Piscane, Giovanni Simeone, Joao Pedro and Radja Nainggolan, who also provided three assists. Dusan Vlahovic scored twice late on to make the score more respectable for Fiorentina. Serie A leading scorer Ciro Immobile took his tally to 14 this season by converting a penalty for Lazio. Joaquin Correa put Lazio ahead on the half-hour and Gianluca Lapadula replied 10 minutes later. Sergei Milinkovic-Savic put Lazio back in front in the 62nd minute but then gave away a penalty five minutes later. Khouma Babacar saw his effort saved by Thomas Strakosha and although Gianluca Lapadula put the rebound in, it was disallowed for encroachment. Immobile made no mistake when Lazio were awarded a penalty to make it 3-1 and Correa then got his second for the hosts before Andrea La Mantia pulled one back for Lecce. Udinese goalkeeper Juan Musso saved a penalty from SPAL substitute Andrea Petagna in the eighth minute of stoppage time to rescue a 0-0 home draw for his side as the visitors moved off the bottom of the table. Claudio Ranieri's Sampdoria also managed a 0-0 draw at home to Atalanta who had Ruslan Malinovskyi sent off for a second bookable offence in the 74th minute.

Serie A: Roma knocked out of third place with defeat at Parma

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp says being nine points above Manchester City feels "completely new" and praised his side's intensity after a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-masterclass-leaves-manchester-city-in-tatters-261238">3-1 victory </a>over their Premier League title rivals at Anfield on Sunday.

Goals by Fabinho, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane put Liverpool three goals up before Bernardo Silva's 78th-minute effort provoked a late City siege.

"You saw in the last 10 or 15 minutes when City scored the goal it gave them mental belief and from that moment they controlled the game," Klopp, whose side have an eight-point lead over Leicester City and Chelsea, said.

"But the other 70 minutes we controlled the game with our intensity and didn't let them do what they wanted. If that was so easy a lot more teams would try it, but the boys put in an incredible shift again."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-liverpools-klopp-unsure-how-he-will-approach-two-games-in-24-hours-260260">Klopp</a>, whose side are now unbeaten in 29 Premier League games, said all three goals were "incredible".

"That's what you need on a day like this. You have to score special goals against them, and you have to defend with your heads which is what we did," he said.

"I don't know many ways to beat City but if we want to do it we have to do it with intensity and with forcing them into our game and that's what the boys did today."

Klopp said he could understand opposite number Pep Guardiola's frustration with the opening goal when Fabinho lashed home on the counter-attack after Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold appeared to have handled in his own area.

"I didn't see it," he said. "People told me it hit Bernardo Silva's hand then Trent's. If Bernardo had scored with his hand it would have been disallowed, wherever the hand was.

"I understand how disappointed they are, we would feel exactly the same, 100 per cent. But on the other hand the reaction we showed seconds later in front of their box."

While admitting Liverpool were now in new territory with such a lead, Klopp said they might need every point.

"Each point we have we need to go through the most intense period ever," he said.

Alexander-Arnold described the win as a "massive three points" while fellow full back Andy Robertson said the opening goal had been crucial to the outcome.

"We didn't start the best. I think they had two corners inside the first minute so it was always going to be an important factor," he said.

"Now it's all about keeping it in perspective. We'll see where we are after Christmas and the busy period coming up."

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp says being nine points above Manchester City feels "completely new" and praised his side's intensity after a 3-1 victory over their Premier League title rivals at Anfield on Sunday.

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp says being nine points above Manchester City feels "completely new" and praised his side's intensity after a 3-1 victory over their Premier League title rivals at Anfield on Sunday. Goals by Fabinho, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane put Liverpool three goals up before Bernardo Silva's 78th-minute effort provoked a late City siege. "You saw in the last 10 or 15 minutes when City scored the goal it gave them mental belief and from that moment they controlled the game," Klopp, whose side have an eight-point lead over Leicester City and Chelsea, said. "But the other 70 minutes we controlled the game with our intensity and didn't let them do what they wanted. If that was so easy a lot more teams would try it, but the boys put in an incredible shift again." Klopp, whose side are now unbeaten in 29 Premier League games, said all three goals were "incredible". "That's what you need on a day like this. You have to score special goals against them, and you have to defend with your heads which is what we did," he said. "I don't know many ways to beat City but if we want to do it we have to do it with intensity and with forcing them into our game and that's what the boys did today." Klopp said he could understand opposite number Pep Guardiola's frustration with the opening goal when Fabinho lashed home on the counter-attack after Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold appeared to have handled in his own area. "I didn't see it," he said. "People told me it hit Bernardo Silva's hand then Trent's. If Bernardo had scored with his hand it would have been disallowed, wherever the hand was. "I understand how disappointed they are, we would feel exactly the same, 100 per cent. But on the other hand the reaction we showed seconds later in front of their box." While admitting Liverpool were now in new territory with such a lead, Klopp said they might need every point. "Each point we have we need to go through the most intense period ever," he said. Alexander-Arnold described the win as a "massive three points" while fellow full back Andy Robertson said the opening goal had been crucial to the outcome. "We didn't start the best. I think they had two corners inside the first minute so it was always going to be an important factor," he said. "Now it's all about keeping it in perspective. We'll see where we are after Christmas and the busy period coming up."

Klopp praises Liverpool intensity after crucial win over City

There is still more than six months of the Premier League season left, with 26 games and no doubt many plot twists ahead, but <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-masterclass-leaves-manchester-city-in-tatters-261238">Liverpool's 3-1 win </a>over Manchester City on Sunday had the feel of a changing of the guard at the pinnacle of English football.

It was not so much the maths, though Liverpool's nine-point advantage over defending champions City, with a point less over Leicester City and Chelsea, is a significant gap, especially as<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-liverpools-klopp-unsure-how-he-will-approach-two-games-in-24-hours-260260"> Juergen Klopp's</a> side have lost one league game in 18 months.

But it was the manner of Liverpool's victory at Anfield which suggested that the fans' nearly 30-year wait for a domestic league title may be coming to a close.

City were by no means poor, and played their part in an entertaining encounter, but Liverpool were better in every department.

Klopp's side were sharper in attack, where Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane both found the target, more solid at the back and in the midfield were faster, stronger, harder and more incisive, as always helped by their rampaging full-backs.

Liverpool are European champions after overpowering teams of the calibre of Barcelona, bullying them physically, ripping them apart with speedy bursts down the flanks from Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson and through ruthless finishing.

City, though, have won the past two Premier League titles thanks to their technical brilliance and mastery of possession football which they executed with relentless consistency.

However, this season Liverpool have matched that level of consistency, unbeaten and with 11 wins from 12, they arrived at this game with the only question being whether they could cope with the unique challenge of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-guardiola-is-the-best-manager-in-the-world-juergen-klopp-260679">Pep Guardiola's</a> City machine.

The only conclusion after 90 minutes of high quality football was that Liverpool have no weak spots. It is hard to think of any team in the world who would enter the intimidating atmosphere of Anfield confident of leaving with a win.

City, in contrast, have had a major weakness exposed due to injuries and made an unfathomable mistake in the transfer market by not replacing former captain Vincent Kompany when he left the club in the close-season and that has come back to bite them.

City inexplicably given their huge resources, went into this season with just three established central defenders -- John Stones, Nicolas Otamendi and Aymeric Laporte.

Given that Laporte has been sidelined by injury since August and Otamendi's form has been haphazard at best, City went to Anfield with midfielder Fernandinho filling in alongside Stones.

Liverpool in contrast were able to replace Virgil van Dijk's injured defensive partner Joel Matip with the experienced Croatian Dejan Lovren and still had England international Joe Gomez in reserve on the bench.

There was no glaring error from City's defenders but there was an air of vulnerability about them throughout the game and the sense of certainty that Liverpool would punish Guardiola's back line for any slip-up.

Last season, City delivered a tactically mature and disciplined performance in a goalless draw at Anfield but, as Guardiola conceded, this game was more similar to the 2018 Champions League quarter-final, where City were blown apart after going two goals down in the opening 20 minutes.

“If you give them an inch, they will take that and score goals," said City's Portuguese midfielder Bernardo Silva, who grabbed their late consolation goal.

"That’s what happens. You can play better than Liverpool and be 2-0 or 3-0 behind. They are maybe the best team in the world with their counter-attack, second balls and set pieces."

City will recover from this loss, surely will strengthen their defence in the January transfer window and it would be a foolish pundit who writes them off.

"It’s still November and we still have games to play. We’re not in an ideal position – we don’t want to lose games – and we have to improve," said Silva. “We were in this position last season. We’ll never give up."

Liverpool's protestations that this game decided nothing were inevitable but there was no hiding the desire Klopp has to deliver that long absent league title.

"Nine points, you cannot imagine that something like this happens," said the German. "But it's not important because who wants to be first in early November? We want to be first in May."

There is still more than six months of the Premier League season left, with 26 games and no doubt many plot twists ahead, but Liverpool's 3-1 win over Manchester City on Sunday had the feel of a changing of the guard at the pinnacle of English football.

There is still more than six months of the Premier League season left, with 26 games and no doubt many plot twists ahead, but Liverpool's 3-1 win over Manchester City on Sunday had the feel of a changing of the guard at the pinnacle of English football. It was not so much the maths, though Liverpool's nine-point advantage over defending champions City, with a point less over Leicester City and Chelsea, is a significant gap, especially as Juergen Klopp's side have lost one league game in 18 months. But it was the manner of Liverpool's victory at Anfield which suggested that the fans' nearly 30-year wait for a domestic league title may be coming to a close. City were by no means poor, and played their part in an entertaining encounter, but Liverpool were better in every department. Klopp's side were sharper in attack, where Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane both found the target, more solid at the back and in the midfield were faster, stronger, harder and more incisive, as always helped by their rampaging full-backs. Liverpool are European champions after overpowering teams of the calibre of Barcelona, bullying them physically, ripping them apart with speedy bursts down the flanks from Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson and through ruthless finishing. City, though, have won the past two Premier League titles thanks to their technical brilliance and mastery of possession football which they executed with relentless consistency. However, this season Liverpool have matched that level of consistency, unbeaten and with 11 wins from 12, they arrived at this game with the only question being whether they could cope with the unique challenge of Pep Guardiola's City machine. The only conclusion after 90 minutes of high quality football was that Liverpool have no weak spots. It is hard to think of any team in the world who would enter the intimidating atmosphere of Anfield confident of leaving with a win. City, in contrast, have had a major weakness exposed due to injuries and made an unfathomable mistake in the transfer market by not replacing former captain Vincent Kompany when he left the club in the close-season and that has come back to bite them. City inexplicably given their huge resources, went into this season with just three established central defenders -- John Stones, Nicolas Otamendi and Aymeric Laporte. Given that Laporte has been sidelined by injury since August and Otamendi's form has been haphazard at best, City went to Anfield with midfielder Fernandinho filling in alongside Stones. Liverpool in contrast were able to replace Virgil van Dijk's injured defensive partner Joel Matip with the experienced Croatian Dejan Lovren and still had England international Joe Gomez in reserve on the bench. There was no glaring error from City's defenders but there was an air of vulnerability about them throughout the game and the sense of certainty that Liverpool would punish Guardiola's back line for any slip-up. Last season, City delivered a tactically mature and disciplined performance in a goalless draw at Anfield but, as Guardiola conceded, this game was more similar to the 2018 Champions League quarter-final, where City were blown apart after going two goals down in the opening 20 minutes. “If you give them an inch, they will take that and score goals," said City's Portuguese midfielder Bernardo Silva, who grabbed their late consolation goal. "That’s what happens. You can play better than Liverpool and be 2-0 or 3-0 behind. They are maybe the best team in the world with their counter-attack, second balls and set pieces." City will recover from this loss, surely will strengthen their defence in the January transfer window and it would be a foolish pundit who writes them off. "It’s still November and we still have games to play. We’re not in an ideal position – we don’t want to lose games – and we have to improve," said Silva. “We were in this position last season. We’ll never give up." Liverpool's protestations that this game decided nothing were inevitable but there was no hiding the desire Klopp has to deliver that long absent league title. "Nine points, you cannot imagine that something like this happens," said the German. "But it's not important because who wants to be first in early November? We want to be first in May."

Premier League: Liverpool win over City suggests long wait may come to an end

Two first-half goals from Dimitri Payet gave Olympique de Marseille a stormy 2-1 win over bitter rivals Olympique Lyonnais, who complained that their team bus was pelted with missiles on the way to the Stade Velodrome on Sunday.

The match, which saw Marseille go second in Ligue 1, was also interrupted for five minutes when a laser was shone at Lyon goalkeeper Anthony Lopes and again in the second half because of smoke caused by pyrotechnics.

Photographs showed windows on one side of the Lyon bus had been smashed and club president Jean-Michel Aulas at one point threatened to pull his team out of the match.

"We were victims of an ambush," he told reporters. "If it continues like this, we will not play."

French media said that Lyon insisted on using their highly customised and distinctive team bus despite being advised to use a more discreet vehicle.

The match went ahead and there was more chaos after Marseille were awarded a penalty.

First, Marseille forward Dario Benedetto appeared to push another player, leading to a VAR review over a possible red card, and then a laser beam was shone towards Lopes.

Payet finally converted in the 18th minute, five minutes after the spot-kick was awarded, as Marseille became the first team to score 4,000 goals in Ligue 1.

The Reunion Island-born player struck again in the 39th minute after he won a tackle in midfield, found Lopez, collected the return and drilled his shot past Lopes.

The game was stopped for smoke early in the second half and it was still clearing when Moussa Dembele headed in Bertrand Traore's pass to reduce the arrears.

Marseille had Alvaro Gonzalez sent off five minutes later for a denying Dembele a clear scoring chance but the hosts held on to leave them with 22 points, eight behind leaders Paris St Germain.

Two first-half goals from Dimitri Payet gave Olympique de Marseille a stormy 2-1 win over bitter rivals Olympique Lyonnais, who complained that their team bus was pelted with missiles on the way to the Stade Velodrome on Sunday.

Two first-half goals from Dimitri Payet gave Olympique de Marseille a stormy 2-1 win over bitter rivals Olympique Lyonnais, who complained that their team bus was pelted with missiles on the way to the Stade Velodrome on Sunday. The match, which saw Marseille go second in Ligue 1, was also interrupted for five minutes when a laser was shone at Lyon goalkeeper Anthony Lopes and again in the second half because of smoke caused by pyrotechnics. Photographs showed windows on one side of the Lyon bus had been smashed and club president Jean-Michel Aulas at one point threatened to pull his team out of the match. "We were victims of an ambush," he told reporters. "If it continues like this, we will not play." French media said that Lyon insisted on using their highly customised and distinctive team bus despite being advised to use a more discreet vehicle. The match went ahead and there was more chaos after Marseille were awarded a penalty. First, Marseille forward Dario Benedetto appeared to push another player, leading to a VAR review over a possible red card, and then a laser beam was shone towards Lopes. Payet finally converted in the 18th minute, five minutes after the spot-kick was awarded, as Marseille became the first team to score 4,000 goals in Ligue 1. The Reunion Island-born player struck again in the 39th minute after he won a tackle in midfield, found Lopez, collected the return and drilled his shot past Lopes. The game was stopped for smoke early in the second half and it was still clearing when Moussa Dembele headed in Bertrand Traore's pass to reduce the arrears. Marseille had Alvaro Gonzalez sent off five minutes later for a denying Dembele a clear scoring chance but the hosts held on to leave them with 22 points, eight behind leaders Paris St Germain.

Football: Lyon sunk by Payet brace after team bus attacked

Shakhtar Donetsk's Brazilian midfielder Taison was sent off in a Ukrainian league match against visitors Dynamo Kyiv on Sunday for reacting to racist insults from the crowd.

A video of the incident showed that Taison stuck his finger up at a section occupied by Dynamo fans and then hoofed the ball into the stands.

Taison, 31, who has featured six times for Brazil and has played in Ukraine since 2011, reacted with disbelief and left the field in tears.

The campaign group FARE (Football Against Racism in Europe) said on Twitter that Taison's teammate and fellow Brazilian Dentinho reported the insults to the referee and a stadium announcement was made.

Following UEFA-recommended protocol, the referee then took the players to the dressing-room for five minutes, FARE said, before dismissing Taison and restarting the game which Shakhtar won 1-0.

The third step of the protocol would have been to abandon the match.

"The third step not activated, victim of racism sent off," said FARE, which added that Dynamo fans also mocked a club campaign by displaying posters which said, "Like to racism."

In 2015, Dynamo Kyiv were ordered by UEFA to play two European matches behind closed doors after four black spectators were attacked at their stadium during a match against Chelsea.

Shakhtar Donetsk's Brazilian midfielder Taison was sent off in a Ukrainian league match against visitors Dynamo Kyiv on Sunday for reacting to racist insults from the crowd.

Shakhtar Donetsk's Brazilian midfielder Taison was sent off in a Ukrainian league match against visitors Dynamo Kyiv on Sunday for reacting to racist insults from the crowd. A video of the incident showed that Taison stuck his finger up at a section occupied by Dynamo fans and then hoofed the ball into the stands. Taison, 31, who has featured six times for Brazil and has played in Ukraine since 2011, reacted with disbelief and left the field in tears. The campaign group FARE (Football Against Racism in Europe) said on Twitter that Taison's teammate and fellow Brazilian Dentinho reported the insults to the referee and a stadium announcement was made. Following UEFA-recommended protocol, the referee then took the players to the dressing-room for five minutes, FARE said, before dismissing Taison and restarting the game which Shakhtar won 1-0. The third step of the protocol would have been to abandon the match. "The third step not activated, victim of racism sent off," said FARE, which added that Dynamo fans also mocked a club campaign by displaying posters which said, "Like to racism." In 2015, Dynamo Kyiv were ordered by UEFA to play two European matches behind closed doors after four black spectators were attacked at their stadium during a match against Chelsea.

Football: Brazilian player sent off in Ukraine for reacting to racist insults

Juventus stayed top of Serie A with a 1-0 win over AC Milan thanks to Paulo Dybala's fine strike on Sunday after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/serie-a-cristiano-ronaldo-hits-late-juventus-winner-as-napoli-rage-at-potato-peeling-referees-258933">Cristiano Ronaldo </a>was substituted for the second game in a row and walked straight down the tunnel, clearly unhappy at the decision.

Ronaldo's replacement Dybala scored in the 77th minute with a goal the Portuguese would have been proud of. After a quick exchange of passes, the Argentine twisted past Alessio Romagnoli and beat Gianluigi Donnarumma with a right-foot shot.

Ronaldo was taken off in the 55th minute, his earliest substitution since he joined Juve at the start of last season and the first time he has been replaced twice in succession.

Despite producing a lacklustre display, Ronaldo gave coach Maurizio Sarri a dirty look, muttered something under his breath and walked straight down the tunnel.

Ronaldo also looked unhappy after being taken off during Wednesday's Champions League match at Lokomotiv Moscow, although Sarri said it was to avoid risking injury as the 34-year-old had complained of knee and thigh problems.

Gazzetta Dello Sport said Ronaldo left the stadium before the final whistle but Sarri denied there was a rift with the five-times World Player of the Year.

"There is no problem with Cristiano, and I thank him because he has played while not in perfect condition," he told reporters.

"The important thing is that he makes himself available. He gets angry when he is taken off but that is part of the game.

"It (his condition) is affecting his performances and he is not at his best at the moment. All players who are trying to give their best will have to be annoyed for at least five minutes when they are substituted."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-costas-stoppage-time-gem-sends-juventus-into-last-16-260436">Juventus</a>, chasing a ninth straight Serie A title and unbeaten in all competitions under Sarri, who took over before the season started, moved to 32 points, a point ahead of Inter Milan who went top after a 2-1 home win over Verona on Saturday.

Milan's problems continued as they were left down in 14th place on 13 points after their ninth successive away defeat to Juve in Serie A.

But they gave an improved performance and had the better chances in the first half.

Misfiring striker Krzysztof Piatek headed wide from an unmarked position and Lucas Paqueta's looping header forced Wojciech Szczesny into a difficult save.

Hakan Calhanoglu also tested Szczesny in the second half with a free kick before Dybala's moment of brilliance settled the match. The Argentine nearly struck again in stoppage time but was denied by Donnarumma.

Juventus stayed top of Serie A with a 1-0 win over AC Milan thanks to Paulo Dybala's fine strike on Sunday after Cristiano Ronaldo was substituted for the second game in a row and walked straight down the tunnel, clearly unhappy at the decision.

Juventus stayed top of Serie A with a 1-0 win over AC Milan thanks to Paulo Dybala's fine strike on Sunday after Cristiano Ronaldo was substituted for the second game in a row and walked straight down the tunnel, clearly unhappy at the decision. Ronaldo's replacement Dybala scored in the 77th minute with a goal the Portuguese would have been proud of. After a quick exchange of passes, the Argentine twisted past Alessio Romagnoli and beat Gianluigi Donnarumma with a right-foot shot. Ronaldo was taken off in the 55th minute, his earliest substitution since he joined Juve at the start of last season and the first time he has been replaced twice in succession. Despite producing a lacklustre display, Ronaldo gave coach Maurizio Sarri a dirty look, muttered something under his breath and walked straight down the tunnel. Ronaldo also looked unhappy after being taken off during Wednesday's Champions League match at Lokomotiv Moscow, although Sarri said it was to avoid risking injury as the 34-year-old had complained of knee and thigh problems. Gazzetta Dello Sport said Ronaldo left the stadium before the final whistle but Sarri denied there was a rift with the five-times World Player of the Year. "There is no problem with Cristiano, and I thank him because he has played while not in perfect condition," he told reporters. "The important thing is that he makes himself available. He gets angry when he is taken off but that is part of the game. "It (his condition) is affecting his performances and he is not at his best at the moment. All players who are trying to give their best will have to be annoyed for at least five minutes when they are substituted." Juventus, chasing a ninth straight Serie A title and unbeaten in all competitions under Sarri, who took over before the season started, moved to 32 points, a point ahead of Inter Milan who went top after a 2-1 home win over Verona on Saturday. Milan's problems continued as they were left down in 14th place on 13 points after their ninth successive away defeat to Juve in Serie A. But they gave an improved performance and had the better chances in the first half. Misfiring striker Krzysztof Piatek headed wide from an unmarked position and Lucas Paqueta's looping header forced Wojciech Szczesny into a difficult save. Hakan Calhanoglu also tested Szczesny in the second half with a free kick before Dybala's moment of brilliance settled the match. The Argentine nearly struck again in stoppage time but was denied by Donnarumma.

Serie A: Juventus' Dybala sinks Milan as angry Ronaldo substituted

Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay will have a scan on his ankle on Monday after hobbling off the field in their 3-1 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-masterclass-leaves-manchester-city-in-tatters-261238">Premier League</a> win over Brighton &amp; Hove Albion.

The 22-year-old Scotland international, who has started all 12 of United's league matches this season, fell awkwardly on his in injury time on Sunday and was later taken down the tunnel on a stretcher.

McTominay is now a doubt for Scotland's European Championship qualifiers against Cyprus (November&nbsp;16) and Kazakhstan (November 19).

"He went over on his ankle and it looked like a painful one," United manager <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-manchester-uniteds-attacking-trio-gives-solskjaer-reason-for-optimism-260729">Ole Gunnar Solskjaer</a> told reporters.

"He's in for a scan tomorrow so it could be a couple of weeks out but we hope not. He wasn't rolling around so hopefully it won't be too serious."

The injury is the latest blow for United, who are also without Paul Pogba, Luke Shaw and Axel Tuanzebe.

Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay will have a scan on his ankle on Monday after hobbling off the field in their 3-1 Premier League win over Brighton & Hove Albion.

Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay will have a scan on his ankle on Monday after hobbling off the field in their 3-1 Premier League win over Brighton & Hove Albion. The 22-year-old Scotland international, who has started all 12 of United's league matches this season, fell awkwardly on his in injury time on Sunday and was later taken down the tunnel on a stretcher. McTominay is now a doubt for Scotland's European Championship qualifiers against Cyprus (November 16) and Kazakhstan (November 19). "He went over on his ankle and it looked like a painful one," United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer told reporters. "He's in for a scan tomorrow so it could be a couple of weeks out but we hope not. He wasn't rolling around so hopefully it won't be too serious." The injury is the latest blow for United, who are also without Paul Pogba, Luke Shaw and Axel Tuanzebe.

Manchester United's McTominay set for ankle scan, a doubt for Scotland

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