Alexander Isak has benefited from the injury-enforced absence of Hugo Ekitike at Liverpool, with Jermaine Pennant explaining to GOAL what Andoni Iraola is likely to do when both big-money forwards are fit and firing. Questions have been asked of Isak’s contribution to the collective cause, with a £125 million ($169m) price tag hanging around his neck, but the Swedish striker is too good to be “sitting on your bench”.
Bayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl has lifted the lid on the club's failed pursuits of two of Europe's most exciting wingers during the summer transfer window. The Bundesliga giants were forced to watch from the sidelines as Bradley Barcola secured a blockbuster move to Liverpool, while Anthony Gordon opted for a switch to Catalonia with Barcelona.
Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo has been ruled out of the match against Atletico after suffering adductor niggles in his previous outing. Head coach Andoni Iraola cannot guarantee the in-form attacker will recover in time for Saturday's crucial league fixture against Fulham at Anfield.
Manchester City legend Kevin De Bruyne has conceded that Arsenal may now be the best team in world football following their Champions League victory over Napoli. The Belgian midfielder was on the receiving end of a dominant Gunners performance as Mikel Arteta’s side continued their perfect start to the new campaign.
Napoli head coach Massimiliano Allegri has lauded Mikel Arteta's Arsenal as one of Europe's elite following a narrow Champions League defeat at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. Despite remaining resolute for much of the contest, the Italian manager conceded his struggling side ultimately had no answer to the visitors' quality.
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has taken full responsibility for a disjointed performance that saw his side fall two goals behind against Leeds United before rallying for a remarkable Carabao Cup victory. The Blues boss admitted he made life "too difficult" for his rotated squad after making nine changes for the midweek clash at Stamford Bridge.
