Liam Gallagher boasts joint John Squire album is better than The Beatles' Revolver
Liam Gallagher says his upcoming album with John Squire is better than The Beatles' 'Eleanor Rigby' and 'Yellow Submarine'.
2023-10-25 15:21
Manchester United duo’s heroics offer fitting tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton’s legacy
Resolve. Perseverance. Redemption. This Manchester United victory may not have been anywhere near as beautiful as any of those Sir Bobby Charlton graced, or indeed that tribute to his life, but it displayed some of the club’s soul that he made famous. Because this was obviously about so much more than just beating FC Copenhagen 1-0 late on, or indeed staying in the competition the club’s legend was most built on. It was certainly about so much more for Andre Onana, who had his first great moment at Manchester United in what was a must-win game. That was maybe what Charlton would have most enjoyed. Doing it when it mattered. A night that started with a gracefully poignant mourning of the great man ended with more appropriate celebration. It ended with deafening and defiant roar, in celebration of a player who has struggled in his first few weeks, in memory of a player who was perhaps the club’s greatest. And a player that has been pilloried and unpicked in Harry Maguire displayed defiance, scoring the winner for a relatively late 1-0 win. Onana then stepped up by getting it done, keeping it at 1-0 in the 96th minute, and keeping United in this great competition. The manner of that may not be how anyone wants this great institution to look right now but it was perseverance, exactly what Charlton, his manager and so many of his teammates would have asked for. The defeated Copenhagen also offered their own memorable contribution to the night beyond a respectable display that made United work, and that final penalty miss by Jordan Larsson. Before the game and throughout, they echoed the Stretford End in singing “there’s only one Bobby Charlton”. The rest of Old Trafford applauded. It should be recognised that wasn’t the sentiment that greeted most of the action. This was mostly another poor performance against a limited team, even if it was a third consecutive victory. Little of it beyond the context will live in the memory. Most would rather forget it. The problem is that it all informs what will be a game that really demands a performance on Sunday, which is the visit of Manchester City for the derby. United will need to be far sharper. Some allowances should be made, of course. Such is the sense of history at United, that these sombre occasions have had the effect of subduing performance. It is as if the beauty of the bagpipes sounding that the club “will never die” makes everyone all too keenly aware of the legacy they are playing for. It happened on the 40th and 50th anniversaries of the Munich air disaster, dates which brought a 1-1 draw at home to Bolton Wanderers and a 2-1 defeat to a pre-Abu Dhabi Manchester City, respectively. One difference was that both of those sides were defending champions so, as with those last two wins, this felt like there was more to it than United feeling the weight of the occasion. It was really like a lot of matches at Old Trafford this season, right down to the way an inferior-resourced opposition side controlled long periods of the game in a way that shouldn’t really have been possible. The only proper action of the first half actually came very quickly after the tributes. Mohamed Elyounoussi just cut through Sofyan Amrabat and Maguire at first, in a way that really shouldn’t have happened, then sending a cross over for Diogo to bounce against the post. If there were initially fears this could become another chaotic back-and-forth like the Galatasaray defeat, it never got that entertaining, certainly in the first half. Other than some moments of spark from Rasmus Hojlund, almost nothing happened. Ten Hag had to try something. Amrabat was removed. That did see United play a bit more directly, seeking to stretch the pitch more. Hojlund again offered constant warnings, and almost won a penalty straight into the second half. Marcus Rashford was even put through on goal, only to take a heavy touch. There were, very gradually, however, some positives. Onana looked at his most assured, making one fine save. It was all the more important since the Champions League has been the stage for arguably two of his biggest errors so far. That, like a lot on the night, made this more important than the individual moment. United’s was soon to come. Christian Eriksen, who came on for Amrabat, made the delivery. Maguire made the impact. The centre-half headed home. United should have been secured. An anxiety remained. It was betrayed by McTominay’s late foul. So much for the midfielder being a constant saviour. It was all just prelude and set-up. Onana stepped up. It was perhaps the most fitting tribute possible. Read More Onana’s big moment can be catalyst to reverse more than one awful run ‘It was meant to be’: Man Utd dedicate dramatic victory to Sir Bobby Charlton Manchester United pay emotional tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton before Copenhagen match Ten Hag lays flowers in centre circle as Man United pay tribute to Bobby Charlton Watch: FC Copenhagen fans chant ‘There’s only one Bobby Charlton’ at Old Trafford Manchester United vs FC Copenhagen LIVE: Latest Champions League updates
2023-10-25 15:15
Newcastle and Dortmund share same glaring hole in their team before Champions League clash
Newcastle is twinned with Gelsenkirchen and, as Borussia Dortmund need no reminders, the German city is home to their great rivals, Schalke. They are found in the second division now: as Newcastle can testify from the Mike Ashley years, a vast stadium offers no immunity against relegation. Instead, as Newcastle and Dortmund go head to head in the Champions League tonight, they find themselves twinned in a footballing respect, wrestling with the same problem: how to cope with the loss of a pivotal midfielder. For Jude Bellingham, read Sandro Tonali, one gone to Real Madrid for a nine-figure sum, the other set for 10 months on the sidelines with a gambling ban. Tonali played in a Champions League semi-final for AC Milan last season. He will not for Newcastle this year, regardless of how far they progress. Wednesday’s game could be his last. “I’m expecting him to be available,” manager Eddie Howe said. If not, his plans may require a late rethink, Tonali’s campaign already curtailed. Dortmund arrive at St James’ Park with certain advantages in a shared conundrum. They had plenty of time to prepare for Bellingham’s departure: from the moment it became clear Erling Haaland would be their big sale of 2022, it seemed obvious the midfielder would be 2023’s cash cow. They received some €103m, whereas Newcastle paid £55m, the second biggest sum in their history, for Tonali. They will derive precious little benefit from it for the rest of this campaign and if their owners’ coffers are scarcely empty, Financial Fair Play limits their room for manoeuvre. Barring significant sales or a loan with an obligation to buy, there will be no £50m midfielder arriving in January to replace him. “It is too early for meetings to decide that,” said Howe, but his options may be limited. And Newcastle, who established a reputation as astute planners, were caught by surprise by the Italian Football Federation and the police’s investigations into Tonali. Both Howe and the Tyneside crowd have struck a supportive note, and Tonali’s apparent gambling addiction means he merits sympathy, but they thought they had signed a player who, along with Bruno Guimaraes, was supposed to be a cornerstone of their midfield for years. Dortmund’s answer to their own void might be deemed typical in several respects. For one, they did not spend all the money they banked: they are no strangers to transfer-market profits and tend to end up in the black roughly every other year. Some of the Bellingham bounty went on Niclas Fullkrug, a striker designed to compensate for the loss of Haaland, albeit one who has had a slow start. Around half the Bellingham millions went on midfielders. Felix Nmecha, bought from Wolfsburg at 22, is older than the Englishman but still conforms to the Dortmund model, a rising star with potentially big resale value, though his arrival came cloaked in controversy after he shared social media posts that led to accusations of homophobia and transphobia. Marcel Sabitzer, bought from Bayern Munich at 29, forms part of a growing trend. It may be harsh to say Dortmund take Bayern’s cast-offs or that their strategy is to take players not deemed quite good enough for the champions and thus finish second in the Bundesliga. But if the traffic of players south to Bavaria is more famous, Mats Hummels, Niklas Sule and Sabitzer form an ex-Bayern contingent at the Signal Iduna Park. One criticism may be that it is an acceptance of being second best. Dortmund’s broader problem might be familiar: whoever they targeted, they were never going to get a replacement of Bellingham’s calibre, and the same could be said when players such as Haaland and Robert Lewandowski left. But now, with Dortmund goalless in the Champions League, thoughts could be cast back a year, when Bellingham scored in each of their first four group games and when he was the biggest factor in their progression to the last 16. They could do with finding such a catalyst in an altogether tougher pool. Tonali’s Champions League campaign now may be brief but memorable: granted a euphoric reception on his homecoming at San Siro as Newcastle drew 0-0 with AC Milan, he then played in one of St James’ Park’s great European nights, the 4-1 demolition of Paris Saint-Germain. Now Dortmund may be his final outing until the 2024-25 campaign. That may render it unforgettable for the Italian, whatever happens. His imminent absence will leave Howe, instead of the deluxe upgrade Tonali was supposed to represent and with the exception of Guimaraes, with a midfield who were in a team that was winless at this stage two years ago: he inherited Sean Longstaff, Joelinton and Joe Willock, and did not even pick the Geordie for his first game in charge. Each has improved exponentially in his reign but Newcastle may have to rely on hustle and bustle where they had looked for an injection of class. His Dortmund counterpart Edin Terzic has not had the luxury of spending £400m in his reign. But when they are side by side in the technical areas at St James’ Park, he may be able to empathise as each wonders what to do when he has a hole at the heart of his side. Read More Eddie Howe opens up on ‘hardest part ahead’ for Sandro Tonali Sandro Tonali is the latest victim of football’s double standards Newcastle issue update on Sandro Tonali amid investigation into illegal betting
2023-10-25 14:47
Israel Latest: US Determines Israel Wasn’t Behind Hospital Blast
US intelligence officials have concluded with “high confidence” that Israel wasn’t behind an explosion at a hospital in
2023-10-25 10:00
Michigan cheating scandal may have also included 3 SEC, 2 Pac-12 contenders
It just keeps looking worse for the Michigan Wolverines. Find out the latest on the alleged sign-stealing scandal.
2023-10-25 09:21
Asia Stocks Poised to Rise on China Stimulus Plans: Markets Wrap
Stocks in Hong Kong and China-related markets look set to gain after President Xi Jinping stepped up support
2023-10-25 08:25
China Ousts Defense Minister, Ending Mystery Over His Status
China’s Li Shangfu became the nation’s shortest-serving defense minister ever, ending months of speculation over his status, as
2023-10-25 08:25
NFL fantasy football waiver wire pickups for Week 8
Fantasy managers in need of help should be sure to check out their waiver wires this week to see if any of these players who are rostered in under 50 percent of Yahoo Fantasy football leagues are still available.
2023-10-25 07:59
Why Erling Haaland deserves to beat Lionel Messi & win 2023 Ballon d'Or
The reasons why Manchester City striker Erling Haaland could, and should, win the 2023 Ballon d'Or over the likes of Lionel Messi and teammate Kevin De Bruyne.
2023-10-25 07:21
Mikel Arteta concerned by Gabriel Jesus hamstring injury: ‘Not good news’
Gabriel Jesus will be assessed in the coming days to determine the extent of a hamstring injury picked up during Arsenal’s 2-1 win at Sevilla, as Mikel Arteta admitted the forward’s second-half substitution was “not good news”. Jesus scored a spectacular goal and set up Gabriel Martinelli’s opener in the victory in Spain, which saw the Gunners take control of their Champions League group. But the Brazilian’s fitness is now a major concern ahead of a key run of games in Arsenal’s season. The Gunners host Sheffield United on Saturday before they face trips to West Ham in the Carabao Cup and Newcastle in the Premier League next week. Jesus was substituted in the second half of the Champions League win, having been holding his hamstring moments before the board was held up showing his number. Speaking after the game to TNT Sports, Arteta admitted the injury had prompted the substitution, saying it was “worrying” and that Jesus would be assessed in the next few days to discover the extent of the injury. "He felt something in his hamstring so let’s see,” Arteta said. “He straight away asked to be subbed which is not good news because he’s not a player that does that at all so we’ll have to wait and see in the next few days.” Arsenal’s victory put them top of Group B on six points, with Lens now in second on five points after their 1-1 draw with PSV Eindhoven. Read More Sevilla vs Arsenal LIVE: Latest Champions League updates Mikel Arteta hopes to be talking about football after Arsenal’s trip to Sevilla Mikel Arteta pinpoints moment Arsenal made ‘phenomenal’ response at Chelsea
2023-10-25 06:46
Gabriel Jesus has ‘changed our world’ – Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta
Mikel Arteta has praised Gabriel Jesus for bringing “belief” and “energy” to Arsenal as the forward shone in victory at Sevilla. Jesus continued his love affair with the Champions League with a fine goal and assist double as the Gunners won 2-1 at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium. A piece of magic set up compatriot Gabriel Martinelli to open the scoring on the stroke of half-time before Jesus doubled the lead with a fine, curling finish of his own – although he later limped off having moments earlier held his hamstring. The Brazil forward may not boast the most prolific strike record but he has now scored an impressive 23 goals in 41 appearances in Europe’s elite club competition. Asked if Jesus had been signed from Manchester City because of his prowess in the competition, Arteta replied: “For sure. He has been through a lot in the last few years and he’s still really young. “He has enormous experiences – some of them not the nicest but very necessary to be the player that he is today. I’m really happy to have him in the team. “He came here for a reason. I think he changed our world. He brought so much belief and energy to that team, he needs to step in in those moments. He’s done that. That’s when a player becomes accountable for the team. “Big games are for big players. He needed to produce those moments to win in a stadium like this. He’s done it for us in a really big way. Then, really sad because he felt something in his hamstring and I’m worried about that. “We need those players to win games. If you want to play Manchester City, then go to Stamford Bridge, then come here – that’s the level we’re at right now. To come here and win, big credit to the boys.” Jesus’ night ended as he hobbled off to be replaced by Eddie Nketiah in the latter stages – with Arteta admitting he is concerned for the striker. “(I am) really sad because he felt something in his hamstring and I’m worried about that,” he added. “He straight away asked to be subbed which is not good news because Gabriel is not a player who does that at all. We will have to wait and see in the next few days.” The victory saw Arsenal recover from defeat in Lens last time out and was enough to take them to the top of Group B at the halfway stage. Arteta’s side will be in a good position to reach the knockout stages if they beat Sevilla in the return game at the Emirates Stadium in a fortnight and the Spaniard was pleased with the reaction to defeat in France. “That result against Lens put us in a difficult position and the team had to react,” he said. “We are coming from the back of very difficult games where the team has to step in and go against adversity as well with some of the injuries that we picked up to big players. “The team is so willing to at least try their best even if we don’t manage to be our best all the time.” Read More Jesus inspires Arsenal while Harry Kane helps Bayern to victory over Galatasaray Sean Longstaff pinching himself after change in fortunes at Newcastle Manchester City ‘not used’ to artificial pitch but must adapt – Pep Guardiola World Rugby to launch new international competition from 2026 Simona Halep files appeal with CAS against four-year doping ban Just Stop Oil protesters sentenced for aggravated trespass over Lord’s stunt
2023-10-25 06:45
Jesus inspires Arsenal while Harry Kane helps Bayern Munich to victory over Galatasaray
Gabriel Jesus continued his love affair with the Champions League with a fine goal and assist as he led Arsenal to victory over Sevilla. The Brazil forward may not boast the most prolific strike record but he has now scored an impressive 23 goals in 41 appearances in Europe’s elite club competition and he was the difference as the Gunners won 2-1. A piece of magic from Jesus set up compatriot Gabriel Martinelli to open the scoring on the stroke of half-time before he doubled the lead with a fine, curling finish of his own – although he later limped off having moments earlier held his hamstring. A thunderous Nemanja Gudelj header reduced the arrears on the hour but Mikel Arteta’s side saw out the closing stages to secure victory, moving top of Group B in the process. Arsenal’s chances were improved by Lens and PSV drawing in the other Group B game. England captain Harry Kane helped Bayern Munich strengthen their grip on Group A in the Champions League as he scored in a 3-1 win at Galatasaray. Kane scored his 11th goal in 13 games for the German side as he put them 2-1 up after Kingsley Coman’s early opener was cancelled out by Mauro Icardi’s penalty. The 30-year-old tapped home from close range in the 73rd minute and then Jamal Musiala made the game safe six minutes later to all-but seal qualification for the knockout stages. Jude Bellingham’s electric start to life at Real Madrid continued as he scored in a 2-1 Champions League win at Braga. The precocious England international scored his 11th goal in 12 games for his new club as Madrid took control of Group C, making it three wins out of three. Rodrygo put Madrid ahead in the first half before Bellingham doubled the lead on the hour, with Alvaro Djalo getting the Portuguese side back in it. Giacomo Raspadori’s goal for Napoli kept them on course for qualification as they beat Union Berlin 1-0. Inter Milan extended their unbeaten start in Champions League Group D with a 2-1 win over Red Bull Salzburg at San Siro. Oscar Gloukh gave the Austrians hope when he cancelled out an opener from Alexis Sanchez but Hakan Calhanoglu’s second-half penalty extended the fine form of Simone Inzaghi’s side. Brais Mendez’s 63rd-minute strike earned Real Sociedad a 1-0 win at Benfica. Read More Sean Longstaff pinching himself after change in fortunes at Newcastle Manchester City ‘not used’ to artificial pitch but must adapt – Pep Guardiola World Rugby to launch new international competition from 2026 Simona Halep files appeal with CAS against four-year doping ban Just Stop Oil protesters sentenced for aggravated trespass over Lord’s stunt It helps a lot – Dejan Kulusevski says Spurs must make absence from Europe count
2023-10-25 05:48