Napoli did not travel to Turin for their clash with Juventus due to coronavirus concerns.

Juventus seem likely to be awarded a 3-0 victory over Napoli after the game was not started as scheduled as Gennaro Gattuso’s side did not travel to Turin for Sunday’s Serie A match.

Covid-19 concerns hold back Napoli

Napoli were advised not to travel by local health authorities after Piotr Zielinski, Eljif Elmas and staff member Giandomenico Costi tested positive for Covid-19.

Juve themselves reported two positive cases among staff on Saturday – revealing their squad were isolating internally as a result – but they later released a statement confirming they intended to play the game. 

However, four hours before the scheduled kick-off time on Sunday, Serie A rejected Napoli’s formal request to have the game postponed, as the club – who also confirmed Gattuso had not tested positive for coronavirus, despite rumours to the contrary – technically have at least 13 players available.

Ollie Watkins scored a first-half hat-trick and Jack Grealish had a hand in five goals as Aston Villa deservedly stunned champions Liverpool with one of the most unbelievable scorelines in Premier League history.

 Who should take responsibilities for Liverpool’s embarrassing loss?

Ollie Watkins scored a first-half hat-trick and Jack Grealish had a hand in five goals as Aston Villa deservedly stunned champions Liverpool with one of the most unbelievable scorelines in Premier League history.

2020/2021 Premier League

7 – 2

• O. Watkins (4′)
• O. Watkins (22′)
• McGinn (35′)
• O. Watkins (39′)
• Barkley (55′)
• Grealish (66′)
• Grealish (75′)

• Salah (33′)
• Salah (60′)

Match Events

0′ The match is about to start!

4′ GOAL! Aston Villa 1-0 Liverpool (Watkins)

15′ Salah  goes down in the box but ref says no penalty!

22′ GOAL! Aston Villa 2-0 Liverpool (Watkins)

33′ GOAL! Aston Villa 3-1 Liverpool (Salah)

35′ GOAL! Aston Villa 3-1 Liverpool (McGinn)

39′ GOAL! Aston Villa 4-1 Liverpool (Watkins)

46′ Yellow Card! Douglas Luiz booked

55′ GOAL! Aston Villa 5-1 Liverpool (Barkley)

60′ GOAL! Aston Villa 5-2 Liverpool (Salah)

66′ GOAL! Aston Villa 6-2 Liverpool (Grealish)

75′ GOAL! Aston Villa 7-2 Liverpool (Grealish)

Line-ups

Aston Villa XI: E. Martinez, Barkley, Grealish, Trezeguet, McGinn, Mings, Targett, O. Watkins, Ngoyo, M. Cash, Douglas Luiz

Subs: El Mohamady, Hourihane, Steer, Traore, Nakamba, El Ghazi, Davis

Liverpool XI: Wijnaldum, Adrian, Firmino, Salah, Van Dijk, Fabinho, Robertson, Joe Gomez, Naby Keita, Jota, Alexander-Arnold

Subs: Milner, Henderson, Minamino, Origi, Kelleher, Curtis Jones, Neco Williams

Manchester United were humbled 6-1 by Tottenham in a remarkable clash at Old Trafford on Sunday. Using Opta data, we looked at the numbers.

Manchester United were humiliated on Sunday as Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham claimed a 6-1 victory at Old Trafford.

10-man United battered by Spurs

It started brightly for United, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side hitting the front through Bruno Fernandes’ penalty in the second minute, but they ultimately went on to suffer their joint-worst home defeat in the Premier League.

Tanguy Ndombele’s swift equaliser opened the floodgates for Spurs, with Son Heung-min and Harry Kane putting them 4-1 up by half-time, with Anthony Martial’s red card compounding United’s misery.

It was the first time United have conceded four times in the opening half of a Premier League match, and the first time they have done so in any league match since 1957 – coincidentally, that was also against Tottenham.

Serge Aurier then added a fifth six minutes into the second half, with United shipping five goals in a home Premier League match for just the second time.

The first time they conceded five at Old Trafford in the Premier League was in their 6-1 derby defeat to Manchester City in 2011, and that scoreline was matched when Kane hammered in a penalty in the 79th minute.

That penalty means Kane has been directly involved in 20 goals in his last 11 games in all competitions for Spurs (13 goals, seven assists).

United have conceded 11 goals in their opening three league matches for only the second time in their history – they previously let in 13 in 1930-31, and went on to be relegated.

Spurs, meanwhile, are the first team to score double figures for goals in their first two away top-flight matches of a season since United managed 10 in 1963-64, and Mourinho is the first manager to see his team score five goals away from home against one of his old clubs since Solskjaer oversaw a 5-1 win over Cardiff City in December 2018.

It was only the second time in Premier League history that a team had scored five goals or more in successive away matches. Spurs did so on the previous occasion, too, beating Leicester City 6-1 and Hull City 7-1 in May 2017.

United appear to be on the verge of signing Edinson Cavani and Porto full-back Alex Telles, though on Sunday’s evidence, they need much more to turn their fortunes around.

Torn apart and humbled on their own patch by Tottenham – let the inquest begin at Manchester United.

Despite taking the lead in the first minute, United capitulated on Sunday afternoon, with Harry Kane and Son Heung-min terrorising a clumsy United back-line – while Spurs also won the midfield battle at an absolute canter.

Prepare yourselves United fans – it’s Sportsmail’s player ratings from the game at Old Trafford:

MANCHESTER UNITED

DAVID DE GEA – 4

Conceded six goals but not specifically at fault for any of them. Defence in front of him were sliced open all too easily, but the Spaniard did make an excellent save from Kane in the second-half.

AARON WAN-BISSAKA – 4

Caught out on the left for the second goal of the game and was dominated by Heung-min Son throughout the course of the afternoon.

ERIC BAILLY – 2

An absolute shocker. Brought in to replace Victor Lindelof and will be a surprise to see him start post-international break. Terrible pass out from the back led to Tottenham’s third, and looked somewhat clueless at times in central defence.

HARRY MAGUIRE – 3

An afternoon to forget for the United captain, right from the off. Header in the box led to Spurs’ equaliser and it never got any better for the England international.

LUKE SHAW – 2

Erik Lamela and Serge Aurier terrorised the English left back, who looked completely out of his depth. Lucky to escape a red card towards the end for a terrible tackle on Lucas Moura, in an incident which summed up his performance.

NEMANJA MATIC – 5

Usually a safe pair of hands who wins his individual battles in the centre of the park, the Serb was off the pace on Sunday. All too often did not follow Spurs’ midfield runners

PAUL POGBA – 3

The sort of display the French World Cup winner is, worryingly, capable of. Didn’t track his man for goal number five and was beaten in more or less every 50/50. Gave away the penalty for the sixth goal and his attitude and body language was poor throughout.

BRUNO FERNANDES – 4

Despite his early penalty, perhaps Fernandes’ worst 45 minutes in a United shirt. Worked hard as ever, but simply could not influence proceedings. Was shipped by his manager at half-time.

MASON GREENWOOD – 5

The 18-year-old did look a threat on occasions in the first-half with his direct style of running, but struggled as the game drifted away from United.

MARCUS RASHFORD – 5

Never stopped running but had no support up top, particularly after United went down to 10 men midway through the first-half.

ANTHONY MARTIAL – 1

Temped into a tussle with Erik Lamela and lashed out. His first-half red card changed the game. Let his team-mates down – badly.

Substitutes:

SCOTT MCTOMINAY – 5

Came on at half-time but could not stem the flow of pressure from white shirts. A nightmare scenario for any substitute.

FRED – 5

Similarly, a lot more running off the ball, yet was inaccurate with basic passes when he did receive the ball.

DONNY VAN DE BEEK – 5

United’s only summer signing must be thinking: “why am I not starting?” Only came on in the 68th minute, with the game done and dusted.

Manager: OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER – 4

Only so much a manager can do, and say, when a team plays like that. His side capitulated early on, made numerous mistakes and looked lost. Has a lot of thinking to do over the international break.

TOTTENHAM

HUGO LLORIS – 6

Comfortable cruise for the Tottenham captain for the majority of the afternoon, as the players in front of him shone on a memorable afternoon for the visitors. Only negative was no clean sheet, due to the early penalty.

SERGE AURIER – 8

Perhaps his best match in a Tottenham shirt.  Was up and down all afternoon on the right-hand side and took his goal absolutely superbly.

DAVINSON SANCHEZ – 5

Gave away the penalty in the first minute but, unlike United players, recovered mentally. Was cool on the ball and secure at the back.

ERIC DIER – 6

The England international looking ever more assured at centre half – clearly emerging as a genuine leader in the side in his favoured position.

SERGIO REGUILON – 7

Has slotted in seamlessly at left back and was similarly impressive on the overlap as Aurier. Victory made all the more sweeter given United were interested in the Spaniard this summer.

PIERRE-EMILE HOJBJERG – 7

The ex-Southampton captain was one of the best players on the pitch. Won nearly every single individual duel in the middle, was composed on the ball and looks like a proper Mourinho player.

MOUSSA SISSOKO – 7

His engine proved useful and his long-range passing was surprisingly impressive. Pressed brilliantly alongside his fellow midfielders – Pogba could not cope with his compatriot.

TANGUY NDOMBELE – 7

Is Tottenham’s record signing finally finding his feet in the Premier League? Looked at home and was no doubt boosted in confidence by his early goal, which came as a result of his intense pressing high up the pitch.

ERIK LAMELA – 6

Was excellent throughout, but will quite rightly be slated for his part in Martial’s red car. Dramatically falling to the floor made the decision somewhat easier for referee Anthony Taylor, but he could have been sent-off himself for instigating the clash with a hand to the throat. Mourinho, smartly, took him off at half-time.

SON HEUNG-MIN – 9

Another exquisite display of finishing from the south Korean. Brilliant deft finish for his first of the afternoon and brilliant dart to the near post for his second. Played effortlessly in tandem with Kane.

HARRY KANE – 9

Burn out… what burn out? Tottenham’s star man was on tremendous form at Old Trafford, setting up Son with an inspired quick free-kick and scoring twice with his usual decisiveness in front of goal.

Substitutes:

LUCAS MOURA – 7

His pace, against 10 men, was an inspired call by Mourinho to bring on the Brazilian at half-time. Constant threat down the right – Shaw could not cope with him.

DELE ALLI – 5

Only involved for 20 minutes – but the fact he was involved, given rumours of a move away, must be encouraging for Alli, as he looks to recapture some form as well as Mourinho’s trust.

BEN DAVIES – 7

Again, not on the pitch for long but won the late penalty with his clever run and check inside the box.

Manager: Jose Mourinho – 8

A dream return to Old Trafford for the Spurs boss. His half-time substitution of Lamela was clever and his starting XI dominated the hosts all over the pitch. His best moment as Tottenham manager.

Edinson Cavani has been linked with a move to a number of different clubs and countries this summer, but the Uruguayan striker now looks most likely to end up in the Premier League with Manchester United.

Out of contract since leaving Paris Saint-Germain earlier this year, Cavani has been pursued by a number of big European clubs already.

Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid and Benfica were just three of those linked with making moves for the striker.

Now, though, ESPN state that Cavani is Manchester-bound and will sign a two-year contract at Old Trafford.

The same source report that the player will even travel from to England on Sunday to undergo his medical examination and, assuming all goes well, he could be announced as a new United player within 24-48 hours of this Saturday evening.

Although Cavani is expected to sign on in Manchester for two years, the 33-year-old will have a clause in his contract that will allow him to leave Old Trafford at the end of the 2020/21 season should he desire.

A striker is needed at Manchester United

Bringing in a new No.9 was one of United’s priorities in this transfer window.

The club have a solid midfield with Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba in place, and have an exciting attack with Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood, but a traditional centre-forward has been missing since Romelu Lukaku left for Inter in 2019.

Cavani has shown an eye for goal throughout his career, enjoying success in both Italy and France already.

He bagged 37 goals in 117 appearances for Palermo before joining Napoli. He went on to play 138 times for the Partenopei, netting on 104 occasions and scored 200 goals in 301 games for PSG.

Should everything go to plan, Cavani will become the third Uruguayan to have played for Manchester United, with compatriots Diego Forlan and Guillermo Varela also having turned out for the Red Devils

Frank Lampard has revealed the incident between Tammy Abraham and Cesar Azpilicueta before Chelsea’s second penalty in the win against Crystal Palace was ‘dealt with’.

Abraham had been keen to step up for the home side’s spot-kick, with Jorginho having coolly converted his own effort from 12 yards just moments before. His protests fell on deaf ears, however, and Azpilicueta dragged away his irate team-mate.

Despite Abraham appearing visibly frustrated after being denied the chance to score his third goal of the season, Lampard insisted that there were no problems within the squad at full-time.

He told BT Sport: ‘It’s been dealt with in the dressing room. No problems, it’s been dealt with. I want leaders and I don’t mind a little conflict.

‘If Tammy wanted to take it and wants the goal, then he can get put in his place a little bit. I appreciate his eagerness because his performance deserved a goal but those are the rules.

‘You don’t jump the list at any moment unless someone is on a hat-trick. We are so comfortable that I decide.’

With Jorginho having proved typically unerring from the penalty spot after Abraham was felled inside the box, the Italian was again handed the ball for the second and dispatched to Vicente Guaita’s right.

Abraham was led to the edge of the area by captain Azpilicueta and did not muster a smile during the celebrations.

Lampard’s men emphatically returned to winning ways in west London after crashing out the Carabao Cup to Tottenham and being held to a thrilling 3-3 draw with West Brom last weekend.

Ben Chilwell broke the deadlock for Chelsea with a thunderous left-footed effort to open his account for the club, and fellow defender Kurt Zouma then doubled their lead with a towering header.

Rio Ferdinand has criticised Manchester United chiefs for the club’s ‘frustrating’ approach to the transfer window, claiming it has caused negativity to build at Old Trafford.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has only managed to recruit Donny Van de Beek from Ajax in a £40million deal this summer, with the club being frustrated in their pursuit of Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho.

Chelsea meanwhile have spent £240m this summer on the likes of Timo Werner and Kai Havertz.

And speaking to BT Sport ahead of Chelsea’s match against Crystal Palace, former United defender Ferdinand insisted he would rather been in Blues boss Frank Lampard’s shoes than his Norwegian counterpart’s at United.

‘What position would you rather be in? I’d rather be in Franks. Got business done early, got some time in on training pitch and brought in players he wants.

‘I’d rather be at that end of the spectrum than Man United where you are frustrated and don’t know where you will continue from.

‘The most frustrating thing for United fans is that we have all been aware who their targets were, that’s the frustrating element.’

‘Is Covid playing a part in the financial? At left-back and right wing are where they are looking, the season starts and they haven’t been brought in.

‘All of a sudden losing to Palace at home ignites the negativity. The club appeared on an upward curve, then suddenly no signings and defeat in the first match and it really changes the picture of the club.

‘Champions League would be the target for me personally.’

As always, the Champions League group stage threw up some intriguing fixtures in the draw on Thursday.

Barcelona and Real Madrid will both face former players, while Atletico Madrid will play against a rival who brings back memories for both the wrong and the right reasons.

Messi vs Cristiano

Surely the biggest battle of the group stage will be as the two superstars come face to face in the first meeting since Cristiano Ronaldo left Spain for Juventus.

Between them they have 11 Balon d’Ors and nine Champions League titles, among their decorated trophy cabinets, and are the two highest goalscorers in the history of the competition.

Real Madrid against Achraf, Conte and Arturo Vidal

Zinedine Zidane will have a chance to see Achraf Hakimi’s development up close and personal after deciding he didn’t have a role to play for Real Madrid this season.

That’s bound to motivate the right-back who has been a perfect fit into Antonio Conte’s system at Inter, the coaching having been linked with a move to the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu not long ago.

Finally, Arturo Vidal, a player who has featured in the Clasico in recent years and a scorer in the 5-1 thrashing in 2018, will face Real Madrid again.

Bayern vs Atletico, a battle of revenge and Lucas Hernandez’s return

Atletico won’t ever forget the European Cup final in 1974 when they almost beat German giants Bayern Munich, but the Bavarians won’t have forgotten the 2016 semi-final clash won by the Spaniards either.

The following year the two teams met in the group stages, when Atleti again finished ahead of Bayern.

There is also the return of Lucas Hernandez, who left Atletico as Bayern paid his release clause, though he hasn’t nailed down a regular role in the team since.

Arthur against Barcelona

When Barcelona and Juventus negotiated a swap deal involving Arthur Melo and Miralem Pjanic this summer, they may not have expected such an early reunion.

The Brazilian didn’t leave Camp Nou on the best of terms and will be motivated to prove a point.

PSG vs Leipzig, the semi-final in the group stages

Two of last year’s semi-finalists and a three-times champion, Manchester United, will meet as Paris Saint-Germain and RB Leipzig revive their semi-final clash from last season.

In that semi-final, Neymar and Angel Di Maria did enough to see off Julian Nagelsmann.

Liverpool, Atalanta and Ajax promise goals and attacking football

If you want goals in the Champions League group stage, look no further than Group D where Liverpool, Atalanta and Ajax will do battle in a spectacular way.

Saturday lunchtime will pitch Leeds against Manchester City at Elland Road in the Premier League, but the real meeting will be between two friends, mentor and student, Marcelo Bielsa and Pep Guardiola.

The two controversial coaches paid tribute to their counterparts in their pre-match press conferences.

“He is probably the person I admire the most in world football – as a manager and as a person,” said Guardiola.

“He is the most authentic manager in terms of how he conducts his teams. He is unique. Nobody can imitate him, it’s impossible.

“I don’t see him quite as much but when I get the pleasure to spend time with him, it’s always inspirational.

“The value of a manager does not depend on how many titles or prizes you won.

“My teams won more titles than his but in terms of knowledge of the game and many other things, including training sessions, I am still away from him.

“It’s a good gift to the Premier League to have him here because his teams are always a joy to watch, they are honest, they always want to attack and they produce good football for spectators.”

Bielsa himself did not believe that he has played such an important role in Guardiola’s career though.

“I do not feel like a mentor to Guardiola,” the Leeds coach explained.

“It’s not just how I feel, it has been evidenced to not being the case, if there’s a manager who is independent in his own ideas, that is Guardiola.

“It’s not just because I say it is, it’s because his teams play like no other team, many believe that [Guardiola’s Barcelona team] is the best club team ever created.”

This meeting between the two will be a special occasion for both coaches, and is bound to be a thrilling tie for fans to watch