Connect with us
DAPA Banner

NewsBeat

Eastenders star brings her podcast live to Newcastle

Published

on

Eastenders star brings her podcast live to Newcastle

The Newcastle show at The Stand Newcastle on Sunday, February 8 is part of Natalie’s UK tour, taking the popular podcast from the studio to the stage for an intimate Sunday matinee filled with laughter, honesty and candid conversation, featuring family members, celebrity guests and audience interaction.

Natalie says performing in the North East always feels special. “I’ve always found people in the North East incredibly friendly and warm. It feels very different to London. You smile at people up here and they smile back – and I’m really looking forward to coming up and feeling that warmth again.”

The Newcastle date will feature a special guest appearance from TV favourite Scarlett Moffatt, who Natalie described as “brilliant, hilarious and just such a laugh.”

Advertisement

Scarlett will also be bringing along some of her drag queen friends, adding what Natalie promises will be “a real bit of fun and camp” to the afternoon.

“Scarlett and I are just going to have a really lovely chat about life, love and what we’re all up to,” Natalie said. “It’s very much the normal Life With Nat podcast chat, just in front of a live audience – and with a glass of wine.”

Natalie added that the live format allows them to explore their very different journeys into fame. “I’ve known nothing different, whereas Scarlett had a completely normal life and then was suddenly catapulted into fame through reality TV,” she said. “We’ve both done reality shows, so we’ll definitely have a good old chat about that – including whether I should ever go into the jungle for I’m A Celebrity.”

Alongside Scarlett, Natalie will also be joined on stage by her brother Tony and her fiancé Mark, making the show a particularly personal one. Natalie believes the mix of people is what makes the live show stand out.

Advertisement

“My brother is 57 – he’s a builder and a fisherman and he doesn’t hold back,” she said. “He’s very no-nonsense and really down to earth. So for any blokes thinking there won’t be anything there for them – there absolutely will be.”

She added: “My fiancé Mark and I talk quite openly about relationships, and we’re very dry with each other, so anyone who’s a bit nosey about other people’s lives will enjoy that.”

Natalie, who left the hit BBC soap last year, said the live show is not just for regular podcast listeners, but also for EastEnders fans curious about life behind the scenes.

“I’ll talk about EastEnders, about the past, about being famous and how that’s affected my family,” she said. “People are always really interested in how it impacts the people around you, especially when you’ve been in it from such a young age.”

Advertisement

The Stand Newcastle offers an intimate setting – something Natalie says was a deliberate decision.“I think it’s really important to start with smaller venues, it’ll feel a lot more intimate conversation but it’s also so people can get to know what you’re about,” she said.

“I was really nervous before my first live shows, thinking, ‘Why would people want to come and watch us chat?’ But the feedback from my live shows last year was that it felt like a really lovely afternoon.”

Natalie is no stranger to the region, having previously toured the North East in productions including Bedroom Farce and The Vagina Monologues.

Life With Nat Live promises an afternoon of laughter, heartfelt stories and honest conversation, delivered with Natalie’s trademark warmth and down-to-earth charm.

Advertisement

Tickets are on sale now via The Stand’s website.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

NewsBeat

Blackley incident LIVE: Armed police barricade tower block in city street with forensics on scene

Published

on

Daily Mirror

Armed police have swarmed a tower block in north Manchester following an incident.

Emergency services are at the scene on Broadmoss Drive in Blackley, where the entrance to Somerton Court has been cordoned off. The road is partially blocked in both directions, according to traffic monitoring site Inrix.

A forensics unit has also been called to the incident. Greater Manchester Police has been contacted for comment.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Car driver injures pedestrian in Malton street confrontation

Published

on

Police investigating group assault in Osgodby, Scarborough

North Yorkshire Police are now hunting the man.

They say the victim was walking on The Mount in Malton at about 8.20am on Wednesday when the driver confronted him and assaulted him, causing minor injuries.

Police are appealing for information about the suspect and any potential witnesses, particularly two women, who may have witnessed the incident.  

Advertisement

Email Brooke.Clark@northyorkshire.police.uk if you have any information that could help our investigation.

Alternatively, you can call North Yorkshire Police on 101 and ask for Brooke Clark , or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their website.

Please quote reference 12260067019 when passing on information.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Man City bully Arsenal to wrestle back control of title race

Published

on

Man City bully Arsenal to wrestle back control of title race

That’s exactly that and when you don’t do it and they have individual quality to deliver in those moments, you risk losing the game because I don’t think there was any difference between the teams.

On if loss came down to bad luck: 

“There are a few elements. There is an element of luck with whether the ball goes in or not. The second one the ball deflects, it goes to Haaland.

Advertisement

“There is individual quality as well and there is, in that moment, to be so cool, precise and ruthless. You have to be that.”

On Arsenal’s performance: 

“You could see at the end of the game, and right from the beginning, the attitude of the team. We could have been a bit more composed in certain moments but we certainly took the game to where we wanted and we had big chances to win.

“We went very close but not close enough and now we have to accept we lost an opportunity today, a big one, but there are still five games to go. We need to reset and go again because there are a lot of positives to take from the game.”

Advertisement

On the approach: 

“With the ball we had the same [intent] and we generated the situations that we believed we could generate.

“There is even one where Kai [Havertz] is totally free on the halfway to go one-on-one. We are in the level that we are in because this team has taken us there. That’s the level you need to be to win it.

“Today there are certainly elements, in front of goal which is the most important one, and big chances – you have to put them away to come away from the Etihad with three points.”

Advertisement

On quality of the match: 

“Yes, there was moments but it was a battle as well, and intensity, because you expect that.

“There were big parts of the game that had similarities with the first 28 minutes of the cup final because we had two massive chances to go ahead – and we didn’t. That changes the course of the game.

“We take it game by game, we had some very good moments a few days ago in the Champions League against Sporting.

Advertisement

“We are playing so many games, we are the only team that is playing and playing and playing, that’s a difference as well.

“But the positive is that today we have seen the level and there are five games to go. We are going to give it a real go.”

On effect of losing this match: 

“We have full belief that we can do it. Today we showed again the team that we are. It’s in our hands and it’s there for the taking.”

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Patrick Vieira ‘disappointed’ Mikel Arteta substituted Arsenal star in Man City defeat | Football

Published

on

Patrick Vieira 'disappointed' Mikel Arteta substituted Arsenal star in Man City defeat | Football
Arsenal’s lead at the top was cut to just three points with defeat away to Manchester City (Picture: Getty)

Patrick Vieira was ‘disappointed’ to see Eberechi Eze taken off in Arsenal’s 2-1 loss to Manchester City, claiming the forward was just beginning to ‘get into the game’ when he was substituted.

Erling Haaland scored his 23rd league goal of the season to steer City to within three points of Arsenal, with Pep Guardiola’s men boasting a game in hand over the leaders.

The Gunners produced a spirited display after their recent dip in form, with Kai Havertz making it all square just moments after Rayan Cherki’s solo piece of brilliance to open the scoring in the 16th minute.

The visitors had chances to draw level in an entertaining second half, with Eze striking against the woodwork and Havertz squandering a huge chance after being put through by Martin Odegaard.

Advertisement

But Haaland’s 65th-minute effort ultimately proved the difference and City can leapfrog Mikel Arteta’s men in the Premier League table with victory over lowly Burnley on Wednesday night.

Ahead of kick-off, Vieira questioned the ‘big gamble’ to recall Odegaard to the starting XI given the midfielder’s apparent lack of match fitness, which meant he sat out Arsenal’s clash with Sporting in midweek.

And after the final whistle, the ex-Arsenal captain suggested Arteta had made another possible mistake removing Eze from the field of play when he was beginning to make inroads in the final third.

Manchester City v Arsenal - Premier League
Eze was taken off for Trossard in the 74th minute (Picture: Getty)
Manchester City v Arsenal - Premier League
Haaland scored the decisive goal at the Etihad (Picture: Getty)

Asked if Arteta was wrong to move Eze out to the left, Vieira said on Sky Sports: ‘No because he didn’t stay on the left-hand side, he came inside and created the overload and that was, I think, the tactical plan.

‘It was really interesting because he touched the ball a lot.

Advertisement

‘I was a bit disappointed, to be honest, that he came off because I think he was getting into the game and he could create chances for scoring goals because he’s got that quality.

‘Taking him off, I think I was disappointed to see him off.’

Manchester City v Arsenal - Premier League
Guardiola’s side can leapfrog Arsenal with victory at Burnley on Wednesday (Picture: Getty)

The result means Arsenal have won just one of their last six matches in all competitions and Arteta’s side must quickly regroup ahead of their clash with Newcastle in a week’s time.

Roy Keane was encouraged by the Gunners’ display against City – but argued the visitors ultimately failed to deliver when it came to ‘the hardest part of football’.

‘The criticism with Arsenal over the last few months is maybe that lack of creativity,’ the ex-Manchester United captain explained.

Advertisement

‘There was plenty of it today but the hardest part of football is putting the ball in the back of the net.’

Arsenal FC v Sporting Clube de Portugal - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Second Leg
Vieira felt Arteta got it wrong replacing Eze (Picture: Getty)

Keane’s Sky Sports colleague, Micah Richards, felt the result could be the beginning of the end for Arsenal’s title charge, with City wrestling the ‘momentum’ in their favour at a crucial stage of the campaign.

‘I’ve always said whoever wins this game will have the momentum,’ ex-City and England defender Richards declared shortly after the final whistle.

‘Obviously City got to go to Burnley and win that but Arsenal have still got two games before Manchester City play again, they’ve got Newcastle and Fulham.

‘I just thought this was the game. If they could get over the line in this game and stay within three points of Arsenal, I just think with the experience, the big players, the big moments…

Advertisement

‘I thought Arsenal were very good in all honesty today, but Manchester City just get over the line and Rayan Cherki, what a player he is.

Bernardo Silva, the energy that he puts in, the way he gets on the ball, being an older guy. Leaving at the end of the season. But they just have that momentum going into the end of the season.’

Who will win the Premier League title?

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on
FacebookTwitter and Instagram
.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Liverpool: Reds fans in dreamland but huge summer ahead for Arne Slot

Published

on

Van Dijk celebrates scoring against Everton

In a season to forget, those Liverpool fans situated in the corner of the Hill Dickinson Stadium will never forget this afternoon on the banks of the River Mersey.

As Virgil van Dijk headed in a 100th-minute winner, the 3,000 Liverpool supporters went wild.

Yet again, Liverpool had snatched an injury-time winner against their local rivals. For the sixth time in Premier League history to be precise.

In this fixture last season, it was Everton celebrating an added-time equaliser when James Tarkowski scored in the last ever Merseyside derby held at Goodison Park.

Advertisement

Now, no matter what happens, Liverpool will always have the bragging rights of the first derby at the Hill Dickinson.

For one afternoon in the Merseyside sunshine, they will not have cared one jot about the struggles they have endured this season.

Everton came into this game with real belief but it was Liverpool who defied the early storm to take a surprise lead through Mohamed Salah and they deserve credit for their work on set-pieces in training, which came to fruition when Van Dijk got on the end of Dominik Szoboszlai’s corner to exploit an Everton weakness that had been identified in the days leading up to the game.

Crucially, Arne Slot’s side now look set to secure Champions League football for next season and the Dutchman had two of his most senior players to thank for one of Liverpool‘s biggest victories this season.

Advertisement

“At the end of the day, it’s the players who have been brilliant for such a long time for Liverpool Football Club that have come up with the goods. It’s Virgil van Dijk again, it’s Mohamed Salah who has managed to do it again and break Everton hearts,” said Pat Nevin on 5 Live.

“That goal has probably given Liverpool what they need – and what they need is Champions League football. They’re going to bring in a lot of players next season – yes, the name of Liverpool Football Club means a lot and that will drag a lot of players to them, but the Champions League helps. It really helps and I think they’ll get that after that moment from Virgil van Dijk,” Nevin added.

When it comes to days like this, the result trumps everything but Slot and Liverpool will be aware of the scale of the task that lies ahead.

That they look to set to secure Champions League football is primarily because Chelsea have lost their last four Premier League games and none of the chasing pack are likely to catch up with Liverpool, who have lost 10 league games this season.

Advertisement

If the hierarchy choose to stick with Slot, then there are clear questions. Can this Liverpool team adopt an actual identity? What needs to be done defensively? How do you get the best out of Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak? And perhaps above all, how do Liverpool live without Salah?

Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy told BBC Sport: “Not being in a Champions League spot is a catastrophe for Liverpool and that win today goes a long way to putting them in it.

“I think every win for Liverpool is important at the moment, by hook or by crook – it doesn’t matter how they do it because the pressure is on.

“They are not playing well and they do look disjointed. They gave up chances today and they were second best in the first half.”

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Why was Gabriel not sent off for Erling Haaland ‘headbutt’?

Published

on

Why was Gabriel not sent off for Erling Haaland ‘headbutt’?

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland admitted he could have got Gabriel Magalhaes sent off for pushing his head towards him, which means the Arsenal centre-back will be available for the Premier League run-in after he avoided a red card in the title showdown.

Haaland and Gabriel were involved in a long-running battle at the Etihad but tensions spilled over in the 83rd minute. It was sparked when Haaland gave Gabriel a push from the side after he had been fouled from behind by the Arsenal defender.

Gabriel reacted by putting his head towards Haaland’s and they stood for a moment with their foreheads touching. But Gabriel then made a another movement and pushed his head towards Haaland’s for a second time.

Haaland did not respond, as team-mates from both sides then broke them up. Anthony Taylor then showed both Haaland and Gabriel a yellow card for their involvement in the altercation, while the incident was checked by VAR.

Advertisement

Speaking to Sky Sports, Haaland said: “If I fell on the floor there, which I will not do unless someone really attacks me, then it would be red card. I’m not sure, I haven’t seen the situation. It is what it is, I will not fall on the floor. For me I don’t know why he comes up to my face.”

What did the VAR say?

Referee John Brooks was the VAR. He decided that Gabriel’s contact towards Haaland’s head was not “deemed not to be excessively aggressive or violent”. He agreed with Taylor’s on-field assessment. Pep Guardiola, meanwhile, received his seventh booking of the season protesting the lack of punishment. Guardiola could be seen acting out a ‘headbutt’ on the touchline.

It may raise some eyebrows, however, that Manchester United centre-back Lisandro Martinez was sent off for pulling Leeds United striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s hair in a 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford on Monday, while Gabriel avoided harsher punishment. Gabriel also avoided an earlier yellow card after ripping Haaland’s undershirt in an earlier grapple.

Advertisement

Could Gabriel be sanctioned?

As referee Taylor saw the incident, and it wasn’t missed by VAR, it means Gabriel will be available for Arsenal’s next three games. Arsenal will host Newcastle and Fulham before going to West Ham in their next three Premier League fixtures, with just five games of the season remaining.

What did Erling Haaland say?

The striker told Sky Sports: “If I fell on the floor there, which I will not do unless someone really attacks me, then it would maybe be red card. I’m not sure, I haven’t seen the situation. It is what it is, I will not fall on the floor. For me I don’t know why he comes up to my face.”

Advertisement

Haaland was also praised by Manchester City captain Bernando Silva, who called the striker an “animal” for how he competed against Gabriel and William Saliba.

“Erling was fantastic today, fighting for every ball,” Silva told Sky Sports. “It’s not easy with two centre-backs that strong. Apart from the goal that he always scores, today he fought like an animal.”

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Picturesque Cambs walk that leads through ‘one of Britain’s poshest’ villages

Published

on

Cambridgeshire Live

It is arguably the best season of the year for a walk

Advertisement

An approximate five-mile walk by National Trust has a mix of many sights including charming villages, two pubs, and a gorgeous meadow. It even takes you through a village that The Telegraph has named as one of Britain’s poshest.

The walk begins at Houghton Mill, in the idyllic village of Houghton on the River Great Ouse. According to the National Trust, milling has been happening here for over 1000 years. Take the path diagonally across the mill car park, and through the kissing gate where you can turn right and find a narrow path called Love Lane.

At the end of the path, turn left and head down Thicket Road. Continue along the path alongside the river to St Ives until you reach All Saints’ Parish Church. Stop for a minute to take in the church, which marks the site of the original Saxton village of Slepe. Among those who later worshipped there was Oliver Cromwell, whose signature has been left in the vestry book. Holt Island Nature Reserve, a peaceful haven for wildlife, is over the bridge on the right and the walk continues through the churchyard.

The route leads along the Waits, past the Norris Museum and into the Broadway until you reach the Victoria Memorial which celebrates Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897. When you get here, take the right branch along Merryland. There are several debates over how Merryland got its name. Some say it is a reference to the Virgin Mary whilst others believe it is because there used to be five pubs all in a close area.

Take the first right onto Bridge Street and go over the old bridge. This bridge was built in the 1420s and is one of only four in the country to still have a chapel built midstream. From here, turn right and head through the Dolphin car park and onto Hemingford Meadow. Walk across the meadow and follow the path diagonally left to a stile at the far side. Follow Meadow Lane until you reach a sharp left with a track on the right.

Then, take a small path straight ahead that comes out onto a road and follow the path until you reach another road. You’ll now find yourself in the village of Hemingford Grey. There are several shops and pub here which can be explored by turning left to reach the High Street. Turn right towards Hemingofrd Grey church if you are not visiting the High Street.

Next, turn left alongside the graveyard and follow a path along the riverbank. Keep following the path, with the river on your right to the far end of the High Street and then turn right to continue on the riverbank. As you leave the village, keep an eye out for Hemingford Grey Manor house which was built in the 1130s. It’s one of the oldest continually inhabited buildings in Britain, as was one home to Lucy Boston, the author of Green Knowe.

The path will continue, crossing over two meadows, and alongside a mobile home park on the edge of Hemmingford Abbots, the village which was named as one of the poshest by the Telegraph. Once you reach the charming village of Hemingford Abbots, be sure to enjoy the lovely cottages, rustic homes and learn about the history of its church while you’re there. Don’t miss the 15th-century pub called the Axe and Compass, to quench your thirst, or even enjoy a mid-walk meal.

The walk then continues by turning right an following the road until you reach the Axe and Compass. Finishing up, continue along Common Lane and turn right into Meadow Lane next to the post box and over the Black Bridge. Cross Hemingford Meadow and walk back through Houghton Hill where the route ends.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Austrian police find rat poison in HiPP baby food amid country-wide recall from SPAR stores

Published

on

Austrian police find rat poison in HiPP baby food amid country-wide recall from SPAR stores

Austrian police have confirmed the discovery of rat poison inside a jar of HiPP baby food, following a widespread recall across more than 1,000 SPAR supermarkets in the country due to serious safety concerns.

A sample from one of the 190-gram “Carrots and Potatoes” baby food jars, reported by a customer, tested positive for the toxic substance, according to a statement from police in Burgenland.

HiPP had previously said on Saturday that it could not rule out the introduction of a dangerous substance and that its “Carrots and Potatoes” jars may have been tampered with, warning that consuming the contents could be life-threatening.

Authorities advised that affected jars might have a sticker with a red circle on the bottom, a lid that appeared opened or damaged, a missing safety seal, or an unusual smell.

Advertisement

Initial laboratory tests on similar jars seized by police in the Czech Republic and Slovakia also indicated the presence of a toxic substance, following warnings issued to Austrian authorities after investigations in Germany.

HiPP said on Saturday: “According to our current knowledge, this critical situation involves an external criminal interference that affects the SPAR Austria distribution channel.”

A SPAR spokesperson said that the product recall was a precautionary measure, impacting 1,500 stores in Austria but no outlets elsewhere.

Both SPAR and HiPP have urged customers not to consume the contents of any jars purchased from SPAR Austria, offering full refunds for returned products.

Advertisement

Police also recommended thorough handwashing for anyone who came into contact with a jar.

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Man City v Arsenal result: Did Haaland just save Gabriel from a red card? Was this the moment the Gunners lost the title?

Published

on

Man City v Arsenal result: Did Haaland just save Gabriel from a red card? Was this the moment the Gunners lost the title?

Manchester City defeated Arsenal to take control of the Premier League title race following an enthralling showdown at the Etihad.

Erling Haaland scored the winner in the 65th minute to settle a thrilling contest after the Gunners went agonisingly close to taking the lead.

Eberechi Eze struck the inside of the post just a couple of minutes before Haaland held off Gabriel to volley City into the lead.

It leaves City three points behind Arsenal in the title race and with the chance to go top for the first time this season on Wednesday night.

Advertisement

And, after Kai Havertz missed a golden chance to equalise in stoppage time, it means the title race will go right down to the wire.

Here are five talking points from Man City’s 2-1 win over the Gunners.

Erling Haaland’s ripped shirt symbolises Man City’s win

Three years ago it was the sight of Erling Haaland’s long hair flowing behind him as he celebrated the final goal of Manchester City’s thumping 4-1 over Arsenal that summed up how Pep Guardiola’s side had ripped apart Mikel Arteta’s challengers. Three years later, the sight of Haaland’s ripped undershirt, following his latest grappling duel with Gabriel Magalhaes, that symbolised another defining victory.

Advertisement

City were not rampant this time. Arsenal went away from that bruising defeat in April 2023 and returned stronger, physically and mentally. And yet, Haaland was still able to hold off Arsenal’s biggest and most important defender as he fired the winning goal to settle a colossal clash. Following Jeremy Doku’s surge into the box and Nico O’Reilly’s flick across goal, Haaland pounced on the chance as he held off Gabriel to volley in. In a fascinating tactical duel, City had the muscle to take a step closer to the title.

At full-time, Haaland could be seen pointing his ear and signing, “Ooooh, sometimes, I get a good feeling”. He’s been in this race before.

Should Gabriel have seen red card for Haaland ‘headbutt’?

So, turns out Gabriel was a little bit frustrated by being beaten to the ball by Haaland for the winner. In the 83rd minute, there was another flash point between the pair after Gabriel fouled Haaland from behind and the striker pushed the defender away from him when he got back to his feet.

Advertisement

Gabriel reacted by putting his head towards Haaland’s and they stood for a moment with their foreheads touching. But Gabriel then made a second movement and pushed his head towards Haaland’s for a second time. Haaland did not respond, as team-mates from both sides broke them up, but Gabriel was extremely fortunate that Haaland did not go down as it would likely have ended up as a red card for violent conduct.

Instead, both players were booked by referee Anthony Taylor for the altercation, while Pep Guardiola was also cautioned for his appeals. The Manchester City manager could be seen acting out a heatbutt on the touchline.

The incident was checked by VAR, according to the Premier League Match Centre. “The referee’s call of no red card was checked and confirmed by VAR – with the action from Gabriel deemed not to be excessively aggressive or violent.“

With a title race that is this close, however, Gabriel staying on the pitch and avoiding a three-game ban for violent conduct could be crucial. “He can thank Haaland a lot, Gabriel, for not going down and holding his nose,” Gary Neville said on Sky Sports.

Advertisement

Haaland admitted as much after the match, telling Sky Sports that he could have made more out of the contact but chose not to. “If I fell on the floor there, which I will not do unless someone really attacks me, then it would maybe be red card,” Haaland said.

Was this the moment Arsenal could have won the Premier League?

Mikel Arteta fell to his knees. In a title race of the finest margins, Kai Havertz’s header in stoppage time was the golden chance Arsenal had to take to keep the title race in their hands. Instead, Havertz headed over the top of the bar to leave Arsenal knowing they could be knocked off top spot for the first time since October on Wednesday night.

It wasn’t the only chance Arsenal had in the second half. In fact, they had two brilliant opportunities when the match was level at 1-1 – which, given how an Arsenal victory could have knocked City out of it, may have been even more critical to the outcome of the title.

Advertisement

In the 62nd minute, a counter-attack saw Martin Odegaard slipping Havertz through on goal with just Gianluigi Donnarumma to beat. But the goalkeeper stood tall and made a redemptive save, given his earlier error. Arsenal had a four-on-two but could not capitalise.

A couple of minutes later, Eberechi Eze hit the inside of the post with a curling shot from the edge of the box, the rebound off the woodwork skirting across the face of goal. That was how close Arsenal came to taking charge of the title race and getting their hands on a first league trophy in 22 years.

Did Arsenal’s kick-off force Donnarumma’s blunder?

Almost 14 years to the day since from Fernando Torres’ goal for Chelsea against Barcelona, the early stages of Manchester City vs Arsenal gave us “Gary Neville at Camp Nou: The Sequel”. In the first few minutes, David Raya’s heavy touch from a goal-kick that almost rebounded into the net off the charging Erling Haaland, left Neville shaking his head and asking “what the hell” the goalkeeper was doing.

Advertisement

Then, just moments after Rayan Cherki’s stunning goal, Neville was at it again. The Etihad was still bouncing and there appeared to be no danger at all when Mathues Nunes went back to Gianluigi Donnarumma from a throw-in. But after Kai Havertz closed him down and the deflection looped up and into the empty net, Neville and Peter Drury were left with an all-timer of an “OOOAAAAH”.

Pep Guardiola stood with his hands on his head in disbelief. He had been asking his goalkeeper to go long before then, with Arsenal pressing well. Interestingly, Arsenal went into the corner straight from kick-off, rugby union style, in an attempt to pin City back following Cherki’s opening goal. Nunes then obliged by throwing back to his goalkeeper.

‘Special’ Rayan Cherki evokes Messi with stunning goal

Lionel Messi had an ability to make even the greatest defenders look a bit silly. See, for example, his goal against Bayern Munich in the 2015 Champions League semi-finals that twisted Jerome Boateng inside out and reduced a towering World Cup and Champions League winning centre-back into a meme for the rest of his career.

Advertisement

It wasn’t quite as humiliating, but what Rayan Cherki just did to Gabriel Magalhaes, the best centre-back in the Premier League this season, wasn’t too far away, either. Starting his run from outside of the box, Cherki twisted right and left and slipped past Gabriel’s outstretched foot as he entered the box. That just doesn’t happen to Gabriel, but this was a special goal. The manner Cherki then wriggled away from Declan Rice and slid his finish under William Saliba and away from David Raya was sublime as well.

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

The colourful Welsh village inspired by Portofino and featured on hit Channel 4 show

Published

on

Manchester Evening News

Often described as an Italianate village or ‘Little Italy’, it was originally designed by architect Clough Williams-Ellis to mimic the style of traditional Mediterranean villages

Advertisement

Fans of the hit Channel 4 TV show Handcuffed could find themselves in the colourful village an episode was filmed while experiencing an Italian-inspired village in a historic area of North Wales. Portmeirion has been a designated must-see tourist spot in Wales since it was first conceived over 100 years ago by architect Clough Williams-Ellis.

Those wanting to experience the iconic location while getting some of the best views available in North Wales can do so through The Lookout at South Snowdon Wharf. The lodge boasts waterside views that can be privately enjoyed from included, enclosed, decked balconies.

Located in the heart of Porthmadog, the lodge is also only a stone’s throw away from Portmeirion, and is also in close proximity to Snowdonia National Park and Borth Y Gest. This also includes close access to the sandy bay, coastal path for long walks, and plenty of eateries.

READ MORE: Yorkshire barn-conversion with its own swimming pool and pub next door is ‘perfect’ for kids and parents

Advertisement

READ MORE: Holidaymakers say Yorkshire railway wagon is ‘quirky and fantastic’ for a short break

Portmeirion itself was recently featured in the hit Channel 4 show Handcuffed: Last Pair Standing, which was eventually won by Rob and Charlie, who worked together to share the £100,000 prize pool. Even if you’re not a fan of the show, however, there is still plenty to enjoy about Portmeirion.

Often described as an Italianate village or ‘Little Italy’, it was originally designed by architect Clough Williams-Ellis to mimic the style of traditional Mediterranean villages but nestled in the picturesque landscape of North Wales. In particular, it was directly inspired by Portofino and includes a central piazza, pastel-coloured buildings, shops, restaurants, and even a gelato shop.

If staying on the coast isn’t your kind of thing, though, you could instead opt to stay at the Portmeirion Village & Castle Deudraeth. This historic castle overlooks the Dywrd Estuary and is situated south of the coastal village of Porthmadog, while offering a spa and wellness centre and more.

Advertisement

Otherwise, you could book a stay at Bryncir House, a traditional Welsh terraced cottage overlooking both the coast and the mountains of Snowdonia. This stay will see you nestled in an enclosed garden with easy access for outdoor activities across the Snowdonia landscape.

Stays at The Lookout can be booked from anywhere to one night to 28 nights for those longer holidays. However, if you just want a few days away, availability is quickly running out throughout the summer period.

Currently, though, you can book a three-night stay in August for a discounted price, going from £1,384 to £1,120. Bear in mind that prices may vary depending on dates booked and availability.

Advertisement

Those who previously stayed at The Lookout praised it for its views and comfortability, with one traveller stating: “A lovely, comfortable, and well-equipped little apartment with stunning views over the estuary. We thoroughly enjoyed our short break, and plan to return soon. Porthmadog is a nice little town and is ideally placed for exploring the area.”

Another added: “Cottage is furnished and equipped to an extremely high standard. The views over the estuary are superb. The town amenities are only a short and scenic walk away. Eveything we could have hoped for, and more!!!!”

While a third said: “Very clean very comfortable accommodation. A lot of thought has gone into making your holiday special. All the extra touches make your holiday. The view from the balcony is second to none. We saw all kinds of birds and if you forget your binoculars, there is some there to use.

Advertisement

“The railway station is a short walk away and well worth a trip through the mountains. Would definitely recommend this accommodation.”

However, not everyone was 100% satisfied, with another traveller stating: “Everything you needed in property, more than enough plug sockets . Very nicely decorated and clean , could do with some hanging knobs on back of doors for your dressing gowns or coats but other than that perfect, will definitely go back.”

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2025