Connect with us
DAPA Banner

Sports

What Bruno Fernandes has done for Man United cannot be ignored – even if rival fans won’t like it

Published

on

Bruno Fernandes is closing in on a Premier League record and his performances for Man Utd this season deserve wider acclaim.

There was a revealing line from Michael Carrick about Bruno Fernandes last week, when the Manchester United head coach discussed the impact his captain has had this season and what he has done to take his game to another level since his appointment in January.

“For me, I like seeing Bruno in attacking positions with a little freedom,” he said. Mischief makers could interpret that as a slight against his predecessor, Ruben Amorim, although Carrick is far too diplomatic to have meant it that way.

Advertisement

The 44-year-old had a season ticket with his family at Old Trafford before his sudden elevation to the top job earlier this year, so we can probably guess at what he thought of Amorim’s decision to play Fernandes in a deeper role this season in a 3-4-2-1 system.

Click here to find out the latest Manchester United news in our daily newsletter

It should be said that Fernandes himself had no issue with his role under Amorim, and earlier this month, he actually expressed regret at the club’s decision to end his compatriot’s 14-month time in charge so abruptly.

But there is no getting away from the fact that the 31-year-old has been back to his very best since being restored to those attacking positions that Carrick spoke about. He was still producing numbers further back, but in six years at Old Trafford, he has consistently shown that when it comes to attacking midfielders in the Premier League, he is pretty much unmatched.

Advertisement

After setting up Benjamin Sesko’s goal against Brentford on Monday, Fernandes is now up to 19 assists in the Premier League this season. He needs one in his final four games to equal the record held by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne. Two would see him set a new benchmark all by himself.

He is also timing his run to perfection when it comes to the end-of-season gongs that will be dished out in May. It might be all about the team for the selfless Fernandes, but his form has him in pole position to win some individual honours as well.

“Hopefully, he does. He deserves it for the impact that he’s had and the moments that he’s created,” said Carrick on Monday night. “Whether that’s creating, whether that’s scoring, whether it’s having another influence within the group. He’s had a big season and it was another good performance from him tonight.”

In 13 games under Carrick, Fernandes has now delivered 11 assists and scored three times. He could have taken the shot on as he ran forward last night, but looked like he was eyeing up a pass and another assist instead.

Advertisement

He’s now registered an assist in six of his last seven games, and he scored in the other fixture. This is a player at the peak of his powers, and the fact that he has played every single minute under Carrick is telling. His influence is enormous on and off the pitch,

Fernandes must now be the favourite to win a few awards at the end of this season. I have voted for him in the Football Writers’ Association (FWA) award, while his peers will surely give him plenty of votes in the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) award. Then there is the Premier League Player of the Season honour, which is decided by a panel.

To put Fernandes’ achievements into context, a United player hasn’t won the FWA or PFA award since Wayne Rooney in 2009/10, while the Premier League honour last went to Old Trafford when Nemanja Vidic won it in 2010/11.

It is rare, although not unheard of, for individual recognition to go to a player who hasn’t won trophies with his team that season. This year looked like being one that belonged to Arsenal, but they have stumbled at the wrong time and have no obvious candidate, really, beyond maybe goalkeeper David Raya or centre-back Gabriel. They don’t have a player who has lit up the Premier League.

Advertisement

Manchester City have someone who fits that bill at the moment, but Rayan Cherki’s spellbinding brilliance has come late in the day and he hasn’t done it consistently enough this season to win an individual award.

So all roads lead to Fernandes, even if his heroics only propel United to third in a 40-game season. This is no lifetime achievement award, but he deserves some kind of recognition for all he has delivered across what will be six-and-a-half seasons at Old Trafford.

While United have suffered some desperate lows during Fernandes’ time at the club, he has rarely let his standards drop, with 106 goals and 106 assists in 323 appearances. Just as importantly, he is almost always available. He has been absent through injury or suspension for just 11 matches since he joined the club.

He could very easily have left the club last summer, and there was confusion over who wanted what amid interest from Saudi Arabia. United will be glad they didn’t decide to cash in and there is no doubt they are desperate for their captain to stay. This might be another trophyless season for United, but Fernandes should at least have some silverware for his cabinet at the end of it.

Advertisement

Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Content Image

Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.

Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

Sports

Top Remaining Veterans Teams Should Target After NFL Draft

Published

on

Dec 28, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) looks on after the game against the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn ImagesDec 28, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) looks on after the game against the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Dust settled on free agency weeks ago, but the talent pool wasn’t entirely drained.

Dallas found another receiver post-draft, agreeing to terms on a one-year deal with Marquez Valdes-Scantling on Monday, in a sign of life left in veteran free agency. “MVS” had 14 receptions and one touchdown last season. That’s not exactly the kind of production that brings teams knocking on your door in March.

But in Dallas, he was targeted to fill a clearly defined role that might include holdout insurance should negotiations with George Pickens shift from cordial to contentious as owner Jerry Jones’ history with holdouts suggests.

Here are a few other veterans capable of filling a role, big or small, despite their known shortcomings:

QB Aaron Rodgers

Week 1 Age: 42
Last season: 24 TDs, led Steelers to AFC North division title

Advertisement

Rodgers and Mike McCarthy are both wearing the knowing smirk we read as an almost obvious sign of the pending reunion of former Packers in Pittsburgh. Rodgers can still get the job done — he had only seven interceptions with a very modest skill-position group in 2025 — and starred in this system in his physical prime. Who else is bidding? Barring injury, most teams are not likely interest in the Rodgers Rodeo. Father Time can wipe away those facial expressions quickly, and Rodgers’ next IR trip if likely his last.

WR Deebo Samuel

Week 1 Age: 30
Last season: 72 receptions for 727 yards, five TD receptions with Commanders

Samuel’s lone season with the Commanders was a struggle and it’s hard to know how much of it was the revolving door at quarterback, a new offense, friction with jettisoned offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury or the physical toll of playing wide receiver like a running back. He has 406 career catches and could still hold down a role in the right scheme.

DE Joey Bosa

Week 1 Age: 31
Last season: Led NFL with five forced fumbles; had 16 QB hits in 16 games

Advertisement
Jan 30, 2025; Orlando, FL, USA; AFC linebacker Joey Bosa of the Los Angeles Chargers during the Pro Bowl Skills Challenge at Nicholson Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesJan 30, 2025; Orlando, FL, USA; AFC linebacker Joey Bosa of the Los Angeles Chargers during the Pro Bowl Skills Challenge at Nicholson Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Bosa had 54 pressures in his only season with the Bills, which is enough for a team to think about taking a flier on the longtime Chargers’ edge rusher. He had 5.0 sacks and would make sense for a handful of contenders, including the San Francisco 49ers, where little brother Nick Bosa wouldn’t mind the help. San Francisco’s abysmal pass rush to end last season was sans Nick Bosa because of a season-ending ACL injury, and didn’t get a lot of attention in the offseason.

RB Najee Harris

Week 1 Age: 28
Last season: 15 carries, 61 yards, season-ending Achilles injury Sept. 21 vs. Broncos

Harris isn’t to the magical downhill decline age for running backs but there’s no denying his mileage is high, making the return from a season-ending injury last September far larger than a footnote to his 2026 status. But the 21st pick in the 2021 draft had four 1,000-yard seasons in a row, 28 rushing TDs and never missed a game in four previous seasons with the Steelers before his wheels gave him issues with the Chargers last season.

WR Stefon Diggs

Week 1 Age: 33
Last season: 85 receptions, 1,013 yards with Patriots

Advertisement
Oct 5, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs (8) protects the ball from Buffalo Bills cornerback Taron Johnson (7) after making a catch in the fourth quarter at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn ImagesOct 5, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs (8) protects the ball from Buffalo Bills cornerback Taron Johnson (7) after making a catch in the fourth quarter at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

Diggs is dealing with a legal headache and won’t be considered for sainthood as a teammate, which might have something to do with him playing for the Vikings, Bills, Texans and Patriots since 2019. A disappearing act in the playoffs won’t help his cause. Diggs had 14 receptions in four games but averaged 7.9 yards per catch and his inability to consistently separate was a problem. His longest playoff catch of 13 receptions before the contested, acrobatic grab in the Super Bowl was 14 yards.

Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

Hockey Canada denies OHL exceptional status for top prospect Kade O’Rourke

Published

on

Kade O’Rourke will have to wait for his OHL debut.

Hockey Canada denied exceptional status to the potential No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft, Sportsnet can confirm.

O’Rourke, a 15-year-old from Texas, would have become the first pure-born American player to receive exceptional status in the OHL. Sean Day was a dual citizen of Canada and the United States when he received his exceptional status in 2013.

“A number of people I spoke to this week said there is no question he’s ready,” Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman said of O’Rourke earlier in April.

Advertisement

Now, he will have to hold for the 2027 draft to enter into the junior hockey league.

O’Rourke moved to Toronto to play in the Greater Toronto Hockey League four years ago at the age of 11.

This season, he led the Toronto Jr. Canadiens to the OHL Cup final, but they fell in the final to the Detroit HoneyBaked.

O’Rourke scored 10 points in the tournament, including a sensational goal in the semifinals. He was also named a tournament all-star.

Advertisement

The Oshawa Generals hold the top pick in the OHL draft, set for June 12.

Along with Day, John Tavares (2005), Aaron Ekblad (2011), Connor McDavid (2012), Shane Wright (2019) and Michael Misa (2022) are the other players who were granted exceptional status in the OHL.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Sports

Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby under NCAA investigation for gambling, to enter treatment program

Published

on


The NCAA prohibits student-athletes from wagering on college or pro sports, putting the QB’s 2026 eligibility in doubt

Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

IPL 2026: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi wins heart with humble gesture for young fan – Watch | Cricket News

Published

on

IPL 2026: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi wins heart with humble gesture for young fan - Watch
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s heartwarming gesture for young fan (Screengrab/X)

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is set to face the in-form Punjab Kings at their home ground in Mullanpur, arriving on the back of a brilliant century against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Despite the surge in confidence, he has remained grounded and humble.In a video shared by the Rajasthan Royals on social media, Sooryavanshi, who recently slammed a 35-ball century against the Sunrisers Hyderabad, was welcomed at the team hotel with a garland. However, he presented it to a young kid waiting with other fans to catch a glimpse of the Riyan Parag-led side.

Match Preview: PBKS vs RR

Punjab Kings’ opening duo Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya have been the most explosive pair in IPL 2026, scoring 323 runs at a blistering run rate of 14.9. Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals’ openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, currently behind them, will be eager to respond, especially against a Punjab bowling attack that has struggled in the powerplay.Rajasthan, after a strong start to the season, have lost three of their last four matches and need a turnaround. Their hopes rest heavily on the top order, while captain Riyan Parag will look for better contributions from himself and Shimron Hetmyer.Punjab Kings, unbeaten at their New Chandigarh home this season, come in with strong batting momentum but have concerns of their own, including poor powerplay bowling and sloppy fielding. The contest is likely to be defined by the battle between the two opening pairs, although Rajasthan will also rely on Jofra Archer and Nandre Burger to make early inroads and shift the game in their favour.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Sports

Vikings Quietly Add Intriguing New Weapon

Published

on

Advertisement

Georgia WR Dillon Bell against the Bulldogs in 2025
Nov 8, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Dillon Bell (86) reacts after a touchdown against the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the first half at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Wesley Hale-Imagn Images

A few Minnesota Vikings fans enjoy the undrafted free agent process about as much as the draft, and once again, the purple team added a bevy of UDFAs this cycle. One such offensive weapon is Dillon Bell of the University of Georgia.

Minnesota still needs receiving depth, but Bell brings enough versatility to make the summer interesting.

Like all UDFAs, there’s no sure thing that Bell will pan out, but he does have the versatility to flirt with a roster spot in September.

Advertisement

A New Summer Lottery Ticket Joins the WR Room

Get to know Bell, the newest Vikings wideout.

Dillon Bell standing on field before Georgia vs Charlotte game
Dillon Bell stands on the field before kickoff, scanning the scene as the Georgia Bulldogs prepare to face the Charlotte 49ers on Nov 22, 2025, at Sanford Stadium in Athens. Wearing No. 86, the wide receiver readies for action during a late-season matchup with teammates and fans filling the stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images.

Vikings Add Bell

Minnesota added 19 undrafted free agents on Saturday evening, and because folks just love wide receivers, Bell turned heads.

The Athletic‘s Alec Lewis wrote, “You can see what the Vikings were going for here. Bell is a big-bodied offensive weapon who doesn’t just look like a running back. The 6-foot, 210-pounder averaged 7.3 yards per carry as a runner at Georgia.”

Advertisement

“The route running is the primary hurdle, but that’s precisely why the Vikings would make this type of bet. How Minnesota uses the spring and summer to find the right role for him will be telling. His frame and traits are enticing.”

If Bell makes the active roster or practice squad, it won’t be because of his prowess as a route-running wide receiver. It will be because of his gadget tendencies.

The Scouting Report

Bell is 6’1 and 210 pounds with 4.50 speed. So, decent metrics for both. He’ll be best served as a Swiss Army knife commodity if he makes the Vikings’ regular season roster or latches on elsewhere.

Advertisement

Pro Football Focus‘s Trevor Sikkema on Bell:

Bell is a former four-star receiver with a background in both track (100 and 200 meters) and basketball. In high school, he played both running back and wide receiver, and during his first two seasons at Georgia, he saw some usage at both positions, though primarily at receiver. He went on to become a consistent starter for four seasons. Despite that role, his production remained limited, with a low career yards-per-route-run average.

He is a decent linear athlete, but his lack of change-of-direction ability shows up in lower separation metrics and receiving grades against man coverage. Bell has good size and extensive experience as a blocker, though his technique can be inconsistent. He also does not consistently catch the ball cleanly, with occasional body catches and bobbles. Started his Georgia career with some reps at running back. Solid overall size allows him to be a more consistent blocker. Arm length appears to be a plus.

The easiest way to think of it? If Minnesota wants a Deebo Samuel-style weapon — very diet Samuel, of course — Bell would be the guy.

Dillon Bell catching touchdown pass against Alabama in SEC Championship
Dillon Bell secures a touchdown catch in the end zone, finishing a scoring play for Georgia during second-quarter action on Dec 6, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The wide receiver, wearing No. 86, completes the reception against Alabama in the SEC Championship game under bright lights. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images.

University of Georgia head coach Kirby Smart on Bell: “He’s a positionless player. He can play tight end. He can play Wildcat quarterback. He can play tailback. He’s certainly a good receiver. He’s a great returner. That’s what people are moving to in the NFL, guys that can go out there and create matchups.”

“He does that. He can be in the backfield and create some problems for the defense. But more important than that, he’s a great person. He led by example here. He never complained once about snaps and touches and that says a lot about what he brought into the team.”

Advertisement

The Current WR Group

Overall, the Vikings’ WR room is in great shape. Anytime an offense has Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison headlining the enterprise, there just can’t be too much reason for concern.

After Jefferson and Addison, though, the unit lacks dependability. Here’s the WR depth chart in late April:

WR1: Justin Jefferson
WR2: Jordan Addison
WR3: Tai Felton
WR4: Myles Price
WR5: Jeshaun Jones
WR6: Dontae Fleming
WR7: Joaquin Davis
WR8: Dillon Bell
WR9: Luke Wysong
WR10: Marcus Sanders
WR11: Shaleak Knotts

Advertisement

If Felton isn’t ready to roll as the uncontested WR3 this summer — the Vikings hardly played him on offense as a rookie — and Price hasn’t shapeshifted into more than a special teamer, Minnesota could pursue a free agent like the aforementioned Samuel, Stefon Diggs, Jauan Jennings, DeAndre Hopkins, Tyreek Hill, or Keenan Allen.

Not Much Depth after Jefferson + Addison Creates a Vacuum

The reason to track Bell throughout the summer is evident. Suppose the Vikings don’t spend the cash on a Jennings or Diggs, a couple of free agents listed above. Jefferson, Addison, Felton, and Price will make the 53-man roster, but Minnesota would need an extra WR4-WR5.

Dillon Bell looking on after Georgia vs Alabama SEC Championship game
Dillon Bell looks on after the final whistle, reflecting on the outcome as Georgia finishes its game against Alabama on Dec 6, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Wearing No. 86, the wide receiver stands among teammates following the SEC Championship matchup. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images.

Because Bell is a willing blocker, offers special teams versatility, and has the size + speed for the NFL, he could be a dark horse to monitor at training camp and in the preseason.

Otherwise, there’s always the practice squad.

Advertisement

avatar

Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

Sisilia Tuipolotu: Wales international to join Harlequins from Gloucester-Hartpury

Published

on

Harlequins have signed Wales international prop Sisilia Tuipolotu from Gloucester-Hartpury for the 2026-27 season.

The 22-year-old has won three consecutive Prem Women’s Rugby titles with the Circus.

Tuipolotu has scored 20 tries in 67 appearances for Gloucester-Hartpury since her debut in 2021 and has been capped 33 times by her country, appearing in two World Cups.

“I’m really excited to be joining Harlequins. I’m excited for the experience, to meet the team and learn from even more world-class players,” she said.

Advertisement

“I can’t wait to get going in the quarters.”

Gloucester-Hartpury are top of the PWR table, with 70 points from 14 games, as they chase a fourth straight title. Harlequins sit sixth with 37 points.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Sports

2027 vs 2026 NFL Draft comparisons: Top prospect at each position

Published

on

You may have heard that the 2027 NFL Draft class could be an all-timer. I’ve been doing year-out mocks a long time, and 2027 has the highest number of preseason blue-chippers of any class I can remember. 

That being said, injuries and prospects returning to school can always change how it looks a year from now. 

I went through the top prospects at each position to compare how they’d fare against the top prospects in this year’s class as it stands right now.

2026 NFL Draft essentials

Advertisement


I broke down Manning’s 2025 season in January and thought he finished looking like the prospect we were promised. Given he brings a stronger arm and better mobility than Mendoza, there would have been a real debate about who to take at the top of the draft had Manning declared. 

Thankfully, we get another season of tape to properly evaluate the Texas quarterback. I’m staying out of the fray on this one.

Advertisement

Advantage: Too close to call

Hardy is stylistically much closer to Ashton Jeanty than Jeremiyah Love. The Missouri junior has elite contact balance and refuses to go down. While I wouldn’t put him in the same breath as either of the top-10 picks from the past two seasons, Hardy has the talent to be a first-rounder in his own right. 

Ole Miss’ Kewan Lacy and Louisville’s IIsaac Brown could join him among the top 32 as well. The only question is whether all the rising juniors will declare — or if playing out eligibility becomes the new norm for running backs not going in the top 10.

Advantage: 2026

Do I even need to debate this one? Smith should surpass Malik Nabers and Ja’Marr Chase as the top WR1 prospect I’ve ever scouted. Heck, new Texas wide receiver Cam Coleman should easily clear the grade I gave Concepcion this draft cycle. Next year will have some serious high-end talent.

Advantage: 2027 (by a mile)

I went with Green for the sheer shock value he brings as a prospect. The 6-foot-7 tight end will likely measure with the longest wingspan ever for the position. He looks like a power forward on the field and is used like one. I doubt he’ll be considered in a similar vein to Sadiq, though, who went No. 16 overall.

Advertisement

There’s a good chance the top option next year is Sadiq’s former Oregon teammate Jamari Johnson, who has a massive 6-foot-5 frame himself.

Advantage: 2026

This one was already settled on my initial big board before final declarations. Trevor Goosby would have been my OT1 in the 2026 class but decided to return to Texas for a fourth season. If he improves on what we saw down the stretch, he’ll be a top-five pick. 

Advantage: 2027

Because interior offensive line play demands so much strength, projecting a year out can be difficult. Comparing Pieper to Ioane is also like comparing apples to oranges, since Ioane is a guard only while Pieper is a center only. 

Still, Pieper is a bit of a project, but he’s the most athletic interior offensive lineman I’ve ever scouted. He’ll thrive taking over for Logan Jones at center this year. 

Advertisement

Advantage: 2026

While Bain was never going to be for everyone, Simmons will be. He is the prototype for the EDGE position in today’s NFL. He has the length and twitch to be a nightmare to protect against. He’s already racked up 105 pressures in two seasons at Texas, and I can’t wait to see what he does for an encore.

South Carolina’s Dylan Stewart deserves a shoutout as well, as he may be even more physically impressive than Simmons, albeit less refined. The 6-foot-5, 245-pounder has freakish burst and bend for his size.

Advantage: 2027

Similar to the edge comparison, Stone is far more prototypical in his physical makeup. He’s incredibly powerful for a true sophomore, with bull-rush reps all over his tape. He has the body type to play anywhere along the defensive interior, whereas Woods will be more limited to 3-technique.

Defensive tackle is another position that demands a high level of strength, so when you see a youngster like Stone who already looks like a man among boys, you know he’ll be drafted highly when he comes out.

Advertisement

Advantage: 2027

We’ve got a long way to go in the 2027 linebacker class. Viliamu-Asa is the most prototypical box player right now, but Tennessee’s Arion Carter, South Carolina’s Fred Johnson and Clemson’s Sammy Brown are all intriguing athletes who could develop into top picks at the position.

None are as intriguing as Styles, though. The Ohio State linebacker is a true one-of-one athlete who will be tough to top anytime soon.

Advantage: 2026

As great as McCoy’s sophomore tape was, Moore’s was even better. He allowed only 201 yards all season while following the opposing team’s top receiver more often than not. Moore dominated 20th overall pick Makai Lemon in their matchup last fall. A fully healthy Moore is a likely top-five pick next year.

Advantage: 2027

I went back and forth between Georgia’s KJ Bolden a and Benefield, the Boise transfer, but ultimately went with Benefield’s more prototypical safety traits. 

Advertisement

It doesn’t matter either way, because neither hold a candle to Downs, whose tape as a true freshman was better than these players’ as sophomores and juniors.

Advantage: 2026

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Sports

Arsenal in three-way fight for Julian Alvarez, Diego Simeone confirms

Published

on

Arsenal want to sign Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez, head coach Diego Simeone has claimed on the eve of their Champions League semi-final.

Alvarez, 26, has scored 20 times across 52 appearances for Atleti this season and is due to line up against the Gunners in the opening leg of their last-four clash at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Wednesday.

Alvarez has been linked with a move to north London and when asked about Arsenal’s possible interest in the former Manchester City striker, Simeone replied: “I am not in Julian Alvarez’s head.

“I just suppose it is normal. He is an extraordinary player. There is interest from Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona and other teams. But it is nothing we are concerned about.”

Arsenal signed Viktor Gyokeres for £64million last summer and, despite hitting 18 goals so far in his debut campaign, he has struggled for consistency.

Advertisement

Gyokeres was benched for Arsenal’s top-of-the-table clash with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium earlier this month, and then again in their following fixture at home to Newcastle last weekend.

However, Kai Havertz picked up an injury in the opening half of Arsenal’s win, and he did not train at London Colney on Tuesday, meaning Gyokeres will likely start in Madrid.

Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez celebrates scoring (Jose Breton/AP)
Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez celebrates scoring (Jose Breton/AP)
Arsenal’s Martin Zubimendi (left) and Eberechi Eze during a training session (John Walton/PA)
Arsenal’s Martin Zubimendi (left) and Eberechi Eze during a training session (John Walton/PA)

Eberechi Eze was also unable to continue against Newcastle, but in a boost to Mikel Arteta, did join his team-mates for training.

After seeing off Tottenham in the round of 16, Atleti beat Barcelona to secure their place in the semi-finals. But Simeone’s side have lost six of their last nine games.

Like Arsenal, Atleti have never won the Champions League, and Simeone continued; “In terms of pressure, I don’t feel the pressure and it is exciting to be as close as we are and we have never achieved it before.

Advertisement

“It is a special excitement. Leadership defines these games and we need to be ready and take the game to where we believe we can punish them. We will have a very tough game, against a fantastic rival and we are very excited about it.”

Atleti captain Koke, whose contract expires at the end of the season, is set for his fourth and possibly last Champions League semi-final, with the Spanish club.

He said: “In the lead-up to these games, we are always excited. We feel butterflies in our stomach. It is just like a first date. Then once you start warming up it is all gone, it is just a football game, and you would be as excited as you would be for any semi-final.

“We expect a very strong Arsenal side and this is a Champions League semi-final and that is how we approach it.”

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

Are scores using preferred lies acceptable for posting? Rules Guy

Published

on

The Rules of Golf are tricky! Thankfully, we’ve got the guru. Our Rules Guy knows the book front to back. Got a question? He’s got all the answers.

I play in a weekly league whose leaders have decided that the ball may be moved one club-length without penalty both in the general area and penalty areas. We don’t post our scores — but we are adhering to the league’s rules, and this doesn’t seem much different from the “ball in hand” played in many competitions due to course conditions. If we can’t post our scores, can the “lift, clean and place” crowd? – Clint Humphrey, Union, KY

Is it called “The Fast & Loose League”? Because it sounds like that’s how the powers that be are playing with the rules.

For starters, there’s a relief procedure to get out of penalty areas for one stroke and nothing that lets you just move a ball a club-length there.

Advertisement

But the real crux of the question seems to be: Are scores using preferred lies acceptable for posting purposes? The answer: The Committee at the golf course may adopt a Local Rule for preferred lies when course conditions warrant it. This Rule should be limited in duration and reviewed daily. Scores made while it’s in effect must (!) be posted for handicap purposes — unless score posting has been temporarily suspended.

You should check with the course before teeing off. Should you and your group adopt preferred lies on your own, your scores are still postable. That said, preferred lies should only be used when conditions justify it, because frequent use may yield a Handicap Index that’s too low, or what some people refer to as a “vanity-cap.”


Bryson DeChambeau of the United States uses a rangefinder before hitting an approach shot on the 12th hole during the second round of the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Country Club on May 16, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Rules Guy: Is it legal to post scores when a rangefinder’s slope function was engaged?


By:


Rules Guy



For more score-posting guidance from our guru, read on …

Advertisement

The pace of play was really slow the other day, but the starter squeezed me in as a single. To kill time between shots, I played two balls, using the same ball first every shot and scoring only that ball. Can I post the round for handicap purposes? – Ray Mainville, McKinney, Texas

Rules Guy has been there, done that and bought the T-shirt, as the kids like to say nowadays. (Do they still say that? RG hopes so.)

What he didn’t do is post his score, because for a score to be acceptable for handicap purposes, the round must be played under the Rules of Golf — and playing two balls is not considered to be doing so.

The other fly in the ointment is that you also must play in the company of at least one other person for a score to be acceptable for handicap purposes. That was a somewhat controversial rules change but, remember, Rules Guy doesn’t make the rules — he’s just a guy who tries to elucidate them.

Advertisement

Want to find the right gear for your bag in 2026? Find a club-fitting location near you at True Spec Golf.

Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

IPL 2026: 10000 IPL runs for Virat Kohli? Former cricketer believes ‘Without a doubt’ | Cricket News

Published

on

IPL 2026: 10000 IPL runs for Virat Kohli? Former cricketer believes 'Without a doubt'
Virat Kohli (Image credit: BCCI/IPL)

Virat Kohli completed 9,000 IPL runs on Monday during the match against Delhi Capitals, finishing the game with back-to-back sixes. His next target is the special milestone of 10,000 IPL runs, which remains far away for other current players, even those in the top five. Although Kohli is already 37, raising some questions about longevity, former New Zealand pacer Mitchell McClenaghan believes he can achieve the feat without any doubt.Mitchell McClenaghan praised Virat Kohli’s remarkable consistency after Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s emphatic nine-wicket victory over Delhi Capitals in their IPL 2026 clash.RCB’s dominant win at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Monday was set up by a fiery new-ball spell from Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood, who dismantled Delhi’s batting line-up and bowled them out for just 75, the lowest total of the season. The chase was completed with ease, highlighting RCB’s all-round supremacy.Reflecting on Kohli’s sustained excellence in the tournament, McClenaghan highlighted the discipline and adaptability that have defined the veteran batter’s journey over the years, speaking on JioHotstar.“Virat Kohli has been incredibly consistent. Scoring 9000 IPL runs against the world’s best bowlers is no easy task. It’s about hunger, discipline, and adapting every year, and that’s what brings the best out of him. He has been in the IPL since 2008, and the best part is that he didn’t start his career as an opener. He batted in the lower middle order, fought for his place, then moved to number three. Later, he opened with Chris Gayle. That changed his game completely. He will soon reach 10,000 runs, without a doubt. Kohli is the greatest batter the IPL has ever seen, not just for the runs, but for how he has evolved and dominated across different eras,” McClenaghan told JioStar.

Here are the top 5 leading run-scorers in IPL:
Rank Player Team(s) Total Runs
1 Virat Kohli Royal Challengers Bengaluru 9,012
2 Rohit Sharma Mumbai Indians, Deccan Chargers 7,183
3 Shikhar Dhawan PBKS, DC, SRH, MI, Deccan Chargers 6,769
4 David Warner Delhi Capitals, Sunrisers Hyderabad 6,565
5 KL Rahul Delhi Capitals, LSG, PBKS, RCB, SRH 5,580

“Instead of reinventing, he has been doing the same stuff consistently, over and over again, and he is just getting better at it. The time off from international cricket is now helping him structure his time better throughout the year. He’s getting enough time to work on fitness and stay fresh. He has enough experience and knows how to deal with pressure situations. It is just about being able to do what you have been doing. That means hitting those areas with the ball which trouble batters the most, and having control over swing, which we are seeing right now. That is why his impact has always been great with the new ball,” he added.

Upcoming matches of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB):

Advertisement
Date Opponent Venue Time (IST)
30 April Gujarat Titans Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad 7:30 PM
07 May Lucknow Super Giants Ekana Stadium, Lucknow 7:30 PM
10 May Mumbai Indians Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium, Raipur 7:30 PM
13 May Kolkata Knight Riders Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium, Raipur 7:30 PM
17 May Punjab Kings HPCA Stadium, Dharamshala 3:30 PM
22 May Sunrisers Hyderabad Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad 7:30 PM

Source link

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2025