It didn’t feel like Arsenal had just qualified for only their second Champions League semi-final in 17 years. The final whistle came with overwhelming but cautious relief rather than ecstasy; the feeling that Arsenal had got away with one by the skin of their teeth, but next time they won’t be so fortunate.
Had Joao Simoes 94th-minute effort crept a few inches to the left, this last-eight tie was heading to extra time. That would’ve been catastrophic for Arsenal’s physical state ahead of their biggest game of the season on Sunday. In their current mental state, Arsenal progression would not have been a safe bet.
Mikel Arteta made a rallying cry in which he asked Arsenal’s supporters to come to the Emirates not with their dinner, but with “pure fire” and “zero fear” for the visit of Sporting. Fans struggled to comply. There was less a fire in their bellies, more a collective knot.
Mikel Arteta called Arsenal fans to bring “pure fire” to the Emirates (Reuters)
It was a stark comparison to this exact occasion 12 months ago. When Real Madrid came to town, there was an atmosphere unadulterated belief and optimism that this team could create magic. Maybe it helped that their Premier League title race had already been run at the time; Liverpool were 11 points clear, so their focus was streamlined.
But on this night, there was more than a tinge of anxiety in the air, a hangover from still being very much in the thick of a title race, and one that has a yellow flag being waved. Some were no longer allowing themselves to dream of the best, instead conditioned by three years of hurt to fearing the worst. “Please, enjoy where we are as a club,” Arteta said after the match, having asked for perspective of Arsenal’s position in major competitions before this game. It’s easier said than done.
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This did not help a team of players who currently appear tortured by their own psyche. Arsenal were error-prone, especially at the back, with David Raya and William Saliba each gifting Sporting possession when unsuccessfully trying to play out from the back. It was Tottenham-esque at times.
Both blunders went unpunished; against the attacking quality of any other team in the last eight, probably barring Liverpool, things would’ve surely been different. But the concern is these aren’t isolated incidents in one match – Arsenal’s build-up from deep was hugely problematic against Bournemouth, too. A team previously heralded as one with the most resolute defence arguably in world football now looks shaky.
Such was the case for the best chance – the only real chance – of a pedestrian first-half. The culmination of a sweeping Sporting move that cut Arsenal open far too easily, Geny Catano was left completely untracked at the back post and volleyed Maximiliano Araujo’s dinked cross off the left post. On the brink of half-time, this tie should have been level.
Geny Catano came agonisingly close to equalising for Arsenal (Getty)
That is not to say Sporting were playing a perfect game. They were similarly susceptible to an error (or eight) at the back; just Arsenal rarely looked like capitalising. Those meant to drive the hosts towards goal, like Noni Madueke, were frightened to take on a man as Arsenal overthought their opportunities until dispossession. Screams of “go forwards!”, often with an expletive, were ever-present.
When the Madueke finally did go through the gears, it fashioned Arsenal’s best chance of the game so far – darting across the box before firing into the side netting on 57 minutes. The Englishman turned a corner five minutes before he was forced off injured. “It was something in his knee so we had to take him off,” Arteta said.
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The moment that encapsulated the difference in mindset between now and that famous night against Real Madrid a year ago, fittingly, came with a free-kick. Declan Rice, then the hero from the dead ball, was stood with the ball set 25 yards out – but played it short. Sporting quickly snuffed out the routine and countered. If not for the lung-besting recovery of left-winger Gabriel Martinelli down the right, the visitors were in. In diametric opposition to the Real encounter, even Arsenal’s game-changers looked scared to go for the spectacular.
But in response to any frustration about the performance, Rice’s response was emphatic. “Who cares what people think?” he told TNT Sports.
Declan Rice’s free-kick routine showed the difference between Arsenal’s then and now (Reuters)
In a second half that saw Sporting gas, the visitors bookmarked the 45 with two close calls; first from Araujo three minutes after the restart, set up by Morten Hjulmand – an Arsenal fan and possible transfer target who has the club crest tattooed on his left bicep – and then Simoes with practically the last kick of the game.
Otherwise there was improvement to speak of from the hosts, who pressed a tiring team well and came close to killing the tie when Leandro Trossard hit the post with seven minutes to play. He was found at the back post by Max Dowman, who replaced Madueke and did provide the spark that had some arguing for him to start this match. A bright finish could instil a bit of confidence, even if a late scare will leave them wiping their brow.
Between the 67th minute and the game’s final moment, Arsenal didn’t allow Sporting a shot nor a touch in their box. One of their specialties this season has been holding onto slender leads. Arteta trusts them to do this but still wouldn’t mind making things more comfortable. “I do [trust my players with one-goal leads,” he says, “but I prefer to score the goal.”
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Sporting held Arsenal to a goalless draw on the night but could not fight back (AP)
This time, Arteta’s men managed to survive. In keeping with their first-leg display in Lisbon, they emerged from the night having done what was required and nothing more.
But heading to the Etihad, it is imperative they clear the mental fog that comes with the possibility of repeated failure. Against this Manchester City team in a ruthless vein of form, the question of whether they can emerge unscathed while still racked by such anxiety seems to answer itself.
The actress, also known for her 1980s home workout videos, wrote: “He needed me. No one had ever let me know they needed me, and this wasn’t your average human being that needed me, this was the creator of CNN, and Turner Classic Movies, who had won the America’s Cup as the world’s greatest sailor.
Posting on Instagram, he said: “Heartbroken to share that Joan, my wife and partner for 50 years, has passed away. She was the most wonderful mum and grandmum our kids and grandkids could have ever wished for. She was my best friend, my rock, my guiding light, my world. Love you forever, Joan x”
Steven Gerrard won the Champions League at Liverpool (Picture: TNT Sports)
Steven Gerrard has outlined the blueprint Arsenal must follow to beat PSG in the Champions League final.
PSG’s Champions League defence continued with a thrilling semi-final victory over Bayern Munich, with Luis Enrique’s side winning 6-5 on aggregate.
The French champions won the first leg 5-4 in Paris before holding German champions Bayern to a 1-1 draw at the Allianz Arena.
Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele put PSG further ahead in the tie with a 3rd-minute goal and Harry Kane’s late strike prove to be just a consolation.
Gerrard, who won the Champions League with Liverpool in 2005, says Arsenal will be ‘underdogs’ going into the final but insists the Premier League leaders ‘certainly have a chance’.
Asked to rate Arsenal’s chances of causing an upset in the Budapest final on May 30, Gerrard said on TNT Sports: ‘I know more than anyone that an underdog can win this final. It was a mismatch when we played AC Milan but anything can happen.
PSG celebrate beating Bayern Munich in the semi-finals (Picture: Getty)
‘Arsenal are paying against a high-quality team with an elite manager so Arsenal will have to be the best versions of themselves.
‘Every single player will have to turn up but of course they’ve got a chance. Being the underdogs might even suit this Arsenal team.
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‘If they can win the Premier League that will give them immense confidence and belief going into the final as well.
Ousmane Dembele scored a crucial goal for PSG (Picture: Getty)
‘They’ve certainly got a chance. I think they need to use their physicality, their size, make every set-piece count and take PSG to places they don’t want to go and make it uncomfortable for them.’
Discussing PSG’s semi-final win over Bayern Munich, Gerrard added: ‘Over the two legs they deserved to go through.
‘The first leg was a shootout but they got their heads in front and tonight was a defensive masterclass.
Arsenal will face PSG in the final (Picture: Getty)
‘Bayern and Kompany played their part in the tie but the best team have gone through. PSG just had the edge over them.’
Gerrard’s former England teammate Owen Hargreaves also gave Arsenal hope of overcoming PSG in a mouth-watering Champions League final.
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‘Arsenal have a chance, without a doubt,’ he said. ‘With that defence, the goalkeeper, Declan Rice deeper in midfield…
‘They can definitely do it in a one-off game. But this PSG team? They’ve got so many ways to hurt you.
‘It will be fascinating but this is a different Arsenal now. They believe again after they went through that blip. They have a chance.’
Mikel Arteta’s side are on course to become Premier League champions before the European final, currently sitting five points clear of second-placed Manchester City.
The Derry Girls star will take on the famous “say what you see” challenge as she helps raise awareness of the hardships faced by local people and families across the city.
Foyle Network Foundation, which operates Foyle Foodbank, said Jamie-Lee’s support will help shine a light on the growing need experienced by many people across the city.
Karen Mullan, Director of Foyle Network Foundation, said the organisation was hugely grateful to Jamie-Lee for choosing to support the charity.
She said: “We are absolutely delighted that Jamie-Lee is supporting Foyle Foodbank on Celebrity Catchphrase. It means so much to us and to the people we support every single day.
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“Jamie-Lee has always been a fantastic ambassador for Derry and for communities, and her support helps raise awareness of the reality many families are facing at the minute.”
Mrs Mullan said the appearance also highlights the generosity of people across the city who continue to back local appeals and donate to help others.
She added: “The people of Derry are incredibly generous. Time and time again we see local people stepping up to support neighbours, friends and families who may be struggling.
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“Whether it’s donating food, supporting fundraising appeals or simply spreading awareness, it all makes a real difference to people’s lives.
“Foodbanks are about much more than food. They’re about dignity, compassion and making sure people know they are not alone.”
Viewers can tune into Celebrity Catchphrase on ITV1 this Saturday, May 9, at 5.45pm to cheer Jamie-Lee on as she plays in support of Foyle Foodbank.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have issued an appeal today, Wednesday, May 6, for assistance in finding a missing girl from Bolton.
Officers are searching for Layla, who is only 14-years-old, and say she was last seen on Marsey Road yesterday, Tuesday, May 4.
Police said they want to make sure Layla is safe and described her as “a white female, around 5ft 9in tall, with a slim build and long brown hair with blonde highlights.”
Police have asked for the public’s help (Image: GMP)
A spokesperson, via social media, said: “Have you seen Layla (14) from Bolton?
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“She was last seen on Marsey Road, Bolton on 04/05/26.
“Officers want to make sure she is safe and well.
“Any info? Call us on 0161 856 2661 quoting log 3374 of 04/05/26 or reference number MSP/06KK/0000926/26”
The appeal on social media also said that officers “are becoming increasingly concerned” about Layla.
Tuesday (6 May) saw the official opening of a brand-new Kwik Fit in Petersfield. The UK’s leading automotive service and repair company has opened its first centre in the town, located on Dragon Street. Petersfield Town Mayor, Councillor Chris Paige, joined manager Darrell Mitchell and the Kwik Fit team to cut the ribbon and mark the company’s investment in the new centre.
Pedestrian Graham Wright, 43, died following a car crash near Dumfries on Sunday, May 3.
A man who died after being hit by a car on the A75 near Dumfries has been named by police. Graham Wright, 43, was killed after he was hit by a car in the early hours of Sunday morning, May 3.
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Emergency services were called to the scene at Lockerbie Road near to the roundabout at the A701 following the incident at around 3am.
A pedestrian and an silver Ford Fiesta were involved in a collision before the car subsequently crashed with a silver lorry travelling in the opposite direction.
Despite paramedics best efforts, Graham, the pedestrian, was pronounced dead at the scene. No other serious injuries were reported and the road remained closed for a number of hours while investigations are carried out and the roadway was repaired.
Police are continuing to appeal for any information, particularly any dash-cam footage, which could assist their enquiries.
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Road Policing Sergeant Wayne Carnochan said: “Our thoughts remain with Graham’s family and friends at this extremely difficult time.
“Our enquiries into the crash continue and I’d like to thank everyone who has come forward with information already. I’d ask anyone who hasn’t yet spoken to police, and witnessed the collision or has dash-cam footage which could assist us, to get in touch.”
A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: “The man who died following a fatal collision in Dumfries has been named as Graham Wight.
“Around 3am on Sunday, May 3, we were called to a crash involving a pedestrian and a silver Ford Fiesta on the A75, between the roundabout at Lockerbie Road and the roundabout for the A701.
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“The car subsequently crashed into a silver lorry travelling in the opposite direction.
“Emergency services attended, but the 43-year-old pedestrian, Graham Wight, was pronounced dead at the scene.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0526 of May 3.“
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Adapted from a German comedy, the show centres on Greg as Paul ‘Wicky’ Wickstead, a crime scene cleaner who encounters diverse individuals through his distinctive profession.
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Featuring guest appearances from the likes of Helena Bonham Carter, David Mitchell, Ruth Madeley, and Layton Williams, it depicts Wicky navigating peculiar scenarios while removing all traces of death from crime scenes.
The BBC synopsis reveals: “After CSI have done their stuff, the cleaner mops up the grisly remains. For Wicky, a bloodbath and the pub is all in a day’s work,” reports the Mirror.
Almost two years following the third series’ conclusion in October 2024, Greg has now suggested further instalments are on the horizon.
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During Wednesday’s appearance on The One Show, the Taskmaster presenter revealed: “I’ve been told I’m not allowed to say much, but all I can tell you is, it’s not over. The Cleaner is not finished, we’re working on something.”
He continued: “I’ll be writing, yes, but I am not allowed to tell you what form it’s in. Something is happening, I’m writing it. I’m chuffed that Wicky is coming back.”
This follows fans praising The Cleaner as the “perfect British comedy”, with one viewer commenting: “One of the best shows in recent years.”
Another remarked: “Haven’t laughed so much in a long time. Just happened upon this little gem. Was in stitches within minutes….brilliant!” One viewer commented: “Blasted through all episodes, and this was a little gem to find,” while another declared: “Hooked already.”
A further fan remarked: “The Cleaner is unexpectedly quirky and original. I have never seen anything like it. I laughed so hard that I had to pause the show to collect myself as I was losing the dialogue. Greg Davies is a comic genius.”
“Easily bingeable,” another viewer noted, with someone else stating: “Every episode a gem. Just one of the best TV series this year.”
Greg has previously discussed what he believes draws audiences to The Cleaner and his character Wicky, explaining to the BBC: “Well, it’s not for me to presume they did but what I like about the character is that in many ways he is quite innocent, almost childlike. He has settled into a very straightforward personal life but does a job that is constantly challenging that.
“He is forced to consider things about life that, left to his own devices he’s probably ‘brushed under the carpet’. Rarely does Wicky leave a crime scene without having learned something.”
He continued: “I love that each week is a new adventure for him. He is challenged by eccentric characters with colourful lives.
“It’s really nice to work intensely with a small cast week on week and it may seem petty but I like that, regardless of the guest actors illustrious careers, I’m always the tallest person on camera.”
Martin Anstee, 56, was evacuated on a medical flight this morning along with two others
21:59, 06 May 2026Updated 21:59, 06 May 2026
A British man who was evacuated from the MV Hondius after falling sick amid a suspected outbreak of the hantavirus has been named.
Martin Anstee was an expedition guide on board the cruise ship. He was removed from the vessel alongside two other people this morning and flown to Europe for treatment.
Mr Anstee was removed from the vessel along with a Dutch colleague, 41, who was the ship’s doctor, and a 65-year-old German passenger, the Telegraph reported.
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His wife Nocila told reporters he appeared to be on the mend following “a very traumatic few days,” the Mirror reports.
“The fear with this virus is it can deteriorate very quickly so it’s been a bit up and down for him,” she said. “I don’t believe he’s in imminent danger now, but it was horrible.
Mr Anstee’s family were relieved that he had been evacuated from the ship and taken to Holland for treatment, as early treatment is important for recovery from the virus, she said.
“We’re just glad the authorities managed to get to Cape Verde to evacuate them, so it’s just relief at the moment,” she added.
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Mrs Anstee said she found out her husband was ill on Sunday. At first his sickness had been mild but his symptoms became “more serious” she said, adding that his condition seemed to have now stabilised.
The Atlantic Odyssey voyage departed from Ushuaia in Argentina on April 1 with several expedition crew members, including Mr Anstee. His role saw him help guide guests around some of the remotest islands in the world, where the boat stopped off. His work took him to South Georgia, Gough Island, Tristan da Cunha and St Helena.
He is a keen nature photographer and snapped rare birds, including the Wilkins’s finch, the Inaccessible Island rail and the Nightingale Island finch, captured while he was exploring the Tristan da Cunha islands.
Arsenal await as Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain contest the second leg of their Champions League semi-final tie in Germany tonight. There are huge expectations for another pulsating showdown between two of Europe’s biggest clubs after last week’s nine-goal thriller at the Parc des Princes, a modern classic that saw so much scintillating attacking football and jaw-dropping shifts in momentum as holders PSG eventually triumphed 5-4. It was the highest-scoring contest in the history of Champions League semi-finals and one of the best games in recent memory.
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