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Showing posts from January, 2023

Aaron Mooy inspires Celtic to nine-point lead with win at Dundee United

Aaron Mooy scored one goal and set up another as Celtic beat Dundee United 2-0 to restore their nine-point lead in the Scottish Premiership. Jota headed home in the 51st minute after Mark Birighitti misjudged Mooy’s cross. The Australian then benefited from Kieran Freeman’s handball a few minutes later as Celtic were given a VAR-assisted penalty after earlier seeing an award withdrawn. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jan/29/dundee-united-celtic-scottish-premiership-match-report

Tech War: Biden moves to halt US exports to Huawei, reports say

Washington has been tightening its rules on exports of US technology to China for several years.

UK economy only G7 nation to shrink in 2023 - IMF

The IMF says the UK economy is forecast to shrink by 0.6% this year.

Green projects are boosting UK growth - CBI report

Projects aimed at lowering carbon emissions are boosting growth in poorer parts of the country.

The new tech offering relief from the misery of period pain

Two start-up firms are making wearable technology that targets menstrual discomfort.

‘Much bigger than a game’: A-Leagues’ Pride Cup seeks to drive change

Melbourne Victory and Adelaide United to wear rainbow kits Josh Cavallo says he hopes to see ripple effect across sport Melbourne Victory and Adelaide United’s A-Leagues Pride Cup will serve as an important opportunity to drive change at both a professional and community level, its organisers have said. The clubs’ men’s and women’s sides will meet at AAMI Park on 16 February, a year on from the league’s first iteration of the Pride Cup at Hindmarsh Stadium. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jan/31/much-bigger-than-a-game-a-leagues-pride-cup-seeks-to-drive-change

Video streaming subscriptions fall by two million in 2022

Households cut back on streaming services in their droves as the cost of living rose sharply.

FA Cup fourth round: 10 talking points from the weekend’s action

It was a good weekend for Amad Diallo and Son Heung-min – but a bad one for shocks and a rough one for referees There was a grim moment towards the end at the Amex Stadium as Fabinho propelled his right foot through the back of Evan Ferguson’s leg, crunching his achilles. Ferguson stayed down in genuine pain, before eventually limping off. Fabinho knew instantly it was a horrible tackle and looked genuinely ashamed. Jordan Henderson knew it was a horrible tackle, apologising to the Brighton players and shaking his head. And yet the referee David Coote, somehow, didn’t. Neil Swarbrick, the VAR, also thought it was, you know, probably fine. Presumably this is an extension of the diktat about not re-reffing the game, allowing the initial view to stand if the on-field referee saw it clearly. But it is also the kind of mistake that discredits the entire fussicky, delay-ridden video system. Fabinho got a yellow that should have been a red, and a good red, the kind of red that discourages da

Man takes parcel to US to beat Royal Mail ban

Businesses express frustration at Royal Mail's ban on sending parcels abroad after a cyber-attack.

Adani Group says Hindenburg fraud claim 'calculated attack on India'

Last week the Indian firm owned by Asia's richest man had more than $50bn wiped off its market value.

Over-50s at work: 'You feel your usefulness has passed'

New research suggests applicants are right when they say employers are less open to hiring older workers.

Lionel Messi leaves top 100 field in wake but Premier League also shows power

Argentina and PSG forward was the clear winner, 10 years after his first triumph, but younger players are upwardly mobile It is sometimes easy to forget that Lionel Messi retired from international football in 2016. Argentina had just lost in the Copa América to Chile, a fourth final defeat in nine years, and Messi had missed a penalty in the shootout. “For me, the national team is over,” he said. “I’ve done all I can. It hurts not to be a champion.” Luckily for Messi, and Argentinian football fans, he changed his mind two months later, in time for the 2018 World Cup qualifiers. The tournament in Russia did not bring the success he or his country had hoped for but three years later it all fell into place for the captain with victory in the Copa América . Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jan/27/lionel-messi-guardian-top-100-premier-league

Beth England sparks Spurs’ FA Cup cruise against London City Lionesses

Tottenham 5-0 London City Lionesses Iwabuchi, Spence and Summanen also on target in win Tottenham put five past the Championship leaders London City Lionesses to progress to the fifth round of the FA Cup. Beth England put the home team ahead in the first half before the Arsenal loanee Mana Iwabuchi, Drew Spence, Eveliina Summanen and an own goal crushed London City in the second. Despite the eventual emphatic scoreline, the possibility of a cup upset looked feasible inside the first 10 minutes as London City came out flying at Brisbane Road. The visiting side seemed unperturbed by the loss of Melissa Phillips, with the announcement last week that their manager would be joining the NWSL side Angel City as first assistant coach. The forwards Sarah Ewens and Karin Muya were particularly bright, the former forcing a smart save from the Spurs goalkeeper Tinja-Riikka Korpela. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jan/29/tottenham-h

Glen Kamara seals win for Rangers as 10-man St Johnstone question key calls

Rangers eased past 10-man St Johnstone with a 2-0 victory in a controversial Premiership game at Ibrox. On the day Todd Cantwell made his Rangers debut, captain James Tavernier smashed home a penalty in the 15th minute before the referee, Willie Collum, took centre stage. He showed a red card to the Saints striker Nicky Clark in the 33rd minute for a foul on Ryan Jack, with the VAR check upholding the decision. Collum then stuck with his decision to give Jack a yellow card for a late tackle on Adam Montgomery after checking the pitchside monitor. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jan/28/rangers-st-johnstone-scottish-premiership-match-report

Brighton v Liverpool: FA Cup fourth round – live

Updates from the fourth-round match at the Amex Stadium Get in touch! Email Rob with your thoughts on the game Roberto De Zerbi had to choose between Evan Ferguson and Danny Welbeck up front. In fact he’s picked both, which might mean a slight change of system. In all Brighton have made four changes from the 2-2 draw at Leicester last weekend. Jason Steele, Tariq Lamptey, Adam Webster and Ferguson replace Robert Sanchez, Jan Paul van Hecke, Adam Lallana and Moises Caicedo, who is Absent With Official Leave. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2023/jan/29/brighton-v-liverpool-fa-cup-fourth-round-live

Moisés Caicedo asks to leave Brighton for ‘magnificent opportunity’ elsewhere

Arsenal have bid £60m for midfielder also wanted by Chelsea Ecuadorian player urges club to accept ‘record transfer fee’ The Brighton midfielder Moisés Caicedo urged the club to allow him to leave in messages posted on social media on Friday, after Arsenal submitted a £60m bid for the Ecuadorian who has also interested Chelsea. Graham Potter’s side had a £55m verbal proposal for the midfielder rejected this month and Brighton appeared intent on keeping the 21-year-old this January. With Arsenal pushing for a deal and negotiations at a key juncture, the player appears set on a move away from the Seagulls before Tuesday’s transfer deadline. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jan/27/arsenal-60m-bid-moises-caicedo-brighton

‘The right time’: Jen Beattie on signing off from Scotland duty and next steps

Arsenal defender departs international scene after 15 years with 144 caps and says rugby family background helped prepare her Jen Beattie’s decision to step back from international football after 144 caps and 15 years has come at the “right time” and is a step towards planning for a life beyond playing. The Arsenal defender, awarded an MBE in the new year honours list for services to football and charity, has stepped back from Scotland duty as the team gear up for a new cycle after missing out on qualification for this year’s World Cup. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jan/27/jen-beattie-scotland-retirement-arsenal-next-steps

'Elon Musk has made me embarrassed to drive my Tesla now'

Elon Musk was once hailed as the secret to Tesla's success. Now he's one of its problems.

Flybe administration: Scramble to change plans after airline ceases trading

The airline said it was ceasing trading and cancelling all flights, which affects 75,000 passengers.

‘It’s the start of a new era’: Ancelotti plots bright future for Real Madrid

The 14-time European champions are on the comeback trail again after humbling by Barcelona in Spanish Super Cup final Carlo Ancelotti knew but then so did everyone else. A Sunday night in Saudi Arabia, 6,600km from home and Real Madrid had just been beaten in the final of the Spanish Super Cup . Not just beaten, broken – and by Barcelona. It had finished 3-1 and the one flattered them. “We’re hurt,” the Madrid coach insisted, “but Madrid will come back.” They always do: the question was how. Second in La Liga, Madrid’s players had returned from the World Cup and, repeatedly rescued by Thibaut Courtois, needed two goals in the last seven minutes to defeat struggling Valladolid. They then began 2023 with by scraping past fourth-tier Cacereño, 1-0 in the Copa del Rey, before losing 2-1 at Villarreal in the league. They had only reached the Super Cup final on penalties against Valencia, Courtois saving them. And now this, taken apart: Barcelona-Madrid was, one headline had it, a Ferrari

FA Cup fourth round: Accrington Stanley v Leeds – live

FA Cup updates from 12.30pm UK time Why not email Barry or tweet @bglendenning Accrington Stanley: Savin, Astley, Longelo, Tharme, Rodgers, Coyle, Hamilton, Pressley, McConville, Whalley, Leigh. Subs: Jensen, Nolan, Perritt, Martin, Quirk, Woods, Adekoya, Pickles, Fernandes. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2023/jan/28/fa-cup-fourth-round-accrington-v-leeds-live

Kolo Touré fired as Wigan manager after less than two months in charge

Former defender failed to win any of his nine games Touré signed three-and-a-half-year deal in November Wigan have sacked their manager, Kolo Touré, after less than two months with the club failing to win any of his nine games in charge. The former Arsenal and Manchester City defender signed a three-and-a-half-year deal when he took the job on 29 November but picked up only two points from seven league games and also suffered defeat in the FA Cup at the hands of Luton after a replay. Last weekend’s 2-0 home loss to the same opposition in the league left Wigan bottom of the Championship, four points from safety. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jan/26/kolo-toure-fired-as-wigan-manager-after-less-than-two-months-in-charge

Flybe: Regional carrier ceases trading and cancels all flights

The airline said it had gone into administration and cancelled all flights to and from the UK.

Guardiola claims Stones ‘not ready’ for game as Arteta waits on Partey injury

Guardiola unhappy after centre-back suffers hamstring problem Mikel Arteta: Thomas Partey to have MRI scan over ‘discomfort’ Pep Guardiola suggested the muscle problem suffered by John Stones in Manchester City’s 1-0 FA Cup win over Arsenal may have been caused by him not being ready in the “first minutes”, while Mikel Arteta has admitted he could be without Thomas Partey after the midfielder was injured in the match. While Nathan Aké’s second-half strike at the Etihad Stadium on Friday put City into Monday’s fifth-round draw, Guardiola was critical of Stones, who had to be replaced, when asked if the defender suffered a hamstring problem. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jan/27/pep-guardiola-believes-injured-john-stones-wasnt-ready-in-the-first-minutes

HS2 may not run through to central London - report

The government says it is committed to delivering the rail line to Manchester amid rising costs.

FA Cup fourth round: 10 things to look out for this weekend

Walsall look to catch the eye against Leicester, Liverpool seek revenge at Brighton and intriguing games in Manchester The Walsall manager, Michael Flynn, was very unhappy about the news that his side’s clash with Leicester would not be aired on a main UK channel. “I think it is a disgrace our game hasn’t been chosen, it is what the FA Cup is all about,” he said. His argument is more than a fair one when Manchester United v Reading will be available on Saturday night. League Two clubs such as Walsall heavily rely on TV money from cup runs to help with finances, more than the likes of United topping up their coffers. It is up to Flynn and his squad to prove TV bosses wrong by pulling off an upset inside a packed Bescot Stadium on Saturday. TV companies need to acknowledge what the FA Cup is about. Will Unwin Walsall v Leicester, Saturday 12.30pm Brighton v Liverpool, Sunday 1.30pm Wrexham v Sheffield United, Sunday 4.30pm Derby County v West Ham, Monday 7.45pm Preston v Tottenham,

Vinícius Júnior enjoys last laugh for Real Madrid after depressing derby buildup

Copa del Rey quarter-final: Real Madrid 3-1 Atlético Madrid (aet) Effigy of Vinícius Júnior hung from bridge by Atlético fans Take that, you racists. A day that had dawned with the grim sight of an effigy of Vinícius Júnior hanging from a bridge ended with him going wild, celebrating the third goal of a dramatic night in which Real Madrid came from behind to defeat Atlético 3-1 and head into the semi-final of the Copa del Rey, leaving their city rivals with nothing left to chase this season. There was vindication in the reaction, the Brazilian shouting, clenching his fists, pumping his arms and eventually dancing, which is what he does, a message in the way he moves, and why not? The question now is what consequences there will be. The buildup to a wonderful game, an old-style derby to delight, had, after all, been overshadowed by another episode to depress. Overnight, some Atlético fans had placed a banner from a bridge near Real’s training ground, declaring “Madrid hates Real”.

Warning over risky electric blankets sold online

The consumer rights group Which? found products being sold online that could cause electric shocks.

Guardiola could ‘fight on the touchline’ with Arteta and not lose respect for him

Manchester City and Arsenal meet in FA Cup on Friday Guardiola: ‘I have a huge respect as a person, as a manager’ Pep Guardiola believes he could “fight on the touchline” with Mikel Arteta when Manchester City host Arsenal in Friday’s FA Cup fourth-round tie but this would not alter his huge respect for his former assistant. Arteta worked under Guardiola at City for three years until becoming the Arsenal manager in December 2019. He has drawn criticism this season for how animated he is on the touchline. Guardiola can also be histrionic and was asked whether he might calm his behaviour to avoid a potential flashpoint. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jan/26/pep-guardiola-could-fight-on-touchline-with-mikel-arteta-not-lose-respect

Hunt to set out plan for growth as criticism mounts

It will be scrutinised by businesses who claim the government has no long-term plan for the economy.

Amid managerial tumult, USA launch new World Cup cycle with Serbia loss

Eight US players debut in 2-1 friendly defeat to Serbia Hudson serves as acting manager amid Berhalter probe Alexi Lalas, a television commentator who represented the United States in two World Cups, succinctly described the setting surrounding the national team’s first camp since the World Cup in Qatar. “January camps are always kind of strange,” Lalas told Sirius XM satellite radio, “but this is even more so because of the circumstances.” Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jan/26/usmnt-serbia-friendly-match-anthony-hudson

Royal Mail says strikes have cost it £200m

The owner of the mail delivery service reveals the cost of the ongoing dispute over pay and conditions.

Portland Thorns trainer fired for giving players controlled substance

Pierre Soubrier gave substance to players without prescription Thorns assistant coach also fired for unwanted contact The husband of US women’s team defender Crystal Dunn illegally distributed a controlled substance to Portland Thorns players in his role as the team’s athletic trainer, the National Women’s Soccer League announced following an outside investigation. Pierre Soubrier was fired on Tuesday along with Thorns assistant coach Sophie Clough. The NWSL, beset in recent years by abuse and misconduct allegations, said Clough made unwanted contact with a player. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jan/24/portland-thorns-trainer-fired-for-giving-players-controlled-substance

Good governance should bring cash rewards, insists football clubs’ body

Fair Game’s ‘sustainability index’ paints troubling picture Only two Championship clubs given a score ranked ‘good’ Football clubs should be financially rewarded if they show good governance and engage properly with their fans, according to a group of clubs championing greater sustainability within the game. A new ‘sustainability index’ created by Fair Game, which counts 34 EFL and non-league clubs among its members, paints a troubling picture of the state of England’s top two divisions. The index combines scores awarded on financial stability, good governance, fan engagement and equality standards. Weeks before the expected publication of government plans for an independent regulator , only two Championship clubs and half of the Premier League are given a score ranked ‘good’. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jan/26/good-governance-cash-fair-game-sustainability-index-premier-league-championship

Cost of living: Cash bonuses behind record number of bank switches

Up to £200 was offered by some banks to switching customers - prompting the most moves since 2013.

European roundup: Dortmund edge past Mainz while Barça march on in cup

Late Gio Reyna goal seals 2-1 win for Dormund over Mainz Ousmane Dembélé guides Barça into Copa del Rey semis Gio Reyna again came off the bench to score a late winner for Borussia Dortmund , securing a 2-1 victory at Mainz in the Bundesliga on Wednesday. Reyna also scored Dortmund’s late winner in a 4-3 win against Augsburg on Sunday, and repeated the feat in Mainz after coming on with just under half an hour remaining. Fellow substitute Sébastien Haller headed on a free kick for Reyna to sweep home in the third minute of injury time. The American ran toward the corner flag pointing to the sky with his right index finger. After celebrating with teammates, he faced fans with his fists to his ears, as if showing he’s blocking out the fallout from his family’s dispute with former US coach Gregg Berhalter that has led to turmoil at the US Soccer Federation. Reyna’s goal, his fourth of the season, keeps Dortmund’s winning start to 2023 intact and moves the team five points behind

NI Protocol: M&S warns against separate labelling for NI goods

The UK and EU both previously suggested it could help reduce checks related to the NI Protocol.

Rupert Murdoch ditches plan to merge Fox and News Corp

The media tycoon has withdrawn his proposal, saying it is "not optimal" for shareholders at this time.

European roundup: Lazio thrash Milan while Kimmich saves Bayern

Maurizio Sarri’s side move third in Serie A with 4-0 win Leipzig demolish Schalke to narrow gap on Bayern at top Lazio humbled Milan with a superb 4-0 home victory in Serie A on Tuesday, extending the champions’ winless run to five games in all competitions. Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Mattia Zaccagni, Luis Alberto and Felipe Anderson were on target to send Maurizio Sarri’s side into third place, one point behind Milan and 13 behind the leaders Napoli. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jan/24/serie-a-lazio-milan-maurizio-sarri-bundesliga-bayern-munich-cologne-joshua-kimmich

Justin Bieber sells rights to songs for $200m

The pop star joins a growing group of artists who have cashed out on their catalogues.

Joelinton gives Newcastle semi-final first leg win at 10-man Southampton

If at first you don’t succeed. Or even at the second attempt. It had looked like being one of those nights for the Newcastle forward, Joelinton, who saw a first-half goal ruled out for handball and then advanced his contender for miss of the season at the beginning of the second period. The quicksilver Miguel Almirón had crossed and, after a double deflection, the ball sat up for the onrushing Joelinton inside the six yard box, the goal gaping. When he lifted high, he could have been forgiven for wanting to be a very long way away – say, back in Newcastle. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jan/24/southampton-newcastle-united-carabao-cup-semi-final-first-leg-match-report

David Squires on … getting to the bottom of football’s offside rule

Our cartoonist delves into the murky world of football’s laws, with the help of some condiments Like what David does? Consider supporting our journalism You can buy a Squires cartoon from the Guardian Print Store Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2023/jan/24/david-squires-on-getting-to-the-bottom-of-football-offside-rule

Portland Thorns trainer fired for giving players controlled substance

Pierre Soubrier gave substance to players without prescription Thorns assistant coach also fired for unwanted contact The husband of US women’s team defender Crystal Dunn illegally distributed a controlled substance to Portland Thorns players in his role as the team’s athletic trainer, the National Women’s Soccer League announced following an outside investigation. Pierre Soubrier was fired on Tuesday along with Thorns assistant coach Sophie Clough. The NWSL, beset in recent years by abuse and misconduct allegations, said Clough made unwanted contact with a player. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jan/24/portland-thorns-trainer-fired-for-giving-players-controlled-substance

Twitter sued by Crown Estate over alleged unpaid rent at UK HQ

The alleged rent arrears relate to office space at Twitter's UK headquarters in central London.

Harry Kane equals Spurs’ all-time scoring record in win at Fulham

Touch, turn, shoot. This was Harry Kane making the art of goal-scoring look like the easiest thing in the world. Fulham did not know what had hit them. One minute they had the biggest threat on the pitch under control; the next Kane was swivelling into space and pulling back his right foot before wheeling away to celebrate the goal that finally drew him level with the late Jimmy Greaves as Tottenham’s record scorer. It was the 266th strike of the forward’s Spurs career and, as the ball nestled in the back of the Fulham net, it was tempting to wonder where this team would be without him. As ever, it was not exactly a flowing performance from Antonio Conte’s team. They were outplayed by Fulham at times and, although they were professional enough to see out a win that lifts them three points below fourth-placed Manchester United, their overall display hardly suggested that they are about to shake off the inconsistency blunting their hopes of Champions League qualification. Continue read

Football transfer rumours: Emery and Guendouzi to reunite at Aston Villa?

Today’s tittle-tattle is slowly thawing out It’s his first transfer window at Aston Villa and Unai Emery is getting the band back together, with Matt éo Guendouzi linked with a move from Marseille to the West Midlands before the end of the month. What next? A sensational swoop for Lucas Torreira? A big-money move for Alexandre Lacazette? Mesut Özil on the bench looking miserable? Someone get Sven Mislintat on the blower, things are about to get interesting. Marseille are seemingly close to agreeing a deal for Ivan Ilic , the Hellas Verona midfielder, but the tittle-tattle in France suggests that his arrival is mere coincidence as opposed to an attempt to fill an imminent Guendouzi-shaped hole in the squad. Meanwhile P SG are keen on signing Vitor Roque from Athletico Paranaense, but will face stiff competition from Manchester United . The Brazilian teenager won’t come cheap, mind, as he has a reported £53m release clause. Could that scare off the notoriously thrifty PSG? Continu

Eddie Nketiah’s unexpected hero status is fuelling Arsenal’s title belief | Jonathan Wilson

Striker’s emergence has had no sense of inevitability and he is showing how fine the dividing lines of fate in football can be Managers can map out the league in immense detail. They can work out when they might rest players, when training might be stepped up or relaxed. They can plot when they might use a back three or a back four. They can draw up contingencies: if he is out then he can play here or we can switch him over there. And then sometimes, even in the days of multi-layered squads, of two or more players for every position, things just happen. Maybe that is unfair on Eddie Nketiah. Maybe Mikel Arteta always had faith he could deputise for Gabriel Jesus. Maybe it’s unfair to think of him as an unlikely matchwinner. But Sunday against Manchester United was his fifth start of the season . And it was the first day of his life when his number of Premier League starts for Arsenal (24) exceeded his age (23). Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardi

'His numbers are incredible': Guardiola lauds Haaland after latest hat-trick – video

Erling Haaland put on another finishing masterclass to score a hat-trick for Manchester City in their 3-0 victory over Wolves.  Haaland's fourth Premier League treble swept him to 25 league goals and may signal Manchester City that City have regained their form after losing the Manchester derby earlier this month.  Guardiola praised Haaland's performance, but highlighted that even with the Norwegian's incredible contribution, City remain five points behind Arsenal at the top of the table, having played a game more than the Gunners. Erling Haaland hat-trick sees off Wolves as Manchester City keep Arsenal in sights Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/video/2023/jan/23/his-numbers-are-incredible-guardiola-lauds-haaland-after-latest-hat-trick-video

Food suppliers hit back at Tesco in price hike row

Industry body the Food & Drink Federation said supermarkets are already 'very tough' on suppliers.

Premier League: 10 talking points from the weekend’s action

Arsenal reap the rewards of an old-school striker, Thiago Silva turns back the clock and Ten Hag’s tactics hit a snag Fast-paced, tactically intricate and dramatic to the last, Arsenal v Manchester United was a heavyweight clash that lived up to its billing. It also showcased two models of centre-forward that were meant to be extinct: the old-fashioned target man and the old-fashioned poacher. Spearheading United’s attack, Wout Weghorst pressed with zeal and offered a focal point for United’s free-roaming wide men. It was his peeling run, drawing Gabriel to his left, that afforded Marcus Rashford the angle to blast home the opener. Eddie Nketiah pressed with similar intelligence but dropped deep when required to link with his midfield. Both his goals were straight from the school of the penalty-box predator, ghosting in at the back post to meet a cross and jabbing home a loose ball from practically underneath the crossbar. In the age of the all-round No 9, both these moulds of striker

Technology can help the NHS, says AstraZeneca boss

AstraZeneca's Leif Johansson says AI and screening could prevent costly treatment in hospitals.

Amad Diallo electrifies Sunderland in win against 10-man Middlesbrough

When Tony Mowbray played for Middlesbrough his manager, Bruce Rioch, maintained the centre-half was the man he would want alongside him on a rocket flight to the moon. Almost four decades on, Sunderland supporters have increasing reason to believe Mowbray’s navigation skills could be about to transport them to new heights. Buoyed by a crowd of 42,584 his gifted, audaciously attack-minded, young team certainly proved far too good for Michael Carrick’s previously upwardly mobile Middlesbrough side . Although Boro spent most of the second half with 10 men, a Sunderland team inspired by the Manchester United loanee Amad Diallo’s attacking excellence were already well on top by the time Dael Fry was sent off. Goals from Diallo and Ross Stewart lifted them to ninth, one point adrift of sixth-placed Boro who had won seven of their previous eight Championship games. What price this sweet passing pair meet again in the playoffs? Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.t

Rashford’s reset at full tilt after Ten Hag reshapes United’s headspace

The goals are flowing again for the striker thanks to his new manager: ‘It’s a complete different energy around the club’ When picking over the Marcus Rashford renaissance, surely the feelgood story of the season, one that no football fan resents irrespective of allegiance, it is easy to linger on the biggest moments. The decisive goals for a resurgent Manchester United in the Premier League against Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City. The comeback strike for England at the World Cup against Iran with virtually his first touch at international level since the penalty miss in the Euro 2020 final. The two-goal salvo against Wales in the next tie, including the banging free-kick. Rashford’s managers though, for club and country, are drawn to something else, a lower-profile flicker but one that captures his essence – the drive and clarity that has underpinned his journey from the time when United first scouted him as a six-year-old. It was the towering header against West Ham at the

Wolves complete £3.3m deal to sign Craig Dawson from West Ham

Defender moves to Molineux on two-and-a-half-year contract Dawson not signed in time to play at Manchester City Wolves have completed the signing of Craig Dawson from West Ham. The centre-back returns to the Midlands having spent a large chunk of his playing career at West Brom before moving to London in 2019. Dawson joins Wolves for a £3.3m fee after weeks of speculation, in which the West Ham manager, David Moyes, was critical of Julen Lopetegui’s club for allegedly making their interest in the defender public earlier this month. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jan/22/wolves-complete-33m-deal-to-sign-craig-dawson-from-west-ham

Firms may be hiking prices beyond inflation - Tesco boss

Food suppliers may be using inflation as excuse to raise prices further than necessary, John Allan says.

Crackdown on energy firms over rise in prepayment meters

Many customers have been left without heat and light when not able to afford topping up their prepayment meters.

Declan Rice favouring move to Arsenal over Chelsea as West Ham exit nears

Prospect of working under Mikel Arteta appeals to midfielder Potential deal could make Rice most expensive British player Declan Rice is leaning towards joining Arsenal this summer because of the prospect of playing for Mikel Arteta, who has drawn up plans for where the West Ham captain would fit into his team. Arsenal have made Rice their top transfer target and are increasingly confident of beating Chelsea to his signature. The midfielder is almost certain to leave West Ham, who are battling relegation this season, and is keen to test himself in the Champions League. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jan/21/declan-rice-favouring-move-to-arsenal-over-chelsea-as-west-ham-exit-nears

Kyogo Furuhashi and Aaron Mooy double up as Celtic thrash Morton

Kyogo Furuhashi hit the 20-goal mark for the campaign as Celtic beat Morton 5-0 in the Scottish Cup. The Japanese striker matched his total for last season thanks to a first-half double in the fourth-round tie at Celtic Park. Aaron Mooy also hit a brace and David Turnbull scored his second spectacular goal of the week but the game was not without controversy – the opener came courtesy of an extraordinarily harsh VAR decision against the former Celtic defender Efe Ambrose. Morton had enjoyed some decent spells of pressure before Mooy opened the scoring from the spot, and had the chance to go ahead after Callum McGregor shot just wide from long range at the other end. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jan/21/scottish-cup-celtic-morton-fourth-round-rangers-st-johnstone

Veteran Alessandro Diamanti scores late wonder goal in A-League – video

Alessandro Diamanti's brilliant strike in the 86th minute sealed a much-needed win for Western United as Sydney lost for the fourth time in six matches. Coming on for Dylan Pierias in the 80th minute, the 39-year-old Italian put his name on the scoresheet in style just six minutes later with a left-footed strike from distance that caught Andrew Redmayne, the Sydney goalkeeper, off guard. It is Diamanti's second goal of the season and moved Western United up to eighth in the overall standings on 15 points, one ahead of Sydney. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/sport/video/2023/jan/21/veteran-alessandro-diamanti-scores-late-wonder-goal-in-a-league-video

Liverpool v Chelsea: Premier League – live

Premier League updates from the 12.30pm GMT kick-off And you can drop Scott an email with your thoughts Jurgen Klopp speaks to BT Sport. “We have to find a way for the boys to feel really comfortable, to have the right distances. We have to win more challenges. We were not angry enough. But it was not on purpose. A week ago we were really down, frustrated, angry, and four days ago we were quite happy. But we can’t go through a season like that, we have to find consistency.” It’s Jurgen Klopp’s 1,000th match as a manager, and he makes three changes to the team that beat Wolves 1-0 in the FA Cup. Alisson, Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah are back, with Caoimhin Kelleher and Kostas Tsimikas dropping to the bench and Fabio Carvalho missing out altogether. Darwin Nunez is back but only as a sub. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2023/jan/21/liverpool-v-chelsea-premier-league-live-score-updates

United States blitz New Zealand again as World Cup quest heats up

USA Women beat Football Ferns 5-0 in friendly at Eden Park US sweep series to keep quest for third World Cup on track The United States have outclassed the Football Ferns again, belting the Women’s World Cup co-hosts 5-0 to wrap-up their two-match tour of New Zealand and familiarise themselves with local conditions ahead of the World Cup in July. Rose Lavelle wore the captain’s armband and netted twice in another impressive performance, with Ashley Hatch, Mallory Swanson and Taylor Kornieck joining her on the scoresheet. The US dominance was so strong that New Zealand failed to have a single shot on goal in the entire game compared to 22 shots for the visitors. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jan/21/united-states-blitz-new-zealand-again-as-world-cup-quest-heats-up

Unemployment: Who are the millions of Britons not working?

The unemployment rate is close to its lowest point since the 1970s, but millions aren't working.

Sales, stats and strategies: how Brighton and Brentford stay one step ahead | Karen Carney

From clever recruitment to transfer market profits, the model designed to keep up with the big sides continues to flourish Teams such as Brentford and Brighton have to be smarter than their Premier League counterparts. They cannot match a lot of other clubs’ transfer budgets or wage structures but they have created incredibly successful models – as their positions in the table and player sales histories prove. Brentford sit eighth and Brighton one place higher, above Liverpool, Chelsea and others who have spent far more. They are constantly evolving, always looking to the future. Their recruitment teams will have players identified in every position in case they sell someone for the right price. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jan/20/sales-stats-and-strategies-how-brighton-and-brentford-stay-one-step-ahead

Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes attempted to flee US, prosecutors claim

According to a new court filing, the 38-year-old bought a one-way ticket to Mexico last January.

Ireland leader Leo Varadkar has 'regrets' over NI protocol

The Taoiseach says the post-Brexit measure was imposed on unionists and nationalists without their consent.

Cost of living: Japan inflation jumps to new 41-year high

The country's central bank is under pressure to increase interest rates to help curb rising prices.

FAA outage: US airline regulators blame contractor for travel chaos

The US airline regulator says a contractor is responsible for delaying and cancelling thousands of flights.

‘Sought-after’: Bournemouth sign £20m winger Dango Ouattara from Lorient

Burkina Faso international signs five-and-a-half-year deal Cherries have lost all six matches since end of World Cup Bournemouth have completed the £20m signing of winger Dango Ouattara from French club Lorient on a five-and-a-half-year deal. The Burkina Faso international becomes the first new arrival under new Cherries owner Bill Foley. The 20-year-old arrives at the Vitality Stadium having scored six goals in 18 Ligue 1 appearances this season. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jan/19/bournemouth-sign-20m-winger-dango-ouattara-from-lorient

Staring into the abyss against Spurs jolts Manchester City back into life | Jonathan Liew

At half-time Pep Guardiola’s side were sliding out of the title race, but now they seem to have found their edge again The concourses at the Etihad Stadium are already swelling by the time Tottenham score their first. The bleak news quickly filters through to the urinals and the pie queue. Shakes of disbelief and muttered curses through pastry-flecked lips. Then another noise, somehow both hollower and more urgent than the first. This noise is harder to decipher. There can’t possibly be the time for a second Spurs goal. Also, the very idea of a second Spurs goal. But what else could this noise be? Manchester City are 2-0 down and Arsenal are going to be eight points clear at the top of the Premier League. With a game in hand. Nothing about this team, this squad, this stadium, in this moment, suggests an impending title win. It feels ridiculous at this club, in this era, to declare a league championship gone in January with more than half the season still to play. But what else could

Netflix: Reed Hastings steps down but subscribers jump

The streaming service is attracting new customers as co-founder Reed Hastings hands over the reins.

Oil and gas firm Harbour Energy blames job cuts on windfall tax

Harbour Energy is eyeing a reduction of its UK workforce, most of which is based in Aberdeen.

What happens if the US hits the debt ceiling?

The US is again poised to run up against its borrowing limit, amid political tensions in Congress.

Premier League temporary concussion substitute trial rejected at Ifab meeting

PFA head of brain health says decision ‘extremely disappointing’ Idea will stay ‘under active review’ says FA’s Mark Bullingham A temporary concussion substitute trial in the Premier League next season has been rejected by the game’s lawmakers. The International Football Association Board met at Wembley on Wednesday to discuss the possibility of a trial after a request from the world players’ union, Fifpro, and the World Leagues Forum to test the protocol in the Premier League, Ligue 1 and Major League Soccer. However, the Football Association’s chief executive, Mark Bullingham, who supported the idea of a trial, said no consensus could be reached. “There were very strong and very different views in the room and we didn’t reach a consensus,” he said. “We agreed that it would remain under active review.” Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/jan/18/premier-league-temporary-concussion-substitute-trial-rejected-at-ifab-meeting

Linda Caicedo: ‘Ever since I was a little girl I have dreamed of playing abroad’

The Colombian 17-year-old on being one of the most coveted players in the world, overcoming cancer and the World Cup Welcome to Moving the Goalposts, the Guardian’s free women’s football newsletter. Here’s an extract from this week’s edition. To receive the full version once a week, just pop your email in below: Linda Caicedo has four layers on but is still feeling the cold. The 17-year-old Colombian wonderkid is in London for a few days with her mother, Herlinda Alegría, and is enjoying the anonymity while she can because it is unlikely to last. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jan/18/linda-caicedo-interview-moving-the-goalposts-colombia-deportivo-cali

UK inflation dips but remains close to 40-year high

The rate of price rises slowed to 10.5% in December, according to official figures.

China: Fans rejoice as Marvel films return after apparent ban

After a long hiatus, two Marvel movies will screen in Chinese theatres in February.

Netflix offers pay of up to $385,000 for flight attendant

The firm says the role on its private jets requires "discretion and outstanding customer service skills".

FTX: Collapsed crypto exchange says $415m was hacked

Last week the company told a bankruptcy judge in Delaware that it had recovered over $5bn in assets.

UN workers' rights agency denies backing UK anti-strike laws

The US labour secretary also opposes the UK government's plans for “minimum service agreements”.

BBC apologises for pornographic prank during FA Cup football coverage

Mobile phone hidden in studio by prankster emitted loud moaning cries during live broadcast The BBC has apologised after its coverage of an FA Cup football match was marred by pornographic noises being played loudly while its presenters were live on air. Gary Lineker, the host, later said in a tweet that the moaning noises came from a hidden mobile phone which had been “taped to the back of the set” in the studio looking out over the pitch at Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Molineux stadium. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/media/2023/jan/17/bbc-apologises-for-porn-prank-during-gary-linekers-fa-cup-football-coverage

Women’s World Cup ticket sales ‘off to great start’ as major milestone reached

Half a million seats have been secured with 184 days to go Fifa aims to sell more than 1.5 million for tournament With six months to go until the big kick-off, over half a million tickets have been sold for the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, although there are still plenty remaining and no match has yet sold out, including the final in Sydney. Led by fans from the host nations, tickets have so far been bought in over 120 countries for the tournament which starts on 20 July and for the first time features 32 teams. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jan/17/womens-world-cup-ticket-sales-off-to-great-start-as-major-milestone-reached

Covid: China 2022 economic growth hit by coronavirus restrictions

The world's second largest economy abruptly lifted its tough coronavirus restrictions in December.

Putin is weaponising food, says boss of fertiliser giant Yara

The boss of Yara says Russia's invasion of Ukraine has driven up the price of fertilisers and food.

Jürgen Klopp insists he is ‘not too loyal’ towards struggling Liverpool players

Consecutive defeats leave Reds well outside top four Klopp vows to stay and freshen up his squad in summer Jürgen Klopp has denied being too loyal to underperforming players and insisted there will be changes at Liverpool this summer. Liverpool are 10 points adrift of Champions League qualification after back-to-back Premier League defeats at Brighton and Brentford . They visit Wolves in an FA Cup replay on Tuesday, having been fortunate to avoid defeat in the third-round tie at Anfield . Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jan/16/jurgen-klopp-insists-he-is-not-too-loyal-towards-struggling-liverpool-players

Arsenal march on as Ødegaard applies finishing touch for win at Tottenham

The target on Arsenal’s back has got bigger and bigger, as Antonio Conte had noted on Friday, but hardly anyone has been able to hit it over the first half of the Premier League season. Certainly not Conte’s Tottenham, who suffered another stinging derby-day reverse. The 3-1 loss at the Emirates Stadium last October was bad or maybe it was just explicable, more expected. This one was worse, mainly because of the first half, when Arsenal called the tune so completely and put the game to bed with two goals – the first on a calamitous Hugo Lloris handling error; the second a sweet Martin Ødegaard finish. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jan/15/tottenham-hotspur-arsenal-premier-league-match-report

M&S to create 3,400 jobs as it opens new stores

The retailer says it will open 20 stores in the next year, including five in former Debenhams sites.

Football transfer rumours: Raheem Sterling out as Chelsea spree goes on?

Today’s fluff is going to the coast for fresh sea air Now that Mykhaylo Mudryk has been unveiled as a Chelsea player, one of this winter’s great transfer sagas comes to its unexpected end. But will that stop Chelsea under Todd Boehly spending like Viv Nicholson ? The answer is very probably not. An offer of £26.5m for PSV Eindhoven winger Noni M adueke is still on the table, and spending what could reach a €100m fee on Mudryk has not prevented interest in signing Enzo Fernández from Benfica or Moises Caicedo from Brighton, even if both deals will be difficult to pull off. Raheem Sterling , who cost almost £50m last summer but has struggled since may be shipped out. As yet, no takers are forthcoming. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jan/16/football-transfer-rumours-raheem-sterling-out-chelsea-spree-goes-on

Energy boss warns higher bills are here to stay

Equinor's chief says while prices will not be as volatile, investment in renewables must be paid for.

Darlington’s Paddy Almond due for brain surgery after injury in cup tie

Defender sustained head injury in FA Trophy at Southend Club say operation needed ‘to relieve the pressure on his brain’ The Darlington defender Paddy Almond was due to have brain surgery after sustaining a serious head injury in Saturday’s FA Trophy defeat at Southend. Almond, 20, was taken to Southend General Hospital and later Royal London Hospital after being forced out of Darlington’s 2-1 defeat. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jan/15/darlington-paddy-almond-brain-surgery-injury-fa-trophy-southend

Sam Kerr pounces late to deny Arsenal and keep Chelsea top of WSL table

A late header from Chelsea’s Sam Kerr denied a dominant but toothless Arsenal victory in a feisty battle with the Women’s Super League leaders at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners looked to have closed the three-point gap on their London rivals at the top of the table, with Chelsea having played a game more, thanks to a Kim Little penalty before the hour, but Kerr needed just one moment to draw the beleaguered Blues level. With 46,811 tickets sold, more than 40,000 had come for the third time to watch the women’s team in the WSL this season, though there were hordes of fans stranded outside as the game kicked off. Arsenal said in a statement that the match-day operation was the same as it is for every fixture at the ground, blaming “an early kick-off combined with a number of new supporters to our stadium, coupled with 50% of supporters arriving in the last 20 minutes before kick-off” for the overwhelmed turnstiles. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.thegu

Questions mount over Alisher Usmanov’s links with Everton FC

Sources claim five football managers held talks over top job in presence of now-sanctioned oligarch A series of football managers have raised fresh questions over the ownership of Everton FC after claiming they were interviewed for the top job in the presence of the now-sanctioned oligarch Alisher Usmanov. The multibillionaire is understood to have attended a sequence of meetings dating from current owner Farhad Moshiri’s initial acquisition of an Everton stake in 2016, until before Usmanov was sanctioned last year, when assets of “Putin associates” were frozen after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jan/15/questions-mount-over-alisher-usmanovs-links-with-everton-fc

Diligence, discipline and grit: Erik ten Hag is building a side in his image

Hard-won victory in Manchester derby showed newly resolute United have finally managed to shake off weight of the past Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United have learned how to suffer and deal with difficult moments after years of adopting a laissez-faire attitude to defeat. There is a realisation that the team can be better than the sum of its parts if the players work together. Against Manchester City they were organised and showed new-found discipline for 90 minutes to win an underwhelming derby. Despite City enjoying 71% of possession, they could only muster a single shot on target, which was Jack Grealish’s opener. While City were below their best, their playmakers only need a moment of genius to create a goal – but as Kevin De Bruyne proved – but United limited them through precision defending. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jan/15/erik-ten-hag-manchester-united-derby

Eric Dier wants a big atmosphere to silence Spurs’ noisy neighbours

When pacesetters Arsenal visit on Sunday, vocal backing of the home support will give Tottenham an edge, insists Dier Eric Dier does not hesitate. The key to the 3-0 home drubbing of Arsenal at the end of last season that propelled Tottenham into the Champions League and pushed their rivals towards fifth place and frustration? “The atmosphere,” the centre-half replies. “That was maybe one of the best atmospheres I’ve played in and it was definitely the best at the new stadium. It felt like the kind of night that the stadium was built for. The atmosphere played a huge, huge part.” Dier’s answer is unexpected because it was a game in which Spurs bullied their neighbours on a physical level and showed the kind of mentality that Antonio Conte had been desperate to see. Then again, maybe it should not be when considering Spurs’s last few matches, beginning at home to Aston Villa two weeks ago . Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/

Aston Villa v Tottenham: Women’s Super League – live

WSL updates from the 12.30pm GMT kick-off And you can email Sarah or tweet @rendellx There was a huge buzz around Beth England’s move to Spurs, not only because of how long she had been at Chelsea but for the reported record fee. Rehanne Skinner was asked about it at her press conference ahead of today’s match and her answer was ambiguous. “First of all don’t believe everything you read, in terms of the figure being exaggerated, the number that was the previous historic record isn’t accurate either, but you pay for what you get,” she said. “There was a transfer fee that needed to be paid and, as a club, we’re trying to evolve the team and it’s important that you pay those fees when you need to to get the right people in the door. As a footballer and a person, she’s going to add huge value to our team.” So which transfer this window so far has you most excited? And who else would you want your club to bring in? Let me know your thoughts via Twitter, @rendellx, or email! Continu

Trossard feels ‘humiliated’ by De Zerbi and wants to leave Brighton, says agent

Statement released after Belgian is dropped for Liverpool game Agent adds that January transfer ‘is most convenient solution’ Leandro Trossard wants to leave Brighton and feels he has been “humiliated” by Roberto De Zerbi, according to a statement released by the player’s agent on Friday. The announcement from the Belgium international’s agent, Josy Comhair, came after Brighton’s manager said Trossard would not be involved against Liverpool on Saturday because of his attitude. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jan/13/leandro-trossard-wants-leave-brighton-agent-de-zerbi

Serie A remembers Gianluca Vialli as Sampdoria’s tribute rings true | Nicky Bandini

‘Bomber, Champion, Legend: thanks to you we know nothing is impossible.’ It was left to other teams to prove that last point The match was over but nobody wanted to go home, as if leaving this place meant letting go of him. To stay was to hold on a little while longer. One more time, Sampdoria’s supporters at the Marassi started to sing. “Luca Vialli, Luca Vialli, Luca Vialli alé alé, we love you and we adore you, you are better than Pelé.” There was no malice toward the Brazilian here, no intent to disrespect the memory of a player who died at the end of December. This has been their ode to Vialli for decades, since he was a twentysomething firing Sampdoria toward unprecedented successes – a Scudetto, three Coppa Italia triumphs and the Cup Winners’ Cup. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2023/jan/09/serie-a-remembers-gianluca-vialli-as-sampdorias-tribute-rings-true

Liverpool suffering hangover from last season, admits Jürgen Klopp

Club seven points below top four before facing Brighton Manager expects no more signings in transfer window Jürgen Klopp has pinned Liverpool’s problems on a physical and mental hangover from last season while insisting he has no doubt the team will recover. Liverpool are seven points adrift of Champions League qualification before Saturday’s awkward assignment at Brighton and were fortunate to draw with Wolves in the FA Cup third round at Anfield last Saturday. Klopp will be without the forwards Roberto Firmino, Luis Díaz, Diogo Jota and possibly Darwin Núñez and does not expect any more incomings this month. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jan/13/liverpool-suffering-hangover-from-last-season-admits-jurgen-klopp

Frank Lampard says vote of confidence does not ease pressure at Everton

Lampard: ‘I don’t win a game and expect a new contract’ Relegation rivals Southampton visit Goodison on Saturday Frank Lampard has said Farhad Moshiri’s vote of confidence has not alleviated pressure on his position and he and his players must take responsibility to haul Everton out of relegation danger. The Everton owner this week claimed he retained faith in Lampard despite one win in 10 Premier League games leaving the team third from bottom. Moshiri also backed the under-fire board in his letter to the Everton Fans’ Forum, prompting several resignations from the forum and the Fan Advisory Board. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jan/13/frank-lampard-vote-of-confidence-everton-southampton

Winklevoss firm charged in US over crypto sales

Its partner company is also accused of illegal sales to hundreds of thousands of investors.

NWSL draft: Alyssa Thompson becomes first high schooler taken with No 1 pick

Alyssa Thompson, 18, chosen by Angel City FC in NWSL draft Thompson becomes first ever high school player taken at No 1 Alyssa Thompson was the top pick in the National Women’s Soccer League draft on Thursday by Angel City, becoming the first high school player to be selected in the history of the league. Thompson, an 18-year-old forward out of Harvard-Westlake High School in Los Angeles, declared her eligibility for the draft late last week. She initially committed to Stanford. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jan/12/alyssa-thompson-nwsl-draft-picks-angel-city-fc

Apple boss Tim Cook to have pay cut by over 40% this year

The technology giant's chief executive Tim Cook has faced criticism from investors over his salary.

Premier League: 10 things to look out for this weekend

Mitrovic returns for firing Fulham, Manchester United are flying into the derby and Coutinho looks finished at Villa Manchester United’s resurgence since being trounced 6-3 by Manchester City in October’s reverse fixture helps to set up the 189th derby as the most fascinating in recent years. Pep Guardiola’s champions have dropped four points from the last 12 while Erik ten Hag’s ever-improving side have claimed 27 from the last 30 available. Guardiola has recent form for questionable calls: he didn’t start Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne in the Carabao Cup defeat at Southampton on Wednesday and left it until too late to make changes when drawing with Everton lasat month. In Marcus Rashford – 15 goals in all competitions – United have the type of pacy forward that can expose City’s high line but City have a fine record of responding to mid-campaign dips. In true sat-on-the-fence fashion, the view here is that this local joust is incredibly difficult to call. Jamie Jackson Manch

Does easing US inflation point the way for the world?

It may be good news for the rest of the world if price increases in the US continue to slow.

Strasbourg become the latest fretful Ligue 1 club to sack their manager

With four teams going down to Ligue 2 at the end of the season, top-flight clubs are even more jittery than usual By Adam White for Get French Football News Few clubs are as used to the ups and downs of football as Strasbourg. Having won the Coupe de la Ligue in 2005, the club were either promoted or relegated in four of the next five seasons before dropping down to the sprawling fifth tier in 2011 due to financial issues. However, they earned promotion in four of the next six seasons and were back in Ligue 1 by 2017, before winning the Coupe de la Ligue again in 2019. After a few seasons in the lower reaches of mid-table, the arrival of manager Julien Stéphan at the start of last season seemed to herald a sea change. The young, vibrant coach, who was fresh from winning the Coupe de France with Rennes, took the same players used by his wily but often pragmatic predecessor Thierry Lauray and turned Strasbourg into a functional but attacking outfit. Continue reading... from Footba

Pep Guardiola: Manchester City 'not even close' to good enough against Southampton – video

Pep Guardiola admitted that Manchester City’s performance was not up to his required standards after they were dumped out of the Carabao Cup by the Premier League’s bottom side, Southampton. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/video/2023/jan/12/pep-guardiola-manchester-city-not-even-close-to-good-enough-against-southampton-video

City ‘not even close to’ good enough at Southampton, admits Guardiola

Toothless visitors lost Carabao Cup quarter-final 2-0 at Saints Guardiola: ‘Southampton deserve to be in the semi-finals’ Pep Guardiola admitted that Manchester City’s performance was not up to his required standards after they were dumped out of the Carabao Cup by the Premier League’s bottom side Southampton. First-half goals from Sékou Mara and Moussa Djenepo ensured that Nathan Jones’s side set up a semi-final showdown against Newcastle as Guardiola’s hopes of winning the League Cup for a record fifth time came to an abrupt end. City struggled to create any meaningful chances at St Mary’s on a testing night for the champions, and with the Manchester derby to come on Sunday their manager warned his players that they must put this display behind them quickly. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jan/11/manchester-city-not-good-enough-southampton-carabao-cup-pep-guardiola

Workers may be able to still claim sickness benefits

Under the proposals, some claimants would be allowed to keep receiving payments even if they find work.

FTX: Collapsed crypto giant recovers $5bn of assets

The firm's former chief executive Sam Bankman-Fried is accused of orchestrating an "epic" fraud.

Sri Lanka's central bank urges China and India to reduce its debts

The crisis-hit Indian Ocean state cannot access a $2.9bn bailout until its debts to China and India are resolved.

Lionel Messi returns to PSG duty with Pelé tribute and goal in win over Angers

PSG move six points clear at top of Ligue 1 after Lens draw Real Madrid beat Valencia in Spanish Super Cup semi-final Lionel Messi celebrated his return to domestic competition after the World Cup by scoring a second-half goal as Paris Saint-Germain extended their Ligue 1 lead to six points with a 2-0 home win against Angers . Messi, who wore a T-shirt honouring Pelé when he warmed up, received a strong welcome from the Parc des Princes crowd. He netted from close range in the 72nd minute to add to Hugo Ekitike’s first-half opener, putting PSG on 47 points from 18 games. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jan/11/lionel-messi-psg-pele-tribute-angers-real-madrid-valencia

Football transfer rumours: Tottenham in for Brentford keeper David Raya?

Today’s tittle-tattle is kissing the badge In what might be interpreted as bad news for Chelsea, Enzo Fernández , their main transfer target in this window, scored for Benfica in their Portuguese Cup win over Varzim on Tuesday night. By way of celebration, the Argentinian midfielder engaged in some performative “I’m staying here” nonsense , ostentatiously thumping the badge on his chest, before pointing to himself and then the Portuguese ground beneath his feet. “I can say that I expect Enzo Fernández to stay,” said his manager, Roger Schmidt. “I never doubted Enzo, his attitude and personality. He’s a great person, he’s at Benfica, he loves playing for Benfica.” Expect him to be unveiled at Stamford Bridge within the fortnight. In more positive news for the Premier League’s crisis club du jour , João Félix is reported to be in London to jog on a treadmill and cough for the doctors before the completion of his loan from Atlético Madrid. There are also whispers that Mauricio Pochetti

Cost of living: Uniqlo to raise pay in Japan by up to 40%

The move comes after the country's prime minister called on firms to increase wages as prices rise.

Cryptocurrency: UK Treasury considers plan for digital pound

The economic secretary to the Treasury says the UK is committed to becoming a world crypto hub.

Rashford’s late Manchester United double ends Charlton’s cup resistance

At the end, after Marcus Rashford scored goals 14 and 15 of a superb season so far, all was well for Manchester United, who had made this Carabao Cup quarter-final far more attritional than they might due to Erik ten Hag shuffling his team selection. Having an eye on Saturday’s 189th derby with Manchester City meant the manager sent out a weakened XI and he watched his side burn brightly in the first half before being pushed back by Charlton, who arrived as the hopefuls from two tiers below and ended threatening to take United to penalties. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jan/10/manchester-united-charlton-athletic-carabao-cup-quarter-final-match-report

Guardiola ponders ‘ridiculous’ plans for Manchester City’s derby date at United

‘I have a few ideas, thoughts – ridiculous ones,’ says Guardiola Coach urges Kalvin Phillips to push Rodri for starting place Pep Guardiola says he is considering “ridiculous” plans for Manchester City’s derby at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Saturday. City first play at Southampton in the Carabao Cup quarter-final on Wednesday, but the manager is already assessing strategies to try to defeat their crosstown rivals. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jan/10/pep-guardiola-ridiculous-plans-manchester-city-manchester-united-derby-premier-league

Football Australia hit Melbourne Victory with record $550,000 fine for derby pitch invasion

FA said pitch invasion was ‘worst witnessed in Australian football’ Toll included five people injured, $150,000 in damage and 29 arrests Football Australia have slapped Melbourne Victory with a record fine and threatened to dock them ten competition points after finding the club brought the game into disrepute with the violent disruptions of the club’s fans in the A-League match against Melbourne City in December. That night approximately 150 Victory supporters stormed the AAMI Park pitch, unleashing 80 flares or fireworks and forcing the abandonment of the Melbourne Derby. City goalkeeper Tom Glover left the field bleeding from a head wound and referee Alex King, two security guards, and a camera operator were injured by 80 flares and fireworks that caused $AUD 150,000 damage in 22 minutes of mayhem. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jan/10/football-australia-hit-melbourne-victory-with-record-550000-fine-for-derby-pitch-

Leeds can use narrow escape at Cardiff as stepping stone, says Jesse Marsch

Teenager Perkins earns replay with stoppage-time leveller ‘We have to learn about cup matches and how to handle them’ Jesse Marsch has called on his Leeds side to use their late escape from an embarrassing FA Cup defeat at 10-man Cardiff City as a “stepping stone”. Leeds were heading for a sixth successive third-round exit until the 18-year-old substitute Sonny Perkins scored his first professional goal to equalise deep into second-half stoppage time and earn a replay. Leeds have won only two of their past 16 matches in all competitions and Marsch said they must heed the lessons of their late rally after conceding they were initially out of sync in south Wales. “As a manager I’ve never lost to a lower-division team in the cup and part of it is because I demand that the players take it seriously and we play with intensity as if it’s a first-division match,” the head coach said. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jan/08/lee

Will the metaverse be your new workplace?

Some predict that in the future we'll work in virtual worlds, but others are not convinced.

'The best moments of my life': A look back at Gareth Bale's career – video

Gareth Bale has announced his retirement from football.  Bale departs as  Wales's  all-time leading goalscorer with 41 goals and his country's most capped men's player with 111 appearances.  The announcement comes weeks after Bale captained Wales at the Qatar World Cup , the first finals Wales had qualified for since 1958.  Bale also enjoyed incredible club success, winning five UEFA Champions League titles with Real Madrid. He played in the Premier League with Southampton, then with Tottenham, including a season towards the end of his career. He retires after a year in MLS with Los Angeles FC.  Gareth Bale announces retirement from football: ‘I have realised my dream’ Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/video/2023/jan/09/gareth-bale-career-real-madrid-tottenham-wales-world-cup-retires-video

Rents rising at fastest rate for seven years

Renters are being hit harder than owners by rising housing costs, official data shows.

Cristiano Ronaldo could face Lionel Messi for first game in Saudi Arabia

Al Nassr coach expects Ronaldo to feature in PSG friendly More than 10 million new Instagram followers for his side Cristiano Ronaldo’s first game since his move to Saudi Arabia could be against Lionel Messi after his coach said the Portugal international would play against Paris Saint-Germain in a friendly this month. Ronaldo must serve a suspension before his league debut for Al Nassr but is expected to face PSG in a team made up of players from Al Nassr and Al Hilal in Riyadh on 19 January. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jan/09/cristiano-ronaldo-could-face-lionel-messi-in-first-game-saudi-arabia-al-nassr-psg

Gianluca Vialli spent his life winning trophies but he also won hearts

Italian’s achievements as a player and coach will endure in the history books and he left an impact on those who knew him Gianluca Vialli did not lose his battle with cancer, because for him it was never a battle to begin. “I don’t want to fight cancer,” he told the Guardian in 2020 , “because it would be too big and powerful an enemy. I feel this is a journey. It’s about travelling with an unwanted travel companion until hopefully it gets bored and dies before me.” A passage that began with the discovery of a pancreatic tumour in 2017 came to an end on Friday, as Vialli died at the age of 58 . More than once it had appeared that he would outlast his fellow voyager, with doctors giving an all-clear in 2018 and again in 2020, but on each occasion the cancer returned. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jan/06/gianluca-vialli-spent-his-life-winning-trophies-but-he-also-won-hearts

Mbappé accuses French FA president of disrespect over Zidane comments

Le Graët said he ‘wouldn’t even pick up the phone’ to Zidane Mbappé and French sports minister unhappy with remarks Kylian Mbappé has come out in support of Zinedine Zidane after France’s football federation (FFF) president, Noël Le Graët, said he would not pick up the phone if the former midfielder called him to discuss coaching the national team. The FFF had announced Didier Deschamps’s contract extension on Saturday after he led France to a second consecutive World Cup final, where they lost to Argentina on penalties in Qatar last month. Zidane had previously been a favourite to succeed Deschamps. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jan/09/mbappe-zidane-disrepect-france-fa-president-le-graet

Ousmane Dembélé sinks Atlético Madrid to send Barcelona clear at top

Barcelona went three points clear at the top of La Liga on Sunday with a 1-0 away win at Atlético Madrid, thanks to a first-half goal from Ousmane Dembélé. Rivals and second-placed Real Madrid suffered 2-1 defeat at Villarreal on Saturday, giving Barça the chance to seize the advantage in the league after 16 rounds. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jan/08/atletico-madrid-barcelona-la-liga-match-report

FA Cup fourth round draw – live

All the fourth-round ties as they are drawn, from 4pm You can contact John by email or Twitter with your thoughts Should Wolves be fully in the draw? Their manager certainly thinks they wuz robbed. Three non-league teams in the draw. Wrexham are through, after winning at Coventry, while Boreham Wood and Chesterfield need to win their third-round replays to join them in the fourth round. Will Wrexham pull a big enough team for their owners to board a Lear Jet and come over? We await such news. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2023/jan/08/fa-cup-fourth-round-draw-live

Manchester City v Chelsea: FA Cup third round – live

Updates from the 4.30pm GMT kick-off at the Etihad Stadium You can contact Rob here with your thoughts Football lost a bit of the twinkle in its eye on Friday , when Gianluca Vialli died aged 58. He wasn’t quite the man who started the Chelsea revolution – but he did accelerate it, winning three major cup competitions in as many seasons and making them credible Premier League challengers for the first time. In 1998-99 they lost only three games and still finished third behind Manchester United and Arsenal. Vialli also took Chelsea to a Champions League quarter-final, when they came within a few minutes of eliminating Barcelona. More than all of that, he made the world a lighter, happier place. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2023/jan/08/manchester-city-v-chelsea-fa-cup-third-round-live

FA Cup roundup: Semenyo rescues Bristol City, Derby ease past Barnsley

Swansea denied in draw at Ashton Gate Derby continue fine form with comfortable win over Barnsley Antoine Semenyo headed a second-half equaliser as Bristol City fought back to earn an FA Cup third-round replay with Swansea after a 1-1 draw at Ashton Gate. The visitors were gifted a 15th-minute lead when Rob Atkinson’s misplaced pass inside his own box was intercepted by Liam Cullen, who squared for Joël Piroe to shoot into an unguarded net. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jan/08/fa-cup-roundup-norwich-blackburn-semenyo-rescues-bristol-city-as-derby-cruise-past-barnsley

Cardiff v Leeds: FA Cup third round – live

Updates from the 2pm GMT kick-off at Cardiff City Stadium Get in touch: contact Tim by email or on Twitter So, plenty of changes from both managers. Jesse Marsch puts his two biggest threats, Rodrigo and Harrison, on the bench, although that means another start for the exciting Wilfried Gnonto, who should get the travelling fans going. Mark Hudson’s bench is interesting in a different way: he gives a first taste of a senior squad to two teenagers, Morgan Wigley, a striker for the Under-18s, and Lewys Benjamin, a goalie who seems to be only 16. Benjamin is almost beyond the reach of Google, though there is this story about him signing for the Under-9s in 2015 . If the caption is accurate, he’s the tall kid in the picture, second from the right. Both teens are surely an FA Cup hero waiting to happen. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2023/jan/08/cardiff-v-leeds-fa-cup-third-round-live

Jack Ma to give up control of fintech giant Ant Group

The billionaire has seldom been seen in public since criticising China's financial sector in 2020.

Eddie Howe cites fatigue to defend Newcastle’s changes for FA Cup defeat

Manager made eight changes for match at Sheffield Wednesday Howe: ‘We don’t have the deepest squad in the Premier League’ Eddie Howe has defended his decision to make wholesale changes to his side for Newcastle United’s shock FA Cup third round defeat at Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday night, explaining that fatigue played its part. With half an eye on Tuesday’s home Carabao Cup quarter-final against Leicester, Howe made eight changes to the team which had earned a draw at Arsenal on Tuesday. But the decision backfired when Josh Windass’s second-half double ended Newcastle’s 15-game unbeaten run and sent them out of the competition to League One opponents for the second consecutive season. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jan/07/eddie-howe-fatigue-played-part-newcastle-changes-fa-cup-defeat-sheffield-wednesday

Arsenal’s FA Cup trip to Oxford United stirs unhappy memories

Steve Perryman recalls win in a remarkable 1985-86 season as his old club face league leaders in the FA Cup Arsenal will feel the Kassam Stadium’s winter chill. It is open-cornered, lacks a stand at its west end and on a rough evening the cold can rattle the bones. Were Karl Robinson’s Oxford United not such a slick, highly principled outfit at their best, it would fit the cliche of an FA Cup leveller. But it has nothing on the rickety old Manor Ground and its slope where an earlier iteration of Monday night’s tie brought one of the side’s finest hours. “We were the sort of team who would hunt you down,” says Steve Perryman, who arrived from Spurs to offer a calm, controlled head in Oxford’s midfield for the later part of the 1985-86 season. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jan/08/unhappy-memories-for-arsenal-at-oxford-uniteds-old-manor-ground

FA investigates alleged homophobic chanting aimed at Frank Lampard

Chants heard during Manchester United’s win over Everton United say they ‘will continue to campaign for inclusivity’ The Football Association has launched an investigation into homophobic chanting which was heard during Manchester United’s 3-1 FA Cup victory over Everton on Friday night. The chant was seemingly directed at Everton’s manager, Frank Lampard, during the second half of the match at Old Trafford, referencing his long association with Chelsea where he was both a player and manager. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jan/07/fa-investigates-alleged-homophobic-chanting-aimed-frank-lampard-manchester-united-everton

FA Cup third round: Chesterfield v West Brom, Hull v Fulham and more – live

Latest updates from the 3pm (GMT) kick-offs Follow Tottenham v Portsmouth – live Live scoreboard: follow the goals as they go in across Europe Email Sarah or tweet @rendellx with your thoughts There is team news for three more matches for the 3pm kick-offs but one of the earlier games has just wrapped up. Tottenham have narrowly beaten Portsmouth in a 1-0 result. Harry Kane found the net in the 50th minute to ensure the Premier League side got the win over the League One team. Chesterfield v West Brom team news Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2023/jan/07/fa-cup-third-round-chesterfield-v-west-brom-hull-v-fulham-and-more-live