The Gunners have not won the Premier League for 22 years and have finished in second place for three successive seasons.

The Carabao Cup final was Arsenal’s first chance to win a major trophy for six years.

And after losing to City and now being knocked out of the FA Cup by a lower league team for the first time since 2021-22 – a third round loss to Nottingham Forest – the Gunners need to ensure these defeats do not turn into a slump in form.

“They have to not let the season run away from them,” former Arsenal and Southampton forward Theo Walcott told BBC Sport.

“Everything they have built this season, don’t let it affect them. They have been in this situation before and they don’t want to relive that.”

Mikel Arteta has consistently spoken about everyone at the club’s desire to win but with the end of the season approaching, games running out, and a £250m spend in the summer, the pressure is at an all-time high.

Walcott said he noticed a “nervous energy” on the touchline at St Mary’s that has been seen before in recent years.

“Visually watching Mikel on the sidelines, it was elements of previous years where that energy reflected into the team,” he said.

“It was very tense. Not just Mikel but a lot of the staff were out there at times. It was like too many cooks in the kitchen, too many messages.”

It was a poor Arsenal performance by the high standards they have set throughout the season.

And despite dominating possession, having 23 shots and levelling the game in the 68th minute, the Gunners never really looked like they would go onto win.

“I love my players. What they have done for nine months. I’m not going to criticise them because we lost a game here in the manner that they tried,” Arteta said.

“And the way they are putting their bodies through everything. Some of them probably didn’t even have to be here. I’m not going to do that. I’m going to defend them more than ever.

“Someone has to take responsibility. That’s me and we have the most beautiful period of the season ahead of us.

“In the season, you always have moments. Normally two or three. This is the first moment that we have.

“So stand up, make yourself comfortable and deliver like we’ve been doing all season.”

The Gunners boss was then asked how he can prevent this form rolling into the rest of the season and derailing their Champions League and Premier League campaigns.

“Giving them [the players] clarity, giving more conviction, trusting our players, believing in what we are doing,” Arteta said.

“And continue to do that with the tweaks that every game demands.

“But especially maintaining the speed, the attitude and the energy at the highest possible level. Because that’s critical to perform at the level that we need to win matches.”

The Indian Super League clubs on Saturday urged the All India Football Federation (AIFF) not to take any “binding decision” on the new long-term commercial rights holder during Sunday’s executive committee meeting, citing a lack of meaningful opportunity to evaluate the bidders.

The ISL clubs have been embroiled in a conflict with the AIFF, with recent developments focusing on the commercial rights tender.

Two bidders are in contention to acquire the combined commercial rights of the ISL and Federation Cup, with one of them offering more than Rs 2100 crore for a 20-year period after the AIFF opened the bids on Friday, and the national federation is expected to get its new commercial partner by Sunday, when it meets for an executive committee meeting.

The clubs, though, said in a joint statement they “cannot be expected to arrive at a considered view” on the competing bidders without being “afforded a more meaningful opportunity” to assess them in substance while also pointing out that they were not part of the drafting process.

“As you are aware, the clubs were not part of the drafting process of the RFQ (Request for Quotation) and were only provided access to the relevant documents less than 12 hours prior to the bids being opened.

“In those circumstances, any expectation that the clubs should now immediately indicate a preference between the bidders would, with respect, be both premature and inconsistent with the seriousness of the decision at hand,” the ISL clubs said in the statement.

FanCode and Genius Sports submitted bids for the commercial rights relating to the ISL and the Federation Cup (or the Super Cup), while Capri Sports placed bids for the commercial rights of the Indian Women’s League first division and the Indian Women’s League 2.

“This is not a routine commercial appointment. The party selected through this process will have a material bearing on the structure, commercial direction and long-term future of Indian football.

“A decision of this nature must be informed not merely by the fact of a bid having been submitted, but by a proper understanding of the respective bidders’ business plans, revenue generation models, cost structures, operational capabilities, strategic assumptions and overall vision for the property.” 
It is learnt that Genius Sports, the official data feed provider for the English Premier League, the Championship, and the Scottish league, made a bid of Rs 2129 crore over 20 years.

FanCode’s bid amount was approximately Rs 1190 crore, nearly half that of the London-headquartered Genius Sports.

The clubs further wrote in the letter, “We would therefore request that the AIFF facilitate separate presentations and discussions for the clubs with each of the two bidders, namely Genius Sports and FanCode, so that the clubs may hear directly from them and properly evaluate their respective approaches.

“Following that, the clubs should be given reasonable time to deliberate internally, including with our respective owners and key stakeholders, so that any view expressed is informed, responsible and, ideally, reflective of a collective position on the RFQ process and the bidders.”.

The clubs added, “We are also aware that an Executive Committee meeting is scheduled for tomorrow. In that regard, we would strongly urge that no binding decision be taken at that meeting..

“Doing so, before the clubs have had a proper opportunity to understand the bidders and deliberate amongst themselves, would not be in keeping with the spirit of inclusiveness and collective decision-making that we have all repeatedly spoken about and sought to uphold.

“This request is not being made to delay matters unnecessarily, nor to create difficulty, but simply to ensure that a decision of such long-term significance is taken in a manner that is fair, inclusive and worthy of the game’s future.

“We trust the AIFF will appreciate the importance of allowing this process the time and consideration it properly requires, and we would be grateful if the necessary interactions with both bidders could be arranged at the earliest.”.

On March 2, the AIFF invited bids for the commercial rights of both men’s and women’s club competitions for a period of 15 years minimum starting with the 2026-2027 season.

Rajasthan Royals’ Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (AP Photo/Ajit Solanki)

India’s T20 World Cup triumph earlier this year has done little to mask a growing problem in the longest format. The side’s Test performances have dipped noticeably, and despite improved results in limited-overs cricket under head coach Gautam Gambhir, the red-ball setup remains a concern. Losses at home to New Zealand and South Africa have underlined that India are no longer invincible in their own conditions, with their World Test Championship final hopes now looking increasingly unlikely. Recognising the issue, the Board of Control for Cricket in India has moved to reset its long-term Test structure. According to PTI, the Centre of Excellence, headed by VVS Laxman, has rolled out a detailed plan to rebuild India’s red-ball depth by focusing on the next generation. Central to this strategy is a four-day intra-CoE competition scheduled across June and July. Talents such as Ayush Mhatre and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi are set to feature in the tournament, which will include 64 players aged below 25. These players will be split into four teams of 16, with each side playing two multi-day fixtures on varied surfaces to simulate different match scenarios. The idea is to build a consistent pipeline of red-ball players who can serve India over the next decade. As part of this shift, coaches and selectors have been instructed to make red-ball development the priority at High Performance Camps in Bengaluru over the coming year. “The India Emerging side will comprise of only U-25 players and they will also constitute India A teams for shadow tours also. The roadmap will be created keeping senior chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar, head coach Gautam Gambhir in the loop,” a BCCI source told PTI. “Once the IPL ends, India U-19 and Emerging (U-25) will both tour Sri Lanka for four-day games. The squad will be selected based on Intra-COE tournament performances,” the source added. India’s difficulties in Tests, especially their declining effectiveness against spin even at home, have been a key trigger for this overhaul since Gambhir took charge. The new system is designed to address those gaps through sustained exposure to longer-format cricket. For selection, 25 U-23 players will be chosen by the junior panel led by S Sharath. Another 25 players, spanning U-23 and U-25 categories, will be picked by the senior selection committee based on performances in domestic tournaments like the Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, with the condition that these players must not have been part of the IPL. The remaining 14 spots will go to players who featured in the IPL, including Mhatre, Sooryavanshi and Sameer Rizvi, completing the 64-player pool. “The idea is to select 25 after the intra-COE tourney, and this core group of cricketers will represent both Emerging and India A in shadow tours. The BCCI brass and Team India management is pretty clear — even for U-19s, the focus for next one year has to be red ball,” the source said.

Lauren Price hopes to still hear wedding bells and walk down the aisle next month after her victorious bloody battle against Stephanie Pineiro in Cardiff.

Price was a clear winner on the scorecards – two judges scoring it 98-92 and the other 99-91 – over a pulsating 10-rounder that saw the WBA, WBC and IBF world welterweight belts remain in Wales.

But Price ended the contest covered in blood after a cut mouth prompted nervous glances among her fans from the fifth round onwards – and hopes her partner Carlie Jones will still marry her on May 30.

Price attended a brief press post-fight conference before heading to a nearby hospital for a check up.

“I think it looks a lot worse than it is if I’m honest,” said Price, 31, after taking her unblemished professional record to double figures.

“It’s a little cut in my mouth, but (trainer) Rob McCracken kept me calm and collected.

“Hopefully my partner’s still going to marry me in May.”

Although the cuts and bruises might not have disappeared before her hen night next Saturday, Price will venture out in Cardiff still on top of the world after producing another measured display in difficult circumstances.

Pineiro was emboldened by Price’s blood-splattered face and vest, but the Puerto Rican was unable to bridge the gap in class as her own unbeaten record fell.

Price said: “I knew it was going to be tough, I’ve been out of the ring for a year and it was a mandatory defence as well.

“She’s probably second best in the division well and a tough girl.

“But I showed another level in there in toughness in front of the home fans.

“Another level of maturity. Stay calm, stick to my boxing, and get through.”

Four-weight world champion Claressa Shields was ringside in Cardiff, and Price is targeting a two-fight deal with the American with talks already under way between the respective camps.

The pair faced off in the ring after and a match could be made at middleweight – the division at which Price won Olympic gold in Tokyo five years ago.

Price said: “I fully respect Shields. I think she’s the best in the game and to be the best you have to beat the best.

“Full credit to her for what she’s done her in her career, but I honestly believe in myself. I’m just getting better and better.

“I’m in this game for the biggest fights and I want to be a multi-weight world champion.

“What a great honour it would be to share the ring with Shields, and not just for one fight.

“I said to her ‘I’ll go to America and you come to Wales’ and she shook on it.”

Price’s Boxxer promoter Ben Shalom said: “Lauren’s that good a fighter that a lot of fighters don’t fancy it.

“Shields is the biggest name in the sport. She recognises that Lauren is coming into her prime at 31 and wants legacy fights.

“Hopefully one in the stadium here in Cardiff because she’s probably too big for this arena now.”

Marvel Stadium will play host to Friday’s
Round 4 AFL game between North Melbourne Kangaroos and
Carlton Blues. The game kicks off at 3:15 pm with Carlton Blues heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the North Melbourne Kangaroos vs.
Carlton Blues
game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Friday April 3, 2026 at 3:15 pm

Where: Marvel Stadium

Bet 💰: Bet On This Match HERE

North Melbourne Kangaroos vs Carlton Blues Odds

North Melbourne Kangaroos vs Carlton Blues Preview

North Melbourne and Carlton meet at Marvel Stadium in a contest that offers both sides a chance to build early momentum. Carlton’s midfield depth and scoring efficiency remain key strengths, while North Melbourne continues to show signs of growth through its emerging talent. The Roos’ ability to apply pressure and transition quickly will be critical against a more polished Blues outfit. Expect a physical contest around the ball, with clearance work and defensive accountability likely to prove decisive. For both teams, this match presents an opportunity to solidify their identity and take a step forward in their 2026 campaigns.

The UConn Huskies men’s basketball team is headed back to the national championship game for the third time in the last four years after defeating the Illinois Fighting Illini in the Final Four.

The Huskies, who were leading by as much as 14 points, fended off a late 10-0 run from Illinois to keep their championship hopes alive. Tarris Reed Jr. ended the run with a lay-up in the paint, then a turnover led to a Solo Ball one-handed slam.

UConn forward Jayden Ross celebrates his shot against Illinois during the first half of an NCAA college basketball tournament semifinal game at the Final Four in Indianapolis on April 4, 2026. (Abbie Parr/AP)

This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.

A new speedster is here – Ashok Sharma. Remember the name. The Gujarat Titans pacer breached the 150 kmph mark twice in the IPL 2026 match against Rajasthan Royals on Saturday. First, he bowled a 150.7 kmph delivery on the fourth ball of the 16th over to Donovan Ferreira. Then, on the final delivery of the over, Ashok unleashed a 154.2 kmph screamer to Dhruv Jurel. Ashok currently has the fastest and third-fastest deliveries of IPL 2026. Lucknow Super Giants’ Anrich Nortje (150.9 kmph) has the second-fastest delivery.

154kpmh from Ashok Sharma @StarSportsIndia pic.twitter.com/DE2VMZU9n4

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Talking about the match, Dhruv Jurel beautifully blended aggression with discretion in his 42-ball 75 to guide Rajasthan Royals to a challenging 210 for 6 against Gujarat Titans after the opening pair of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi laid the platform in an IPL match here on Saturday. In the RR innings, Jaiswal looked to be getting back into the groove with a 55 off 36 balls after ‘Boy Wonder’ Sooryavanshi smashed an 18-ball 31 in an opening stand of 70 in just 6.2 overs.

Jurel seemed settled in his new role at No. 3 and showed that there is room for conventional shots while still striking at a rate of over 150. The pick-up pull off Ashok Sharma after completing his fifty was a delight-a testament to his strong core and excellent hand-eye coordination. He hit five sixes and an equal number of boundaries.

For Gujarat Titans, Ashok Sharma (1/37 in 4 overs), in only his second IPL game, emerged as the ‘next big pace hope’ after clocking 154.2 clicks and consistently bowling at speeds north of 145 kmph. However, BCCI coaches would need to be cautious, as there are lessons to be learned from the stories of Mayank Yadav and Umran Malik.

Jurel’s knock was a throwback to the early days of the IPL, when one batter would hold the innings together before throwing the kitchen sink at the opposition. A six off Rashid Khan over deep mid-wicket after dancing down the track was the highlight of his innings.

With Shubman Gill missing from the playing XI due to muscle spasms, Royals skipper Riyan Parag rightly opted to bat, and the explosive opening pair did not disappoint. The Sooryavanshi-Jaiswal combination may still be relatively new, having come together last year, but a statistic from Cricviz underlines their dominance.

Out of 113 pairs in IPL history with 500-plus runs together, Jaiswal and Sooryavanshi stand out with a scoring rate of 12.04 runs per over and are third on the list behind Travis Head–Abhishek Sharma (12.57) and Sunil Narine–Phil Salt (12.46).

With the quartet of Mohammed Siraj, Kagiso Rabada, Prasidh Krishna and Ashok extracting extra bounce and pace off the surface, shot-making during the Powerplay became relatively easy, as batters were able to use the pace of the ball.

The fearless Sooryavanshi started with a flurry of boundaries, including one off Rabada lofted over mid-off. The standout shot was a last-moment adjustment to a short ball from Ashok, which he cut uppishly for a six.

Rashid Khan eventually dismissed Sooryavanshi, who played one shot too many, but Jurel and Jaiswal added another 56 runs for the second wicket

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The Los Angeles Lakers appeared to have taken another hit to their lineup with only five games remaining before the playoffs tip-off.

The Lakers will be without Austin Reaves for the rest of the regular season as the guard suffered a left oblique muscle injury, ESPN first reported on Saturday. Reaves is reportedly expected to miss 4-6 weeks. The team will have a road game against the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday.

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Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves drives against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell during the first half of an NBA game in Oklahoma City on April 2, 2026. (Gerald Leong/AP)

The franchise later announced the injury.

Reaves has emerged as one of the Lakers’ top players since he joined Los Angeles before the 2021-22 season. The former Oklahoma and Wichita State player joined the Lakers as an undrafted free agent. He started to earn starting time during his third season with the franchise.

The 27-year-old has played in 51 games this year. He’s averaging 23.3 points, 5.5 assists and 4.7 rebounds per game. He played 27 minutes in the team’s 139-96 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday night.

NBA FACES PRESSURE TO ALTER 65-GAME ELIGIBILITY RULE FOR PLAYERS TO BE CONSIDERED FOR AWARDS

Lakers guard Austin Reaves brings the ball up court during the second half against the Washington Wizards in Los Angeles on March 30, 2026. (Ryan Sun/AP)

Word of Reaves’ season-ending ailment came a day after the team also lost Luka Doncic for the rest of the regular season with a left hamstring strain. Doncic was in the running for the NBA MVP award and scored 600 points in the month of March.

“Our mission, it hasn’t changed,” Lakers head coach J.J. Redick said earlier Saturday. “The rest of these guys and my staff, we’re going after the 3-seed, and we’re going to try to win a playoff series.”

Reaves will be eligible for a lucrative contract extension in the offseason if he declines his player option for the 2026-27 season. Reports indicated that Reaves will likely decline the option.

The Lakers’ final game of the season will come on April 12 against the Utah Jazz.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves drives against Washington Wizards guard Will Riley during the second half of an NBA game in Los Angeles on March 30, 2026. (Ryan Sun/AP)

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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