Connect with us
DAPA Banner

Sports

a Trade with the Bears, Summer QB Competition, Cam Skattebo

Published

on

Advertisement

Close-up of a Chicago Bears helmet displaying the navy shell and orange logo before a game.
A close-up view of a Chicago Bears helmet is shown on Nov 10, 2019, at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois, capturing the team’s iconic navy shell and orange “C” logo before game action. The detailed shot highlights the franchise’s classic look as players prepared for kickoff in a traditional NFC North setting. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports.

Each week, we track our version of the “Nopedy Nopes” in the Minnesota Vikings’ orbit — the takes that miss, get weird, drift away from reality, or just plain fell flat compared to expectations.

Three fresh Vikings misses hit trade talk, quarterback chatter, and draft noise.

This round focuses on draft chatter, roster battles, and one wild podcast opinion as the regular season sits about five months out.

Advertisement

This Week’s Nopedy Nopes Hit Chicago, Quarterback Talk, and Draft Buzz

The Vikings Nopedy Nopes with the draft 11 days out.

Ben Johnson stands on the field before a Chicago Bears preseason game at Soldier Field. vikings myths and misses 2026
Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson stands on the field before kickoff on Aug 17, 2025, at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois, ahead of a preseason matchup against the Buffalo Bills. Johnson observed warmups and interacted with staff as Chicago prepared for early-season action in front of a home crowd. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images.

The Nopedy Nope: The Vikings will do trade business with the Bears in Round 1 of the draft.

ESPN’s Bill Barnwell recommended one trade for each NFL franchise that should consider during the draft, and here’s his proposal for the Vikings:

Minnesota Gets:
Pick No. 25 (R1)
Pick No. 60 (R2)

Advertisement

Chicago Gets:
Pick No. 18 (R1)
Pick No. 163 (R5)

Barnwell explained, “Ryan Poles has already addressed some of his team’s weaknesses this offseason, but the Bears should still hope to add something meaningful on the edge. Montez Sweat is a very solid starter on one side of the line, but Dayo Odeyingbo is coming off a torn Achilles and didn’t look good in his debut season as a Bears player before the injury.”

“Odeyingbo has no guaranteed money due in 2027, so this trade would be for a rookie who can rotate with him in 2026 before taking over as the starter next year. The Bears have an extra second-round pick after trading DJ Moore to the Bills, which would make this deal easier to stomach in Chicago.”

The trade deal is quite intriguing, all things considered.

Advertisement

“Brzezinski’s Vikings were the league’s third-oldest team on a snap-weighted basis last season, and that was with McCarthy and Max Brosmer taking the majority of the snaps at quarterback. Adofo-Mensah was wildly successful in free agency but struggled badly with his drafts, so the Vikings need to add more young talent to their core,” Barnwell continued.

“Picking up an extra second-round pick would make sense, especially after they made just one top-100 pick a year ago.”

The problem? The Vikings and Bears hardly ever do trade business.

The Verdict: Nopedy nope on the likelihood of a Vikings-Bears trade. Interdivisional trading is taboo.

Advertisement

The Nopedy Nope: Kyler Murray will face a real quarterback competition at training camp.

NBC Sports’ Mike Florio opined on the Vikings’ QB setup this week, claiming, “The Vikings currently have four quarterbacks on the roster. There is no starter, for now. Coach Kevin O’Connell explained during a recent visit with PFT Live that, eventually, there will be a clear delineation of positions on the depth chart.”

“It will come down, undoubtedly, to Kyler Murray or J.J. McCarthy. O’Connell explained that he has no concern about McCarthy becoming disenchanted if he doesn’t win the job.”

Training camp will get underway in about 3.5 months.

Advertisement
Kyler Murray watches an NBA game between the Mavericks and Suns at American Airlines Center. vikings myths and misses 2026
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray appears courtside on Jan 28, 2020, at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, during a game between the Dallas Mavericks and Phoenix Suns. Murray watched second-quarter action while taking in the NBA matchup, drawing attention as a high-profile NFL presence at the arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images.

Florio added, “The best news for the Vikings is that, however it plays out, they’ll have a solid No. 2 and (if Carson Wentz makes the final 53) a third-stringer who can win games if need be.”

“Last year, Wentz showed up less than two weeks before Week 1, and he played better than anyone could have expected. This year, he’ll be involved throughout the offseason program and training camp.”

Minnesota will claim there’s a quarterback battle in spirit, but it’s window dressing.

The Verdict: Nopedy nope on a real Vikings quarterback battle; Murray will win it handily.

The Nopedy Nope: Cam Skattebo says CTE is fake, so that settles that.

Advertisement

In March, Skattebo said CTE was an “excuse” and that all one needs to do to combat asthma is to “breathe.” He later walked back the comments, but Cris Carter opined on the topic this week.

Carter stopped by the Fully Loaded podcast and told the show’s host, “So as far as CTE, the thing that I know is ever since I’ve been in the Hall of Fame, it has hit closer, and it’s hit very, very different because I can see annually guys deteriorate.”

“I can see the greatest athletes in the world psychologically, mentally, and physically succumb to age, dementia, CTE, and some of them have died, and the studies came back immediately with them. I’m going out of my way so that I can be the healthiest version of myself, but I’m terrified. I don’t live life terrified, but I’m terrified of the potential.

Cris Carter celebrates after catching a touchdown pass during the 1995 Pro Bowl at Aloha Stadium. vikings myths and misses 2026
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Cris Carter (81) reacts after a touchdown on Feb 5, 1995, at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii, during the Pro Bowl. Carter’s 51-yard scoring reception highlighted his playmaking ability as he celebrated in an all-star setting alongside the league’s top talent. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports.

About 10 years ago, Carter said on the same topic, “I’ve had teammates who killed themselves: Andre Waters, teammate of mine in Philadelphia. I’ve had good friends of mine: Junior Seau, Dave Duerson. Great men, guys that have done tremendous things in their community. All of a sudden they became violent and took their own lives. So I worry. I worry what my future is. I wonder what’s going to happen to our generation?”

It’s a serious matter for Carter, and rightfully so. To claim otherwise is immature, reckless, and dumb.

Advertisement

The Verdict: Nopedy nope on Skattebo turning CTE into a debateable issue. It’s not.


avatar

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

Sports

Bruins’ James Hagens to make NHL debut vs. Blue Jackets

Published

on

With their playoff spot locked up, the Boston Bruins are giving their top prospect a closer look.

Forward James Hagens is set to make his NHL debut on Sunday when the Bruins square off against the Columbus Blue Jackets, head coach Marco Sturm told reporters before puck drop (Sportsnet, 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT).

“It’s always very exciting when somebody [comes], especially like him, late [into the season], but also being a high pick,” Sturm said when asked about what it means for players like Hagens to get some run. “Guys are excited to have him here; he’s a good kid. He works really hard in practice.”

Hagens, who the Bruins selected seventh overall in 2025, signed a three-year entry-level contract earlier in the week, allowing him to suit up with the team for the stretch run of the season.

Advertisement

The 19-year-old will skate on a line alongside fellow youngsters Fraser Minten and Marat Khusnutdinov in order to pair him with guys in a similar age group.

“I think Mints and Khus are guys who will take care of him,” Sturm said. “It should be fun for him. And hopefully he’s gonna have a good one.”

Prior to signing his ELC, Hagens signed an AHL tryout agreement with Boston on March 24 and played six games with the Providence Bruins. He recorded one goal and three assists in that span.

Before signing his tryout, Hagens had 23 goals and 47 points in 34 games as a junior for Boston College.

Advertisement

The five-foot-11, 193‑pound forward was named to the conference’s All-Rookie Team after posting 37 points (11 goals, 26 assists) during the 2024-25 season. Across two years with Boston College (2024-26), the forward skated in 71 games, totalling 34 goals and 50 assists for 84 points.

Boston is currently locked into a wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference after the Detroit Red Wings were eliminated in Saturday’s action.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Sports

Jaron Ennis responds to Terence Crawford saying he would lose to Fundora

Published

on

Terence Crawford recently stated his belief that Sebastian Fundora is the man to hand Jaron Ennis a first career defeat. Now, ‘Boots’ has responded to those claims made by ‘Bud.’

Crawford and Ennis were linked to a fight for a number of years, both when Crawford reigned as the WBO welterweight world champion and once he had got his hands on the coveted undisputed title in the 147lb division.

However, back in December, ‘Bud’ hung up the gloves without ever facing Ennis, leaving the undefeated super-welterweight contender as one of the United States’ biggest unbeaten stars.

Advertisement

Although, whilst his record remains unblemished, ‘Boots’ is scheduled for a difficult clash with unified 154lb ruler, Xander Zayas, in June, where he could become a two-division unified champion if able to dethrone the Puerto Rican.

Yet, on social media, Crawford stated that Ennis should be more concerned about WBC titleholder Sebastian Fundora, believing that Floridian southpaw is the top dog in the super-welterweight scene and well capable of trumping ‘Boots’.

In an interview with FightHub, Ennis responded to Crawford’s comments, declaring that the opinions of his fellow fighters and rivals has no impact on him, after laughing off the thought of losing to Fundora.

“Ha. I don’t know why though. None of that stuff be bothering me. Like I said, I am the best at 154lbs. Everybody know it and I’mma keep standing every time out.”

Zayas-Ennis takes place on Saturday, June 27, where the 35-fight undefeated streak of ‘Boots’ will be on the line in what is the toughest test of his career to date.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

8 Ways the Vikings’ Draft Could Shake Out

Published

on

Advertisement

Stu Voigt announces a Vikings draft pick on stage at the NFL Draft
Former Minnesota Vikings tight end Stu Voigt announces the team’s third-round selection at the NFL Draft, with Apr. 25, 2025 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin capturing the on-stage moment as fans reacted to the No. 102 pick during the second night of draft festivities. Mandatory Credit: Tork Mason-USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

You are 11 days away from learning how the Minnesota Vikings proceed in Round 1 of the NFL draft, all of a sudden an exciting event because Kevin O’Connell’s team could be quite good in 2026 with Kyler Murray in the house. Here’s a look at the main eight ways the draft could shake out on April 23rd.

Minnesota could stay put, move back, or get aggressive.

The Vikings pick 18th, though they could, in theory, trade up or down.

Advertisement

The Realistic Draft Paths for Minnesota at Pick No. 18

Ranked in ascending order (No. 1 = most realistic outcome), this is what to expect from Minnesota in Round 1.

Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles during a game against Wisconsin at Camp Randall Stadium. Vikings draft scenarios.
Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles (0) stands ready during game action against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium, Oct 18, 2025, as the Buckeyes defense prepares for the next snap in a physical Big Ten matchup under a charged atmosphere. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

8. Trade No. 18 for a Star — or Trade Up

Three men could be the object of the Vikings’ desire for a trade up the board:

  • Jeremiyah Love (RB, Notre Dame)
  • Sonny Styles (LB, Ohio State)
  • Caleb Downs (S, Ohio State)

Is a Vikings trade-up for a non-premium position likely? No, it is not. Can it be ruled out? No, it cannot.

Or — another wild scenario — Minnesota could use the 18th overall pick to land a big fish via trade, like Philadelphia Eagles DT Jalen Carter or New York Giants DT Dexter Lawrence.

Advertisement

For context, this option is mentioned “just in case.”

7. Trade Jonathan Greenard and Draft an EDGE

Greenard has frequented the trade rumor mill for about five weeks. Truth be told, when the Vikings’ leaders speak about Greenard, they never use words like “untouchable.” There remains a chance that Greenard is traded for a 2nd-Rounder.

Then, equipped with the 50th pick in addition, for example, interim general manager Rob Brzezinski could use his 1st-Round pick on Keldric Faulk (Auburn) or Akheem Mesidor (Miami).

Advertisement

6. Draft a WR at No. 18

A Round 1 wide receiver is in play for two reasons:

a) The Vikings have no WR3 right now unless Tai Felton takes a huge summer leap.

b) Jordan Addison’s behavior isn’t necessarily reliable.

Advertisement

Some mock drafts have hinted that Minnesota could pick Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson; it’s not the craziest idea, especially for a franchise now led by an offense-first head coach, Kevin O’Connell, who might be the Team CEO.

5. Draft TE Kenyon Sadiq at No. 18

Sadiq possesses a rare combination of skills — strong receiving, reliable blocking, and exceptional physical attributes — and at just 21 years old, his potential is immense.

This is particularly relevant to the Vikings’ long-term plans. With T.J. Hockenson’s recent contract rework leading him towards free agency in March 2027, the Vikings may want to secure their future at tight end. If they believe Sadiq is the best player available at pick No. 18, drafting him is absolutely in play.

Advertisement

4. Draft a CB at No. 18

This is code for two players, in all likelihood:

  1. Jermod McCoy (Tennessee)
  2. Avieon Terrell (Clemson)

McCoy may not be available at the Vikings’ spot, but if he is, they might have to pounce. Terrell’s draft lead-up is riddled by injuries, but if Minnesota just doesn’t care, he’s in play, too.

Tennessee defensive back Jermod McCoy celebrating after a win over Florida at Neyland Stadium. Vikings draft scenarios.
Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee defensive back Jermod McCoy (3) celebrates with a symbolic prop after defeating the Florida Gators at Neyland Stadium, Oct 12, 2024, as the Volunteers mark a rivalry win and energize the home crowd following the final whistle. Mandatory Credit: Angelina Alcantar-Imagn Images

The Vikings haven’t drafted productive cornerbacks since Trae Waynes and Mackensie Alexander, so we’re talking a decade-long drought.

3. Draft a DT at No. 18

Translation? Clemson’s Peter Woods.

Advertisement

Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave played over 1,300 defensive snaps at defensive tackle for the Vikings in 2025. However, that production is now gone. Minnesota moved on from both veterans a month ago after their one-year stints, creating a clear void in the middle of the defensive line.

If the Vikings stay at No. 18 and seek a young defensive tackle, Woods would be the pick.

2. Trade Down a Bit + Draft a DB, DT, or LB

Minnesota has an opportunity to sell the 18th overall pick, stay in Round 1, and stockpile a 2nd-, 3rd-, or combination of those picks, depending on how far they’re willing to drop down the board.

Advertisement

Brzezinski would add another Top 100 or pick or two, and then consider drafting one of these players with a pick between 26 and 32:

  • Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (Toledo)
  • Kayden McDonald (DL, Ohio State)
  • C.J. Allen (LB, Georgia)
  • Chris Johnson (CB, San Diego State)
  • Brandon Cisse (CB, South Carolina)
  • Caleb Banks (DT, Florida)

1. Draft a Safety at No. 18

Sticking-and-picking a safety remains the most plausible draft scenario for the Vikings for four reasons:

  • Harrison Smith may retire.
  • Dillon Thieneman might be the best player available at No. 18.
  • Emmanuel McNeil-Warren would fit wonderfully in Brian Flores’s scheme.
  • Just two safeties are under contract for 2027: Josh Metellus and Theo Jackson.
Wyoming running back Harrison Waylee rushing while a Toledo defender attempts a tackle in the Arizona Bowl. Vikings draft scenarios.
Tucson, Arizona, USA; Wyoming running back Harrison Waylee (4) carries the ball against Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (22) during second-half action in the Arizona Bowl, Dec 30, 2023, as both teams compete for yardage in a postseason matchup at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The only argument against a safety is that the position isn’t considered premium. Want an example? The Vikings could sign any one of these free-agent safeties today for cheap, and that player would do just fine in the rotation:

  • Jamal Adams
  • Ashtyn Davis
  • Quandre Diggs
  • Terrell Edmunds
  • Mike Edwards
  • Rayshawn Jenkins
  • Ifeatu Melifonwu
  • Isaiah Oliver
  • Jabrill Peppers
  • Jordan Poyer
  • Taylor Rapp
  • Justin Simmons
  • Xavier Woods
  • Donovan Wilson

General managers should only draft safeties in Round 1 if they’re confident that the rookie will be an utter game-changer — like Harrison Smith 14 years ago.

Perhaps that’ll be Thieneman or McNeil-Warren. You’ll find out in a week and half.


avatar
Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

IPL 2026: Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar shine as RCB outgun MI in 462-run thriller at Wankhede | Cricket News

Published

on

IPL 2026: Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar shine as RCB outgun MI in 462-run thriller at Wankhede

NEW DELHI: Royal Challengers Bengaluru produced a commanding all-round performance to outclass Mumbai Indians by 18 runs in a high-scoring IPL clash at the Wankhede. Powered by explosive half-centuries from Phil Salt, Virat Kohli and skipper Rajat Patidar, RCB posted a massive 240/4, which MI could not fully chase despite a late fightback led by Sherfane Rutherford.RCB came out swinging from the start, with Kohli setting the tone in trademark fashion, including a stunning flicked six early on. Phil Salt then took charge, tearing into the MI attack with fearless strokeplay, punishing both pace and spin as he raced to 78 off just 36 balls.

Watch

How Justin Langer’s belief helped Mukul Choudhary shine

The opening stand of 120 put MI immediately on the back foot.Even when MI tried changing bowlers, nothing worked. Salt smashed Mitchell Santner for three consecutive sixes, while Mayank Markande was taken apart. Eventually, Shardul Thakur broke through by dismissing Salt, but the damage was already done.Rajat Patidar then walked in and went into full attack mode, smashing a 17-ball fifty and continuing the carnage with clean hitting over the infield. Kohli held one end steady, bringing up his fifty before falling in the 15th over after scoring 50 off 37 balls. Tim David then added a quick unbeaten 34, pushing RCB to a daunting 240.

MI fall short at the end

Mumbai Indians’ chase never fully settled despite a decent start. Ryan Rickelton looked promising with 37 off 22, but wickets at key moments derailed momentum. Rohit Sharma’s injury retirement further hurt their balance early on.Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya tried to rebuild, but RCB’s bowlers kept striking at regular intervals. Krunal Pandya’s tight spell and Suyash Sharma’s breakthroughs in the middle overs ensured MI never got a real launchpad, going several overs without a six during a crucial phase.The only real resistance came late from Sherfane Rutherford, who smashed an unbeaten 71 off 31 balls with a flurry of sixes to narrow the margin. However, the target of 241 proved too steep, and MI ended at 222/5.In the end, RCB’s top-order firepower and early dominance sealed a comfortable 18-run win in a run-fest at the Wankhede.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Sports

Canelo Alvarez offered fast track to another potential world title shot

Published

on

Canelo Alvarez lost the super-middleweight marbles back in September, but the Mexican superstar is eager to win them back when he returns later this year.

Alvarez’s reign was brought to an end by Terence Crawford seven months ago, only for ‘Bud’ to retire soon after and leave the titles fragmented, making the road to becoming a three-time undisputed champion an arduous one for Canelo.

Returning in September, it is expected that the 35-year-old will bounce straight back into a title challenge upon his return, with the WBC route being the most likely target in his comeback fight; where Christian Mbilli now holds the world title.

Advertisement

Meanwhile, the WBA have installed Jose Armando Resendiz as their new super-middleweight titleholder, following his interim title win over Caleb Plant last May. However, the Mexican is scheduled to face countryman and former Canelo opponent, Jaime Munguia, on Saturday, May 2. Last week, Osleys Iglesias picked up the vacant IBF belt.

Finally, the WBO has ordered a vacant title contest between Hamzah Sheeraz and Alem Begic in the co-main event of the Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven bill next month.

Canelo remains ranked as the number one contender for the WBO title and, in an interview with The Ring, Sheeraz said that he would relish the opportunity to face the four-division world champion in the near future.

“That fight there, if that fight ever happens, that is down to His Excellency [Turki Al-Alshikh]. If he wants it to happen, it will happen. I would love to share the ring with a great in Canelo and if it happens, it happens.”

Therefore, should an issue arise with his planned WBC title challenge, Canelo could instead opt to pursue a clash with the victor of Sheeraz-Begic later this year, as he attempts an immediate return to the 168lb throne. If he fights and beats Mbilli – no simple task – the prospect of a unification will be there waiting.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

Nationals win 8-6 to complete first sweep of Brewers since 2011

Published

on

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Keibert Ruiz singled home two runs to break an eighth-inning tie and the Washington Nationals defeated Milwaukee 8-6 on Sunday to complete their first series sweep of the Brewers in 15 years.

Washington’s last sweep of the Brewers came in April 2011. The Nationals hadn’t swept the Brewers in Milwaukee since June 2006.

Advertisement

The Nationals recovered after allowing a tying, three-run homer to Gary Sánchez in the seventh.

Advertisement

Brice Turang hit two solo shots and Jake Bauers also went deep for Milwaukee, which has lost five straight for its longest skid since June 2023.

Washington’s James Wood homered for the fourth time in his last seven games.

After the Nationals scored four runs off Milwaukee relievers Abner Uribe and Angel Zerpa (0-1) to take a 6-3 lead in the seventh, the Brewers quickly responded.

Milwaukee had two outs and nobody on in the bottom of the inning when reliever Ken Waldichuk threw a pitch to Turang and immediately started walking around in discomfort. Waldichuk pointed to his elbow while getting checked by athletic trainers on the mound and then headed to the dugout as Cole Henry came out of the bullpen.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Turang and William Contreras eventually walked. Sánchez then delivered a 400-foot shot into the left-field seats.

Washington bounced back in the eighth.

CJ Abrams and Jacob Young began the inning with singles off Zerpa before both runners advanced on Jorbit Vivas’ sacrifice bunt. Ruiz then greeted Aaron Ashby by grounding a single up the middle through a drawn-in infield.

Advertisement

PJ Poulin (2-0) pitched 1 1/3 scoreless innings to earn the win. Gus Varland retired the side in order in the ninth for his first career save.

Up next

Nationals: Open a four-game series at Pittsburgh. The starting pitchers for Monday’s opener are Washington’s Cade Cavalli (0-0, 2.51 ERA) and Pittsburgh’s Paul Skenes (2-1, 5.25).

Advertisement

Brewers: Start a three-game home series with Toronto on Tuesday. Jacob Misiorowski (1-1, 3.31 ERA) pitches for the Brewers, and Kevin Gausman (0-1, 2.08) starts for the Blue Jays.

Advertisement

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Sports

Rosenior Laments Second-Half Collapse as Chelsea Fall 3-0 to Man City

Published

on

Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior has explained his side’s disappointing 3-0 defeat to Manchester City in their Premier League clash on Sunday.

The Blues were beaten at Stamford Bridge after goals from Jérémy Doku, Nico O’Reilly and Marc Guéhi secured all three points for Pep Guardiola’s side.

Speaking after the match, Rosenior admitted that his team failed to maintain their level after the break, despite a solid first-half display.

Advertisement

“In the second half, the performance was nowhere near what we wanted. There was no frustration with the first half; we were organised and very difficult to break down,” Rosenior said.

He also spoke about a controversial moment involving a disallowed effort, adding: “Cucu’s goal is an inch. I still don’t know how close it is, but they have made the decision.”

The Chelsea boss further expressed concern about his team’s recurring struggles when conceding goals.

Advertisement

“The reality now is there are too many times we go a goal down, and it’s quickly followed by another and that can’t happen,” he added.

The result leaves Chelsea FC in sixth position on the Premier League table with 48 points from 32 matches, as they continue their push for a European qualification spot.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

Pep Guardiola: Arsenal are still the best team in England and Europe

Published

on

Pep Guardiola believes Arsenal are still the best team in England after Manchester City cut the gap at the top of the Premier League to six points with a comprehensive 3-0 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

City recovered from a slow first half to blow the home side away with three goals in 17 second-half minutes to put real pressure on the league leaders ahead of next Sunday’s meeting between the two sides.

Should Guardiola’s team triumph at the Etihad Stadium they will move to within three points of the Gunners with a game in hand, and they sent a warning in west London that they are not going away in the title race as goals from Nico O’Reilly, Marc Guehi and Jeremy Doku humiliated Liam Rosenior’s Blues.

“We have done a good three games but the best team in England so far is Arsenal, the best team in Europe so far is Arsenal, because the numbers are there, the consistency they had,” said Guardiola.

City – whose supporters sang “are you watching Arsenal” and “we’re Manchester City, we’ll fight to the end” from the Shed End, while one fan was captured on television cameras animatedly miming drinking from an empty Arsenal branded water bottle – look equipped to take the title fight to the wire.

Advertisement

The Gunners’ home defeat by Bournemouth on Saturday had opened the door for City to take charge of their own destiny, and they took full advantage against a Chelsea side which collapsed in the face of more powerful and clinical opposition to leave their own hopes of reaching the Champions League in serious doubt.

Guardiola believes his team’s victory in the Carabao Cup final three weeks ago helped change the face of the title run-in, with City rampant and Arsenal on a run of three losses in four matches ahead of the showdown.

“There isn’t one person in this room when we played at Wembley in the Carabao Cup bet for us one pound,” he said. “We were underdogs. Now it’s a bit different. That’s the mindset we have to work.

“Football is like that. You’re able to have 49 games, lost three games in the last four. Tell me a reason why. This is business.

Advertisement

“I know how difficult. Always a warning has to be there. We have a long week, we’re going to train good, to prepare good. I know perfectly the manager, I know how good he is (at) adjusting things. But at the same time, we play at home with our people.

“I know how tough. To (beat) Arsenal once is so difficult. Forty-nine games they lost three in all competitions. I know how good they are.”

As for Chelsea, the early promise which accompanied Rosenior’s first month in charge has evaporated, leaving in its place the same old doubts over the mental fortitude of this young squad and the club’s general direction under the current ownership.

“I need to win in this moment,” said Rosenior, whose side trail Liverpool by four points in the race for the final Champions League place.

Advertisement

“When I first came, I never asked for a lot of time because I understand this club. I understand the traditions and the history of this club.

“I would like to have that time and I’m confident that in that time, you can create something very, very special within the time that it takes, which even someone as experienced as Pep or Jurgen Klopp when he won the titles he did at Liverpool, they had a year to sort things out. I’ve come in January.

“It’s not an excuse. It’s a reality.”

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Sports

The Masters 2026 LIVE: Leaderboard, scores and Augusta updates as Rory McIlroy faces fight for green jacket after blowing six-shot advantage

Published

on

Cameron Young drops a shot

A third bogey in four holes for Cameron Young, a skid saved only by the interspersing of a birdie in that run.

And Rory McIlroy misses his birdie putt! A look of frustration and a thrust of the hand at a break he hadn’t seen coming. Justin Rose remains top of the tree, all alone.

Tyrrell Hatton, meanwhile, has scrambled superbly to a four on the 17th. That just about keeps his chances alive, though he’d love a birdie at the last to really put the pressure on.

Advertisement
(Getty Images)

Harry Latham-Coyle12 April 2026 21:41

Rory McIlroy starting to find his flow

Rory McIlroy tattoos the flag on nine, a wonderful wedge of the kind he struggled with yesterday. He’ll have something tasty to join Justin Rose at -12.

Cameron Young was forced to punch out of the trees, and has got unlucky, ending up in a divot. Though he finds the green, his score may be heading the other way.

Harry Latham-Coyle12 April 2026 21:37

Advertisement

Russell Henley drops a shot

Russell Henley tried to play it safe between the two bunkers on the tiny 12th green, yet just overhits it. His chip tumbles down to within range, though he doesn’t like his par putt from the moment it leaves the face.

Down to nine-under in Amen Corner.

Harry Latham-Coyle12 April 2026 21:34

Advertisement

Birdies for the last pairing at the eighth

A birdie apiece for Cameron Young and Rory McIlroy, with the latter failing to find his eagle putt though leaving it dead. Within one of Justin Rose each moves.

Tyrrell Hatton’s rampage may be over courtesy of an errant adventure into the woods beside the 17th fairway.

(Getty Images)

Harry Latham-Coyle12 April 2026 21:28

Advertisement

Creativity!

This could go anywhere. A marvellous bit of thinking and shot-making is rewarded as Cameron Young comes back off the backboard having sailed over the flag with his third. So, so clever, and setting up a birdie chance.

Can Rory McIlroy make his eagle, though?

Harry Latham-Coyle12 April 2026 21:25

Advertisement

Masters fourth round

Not that it will be easy: Rory McIlroy absolutely nails a low-iron that bends brilliantly on to the eighth green. It’s a birdie at worst, you’d suggest.

Up ahead on the 11th, Russell Henley leaves a birdie putt an inch or so high. But Tyrrell Hatton has no such issues – it’s ANOTHER for him at 16 and he’s just two back all of a sudden.

Harry Latham-Coyle12 April 2026 21:23

Advertisement

Justin Rose extends lead

But also on a hot streak is Justin Rose – three in a row for the regular Masters bridesmaid, and a two-shot lead will have belief building that it might finally be his day.

(REUTERS)

Harry Latham-Coyle12 April 2026 21:19

Tyrrell Hatton joins the party!

We assumed that Tyrrell Hatton had much too much to do from -4 at the start of the round, but three birdies on the spin out of Amen Corner take him to -9 for the tournament with three holes to play. He’s in the mix!

(Getty Images)

Harry Latham-Coyle12 April 2026 21:17

Advertisement

Rory McIlroy gets one back

Finally, one drops for Rory McIlroy – back to 10-under with a purposeful stride. A long, long, long way to go…

Harry Latham-Coyle12 April 2026 21:09

Justin Rose leads outright!

A bogey for Cameron Young as a wobbly putt trickles by – Justin Rose leads the Masters!

Advertisement

Harry Latham-Coyle12 April 2026 21:08

Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

It’s still a big deal to me

Published

on

CM Punk opened up ahead of his title match at WWE WrestleMania 42. The Second City Saint will be defending the World Heavyweight Championship at the PLE next weekend in Las Vegas, Nevada.

In an interview with SHAK Wrestling, CM Punk was asked about headlining WrestleMania for the second year in a row. The veteran noted that it still meant a lot to him to be in the main event of The Show of Shows.

“WrestleMania is and always will be the pinnacle, top-shelf show in pro wrestling. Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels, those are the guys that were always talking about and hovering around the main event when I was watching. And I kind of developed that same attitude, like the best guys main event the biggest show, so to do it once was sweet, do it back-to-back years. It’s like being on the cover of the video game for a second time, it’s still a big deal to me,” he said. [H/T: WrestleTalk on X]

You can check out the video below:

Advertisement
youtube-cover

Roman Reigns won the Men’s Royal Rumble match earlier this year in Saudi Arabia and will be challenging Punk for the World Heavyweight Championship at WWE WrestleMania 42 next weekend.

Former WWE writer criticizes CM Punk and Roman Reigns’ storyline

Wrestling veteran Vince Russo recently discussed the rivalry between CM Punk and Roman Reigns.

Speaking on Russo’s The Brand, the legend stated that he was sick of hearing Punk cut promos by himself. He wondered where Reigns was and called out The OTC for skipping shows so close to WWE WrestleMania.

“I am so tired of hearing freaking CM Punk’s promos. Like, okay, bro, we get it. I understand. You’re a 60-year-old rebel. I understand. I get it. Like, how many freaking times? And then, maybe I missed something. Where was Roman Reigns yesterday? Where was he? Like, what is Roman Reigns doing that he can’t appear on the show a week before Mania?” Russo said.

CM Punk and Roman Reigns have one more segment together before Wrestlemania April 13th RAW

Advertisement

The rivalry between Punk and Reigns has become extremely personal. Only time will tell which WWE star walks out of WrestleMania 42 as the reigning World Heavyweight Champion.