In the first game he ever played against the Vancouver Canucks, Quinn Hughes was understated.
Nearly four months since his trade to the Minnesota Wild, the Canucks’ ex-captain had only one point and was plus-four Thursday as his new team beat his old one 5-2 in St. Paul, Minn. At five-on-five, shots were 20-10 for the Wild, and scoring chances 14-8 when Hughes was on the ice. He finished with 24:48 of playing time.
That would be a career game for some defenders but considering Hughes’ dynamic capabilities and dominance with the puck, he was quiet.
With two goals, three points and six shots, Matt Boldy was the big star for Minnesota on Thursday. Ryan Hartman also scored twice and Kirill Kaprizov hit the 40-goal mark for the fourth time in five seasons as the Wild pulled away from the Canucks, who were playing the second of challenging back-to-back games after stunning the National Hockey League-leading Colorado Avalanche 8-6 on Wednesday.
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The Wild had been resting and practising since Saturday.
Unlike with the needy Canucks, the Wild don’t require Hughes to launch 12 shots per game, be a one-man breakout and challenge defenders one-on-one on each possession in order to generate offence. They just need him to skate and pass and be himself.
Hughes’ first game against his former teammates was subdued. And in a post-game interview with Sportsnet’s Dan Murphy, so was he.
“Yeah, I mean, definitely a little weird,” Hughes said of facing the Canucks, with whom he shattered all franchise scoring records by a defenceman during his 6 ½ seasons. “But I think that, you know, you move on and I’m happy to be here right now. Probably being in Vancouver would be a little bit weirder than this. But yeah, like I said, it was nice that we got the win, and we have a big weekend coming up.”
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With the Wild pretty much locked into a first-round heavyweight tilt against the Dallas Stars, Hughes made it clear his focus is already shifting to the Stanley Cup Playoffs, something he experienced only twice with the Canucks.
The Canucks’ focus, since the moment they traded him to the Wild on Dec. 12 for three talented, younger players and a first-round draft pick, has been on a rebuild.
To that end, players reluctantly guaranteed the franchise the best draft-lottery odds by clinching 32nd place with seven games remaining.
At 22-45-8, the Canucks are 16 points behind the next poorest team and incapable of climbing out of last place overall. Despite a lot of lean seasons in their 56-year history, the Canucks have never finished at the bottom of the NHL standings. The Wild are 44 points ahead and clinched a Western Conference playoff spot with their win.
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For the Canucks, although there was a sobering finality to their freefall with yet another loss, there was certainly no shame in Thursday’s performance.
Despite the difficult early-morning arrival in the Twin Cities after the post-game charter across time zones from Denver — and playing their third road game in four nights against Stanley Cup contenders — the Canucks actually led 2-1 after the first period.
But the Wild took over the game in the second period and directly capitalized on unforced errors by young defenceman Zeev Buium and Elias Pettersson (Junior). Still, down 4-2, the Canucks had their goalie out and sustained offensive-zone pressure late in the game before Hartman iced it with an empty-netter.
“We competed,” coach Adam Foote told reporters in Minnesota. “(The Wild are) a big heavy playoff team built to go. They’ve got some explosive offensive players, but powerful as well, and they’re just heavy throughout. And I thought the guys competed to the wire with them. I really thought we played hard and didn’t back down.”
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Tom Willander and Jake DeBrusk scored goals for the Canucks, who play home games Saturday against Utah and Tuesday against Vegas before travelling again for a three-game tour of California.
Hooked in his last start after surrendering four goals on 11 shots Saturday in Calgary, minor-league callup Nikita Tolopilo was probably the best Canuck, finishing with 34 saves and little culpability on the four goals that beat him, which were: breakaway, breakaway, backside one-timer from a cross-ice pass, and a tip from the top of the crease.
A lot of people have been clamouring for more starts for Tolopilo. But the Canucks have so much invested in Kevin Lankinen, and badly need him to build back his game and some confidence heading into the summer, that Foote’s decision to lean heavily on his NHL veteran really shouldn’t be surprising.
But Tolopilo makes it harder on Foote when he plays like he did Thursday. In five starts in March, the undrafted 25-year-old was beaten 21 times on 123 shots for a save percentage of .829. April has started better. With seven Canuck games left, Tolopilo should get at least a couple of more starts.
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Mistakes have been part of the learning curve all season for the Canucks’ young defencemen. In Minnesota, Buium whiffed on the puck on one goal and Pettersson passed it straight to the opposition before another. And as television analyst Ray Ferraro superbly broke down for Sportsnet viewers, Willander was far too passive in allowing Hartman to stand uncontested in front of him to tip in the Wild’s fourth goal. The first Minnesota goal came from a giveaway by experienced defenceman Pierre-Olivier Joseph, so it’s not only the young guys who make mistakes.
But they’ve got to learn. Especially in the defensive zone. They’ve got to box out and, as Ferraro said, make opposition forwards uncomfortable in front of the Vancouver net.
Hughes was excellent with the puck from the day he stepped into the NHL from college — as Willander and Buium have done — but didn’t become an elite defenceman until he started devoting his summers to improving the defensive side of his game. This is hockey.
32 Thoughts: The Podcast
Hockey fans already know the name, but this is not the blog. From Sportsnet, 32 Thoughts: The Podcast with NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman and Kyle Bukauskas is a weekly deep dive into the biggest news and interviews from the hockey world.
Canuck enforcer Curtis Douglas thought he’d scored in Calgary but the goal was ruled off upon review due to a whistle. In Colorado, the six-foot-nine winger had a mind-blowing five shots on net (and three hits) in 6:18 of ice time. Imagine if he’d played 16 minutes. And Douglas was noticeable again in Minnesota, with one shot and two other attempts in 8:44 of TOI.
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The 26-year-old waiver pickup has now logged 38 NHL games with no goals (and nine fights). Douglas scored 57 times over his final two seasons of junior hockey in Windsor and his shooter instincts are still evident. We’re predicting Douglas will have an NHL goal before this season is over.
Douglas, of course, needs to play and the Canuck lineup got a little more crowded Thursday with the recall from the minors of centre prospect Ty Mueller, who wasn’t scored against during his 9:55 of playing time against the Wild. . . Nils Hoglander came out of the lineup — again — to make room for him while a highly motivated Aatu Raty was moved to the wing and registered four hits in 12:03 of ice time. The Canucks’ faceoff ace, Raty still took draws and went 11-3. . . Rested the last two contests after managing an injury while making it to 1,000 games in the NHL, winger Evander Kane is expected back in the lineup on Saturday so his achievement can be honoured by the Canucks before the faceoff against the Mammoth.
Ambassadorial’s form has surged since he entered the Melbourne Cup-winning yard run by Tony and Calvin McEvoy, with his latest highlight being a triumph in the Easter Cup (2000m) at Caulfield this Saturday.
Achieving a hat-trick of wins, the gelding sired by Fiorente registered his top achievement to date, winning at $4 favouritism for jockey Logan Bates, the apprentice.
The victor edged Sea What I See ($6) by 1½ lengths, leaving Immediacy ($17) a mere short half-head adrift in the runner-up position? No, third.
“A big thank-you to Anne Peacock and Jane Chapple-Hyam for sending us the horse and giving him the opportunity with us,” Tony McEvoy said.
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“He’s been such a pleasure (to train). There will be no problem rehoming him as everyone in the stable just adores him.
“He’s such a gentleman and what a magnificent racing pattern he has.
“He’s gone from strength to strength.”
McEvoy joked that part of the gelding’s improvement had come from a change in approach.
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“We’ve decided not to train him,” he said.
“We’re still charging training fees – I hope Jane didn’t hear that, but we’re keeping him really fresh.
“He’s a very light-fleshed, athletic horse and doesn’t require a lot and if you look at his CV, he has been with trainers that do train them, so we decided to make a change.”
Trained earlier by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, and subsequently by Alex Rae, the horse now has three successes and two podium finishes from five efforts with the McEvoys.
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Plans call for testing his staying ability, positioning the Mornington Cup (2400m) on April 18 as a key upcoming race.
“He’s a gelding, he’s perfectly sound and he’s in rare form,” McEvoy said.
“What we need to know is whether he runs a mile-and-a-half. If he does that, it opens a brand-new chapter for him.”
The stable sealed a memorable card with a double as Rue De Royale took the Geoff Murphy Handicap (1200m).
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Following that, a tilt at the Goodwood (1200m) at Morphettville next month is under consideration for the winner.
Keep tabs on Ambassadorial’s staying prospects and compare betting sites offering the keenest markets for the Easter Cup.
Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Justin Skule (67) lines up during second-half action, engaging at the line of scrimmage as protection schemes unfold and the offense works through a drive Sep 28, 2025, at Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland, during an NFL International Series matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.
By now, NFL free agency is about a month old, and all attention among fans and front offices has fixated on the draft, which is about two and a half weeks away. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Vikings have six free agents from the 2025 roster who remain in limbo.
A few former Vikings from last season are still waiting for their next NFL opportunity.
This happens every offseason, so consider this the 2026 edition.
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Familiar Ex-Vikings Names Remain on the Market for Now
Needing employment, these are six Vikings from last year’s roster still hunting.
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Brett Rypien goes through pregame warmups, loosening his arm and preparing for action ahead of kickoff Sep 21, 2025, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Rypien worked through routine drills on the field prior to facing the Vikings in an interconference matchup. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
Brett Rypien (QB)
Rypien’s situation is a stark contrast to last year, when he was the Vikings’ QB2 during the offseason. Now that the Vikings are pursuing other quarterbacks, Rypien will likely seek opportunities elsewhere. He realistically projects as a QB3 or QB4, where his experience and backup capabilities would be valuable.
For the Vikings, it’s Kyler Murray, J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz, and Max Brosmer instead.
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Fabian Moreau (CB)
Moreau provided quietly effective, albeit largely unnoticed, play for the Vikings in 2025. As a veteran corner, he capably handled his assignments, holding opponents to an impressive 54.2 passer rating in 11 games, a noteworthy figure for a CB3. Given their need for reliable depth at the position,
Minnesota would benefit from re-signing him as CB4 insurance. A reunion feels mutually beneficial. Stay tuned.
Harrison Smith (S)
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Although the Vikings officially released Smith last month, his career in Minnesota may not be over. He was re-energized at the end of 2025, playing his best ball in December and January.
The Vikings will open him back with open arms if he’s not ready for retirement. The prospect of the Vikings contending in 2026 with Kyler Murray while Smith is absent feels incongruous. What if they won the Super Bowl without him? Should send shivers down your spine.
The Viking Age‘s Adam Patrick noted on Smith last month, “It seems safe to assume that if Smith comes back for the 2026 season, it will be in a Minnesota uniform and not with another team. The All-Pro defender has spent his entire NFL career with the Vikings, and there haven’t been any indications that he would want to join another franchise.”
“What are the chances of Smith returning for another season in Minnesota? Well, Brian Flores remaining the Vikings’ defensive coordinator for at least another year doesn’t hurt. Smith has expressed multiple times in the past how much he loves playing in Flores’ defense, and Minnesota’s defensive play-caller would obviously love to have his top safety back on the field in 2026.”
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Jeff Okudah (CB)
Okudah struggled to find his footing in Minnesota. Injuries hampered his performance, and opponents frequently targeted him with success.
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey breaks free from Minnesota Vikings cornerback Jeff Okudah, creating separation for a touchdown catch in second-half action Oct 23, 2025, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The scoring play highlighted McConkey’s route-running and speed against Minnesota’s secondary coverage. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
His career has veered significantly from the high expectations that accompanied him as a top three draft pick in 2020. The consistent talent that made him a coveted prospect has been elusive, giving the Vikings little incentive to re-sign him.
His career may be on the verge of irrelevance.
John Wolford (QB)
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Wolford served as the emergency quarterback last season, providing a veteran option during periods of injury and roster instability. While valuable in the short term, this role rarely offers long-term security. As Minnesota moves in a different direction in 2026, Wolford will likely seek practice squad opportunities or emergency depth roles with another team.
Justin Skule (LT)
Skule presented a compelling case for re-signing early in the offseason. Given Christian Darrisaw’s recovery from a significant knee injury and the unpredictable nature of offensive line recoveries, tackle depth is crucial. Furthermore, Brian O’Neill’s age underscores the need.
Skule provided solid snaps for the Vikings in 2025, demonstrating the reliability and composure expected of a swing tackle. But Minnesota signed Ryan Van Demark from the Buffalo Bills, effectively ruling out a Skule contract.
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San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Justin Skule stands on the field during pregame moments, preparing for kickoff and working through final adjustments Sep 13, 2020, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Skule readied himself for action along the offensive line ahead of a matchup with the Arizona Cardinals. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Our Kyle Joudry wrote about Skule two weeks ago, “In saying ‘yes’ to OT Ryan Van Demark, the Vikings seem to be saying ‘no’ to OT Justin Skule. The decision is to move on, at least if the expected occurs. In fairness, the decision to say goodbye to Justin Skule isn’t totally shocking.”
“At any point, Minnesota could have re-signed him in January, February, or the early portion of March since he was an in-house employee. And then there was Kwesi Adofo-Mensah seemingly tipping the team’s hand, publicly explaining (before being fired) that the team would look to improve at OT3.”
Matt Nelson (LT)
Nelson represents the type of roster depth typically considered when planning the practice squad. His quiet presence in free agency reflects the league’s perception of his limited role. While not without value, his opportunities are restricted, and he appears destined to remain on the fringes of rosters.
Minnesota, in theory, could sign him as a depth guy after the draft.
For right-handed players who favor a fade, Augusta National presents several uncomfortable tee shots. That means the opposite is true for left-handed players, seemingly baking in an inherent advantage for those able to deliver the shot shape that’s most frequently asked of them every other week on Tour.
Start with the first nine, where holes 2, 5 and 9 each move significantly right to left. On the second nine, 10 and 13 move in the same direction. Both par-3s on that side — 12 and 16 — also lend themselves to a left-handed fade.
All of this, one might presume, would help explain why, since 2003, left-handed players have won the Masters six times (Mike Weir, 2003; Phil Mickelson, 2004, ’06 and ’10; Bubba Watson, 2012 and ’14). In that same period, lefties have combined for only four wins at the other three men’s majors.
But what does a deeper data dive say? On what parts of the course are the advantages most significant for left-handers? Or, conversely, does the math not back up the long-standing theory?
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We analyzed shot-by-shot strokes-gained data from every Masters from 2015 to present — including more than 3,200 rounds and 234,000 strokes — in search of meaningful answers to our question.
The data set
The left-handed rounds we analyzed come from an eclectic mix of players at different points in their respective careers, including past champions (Weir, Mickelson, Watson); major contenders and winners (Robert MacIntyre, Brian Harman); emerging stars (Akshay Bhatia); and journeymen (Ted Potter, Jr.).
While lefties account for six Masters victories in the last 23 years, they make up a relatively small percentage of the fields. Since 2015, just 4.6% of Masters rounds have been played by left-handers.
When it comes to elite players, that share is even smaller. Since 2015, less than 3.5% of left-handed entrants have been ranked in the top 50 of the Official World Golf Ranking. And just three lefties in that span have been ranked in the top 10 in the world, accounting for only 2.7% of field makeups in the selected time span. It’s important to factor in those numbers when considering that right-handed players in our study window outscored left-handed players by an average of 72.92 to 73.25.
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Overall trends
Because most elite players are right-handed, it’s difficult to make broad assessments comparing the average performance of lefties vs. righties.
Off the tee, the numbers are a wash. The two groups produce almost identical overall fairway hit percentages (69.2% to 69.1%). In terms of strokes gained, left-handed players since 2015 have gained an average of 0.03 strokes per round compared to right-handed players.
What about overall approach play? Since 2015, left-handed players have had positive strokes gained approach in 52.7% of their rounds played vs. 51.3% for righties. When looking at elite-level approach performances, though, the numbers drift in favor of the bigger group of high-level righties: while 22.0% of rounds from “elite” lefties result in a full stroke gained or more with approach play, 28.6% of right-handed rounds check that box.
The more interesting data reveals itself when looking at individual holes.
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Hole analysis
Statistically, some holes produce surprising results.
You’d think that the par-5 2nd hole, which features the familiar right-to-left dogleg, would favor lefties. But left-handed players make birdie or eagle about 10% less frequently than righties there since 2015. By that statistic, it’s the largest negative differential lefties experience at Augusta.
The par-4 5th hole, which also works right to left off the tee, ranks in the middle of the pack in terms of approach shot difficulty for right-handed players, with the 9th-toughest green in regulation rate since 2015. For lefties, it ranks 5th-toughest, yielding a GIR rate 4.1% lower than their right-handed counterparts.
The 5th hole.
getty images
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The par-4 10th hole produces the largest green in regulation rate advantage for left-handed players. Since 2015, lefties have hit the green about 6% more often than righties.
On the famed par-3 12th, left-handed players make birdie 4% more often than righties, and the left-handed scoring average is 0.13 strokes lower than it is for righties (the second-largest advantage on the course).
No single hole has generated a larger statistical advantage for lefties than the hard dogleg-left par-5 13th. Since 2015, left-handed players have hit the 13th fairway 82% of the time, or 11.4% more than the field average. That has led to a birdie or better rate 11.5% higher for lefties than the rest of the field. The memories match the math: think of some of the incredible shots Mickelson and Watson have hit at 13.
The view back to the tee box on 13.
getty images
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The par-3 16th generates the largest disparity of green in regulation rate on the course. Since 2015, right-handed players hit the green in regulation at Redbud about 75% of the time. For lefties, that rate is 11% lower. A stock right-handed fade at 16 requires moving the ball over the water that sits left of the green. This wide differential suggests that righties are more prone to a conservative approach there (find the middle of the green) while lefties take on more risk (attacking the pin).
While Augusta National’s par-4 18th moves slightly left to right, lefties have a slightly higher fairway hit rate (+2.3%), green in regulation rate (+2.8%) and birdie or better rate (+0.9%) than right-handed players. Hole shape isn’t the only determining factor in these statistical differences, but it is inarguably the biggest one.
Conclusion
In broad strokes, the stats indicate that left-handed players in the Masters do not have a meaningful advantage over righties. But the course does ask different questions of the players depending on what side of the ball they stand — and in several key spots, the numbers tell you, it’s much more comfortable to be on the left side.
Jade Cargill is the SmackDown Women’s Champion, but she has had her work cut out since stepping into a feud with Rhea Ripley. Cargill has aligned with Michin and B-Fab in recent weeks, but it seems she had much bigger issues on this week’s show.
Following the event, Cargill shared a picture of her trousers that ripped on WWE SmackDown, which meant that she was forced to go with Plan B, and she then came out in shorts instead.
Thanks for the submission!
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Jade Cargill had a mishap (Via Instagram)
Cargill was still very much part of SmackDown despite the mishap and was able to stop at ringside for the match between Rhea Ripley and Michin, before she then tried to step up to Mami, but Iyo Sky came out and made the save, after weeks of Cargill getting the upper hand on her WrestleMania opponent.
Wardrobe issues have become common with the women in WWE over the past few years, but it seems that Cargill was able to prevent hers from happening in front of the live cameras.
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As noted, Cargill was spotted in shorts on the show instead, but it seems that she did initially have plans to match her team of B-Fab and Michin in yellow before her trousers ripped and she was unable to fix them in time.
Jade Cargill has her work cut out at WrestleMania
Jade Cargill has never been up against anyone like Rhea Ripley in her short career, and it’s clear that numbers will not help her at WrestleMania now that Iyo Sky has been added to the match.
It was announced on SmackDown that Sky will be in Rhea Ripley’s corner for the match to ensure that B-Fab and Michin are non-factors. The two women have been close friends for a long time, and now it seems that Sky will be the one stepping up for Rhea.
Cargill has been able to climb the ranks in WWE relatively fast since making the move over from AEW, but this means that she hasn’t been able to face many challenges, and Ripley will be the hardest of her career.
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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 24: Finn Azaz of Southampton celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates during the Sky Bet Championship match between Southampton and Queens Park Rangers at St Mary’s Stadium on February 24, 2026 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Southampton are through to the FA Cup semifinals after a 2-1 win over Arsenal at St Mary’s.
Arsenal had control early on and created the better chances, but Southampton took theirs when it mattered.
The Saints struck twice and held their nerve, with Charles scoring the winner late to seal the result and send the home crowd into celebration.
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Arsenal had most of the ball possession but could not turn it into goals. Their night also took another hit when Gabriel Magalhães went off with a knee injury.
After the game, Mikel Arteta did not hide his frustration with the way his team defended:
“If you make defending errors we made today it’s very difficult to be in the semi-final.”
Christian Norgaard says Arsenal cannot afford to overthink their shock FA Cup exit at Southampton as the Premier League leaders look to bounce back in the Champions League.
Mikel Arteta’s men suffered an almighty shock at St Mary’s on Saturday evening as the Championship play-off hopefuls’ intensity and courage paid dividends in a famous 2-1 quarter-final triumph.
Substitute Shea Charles’ late strike sent Southampton to the semi-finals and left Arsenal with some soul searching as the shock defeat compounded their Carabao Cup final loss to Manchester City a fortnight ago.
The Gunners will attempt to get back to winning ways in Lisbon in Tuesday’s Champions League quarter-final first leg against Sporting, before the runaway league leaders host Bournemouth in a key game on Saturday.
Experienced midfielder Norgaard said: “The message is to have a positive body language, to talk with your team-mates, with the coaching staff.
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“Now is not the time to go with our heads down for too long.
“It’s fine to be frustrated tonight and also tomorrow to analyse what went wrong, but then we also have to look forward because there are so many big games coming up for this club.”
Arsenal need to shake off their first back-to-back defeats of the season to avoid further damage to what has until recently been a memorable campaign.
“Disappointing evening,” Norgaard told club media. “We all had our hopes high to win and go back to Wembley, but yeah, that’s not the case.
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“Sorry to disappoint so many travelling fans, they created an amazing atmosphere and, yeah, today was not good enough.”
Injury-disrupted Arsenal only managed to threaten periodically at St Mary’s, where few would argue that the hosts did not deserve to progress to Wembley.
Ross Stewart coolly struck Saints ahead and Leo Scienza hit the crossbar shortly before Viktor Gyokeres levelled, only for super sub Charles to spark bedlam with a fine finish five minutes from time.
Goalscorer, and boyhood Arsenal fan, Stewart said: “It’s just pure joy and elation, an incredible night for the club to beat a team of Arsenal’s calibre in the manner that we did.
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“I thought we were excellent. It’s an incredible night for the club and there were some good celebrations in the dressing room – we’ll enjoy tonight.
“It’s a great occasion to look forward to, but we’ve got a lot of league business that we’ve got to take care of, and the gaffer has just reinforced that – starting Tuesday we’ve got to be ready to go for another tough game.”
Saints are hoping their FA Cup semi-final will be the first of three Wembley trips before the end of the season.
The dream of replicating Lawrie McMenemy’s second-tier FA Cup triumph of 1976 is alive, as is their promotion dream ahead of Tuesday’s return to action at play-off rivals Wrexham.
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“I think it’s just where we’re at as a squad,” Stewart told the club website. “That confidence, that belief, the character.
“We knew it was going to be tough but we spoke about it throughout the week that we’re a team that’s 14 games unbeaten, we know we’re a hard team to beat, and I think you saw that again.”
If there was an image to sum up the Investec Champions Cup knockout rounds, it came with the clock nearly three minutes into the red at a scorching Stade Felix-Mayol on Saturday afternoon. As Marcel Theunissen, the replacement back rower, picked and ploughed for the line, players from both the Stormers and Toulon threw their arms aloft like heavyweight fighters as each claimed victory; after a long deliberation in conjunction with his television match official, referee Christophe Ridley stuck with an on-field call of held up.
Toulon just about held firm at the last against the Stormers (AFP via Getty Images)
It sent the French side through, the South Africans away with plenty to ponder – why was there no drop goal? Why, with a two-man advantage, did they keep things so narrow? – and the rest of us to marvel at how wonderful this competition can be. As detailed time and time again in these pages, this version of the Champions Cup is riddled with issues and a pale imitation of what it used to be but for the delivery of drama, and for an intensity of contest, it stands consistently above any club competition. The round-of-16 winners may have been predictably home-side heavy but few would have felt short-changed in terms of entertainment.
Certainly, those paying fair whack at The Rec would have still felt they received value for money. Bath’s 31-22 win over Saracens was a cracking, crackling cup tie – before the game, the matchday announcer found a travelling family of Norwegian tourists for whom this was a first taste of rugby union. They will surely spread the gospel; perhaps we can expert more visitors over from Oslo once James Dyson and Bruce Craig build their new stadium.
Henry Arundell helped Bath into the Champions Cup quarter-finals (PA Wire)
One should not underestimate the significance of Saturday’s success for Bath. Before the game, a few fans were guilty of overlooking the challenge that Saracens would pose, talking already of the prospect of Northampton, victors against Castres on Friday night, in a quarter-final to come. But Bath had not hosted a knockout tie in this competition since 2002; it looked for a long time like they might not earn a second.
Saracens were on top at scrum time until Bath introduced Thomas du Toit (David Davies/PA Wire)
But they did, and in the process served a reminder of the strength in depth that makes them Champions Cup contenders. South African interest in this competition may have ended by narrow defeats for the Stormers and Bulls, yet it was still a Springbok who perhaps had the most pivotal impact of the round. “It’s quite handy having Thomas du Toit coming off the bench, isn’t it?” smirked Saracens boss Mark McCall, whose side had been in control at the set-piece until the replacement tighthead’s arrival.
The first engagement after his introduction saw Beno Obano, on the loosehead, sent to the sin bin, but Bath were dominant thereafter. Du Toit swung both scrum and game his side’s way, enabling them to overcome on a day where they did not find attacking fluency or their usual red-zone efficiency.
Johann van Graan has an embarrassment of riches at the position, with the injured Will Stuart and starter Archie Griffin both Test tightheads, too, and youngster Vilikesa Sela an England international in waiting. But it is his 30-year-old South African that Van Graan goes to in the big moments – it is he, rather than Finn Russell, that has been their best signing in recent years.
The South Africa tighthead Thoams du Toit has been hailed as one of the best players in the world (Getty Images)
“I thought Thomas was fantastic in that second half,” the Bath director of rugby said. “In my view, he’s currently one of the best players in the whole world. He showed that again today – he was absolutely phenomenal in the scrum, in defence and in attack. That’s why you build a squad. You call on 23 guys on a weekend, and all credit to the players.”
Du Toit’s impact underlining just how important this season may be for Bath. It is difficult for Prem clubs to mix it with the French big boys and Leinster when it comes to squad depth in this competition – Northampton’s appearance in the Champions Cup final last year was an exception that proved the rule, given that the Saints all-but-sacrificed their domestic campaign to prioritise a European run. Bath, conversely, appear equipped to compete on both fronts – though perhaps not for long.
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Bath will take on Northampton in the Champions Cup quarter-finals (Getty Images)
Come the end of the season, Du Toit is headed home having agreed a deal to re-sign for the Sharks. It is not just he moving on – No 8 Alfie Barbeary is bound for Saracens, where he has the sizeable shoes of Tom Willis to fill, with Francois van Wyk, Will Butt and Ethan Staddon other vital depth pieces headed elsewhere. The re-signing of Russell, retention of several other key figures and continued strength of the pathway will keep Bath competitive but it is fair to suggest that this may be the strongest squad they will possess in this era.
Saracens have played Toulouse and Glasgow as well this season and fly half Fergus Burke believes Bath are as good as any side. “They are so physical up front,” the Scotland international said. “They’ve got one of the best 10s in the world driving them around, and he’s got eight forwards starting and six on the bench that are genuinely massive. They give him the platform to pull the strings. I can see them going deep in this competition. They are one of the best teams in Europe without a doubt, and I hope they go all the way.”
A six-day turnaround for Bath against Northampton, who won at the Rec just after Christmas, will pit the two best sides in England against one another; another likely last-eight tie between Toulouse and Bordeaux-Begles will see the Top 14’s top two test their mettle. Another captivating Champions Cup weekend is in store.
SRH vs LSG Live Score, IPL 2026 LIVE Cricket Score: Lucknow Super Giants skipper Rishabh Pant won the toss and opted to bowl against Sunrisers Hyderabad in their IPL 2026 match on Sunday.
Radek Vitek has had an excellent season on loan at Bristol City and the young Man Utd goalkeeper wants to keep playing first-team football.
Two goalkeepers will return to Old Trafford this summer after loan spells away and they might well have contrasting views on what they see as their next steps with Manchester United.
Andre Onana has spent this season on loan with Trabzonspor in Turkey, but the deal has no option to make it permanent, and the 30-year-old hasn’t given up on his United career. But Senne Lammens is now firmly installed as No.1 and Onana is too expensive to be playing the role of back-up.
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United’s recruitment bosses will be aiming to sell the former Ajax and Inter Milan goalkeeper this summer, although that might be easier said than done. He doesn’t look to have a long-term future at the club, however.
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It’s a different story for Radek Vitek. The 22-year-old will return from a loan spell with Bristol City in the Championship with his reputation enhanced. He has been one of the second tier’s standout goalkeepers, and there will be plenty of interest in the Czech youth international.
United are yet to make a decision on Vitek’s future in what could be a summer of change in the goalkeeping department. While Lammens has established himself, Altay Bayindir could follow Onana out of the exit door as he seeks more first-team football. Veteran stopper Tom Heaton could sign a new deal to remain as third-choice.
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That is likely to leave United in need of a new No.2, and Vitek could fit the bill. But having had first-team experience with the Robins this season, he now has the taste for playing regularly and is aware of what he needs for his development.
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“At this stage in my career, I want to play as many games as possible. I wouldn’t benefit from sitting on the bench,” he said last week in an interview with the BBC and The Sun.
Of his plans for next season, he added: “I will communicate with Manchester United closely, and we will see what’s going to be best for me next season.
“But I want to play football. I don’t want to just be somewhere sitting on the bench.”
United’s goalkeeping coach Craig Mawson has been in regular contact with Vitek this season, with this the third loan spell for a player who moved to Old Trafford at 16. He also excelled for Accrington Stanley in League Two and Blau-Weiss Linz in Austria.
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Vitek is unlikely to challenge Lammens at the moment and it might tempt United to cash in while his stock is high. In the summer of 2023, they made £22.7million from selling academy goalkeepers Dean Henderson (£15m) and Matej Kovar (£7.7m). Selling Vitek now would surely take that tally to more than £30million.
But it wouldn’t solve the problem of finding a backup for Lammens, and there is an argument that United would be best off trying to convince Vitek to stay. With Michael Carrick’s side on course to return to Europe, Vitek could be told he will get to play in the domestic cup competitions and maybe an appearance in the league phase of the Champions League.
That can still prove a valuable development path for a young goalkeeper. It kept Caoimhin Kelleher in the spotlight at Liverpool before he moved to Brentford last summer and has been enough to keep James Trafford in the England squad, even if he wants more than being No.2 to Gianluigi Donnarumma.
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There will almost certainly come a time when United do have to sell Vitek, but if he gets another 10 to 12 games at Old Trafford next season and does well, his value will only rise. Performing for United will also give him a bigger profile than doing well for Bristol City.
That might be a solution that works for both parties. If United manage to sell Onana and Bayindir this summer, Vitek can step into that No.2 role, and if he does well, he could earn himself an even better move in 2027.
NEW DELHI: A light and heartwarming moment grabbed attention at the Grenke Freestyle Open when Grandmaster (GM) Harika Dronavali extended her hand to resign, but Uzbek GM Nodirbek Yakubboev responded with a polite “Namaste” instead. Both players smiled and walked away, making it a memorable and respectful exchange.Watch:The event itself is heating up in Karlsruhe, where Vincent Keymer and Hans Niemann are leading with perfect 5/5 scores. They’re set to face off next in a crucial match. Close behind is a strong group, including world number one Magnus Carlsen, keeping the competition intense.Interestingly, Daniel Hausrath, ranked far lower globally, is surprisingly holding his own among top players. With thousands of participants and a major prize pool, the tournament is one of the biggest in the world, and upcoming rounds are expected to shake up the leaderboard.This isn’t the first time Yakubboev avoided a handshake. Earlier, during a game against R Vaishali at the Wijk Aan Zee Challengers section last year, he did the same, which led to confusion. Later, he met her again with flowers and chocolates to apologise.“I’m sorry for what had happened? It was an awkward situation for both of us. I was hurrying that day. It looks like some misunderstanding. And I want to wish good luck for the remaining games for both of you. Just want to say. I respect you and your brother both. Both of you, and all the Indian chess players,” Yakubboev said.Vaishali responded kindly: “No, it’s clearly understandable. I didn’t take it that way, so we didn’t have to feel bad. You actually apologised. It’s totally fine. You don’t have to worry about it.”Yakubboev later explained it was due to “religious reasons”, adding, “I want to explain the situation… I do not touch other women for religious reasons.” He emphasized respect, saying, “I respect Vaishali and her brother as the strongest chess players in India. If I have offended her with my behavior, I apologise,” and clarified, “I do what I need to do… It is their business what to do.”
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