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Wrexham suffered a major injury blow against Harrogate Town on Tuesday after losing goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo to injury.

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Okonkwo injured in first halfTaken off at half-timeFears he's suffered jaw injuryWHAT HAPPENED?

Okonkwo started the game at Harrogate but suffered an early injury in a collision. The goalkeeper received lengthy treatment on the pitch but was initially able to continue. He was subsequently seen taking painkillers, after receiving further medical attention in another stoppage, and did not emerge after the break. Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson opted to send on Mark Howard in his place at half-time.

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There are fears that Okonkwo has suffered a jaw injury which could see him forced onto the sidelines. Wrexham will certainly be hoping that their goalkeeper is not set for a lengthy lay-off. The 22-year-old has become a regular with the Red Dragons this season after arriving on a season-long loan from Premier League giants Arsenal.

DID YOU KNOW?

Wrexham's Okonkowo had the best save percentage for stopping attempts in the whole of League Two heading into the game.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR OKONKWO?

Wrexham will be sweating on Okonkwo's fitness ahead of their next match. Parkinson's side continue their FA Cup campaign next time out when they host National League South side Yeovil Town in the second round of the famous competition. If Okonkwo is ruled out then Howard will be expected to take his place between the sticks.

Alen Stajcic will lead the Philippines in their first-ever Women's World Cup. But who is in their squad?

The Philippines national women's team is set to play in their first-ever FIFA Women's World Cup finals in July, which will be held in Australia and New Zealand.

A shootout win against Chinese Taipei in the 2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup quarter-finals ended a 32-year World Cup wait for them. Despite missing two of their opening four spot-kicks, goalkeeper Olivia Davies-McDaniel's heroics helped her nation progress to its first FIFA tournament.

After Alen Stajcic was sacked in 2019 by Australia, the Philippines – a team that had won nothing and never qualified for a single major tournament – appointed the Aussie in October 2021. Since then, they have won the 2022 AFF Championship apart from qualifying for the World Cup.

However, in the recent 2023 Southeast Asian Games, they were unlucky to crash out from the group stage after finishing third behind Vietnam and Myanmar on goal difference after the three teams were locked on six points.

Nonetheless, they will look to overcome their disappointment and compete with renewed vigour alongside hosts New Zealand, Switzerland and Norway in Group A in the Women's World Cup.

Who can Grings pick in the World Cup squad? GOAL takes a look…

Getty ImagesGOALKEEPERS

Olivia Davies-McDaniel is the number one choice between the sticks for the Philippines. Her heroics against Chinese Taipei in the penalty shootout has catapulted her to a demi-god stature in her nation and will once again be entrusted with the responsibility of shot-stopping in Australia.

Her form will be crucial to the Philippines' chances as she is expected to have a busy time under the crossbar.

Meanwhile, Kiara Fontanilla, who plies her trade with Central Coast Mariners, is likely to be the backup goalkeeper with Inna Palacios as the third choice.

Name Club

Olivia McDanielFree AgentKiara FontanillaCentral Coast MarinersInna PalaciosKaya–IloiloKaiya JotaStanford CardinalAdvertisementGetty ImagesDEFENDERS

Stajcic likes to stick to four defenders in defence. Alicia Barker and Malea Cesar are the two options at right-back. The latter is 19 years old but already has 28 caps for the national team, highlighting her immense potential.

Meanwhile, Hali Long is the most experienced defender in the backline and has 71 international caps. She might be partnered with Maya Alcantara at the heart of the defence.

Whereas Sofia Harrison is likely to slot in at left-back, with Dominique Randle as the other option.

Name Club

Jessika CowartKalmarCathrine GraversenOdense QDominique Randle2023 Pinatar CupMaya AlcantaraGeorgetown HoyasAlicia BarkerPacific NorthwestReina BontaSantosMalea CesarBlacktown CitySofia HarrisonFree AgentHali LongKaya–IloiloEva MadarangBlacktown SpartansGetty ImagesMIDFIELDERS

It is mostly four players at the centre of the park for Stajcic. However, sometimes the coach also opts to have two defensive midfielders and a bank of three behind the striker.

Tanhai Annis and Sara Eggesvik are the two most trusted players who are the pivots of the team. Both play in Europe for KIL/Hemne and Por/KA, respectively. Jaclyn Sawicki is also a potent option in midfield, as the 30-year-old has plenty of experience and switched her nationality from Canada to represent Philipines in 2021.

Red Star Belgrade winger Quinley Quezada is most likely to occupy the right flank, whereas Isabella Flanigan can take the place on the left.

Meanwhile, Stabaek's Meryll Serrano is the x-factor in this team, who has four goals in eight appearances. She can be used as a number 10 as she is to be prolific in the attacking third.

Name Club

Anicka CastañedaMt Druitt Town RangersSara EggesvikKIL/HemneIsabella PasionLebanon Trail High SchoolNatalie OcaLoyola Marymount LionsSabine RamosWoodbridge High SchoolTahnai AnnisPor/KARyley BugayFree agentReinna GabrielCornell Big RedKaya HawkinsonCentral Coast MarinersCamille RodriguezLords FAMeryll SerranoStabækENJOYED THIS STORY?

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Getty ImagesFORWARDS

Carleigh Frillies and Sarina Bolden are the two preferred strikers for Stajcic. Fillies was born in the United States but has represented the Philippines right from the age group teams since 2016. She has 12 goals in 33 caps and is a crucial figure in the squad.

Meanwhile, Bolden, also born in the United States, caught the attention of Richard Boon, former Philippines national team coach, and convinced her to join the Filipinas. She has made 33 appearances so far and has 20 goals.

Katrina Guillou is another striker who has the potential to be a difference-maker. She sent a highlight reel from her college days to the Philippine Football Federation before the 2022 Asian Cup, which got her selected for the national team. Since joining the team, she has scored 10 goals in 25 appearances.

Name Club

Sarina BoldenWestern Sydney WanderersIsabella FlaniganWest Virginia MountaineersChandler McDanielFree agentQuinley QuezadaRed Star BelgradeCarleigh FrilliesBlacktown SpartansKatrina GuillouPitea IFAlyssa UbeUP Fighting Maroons

Everything you need to know about the Gunners' pre-season ahead of the 2023-24 campaign.

Arsenal have returned to the United States this summer as they prepare for the 2023-24 season and their long-awaited return to the Champions League. Mikel Arteta's side enjoyed an excellent pre-season campaign across the Atlantic last year, one that many at the club felt was the catalyst for their superb start to the 2022-23 season.

They are back in America with some high profile fixtures already scheduled. Here, GOAL brings you everything you need to know about Arsenal's pre-season tour, including how to buy tickets, where to watch games, squad details and more.

Check out Arsenal's new kits for 2023-24!

GettyArsenal pre-season 2023 fixtures & results

Date Game Kick-off time Venue

July 8Arsenal 1-1 WatfordNALondon Colney training base, LondonJuly 13Nurnberg 1-1 Arsenal6pm BST / 1pm ETMax-Morlock-Stadion, NuremburgJuly 20 (19 in US)MLS All-Stars 0-5 Arsenal1:30am BST / 8:30pm ETAudi Field, Washington DCJuly 22Arsenal 0 (3)-2 (5) Manchester United10pm BST / 5pm ETMetLife Stadium, New YorkJuly 27Arsenal 5-3 Barcelona03:30 BST / 22:30 ET SoFi Stadium, Los AngelesAugust 2Arsenal 1(5)-1(4) Monaco6pm BST / 1pm ETEmirates Stadium, LondonAugust 6Arsenal 1(4)-1(1) Manchester City4pm BST/ 11am ETWembley Stadium, London

Arsenal kicked off their 2023 pre-season on July 8 with a behind-closed-doors friendly at their London Colney training base, playing out a 1-1 draw against Championship outfit Watford.

The North London giants followed it with another 1-1 stalemate, this time against 2. Nurnberg in their first official friendly of the summer as part of a brief training camp in Germany.

They landed in the stateside for their tour of the United States, which they began with a smashing 5-0 victory against the MLS All-Stars on July 19.

However, a couple of days later, Premier League rivals Manchester United downed the Gunners 2-0 at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. But regardless of the result, the match went to a penalty shootout, with United once again coming out on top 5-3.

The Premier League runners-up bounced back from their disappointing loss to Man United to beat Barcelona 5-3 in at SoFi Stadium, the home of owner Stan Kroenke's LA Rams, in Los Angeles, before wrapping up their pre-season campaign by beating Monaco from 12 yards to win the Emirates Cup after the game finished 1-1 in normal time.

The Gunners then lifted the first silverware of the 2023-24 season in the form of Community Shield at the Wembley Stadium.

Mikel Arteta's men were seemingly down and out after Cole Palmer's sublime opener handed treble winners Man City the advantage with under 15 minutes of regular time left on the clock, but they equalised through Leandro Trossard in the 11th minute of second-half injury time, and came out on top 4-1 in the subsequent penalty shootout.

AdvertisementGettyArsenal pre-season 2023 tickets

Fans wishing to attend the pre-season tour friendly games will be able to buy tickets through the official Arsenal website and Ticketmaster, subject to availability.

Manchester United vs Arsenal ticketsArsenal vs MLS All-Star ticketsComplete guide to getting Arsenal ticketsGettyHow to watch & stream Arsenal 2023-24 pre-season tour

Fans will be able to live stream four games of Arsenal's pre-season schedule live on Arsenal.com and the Arsenal app.

These include matches against Nurnberg, Manchester United, Barcelona and Monaco, which will be available on a pay-per-view basis, costing £4.99 each for UK viewers, and will include matchday coverage and analysis.

Alternatively, a pre-season voucher is priced at £15.99 for all four games. There are several restrictions to Arsenal.com coverage, though. The Gunners' opener against Nurnberg will not be available for audience in Germany, while the clash versus Ligue 1 outfit Monaco will be unavailable to viewers in France.

To watch the clash versus the MLS All-Stars, Arsenal supporters will require an Apple TV MLS Season Pass. For information regarding how and where to buy tickets for this game click here.

The Community Shield encounter with reigning Premier League champions and treble winners Manchester City will be shown live for free on ITV1, and available to live stream via ITVX.

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GettyArsenal 2023-24 pre-season tour squad

Arsenal announced their 27-man squad for their pre-season tour in the United States, with seven notable absentees.

Despite having been linked with Saudi Pro League clubs, Thomas Partey, is part of the Gunners' squad in the US. Emile Smith Rowe was handed an extended break after starring for England in their Under-21 European Championship triumph earlier this summer.

Nicolas Pepe, Nuno Tavares, Cedric Soares, and Albert Sambi Lokonga, who all left Arsenal on loan last season, have also stayed behind and will continue to train away from the senior squad. Reiss Nelson, who recently signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal, has also not travelled to the United States due to injury.

Arsenal have moved quickly to bring in new signings this summer so they could travel with the squad on the pre-season tour and integrate as quickly as possible.

Supporters will hope to see record £105m signing Declan Rice take to the field, as well as the other new arrivals Kai Havertz (£65m from Chelsea) and Jurrien Timber (£38m from Ajax).

USMNT international striker Folarin Balogun, who shone out on loan with 20 goals in Ligue 1 last season, is also a part of the travelling squad despite rumours of a move away from the Emirates. Below is the list of travelling pre-season tour squad:

Position

Players

Goalkeepers:

Aaron Ramsdale, Alex Runarsson, Karl Hein

Defenders:

William Saliba, Kieran Tierney, Ben White, Gabriel Magalhaes, Jurrien Timber, Jakub Kiwior, Rob Holding, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Auston Trusty, Oleksandr Zinchenko

Midfielders:

Martin Odegaard, Jorginho, Fabio Vieira, Mohamed Elneny, Kai Havertz, Declan Rice

Forwards:

Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, Eddie Nketiah, Leandro Trossard, Folarin Balogun, Marquinhos, Amario Cozier-Duberry

Folarin Balogun scored a goal for Monaco and set up another, but it wasn't enough to upset Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes on Friday.

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Balogun scores fourth of yearSets up another for MinaminoMonaco fall 5-2

Balogun and Monaco were unable to take down PSG in Friday, as they failed to take a chance to go level with the Ligue 1 giants atop the Ligue 1 table.

The U.S. men's national team star did score in the 75th minute, though, but by that point the game was effectively over thanks to a second-half blitz from PSG.

GOAL analyzes Balogun's performance from the Parc Des Princes…

GettyWHAT HAPPENED?

The hosts seized an early lead in the 18th minute, with Portuguese star Goncalo Ramos netting his third goal of the season.

Monaco fought back with a goal of their own just two minutes later, with Balogun's pressing leading to a Gianluigi Donnarumma mistake. The Italian's attempt to play the ball out of the back ended in a Takumi Minamino goal, equaling the score at one a-piece.

PSG wouldn't be denied, though, as Kylian Mbappe made it 2-1 from the penalty spot in the 39th minute, giving the hosts the momentum going into halftime. It was a bit nervy in the second half, but PSG eventually put the game to bed via a world-class Ousmane Dembele goal. Moments later, Vitinha added a fourth, totally ending Monaco's hopes of a comeback.

It didn't stop Balogun, though, as the American broke through in the 75th minute go make it 4-2 and end his own day on something of a high. The goal didn't mean much, though, as Randal Kolo Muani essentially erased it with a fifth for the Parisians in stoppage-time.

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WIth the loss, Monaco squandered a chance to really make a statement in the title race, as they entered the match just three points behind league-leaders PSG with Nice sandwiched between the two. However, with the win, PSG now have a six point advantage on Monaco, who will remain in third place after this weekend regardless of what happens elsewhere.

Getty ImagesUSMNT IMPACT

Even aside from his goal, it's fair to say that Balogun did have a good game leading the line for Monaco.

His holdup play was solid throughout as he did feel involved in the attack. More importantly, his pressing was relentless, as he single-handedly created Monaco's first by pressing what should have been a lost cause. It wasn't though, as his effort led to a Donnarumma mishap for Monaco's first.

Monaco's second, though, was all him. The forward broke through all alone and provided a composed finish, leaving Donnarumma no chance.

Ultimately, there was no way back for Monaco, but Balogun certainly did his part.

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GettyGOAL'S RATINGS

Folarin Balogun (8/10):

Got his goal and set up another one, even if he won't be credited with the assist. Now has four goals on the season and performances like this will certainly keep him in the Monaco XI.

From getting Ronaldo onside to bloodying the nose of Pep and Klopp, these are the key objectives he needs to nail in his first season…

Erik ten Hag's gigantic task of getting the Manchester United juggernaut back on the road is as big as it gets in a footballing sense, and one that proved too big for David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

With Manchester City and Liverpool setting a new standard and pulling further away from the chasing pack, a Premier League title challenge is beyond them, so what will success look like in Ten Hag’s first year in charge?

GOAL has had a look at seven areas that will define the Dutchman's first season at the helm.

(C)Getty ImagesHandling Ronaldo

Ronaldo is absolutely pivotal to United’s hopes.

He has been labelled the problem and the cure – but the benefits of a fully firing Ronaldo outweigh the negatives.

He proved once again last season that he remains a devastating centre forward with 24 goals in all competitions. And after United had to watch on as targets Erling Haaland and Darwin Nunez joined City and Liverpool, they will have to rely on their veteran striker to provide the bulk of their firepower.

But it will be about Ten Hag finding a way to fit the Portuguese into his system while accepting that he will not press in the manner of modern forwards.

United will have to rely on other players picking up the slack in the knowledge that Ronaldo will deliver in front of goal.

It is a delicate balancing act – and one that could be absolutely critical to Ten Hag’s first season.

AdvertisementGettyRevitalise Rashford and Sancho

Jadon Sancho endured an underwhelming start to life at United – going from a key member of Gareth Southgate’s England squad to a major doubt for the World Cup.

He has it all to do to make Qatar – even after FIFA extended the squad lists to 26 players. But his priority is to kick start his United career.

Sancho was supposed to be the iconic winger United fans have been crying out for since Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure in 2009. He could still be that – and it was hardly ideal for him to see the manager who signed him get the sack a few months later.

He had some of his brighter moments under Ralf Rangnick and Ten Hag will need to build on that.

Marcus Rashford is another who needs some love from the new manager.

He is also fighting for his World Cup place and wants Ten Hag to let him establish himself on the left of attack.

He is hopeful he will finally get the sort of man-management and coaching he has lacked since bursting onto the scene six years ago.

If Ten Hag can get the best out of Rashford and Sancho, it would breathe new life into United’s attack.

GettyChampions League qualification

The absolute minimum requirement in his first season is to get United back to the top table of European football.

They have gone from being a club that would qualify for the Champions League on muscle memory alone, to one that has become all too used to missing out.

The problem for Ten Hag is that the battle for the top four maybe at its most fierce this season, with a rejuvenated Tottenham under Antonio Conte, Arsenal making strides and Chelsea a regular fixture.

Throw in West Ham – and maybe even a newly-monied Newcastle and United have a fight on their hands.

It would be hard to make any claim that the season was a success if United miss out on the Champions League for a second year in succession.

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GettyA trophy… any trophy

It is five years since United last picked up some silverware. Five long years of false dawns and empty promises, reboots and reshuffles.

When Mourinho led them to the double of the Carabao Cup and Europa League in 2017, it felt like the good times were set to return.

He guided them to second place the following season and the FA Cup final.

In the meantime United have had to watch on as City and Liverpool have dominated and set new standards.

It has been painful viewing – and while Solskjaer came within a penalty shoot-out of delivering the Europa League, United have been nowhere near close enough to lifting major honours on a regular basis.

Ten Hag is used to picking up silverware – winning three Eredivisie titles and two Dutch Cups in his time at Ajax.

He would join a select group of United managers if he can deliver any trophy at Old Trafford.

Mikel Arteta admits that Arsenal “have to be in the conversation” for players like Kylian Mbappe, but accepts that he appears to be heading elsewhere.

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World Cup winner heading towards free agencyLinked with a move to the Premier LeagueAppears destined to head for Santiago BernabeuWHAT HAPPENED?

The France international forward is preparing to hit free agency in 2024. With his contract at Paris Saint-Germain running down, Mbappe has been free to enter into talks with teams outside of Ligue 1 since January.

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He has stopped short of making a public declaration on his future, but reports suggest that a deal has been agreed with La Liga giants Real Madrid. If Mbappe is to become another ‘Galactico’ at Santiago Bernabeu, then Premier League suitors will be left disappointed.

WHAT ARTETA SAID ABOUT MBAPPE

Arsenal fall into that category, amid talk of Mbappe being “willing” to join the Gunners in order to emulate Thierry Henry’s legacy in north London, but Arteta concedes that no move to Emirates Stadium will be made. The Spaniard has said when asked about links to the 2018 World Cup winner: “When there is a player of that calibre we always have to be in the conversation. But as you said it looks in a different way.”

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

The Gunners are considered to be in the market for more firepower, after seeing the likes of Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah fail to convince as a leading No.9, but attention will shift to alternative striker targets heading towards the summer transfer window.

Julian Nagelsmann is on Borussia Dortmund's shortlist should they part ways with Edin Terzic, adding to a long list of suitors for the German manager.

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Dortmund considering Nagelsmann as Terzic replacementMan Utd, Newcastle also interested in hiringGermany boss not guaranteed contract beyond Euro 2024WHAT HAPPENED?

The German manager is expected to be on the market this summer, after overseeing the national team at Euro 2024. His next job, though, has been a topic of debate, and Dortmund have now entered the race, according to .

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT JULIAN NAGELSMANN SAID

In an interview with , the Germany manager spoke openly on his sudden sacking from Bayern Munich last March. "I was signed by Bayern with the proviso that I would change things,” he said. “There are clubs that give you time. Jürgen Klopp was at Liverpool for five years before he became champion there for the first time. Pep Guardiola only won the Champions League title with Manchester City after seven years. The coaches at Bayern Munich don’t get as much time to develop something."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Man Utd are yet to make a clear decision on the future of Erik ten Hag, but the former Ajax boss is in the hot seat after Sir Jim Ratcliffe completed a partial takeover of the club. Terzic's job, too, is under scrutiny, with Dortmund currently fourth in the Bundesliga.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR JULIAN NAGELSMANN?

Nagelsmann's future seems to be up in the air, with a handful ofclubs chasing his hiring. His immediate focus will be the German national side, with friendlies against France and the Netherlands scheduled for the international break.

Bayern Munich drew their third consecutive Bundesliga match on Saturday as Stuttgart equalised from the spot in stoppage time to earn a 2-2 result.

From near-perfect at San Siro in the Champions League on Wednesday to out of sorts against Bundesliga relegation battlers, Bayern Munich’s strange start to the season took another odd turn at Allianz Arena.

They put on a fabulous pressing show under Julian Nagelsman in their midweek 2-0 victory over Inter, suggesting they could better execute the coach’s tactics in his second season in charge. But against Stuttgart, the worst qualities of his first term – namely moments of dropped concentration at the back – bit them.

Nagelsmann made significant line-up changes from that victory at San Siro, with Mathys Tel, Dayot Upamecano, Jamal Musiala, Serge Gnabry, Leon Goretzka and Noussair Mazraoui coming into the line-up. Those players range in experience – Tel became the Bundesliga’s youngest ever starter while Goretzka is a veteran of the division – but the number of alterations at an early stage in the season seemed to affect the Bavarians in their all-round cohesion.

Still, two players who started against Inter who were responsible for Stuttgart’s goals. In the 57th minute, Alphonso Davies gave away a sloppy pass in his own half, then unconvincingly closed down Konstantinos Mavropanos who passed to Chris Fuhrich for an easy finish. In stoppage time, Matthijs De Ligt was adjudged to have fouled Serhou Guirassy in the box and the Stuttgart forward converted the ensuing penalty.

Davies did otherwise deliver a decent performance, assisting Tel for the opener while consistently breaking up attempted play from Stuttgart. De Ligt was less assured.

It takes a lot for Bayern Munich to worry about a domestic campaign. Ten titles in a row create a special kind of confidence, and they will still finish Saturday atop the Bundesliga table.

Nonetheless, for a club expected to achieve perfection not every once in a while, but every time they take the pitch, the past couple of weeks are unacceptable.

Slip-ups might not ultimately matter in their Bundesliga title race. They absolutely will, though, if they carry over to the Champions League.

Getty ImagesThe Winner: Mathys Tel

In a squad of players much older and experienced than him, the 17-year-old stood above the rest.

Despite his age, Tel was significantly more involved on the ball than the other Bayern Munich forwards. He took his first shot in the 30th minute, then tried again in the 39th minute and it was much better, putting the hosts 1-0 in front.

At the beginning, he stayed pushed forward on the right wing too often to prevent Borna Sosa's attacking exploits but improved in that respect as the match went on.

A great starting XI debut.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesThe Loser: Tiago Tomas

The Stuttgart striker, who impressed last season, really struggled. He only touched the ball 11 times in the first half – and lost it on four occasions. He was substituted at half-time as the visitors looked for a more direct attacking outlet.

Also poor: Konstantinos Mavropanos. Despite winning the ball before Stuttgart made it 1-1, he was otherwise off the pace of the match.

Getty ImagesBayern Munich Ratings: Defence

Manuel Neuer (6/10):

He saved a dangerous open play effort, which he had to parry. He didn't always look very satisfied with his defenders and made that clear a few times. Helpless when it came to the late penalty.

Noussair Mazraoui (6/10):

Grew into the game. While he was cautious to start with, he gradually dared to get forward more as the game continued. Got the assist for Bayern's second goal.

Dayot Upamecano – (8/10):

As he has been all season, he was assured and didn't make any mistakes. He spent plenty more time on the ball than De Ligt. It's been a big improvement for him from last year.

Matthijs de Ligt (5/10):

A rather quiet performance in the heart of the defence until the latter stages. He conceded the penalty which cost Bayern two points after stepping on Guirassy's foot in the box.

Alphonso Davies (6/10):

Tried to dribble past opponents constantly but was often unable to beat his man. Defensively, he was decent but looked very anxious going forward in one-on-one situations. Made the poor pass that led to Stuttgart's first strike. His rating is boosted by his assist for the opening goal.

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Getty ImagesMidfield & Attack

Joshua Kimmich (5/10):

Far from his best. Lost the ball surprisingly often and got lucky that that Stuttgart's initial equaliser – which came from his mistake – was ruled out by VAR.

Leon Goretzka (5/10):

Back in the starting XI after injury and he was committed to stamping his authority on the match. However, he wasn't able to have the impact that he hoped for. He didn't see enough of the ball inside the first hour.

Thomas Muller (4/10):

Pressed very well as always but his attacking work was limited. He didn't have a single shot in the game despite leading the line.

Jamal Musiala (6/10):

Lost the ball on a number of occasions. He tried to do too much on the ball and his loss of possession led to Stuttgart's equaliser. Although, he was able to make amends for that with a brilliant goal to make it 2-1.

Serge Gnabry (4/10):

Like Muller, he hardly got involved throughout the game. He had four shots but only one of any significance.

Mathys Tel (8/10):

He was much more effective on the ball than his attacking team-mates and his goal made him Bayern's youngest ever Bundesliga goalscorer.

Gary Neville was left outraged by the red card shown to Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones in the first half of their clash against Tottenham.

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Jones initially given yellow cardChanged to red after VAR reviewDecision angered pundit NevilleWHAT HAPPENED?

Jones was initially shown a yellow card for a challenge on Yves Bissouma, but play was delayed as VAR reviewed the challenge. Referee Simon Hooper was soon called over to have a look at the replay and the punishment was soon upgraded to a red card.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The sending off was a key moment in the game as Jones was sent off just 26 minutes in with the match still tied at 0-0.

Less than 10 minutes later, Luis Diaz had the ball in the net for Liverpool, but it was ruled out for offside and, shortly afterwards, Spurs went up to the other end and snuck in the opening goal through Son Heung-min.

WHAT THEY SAID

Neville predicted that the red card would be a turning point as he said it would spoil the match during the VAR review.

"A yellow is right, they are checking it. [VAR is] showing [referee Simon Hooper] the end motion, which looks bad," Neville said while on commentary duty for . "That's not how it's ended up there. His foot just slips off the top of the ball. Not for me a red card. He's probably going to get one and it's going to ruin the game, probably.

"You can slow it down all day long and it looks like a leg breaker but I think he's gone in genuinely and his foot's just slipped over the top of the ball. My initial reaction as an ex player was that wasn't a player looking to do the opposition player."

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GettyWHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

After Saturday's game, Liverpool are in action against Royale Union Saint-Gilloise in the Europa League on Thursday, while Tottenham's next match is away to Luton on October 7.

Neymar is reportedly already planning his departure from Al-Hilal, with the Brazilian intending to return to Santos ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

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Left PSG for new challenge in the Middle EastConfusion over his lucrative dealPlans to head home before major tournamentWHAT HAPPENED?

The 31-year-old forward only took on another new challenge in his distinguished career when heading to Saudi Arabia backin August. There had been talk of the South American superstar agreeing a four-year deal in the Middle East, but that is supposedly not the case.

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Reports of a two-year contract are said to be closer to the mark, with Neymar not intending to stick around at Al-Hilal for long. According to Brazilian journalist , the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain playmaker will return to his roots at Santos in 2025.

WHAT THEY SAID

Quintino has said on his social media channels: “During conversations with friends of Neymar Senior and Neymar Junior, I received the information that they did not sign a four-year contract with the Saudis but rather a two-year contract so he can return (to Santos) a year before the World Cup. Neymar approached Santos and asked to return. I have friends in common with Neymar, whom I will not name, but he has a very strong desire to return to Santos.”

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(C)Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Neymar – who is now Brazil's all-time leading scorer – has only taken in three appearances for Al-Hilal so far and is still waiting on his first goal for the club. He has never shied away from the fact that he intends to head back to Santos at some stage, with the plan seemingly being to make that switch a year out from the World Cup finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico in 2026.