It was a bad day at the office on Sunday for John Obi Mikel, who was on from start to finish but could not help Stoke City avoid a 2-0 defeat to Bristol City at the Bet365 Stadium.
The former Nigeria international is aiming to assist Stoke City to return to the Premier League at the end of the campaign. However, that target took a tumble on Sunday with the Potters yet to record a victory after two games.
Meanwhile, it was a rough outing for Crotone on their return to the Serie A as Simy Nwankwo and mates suffered a bruising 4-1 loss at Genoa also on Sunday.
The Super Eagles striker, the club’s leading goalscorer last term, started for the Pythagoreans, but it did little to douse the attacking verve of their hosts.
Genoa started brightly and scored two goals within the first ten minutes courtesy of Destro and Pandev. Riviere reduced the deficit for Crotone before the break, but Zapacosta and Pjaca ensured the visitors left the Stadio Comunale Luigi Ferraris empty-handed.
Nigerian defender Tyrone Ebuehi continued his steady march to full fitness in FC Twente’s impressive 1-1 draw at Feyenoord.
The on-loan Benfica full-back saw action for the opening 78 minutes before making way for Markelo as Twente made it two games without a defeat in the Eredivisie.