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Twenty years after Dutch midfielder made a transformational arrival on loan, the club are searching for similar January spark First they tried to bring back Lionel Messi , then they did bring back Dani Alves, briefly. Rafa Márquez returned to take over the B team, Xavi Hernández came home, this time as coach , and Deco arrived again, the former midfielder turned sporting director. They attempted to get Carles Puyol to join them. And now Joan Laporta, the president who also came back , re-elected to the post 17 years after he first ran for it and a decade after he had departed, wants Edgar Davids to return to FC Barcelona. Well, an Edgar Davids, anyway. And, yes, that was exactly how the president put it. At 50, it might be a bit late to stick the actual Davids in the middle of midfield, but on the eve of their last competitive game before Christmas, 24 hours before they then flew to Dallas for a friendly in return for €5m (£4.3m) they desperately need, Laporta announced that the sign

After a tough 2023, will things improve for the UK and other economies in the new year?

Rabiot goal leaves Juve two points behind Internazionale Third-placed Milan beat Sassuolo through Pulisic goal Adrien Rabiot’s second-half goal earned Juventus a 1-0 home win against Roma as they moved within two points of the Serie A leaders, Internazionale. Juve got the breakthrough two minutes after halftime when Rabiot, left unmarked by the Roma defence, received a flick from Dusan Vlahovic inside the box and calmly slotted home. Federico Chiesa thought he had extended Juve’s lead just before the end, receiving a deflected ball inside the box and turning it in, but was flagged offside. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/dec/30/serie-a-roundup-juventus-sink-roma-through-rabiot-strike-to-close-gap-at-top

Referees, opposition, stewards … Nobody is spared the wrath of the modern day football fanatic taking out pent-up frustration Supporters of your football club are angry. And if they are not, it is only a matter of time. Take a glance through every men’s league in the UK and you will struggle to pinpoint a handful of fans who are perfectly content with their lot as 2024 approaches. Football, once a tribal passion worth smiling about, triggers such angst and venom that fresh medication brands may be required. “BASTARD!” they bawl; at the award of a throw-in. Referees live in constant fear of being lamped . Cliche suggests social media is the root of all evil. Maybe it is. However, there is a level of accountability football club owners and employees have to face because of the internet which is undeniably a good thing. Where this becomes problematic is when the personal abuse dished out to the head of recruitment, the masseur or the chairman’s wife extends to within a stand. This happe

Arnautovic scores for leaders but Genoa earn 1-1 draw Napoli match ‘like a game of rugby’, claims Mazzarri The Serie A leaders Internazionale were held to a 1-1 draw away to Genoa as Marko Arnautovic’s first league goal for the club was cancelled out by a header from Radu Dragusin. Inter are top with 45 points but the result gives Juventus, second on 40 points, an opportunity to close the gap as they host Roma on Saturday. Inter broke the deadlock after 42 minutes when Arnautovic found himself in the right place to tap home a rebound off the post following Nicolò Barella’s volley. The Austria striker opened his account for the club in Serie A after being sidelined for several matches due to a hamstring injury after his loan move from Bologna in the close season. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/dec/29/serie-a-roundup-inter-held-by-genoa-managers-see-red-in-napoli-stalemate

Winger says side is on right track after just 38 goals last season ‘Where we are now will not define us come end of the season’ Noni Madueke believes Chelsea have finally found answers to the goalscoring problems that plagued them last season. The England Under-21 international came off the bench to fire Mauricio Pochettino’s side to a 2-1 win at home against Crystal Palace on Wednesday, slotting the winner from the penalty spot in the 89th minute after being fouled by Eberechi Eze. Earlier Michael Olise, who nearly became a Chelsea player in the summer, had equalised on the stroke of half-time after the hosts had failed to build on Mykhailo Mudryk’s 13th-minute opener. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/dec/28/noni-madueke-believes-the-goals-will-flow-for-improving-chelsea

Club’s form has declined after brilliant start but their risky possession game was at its thrilling best against Tottenham As Johan Cruyff pioneered the use of the sweeper keeper with Stanley Menzo at Ajax, he argued that he didn’t care if his side conceded a couple of goals a season from lobs into an empty net with his goalkeeper caught upfield; far more important were the gains made by being able to play a higher offside line, squeezing the play, in the knowledge that Menzo was there to mop up behind. It made it harder for opponents to attack, and meant that Ajax more regularly won the ball back higher up the pitch in dangerous areas. The problem, said Cruyff, was that football culture was too obsessed with the obvious and with apportioning blame. A goalkeeper being caught out of his goal looked bad and so drew criticism, whereas the incremental gains, which outweighed the small handful of glaring losses, were ignored. It’s not just a football issue. It’s a truism in spread-betting

The strange thing was that Roberto De Zerbi, always such a livewire in his technical area, barely flinched. The Brighton manager had seen Pervis Estupiñán, on as a substitute, sculpt a masterpiece from long-range to put his team 3-0 up just after the hour. Perhaps, it was simply a reflection of De Zerbi’s comfort. Because at that point, it was easy to write that Brighton had been outstanding, Tottenham outclassed. Brighton wanted to find a spark in the Premier League, having saved most of their best stuff this season for their Europa League adventure. How they found it. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/dec/28/brighton-tottenham-premier-league-match-report

Sales of vinyl LPs rose for a 16th consecutive year in 2023, hitting 5.9 million units.

The Glock has been the weapon of choice for armed forces, gun owners and criminals around the world.

Guardiola: players were focused on Everton during flight home Kevin De Bruyne back training with first team after long layoff Pep Guardiola said Manchester City’s impressive win at Everton, five days after winning the Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia, underlined their single-minded determination to defend the Premier League title following an inconsistent end to 2023. City recorded only a second win in seven league games after coming from behind to win for the eighth successive season at Goodison Park. Phil Foden, Julián Álvarez and Bernardo Silva were on target as the champions restarted their title defence with an important victory. “It was a massive game for us, coming back from Saudi Arabia as world champions,” said the City manager. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/dec/27/pep-guardiola-says-city-still-determined-to-defend-premier-league-title

Delors helped create the single market, but his dreams of integration faced stiff UK opposition.

Rangers beat Motherwell 2-0 at a wet and wild Fir Park, and with victory returned to touching distance of the Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic. Kieran Dowell started and finished the move for the opening goal in the fourth minute before Todd Cantwell fired in a second after 16 minutes of a first half which should have brought more goals. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/dec/24/cantwell-eases-rangers-past-motherwell-to-close-gap-on-celtic-to-two-points

Scientists have found a way to make jet fuel from human sewage and cut carbon emissions.

Imports and sales of Apple's Series 9 and Ultra 2 watches in the US have halted over a patent dispute.

Garnacho and Højlund scoring the goals against Aston Villa was a sign that the club can still look forward with some optimism Buy low: always a good start in any deal. With 25 minutes gone at Old Trafford, Manchester United’s players certainly seemed to have been reading their investment briefings, skimming the handbook, underlining exactly the right parts. Eighth in the league and out of Europe, the corporate scythe about to swing, even the stadium threatened with a righteous bulldozing. Add to that a 2-0 deficit to a finely grooved Aston Villa team, and at best this felt like a timely pitch for a little new investment; at worst like an act of self-immolation, United’s players trailing about the pitch like unwanted chattels, like a hastily scribbled redundancy list, like the Roy brothers trying to tank a takeover deal. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2023/dec/26/threat-of-downsizing-has-desired-effect-but-manchester-unite

The announcement follows the deployment of an international military operation to prevent attacks on ships.

Saturday's attack caused a fire on board the chemical tanker in the Indian Ocean, the US military says.

Modern Future beat Pyramids 14-13 on penalties after 0-0 draw Club will face Al Ahly or Ceramica Cleopatra in Super Cup final It took 34 penalty kicks before Modern Future finally beat Pyramids 14-13 in a nerve-shredding shootout in the Egyptian Super Cup semi-final on Monday after the contest had ended in a 0-0 draw. Modern Future, who will face either Al Ahly or Ceramica Cleopatra in the final, squandered three spot kicks while Pyramids lost the match after missing a fourth penalty kick at Abu Dhabi’s Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/dec/25/egyptian-super-cup-penalty-shootout

While first-time buyers would welcome price falls, the other costs they face are likely to be higher.

Manager blames pressure, inexperience and reading of game Sterling and Palmer suspended after yellow cards at Wolves Mauricio Pochettino has denied Chelsea have a discipline problem despite racking up the most yellow cards in the Premier League and having Raheem Sterling and Cole Palmer suspended for Wednesday’s match at home to Crystal Palace. The pair were among five Chelsea players cautioned at Wolves on Christmas Eve as the team lost a fourth successive away game in the Premier League. Pochettino was also shown the yellow card as Chelsea were beaten for the 19th time in 2023, the most defeats in the English top flight. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/dec/25/chelseas-league-high-56-bookings-not-down-to-indiscipline-claims-pochettino

Fans rate the best and worst of the season so far – the stars, the flops and what needs to change in 2024 Part two: Liverpool to Wolves It’s been a struggle to fire on all cylinders at times, but none of us are churlish enough to whinge about being in the title race and the Champions League last 16. And not since the days of Tony Adams have we had quite such a dominant force as Declan Rice: a Rolls-Royce engine at the heart of both defence and attack. He’s a steal at a mere £105m; fans set up a GoFundMe page to compensate the poor Irons properly. The foundation he has formed with Saliba and Gabriel has sustained our title bid so far: now we just need others to find their consistent groove. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/dec/24/premier-league-fans-half-term-reports-part-one-arsenal-to-fulham

Royal’s appearance on the 200th edition of the show was a memorable moment in a decade full of shared TV experiences Not all appearances involving the royal family on the BBC have been cringeworthy. Long before Prince Andrew, Pizza Express, and his revelations of being sweat free, and just before the toe-curlingly terrible It’s a Royal Knockout , there was a television programme that managed to paint the royal family in a positive light. Princess Anne appearing on the 200th edition of A Question of Sport was a memorable moment in so many ways. With just four channels to choose from there were many shared television experiences like this throughout the decade, as the likes of JR, Charles and Diana, Den and Angie, and Taylor and Davis attracted millions of viewers. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/sport/that-1980s-sports-blog/2023/dec/24/when-princess-anne-joined-emlyn-hughes-on-a-question-of-sport

Midfielder covered vast amounts of ground at Anfield and Jürgen Klopp knew Liverpool would have won without him Critics of Declan Rice, sceptics, nonbelievers – because this is football and there must always, always be critics – have accused him in the past of cruising through matches. Well, not here. Rice must have hated this game at times. Or at least, must have felt like he could barely breathe in those periods where he seemed to be playing three or four positions simultaneously, always harried, always pressed, trying to fill the roles of defensive shield, romping ball-carrier, auxiliary left-back, rondo-leader between the centre‑halves. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2023/dec/23/xxx-

Club conduct investigation after having up to 11 players injured André Onana could miss games for Africa Cup of Nations Erik ten Hag has said Manchester United remain unsure why they have sustained so many injuries despite conducting an internal investigation. The manager has been without up to 11 players owing to various problems this season, with Casemiro, Lisandro Martínez, Tyrell Malacia, Harry Maguire, Mason Mount, Kobbie Mainoo and Victor Lindelöf absent for Saturday’s early kick-off at West Ham. Christian Eriksen , Amad Diallo, Luke Shaw and Raphaël Varane have previously been missing. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/dec/22/erik-ten-hag-still-unclear-over-manchester-united-injury-problems

Customer demand diminished as questions dogged the company about its care.

From an AI slowdown to humanoid robots doing real work - tech trends to watch out for in 2024.

Sergi Roberto on target twice in hard-fought 3-2 home win Bayern win 2-1 at Wolfsburg, leaders Leverkusen march on Two second-half goals from Sergi Roberto rescued a 3-2 home win for Barcelona against Almería, La Liga’s bottom side, on Wednesday. Barcelona dominated the first half but squandered the vast majority of their 15 chances – five of them on target. Raphinha did put the hosts in front in the 33rd minute, netting a rebound from close range, after Luís Maximiano had saved Ronald Araújo’s header from a corner. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/dec/20/european-roundup-barcelona-bayern-munich-leverkusen-psg

Revised figures show the economy shrank between July and September this year.

Japanese steel giant Nippon this week announced plans to buy US Steel in a deal worth nearly $15bn.

Madrid have Nacho sent off but still win 1-0 at Alaves Girona relinquish sole claim to top spot after draw at Real Betis A stoppage-time header by full-back Lucas Vázquez earned 10-man Real Madrid a 1-0 victory at lowly Alaves , with defender Nacho having already been handed his marching orders following a sliding tackle. The win left Real Madrid on top of the standings on goal difference, level on 45 points with Girona who dropped points earlier in the day. Barcelona are third on 38 points. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/dec/21/la-liga-roundup-real-madrid-go-top-after-lucas-vazquezs-late-winner

Fans made their feelings clear about league negotiations with private equity firms and Bayern made a statement, too Welcome to the winter of uncertainty. This was a weekend on which Bundesliga fans united to protest against the league’s clubs voting to press ahead and negotiate with private equity firms to sell a portion of international television rights, anathema to supporters who believe fans, rather than big business, should steer the direction of the game in Germany. There were 12 minutes of silence at the stadiums – representing the fans’ role as the 12th man – and the throwing of tennis balls and chocolate coins (Bochum’s Takuma Asano unwrapped and ate one of the coins, presumably giving him the extra energy to rattle in a volley and open the scoring in the 3-0 win over Union Berlin). In a culture where supporter implication, and atmosphere, is the key tenet, there is little more eerie than a full stadium fallen silent. This was the second time this year that the option of app

The companies behind CNN, HBO and Mission Impossible are in early stage talks to join forces.

The Chinese online retailer with the slogan 'shop like a billionaire' faces questions over its ultra low prices.

Latest figures show the prices rose 3.9% in the year to November, down from 4.6% the month before.

Scandal, near-bankruptcy and uncertainty have plagued the 148-year-old company for almost a decade.

Napoli suffer humiliating 4-0 home defeat in last-16 match Borussia Dortmund 1-1 Mainz, Atlético Madrid 3-3 Getafe Napoli have been dumped out of the Coppa Italia in the last 16 after suffering a 4-0 thrashing at home to Frosinone. Quickfire second-half goals by Enzo Barrenechea and Giuseppe Caso put Frosinone, playing in the last 16 for the first time, in charge after Giovanni Simeone’s first-half effort for the hosts was ruled out for a handball in the buildup. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/dec/20/european-roundup-napoli-frosinone-dortmund-mainz-atletico-getafe

The rising price of turkey has slowed, while the cost of mince pies are up by 25%.

Ports around the world are investing in green fuels to allow cargo ships to sail carbon-free.

Liverpool captain said he was not being arrogant after the game Keane: ‘He’s at a club that’s won the title once in 30-odd years’ Virgil van Dijk has said he was not being arrogant in dismissing Manchester United’s overly defensive display at Anfield in Sunday’s goalless draw . The Liverpool captain provoked a response from former United midfielder Roy Keane when he said only one team played to win . Keane said the comments were arrogant and disrespectful, adding: “He needs a reminder himself; he’s playing for a club that have won the title once in 30-odd years.” Van Dijk insisted there was honesty but no arrogance in his words on a frustrating afternoon where Liverpool had 34 shots but failed to score for the first time since April. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/dec/18/virgil-van-dijk-hits-back-to-roy-keane-criticism-after-liverpool-stalemate

Erik ten Hag secured a good point at Anfield, but the way it was achieved shows how bare his cupboard is right now The new plan is no plan. Men standing, solemnly, in a place. Covering the spaces, and then the spaces in between the spaces. Block, buffer, deny everything. You didn’t get Harry Kane and you didn’t get Frenkie de Jong and you didn’t get Declan Rice, and so here you are: watching Jonny Evans punt long balls up the touchline in the hope – nay, the dream – that Antony can maybe get on the end of it and win a throw. And for Manchester United there should be no shame or chagrin in any of this, in the jubilation of their fans in the Anfield Road Stand as the curtain fell on this grizzled and forgettable game. This is, quite frankly, a club that could use a little more of this kind of humility, a more realistic recognition of where they stand in the taxonomy of English football. Sir Alex Ferguson was in the stands here, and even his champion sides rarely regarded a point at Anf

The US stock exchange wants to lure more companies from London to raise investor cash in New York instead.

How an island that exported t-shirts and sugar turned into the world's largest silicon chip factory.

Death of a fan in early December has led to calls for drastic measures but travel bans have been met with opposition When Fabio Grosso’s bloodied face was plastered across the front page of L’Équipe on 30 October – “Disgust and shame,” the headline read – there was already a prevailing sense that the spate of violent incidents in French football was plumbing new depths. Lyon’s Italian coach was injured as the team bus was pelted on its arrival at the Stade Vélodrome in Marseille for a high-stakes Olympico showdown. To make matters worse, Nazi salutes and racist chanting were seen and heard from a small minority of the Lyon fans who were already inside the stadium. The match was postponed and played without away fans more than a month later. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/dec/17/france-struggles-to-find-right-balance-as-violence-at-matches-escalates

The Night Agent and The Mother were among the streamer's biggest hits in the first half of 2023.

Property completions were affected after the IT services provider was hit more than three weeks ago.

Community and the GMB are at loggerheads with Unite over a battle to save up to 3,000 jobs at Tata.

Egyptian side win 3-1 to set up semi-final with Fluminense Juventus held by Genoa; Lyon earn shock win at Monaco Karim Benzema missed a penalty as Al-Ittihad were knocked out of the Club World Cup by Egypt’s Al-Ahly, who cruised to a 3-1 victory in Jeddah. Al-Ahly broke the deadlock in the 21st minute from the penalty spot after a handball by Al-Ittihad defender Hassan Kadesh. Left-back Ali Maâloul converted the penalty, but Al-Ittihad quickly earned their own spot-kick for handball. Benzema failed to score, however, his attempt brilliantly saved by Mohamed El Shenawy. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/dec/15/al-ahly-send-al-ittihad-out-of-club-world-cup-as-benzema-misses-penalty

Artificial intelligence helps people identify what animals they are looking at and aids conservation.

Kemar Roofe’s late goal earned Rangers a memorable 3-2 win against Real Betis and a place in the Europa League knockout stages. Roofe turned the ball home from close range as Rangers put the pressure on from a 78th-minute corner to clinch top spot in Group C. They inflicted a first home defeat of the season on the Spaniards in Seville as Roofe’s second goal of the season moved them above Sparta Prague from third place and sent Betis into the Conference League. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/dec/14/rangers-floor-real-betis-in-thriller-to-extend-europa-league-adventure

Henderson, who became the first Scot to play in Serie A for 30 years, is living in Sicily and, occasionally, missing the rain By Simone Pierotti for Nutmeg magazine “People are still going to the beach here.” Liam Henderson has been living in sunny Italy for almost six years now but he still seems amazed by the endless summer. Last August, as the transfer window was about to close, he left Serie A side Empoli on loan for Palermo in the second tier, heading down to Sicily. It wasn’t a career setback though. Palermo is 80% owned by the City Group and they have assembled a highly competitive, ambitious squad with the goal of promotion. Henderson is a key piece of the puzzle. I meet Henderson on a pleasant day at the new Palermo training centre in Torretta, a village halfway between the Punta Raisi Airport and the city. The seaside is just a 15-minute drive away, but the football pitches are nestled among the mountains. The complex is set within an olive tree grove, the old manor house

Eddie Howe’s side were undone by squandered chances, injuries and tired legs – problems even Saudi riches can’t solve They’ll always have Paris. They’ll have the glorious memories of hammering Paris Saint-Germain 4-1 at home, but Newcastle will also have the fury and frustration of the injury-time penalty at the Parc des Princes two weeks ago. It was that decision, a cross flicking off Tino Livramento’s torso and on to his arm as he chased back, that they will feel, far more than defeat by Milan, eliminated them from Europe. In time, perhaps, there will be a feeling that a slender squad will benefit from the free midweeks later in the season. In the long run, in terms of qualifying for next season’s Champions League, which will be essential for attracting the highest tier of talent to the club, this may be for the best. But it will be a while before the disappointment fades, and the sense of being cheated. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.co

The Bank of England is expected to hold interest rates at 5.25%, but borrowing costs remain comparatively high.

New Ofgem rules mean affordable payment plans and even repayment holidays will now be available.

Millions of low-income households will receive a final cost-of-living payment in February.

Many see hydrogen as the green fuel of the future so underground deposits of the gas could be valuable.

Danish champions qualify behind Bayern Munich in Group A Napoli beat Braga, Real Sociedad top Group D after San Siro draw Lukas Lerager scored a second-half goal and was sent off as FC Copenhagen reached the Champions League knockout stages for the first time in more than a decade with a 1-0 home win against Galatasaray on Tuesday that secured second spot in Group A. Lerager’s goal illuminated a chilly night as the Danish side’s discipline and doggedness enabled them to progress from a group in which many experts expected them to finish bottom. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/dec/12/champions-league-copenhagen-galatasaray-napoli-braga-sociedad-internazionale

George Hirst also on target for Ipswich in 2-1 win at Watford Jobe Bellingham scores only goal at the Stadium of Light Sam Morsy fired Ipswich to the top of the Championship table with a late winner at Watford. However, the visitors had to come from behind at Vicarage Road after Yáser Asprilla had given the Hornets a 12th-minute lead. George Hirst levelled with 24 minutes gone, but Kieran McKenna’s promoted side had to wait until 10 minutes from time to clinch a 2-1 victory when the captain, Morsy, made the most of Wesley Hoedt’s defensive slip with a cool finish. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/dec/12/championship-roundup-morsy-sends-ipswich-top-as-sunderland-beat-leeds

How video games are continuing to become more accessible for people with impaired vision.

Ethan Nwaneri, Reuell Walters and Lino Sousa in line to play Manager pleased to have Emile Smith Rowe back from injury Mikel Arteta may roll the dice and give Arsenal’s latest crop of youngsters a chance as he seeks meaning in a Champions League dead rubber against PSV Eindhoven. The academy products Ethan Nwaneri, Reuell Walters and Lino Sousa travelled to the Netherlands on Monday, with all standing a realistic chance of some action on a night ripe for experimentation. Should Nwaneri feature it would be his first appearance since becoming the club’s youngest player, attaining the same record for the Premier League, when in September 2022 he came off the bench at Brentford aged 15 years and 181 days. Given Arsenal are relatively light at full‑back there will be hope that the 18-year‑olds Walters and Sousa, who play on the right and left respectively, are blooded for their senior debuts at some stage. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com

The country's new far-right president vows to launch a radical economic programme as he is sworn in.

Manager says team must improve after loss to Bournemouth Ten Hag takes responsibility for dismal performance Erik ten Hag admitted Manchester United are not good enough to achieve the consistency of an elite team after they were humiliated 3-0 by Bournemouth . Dominic Solanke’s fifth-minute strike was followed by second‑half goals from Philip Billing and Marcos Senesi to secure Bournemouth’s first win at Old Trafford. United’s disjointed, dismal display followed Wednesday’s 2-1 home win over Chelsea to continue a pattern of uneven displays and results. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/dec/09/erik-ten-hag-manchester-united-inconsistent

Columbus beat LAFC 2-1 through Hernandez and Yeboah Crew win second MLS title in four years and third overall Columbus Crew 2-1 Los Angeles FC – as it happened Cucho Hernandez and Yaw Yeboah scored in the first half and the Columbus Crew held on to beat LAFC 2-1 on Saturday to win their third MLS Cup. The Crew added the title to their championships in 2008, when they beat the New York Red Bulls, and 2020, when they defeated the Seattle Sounders. Columbus lost to the Portland Timbers in the 2015 title game. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/dec/09/columbus-crew-lafc-mls-cup-final-report

Pep Guardiola’s champions were on the ropes at Villa Park but believe victory at Kenilworth Road could spark a run of glory Sometimes, according to Pep Guardiola, “you need a punch in the face” to see how you react. Manchester City have received a metaphorical blow after four games without a win in the Premier League to derail their challenge for a fourth successive title. There is no shame in drawing against Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham, nor losing to a fantastic Aston Villa side away, but this will be the month when City’s desire is truly tested. They begin a run of winnable games at Luton on Sunday and then, across the next 10 matches, go on to meet eight teams that began the weekend in the bottom half of the table. Given those fixtures, there is every chance City could enjoy three months of accumulating points after a difficult period. Guardiola has previously led City to a 21-game winning streak, so will not be intimidated by what lies ahead if he is to get his team back on

Manager is obsessed with fighting on all fronts but this may be the moment to start prioritising competitions When the red fuel light on the dashboard starts flashing drivers know they are on borrowed time. It all depends on a car’s make and model but there will be 30, 40, possibly even 50 miles left in the tank. Eddie Howe’s problem is that, unlike a motorist, he cannot steer his increasingly drained squad towards the sanctuary of a nearby filling station. “We’re missing a big number of players,” says Newcastle’s manager. “You can keep going for a while, but the longer it lasts, the harder it gets. We don’t have options to change players.” Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/dec/09/howe-ditch-cup-ambitions-newcastle-running-on-empty

The maestro-power of Jeff Stelling cannot save Every Game Every Goal from feeling like being stabbed in the eyes with a needle covered in football As Johan Cruyff once pointed out, in football the clock is always your enemy. If you’re winning the clock moves too slowly. If you’re losing it’s always going too fast. The clock only really tells you two things: how much chasing you still have to do, and how much longer you’re going to be chased. This is the source of its power too. In a game that has no formal structure beyond the half-time break, no set phases, just the steady depletion of time, the clock is key to the entire spectacle, the ultimate source of all tension, fear, pain, joy. All of which perhaps explains why Amazon Prime’s Every Game Every Goal show is, for all the undimmed maestro-power of Jeff Stelling, the most painful, jarring and genuinely exhausting football programme ever devised. This is the football TV show as category mistake, a bravura production that expresses

More than 70 MPs and members of Lords write to FA Letter refers to ‘fairness’ and ‘safety of women and girls’ MPs have urged the Football Association to amend its policies on transgender inclusion in the women’s game, accusing the governing body of “turning a blind eye” to the issue. Teams in the Sheffield and Hallamshire women’s league have withdrawn from matches against Rossington over their inclusion of Francesca Needham, after she was involved in an incident which left an opposition player with a season-ending injury. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/dec/08/fa-urged-by-mps-to-ban-transgender-players-from-womens-football

CosMc's, named after an obscure company mascot, is a bid for the speciality drinks market.

US-Mexico would use efficiencies from 2026 men’s World Cup Bids from Brazil and Germany-Netherlands-Belgium expected The US Soccer Federation and Mexico Football Federation submitted a joint bid Friday to host the 2027 Women’s World Cup, competing against an expected proposal from Brazil and a joint Germany-Netherlands-Belgium plan. No proposed stadiums were announced by the USSF and Mexico’s governing body. The USSF said the bid envisioned taking advantage of efficiencies from the 2026 men’s World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the US, Mexico and Canada. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/dec/08/us-mexico-2027-womens-world-cup-bid-report

Business leaders and experts are making online copies of themselves to answer the questions they get.

There is a bit more bite and meaning to the old refrain of “We shall not be moved” from Everton fans since their club was plunged into the relegation zone courtesy of the biggest sporting sanction in Premier League history . Their song of defiance reverberated around Goodison Park as Sean Dyche’s side climbed out of the bottom three with a resounding defeat of a shell-shocked Newcastle. Eddie Howe’s side succumbed to their heaviest defeat of the season on a dreadful night for Kieran Trippier. The England international produced two calamitous mistakes in quick succession to hand Everton the lead through Dwight McNeil and Abdoulaye Doucouré. Everton’s summer signing Beto came off the bench to seal a psychologically vital victory in stoppage time. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/dec/07/everton-newcastle-premier-league-match-report

It may be unfair to suggest that the 76-year-old Roy Hodgson could learn a thing or two from Andoni Iraola, who is 35 years younger than the former England manager. But the manner of this impressive display that put Bournemouth level on points with Crystal Palace, with a third victory from their past four matches, suggests that the Spaniard in his first season of Premier League management was an inspired appointment. Palace were outplayed during the first half when Marcos Senesi headed the visitors ahead and could not respond before the substitute Kiefer Moore made sure of the points late on. It was a chastening defeat in front of an anxious home crowd that made their dissatisfaction clear throughout and particularly at the final whistle, when one appeared to throw an object at Hodgson as he left the pitch. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/dec/06/crystal-palace-bournemouth-premier-league-match-report

Oh Hyeon-gyu’s double keeps leaders eight points clear Abdallah Sima scores again; Kilmarnock win at Aberdeen Celtic hammered Hibernian 4-1 after Oh Hyeon-gyu’s double inspired victory for the Scottish Premiership leaders. The forward helped the Hoops to a comfortable win at Celtic Park and ensured they remain eight points clear at the top of the table, with Rangers also beating Hearts 1-0. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/dec/06/scottish-premiership-celtic-thrash-hibs-while-rangers-edge-out-hearts

Dele last played in February before hip injury and surgery Dominic Calvert-Lewin could be fit to face Newcastle Dele Alli is close to resuming full training at Everton as he looks to revive his Premier League career in the new year. Dele has not played for Everton this season and last made a competitive appearance in February, when sustaining a hip injury that curtailed his loan with Besiktas and necessitated surgery. The 27-year-old midfielder also endured a setback in his recovery this season. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/dec/06/dele-alli-everton-on-course-for-return-new-year-sean-dyche

Tottenham captain backed to be more prolific in front of goal Spurs manager says his side is ‘well short’ in attacking output Ange Postecoglou believes Son Heung-min will go down as one of the great strikers as he looked forward to unlocking the full potential of his attacking options at Tottenham. The manager has seen his team concede 11 goals in four league matches, which have yielded a single point – the one in Sunday’s 3-3 draw at Manchester City . There has been criticism that Spurs have been too high and open, albeit Postecoglou has had to contend with a selection crisis that has robbed him of many key players. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/dec/06/elite-in-every-aspect-postecoglou-says-son-will-go-down-as-spurs-great

Our cartoonist on the fallout at the Etihad as Jack Grealish was denied a clean run through on goal in the dying minutes Like what David does? Consider supporting our journalism Get yourself a copy of this cartoon in the Guardian Print Store Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/picture/2023/dec/05/david-squires-manchester-city-tottenham-fallout

Intense competition for places to live is driving rents up and up, but is there hope for change?

Duff lasted just six months in role after joining from Barnsley Mowbray loses job after Black Cats drop out of playoff places Swansea have sacked Michael Duff as their head coach with the club 18th in the Championship. The 45-year-old departs after a winless run of five games and only one victory from their past eight after their recent 1-1 draw against Huddersfield. Duff was appointed in June, having led Barnsley to the League One playoff final last season, and was in charge for less than six months. The assistant head coach Martin Paterson follows Duff out of the club with immediate effect, while fellow assistant head coach Alan Sheehan will take caretaker charge. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/dec/04/championship-club-swansea-dismiss-duff-while-sunderland-sack-mowbray

Customers face incorrect bills as 2.7 million smart meters fail to send automatic readings.

Government fully accepts review led by Karen Carney Saturday 3pm could become a dedicated live broadcast slot The government has accepted every recommendation in the Karen Carney-led review of women’s football. They include supporting full professionalism of the top two divisions, a lifting of minimum standards, full unionisation of the Women’s Super League and Championship, cost controls at the top and for 3pm on Saturday to be considered as a dedicated broadcast slot for women’s football. An implementation group of key stakeholders will meet next March and July to provide updates. “I’m encouraged that the government is providing their full backing to my review and renewing their commitment to develop women’s football in the UK and fulfil its potential to be a world-beating sport,” Carney said. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/dec/04/women-football-review-karen-carney-saturday-3pm-tv-blackout

João Félix killed off Atlético Madrid, and he could not have enjoyed it any more, extracting revenge on the club that still owns him and to which he hopes never to return. The Portuguese, on loan at Barcelona, scored the only goal as they defeated Atlético at Montjuic, securing a vital victory that came laced with vindication, then he produced a celebration that showed just what it meant to him. Leaping on to the advertising board, he stood arms wide. So now what? For now, he wins. It may be only one match but it was a grudge match and it had gone his way, all the tension taken out on the pitch. If he was unpopular back at Atlético – and the evidence from Montjuic suggests very strongly that he was – he will be even less popular now. Here in Catalonia, on this night, they embraced him like never before, and no wonder. This was a big win for a team under pressure, a release for all of them. When he departed with 15 minutes to go, he walked past Diego Simeone without a look but inside

Changes in the US are enticing more people to file bankruptcy to clear their student loans.

Why struggling parents aren't choosing cheaper brands when it comes to infant formula milk.

Treble-winners host Tottenham on Sunday ‘The bad moments are coming,’ says manager Pep Guardiola says Manchester City fans should enjoy the moment as the club’s remarkable success during his time at the club is will not last for ever. City host Tottenham on Sunday looking to protect their record of being unbeaten at home in 27 matches, a run that began more than a year ago. Since the 2-1 defeat by Brentford in November 2022, City have won an historic treble and this week confirmed top spot in their Champions League group with a game to spare. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/dec/02/not-normal-to-win-a-lot-pep-guardiola-manchester-city

Manchester United’s submissive stance at St James’ Park highlights the differing directions the teams are heading in As the players finished their handshakes and retreated to their halves ahead of kick-off the familiar strains of Local Hero tumbling from the public address briefly faltered, before starting again from the beginning. A rewind was exactly what was coming next, with Newcastle and Manchester United reminding us exactly what they are about. Towards the end of normal time in an utterly one-sided match substitute Antony’s shot deflecting in off Harry Maguire (who mercifully for the home side was offside) briefly threatened to taunt the Geordies over a lack of ability to kill an occasion game – the same trait that had improbably robbed them of three points against an ailing, 10-man Liverpool back in late August. Yet anything other than a home win would have been moonlight robbery. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog

Pro-Palestinian TikTok posts gain traction with Gen Z, while slicker Israeli content is popular on X.

The app that gives women a place to speak out about about sexual harassment and other #MeToo issues.

The company says accounts posted about divisive issues ahead of the 2024 presidential election.

Rangers’ European journey will continue into 2024 but a disconcerting 1-1 draw with Aris Limassol means a wait until they must wait until the final Group C fixture to see if progress will be into the Europa League knockout stages. They suffered a shock 2-1 defeat to the Cypriot side on matchday two following the departure of coach Michael Beale and on a freezing evening in Govan they were in trouble again in the 28th minute when Shavy Babicka scored on the break. Rangers manager, Philippe Clement, replaced Todd Cantwell with Ross McCausland before the break and the young Northern Ireland attacker scored his first goal for the club early in the second half to level. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/nov/30/rangers-aris-limassol-europa-league-match-report