Christian Norgaard says Arsenal cannot afford to overthink their shock FA Cup exit at Southampton as the Premier League leaders look to bounce back in the Champions League.

Mikel Arteta’s men suffered an almighty shock at St Mary’s on Saturday evening as the Championship play-off hopefuls’ intensity and courage paid dividends in a famous 2-1 quarter-final triumph.

Substitute Shea Charles’ late strike sent Southampton to the semi-finals and left Arsenal with some soul searching as the shock defeat compounded their Carabao Cup final loss to Manchester City a fortnight ago.

The Gunners will attempt to get back to winning ways in Lisbon in Tuesday’s Champions League quarter-final first leg against Sporting, before the runaway league leaders host Bournemouth in a key game on Saturday.

Experienced midfielder Norgaard said: “The message is to have a positive body language, to talk with your team-mates, with the coaching staff.

“Now is not the time to go with our heads down for too long.

“It’s fine to be frustrated tonight and also tomorrow to analyse what went wrong, but then we also have to look forward because there are so many big games coming up for this club.”

Arsenal need to shake off their first back-to-back defeats of the season to avoid further damage to what has until recently been a memorable campaign.

“Disappointing evening,” Norgaard told club media. “We all had our hopes high to win and go back to Wembley, but yeah, that’s not the case.

“Sorry to disappoint so many travelling fans, they created an amazing atmosphere and, yeah, today was not good enough.”

Injury-disrupted Arsenal only managed to threaten periodically at St Mary’s, where few would argue that the hosts did not deserve to progress to Wembley.

Ross Stewart coolly struck Saints ahead and Leo Scienza hit the crossbar shortly before Viktor Gyokeres levelled, only for super sub Charles to spark bedlam with a fine finish five minutes from time.

Goalscorer, and boyhood Arsenal fan, Stewart said: “It’s just pure joy and elation, an incredible night for the club to beat a team of Arsenal’s calibre in the manner that we did.

“I thought we were excellent. It’s an incredible night for the club and there were some good celebrations in the dressing room – we’ll enjoy tonight.

“It’s a great occasion to look forward to, but we’ve got a lot of league business that we’ve got to take care of, and the gaffer has just reinforced that – starting Tuesday we’ve got to be ready to go for another tough game.”

Saints are hoping their FA Cup semi-final will be the first of three Wembley trips before the end of the season.

The dream of replicating Lawrie McMenemy’s second-tier FA Cup triumph of 1976 is alive, as is their promotion dream ahead of Tuesday’s return to action at play-off rivals Wrexham.

“I think it’s just where we’re at as a squad,” Stewart told the club website. “That confidence, that belief, the character.

“We knew it was going to be tough but we spoke about it throughout the week that we’re a team that’s 14 games unbeaten, we know we’re a hard team to beat, and I think you saw that again.”

If there was an image to sum up the Investec Champions Cup knockout rounds, it came with the clock nearly three minutes into the red at a scorching Stade Felix-Mayol on Saturday afternoon. As Marcel Theunissen, the replacement back rower, picked and ploughed for the line, players from both the Stormers and Toulon threw their arms aloft like heavyweight fighters as each claimed victory; after a long deliberation in conjunction with his television match official, referee Christophe Ridley stuck with an on-field call of held up.

It sent the French side through, the South Africans away with plenty to ponder – why was there no drop goal? Why, with a two-man advantage, did they keep things so narrow? – and the rest of us to marvel at how wonderful this competition can be. As detailed time and time again in these pages, this version of the Champions Cup is riddled with issues and a pale imitation of what it used to be but for the delivery of drama, and for an intensity of contest, it stands consistently above any club competition. The round-of-16 winners may have been predictably home-side heavy but few would have felt short-changed in terms of entertainment.

Certainly, those paying fair whack at The Rec would have still felt they received value for money. Bath’s 31-22 win over Saracens was a cracking, crackling cup tie – before the game, the matchday announcer found a travelling family of Norwegian tourists for whom this was a first taste of rugby union. They will surely spread the gospel; perhaps we can expert more visitors over from Oslo once James Dyson and Bruce Craig build their new stadium.

One should not underestimate the significance of Saturday’s success for Bath. Before the game, a few fans were guilty of overlooking the challenge that Saracens would pose, talking already of the prospect of Northampton, victors against Castres on Friday night, in a quarter-final to come. But Bath had not hosted a knockout tie in this competition since 2002; it looked for a long time like they might not earn a second.

But they did, and in the process served a reminder of the strength in depth that makes them Champions Cup contenders. South African interest in this competition may have ended by narrow defeats for the Stormers and Bulls, yet it was still a Springbok who perhaps had the most pivotal impact of the round. “It’s quite handy having Thomas du Toit coming off the bench, isn’t it?” smirked Saracens boss Mark McCall, whose side had been in control at the set-piece until the replacement tighthead’s arrival.

The first engagement after his introduction saw Beno Obano, on the loosehead, sent to the sin bin, but Bath were dominant thereafter. Du Toit swung both scrum and game his side’s way, enabling them to overcome on a day where they did not find attacking fluency or their usual red-zone efficiency.

Johann van Graan has an embarrassment of riches at the position, with the injured Will Stuart and starter Archie Griffin both Test tightheads, too, and youngster Vilikesa Sela an England international in waiting. But it is his 30-year-old South African that Van Graan goes to in the big moments – it is he, rather than Finn Russell, that has been their best signing in recent years.

“I thought Thomas was fantastic in that second half,” the Bath director of rugby said. “In my view, he’s currently one of the best players in the whole world. He showed that again today – he was absolutely phenomenal in the scrum, in defence and in attack. That’s why you build a squad. You call on 23 guys on a weekend, and all credit to the players.”

Du Toit’s impact underlining just how important this season may be for Bath. It is difficult for Prem clubs to mix it with the French big boys and Leinster when it comes to squad depth in this competition – Northampton’s appearance in the Champions Cup final last year was an exception that proved the rule, given that the Saints all-but-sacrificed their domestic campaign to prioritise a European run. Bath, conversely, appear equipped to compete on both fronts – though perhaps not for long.

Come the end of the season, Du Toit is headed home having agreed a deal to re-sign for the Sharks. It is not just he moving on – No 8 Alfie Barbeary is bound for Saracens, where he has the sizeable shoes of Tom Willis to fill, with Francois van Wyk, Will Butt and Ethan Staddon other vital depth pieces headed elsewhere. The re-signing of Russell, retention of several other key figures and continued strength of the pathway will keep Bath competitive but it is fair to suggest that this may be the strongest squad they will possess in this era.

Saracens have played Toulouse and Glasgow as well this season and fly half Fergus Burke believes Bath are as good as any side. “They are so physical up front,” the Scotland international said. “They’ve got one of the best 10s in the world driving them around, and he’s got eight forwards starting and six on the bench that are genuinely massive. They give him the platform to pull the strings. I can see them going deep in this competition. They are one of the best teams in Europe without a doubt, and I hope they go all the way.”

A six-day turnaround for Bath against Northampton, who won at the Rec just after Christmas, will pit the two best sides in England against one another; another likely last-eight tie between Toulouse and Bordeaux-Begles will see the Top 14’s top two test their mettle. Another captivating Champions Cup weekend is in store.

Radek Vitek has had an excellent season on loan at Bristol City and the young Man Utd goalkeeper wants to keep playing first-team football.

Two goalkeepers will return to Old Trafford this summer after loan spells away and they might well have contrasting views on what they see as their next steps with Manchester United.

Andre Onana has spent this season on loan with Trabzonspor in Turkey, but the deal has no option to make it permanent, and the 30-year-old hasn’t given up on his United career. But Senne Lammens is now firmly installed as No.1 and Onana is too expensive to be playing the role of back-up.

United’s recruitment bosses will be aiming to sell the former Ajax and Inter Milan goalkeeper this summer, although that might be easier said than done. He doesn’t look to have a long-term future at the club, however.

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It’s a different story for Radek Vitek. The 22-year-old will return from a loan spell with Bristol City in the Championship with his reputation enhanced. He has been one of the second tier’s standout goalkeepers, and there will be plenty of interest in the Czech youth international.

United are yet to make a decision on Vitek’s future in what could be a summer of change in the goalkeeping department. While Lammens has established himself, Altay Bayindir could follow Onana out of the exit door as he seeks more first-team football. Veteran stopper Tom Heaton could sign a new deal to remain as third-choice.

That is likely to leave United in need of a new No.2, and Vitek could fit the bill. But having had first-team experience with the Robins this season, he now has the taste for playing regularly and is aware of what he needs for his development.

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“At this stage in my career, I want to play as many games as possible. I wouldn’t benefit from sitting on the bench,” he said last week in an interview with the BBC and The Sun.

Of his plans for next season, he added: “I will communicate with Manchester United closely, and we will see what’s going to be best for me next season.

“But I want to play football. I don’t want to just be somewhere sitting on the bench.”

United’s goalkeeping coach Craig Mawson has been in regular contact with Vitek this season, with this the third loan spell for a player who moved to Old Trafford at 16. He also excelled for Accrington Stanley in League Two and Blau-Weiss Linz in Austria.

Vitek is unlikely to challenge Lammens at the moment and it might tempt United to cash in while his stock is high. In the summer of 2023, they made £22.7million from selling academy goalkeepers Dean Henderson (£15m) and Matej Kovar (£7.7m). Selling Vitek now would surely take that tally to more than £30million.

But it wouldn’t solve the problem of finding a backup for Lammens, and there is an argument that United would be best off trying to convince Vitek to stay. With Michael Carrick’s side on course to return to Europe, Vitek could be told he will get to play in the domestic cup competitions and maybe an appearance in the league phase of the Champions League.

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That can still prove a valuable development path for a young goalkeeper. It kept Caoimhin Kelleher in the spotlight at Liverpool before he moved to Brentford last summer and has been enough to keep James Trafford in the England squad, even if he wants more than being No.2 to Gianluigi Donnarumma.

There will almost certainly come a time when United do have to sell Vitek, but if he gets another 10 to 12 games at Old Trafford next season and does well, his value will only rise. Performing for United will also give him a bigger profile than doing well for Bristol City.

That might be a solution that works for both parties. If United manage to sell Onana and Bayindir this summer, Vitek can step into that No.2 role, and if he does well, he could earn himself an even better move in 2027.

Nodirbek Yakubboev’s ‘Namaste’ gesture to India’s Harika Dronavali (Photo Credit: ChessBase India)

NEW DELHI: A light and heartwarming moment grabbed attention at the Grenke Freestyle Open when Grandmaster (GM) Harika Dronavali extended her hand to resign, but Uzbek GM Nodirbek Yakubboev responded with a polite “Namaste” instead. Both players smiled and walked away, making it a memorable and respectful exchange.Watch:The event itself is heating up in Karlsruhe, where Vincent Keymer and Hans Niemann are leading with perfect 5/5 scores. They’re set to face off next in a crucial match. Close behind is a strong group, including world number one Magnus Carlsen, keeping the competition intense.Interestingly, Daniel Hausrath, ranked far lower globally, is surprisingly holding his own among top players. With thousands of participants and a major prize pool, the tournament is one of the biggest in the world, and upcoming rounds are expected to shake up the leaderboard.This isn’t the first time Yakubboev avoided a handshake. Earlier, during a game against R Vaishali at the Wijk Aan Zee Challengers section last year, he did the same, which led to confusion. Later, he met her again with flowers and chocolates to apologise.“I’m sorry for what had happened? It was an awkward situation for both of us. I was hurrying that day. It looks like some misunderstanding. And I want to wish good luck for the remaining games for both of you. Just want to say. I respect you and your brother both. Both of you, and all the Indian chess players,” Yakubboev said.Vaishali responded kindly: “No, it’s clearly understandable. I didn’t take it that way, so we didn’t have to feel bad. You actually apologised. It’s totally fine. You don’t have to worry about it.”Yakubboev later explained it was due to “religious reasons”, adding, “I want to explain the situation… I do not touch other women for religious reasons.” He emphasized respect, saying, “I respect Vaishali and her brother as the strongest chess players in India. If I have offended her with my behavior, I apologise,” and clarified, “I do what I need to do… It is their business what to do.”

In racing, a single year brings massive changes.

Twelve months prior, Hughes secured a benchmark 70 over the 1400m at Caulfield in his early days with Gavin Bedggood. Come Saturday, this gelding triumphed in the Group 3 Victoria Handicap (1400m), clocking a new track record.

Jett Stanley delivered a flawless ride on Hughes ($19), who trailed early then surged through the pack to triumph by 1½ lengths over Athanatos ($11), followed a length behind by Meridius ($9.50) in third.

Gavin Bedggood expressed surprise at the gelding’s display.

“He won a benchmark 70 on this day last year,” Bedggood said.

“But he’s a very easy horse to train. We learnt that fresh is best and we just try and space his runs.

“He was four weeks between runs today. He doesn’t do a lot of work. He had a gallop on Monday morning and then we’ve pretty much left him alone.

“It seems to work well for him, but I thought he might be getting to the end of it.

“He got very hot pre-race when I was saddling him up and I was worried about that, but it was a great ride and full credit to the horse.”

Bedggood’s post-Echuca Cup (1400m) win guidance to Stanley was uncomplicated.

“What I said was ride him ‘second half’,” he explained.

“He has to be ridden where he’s comfortable. We’ve tried riding him close in lesser grade and it hasn’t worked for him.

“John Allen got it right last time and Jett executed it to a tee today.

“He really likes that ducking and weaving sort of ride. He’s not a big horse, but he loves getting amongst other horses and it works very well for him.”

Next for Hughes is a quick beach holiday as connections plan ahead.

The trainer floated the Golden Mile (1600m) at Bendigo as a future option next month.

“He’ll go and have his week at the beach,” Bedggood said.

“Maybe the Golden Mile could be a race as that works within the four-week time frame, but he’ll tell us.”

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Oscar De La Hoya is willing to step back into the boxing ring with a clear target in his mind for a return.

De La Hoya is viewed as one of the best to ever lace up a pair of gloves, winning world titles in six divisions along with being involved in some of the biggest fights around during that time.

It’s nearly two decades since he last competed, with his last action coming in 2008, but he is willing to fight once again despite now being 53-years-old.

De La Hoya’s main target is a man that he knows well, after making his intentions perfectly clear to former rival Floyd Mayweather.

Mayweather had been set for a professional bout against Manny Pacquiao in September but that clash has been thrown into doubt recently, and posting on social media, De La Hoya said that he wants the fight instead.

“Mayweather, come on dude. Fight a real fight. You’re still trying to protect your 0? Yes you’re 50-0 on paper but people know you’ve lost. Your own father said you lost against me when we fought.

“What’s crazy is people don’t know that we had a rematch clause for one year, and what do you do? Your p**sy ass retires for one year and one day.

“Ever since I got beat up by Manny Pacquiao in my last fight, I’ve wanted to fight every single day but I couldn’t because I wasn’t right physically, emotionally. All that depression I had in my spirit. These last five years I’ve put in the work.”

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Along with the callout of Mayweather, De La Hoya also revealed he would be happy to face YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul.

“I did a lot of work and I feel happy and at peace, and you know what? A man at peace is a dangerous f**king man. I can take on King Kong if I want and beat his ass. I’ll even fight Jake Paul. Let’s go.”

It isn’t the first time that De La Hoya has teased a return, and whether it actually ever comes to fruition remains to be seen.

Following his win over Derek Chisora, Deontay Wilder revealed he “held back” against the Brit after thinking of him spending time with his family.

The fight at London’s O2 Arena is expected to be Chisora’s last professional bout.

READ MORE: Chisora beaten by Wilder in captivating bout