The 20-year-old midfielder has been trending since Saturday following his excellent strike, a contender for the goal of the season award, against the Premier Soccer League champions Mamelodi Sundowns at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium. While the Moroccan tactician has been lauded for his rotation, others feel it might cost Bucs in the end.
The Soweto giants were not convincing against Masandawana, but they somehow managed to get a point that sustained their push for the Premier Soccer League title. While the former Moroccan tactician has been lauded for his risks, questions have been asked about some decisions made, especially when playing against an experienced team.
Barcelona bounced back from their El Clasico loss with a convincing 3-1 win over Elche, a night that once again underlined Marcus Rashford’s rebirth under Hansi Flick. In Raphinha’s absence, the English winger has been electric, scoring his sixth of the season and earning a standing ovation from the Barca fans. Yet, even in triumph, Flick was clear he expects even more goals from Rashford.
Led by Son Heung-Min and Denis Bouanga, Los Angeles FC cruised into the next round of the MLS Cup Playoffs with a dominant 4-1 win over Austin FC in Game 2 on Sunday night. The star duo tormented Austin’s back line from the start, combining to seal a sweep of the first-round series and book LAFC’s spot in the Western Conference semifinals.
Fabio Vieira’s spell at Hamburg has gone from bad to worse after the Arsenal loanee was sent off for the second time in just five Bundesliga games. The 25-year-old midfielder, who joined the German club on a season-long loan in the summer, lost his cool during a 4-1 defeat to Koln, receiving a second yellow card late on as HSV slumped to their fourth loss of the season.
West Ham United fans staged a sit-in protest at London Stadium despite Nuno Espirito Santo's men beating Newcastle United 3-1. The Hammers have been struggling at the bottom end of the Premier League but claimed a morale-boosting win over the Magpies on Sunday. And although this victory temporarily lifted the gloom around the east London outfit, many voiced their displeasure at the club's ownership.
Erling Haaland joked that Pep Guardiola will have made a 'few Fantasy Football managers unhappy' after taking him off during Manchester City's 3-1 win over Bournemouth. The Norwegian striker scored twice against the Cherries to continue his prolific start to the Premier League season. But the 25-year-old quipped that some won't be pleased he was subbed off when on a hat-trick on Sunday.
Erling Haaland gave yet another reminder of his monstrous goalscoring powers as he scored twice in Manchester City's 3-1 win over Bournemouth, and afterwards the Cherries' boss Andoni Iraola and captain David Brooks admitted there was almost nothing they could do to stop him. Haaland drew a rare blank in last week's 1-0 defeat at Aston Villa but responded in a typically ruthless fashion.
The tactician has a large squad at his disposal and is adamant that his selection model is key in integrating all the players. The coach also believes this will also help Bucs navigate a congested calendar as they chase multiple trophies.
Gianluigi Donnarumma has been slammed for his role in Bournemouth's equalising goal against Manchester City after the goalkeeper flapped at an Alex Scott corner. The Italian's complaints to Anthony Taylor about a potential push were rightfully waved away by the referee. Donnarumma was left looking rather foolish and fans were keen to poke fun at the former Paris Saint-Germain shot-stopper.
Back in Premier Soccer League action, the KwaZulu-Natal outfit aimed to build on their strong cup form as they hosted Gallants in a challenging home fixture at King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday evening. With momentum on their side, Arrows looked to keep their winning rhythm alive in front of their home fans.
U.S. men's national team star Tyler Adams’ standout season hit another milestone as the defensive midfielder scored his first Premier League goal, drawing Bournemouth level at 1-1 against Manchester City. Known more for his defensive work than his finishing touch, Adams had scored just three times across MLS and the Bundesliga before joining the Premier League in 2022.
Anthony Gordon has become the centre of social media scrutiny after the England international failed to find the back of the net in yet another Premier League game. The winger has had a grip on the left of the Magpies and Three Lions' attacks in recent months, but both Eddie Howe and Thomas Tuchel may be growing concerned at Gordon's lack of output.
Amad Diallo insisted Manchester United's players are fully supportive of Ruben Amorim's style of play after the the Red Devils were held to a 2-2 draw at Nottingham Forest on Saturday. Amad rescued a point for United with a brilliant late strike but could not hide his disappointment at the fact his side's run of three consecutive wins had come to an end.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has opened up on what it means to him to return to boyhood team Liverpool ahead of Real Madrid's trip to Anfield this week. The full-back swapped the Reds for the Spanish giants this summer after spending the entirety of his career at the Merseyside outfit. Now, the England international is preparing for an emotional return to his former employers - something he had been preparing for.
Borussia Dortmund boss Niko Kovac has insisted that he is happy with Jobe Bellingham and explained that the club are working to build the youngster up, rather than throwing him straight into the starting line-up. The English midfielder has had a difficult start to life in Germany and has not always been Kovac's first choice in midfield, but Bellingham could cement his place soon.
Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario has slammed his team-mates and demanded the entire squad raises their levels after a woeful performance against Chelsea. Spurs were second-best throughout their defeat by the Blues and were flattered by the 1-0 scoreline. Speaking after the game, the Italian bemoaned the display which suggested there is little harmony in the squad.
Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has hit back after his blunder cost the Villans dearly in their defeat to Liverpool at Anfield. Argentina's number one was at fault as his sloppy pass was intercepted by Mohamed Salah, who made no mistake in firing into an open goal to put the Reds in front. Having made the mistake, the goalkeeper has issued a response.
The former Sea Robber star linked up with the former Bucs' defender even though he had attracted interest from an ex-Kaizer Chiefs head coach. In his new club, the coach is ready to help him get back to his top-level form after battling injuries for a long period.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has heaped praise on his captain Reece James after the England star's performance against rivals Tottenham Hotspur. James, who is naturally a right-back, started the game at the base of the Blues midfield alongside Moises Caicedo and was key to their victory in north London. The Blues saw off Thomas Frank's Spurs 1-0, courtesy of a Joao Pedro winner in the first half.
After a highly contested encounter on Saturday, the Downs tactician has acknowledged Bucs' strength as the title race gathers speed. The Sea Robbers first went down and fought back to share spoils courtesy of a beautifully struck effort by a midfielder who was least expected to start.
Virgil van Dijk has slammed the “ridiculous” criticism Liverpool faced before they ended their Premier League losing streak against Aston Villa. The Netherlands defender has hit out at the negative “outside noise” which greeted a run of form which saw the Reds lose successive league games against Crystal Palace, Chelsea, Manchester United and Brentford.
Premier League strugglers Wolverhampton Wanderers have sacked manager Vitor Pereira following the club’s poor start to the season. The Molineux club are the only team in England’s top four divisions yet to win a league game in 2025-26, having lost eight of their 10 matches under the Portuguese, who was only handed a new contract in September.
Midfielder Declan Rice has revealed he pointed to the sky as he celebrated his goal in Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Burnley in honour of his late auntie. The England international paid a beautiful tribute after scoring in a Premier League win over Scott Parker’s Clarets which saw Mikel Arteta’s in-form side move seven points clear at the top of the Premier League table.
Thomas Frank attempted to assuage concerns over Tottenham defenders Micky van de Ven and Djed Spence by saying their decision to snub him after the dire derby defeat against Chelsea was only a “small issue”. Both players headed straight down the tunnel following their side’s poor performance on Saturday evening, bypassing their manager in the process.
Nashville managed to withstand the power of Inter Miami and Lionel Messi, earning a 2-1 victory on Saturday night to force a decisive third game in their MLS playoff first-round series. They took advantage of their home crowd and a strong start to contain Las Garzas, who came close to equalizing late in the match through their Argentine captain.
Former Premier League striker Alan Shearer has backed Arsenal to end their 22-year wait for a Premier League title this season, claiming that he cannot see a weakness within Mikel Arteta's side after the Gunners extended their lead at the top with victory at Burnley. Their ninth successive victory and seventh successive clean sheet in all competitions has only furthered the belief amongst many that this is the best chance Arsenal have had to end their hunt for title glory.
Thomas Frank claimed he isn't worried about Xavi Simons' form or confidence despite double-substituting him during Tottenham's 1-0 defeat at home to Chelsea on Saturday evening. Spurs mustered only three shots, one of which was on target, throughout over 90 minutes of football and were loudly booed off at full-time by an anxious home crowd.
Cristiano Ronaldo once again proved why he remains football’s ultimate clutch performer, dragging Al-Nassr from the brink of frustration to a hard-fought 2-1 win over Al-Feiha on Saturday night. After being knocked out by Al-Ettihad from the King's Cup, their weekend could have been spoiled, but their Portuguese talisman decided otherwise. They are now leading the domestic standings after getting off to a perfect start with seven wins from seven matches, and on Saturday evening, the men in yellow once again showed why they are more determined than ever to be crowned as Saudi champions during their comeback victory.
The Sea Robbers have been ruthless this season in their bid to go all the way and win the crown. They have been consistent as opposed to their opponents and rivals, including the Soweto foes Amakhosi, who have struggled to replicate their fine form, which saw them beat all 15 teams to the annual title.