Manchester City players in action.© AFP

Former Super Eagles striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni made a memorable return to Merseyside as Everton cruised to a 3-0 victory over Chelsea in front of their home supporters.

The 43-year-old, fondly called “The Yak”, was warmly received by fans outside the stadium before kick-off. Supporters gathered in large numbers, chanting his famous song, “Feed the Yak and he’ll score”, a clear sign that he still holds a special place in the hearts of the Everton faithful.

Yakubu was not the only notable figure present, as former Italy defender Marco Materazzi also attended, adding a touch of class to the occasion.

When the game got underway, Everton quickly showed their intent with a dominant display. The breakthrough came in the 33rd minute when Beto calmly finished after being set up by James Garner, beating goalkeeper Robert Sánchez.

Everton stayed in control and doubled their advantage in the 62nd minute, with Beto grabbing his second goal after sliding a low shot through the goalkeeper’s legs.

The home side wrapped up the victory in the 76th minute when Beto turned provider, assisting Iliman Ndiaye, who cut inside before firing a powerful shot into the top corner.

The result boosted Everton’s position on the table and strengthened their hopes of qualifying for European competition, while Chelsea were left with work to do in their push for a top-four finish.

Yakubu’s lasting Premier League legacy

Yakubu remains one of the most reliable strikers to have played in the Premier League. The former Nigerian international is still the highest-scoring Nigerian in the competition, with 95 goals in 252 appearances.

Before the rise of players like Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mané, Yakubu stood out as one of Africa’s most feared forwards in England, known for his strength, positioning, and finishing ability.

His time at Everton marked one of the best periods of his career. After joining from Middlesbrough in 2007 for a then club-record fee, he made an immediate impact, scoring on his debut and finishing his first season with 21 goals. That feat made him the first Everton player in over a decade to score 20 or more goals in a single season.

Throughout his career, Yakubu was known for delivering in key moments. He recorded four Premier League hat-tricks and also achieved the rare milestone of scoring four goals in a single match for two different clubs.

Despite facing setbacks, including a serious injury, his legacy remains strong. Yakubu Aiyegbeni is still remembered as a striker defenders feared and fans loved. His return to Merseyside on a day Everton delivered such an impressive performance felt like a perfect tribute to his enduring impact in English football.

Vinit Karnik, managing director (entertainment and sports), WPP Media, South Asia, talks to Vanita Kohli-Khandekar in a video interview about why cricket still dominates and the way forward in the business of sports. Edited excerpts:

  Cricket dominates, but is it a profitable sport? 

It is profitable for everybody except the broadcaster. I have had multiple conversations with the top brass at the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India). They say that whenever they conduct tendering, they keep a very modest benchmark base price.  The media rights community then bids it up. In the last cycle (2017-2022), TV plus digital rights for the IPL were sold for ₹16,347 crore, which has now gone up to ₹48,000 crore for the 2023-2027 cycle. The BCCI has an open and transparent tendering process. If somebody is offering ₹48,000 crore, why would it refuse?

Why have other sports performed so poorly in 2025? 

This was largely due to football. The ISL (Indian Super League) did not take place last year. That alone meant almost ₹250 crore plus out of the market.

Every year the question comes up as to why other sports do not grow. How can this be resolved? 

It is a question we should ask every year, if not more often. It is not that other sports have not tried. Badminton tried, but it did not work. We ourselves were at the centre of it, we got Vodafone as a title sponsor for four consecutive years. The work happening in emerging sports is only in the top of the funnel. Cricket actually did the work in the bottom and middle of the funnel and created IPL after 30 years of existence. All the regional and state boards contributed to that effort. If you look at the cricket World Cup team, except for Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya, there are kids from all over. There is diversity of talent.

In badminton, for instance, Pullela Gopichand and Prakash Padukone have academies that have produced good players. Why then does the sport still lag? 

 These two people (Gopichand and Padukone) can churn out four players in a year. Those four people is not grassroots for India. After Saina (Nehwal) and P V Sindhu, you have Lakshya Sen. According to me, Gopi and Prakash are still at the top of the funnel, not the bottom. That requires bodies, facilities, and private-public partnerships. Another issue is our entire governance ecosystem. The BCCI doesn’t come under the government purview. It has professionals running the show along with politicians. 

It is a good combination. In the other federations, there are only politicians and no professionals.

Are there any encouraging signs from emerging sports? 

The way athletes and emerging sporting leagues are re-engineering themselves is encouraging. For example, Neeraj Chopra did his content piece of The Neeraj Chopra classic on JioStar. That brings some money into the ecosystem. The Messi tour was messy but hugely successful from a money perspective. The World Pickleball League has a great starting point with two seasons. Prime Volleyball League re-engineered itself and did a good job in 2025. We saw Rugby League’s first season in 2025.

Does people paying to take pictures with Messi or a Chopra documentary mean anything for the ecosystem? 

Nothing. It just shows the popularity of the sport. Football is a hugely popular sport in India. The problem is Indians watch European and not Indian football. The money paid to take photographs with Messi is a testimony to this.

If football is popular, why did ISL not continue? 

Every sport in the world is a function of star power. Unless you create stars, a sport will never become big. Name a sport in the world where you don’t have stars but the sport is big? The Pro-Kabaddi League became popular, but the fandom and the relationship between the sport and the top players didn’t quite work out.

There’s no hiding place for a manager when decisions go against them and for Mikel Arteta, his choice to stick by cup goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga will be one that haunts him.

Arteta is known for his ruthlessness but, by opting to stick with cup goalkeeper Kepa for the Carabao Cup final, he showed a rare glimpse of his sentimental side – especially with Arsenal having not won a major trophy since 2020.

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Kepa’s error – when he let Rayan Cherki’s cross slip through his fingers – allowed Nico O’Reilly to head Manchester City into the lead. And Pep Guardiola’s side never looked back as O’Reilly headed in again just four minutes later to seal the win.

Arteta’s decision to play Kepa over first choice David Raya was highlighted further because of the performance of City’s own cup goalkeeper, James Trafford.

Trafford was re-signed during the summer to be City’s number one before Gianluigi Donnarumma became available and the club moved to sign him from Paris St-Germain, which meant Trafford became second choice.

Trafford made an excellent triple save early in the game, when he denied Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka twice, to keep the scores level.

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He went on to keep a clean sheet, while the questions about Kepa’s selection will dominate the headlines.

Former Blackburn striker Chris Sutton told BBC Radio 5 Live: “I never understand why managers play their second-choice goalkeepers in cup finals.

“You’re trying to win a trophy, why wouldn’t you play your number one to give yourself the best possible chance? That’s common sense.”

Why Arteta continued to play Kepa

For Arteta, it did not enter his mind to not play Kepa in the final.

The Arsenal manager said it would have been “very unfair” if he had not stuck with the Spain international, who had played every round of the cup competition before the final, and said he accepts the scrutiny coming his way.

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“I understand that, but I have to do what I feel is right, which is honest and which is fair,” Arteta said.

“And I think we have an understanding keeper in Kepa – he’s played all the competition and I think it would have been very, very unfair for him and for the team to do something different.”

The former Chelsea goalkeeper signed for the Gunners in the summer to compete with first choice David Raya.

Raya has 15 clean sheets in the Premier League, the most in the division, and has produced some standout saves during this campaign as Arsenal look to end their wait for a trophy.

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And Arteta says that despite Kepa’s limited game time this season he did not guarantee that the goalkeeper would play in Arsenal’s cup fixtures.

“I can never promise a player to play certain competitions, because at the end they have to earn it and they have to do enough like any other position,” he said.

“We are guided by what we’ve seen and what he’s done in the competition, and he helped us to go all the way through here.

“I believe it’s the right thing to do and that’s it. Errors are part of football and today it happened unfortunately in a crucial moment.”

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The EFL Cup brings bad memories for Kepa Arrizabalaga. The keeper has now lost all three of the finals he has played in the competition.

When playing for Chelsea in 2019 he refused to be substituted with the game heading to penalties, in 2022 he put his penalty over the crossbar as Chelsea lost to Liverpool in the shootout – and his error in this year’s final handed the lead to City.

“I would never have started Kepa today,” European football expert Julien Laurens told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“In a final like this, at this moment in the Arsenal project, there is no moment for sentiment. Your best team has to play. Kepa instead of David Raya for me, was the wrong call.

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“I know it is harsh but I think Arteta and his players will learn a lot from today because those finals are won on decisions made, not just on the pitch but at half-time.”

Kepa was booked before conceding the opener, when he misjudged a clearance and pulled back winger Jeremy Doku as he looked to score.

“Mikel Arteta did not have to play him,” former England and Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart told BBC Sport.

“That’s a decision made by a manager who’s potentially going to win quite a lot this season. So he’s played Kepa because he believes he’s ready.

“But I’ll always say it, don’t ever feel sorry for a goalkeeper. That’s the life that he’s chosen.

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“And again most of the game he was faultless. But in that big moment obviously he’ll have something to reflect on.”

A pivotal moment for Trafford

After re-signing for the club where he started his career for £30m in the summer, Trafford expected to be the number one at City.

But since Donnarumma’s arrival the England Under-21 international has had to make do with domestic cup appearances and a rare chance in the Champions League.

Trafford has said that this season “hasn’t been easy at all” as he finds himself second choice.

But his performance during the win over Arsenal could be a pivotal moment in his career.

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“They were obviously big saves because they happened quite early on in the game, but I can’t really remember them because they were quite quick,” Trafford said.

“I’m just happy to play my part in it, and then Nico [O’Reilly] scored two, which is brilliant from him.”

“This moment means a lot to me. Four or five years ago when they [City] beat Spurs to win it, I think I was fourth or fifth choice, and I always imagined that I would win it one day.”

Guardiola confirmed before the game that Trafford would be starting, and Trafford says that it “means a lot” to have the backing from his manager.

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“It’s a testament to how I believed in myself, and how I acted in training, when I’ve been brought in for club games. Every time that I play I just give it my best shot,” he added.

Pep Guardiola said “I am a human being” as he defended his wild celebrations in Manchester City’s 2-0 Carabao Cup final victory against Arsenal.

Guardiola channelled his inner Jose Mourinho as he sprinted along the Wembley touchline before kicking an advertising board following Nico O’Reilly’s quickfire second-half brace.

Riccardo Calafiori hit a post, and Gabriel Jesus struck the crossbar, as Arsenal went in search of a response but City saw out the win as Guardiola landed the 19th trophy of his remarkable 10-season City tenure.

“I wanted another yellow card and that is why I did it,” joked Guardiola when quizzed about his celebration. “That was the target.

“Listen, if I can’t celebrate in the moment against a team like Arsenal, and the way we were playing… My emotions are related to the way we are playing. I react when it is OK, we scored a goal, and emotions came out.

“I am not artificially intelligent, I am a human being, and I want to celebrate. It was not showing disrespect to Arsenal or for the other fans, I just celebrated with my people. And when I feel it, I express it.”

Guardiola became the first manager in history to win the Carabao Cup five times, and, despite question marks over his City future, he indicated he has no desire to walk away at the end of the season.

“It is so difficult to win titles, it doesn’t matter if it is the Premier League or the Champions League, but to win against that team made the title special,” he added.

“Alongside Barcelona and Bayern Munich as well, they are the best team in Europe. And what we have done by winning 19 titles in 10 years in the modern era, in England, in Europe, it is hat’s off to the whole organisation.

“I still have the joy to compete. Today was a real challenge, nobody gave us anything. I said to the players: ‘Today, we are going to see what our level is’. They are the best so far, no doubt about that, so let’s prove ourselves and in the second half, I could not believe we could do it against Arsenal, and we did it.”

City are nine points behind the Gunners in the race for the Premier League title. However, Guardiola’s side have a game in hand, and host Arteta’s men at the Etihad next month.

Arsenal will also be wounded by City derailing their outside chance of an unprecedented quadruple.

Guardiola continued: “I would like to be nine points in front of Arsenal, and I don’t know if I would change the trophy for the nine points to fight for the Premier League.

“It is a different competition, and they will be more controlled when they come to the Etihad. Maybe for that game it will help us, but the Premier League is in their hands. Is that team going to drop points? We will try to win our games and then see what happens.”

With free agency slowing down and the draft approaching, speculation around the Vikings is intensifying — especially given the team’s current lack of a general manager. While some rumors are purely entertaining, others warrant closer scrutiny.

A few loud narratives still didn’t hold up.

This weekly column will address the rumors that seem unlikely and reexamine persistent narratives that lack support.

Several Vikings Talking Points Now Need a Reality Check

The weekly Nopedy Nopes are here.

The Nopedy Nope: Carson Wentz is the current odds-on favorite to earn the Vikings’ QB1 job in September.

When Minnesota re-signed Wentz on Thursday, the move barely registered with most fans. Some even expected it. He performed reliably as a replacement for J.J. McCarthy, who was sidelined with a high ankle sprain last September and October. That performance evidently impressed some, including Ben Leber, who speculated that Wentz might even compete for the starting position in 2026.

Leber tweeted after the Wentz addition, “I believe there will be a true QB competition. So as of right now I would guess the depth chart would be: Wentz, Murray, McCarthy. May the best man win.”

Many Twitter (X) users had to reread Leber’s comments multiple times to confirm the account wasn’t a parody.

The account was genuine, however, and Leber stood by his opinion. Wentz recently met with the New York Jets to discuss a potential role on Aaron Glenn’s team, where he could have competed for a starting position or served as QB2 behind Geno Smith. Ultimately, no agreement was reached, and Wentz returned to Minnesota.

This decision suggests Wentz believes he has a legitimate opportunity in Minnesota, likely aiming to secure the QB2 position over McCarthy. If Leber’s assessment is accurate, training camp in Eagan could feature a competitive battle between Murray and Wentz, drawing significant attention.

But let’s face it: the Vikings didn’t sign Murray just to turn around and give the job to Wentz, a journeyman passer.

The Verdict: Nopedy nope on Wentz as the QB1 solution. That is Murray’s calling.

The Nopedy Nope: Minnesota is the NFL’s eighth-worst team.

The Vikings subtracted four starters in free agency: Jalen Nailor (WR, Las Vegas Raiders), Jonathan Allen (DT, Cincinnati Bengals), Javon Hargrave (DT, Green Bay Packers), and Ryan Wright (P, New Orleans Saints).

For NFL.com’s Eric Edholm, that’s a death sentence. He called Minnesota the NFL’s 25th-best team this week and explained, “The Vikings have had an odd and uncomfortable March so far, getting noticeably weaker up the middle on both sides of the ball. Losing linemen Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave hurts the defensive front, and Ryan Kelly’s retirement leaves a hole at center.”

“Receiver Jalen Nailor’s exit was quietly a big one for a team that needs all the non-Justin Jefferson targets it can hold on to. Fullback C.J. Ham retired, and longtime stalwart Harrison Smith could do the same, potentially creating a major void at safety.”

While most fans believed Murray’s arrival improved the team, Edholm wasn’t buying it.

Edholm added, “Even signing Kyler Murray to a league-minimum deal, cheap as it was, delivered a certain awkwardness, thanks to the presence of former first-round pick J.J. McCarthy. Murray’s no-tag clause tells me he’s more likely to start than not, which would make McCarthy’s future even more muddled.”

Edholm even ranked the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons ahead of the Vikings.

The Verdict: Nopedy nope on the Vikings living in the league’s bottom tier. They finished 9-8 last year with putrid quarterback play and will only improve in 2026. Book it.

The Nopedy Nope: Andy Dalton was a serious offseason option at quarterback via trade.

The Philadelphia Eagles are now the proud owners of an Andy Dalton

CBS News’ Tom Dougerty reported Wednesday, “The Philadelphia Eagles are reportedly adding a veteran quarterback to add experience and depth behind Jalen Hurts. The Eagles have acquired 38-year-old Andy Dalton from the Carolina Panthers, according to CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the Birds are sending a 2027 seventh-round draft pick to the Panthers.”

“Dalton, a long-time starting QB who made three Pro Bowls with the Cincinnati Bengals, spent the last three seasons in Carolina. In 2024, Panthers head coach Dave Canales benched Bryce Young, who was born in Wynnewood, for Dalton after Week 2. Dalton started five games before he sprained his thumb in a car accident before Carolina’s Week 8 game against the Denver Broncos.”

A few weeks ago, national media whispered Dalton as an option for the Vikings at QB2. That died when Kyler Murray entered the mix.

The Verdict: Nopedy nope on Dalton as Minnesota’s big quarterback fix behind McCarthy.

Ireland’s Kate O’Connor won a bronze medal at the World Indoor Championships this evening and in the process becomes the first Irishwoman to win two World Indoor medals.

The Dundalk St Gerard’s AC athlete began the final event of the day, the 800m, in Poland in a strong position.

O’Connor produced a personal best of 2:10.26 to take the bronze medal. She finished only 49 points behind gold medallist Sofie Dokter of The Netherlands on a score of 4,888. American Anna Hall took silver with 4,860 points.

𝐒𝐇𝐄’𝐒 𝐃𝐎𝐍𝐄 𝐈𝐓 𝐀𝐆𝐀𝐈𝐍!!!🙌

It’s BRONZE for Kate O’Connor who continues her remarkable medal-winning-run at major championships🤩 The first Irishwoman to win two World Indoor medals👏Outstanding!!!!

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⏱️2:10.26 PB over 800m for a new 4839 National Record🤯… pic.twitter.com/5ZDYtc4fw9

— Athletics Ireland (@irishathletics) March 22, 2026

Kate O’Connor’s reaction

Reacting to her achievement this evening, Kate O’Connor stated:

“I came here with very high expectations and although I maybe didn’t meet them, I’m coming away a world bronze medallist and I really can’t complain with that. I think it’s probably a good thing that I am walking away thinking I could do a little better, but ultimately I’m delighted.”

Hear from our World Indoor bronze medalist Kate O’Connor! 🥉#IrishAthletics #WorldIndoorChamps pic.twitter.com/UuAOuPQ8ch

— Athletics Ireland (@irishathletics) March 22, 2026

Good start in 60m hurdles

O’Connor started the 60m hurdles strongly this morning as she clocked 8.23 seconds – just 0.02 outside her personal best set at the recent National Indoor Championships. She then achieved a best clearance of 1.81m in the high jump, achieved on her final attempt despite tripping on a cable during her opening run-up.

In the shot put, the final event of the morning session, the 25-year-old opened with 14.59m, improved to a 1cm personal best of 14.65m in her second round, and then extended that further to 14.70m with her final throw.

The Irish athlete began the evening session with a foul in the long jump before producing a best of 6.38m on her final attempt.

Array of medals

This result continues a remarkable run of success at major championships for O’Connor. In 2025, the Dundalk athlete claimed a bronze medal at the European Indoor Championships, took silver at the World Indoor Championships, struck gold at the World University Games, and silver at the World Outdoor Championships.

Only two Irish athletes, Sonia O’Sullivan and Catherina McKiernan, have now won more individual global medals at senior championships.

Outlining her plans for this season, O’Connor explained:

“My plan is to do the Commonwealth Games and European Championships. I’ll open at the Commonwealths, and then the Europeans are the main aim for me. I want to try and win gold. It’s going to be a tough competition, but if you don’t go in with the mindset to win gold, you’re never going to do it. I’m going to work really hard for the next four or five months and put myself in the position to win that gold.”

Day 3 Results Summary

• Kate O’Connor – Pentathlon – 60m Hurdles: 8.23
• Kate O’Connor – Pentathlon – High Jump: 1.81m
• Kate O’Connor – Pentathlon – Shot Put: 14.70m
• Sarah Lavin – 60m Hurdles Heats – 8.08 (5th, did not advance)
• Kate O’Connor – Pentathlon – Long Jump: 6.38m
• Kate O’Connor – Pentathlon – 800m: 2:10.26 PB
• Kate O’Connor – Pentathlon – BRONZE (4839 Points NR)

Team Ireland Results Summary

• Kate O’Connor – Women’s Pentathlon – BRONZE NR
• Nick Griggs – Men’s 3000m – Final – 9^th overall
• Andrew Coscoran – Men’s 3000m – Final – 13^th overall
• Mark English – Men’s 800m – SF Stage – 14^th overall
• Bori Akinola – Men’s 60m – SF Stage – 15^th overall
• Maeve O’Neill – Women’s 800m – SF Stage – 18^th overall
• Lauren Roy – Women’s 60m- SF Stage – 19^th overall
• Emma Moore – Women’s 800m – Heats – 22^nd overall
• James Gormley – Men’s 1500m – Heats – 29^th overall
• Ciara Neville – Women’s 60m – Heats – 31^st overall
• Sarah Lavin – Women’s 60m Hurdles – Heats – 32^nd overall

LiveScores Now Available at IrishScores.com

Mikel Arteta said it would have been “very unfair” to drop Kepa Arrizabalaga for the Carabao Cup final as he defended his decision to pick the goalkeeper whose mistake gifted victory to Manchester City.

Arsenal’s first-choice goalkeeper David Raya was left on the bench as his deputy Arrizabalaga started and spilled Rayan Cherki’s cross for Nico O’Reilly to open the scoring in City’s 2-0 win at Wembley.

The Spaniard, a summer signing from Chelsea, has played throughout Arsenal’s Carabao Cup run but defeat means they have still not won a major trophy since 2020, while Raya has the most clean sheets in the Premier League.

“I understand that but I have to do what I feel is right, which is honest and which is fair,” said Arteta. “I think we have understanding with Kepa, he’s played all the competition and I think it would have been very, very unfair for him and for the team to do something different.”

Arteta denied he had guaranteed Arrizabalaga he would play in domestic cup competitions when he joined, saying he felt the 31-year-old had deserved to play.

“I can never promise a player to play certain competitions because at the end they have to earn it and they have to do enough like any other position to do that,” he explained.

“We are guided by what we’ve seen and what he’s done, what he’s done in the competition, and he helped us to go all the way through here. I believe it’s the right thing to do and that’s it. Errors are part of football and today it happened unfortunately in a crucial moment.”

Arteta said defeat left a “bad taste” for Arsenal as he struggled to process his disappointment.

He added: “I’m very sad. It’s a very hard one to take, especially for our players and our supporters because we know how much it means to them and how much we want it, and the fact that we haven’t managed to deliver that obviously is disappointing and sad, and it leaves you with a really bad taste.”

Premier League leaders Arsenal still have a potential treble to play for and Arteta believes they will have more hunger now.

He added: “What this team has done in the last eight months has been incredible, and we’re going to use this disappointment and this fire in the belly to have the most amazing two months that we have ever had together.”

Eberechi Eze was ruled out of the final with a calf problem and will undergo a scan later this week but Arteta has ruled him out of the England squad to play Uruguay and Japan.

Akor Adams was left out of the starting line-up as Sevilla lost 2-0 to Valencia, with coach Matías Almeyda explaining his decision after the match.

Adams, who is Sevilla’s top scorer this season with seven goals and four assists in 23 games, had been expected to start the match. The Nigerian striker has been one of the team’s key players since returning from international duty.

However, Almeyda chose to start Neal Maupay instead. The decision did not go well for Sevilla, as they went two goals down before half-time through strikes from Hugo Duro and Largie Ramazani.

Adams was introduced at the start of the second half and made an immediate impact, adding energy and attacking threat to the team. Sevilla improved after the break and controlled much of the game, but they were unable to score.

The defeat leaves Sevilla in 15th place with 31 points from 29 matches, just three points above the relegation zone. Valencia, meanwhile, moved up to 11th place and are now comfortably clear of danger.

After the game, Almeyda said he dropped Adams because he was not satisfied with his performance in their previous match against Barcelona. He also explained that he wanted to rotate his strikers and give others a chance.

“We have three strikers and I am trying different options to see who can score,” Almeyda said. “I was not happy with Akor’s last game, so I decided to make a change.”

Sevilla now face a difficult run of matches as they try to move away from the relegation zone, and Adams is expected to return to the starting line-up in their next game.