Sports
Benjamin Sesko and Senne Lammens give Man Utd real hope of Champions League return
If Sesko broke Everton’s hearts at one end of the field, another summer recruit, Senne Lammens, did it at the other.
The Belgian goalkeeper kept out a blockbuster strike from Michael Keane, which Moyes felt sure was going in, then dealt superbly with a series of corners dropped under his crossbar as Everton literally tried to force an equaliser.
“Their goalie was brilliant tonight,” was Moyes’ blunt reaction.
“The save he made from Michael, the way he dealt with corner kicks. The pressure we had. For me, their goalkeeper was the best player.”
Carrick is the one who benefits though, just as he is benefiting from the decision of United’s recruitment department to block Amorim’s calls to bring in Emi Martinez from Aston Villa on summer transfer deadline day and instead place their faith in a relatively young £18.1m goalkeeper with just one full season of senior football in Belgium behind him.
Lammens is 23. Sesko is 22. United might not quite be winning trophies with kids, but they have a young generation that is beginning to blossom.
It was brought to Carrick’s attention after the Everton game that his former United team-mate and all-time great goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar was analysing the game on TV with Carragher.
Carrick skilfully navigated the question of whether there are comparisons to be drawn between the two men.
“I’ve got to be careful what I say,” he said.
“I don’t want to be comparing them because I don’t think it’s fair to Senne. But there’s definitely similarities.
“You want a goalkeeper to be reliable and trustworthy. Instead of creating a chaos, you want him to take the chaos away and calm things down. I think Senne is that.
“He’s quite quiet at times and unassuming, but he’s got real steel. It’s a big role for some, and it’s about being comfortable in your environment.
“Sometimes it takes time, sometimes not, but he has that calmness and composure. It helps those in front of him an awful lot.”
At the start of the season, United’s stated aim was to get back into Europe.
Even internally, it was felt reaching the Europa League was the most realistic target, and financial estimates were created around that.
However, in the wake of Amorim’s exit, director of football Jason Wilcox spoke to the players about reaching the Champions League.
The difference in status and finance is huge.
United have now gone 10 consecutive Premier League games without defeat for the first time since a run of 14 between January and May 2021 under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
From their current position, with no European distractions, which is something Villa, Chelsea and Liverpool all have, it would be a major disappointment for them if United were not to seal a return to European football’s top table.
“Manchester United are now virtually guarantees for one of the Champions League places,” said Carragher. “I can’t see them not making it.”
Canelo Alvarez is hoping to bounce back from a first super-middleweight defeat upon his ring return later this year and it is quickly becoming clear which belt he will target.
Last September, the Mexican superstar lost out to Terence Crawford in a fight that will be spoken of for years to come. Canelo underwent elbow surgery after the contest, which is expected to keep him out of the ring until this autumn.
In recent weeks, it has become increasingly expected that Canelo will jump back into an immediate title challenge against Cameroon-born Christian Mbilli – who was elevated to full WBC super-middleweight world champion earlier in the year.
On Thursday, Mbilli’s promoter, Camille Estephan, watched on as another of his fighters, Osleys Iglesias, captured the IBF super-middleweight world title in style. During the post-fight interview, Estephan made it clear that Canelo ‘wants’ to win his WBC belt back, but vowed that Mbilli will overcome him.
“Canelo will hopefully fight Christian [Mbilli]. He seems to want the WBC title. We’re not gonna give it to him. We will beat him. We want to have all the titles in Quebec, all five, soon enough.
“We [Mbilli and Osleys Iglesias] are gonna get all the other titles, and then they’ll fight and we’ll have the superstar out of Quebec right here.”
Elsewhere, both the WBA and WBO super-middleweight titles are on the line next month, in separate bouts involving Jose Armando Resendiz and Jaime Munguia (May 2, for Resendiz’s WBA title), and then Hamzah Sheeraz and Alem Begic (May 23, for the vacant WBO).
AUGUSTA, Ga. — Shane Lowry is sitting in a solid position heading into the weekend of the 2026 Masters Tournament.
The 39-year-old shot a bogey-free 69 Friday and sits comfortably six shots behind fellow Northern Ireland native Rory McIlroy.
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“Look, I’m in a nice position. I played well today,” Lowry said. “I felt like I did a lot of good things, and my attitude was great. So I’m very, very happy. If you give me this position yesterday morning, I would have taken your hand off. To be kind of in the mix going into the weekend around here is nice, so I’m looking forward to it.”
Shane Lowry reacts after a putt on the 18th green during the second round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.
This is Lowry’s eighth made cut in 11 Masters starts, his best finish coming in 2022 at T3. He finished his round Friday with birdies on the par-3 No. 16 and No. 18.
“I obviously had to stay patient, and I holed a couple of nice par putts kind of on 11 and 14,” he said. “Then, yeah, just kept trying to give myself chances and hit some great shots on the way in. I’m very happy.”
This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Masters leaderboard: Shane Lowry birdies 16, 18, climbs into top 5
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Operations at the canteen inside the Sports Authority of India headquarters in Delhi have come to a partial halt. The cooking activities have been suspended amid what is being described as an LPG supply issue. However, sources indicate the disruption may be linked to pricing disputes with the vendour and not exactly shortage of cooking gas. According to officials familiar with the matter, the private vendor managing the canteen raised concerns over insufficient LPG supply, leading to a complete stoppage in food preparation. But a well-placed source suggested that the issue could stem from the “high prices he has been quoting,”
For now, only tea is being served to staff, prepared using induction cooktops instead of gas. The canteen, which caters to roughly 150 employees at the headquarters, has stopped serving breakfast and evening snacks, leaving staff to make alternative arrangements for meals.
“The cooking of breakfast and evening snacks stopped around the time the West Asia crisis escalated,” an official said on condition of anonymity. “It was part of an effort to ration resources. We were informed by the canteen staff that only tea would be available.”
Despite the disruption at the headquarters, SAI has clarified that athletes remain unaffected. Those training at the stadium continue to receive their meals at the athletes’ mess, which is fully operational. Additionally, there has been no reported shortage of LPG across SAI’s National Centres of Excellence or hostel facilities nationwide, where food services are functioning normally.
According to sources, NDTV has learnt that this vendor handling the headquarters canteen reportedly took charge only a few months ago, raising further questions about the sudden suspension of services.
While the LPG crunch has been cited as the immediate cause, the broader context of supply chain concerns linked to geopolitical tensions in West Asia may also be playing a role
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London v Mayo Preview, Team News, Betting and Prediction – Connacht SFC 2026
The 2026 Connacht Senior Football Championship gets under way in Ruislip on Saturday afternoon as London welcome Mayo to McGovern Park, and all the early signs point towards the visitors making a winning start.
Mayo enter the championship in a strong place after finishing third in Division 1 of the Allianz Football League, winning five of their seven games. London, by contrast, finished sixth in Division 4, leaving a huge gulf between the teams heading into this Connacht quarter-final.
That gap is reflected in both the history of this fixture and in the betting market. Mayo have won each of the last five championship meetings between the counties, including the 2013 Connacht final and a 2016 quarter-final clash. London will hope that home surroundings and championship intensity keep them competitive for periods, but this is a very tall order.
London v Mayo recent championship meetings
- 2016: Mayo 2-16 London 0-9
- 2013: Mayo 5-11 London 0-10
- 2011: Mayo 0-19 London 2-10 aet
- 2006: Mayo 1-18 London 0-8
- 1996: Mayo 1-11 London 1-5
Mayo’s athleticism, pace through the middle and proven scoring ability should eventually make the difference. Even if London stay in touch for a while, the most likely outcome is Mayo pulling clear over the final 20 minutes.
Betting odds
- London: 25/1
- Draw: 35/1
- Mayo: 1/100
The outright market offers little value given how short Mayo are. The smarter betting angle is likely to be on the winning margin, with Mayo expected to cover a sizeable handicap.
Prediction
London should battle honestly, but Mayo are operating at a far higher level and anything other than an away win would be a major shock.
Prediction: Mayo to win comfortably
Predicted score: London 0-11 Mayo 1-22
Next up: The winners will play Roscommon or New York in the Connacht semi-final.
Team News
London – TBA
Mayo –
The 2026 Connacht championship throws-in on Saturday as Mayo travel to Ruislip to face London.
It will be Mayo’s first visit to the venue since 2016, when they recorded a 2-16 to 0-09 win over the hosts. Manager Andy Moran has named two championship debutants in Hugh O’Loughlin and Cian McHale. Notably, two members of the current matchday squad – Rob Hennelly and Cillian O’Connor – also made their debuts against London, in 2011. Throw-in at McGovern Park is scheduled for 2.30pm.
1. Rob Hennelly – Raheny
2. Jack Coyne (C) – Ballyhaunis
3. Rory Brickenden – Westport
4. Fenton Kelly – Davitts
5. Sam Callinan – Ballina Stephenites
6. Michael Plunkett – Ballintubber
7. Paddy Durcan – Castlebar Mitchels
8. Bob Tuohy – Castlebar Mitchels
9. David McBrien – Ballaghaderreen
10. Jack Carney – Kilmeena
11. Ryan O’Donoghue – Belmullet
12. Hugh O’Loughlin – Kilmaine
13. Cian McHale – Moy Davitts
14. Aidan O’Shea – Breaffy
15. Paul Towey – Charlestown Sarsfields
16. Jack Livingstone – Breaffy
17. John MacMonagle – Castlebar Mitchels
18. Donnacha McHugh – Castlebar Mitchels
19. Stephen Coen – Hollymount/Carramore
20. Sean Morahan – Castlebar Mitchels
21. Jordan Flynn – Crossmolina Deel Rovers
22. Conal Dawson – Westport
23. Fergal Boland – Aghamore
24. Diarmuid O’Connor – Ballintubber
25. Tommy Conroy – The Neale
26. Cillian O’Connor – Ballintubber
Sports
Asia Badminton Championships: Ayush Shetty downs World No. 4 Jonatan Christie; India’s first medal secured | Badminton News
NEW DELHI: Indian shuttler Ayush Shetty continued his impressive run at the Badminton Asia Championships, reaching the semi-finals after a stunning win over world No. 4 Jonatan Christie in Ningbo. Ayush won 23-21, 21-17 in a closely fought match, marking his first-ever victory over the Indonesian star and securing a medal for India.This achievement is significant as Ayush became the first Indian men’s singles player since HS Prannoy in 2018 to win a medal at the continental event.
It also guarantees India’s first medal at the championships since the men’s doubles gold won by Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy in 2023.The match was a tense battle from start to finish. In the opening game, both players were evenly matched, with Christie holding a narrow lead at one stage and even earning a game point. However, Ayush showed great composure under pressure, fighting back to force a tie-break and eventually clinching the game.The second game followed a similar pattern, with Ayush taking a slight lead into the break and then tightening his grip as the game progressed. His ability to stay calm and execute key points helped him close out the match and secure a memorable victory.Ayush’s journey in the tournament has been remarkable. He earlier stunned world No. 7 Li Shi Feng in the opening round and then defeated Chi Yu Jen to reach the quarter-finals. In the semi-finals, he will face either Kunlavut Vitidsarn, who defeated Weng Hongyang 20-22, 21-9, 21-9.While Ayush has been the standout performer, India’s campaign also saw setbacks, with PV Sindhu exiting in the second round and Lakshya Sen going out in the opening round.
NEW DELHI: Rajasthan Royals further strengthened their position at the top of the IPL 2026 points table after their dominant win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Friday. The Royals have been in outstanding form this season, registering four wins in as many matches. They sit firmly at number one with 8 points, having a perfect record of 4 wins and 0 losses, and a superior net run rate of +2.055.
For Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the defeat did not alter their overall standing significantly as they remain third on the table.
RCB have played 3 matches so far, winning 2 and losing 1, collecting 4 points in total. They have a net run rate of +1.231.
At second place are Punjab Kings, who have played 3 matches, winning 2 without a loss and one no-result. They have 5 points with a net run rate of +0.637.
In fourth position, Delhi Capitals have also won 2 of their 3 matches, losing 1, and sit on 4 points with a net run rate of +0.811.
Just behind them are Lucknow Super Giants, who mirror DC’s record with 2 wins and 1 loss but have a slightly negative net run rate of -0.359, placing them fifth.
Sunrisers Hyderabad are sixth with 1 win and 2 losses from 3 matches, earning 2 points and a net run rate of +0.275.
Gujarat Titans also have 1 win and 2 losses but sit seventh with a net run rate of -0.270.
Mumbai Indians are eighth with 1 win and 2 losses, collecting 2 points and a net run rate of -0.715.
At the bottom, Kolkata Knight Riders are ninth with 1 point from 4 matches, having 0 wins, 3 losses and 1 no-result, with a net run rate of -1.315.
Chennai Super Kings are at the very bottom in tenth place, having lost all 3 matches, with 0 points and a net run rate of -2.517.
|
Rank |
Team |
P |
W |
L |
NR |
Pts |
NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
RR |
4 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
8 |
+2.055 |
|
2 |
PBKS |
3 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
5 |
+0.637 |
|
3 |
RCB |
3 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
4 |
+1.231 |
|
4 |
DC |
3 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
4 |
+0.811 |
|
5 |
LSG |
3 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
4 |
-0.359 |
|
6 |
SRH |
3 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
+0.275 |
|
7 |
GT |
3 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
-0.270 |
|
8 |
MI |
3 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
-0.715 |
|
9 |
KKR |
4 |
0 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
-1.315 |
|
10 |
CSK |
3 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
-2.517 |
Then, sure enough, my vision began to narrow and my body started to feel weak. I’d fainted once before, many years ago, but this was different. Everything was at stake this time.
“I think I’m going to pass out,” I blurted to my friend beside me.
He chuckled awkwardly.
“No, I’m serious — I think I’m going to pass out.”
This time it landed.
“Want me to ask her for the tiramisu?” he asked, half-joking.
“Yes,” I said.
He returned a moment later with a takeaway container of the heavenly ‘pick-me-up’ (apparently a direct translation from Italian — couldn’t be more fitting). I began shoveling the sweet, creamy concoction into my mouth. Within seconds, a wave of relief. I was back.
“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Masters Tournament.”
We were in.
I called my dad from one of the free phones on site and was truly lost for words. I had to call back once I could actually speak to tell him where I was and how unbelievable the entire scene was. Wishing he could be there with me. It was very emotional.
Ultimately it showed me how moments bring us together, regardless of what they are. The Masters has always had a special place in my heart, since I was a young aspiring professional golfer watching on TV every year with my dad, without fail. The four of us friends experiencing that Sunday together has cemented a bond that will never break.
What followed was a tradition unlike any other and truly the best day ever. – Mark Quinlan
;)
Mark Quinlan
At Amen Corner, I think of dad
I grew up in Augusta, and have gone to the Masters for most of my life. I would go to the tournament and practice rounds sporadically with my mom and dad. In 2001, my dad got four tickets to the tournament. I had to work that week, but he left me an extra ticket if I could get off early and meet them. I was never able to do that. My mom, dad and uncle sat on Amen Corner that day and watched everyone come in. My dad passed that summer from a stroke at 45 years old. We were on the waiting list for series badges and in 2010 my mom began receiving two annual tickets to the tournament.
Ever since then, my mom and I sit at Amen Corner in memory of him. Every time I go I think of him and how much he loved this tournament. He is actually buried in a cemetery about a driver away from Amen Corner. Every time I go, it’s almost like I’m watching it with him.
The Masters is always a special time for my family. Most locals rent out their homes and leave for spring break during the tournament. My dad was an accountant and I played sports (and loved golf) so we were always in town, and I loved going to the tournament. I attached a picture from my wedding of the grooms cake from my wedding and a picture of my mom and dad. – Nick Coia, Augusta, Ga.
;)
Nick Coia
;)
Nick Coia
An emotional day at Augusta National
My Dad was a teaching pro and in the 90s and early ’00s owned an indoor simulator facility. It was one of the few in our area at the time and he often got booked by big companies to take a simulator unit down to different tournaments to set up at hospitality houses. He did this for several years at Augusta and unfortunately I never made it down with him.
He got sick in 2017 and passed away in 2019, shortly before Tiger won his fifth Masters. Fast forward a few years and I was lucky enough to be invited to attend the Tuesday practice round with some friends.
;)
Shaun Bisson
I felt a wide range of emotions throughout the day. Finally experiencing something I wish I had gotten to do with my Dad was a bit overwhelming, but the most meaningful experience was getting to the phones and calling my Mom to say hi and spend a few minutes talking about my dad. It’s something I’ll never ever forget.
The entire place is so magical and you feel like you’re floating as you walk around. It evokes so many different emotions and because golf is often such a special game for families. It’s hard not to get romantic about what Augusta National means to those who pass the game from generation to generation.
For a lot of my childhood, I resented golf and especially the Masters for taking my dad away from me. His job meant he was busy a lot, so I associated golf with missing him.
But the older I got, the more I fell in love with the sport and the Masters. And I began to understand why my dad loved it so much. And eventually it became our shared passion. We became closer, became golf buddies and best friends. – Shaun Bisson, Petrolia, Ontario
;)
Shaun Bisson
The Masters Sunday that lives in a notebook
I attended the final round of the 2025 Masters with my dad. We ran into Scott Van Pelt by the first tee on Sunday morning. As a fellow broadcaster working in sports media, it was special to get the chance to meet him in person for the first time. He was familiar with my career background thanks to a few quick Zoom interactions over the years on the Pardon My Take podcast, but getting to speak to him for 10 minutes at Augusta National made it that much more special. The chance to get career advice from one of the best to ever do it in our business and him telling me to keep pushing in order to get to where I want to go was an incredible feeling, and having my dad there listening to it firsthand was awesome.
Going to the Masters with my dad last year was by far the most special sporting event that I’ve ever been to. I am incredibly fortunate to have been to the Final Four, World Series and so many other events with him, but this one stood above the rest. I think a big reason why this is this case is because of how unique the whole Masters experience is. We won the lottery… for SUNDAY! The no phone rule created a lot more anticipation for the both of us, since we didn’t fully know what we were in for. The property, the cheap concessions, the fact that celebrities roam around and blend in with the rest of the patrons, just all of it was different. All of that makes the experience at the Masters unlike anything else you will enjoy at a sporting event.
Oh yeah, that Sunday finish was pretty special, too.
;)
Jake Marsh
Since the no-phone rule at Augusta is a real thing, I brought a mini notebook to Augusta National to document every little detail throughout this once-in-a-lifetime day. Before getting to the course, I filled it with tips from prior patrons, a gift shop wish list from friends and family and other notes. Once we were on the grounds, I wrote down every event of note throughout the day. We only have one picture to show for it, but having all the details in that notebook will forever be part of the experience as well. – Jake Marsh, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
;)
Jake Marsh
A work award and a trip to Augusta National
I was lucky enough to get to attend the Friday round of the 2023 Masters and it was a day I’ll never forget. Probably even harder to believe how it came to be. I’m from Milwaukee, Wisconsin and had won an award through my work, which typically was rewarded with an all expenses paid weekend trip with coworkers to a nice warm location, including events, dinners and excursions. “Unfortunately” for me, I won the award during Covid so the trip was canceled and I was given a large quantity of “rewards points” to use on an employee recognition/reward site.
I had always seen big trips and experiences on there, but never knew how anyone would actually accumulate enough points to cash that in. After a lot of waiting and searching daily, the one day Masters ticket finally came back to the platform, so I cashed in almost all my points for this opportunity, knowing I could use it anytime in the next several years. My girlfriend and I planned the trip for over a year. We spent a few days in Augusta, both before and after my tournament day, just taking in the environment and everything the city had to offer. I’ll always remember grabbing a coffee and walking the second nine before the crowds filled in, just taking in the course and the views, then making my way to the first tee just in time to see Phill Mickelson tee off. I’m just glad I took advice and got my merch taken care of early and shipped out before the trees and rain cut the day short. Now I’m just dreaming of the day I can go back. – Jim Knutson, Milwaukee, Wis.
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Vikings Territory Breakdown
The NFL draft nears like some ominous apparition quietly flapping its ratty black wings through a rising mist toward a stalled Vikings ship in still and murky waters. Too much? Maybe not. It should be an exciting time, but for Vikings fans, dread always attends the draft until that first trade of their top pick for a later-round selection or it’s retained and a player such as Troy Williamson is selected. And then the handwringing and self-recriminations (for believing, once more) begin.
But not this year! The Vikings have let go of the architect of their past four drafts (Kwesi Adofo-Mensah) in favor of executive vice president of football operations and longtime Vikings cap-guru Rob Brzezinski. What could go wrong?!
Well, plenty, if you know the history of Vikings drafts, where they have done things like miss the appointed time to make a pick and then selected it a few spots later. But not this year. Heck, no, not this year when the master of making the Vikings roster work, money-wise, is at the helm.
Brzezinski as acting GM will be interesting. He comes to the position with 27 years of experience with the Purple, but not on the scouting, evaluating, drafting side of things. He is well-respected and has a great opportunity to remove “acting” from his title, if, in fact, this draft is his trial run for the job—and if he wants it—as the Vikings announced they won’t conduct a search for a GM until after the draft.
All of that remains to be seen—but that won’t stop the fellas at the Vikings Territory Breakdown podcast—Joe Oberle, senior writer at vikingsterritory.com and purplePTSD.com, and Mark Craig, NFL and Vikings writer for the Star Tribune and startribune.com—from talking about it. We will speculate on what to expect from the Vikings draft this year, plus look back at their checkered draft history—good and bad. Tune in and check it all out. Skol!
Listen to Vikings Territory Breakdown here or on you favorite podcast network.
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Lexie Hull led the Indiana Fever to the brink of the WNBA Finals last season.
She did it without Caitlin Clark on the floor after the superstar was injured.
Now, with Clark returning in 2026, Hull believes and expects they can win a championship and promote the game for the next generation of fans and aspiring players.
Indiana Fever guard Lexie Hull (10), guard Caitlin Clark (22) and guard Sophie Cunningham (8) laugh near the team bench June 3, 2025, during a game against the Washington Mystics at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. (IMAGN)
“Seeing girls, seeing boys show up every day and being able to give them aspirations and show them what they can do and show them the possibilities,” Hull told Fox News Digital of the rewards of playing in the WNBA.
“Growing up, I didn’t necessarily watch the WNBA as much, didn’t have dreams of playing in the league at a young age. And now girls have the ability to watch us, see us, dream about being professional athletes. And that’s what’s been the most rewarding part about it.
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“I love the game, and I love when [the fans] show up. And that’s part of the reason why I love doing what I do, is to see fans in the stands, see little girls and being able to be a role model for them on and off the court. I think that’s really what drives me and fuels me.”
Hull, who was drafted by the Fever in 2022, played her first two WNBA seasons without the massive spotlight that Clark brought in 2024.
They got the Fever to the playoffs together for the first time since 2016 that year before Hull led the team on a playoff run while Clark and teammate Sophie Cunningham were on the bench with injuries in 2026.
In a career-best year in 2025, Hull averaged career highs in points (7.2), rebounds (4.3) and assists (1.8) while shooting 36.7% from 3-point range and appearing in all 44 games.
Lexie Hull of the Indiana Fever during a game against the Washington Mystics at CFG Bank in Baltimore Sept. 7, 2025. (Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
In the playoffs, she averaged 10.3 points, five rebounds and two assists in eight games. It all came to an end in a 107-98 overtime loss to the Las Vegas Aces in Game 5 of the WNBA semifinals.
But Hull says she believes the 2026 team, in year three of the Clark era, will be a different show and one that is gunning for the title.
“I think it’s because we made it where we made it last year without some of our key pieces, and with a lot of injuries, and a lot of, like, this adversity. … Our bench was longer than every other bench. We had more people in the training room getting treatment than any other team, and we still almost made it to the Finals,” Hull said.
“Tasting that and being so close and feeling like we have so much more to give, I think that just changes our mindset a little bit. And it’s not necessarily overconfident, but confident in the fact that we really do have a chance. And we should be playing like every game matters, and we’re preparing for that last one.
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The Indiana Fevers’ Lexie Hull, Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham watch as the Golden State Valkyries celebrate their 88-77 win in a WNBA game at Chase Center in San Francisco June 19, 2025. (Scott Strazzante/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)
“I think it’s very achievable with what we’re going to be able to do with free agency.”
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After a season of turmoil, at last some light at the end of the tunnel for West Ham.
Friday’s thumping 4-0 win over Wolves – their biggest of the season so far – lifted West Ham out of the Premier League relegation zone, and plunged London rivals Tottenham into it.
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Just three points now separate four teams in the battle to avoid the third relegation spot, with Wolves and Burnley both cut further adrift.
West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo insisted there was still “a lot of work to do” – but enjoyed a “big step” towards safety after Taty Castellanos and Konstantinos Mavropanos both scored twice at London Stadium.
“We are happy, extremely happy,” he told Sky Sports. “All of us deserve this kind of evening, especially our fans.
“The London Stadium today was amazing, bouncing with energy and helping us in the hard parts.”
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But while West Ham fans were bouncing, Tottenham supporters watching at home were likely slumping further into their armchairs as each goal went in.
Spurs, who face Sunderland on Sunday in new boss Roberto de Zerbi’s first game in charge, are now in completely uncharted territory.
So what next?
A place Spurs have never been before
While Spurs have flirted with the bottom three for the past two seasons – even during their spectacular run to Europa League glory only 11 months ago – this is the first time they have actually occupied the relegation zone since 2015.
On that occasion, the league season was only one game old and Tottenham – then managed by Mauricio Pochettino – had lost their opener against Manchester United, but recovered to finish the campaign in third place.
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To find the last time Spurs were in the relegation zone past the midway point of a campaign, you have to go back to February 1998 – when they sat 18th after 24 games.
But after 31 matches? That has never happened in the Premier League era. This is another new low.
What will worry Spurs fans even more is that across 31 Premier League seasons, a team occupying 18th place after 31 matches has been relegated on 21 occasions.
[BBC]
“When I look at the Tottenham team… where’s your match-winner? Who’s going to win you the game?” said ex-Spurs midfielder Jamie Redknapp on Sky Sports.
“When I look at Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville, they have moments – that’s the important thing.
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“And that’s now put almighty pressure on Tottenham Hotspur, who have to go and beat Sunderland in their next game. That’s not an easy fixture.
“Anything can happen. There will still be twists and turns. West Ham have only got to lose their next game at Crystal Palace next week and they’re right back in it.
“It’s very difficult to predict. But you need calm heads and what West Ham did today – look a threat from set-pieces, a real threat from your best players – you give yourself a real chance.”
After their trip to the Stadium of Light, four of Tottenham’s six remaining games are against teams in the top half of the table. They still have to go to Aston Villa and Chelsea, both chasing Champions League football.
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But while the stats suggest 18th position is not the place to be after 31 games, not all the data is doom and gloom for Spurs.
Of the 17 times a team has been on 30 points after 31 games (Tottenham’s current tally), only six were relegated. It is something to cling on to.
Which other teams are battling for survival?
There are sure to be plenty more twists and turns in the final weeks of the season.
But, after their hard-fought and well-deserved win against Wolves, West Ham’s players can at least breathe a sigh of relief as attention turns to their relegation rivals – Leeds United, Nottingham Forest and Spurs – for the rest of the weekend.
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Up first are Forest, who host Champions League-chasing Aston Villa at 14:00 BST on Sunday, after a gruelling Europa League quarter-final first leg against Porto on Thursday.
Later in the day, Spurs, as mentioned, will have to inflict just a fourth home defeat of the season on an impressive Sunderland side if they are to move out of the relegation zone at the first time of asking.
Leeds – one point and two places above West Ham – round off the weekend’s fixtures on Monday when they travel to Manchester United.
But it will not be easy against one of their fiercest rivals – Daniel Farke’s men have not won at Old Trafford in the league since 1981.
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A favourable weekend of fixtures for the Hammers then?
It is little wonder West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen admitted he would be keeping a close eye on the television over the weekend.
“I’ve got three kids to entertain but I will keep an eye on the games,” added Bowen. “We have a bit of time before the game against Palace then go again.
“The spirit, the togetherness is so important in this situation. You can always have quality, but you need grit and desire and a will to win through the whole squad.
“The only thing we know as a club is to keep fighting and doing what we’re doing and take it into the next six games.”
Opta’s supercomputer still predicts that West Ham are more likely to finish in 18th than Tottenham [BBC]
Edwards sticking to ‘same message’ – but was this it for Wolves?
While those above them continue to battle it out for Premier League survival, it looks almost certain that Wolves’ race is run.
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Fifteen points from safety with just 18 points left to play for, their relegation could be confirmed as early as next Saturday if results go against them.
They have been made to pay for a dreadful first half of the season, failing to win any of their opening 19 games and picking up just three points in the process.
Defender Ladislav Krejci apologised to the fans after their defeat at London Stadium – “not just for this game but the situation in the table”.
But manager Rob Edwards would not be drawn on whether it was a result that killed any remaining hope.
“For us it is the same message,” he told Sky Sports. We have to try to finish strong, respect every game and go for it.
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“We are all under the microscope and we have to make sure we perform.”
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