West Ham captain Mark Noble questioned the penalty that gave NK Domzale an early lead at Stozice Stadium late Thursday, but admitted the Slovenian minnows were worthy winners.
The Hammers enter the second leg of their Europa League third-round qualifier with a 2-1 deficit after Matic Crnic pounced in each half.
Noble equalised with a penalty, but West Ham were second best and their skipper has demanded an improvement in their first outing at the Olympic Stadium next Thursday.
“I don’t think it was a penalty in the first half, but you have to get on with it,” Noble said.
“Playing at the Olympic Stadium is something to look forward to, but obviously this result isn’t ideal. These ties are tough, but we didn’t play well. I think they deserved it.”
Guzan joins Boro
Middlesbrough have signed US goalkeeper Brad Guzan, the newly promoted Premier League club announced.
“Guzan, who was with Aston Villa last season, becomes Aitor Karanka’s eighth senior signing of the summer and has agreed a two-year deal,” Boro said.
The 31-year-old made 34 appearances for Villa last season and played every game for Juergen Klinsmann’s USA squad in the summer as they reached the Copa America semi-final.
City target to make Palmeiras exit
Manchester City target Gabriel Jesus is on the verge of completing a transfer out of Palmeiras.
The 19-year-old forward, currently with Brazil’s Olympic squad, has also been linked with Man. United, Real Madrid, Bar-celona and Juventus.
While his focus now is on his country’s home Games, he promised his destination will be known “before long”.
“My future is almost decided,” he told reporters.
“My family, my representatives and Palmeiras know where I want to go, but now I’m totally focused on winning gold for my country at the Games.”
MLS video reviews
Major League Soccer in North America is fast-tracking plans to use video reviews to aid referee decisions, commissioner Don Garber said.
Garber has long been a supporter of using video to ensure crucial calls are correct.
The technology was tested during games between local youth teams, with the referee in constant communication with a video assistant referee.
“I’ve always believed we need to have some video replay,” Garber told ESPN.
“Fortunately, FIFA are pushing this and it’s happening. It’s going to happen in our league in the next year or so. We want to be a guinea pig.”
Goalkeeper Given quits Ireland
Goalkeeper Shay Given has decided to retire from international football at the age of 40.
The Stoke City keeper, who made his Ireland debut as a 19-year-old in 1996, finishes with 134 caps and was part of the squad that was knocked out of the recent Euro 2016 tournament by hosts France in the last 16.
“I’m one of the lucky ones who got to wear the jersey for his country and wore the badge with pride 134 times,” Given said.
“But now it’s time to hang up the gloves and move from the onion bag to the terraces, where I’ll be shouting the lads on as one of Ireland’s biggest fans.”
Young Chilwell to stay with Leicester
Highly-rated defender Ben Chilwell has signed a new five-year deal at Leicester City which will keep him at the King Power Stadium until 2021.
The 19-year-old has yet to make his league debut for Leicester but was linked with a possible move to several clubs during the close season.
“It’s fantastic news for us. Ben is a player with a big future and I am very happy that future will be with Leicester City,” manager Claudio Ranieri said.
“Ever since I arrived in Leicester, Ben has been a young player with a lot of promise.”
Gomis moves to Marseille on loan
Swansea City striker Bafetimbi Gomis has joined French side Olympique Marseille on a season-long loan.
The 30-year-old will return to Ligue 1 having begun his career at St Etienne. He joined Swansea on a free transfer in 2014 following six years at Lyon.
“Today is an important day in my career,” Gomis said.
“I am proud to wear the colours of Olympique Marseille. One of the great clubs in the French League.”
Gomis enjoyed mixed fortunes at Swansea. He scored 17 goals in 71 games, but frequently flattered to deceive. He arrived at the Liberty Stadium boasting an impressive scoring record at Lyon and brought physicality to the Swansea frontline.
The France international was expected to become a focal point in the Welsh club’s attack when striker Wilfried Bony left in 2015 but his form remained patchy.