Cristiano Ronaldo has skipped Al-Nassr's trip to Goa, but there are plenty of international stars who have arrived in India for the AFC Champions League 2 match on Wednesday, including Sadio Mane, Kingsley Coman and Joao Felix.

Ronaldo Skips Trip to Goa, but Mane, Coman & Felix Arrive in India

Liverpool star Sadio Mane scored a penalty eight minutes into added time to give Senegal a dramatic 1-0 win over heart-broken Rwanda on Tuesday in 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying.

Forced to play a home match in Senegal because they do not have an international-standard stadium, Rwanda were on the verge of holding a team ranked 116 places higher in the world.

But Mane rescued the Teranga Lions on 98 minutes, with a hard, low penalty that eluded the outstretched hand of goalkeeper Olivier Kwizera.

Mane has starred in the first two matches for the title-holders, scoring four goals, including a matchday one hat-trick against Benin.

Despite the huge rankings gap, Senegal took no chances against the Rwandan Wasps, who have qualified for the Cup of Nations only once in 13 attempts.

Coach Aliou Cisse chose seven of the team that started the final victory over Egypt in Cameroon four months ago and introduced two more off the bench.

Mozambique, who began their campaign by drawing with Rwanda, could close the gap behind Senegal to two points by winning away to bottom team Benin on Wednesday.

In Group H, Kings Kangwa rifled a free-kick into the net on 88 minutes to give Zambia a vital 2-1 victory over the Comoros in Lusaka.

Former African champions Zambia achieved success the hard way, coming from behind in a fast-tempo, foul-riddled regional showdown.

Serbia-based Ben Nabouhane took advantage of two defensive mix-ups to fire the visitors into a 13th-minute lead at a packed National Heroes Stadium.

Kangwa is Zambia hero

Constant Zambian pressure paid off in first half added-time when a corner was partly cleared and Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Enock Mwepu netted with a low shot through a crowd of players.

Comoros wasted several early second-half chances to get in front again and the misses came back to haunt them as Kangwa snatched a deserved victory.

Zambia needed maximum points after losing away to the Ivory Coast last Friday, the same day the Comoros won at home against Lesotho.

This group is the only one among 12 where the winners and runners-up do not qualify for the 24-nation tournament in June and July 2023.

The Ivory Coast qualify automatically as hosts, but are competing to gain competitive match practice rather than relying on friendly games.

This means only one team from Zambia, the Comoros and Lesotho will also go to the finals, and the Zambians are desperate to avoid failing to qualify for four straight Cup of Nations.

Burkina Faso, fourth at the Cup of Nations in Cameroon four months ago, have quickly taken control of Group B with maximum points from two matches while Cape Verde have three and Eswatini and Togo one each.

Dango Ouattara took his two-match tally to three goals with a brace as the Burkinabe stormed back after falling behind to beat Eswatini 3-1 in a virtually empty 95,000-seat Johannesburg stadium.

Eswatini had to play in neighbouring South Africa because they do not have an international-standard stadium -- an issue that also affected Cape Verde and Rwanda.

Cape Verde hosted Togo in Moroccan city Marrakech -- nearly 2,500 kilometres (1,500 miles) from their Atlantic island home -- and won 2-0 with an added-time Jamiro Monteiro goal assuring victory.

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Liverpool star Sadio Mane scored a penalty eight minutes into added time to give Senegal a dramatic 1-0 win over heart-broken Rwanda on Tuesday in 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying.

Liverpool star Sadio Mane scored a penalty eight minutes into added time to give Senegal a dramatic 1-0 win over heart-broken Rwanda on Tuesday in 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying. Forced to play a home match in Senegal because they do not have an international-standard stadium, Rwanda were on the verge of holding a team ranked 116 places higher in the world. But Mane rescued the Teranga Lions on 98 minutes, with a hard, low penalty that eluded the outstretched hand of goalkeeper Olivier Kwizera. Mane has starred in the first two matches for the title-holders, scoring four goals, including a matchday one hat-trick against Benin. Despite the huge rankings gap, Senegal took no chances against the Rwandan Wasps, who have qualified for the Cup of Nations only once in 13 attempts. Coach Aliou Cisse chose seven of the team that started the final victory over Egypt in Cameroon four months ago and introduced two more off the bench. Mozambique, who began their campaign by drawing with Rwanda, could close the gap behind Senegal to two points by winning away to bottom team Benin on Wednesday. In Group H, Kings Kangwa rifled a free-kick into the net on 88 minutes to give Zambia a vital 2-1 victory over the Comoros in Lusaka. Former African champions Zambia achieved success the hard way, coming from behind in a fast-tempo, foul-riddled regional showdown. Serbia-based Ben Nabouhane took advantage of two defensive mix-ups to fire the visitors into a 13th-minute lead at a packed National Heroes Stadium. Kangwa is Zambia hero Constant Zambian pressure paid off in first half added-time when a corner was partly cleared and Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Enock Mwepu netted with a low shot through a crowd of players. Comoros wasted several early second-half chances to get in front again and the misses came back to haunt them as Kangwa snatched a deserved victory. Zambia needed maximum points after losing away to the Ivory Coast last Friday, the same day the Comoros won at home against Lesotho. This group is the only one among 12 where the winners and runners-up do not qualify for the 24-nation tournament in June and July 2023. The Ivory Coast qualify automatically as hosts, but are competing to gain competitive match practice rather than relying on friendly games. This means only one team from Zambia, the Comoros and Lesotho will also go to the finals, and the Zambians are desperate to avoid failing to qualify for four straight Cup of Nations. Burkina Faso, fourth at the Cup of Nations in Cameroon four months ago, have quickly taken control of Group B with maximum points from two matches while Cape Verde have three and Eswatini and Togo one each. Dango Ouattara took his two-match tally to three goals with a brace as the Burkinabe stormed back after falling behind to beat Eswatini 3-1 in a virtually empty 95,000-seat Johannesburg stadium. Eswatini had to play in neighbouring South Africa because they do not have an international-standard stadium -- an issue that also affected Cape Verde and Rwanda. Cape Verde hosted Togo in Moroccan city Marrakech -- nearly 2,500 kilometres (1,500 miles) from their Atlantic island home -- and won 2-0 with an added-time Jamiro Monteiro goal assuring victory. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Mane snatches dramatic victory for African champions Senegal

Liverpool star Sadio Mane feels that the club should fight right through to the end of the season rather than dwell on excuses for their poor title defence in the Premier League.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/arteta-is-doing-great-job-willian-feels-arsenal-on-track-to-become-powerhouse-373608" hreflang="en">'Arteta is doing great job': Willian feels Arsenal on track to become powerhouse</a>

The Reds under Klopp won their Premier League after 30 long years last season, however, poor form and injuries have placed them seventh in the current season of the league.&nbsp;

"We have to deal with the situation and not stop believing, but keep fighting, keep our motivation and go again," Mane said.

"When you are a fighter you never try to make excuses, we are here to find solutions. Being together with my teammates always gives me high energy.

Liverpool still have their hopes to win UEFA Champions League as they face Real Madrid in the quarterfinals.&nbsp;

"In football – and in life in general – you can't expect anything and for years and years, this complicated situation has not happened. We have always been successful, but now this has happened and we can see it is like how life is."

The Senegalese striker had a prolific run last season but has struggled to continue his form as he could just score 12 goals and six assists in 37 games in all competitions.&nbsp;

"We need to be positive and fight," he said. "This is what we try to do to change this situation and I'm sure that it will change."

Liverpool are set to face the ninth-placed Arsenal after the international break.&nbsp;

Liverpool star Sadio Mane feels that the club should fight right through to the end of the season rather than dwell on excuses for their poor title defence in the Premier League.

Liverpool star Sadio Mane feels that the club should fight right through to the end of the season rather than dwell on excuses for their poor title defence in the Premier League. ALSO READ: 'Arteta is doing great job': Willian feels Arsenal on track to become powerhouse The Reds under Klopp won their Premier League after 30 long years last season, however, poor form and injuries have placed them seventh in the current season of the league. "We have to deal with the situation and not stop believing, but keep fighting, keep our motivation and go again," Mane said. "When you are a fighter you never try to make excuses, we are here to find solutions. Being together with my teammates always gives me high energy. Liverpool still have their hopes to win UEFA Champions League as they face Real Madrid in the quarterfinals. "In football – and in life in general – you can't expect anything and for years and years, this complicated situation has not happened. We have always been successful, but now this has happened and we can see it is like how life is." The Senegalese striker had a prolific run last season but has struggled to continue his form as he could just score 12 goals and six assists in 37 games in all competitions. "We need to be positive and fight," he said. "This is what we try to do to change this situation and I'm sure that it will change." Liverpool are set to face the ninth-placed Arsenal after the international break.

'We need to be positive and fight': Sadio Mane on Liverpool's form

Sadio Mane tormented Chelsea as the Liverpool forward struck twice after sparking Andreas Christensen's dismissal in the champions' 2-0 win, while Son Heung-min scored four as Tottenham crushed Southampton 5-2 on Sunday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpools-alisson-becker-shows-chelsea-the-value-of-a-great-goalkeeper-329188" hreflang="en">Liverpool's Alisson Becker shows Chelsea the value of a great goalkeeper</a>

Mane was involved in the turning point at Stamford Bridge as the first clash between Premier League title contenders this season swung Liverpool's way.

In first half stoppage-time, Jordan Henderson picked out Mane's run behind Christensen and the Denmark defender responded by rugby-tackling the Senegal star to the ground.

Referee Paul Tierney initially booked Christensen, but VAR told him to consult the pitchside monitor and he changed his decision to a red card.&nbsp;

Mane grabbed his first goal of the season in the 50th minute as he met Roberto Firmino's cross with a thumping header after eluding Reece James' slack marking.

Mane was gifted his second goal as Chelsea keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga made a hash of trying to play out from the back, allowing the Liverpool forward to intercept and slot into the empty net.

It was the latest costly blunder from Kepa, who was dropped twice by Chelsea manager Frank Lampard last season despite his status as the world's most expensive keeper.

Lampard will be relieved that Chelsea are reportedly close to signing Rennes' Senegal international Edouard Mendy as he looks to replace Kepa.

"It was a clear mistake and Kepa accepted that," Lampard said.

Thiago Alcantara made his Liverpool debut at half-time after his move from Bayern Munich, but the Spain midfielder conceded a 74th-minute penalty with a foul on Timo Werner.

Alisson Becker came to Thiago's rescue as he saved Jorginho's spot-kick.

After their chaotic 4-3 win over Leeds on the opening weekend, this was a return to the kind of dominant display Liverpool produced so often en route to their first English title for 30 years last season.

"After the red card, the second half is a different game," said Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp. "We kept the ball rolling, let them run, scored the goals. Everybody had a hand in the result."

While Chelsea have spent £200 million ($258 million) on new signings in a bid to close the gap on the champions, Liverpool remain streets ahead of the Blues at present.

"Every team that's been successful has had time, has had a process and our process starts here," said Lampard.

<h2>Son shines&nbsp;</h2>

At St Mary's, Jose Mourinho hailed Son and Harry Kane after the pair destroyed Southampton.

Just 24 hours after Tottenham signed Gareth Bale, Son delivered a virtuoso display that showed Mourinho's side already have plenty of firepower.

Bale has returned to Tottenham on a season-long loan from Real Madrid seven years after he left the north London club.

Danny Ings put Southampton ahead in the first half, but Son equalised before the break and scored three more in the second half, with each of his goals coming from Kane assists.&nbsp;

Kane, who hit the back of the net twice in the first half only to have them ruled out for offside, capped a swaggering display with his second goal of the season.

"Son was on fire and for me Harry Kane was the man of the match, what he did for the team," said Mourinho, whose side had lost their league opener against Everton.

"With him dropping back and connecting the game between the lines for Sonny to attack, the space they created was a problem they couldn't resolve."

Leicester moved to the top of the table on goal difference ahead of Arsenal, Everton, Crystal Palace and Liverpool after they came from behind to beat Burnley 4-2.

After a disappointing end to last season to miss out on Champions League football, Brendan Rodgers' side have responded well with two convincing wins to start the new campaign.

Chris Wood fired the visitors into a 10th-minute lead at the King Power, but Harvey Barnes sparked the fightback before Erik Pieters' own goal, James Justin and Dennis Praet's blistering finish handed the Foxes all three points.

Neal Maupay's quick-fire double inspired Brighton's 3-0 win against Newcastle as the Seagulls claimed their first Premier League victory of the season.

Graham Potter's side raced into a two-goal lead after just seven minutes at St James' Park thanks to the brace from French striker Maupay.

Aaron Connolly grabbed the third for Brighton, who had Yves Bissouma sent off after his raised boot caught Jamal Lewis in the face.

Sadio Mane tormented Chelsea as the Liverpool forward struck twice after sparking Andreas Christensen's dismissal in the champions' 2-0 win, while Son Heung-min scored four as Tottenham crushed Southampton 5-2 on Sunday.

Sadio Mane tormented Chelsea as the Liverpool forward struck twice after sparking Andreas Christensen's dismissal in the champions' 2-0 win, while Son Heung-min scored four as Tottenham crushed Southampton 5-2 on Sunday. Also read: Liverpool's Alisson Becker shows Chelsea the value of a great goalkeeper Mane was involved in the turning point at Stamford Bridge as the first clash between Premier League title contenders this season swung Liverpool's way. In first half stoppage-time, Jordan Henderson picked out Mane's run behind Christensen and the Denmark defender responded by rugby-tackling the Senegal star to the ground. Referee Paul Tierney initially booked Christensen, but VAR told him to consult the pitchside monitor and he changed his decision to a red card. Mane grabbed his first goal of the season in the 50th minute as he met Roberto Firmino's cross with a thumping header after eluding Reece James' slack marking. Mane was gifted his second goal as Chelsea keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga made a hash of trying to play out from the back, allowing the Liverpool forward to intercept and slot into the empty net. It was the latest costly blunder from Kepa, who was dropped twice by Chelsea manager Frank Lampard last season despite his status as the world's most expensive keeper. Lampard will be relieved that Chelsea are reportedly close to signing Rennes' Senegal international Edouard Mendy as he looks to replace Kepa. "It was a clear mistake and Kepa accepted that," Lampard said. Thiago Alcantara made his Liverpool debut at half-time after his move from Bayern Munich, but the Spain midfielder conceded a 74th-minute penalty with a foul on Timo Werner. Alisson Becker came to Thiago's rescue as he saved Jorginho's spot-kick. After their chaotic 4-3 win over Leeds on the opening weekend, this was a return to the kind of dominant display Liverpool produced so often en route to their first English title for 30 years last season. "After the red card, the second half is a different game," said Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp. "We kept the ball rolling, let them run, scored the goals. Everybody had a hand in the result." While Chelsea have spent £200 million ($258 million) on new signings in a bid to close the gap on the champions, Liverpool remain streets ahead of the Blues at present. "Every team that's been successful has had time, has had a process and our process starts here," said Lampard. Son shines At St Mary's, Jose Mourinho hailed Son and Harry Kane after the pair destroyed Southampton. Just 24 hours after Tottenham signed Gareth Bale, Son delivered a virtuoso display that showed Mourinho's side already have plenty of firepower. Bale has returned to Tottenham on a season-long loan from Real Madrid seven years after he left the north London club. Danny Ings put Southampton ahead in the first half, but Son equalised before the break and scored three more in the second half, with each of his goals coming from Kane assists. Kane, who hit the back of the net twice in the first half only to have them ruled out for offside, capped a swaggering display with his second goal of the season. "Son was on fire and for me Harry Kane was the man of the match, what he did for the team," said Mourinho, whose side had lost their league opener against Everton. "With him dropping back and connecting the game between the lines for Sonny to attack, the space they created was a problem they couldn't resolve." Leicester moved to the top of the table on goal difference ahead of Arsenal, Everton, Crystal Palace and Liverpool after they came from behind to beat Burnley 4-2. After a disappointing end to last season to miss out on Champions League football, Brendan Rodgers' side have responded well with two convincing wins to start the new campaign. Chris Wood fired the visitors into a 10th-minute lead at the King Power, but Harvey Barnes sparked the fightback before Erik Pieters' own goal, James Justin and Dennis Praet's blistering finish handed the Foxes all three points. Neal Maupay's quick-fire double inspired Brighton's 3-0 win against Newcastle as the Seagulls claimed their first Premier League victory of the season. Graham Potter's side raced into a two-goal lead after just seven minutes at St James' Park thanks to the brace from French striker Maupay. Aaron Connolly grabbed the third for Brighton, who had Yves Bissouma sent off after his raised boot caught Jamal Lewis in the face.

Premier League: Liverpool's Mane sinks 10-man Chelsea, Son hits four in Spurs rout

Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid outclass the defending European Champions Liverpool in the first leg of the round of 16 in Champions League by beating them 1-0 at the Wanda Metropolitano, Madrid on Tuesday.

Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid outclass the defending European Champions Liverpool in the first leg of the round of 16 in Champions League by beating them 1-0 at the Wanda Metropolitano, Madrid on Tuesday. Also read: Champions League: Teen sensation Haaland shines as Neymar's PSG fumbles Atletico's Saul Niguez stunned the English club after scoring in the first four minutes of the game. Also read: Klopp shows sympathy for Guardiola after Manchester City European ban Liverpool strikers had a disappointing game after they took 8 shots in total and none of them was on target. Despite having 73 per cent possession, Liverpool was suffocated by Atletico's defence. No. Words. needed. Thank you, Atleti Family 👏 ⚽ #AtletiLFC ⭐ #UCL 🔴⚪ #AúpaAtleti pic.twitter.com/bnR7xM4MSp — Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) February 18, 2020 × Atletico, on the other hand, had 7 shots (2 on target). Alvaro Morata missed a big chance to double their lead as he slipped at the crucial moment. Diego Simeone was pleased with the win, he said: "Tonight is one of those nights you don't forget...we haven't gone through but we have beaten the best team in the world. Jurgen Klopp has not lost all hope, he feels that the reverse fixture will be a difficult game but not an impossible one, he said: "We are not 5-0 down," said Jurgen Klopp. "We don't think it will be easy but as long as we can get 11 players in Liverpool shirts we will give everything we have. And for all the Liverpool fans that can get a ticket -- welcome to Anfield." [🔝 ] @renan_lodi named #UCLMOTM! 🙌 What a game, Renan! 🙌 ⭐ #UCL ⚽ #AtletiLFC 🔴⚪ #AúpaAtleti pic.twitter.com/mmb2tIEleW — Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) February 18, 2020 × Sadio Mane was replaced after he got a yellow card, looks like Klopp could not risk losing his star forward for the next crucial fixture. Liverpool will be eyeing an overturn in the reverse fixture at Anfield. (With inputs from AFP)

Champions League: Simeone's Atletico stun mighty Liverpool in 1st leg of round of 16

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-controversial-mane-goal-gets-liverpool-past-battling-wolves-270913">Sadio&nbsp;Mane</a>&nbsp;was named African Footballer of the Year for 2019 on Tuesday after winning the Champions League with Liverpool and leading Senegal to the Africa Cup of Nations final.

Mane, 27, wins the award for the first time after finishing runner-up to his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/klopps-kids-knock-everton-out-of-fa-cup-272440">Liverpool</a> teammate <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/juergen-klopp-hails-salahs-sensational-finish-267582">Mohamed Salah</a> of Egypt in 2017 and 2018. He was third in 2016.

He is only the second Senegalese to win the award after El Hadji Diouf, who was the winner in 2001 and after joining Liverpool in 2002.

"Football is my job, I love it. I am really happy and proud to win this award,"&nbsp;Mane&nbsp;said.

"I would like to thank all the Senegalese people, they push always me. I must also thank my (Senegal) coach, Aliou Cisse and Liverpool, all my teammates there."

Mane&nbsp;finished ahead of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/riyad-mahrez-lifts-manchester-city-back-to-premier-league-summit-200809">Riyad Mahrez</a> and Salah in a poll of national team coaches and captains and was handed his award at the Confederation of African Football’s annual gala in Hurgada, Egypt.

It is the second successive year that the top three are all from English clubs and only the third time since the award was introduced that the leading trio all play in the same league.

In 1991, the top three all came from French clubs.

Mahrez, 28, captained <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/algeria-prosecutor-seeks-heavy-sentences-against-ex-politicians-charged-with-corruption-267017">Algeria</a> to Africa Cup of Nations success in July and won the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-unbeaten-for-a-year-liverpool-271841">Premier League</a> with Manchester City. He was African Footballer of the Year in 2016.

Sadio Mane was named African Footballer of the Year for 2019 on Tuesday after winning the Champions League with Liverpool and leading Senegal to the Africa Cup of Nations final.

Sadio Mane was named African Footballer of the Year for 2019 on Tuesday after winning the Champions League with Liverpool and leading Senegal to the Africa Cup of Nations final. Mane, 27, wins the award for the first time after finishing runner-up to his Liverpool teammate Mohamed Salah of Egypt in 2017 and 2018. He was third in 2016. He is only the second Senegalese to win the award after El Hadji Diouf, who was the winner in 2001 and after joining Liverpool in 2002. "Football is my job, I love it. I am really happy and proud to win this award," Mane said. "I would like to thank all the Senegalese people, they push always me. I must also thank my (Senegal) coach, Aliou Cisse and Liverpool, all my teammates there." Mane finished ahead of Riyad Mahrez and Salah in a poll of national team coaches and captains and was handed his award at the Confederation of African Football’s annual gala in Hurgada, Egypt. It is the second successive year that the top three are all from English clubs and only the third time since the award was introduced that the leading trio all play in the same league. In 1991, the top three all came from French clubs. Mahrez, 28, captained Algeria to Africa Cup of Nations success in July and won the Premier League with Manchester City. He was African Footballer of the Year in 2016.

Liverpool's Mane named African Footballer of the Year

Arsene Wenger&#39;s decision to leave Alexis Sanchez on the bench backfired as first half goals from Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane set Liverpool on course for a vital 3-1 win over Arsenal on Saturday.

Wenger eventually brought on the Chilean international at half-time at Anfield and he set up Danny Welbeck for a goal that breathed life into Arsenal.

But in the closely-fought contest for a top-four finish, this was a disappointing result for the Arsenal manager and Georginio Wijnaldum added Liverpool&#39;s third goal in stoppage-time to cap a wretched evening for the Gunners.

Arsenal drop below Liverpool to fifth place and sit two points outside the top four after a third defeat in their last four league games.

Faced with the daunting task of trying to overturn a 5-1 deficit against Bayern Munich in the Champions League last 16 second leg, Wenger knows the critics will be sharpening their knives again on Tuesday and he can&#39;t expect any sympathy after this bizarre selection gamble.

Liverpool, who climb to third place, took nine minutes to score the opening goal in an effort to maintain their record of not having lost to a team currently in the top half of the Premier League this season.

It was the home team&#39;s first notable chance as Mane crossed from the right and Philippe Coutinho dummied the ball to allow it into the path of Firmino at the far post.

The Brazilian appeared to have mis-controlled the ball, with Hector Bellerin closing him down just six yards out, but Firmino had the presence of mind to recover and deposit the ball into the roof of the Arsenal goal.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain had led a couple of early attacks with Bellerin sending over a dangerous cross from one of them which Joel Matip did well to defend at the expense of a corner.

But the second goal, five minutes before half-time, was an even better worked effort as Wijnaldum&#39;s pass from the left was moved on superbly by Firmino and Mane drove in an unstoppable finish.

Superiority&nbsp;

Liverpool, with just two wins in 12 attempts in the calendar year before this meeting, looked anxious in defence.

Oxlade-Chamberlain&#39;s 21st minute chip to the far post caused one such moment of concern as Olivier Giroud rose with Mignolet who flapped at the ball before it went out for a corner.

An entertaining game continued in that fashion with Firmino fractionally offside as he readied himself to tear through on goal and Petr Cech being forced to tip Coutinho&#39;s 18-yard shot over the Arsenal bar after Wijnaldum&#39;s lay-off.

But as the half wore on, Liverpool&#39;s superiority began to tell and the visiting supporters greeted a wayward effort by Granit Xhaka with ironic cheers of &quot;We&#39;ve had a shot&quot;.

Francis Coquelin, who was enduring a miserable, error-strewn evening, became the game&#39;s first booking for a petulant tug on the shirt of Adam Lallana and Liverpool&#39;s second goal soon after left his team in even deeper trouble.

Coutinho could have added a third before the interval as Lallana&#39;s pass deflected into his path but he could only scoop his shot into Cech&#39;s arms.

Wenger predictably threw on Sanchez as a half-time substitute and the forward soon provided two dangerous left-wing crosses - one which Mignolet turned away and another which found Giroud whose header was turned over by the Liverpool keeper.

The momentum was now with Arsenal and, on 56 minutes, a brilliant pass by Sanchez threaded the ball between Nathaniel Clyne and Matip for Welbeck to chase into the area.

The England forward lifted an accomplished finish over Mignolet for his first league goal since the end of April.

Arsenal looked more capable than the first half but Liverpool responded well to conceding and could have extended their lead before eventually scoring a deserved third.

(AFP)

Firmino and Mane set Liverpool on course for a 3-1 win over Arsenal, who had their talisman Sanchez sitting on the bench for the first half

Arsene Wenger's decision to leave Alexis Sanchez on the bench backfired as first half goals from Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane set Liverpool on course for a vital 3-1 win over Arsenal on Saturday. Wenger eventually brought on the Chilean international at half-time at Anfield and he set up Danny Welbeck for a goal that breathed life into Arsenal. But in the closely-fought contest for a top-four finish, this was a disappointing result for the Arsenal manager and Georginio Wijnaldum added Liverpool's third goal in stoppage-time to cap a wretched evening for the Gunners. Arsenal drop below Liverpool to fifth place and sit two points outside the top four after a third defeat in their last four league games. Faced with the daunting task of trying to overturn a 5-1 deficit against Bayern Munich in the Champions League last 16 second leg, Wenger knows the critics will be sharpening their knives again on Tuesday and he can't expect any sympathy after this bizarre selection gamble. Liverpool, who climb to third place, took nine minutes to score the opening goal in an effort to maintain their record of not having lost to a team currently in the top half of the Premier League this season. It was the home team's first notable chance as Mane crossed from the right and Philippe Coutinho dummied the ball to allow it into the path of Firmino at the far post. The Brazilian appeared to have mis-controlled the ball, with Hector Bellerin closing him down just six yards out, but Firmino had the presence of mind to recover and deposit the ball into the roof of the Arsenal goal. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain had led a couple of early attacks with Bellerin sending over a dangerous cross from one of them which Joel Matip did well to defend at the expense of a corner. But the second goal, five minutes before half-time, was an even better worked effort as Wijnaldum's pass from the left was moved on superbly by Firmino and Mane drove in an unstoppable finish. Superiority Liverpool, with just two wins in 12 attempts in the calendar year before this meeting, looked anxious in defence. Oxlade-Chamberlain's 21st minute chip to the far post caused one such moment of concern as Olivier Giroud rose with Mignolet who flapped at the ball before it went out for a corner. An entertaining game continued in that fashion with Firmino fractionally offside as he readied himself to tear through on goal and Petr Cech being forced to tip Coutinho's 18-yard shot over the Arsenal bar after Wijnaldum's lay-off. But as the half wore on, Liverpool's superiority began to tell and the visiting supporters greeted a wayward effort by Granit Xhaka with ironic cheers of "We've had a shot". Francis Coquelin, who was enduring a miserable, error-strewn evening, became the game's first booking for a petulant tug on the shirt of Adam Lallana and Liverpool's second goal soon after left his team in even deeper trouble. Coutinho could have added a third before the interval as Lallana's pass deflected into his path but he could only scoop his shot into Cech's arms. Wenger predictably threw on Sanchez as a half-time substitute and the forward soon provided two dangerous left-wing crosses - one which Mignolet turned away and another which found Giroud whose header was turned over by the Liverpool keeper. The momentum was now with Arsenal and, on 56 minutes, a brilliant pass by Sanchez threaded the ball between Nathaniel Clyne and Matip for Welbeck to chase into the area. The England forward lifted an accomplished finish over Mignolet for his first league goal since the end of April. Arsenal looked more capable than the first half but Liverpool responded well to conceding and could have extended their lead before eventually scoring a deserved third. (AFP)

Mane-led Liverpool sparkle against lacklustre Arsenal

Paul Pogba, midfielder 
 
Where will he ply his trade: Manchester United 
Empty nest syndrome: Juventus 
How much moolah did he cost: A world record sum of&nbsp;&euro;105 million. Staggering, yes. 
Why is he making news: As mentioned earlier, the 23-year-old midfield dynamo was bought for a world record fee 
 
Ilkay Gundogan, midfielder 
 
Home sweet home: Manchester City 
Parted away from: Borussia Dortmund 
Moolah: Roughly &euro;24m&nbsp; 
Why is he on the list: Bang for buck. An integral member of Klopp&#39;s team that threatened Bayern Munich&#39;s hegemony in Germany and caused more than a few flutters in Europe 
 
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, striker 
 
New subjects: Manchester United 
Left as a legend from: Paris Saint-Germain (better known as PSG) 
Money cost: He is King Zlatan. Money can&#39;t buy love and Zlatan 
Why did he make news: He is Zlatan, simples 
 
Sadio Mane, winger 
 
Which club will he dazzle: Liverpool 
Which club will miss him: Southampton 
How much did he cost: About&nbsp;&euro;39m 
Why is he making airwaves: He is fast, slippery, scores and creates goals 
 
Michy Batshuayi, striker 
 
He&#39;ll score goals at: Chelsea 
Which club will miss him: Marseille 
Money exchanged for him:&nbsp;&euro;40m 
Why on this list: Still green at 23 but scored 26 goals in 62 matches across the pond&nbsp; 
 
Granit Xhaka, midfielder 
 
Will introduce his silky touch at: Arsenal 
Stricken club: Borussia Monchengladbach 
Price: Roughly&nbsp;&euro;39 million 
Why on this list: Arsene Wenger&#39;s hawkish eye can perceive talent from far. Period 
 
Ahmed Musa, striker 
 
Which club will he scorch: Leicester City (who can leave them out from anything these days?) 
Alma mater: CSKA Moscow 
Price tag:&nbsp;&euro;18.5m (approx.) 
What will he bring to the club: Speed, speed and more speed 
 
 
 
 
 
&nbsp;

We run the rule on Pogba, Gundogan, Ibrahimovic, Mane, Batshuayi, Xhaka and Musa

Paul Pogba, midfielder Where will he ply his trade: Manchester United Empty nest syndrome: Juventus How much moolah did he cost: A world record sum of €105 million. Staggering, yes. Why is he making news: As mentioned earlier, the 23-year-old midfield dynamo was bought for a world record fee Ilkay Gundogan, midfielder Home sweet home: Manchester City Parted away from: Borussia Dortmund Moolah: Roughly €24m Why is he on the list: Bang for buck. An integral member of Klopp's team that threatened Bayern Munich's hegemony in Germany and caused more than a few flutters in Europe Zlatan Ibrahimovic, striker New subjects: Manchester United Left as a legend from: Paris Saint-Germain (better known as PSG) Money cost: He is King Zlatan. Money can't buy love and Zlatan Why did he make news: He is Zlatan, simples Sadio Mane, winger Which club will he dazzle: Liverpool Which club will miss him: Southampton How much did he cost: About €39m Why is he making airwaves: He is fast, slippery, scores and creates goals Michy Batshuayi, striker He'll score goals at: Chelsea Which club will miss him: Marseille Money exchanged for him: €40m Why on this list: Still green at 23 but scored 26 goals in 62 matches across the pond Granit Xhaka, midfielder Will introduce his silky touch at: Arsenal Stricken club: Borussia Monchengladbach Price: Roughly €39 million Why on this list: Arsene Wenger's hawkish eye can perceive talent from far. Period Ahmed Musa, striker Which club will he scorch: Leicester City (who can leave them out from anything these days?) Alma mater: CSKA Moscow Price tag: €18.5m (approx.) What will he bring to the club: Speed, speed and more speed

Premier League 2016/17: Top transfers, so far

New signing Sadio Mane scored one goal and made another as Liverpool slickly defeated Barcelona 4-0 in a one-sided friendly match at a sun-soaked Wembley on Saturday. 
 
A 34 million pounds ($44.5 million, 40.1 million euros) capture from Southampton, Mane struck a 15th-minute opener and then supplied the cross from which former Liverpool player Javier Mascherano scored an own goal. 
 
Divock Origi added a third seconds later and substitute Marko Grujic chipped in with a stoppage-time header as Jurgen Klopp&#39;s side registered their sixth win in eight pre-season games. 
 
&quot;I`m happy with the result and with a lot of the game,&quot; said Klopp, who lost James Milner to a first-half heel injury. 
 
&quot;I don&#39;t want to over-estimate this game, but it&#39;s still good for us. We didn&#39;t think that we were lower than Barcelona before the game and we don&#39;t think that we&#39;re higher than them after the game.&quot; 
 
Liverpool play Mainz, one of Klopp&#39;s former clubs, in a friendly in Germany on Sunday before tackling Arsenal in their Premier League opener next weekend. 
 
Barcelona&#39;s defeat meant that Paris Saint-Germain won the International Champions Cup friendly tournament for the second year running. 
 
Barcelona coach Luis Enrique was missing Neymar, who is on duty with hosts Brazil at the Olympics, but fielded both former Liverpool striker Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi, who hit the post in the first half. 
 
Barca play Sampdoria at the Camp Nou in their final pre-season friendly on Wednesday and face Sevilla in the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup on August 14. 
 
&quot;From the beginning we saw two teams with completely different rhythms,&quot; said Luis Enrique. 
 
&quot;It was definitely not our best day. But there&#39;s enough days for us to prepare and there&#39;s no doubt we&#39;ll be competitive.&quot; 
 
The glamour game drew 89,845 spectators to Wembley - the stadium&#39;s second-highest attendance - and it was Liverpool&#39;s fans, comfortably in the majority, who went home with smiles on their faces. 
 
With seven friendly matches behind them to Barcelona&#39;s two, Liverpool were the sharper team and they took the lead with a slick goal. 
 
After winning possession on halfway, Adam Lallana surged forward and exchanged passes with Roberto Firmino before teeing up Mane, whose rising shot beat goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen. 
 
Liverpool had to weather a succession of Barcelona chances before half-time. 
 
Suarez, facing his former club for the first time, teed up Messi to roll a shot against the right-hand post, while Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet saved from Arda Turan and Suarez. 
 
Milner, who announced his England retirement on Friday, was again deployed at left-back for Liverpool, but had to give way to Alberto Moreno before half-time. Klopp said he would undergo a scan on Sunday. 
 
Within three minutes of kick-off in the second half, the game was as good as over. 
 
In the 47th minute, Origi&#39;s flick released Mane and his low cross from the right was bundled into the net by Mascherano. 
 
Barely a minute later, Kevin Stewart caught Jeremy Mathieu dawdling on the ball and freed fellow half-time substitute Origi, who coolly beat Barcelona replacement goalkeeper Claudio Bravo. 
 
Grujic, signed from Red Star Belgrade in January, put the cherry on the cake in added time, meeting fellow Serbian Lazar Markovic&#39;s scooped pass with a fine header that looped over Bravo. 
 
(AFP)

Sadio Mane struck a 15th-minute opener and then supplied the cross from which ex-Liverpool player Javier Mascherano scored an own goal

New signing Sadio Mane scored one goal and made another as Liverpool slickly defeated Barcelona 4-0 in a one-sided friendly match at a sun-soaked Wembley on Saturday. A 34 million pounds ($44.5 million, 40.1 million euros) capture from Southampton, Mane struck a 15th-minute opener and then supplied the cross from which former Liverpool player Javier Mascherano scored an own goal. Divock Origi added a third seconds later and substitute Marko Grujic chipped in with a stoppage-time header as Jurgen Klopp's side registered their sixth win in eight pre-season games. "I`m happy with the result and with a lot of the game," said Klopp, who lost James Milner to a first-half heel injury. "I don't want to over-estimate this game, but it's still good for us. We didn't think that we were lower than Barcelona before the game and we don't think that we're higher than them after the game." Liverpool play Mainz, one of Klopp's former clubs, in a friendly in Germany on Sunday before tackling Arsenal in their Premier League opener next weekend. Barcelona's defeat meant that Paris Saint-Germain won the International Champions Cup friendly tournament for the second year running. Barcelona coach Luis Enrique was missing Neymar, who is on duty with hosts Brazil at the Olympics, but fielded both former Liverpool striker Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi, who hit the post in the first half. Barca play Sampdoria at the Camp Nou in their final pre-season friendly on Wednesday and face Sevilla in the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup on August 14. "From the beginning we saw two teams with completely different rhythms," said Luis Enrique. "It was definitely not our best day. But there's enough days for us to prepare and there's no doubt we'll be competitive." The glamour game drew 89,845 spectators to Wembley - the stadium's second-highest attendance - and it was Liverpool's fans, comfortably in the majority, who went home with smiles on their faces. With seven friendly matches behind them to Barcelona's two, Liverpool were the sharper team and they took the lead with a slick goal. After winning possession on halfway, Adam Lallana surged forward and exchanged passes with Roberto Firmino before teeing up Mane, whose rising shot beat goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen. Liverpool had to weather a succession of Barcelona chances before half-time. Suarez, facing his former club for the first time, teed up Messi to roll a shot against the right-hand post, while Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet saved from Arda Turan and Suarez. Milner, who announced his England retirement on Friday, was again deployed at left-back for Liverpool, but had to give way to Alberto Moreno before half-time. Klopp said he would undergo a scan on Sunday. Within three minutes of kick-off in the second half, the game was as good as over. In the 47th minute, Origi's flick released Mane and his low cross from the right was bundled into the net by Mascherano. Barely a minute later, Kevin Stewart caught Jeremy Mathieu dawdling on the ball and freed fellow half-time substitute Origi, who coolly beat Barcelona replacement goalkeeper Claudio Bravo. Grujic, signed from Red Star Belgrade in January, put the cherry on the cake in added time, meeting fellow Serbian Lazar Markovic's scooped pass with a fine header that looped over Bravo. (AFP)

Liverpool defeats Barcelona 4-0 at Wembley

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