The 20-year-old American rose highest to head home a vital winner at RZD Arena on Wednesday

Weston McKennie could have hardly picked a better time to score his first Schalke goal. 

With a Champions League tie at Lokomotiv Moscow scoreless in the 88th minute, the American midfielder headed home a corner kick for Schalke’s winner in a 1-0 result. 

It was the first senior goal with Schalke for the 20-year-old, who made the breakthrough to the first team at the start of last season. 

“It’s a dream come true, not just to play in the Champions League, but also to score my first goal in my professional club career that way,” McKennie said in quotes published on UEFA’s website.

“I don’t really score that often, but I pulled it off today, which was great.

“We had the game in our grip after the break and rewarded ourselves. The relief is huge, we’re happy. We won together today. It wasn’t all of my own doing.”

McKennie became the eighth American to score in the Champions League with the goal, and the second youngest at 20 years, 36 days.

Only Christian Pulisic was younger when he scored in Europe’s top club competition, making the breakthrough at 18 years, 171 days for Borussia Dortmund against Benfica in March 2017.

Of the 15 total goals scored by Americans in the Champions League, nine of them have been scored for German clubs. 

McKennie was named to the most recent roster for the U.S. national team for their upcoming friendlies against Colombia and Peru.

The Texas native has been capped six times by the USMNT, scoring one goal, which came in his senior debut against Portugal last November.

The 29-year-old could be the player to take the title to Anfield if he stays fit, according to the pundit

Daniel Sturridge is the best second striker in the Premier League according to ex-Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy.

The forward scored a stunning long-range goal to earn the Reds a point against his former club Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday and has enjoyed a strong start to the season despite having been left out by Jurgen Klopp in recent campaigns.

Sturridge was loaned out to West Bromwich Albion last term where he failed to score in six appearances, but this season he has featured five times already and netted twice. 

Speaking on talkSPORT, Murphy said: “If Daniel Sturridge is fit, he’s a good as there is in the Premier League.

“He’s a natural finisher, he scores all types of goals and what he’s got that most other forwards haven’t is total self-belief. He’s so capable. He’s a match-winner and a sensational player.

“For me, he’s the best second striker in the Premier League by a mile. Gabriel Jesus has dipped a bit and you could argue Marcus Rashford maybe, but he’s not as naturally gifted a goalscorer as Sturridge in the box.

“If Liverpool can keep Sturridge fit and keep him happy, by giving him plenty of minutes off the bench and get him starting in certain games in the league and cups, he could be the difference. He’ll get 20 goals this season if he gets the games.

“He’s got 67 goals in 140 games for Liverpool – there are not many strikers with a better strike rate, and he’s not first choice! You shouldn’t really be sitting on the bench anywhere with that strike rate.

“But if they keep using him in the way they are, with how fit and hungry he looks, Liverpool are going to be there or thereabouts. He could well be the difference for Liverpool [in the title race].

Liverpool face Napoli in the Champions League on Wednesday before hosting Manchester City in a huge Premier League clash on Sunday afternoon.

City top the table on 19 points, ahead of Liverpool only on goal difference, but both teams have a near perfect record having won six and drawn one of their seven matches so far.

Tuca Ferretti’s youth movement will continue, though several Europe-based stars are likely to cross the Atlantic to suit up for El Tri

Tuca Ferretti won’t lead Mexico into the future, but he’s coaching them in the present.

Though the Tigres manager and El Tri interim won’t take the job over full-time as previously speculated, he’s still committed to coaching Mexico in both this friendly window and the next, should the Mexican federation still be in the process of finding a coach. 

It falls to Ferretti to decide what approach to utilize for October’s friendly matches against Costa Rica and Chile. The matches are taking place on Mexican soil, a rare occurrence with El Tri frequently visiting the United States for its international dates, so it could be a chance to bring in a largely domestic roster. It is a full FIFA date, though, so it’s also another chance to build chemistry among Europe-based players who will be the base of the national team ahead of the 2022 World Cup, and more urgently the 2019 Gold Cup.

For our projection, we’re betting Ferretti goes with the latter. September’s matches against Uruguay and the United States saw a number of stars make their way across the Atlantic while Ferretti also gave opportunities to young Liga MX-based players. The mix should continue, but with each passing window, more and more  veterans will need to be involved as Mexico looks to round into a competitive team that can achieve regional dominance.

Here’s Goal’s projected 23-man squad:

Guillermo Ochoa (Standard), Hugo Gonzalez (Necaxa), Gibran Lajud (Tijuana)

This worked out for Ferretti in September and could do the same in October. It would be nice to see Lajud actually get time after Ferretti went with Ochoa for the entire match against Uruguay and Gonzalez for all 90 minutes against the U.S. Tossing the Xolos prospect right into the mix against Costa Rica might be a good idea, though Ferretti also could platoon the goalkeepers and give Gonzalez a half.

He also might consider a call-up for Chivas goalkeeper Raul Gudino. The newly minted star of the Clasico Nacional has been on an upward trajectory since returning to Guadalajara this summer. He’s only 22 and has plenty of international experience at the youth level. Maybe it’s the right window to have Ochoa rest up in Belgium while an entirely new crew of goalkeepers accumulate experience.

Nestor Araujo (Celta de Vigo), Hugo Ayala (Tigres), Jesus Angulo (Santos Laguna), Gerardo Arteaga (Santos Laguna), Jose Abella (Santos Laguna), Luis “Chaka” Rodriguez (Tigres), Edson Alvarez (America), Jesus Gallardo (Monterrey)

Araujo had started every Celta match this season until Monday, when Antonio Mohamed made a number of changes. He came in as a substitute and clearly has adjusted well to life in La Liga. Along with the injured Carlos Salcedo, Araujo will be the base of the national team’s defense in the next cycle. The more minutes he can get with the team, the better it will be for Mexico.

The Santos trio of Angulo, Arteaga and Abella had varying levels of success during the September window, but all three have performed well enough both with Los Guerreros and in their brief national team careers to get more opportunities going forward.

Ayala and Rodriguez would be best suited for the match in El Volcan, where home fans can see their players in the green of El Tri. Ultimately, the Gold Cup this summer should be their final bow, but their inclusion now won’t hurt.

Oswaldo Alanis left Real Oviedo’s match this weekend with an injury. Even if he bounces back, Ferretti should recognize it’s more important for him to (finally) get settled somewhere than to be part of these contests. Cesar Montes could get a look thanks to recent minutes with Rayados, as could Diego Reyes after he missed out on the World Cup with an injury and in September as he looked to shore up his club situation.

Hector Herrera (Porto), Erick Gutierrez (PSV), Roberto Alvarado (Cruz Azul), Jonathan Gonzalez (Monterrey), Jonathan dos Santos (LA Galaxy), Victor Guzman (Pachuca), Erick Aguirre (Pachuca)

Herrera wasn’t included in the previous call-up, and Porto hasn’t always played nice with the Mexico national team. That said, he doesn’t fit into the same category as players like Hector Moreno, Chicharito or Andres Guardao. Mexico knows what those players can do, and if they’re fit for the 2022 World Cup it would be more of a surprise than not. At 28, Herrera is just hitting his prime, will be 32 at the next World Cup and could be a leader for Mexico in the next cycle.

His experience would be welcome in a group that otherwise is pretty raw. Jonathan dos Santos is in good form with the Galaxy and also could be part of the next World Cup. After that, you’re looking at a midfield made up entirely of U-23 players. Guti now boasts Champions League experience, but it was Guzman who stood out in the previous window with his impressive game against the U.S. He’s continued to show his quality after returning to Tuzos and should be in Tuca’s plans. Where to play him is a bit of a question. Not as much with Alvarado, though he can play on the wing, in the middle or up top, or Gonzalez.

If Diego Lainez is healthy, by all means he should get another call-up. However, the ankle issue that has kept him off the field for America might mean he’s not available for this month’s matches either. Marco Fabian is another player with experience who has a strong desire to be part of the next cycle and may back in the picture this month.

Hirving Lozano (PSV), Raul Jimenez (Wolves), Alan Pulido (Chivas), Jesus “Tecatito” Corona (Porto), Jurgen Damm (Tigres)

As long as Lozano, the most in-form Mexico player, wants to answer the call, Ferretti should keep calling him. The same goes for Jimenez, who apparently wanted to play both Mexico’s September matches. He’s had assists in back-to-back weeks in the Premier League, showing how well he plays with his back to goal. With Chicharito unlikely to make the next World Cup, Jimenez emerging as a player who combines well with dynamic wingers would be welcome for Mexico.

Pulido has scored in each of his last three games, with the previous call-up seeming to reignite the forward, who could return to the stadium he used to play in when he came up with Tigres. Damm is a player Ferretti has leaned on at the Volcan as well, while Tecatito should be part of the national team going forward as well.

The roster ends up looking pretty defense-heavy. Ferretti may look to remedy that by bringing in more than 23 players and sending home Europe-based players who aren’t in the picture for the second game like he did in the previous window. That gets a bit more difficult this window, though, because unlike in September, the game that looks like it will be a stronger test for Mexico is the second not the first.

The Brazilian FA has confirmed that the Real Madrid left-back will not be available for games against Saudi Arabia and Argentina

Marcelo has dropped out of the Brazil squad for friendlies against Saudi Arabia and Argentina, the Brazilian FA (CBF) has confirmed.

The Real Madrid left-back has missed his team’s last two matches, a 0-0 derby draw with Atletico Madrid in La Liga and Tuesday’s 1-0 Champions League loss away to CSKA Moscow.

And Marcelo’s calf injury will prevent the 30-year-old from linking up with Tite’s squad during the international break, the CBF said on Wednesday.

The World Cup quarter-finalists are yet to confirm whether they will call up a fresh face to replace Marcelo, who has made 58 appearances to date for his national team. 

Juventus’ Alex Sandro would be the left-back’s natural replacement in the starting line-up, while Filipe Luis could earn a recall after being omitted from Tite’s original squad.

Brazil face Saudi Arabia on October 12 before taking on rivals Argentina in another friendly match four days later.

Thiago Silva, Douglas Costa and Willian are among the big names to be missing from the group named by Tite.

Barcelona winger Malcom, 21, could make his international debut after being handed a maiden call-up.

Malcom’s Barca team-mates Arthur and Philippe Coutinho are also in the squad, as is Man United midfielder Fred.

The German champions have now gone three matches without victory after dropping points in Europe, but the veteran winger is not concerned

Arjen Robben insists Bayern Munich only need a victory to get back on track after the Bavarian giants surprisingly drew with Ajax in the Champions League.

There was another poor result for Niko Kovac’s Bayern on Tuesday as the Bundesliga champions were held to a 1-1 draw by Dutch visitors Ajax at the Allianz Arena.

Bayern made a perfect start to the season, however, the Bavarians have now gone three matches without a win in all competitions after Mats Hummels’ opener was cancelled out by Noussair Mazraoui.

But Robben remains calm, the veteran Dutchman telling reporters: “There is always something coming from outside. We have to be realistic and to analyse our situation properly.

“Obviously, we are not used to it and it is not our goal. But as I said, it’s not possible that within a week, everything turns bad.

“But that’s football, you need a victory to get back on track.”

Discussing Bayern’s slump, star goalkeeper Manuel Neuer tried to pinpoint where the club has gone wrong during the last three fixtures.

“We were very confident and played good football, but not every game was perfect,” Neuer said as he reflected on Bayern’s form prior to the stuttering results.

“We were cheered very early. We also knew that we should not lose the ground under our feet.

“But we never thought that we would just march through because you can sometimes drop points against unpleasant opponents.”

Bayern – a point adrift of Bundesliga leaders Borussia Dortmund – host Borussia Monchengladbach on Saturday.

The Serie A side Lazio has confirmed fresh terms for a much sought-after talent, with Ciro Immobile also penning a five-year contract

Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has ended speculation over his Lazio future by signing a new contract to 2023, while the Serie A club also announced Ciro Immobile has agreed a five-year deal.

Serbia international Milinkovic-Savic was linked with a host of Europe’s top clubs during the transfer window, with his representative Mateja Kezman suggesting Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain offered him an €8 million-per-year contract.

Juventus, AC Milan, Real Madrid and Manchester United were also linked with moves for Milinkovic-Savic but Lazio were able to hold on to their prized asset.

And Milinkovic-Savic is now set to remain in Rome for the foreseeable future as Lazio announced on Monday that he and Immobile – the joint top scorer in Serie A last season – have both signed new deals.

Reports in Italy suggested Milinkovic-Savic’s new contract will contain a release clause in the region of €150 million (£133m/$174m), but Lazio gave no details in a brief statement.

Lazio are seventh in Serie A having suffered a 3-1 loss to city rivals Roma on Saturday.

The former Manchester United midfielder could have moved to the north London club if the Spaniard hadn’t emerged as such an excellent talent

Michael Carrick has revealed that Cesc Fabregas scuppered his dream move to Arsenal.

The former Manchester United midfielder is currently an assistant coach at Old Trafford, and spent a total of 12 years at the club.

However, his career could have panned out remarkably differently, had a move to the Gunners gone through.

Then at West Ham, Carrick was put up for sale by the east London club, who were desperate to raise funds and were languishing in the Championship.

With a number of interested parties vying for the midfielder’s signature, Carrick had met with Harry Redknapp over the possibility of joining Portsmouth, only for a meeting to be arranged between him, his agent and Arsene Wenger ahead of a potential move to north London.

Writing in his autobiography, he recalls: “Then, on the way home, we got another call. Arsenal again, asking us to meet Arsene. As it happened we were driving past his home in north London, so we arranged to call in on the way. Within an hour I was sitting in the front room of Arsene Wenger’s house, pinching myself. Could this really be happening? Arsenal! Could I really be on the verge of signing for the Invincibles who’d just gone through the season unbeaten?

“We talked for almost an hour about football. Wenger had the Community Shield at the weekend but was spending an hour with me, so surely he had to be interested in signing me? ‘Let’s get Cardiff out the way, and we’ll see you Monday,’ Wenger said as we left. Things were moving so fast I needed a few minutes to put it all into perspective. That night, I sat at the bottom of my bed and talked it through with Lisa, just running all the possibilities through my mind. It came from nowhere. My head was spinning. Arsenal were finishing either first or second in the Premiership.”

However, the performance of Cesc Fabregas, who emerged as Patrick Vieira’s successor at Highbury, alerted fans and management to his ability during the Community Shield, and thus nixed the possibility of Carrick moving to the club.

“On the Sunday, I settled down at home in Theydon Bois, Epping, to watch Arsenal, my team to be, in the Community Shield against Manchester United,” he adds.

“I saw that a kid, Cesc Fabregas, only 17, started in Vieira’s place. Fabregas played a blinder but I didn’t think too much about the significance. I sat at home on Sunday night waiting for the call to arrange details of the next day. Arsenal! I couldn’t wait.

“But I waited, and waited, and that call never came. The next day, I had to go into training at West Ham instead and, on the way, David [Gold] phoned to say he’d had a call from [David] Dein. David relayed the gist of his message, like, ‘I’m sorry, the manager says we don’t need Michael. Fabregas is coming through like he is. Sorry, the deal’s off.’ Fabregas’ performance changed Wenger’s mind about needing me.

“I was totally devastated as I had my heart set on Arsenal and playing with all that talent. My head was gone. Arsenal had swayed me and I didn’t have a clue what I’d do now.”

Of course, Carrick ended up joining Tottenham, where he spent two years between 2004 and 2006 before his move to United.

Carrick explains: “Out of nowhere, Spurs’s sporting director, Frank Arnesen, called. ‘We’re bringing in good young British players, and we want you, Michael.’ I knew Paul Robinson and Sean Davis had arrived. Spurs were on the up and it was a good time to join. Arsenal’s rivals wanted me!

“I looked at Spurs’s playing style and thought, ‘This is going to suit me.’ I’d been thrown a lifeline. I rang Lisa and then Mam and Dad, who were on holiday with Lisa’s parents. “Oh, by the way, we’re going to Tottenham!” I told them.”

The Gunners will begin a new sponsorship deal with from July 1 next year, with the agreement set to land them around £60 million per season

Arsenal have announced a new kit sponsorship deal with Adidas, which will take effect from next season.

The agreement, which is worth around £300 million over five years, becomes active from July 1, 2019.

It is claimed the new deal will bring in double that which they have earned from Puma since 2014, although it is still less than the reported £75m per year Manchester United earn from Adidas.

Arsenal’s last kit deal with the German sportswear giants was back in the 1993-94 season, two years before Arsene Wenger, the longest-serving manager in the club’s history, took charge.

Arsenal have spent the last five years working with Puma.

That relatively short agreement came on the back of two decades of Nike sponsorship.

The club’s decision to get back into a partnership with Adidas has been well received by supporters and former players, and Goal revealed in August that talks were already underway regarding new designs.

Ian Wright, who enjoyed many goal-laden years at Arsenal with three stripes on his shirt, welcomed the news back in the summer. He posted on social media: “So pleased Adidas are back sponsoring after this coming season. Especially after seeing what Puma have come up with.”

The hosts fought back for a dramatic victory against Newcastle United after going two goals behind in the first half

Marouane Fellaini has revealed Jose Mourinho asked the Manchester United players “to be men and not afraid” prior to their dramatic comeback victory over Newcastle United.

Amid fierce speculation over Mourinho’s future, United fell two goals behind inside 10 minutes on Saturday – the first time in Premier League history that has happened at Old Trafford.

But they rallied to score three goals inside the final 20 minutes, with Juan Mata and Anthony Martial netting before Alexis Sanchez headed in a 90th-minute winner.

Fellaini, who came on at half-time in place of Scott McTominay, told BT Sport: “The manager asked us to be men and to not be afraid and just play. 

“That’s what we did. The first half was a difficult moment for us, but we were more aggressive in the second half and we played more direct and created more chances.”

Mata, meanwhile, feels positive results can fix any crisis in football, even a story that has generated the level of debate as Mourinho’s United future. 

“We needed something like that,” he said. “It was very difficult to come back but we created more chances than we scored.

“We gave everything we had to win and in the second half we felt we had nothing to lose, and it is natural to create more when that happens.

“It is a relief and we feel that we got what we needed. In football, results fix everything. In the second half we tried especially for the fans, and tonight they go home happy.”

After their first win in five games, United face matches against Chelsea, Juventus and Everton after the international break.

The Frenchman believes that he is ready to fulfil Blues boss Maurizio Sarri’s needs up front, despite his late return from international duty

Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud feels he has nothing to prove given his status as a World Cup winner and welcomes competition for places with Alvaro Morata. 

The 32-year-old forward has seven Premier League appearances under his belt so far this season but has failed to find the back of the net in his new role under Maurizio Sarri. 

Giroud returned to club duty late this summer after winning the World Cup with France in Russia and has thusly had to fight for a starting berth with Morata at Stamford Bridge. 

The Spanish striker has also come under criticism for his poor strike rate in recent months and has just three goals to his name in all competitions so far this term. 

Giroud brings a different dimension to Chelsea’s attack when he does feature, with his superb aerial ability and hold-up play, and he has defended his qualities, insisting that he knows exactly what Sarri expects from him going forward.

“Last season I was already competing with Alvaro,” Girould told RMC Sport. “I played a lot of matches. This year, it was truncated by the fact that I arrived late. 

“Football is an eternal start and even if you have some credit, you have to move with the times.  

“That’s what I did and I’m not worried. Chelsea need two attackers to fulfil their goals this season. 

“What Sarri asks of me? A good understanding with his attacking players combined with tactical nous.  

“Be the first to do the pressing, and press high to get the ball in the other half.” 

Giroud was speaking after heading on international duty with France, during which the world champions will play Iceland in a friendly, before a UEFA Nations League clash against Germany. 

The former Arsenal striker went on to evaluate his summer with the national team, highlighting his impact as Didier Deschamps’ first-choice centre-forward. 

“I did not manage to find the net at the World Cup, but I know what I brought to the team,” Giroud continued. 

“It was an amazing summer and I think a lot of French people think the same thing. 

“I have never put my personal interest in front of the collective. It shows on the field, the way we defended.  

“We are the team that scored the most goals with Germany 2014 in the last 20 years.” 

He also played down talk of overhauling Michel Platini, who sits second on France’s all-time top scorers list, nine ahead of Giroud, who is two goals behind third-placed David Trezeguet.

Giroud added: “Go past Michel Platini’s mark with France?  

“I will try to overtake Trezeguet’s one first then we’ll see after that.  

“I am someone who sets goals for myself if the odds are reasonable, It will be step by step.”