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Liverpool’S late show floors Nottingham Forest Eberechi Eze was the scourge of Tottenham again as his double restored Arsenal’s five-point lead at the top of the Premier League in a 4-1 win yesterday, while Liverpool needed Alexis Mac Allister’s 97th-minute goal to beat Nottingham Forest 1-0.Eze, who nearly joined Spurs prior to moving to Arsenal from Crystal Palace in August, scored his first goals since netting a hat-trick in the first north London derby of the season in November.The pressure was on Arsenal to respond after back-to-back draws at Brentford and Wolves had allowed Manchester City to close in at the top.Mikel Arteta’s men rose to the challenge to inflict more pain on their local rivals in Igor Tudor’s first match as interim Tottenham boss.Eze has even struggled for minutes in recent weeks as Arteta has favoured other options.But restored to the starting line-up, he repaid his manager’s faith.The England international hooked in the opening goal from close range just after the half-hour mark, but Tottenham levelled almost immediately through Randal Kolo Muani.Viktor Gyokeres restored Arsenal’s lead early in the second half with his most significant goal so far for the Gunners.Eze was on hand to roll in his second goal after Guglielmo Vicario denied Bukayo Saka.Gyokeres then rounded off the scoring in stoppage time.City have a game in hand in the title race and home advantage when the top two meet in April.But a much-needed victory gives Arsenal some breathing space in their quest for a first league title in 22 years.Tottenham remain just four points above the relegation zone.Liverpool must ‘improve’Mac Allister admitted “nothing was good” about much of Liverpool’s performance despite snatching a crucial win in their battle for Champions League qualification.Forest’s fourth manager of the season, Vitor Pereira, was taking charge for the first time in the league and his side looked set to earn a deserved point until a dramatic finale.Mac Allister had a goal ruled out when he charged down Ola Aina’s clearance in the closing stages.The ball was deemed to have struck the Argentine midfielder on the arm.However, to Pereira’s fury, Forest did not heed the warning as they sliped to within two points of the bottom three.Mac Allister swept home a rebound after Virgil van Dijk’s header was saved.Liverpool remain in sixth but climb level on points with Chelsea and Manchester United and within six points of Aston Villa.”I love scoring, I love winning, so in that sense I think it’s a really good day,” said Mac Allister.”But on the other hand, I don’t think we played very well. There’s plenty of things we need to improve.”Fulham climbed above Sunderland into the top half of the table after becoming just the second visiting side to win at the Stadium of Light this season.Raul Jimenez’s double secured a 3-1 victory for Marco Silva’s men.Crystal Palace eased the rising discontent at Selhurst Park with just a second win in 16 games.Evann Guessand’s first Palace goal in the 90th minute beat 10-man Wolves 1-0.Tolu Arokodare’s first-half penalty was saved by Dean Henderson.Ladislav Krejci was then sent off for kicking the ball away on the hour mark as bottom-of-the-table Wolves missed the chance to move above Derby’s unwanted record low of 11 points in a Premier League season. Source link
Hollywood and British royalty arrived Sunday at the London ceremony of the Baftas, the UK's biggest night for film, which will set the stage for the Oscars.Prince William and his wife, Princess Catherine, capped off a star-studded red carpet, which saw A-listers Leonardo DiCaprio, Timothee Chalamet and Jessie Buckley earlier in the night.William, the eldest son of King Charles III and president of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, was the latest royal to go about business-as-usual at the end of a dramatic week which saw his uncle and ex-prince Andrew arrested.The ceremony could also see some awards season drama, with offbeat political thriller ‘One Battle After Another’ facing off against vampire horror film ‘Sinners’ and ‘Hamnet’, a period drama about Shakespeare's family life.The awards, seen as a precursor to the Oscars in mid-March, regularly charts its own path with a diverse pool of nominees and nods to British homegrown talent.’Hamnet’ explores William Shakespeare's personal life, while Norwegian family drama ‘Sentimental Value’ completes the five Bafta best film nominees.Scottish actor Alan Cummings will host the ceremony, with Paddington Bear joining as one of the award presenters. Source link
WhatsApp, owned by Meta, announced the launch of a new password feature for its users on iOS and Android, as part of efforts to enhance the security of personal accounts. The new feature adds an extra layer of protection: users will be required to enter a password (a second verification code) after successfully registering their phone number, making it harder for unauthorized users to access the account, even if they obtain the six-digit verification code. Users will be able to create a password consisting of a combination of letters and numbers, between 6 and 20 characters long, including at least one letter and one number. The app will also display a strength indicator to help users choose stronger passwords. Setting a password will be optional, and users can update or remove it at any time, giving full flexibility and control over account security. However, the password will always be required after entering the six-digit verification code when logging into the account. This step is part of WhatsAppâ€s ongoing efforts to enhance the protection of personal accounts and reduce the risk of potential breaches. The feature will be rolled out gradually in the coming period. Source link
The Sultanate of Oman said that it is closely monitoring the coordinates lists and map submitted by the Republic of Iraq to the UN, which it said infringe upon the State of Kuwait’s sovereignty over its maritime areas and fixed, stable maritime elevations.In a statement issued Monday, the Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed its solidarity with the State of Kuwait regarding the full sovereignty of Kuwait over its maritime areas and elevations.It urged the Republic of Iraq to take into consideration the course of the historical relations between Kuwait and Iraq and their brotherly peoples, and to act seriously and responsibly in accordance with the rules and principles of international law and the provisions of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea in line with bilateral understandings, agreements, and bilateral memoranda of understanding. Source link
Al Sadd’s Roberto Firmino (right) celebrates with Akram Afif after scoring against Al Wakrah at the Saoud Bin Abdulrahman Stadium. PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil Al Sadd moved four points clear at the top of the Qatar Stars League after a comfortable 3-1 win over Al Wakrah, while title rivals Al Gharafa slipped to a 0-1 defeat against Al Shamal yesterday. With six matches remaining in the season, defending champions Sadd are on 35 points, with Shamal leapfrogging Gharafa into second place on goal difference as both teams sit on 31 points. At the Saoud Bin Abdulrahman Stadium, Sadd went ahead in the ninth minute through Pedro Miguel, before former Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino doubled the lead at the stroke of half-time. Rafa Mujica secured Sadd’s third in the 57th minute, while Amin Zahzouh added a consolation goal for Wakrah, who remain seventh in the table with 22 points. Wakrah were resolute early on but failed to capitalise on several promising chances.Sadd opened the scoring as Miguel nodded in from close range following a Tarek Salman header during a goalmouth scramble. Just before the break, the lead was doubled when an overlapping Firmino latched onto a fine Giovani Henrique pass to score from the right. Mujica added the third goal, flicking in Henrique’s assist as the ball struck the crossbar before crossing the line. Moroccan forward Zahzouh pulled one back for Wakrah, beating Al Sadd goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham with a header at the left post. At the Thani Bin Jassim Stadium, Mohamed Rafik Omar’s 68th-minute strike proved decisive for Shamal against Gharafa, whose title hopes appear to be fading after a third consecutive league defeat.Shamal held on for victory despite finishing with ten players after striker and captain Baghdad Bounedjah was sent off in the 73rd minute following a second yellow card. Meanwhile at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan edged past Al Ahli thanks to Rodrigo’s 91th-minute winner. Rayyan had fought back from a goal down, with Aleksandar Mitrovic cancelling out Erik Exposito’s 29th-minute strike for Ahli in the 82nd minute. The result lifted Al Rayyan to 28 points in fourth place, while Al Ahli remained on 15 points in tenth position. Source link
A German minister walked out of the awards ceremony of the Berlin Film Festival after a prize-winning director accused Germany of complicity in the “genocide” committed by Israel in Gaza.Social Democratic Environment Minister Carsten Schneider left the ceremony on Saturday evening because of “unacceptable” remarks, his ministry said. Syrian-Palestinian director Abdallah al-Khatib, who picked up a prize for Best First Feature Award with his Chronicles from the Siege, said in his speech that the German government “are partners in the genocide in Gaza by Israel. I believe you are intelligent enough to recognise this truth.” Schneider was the only member of the German government attending the ceremony though he was not representing it, his ministry told AFP. The Ministry of Culture, contacted by AFP to find out the reason for the absence of its minister Wolfram Weimer, did not respond immediately. A leading member of Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s conservative party, Alexander Hoffmann, denounced what he said were “repugnant scenes” of “antisemitic” during the ceremony. “The accusations of genocide, the antisemitic outbursts, and the threats against Germany at the Berlinale are absolutely unacceptable,” Hoffmann, head of the Christian Social Union, the Bavarian party allied with Merz’s Christian Democratic Union, told the Bundestag. The CDU mayor of Berlin Kai Wegner told newspaper Bild that “The open display of hatred towards Israel is in direct contradiction with what this festival represents.” The backdrop of the conflict in the Middle East led to a tense 76th edition of the festival. More than 80 film professionals criticised the Berlinale’s “silence” on the war in Gaza in an open letter, accusing the festival of censoring artists “who reject the genocide” they believe Israel has committed in Gaza.Award-winning Indian writer Arundhati Roy withdrew from the festival after jury president Wim Wenders said cinema should “stay out of politics” when asked about Gaza. Source link
Barcelona’s Fermin Lopez celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the La Liga match against Levante UD at Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona Sunday. (AFP) Barcelona cruised to a 3-0 victory over Levante to reclaim pole position in La Liga Sunday.After Real Madrid fell to a 2-1 defeat at Osasuna on Saturday, Hansi Flick’s side moved a point clear of their bitter rivals with a comfortable victory at Camp Nou against the team in 19th.Marc Bernal and Frenkie de Jong gave Barca a commanding first-half lead and Fermin Lopez wrapped up the win with a sensational drive late on.Barcelona were glad to get back to winning ways after a 4-0 thrashing by Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg last week and then a 2-1 defeat by Girona on Monday in La Liga.”It was a really bad moment for us but in the end today we gave a good response,” Flick told reporters.”It’s important now to be on top of the table but in the end there’s a long way to go.”Despite Flick’s calls for improvement in defence, Barca were as open as ever, although Levante’s poor finishing meant they could not capitalise.Bernal sent Barca ahead after good work by Joao Cancelo, who impressed on a rare start after his arrival on loan in January, and Eric Garcia.It was Bernal’s second goal since returning from a long-term knee injury, which kept the 18-year-old out of action for over a year.”I thought of my father (in my celebration) and my physio – he told me I would score and he has helped me a lot in this process,” Bernal told Movistar.Veteran Polish forward Robert Lewandowski could have doubled Barca’s advantage but fired into the ground and over the bar when well placed.Cancelo hit the post with a cross aimed at Lewandowski, before the Portuguese defender carved out the second for De Jong with a similar ball in from the left.De Jong delivered the finishing touch to give Barca a two-goal lead at the break.”Joao today he showed his strength, his positive things, he gave us a lot of moments, great chances, for me it was a really good game from him and this is what I want to see,” said Flick.Lopez rocketGarcia should have expanded Barcelona’s advantage early in the second half but nodded wide from Jules Kounde’s tempting cross.Eventually substitute Lopez got a spectacular third, rattling home a long-range effort in off the post.The midfielder might have added a fourth late on but Levante goalkeeper Mathew Ryan denied him with an excellent reflex save, after first thwarting Raphinha.Flick was able to bring back midfielder Pedri as a substitute after a month out with a hamstring injury, with the Spaniard likely to be key in the testing weeks ahead.Defeat leaves Levante seven points from safety.”In the first half we had some chances that, if we put them away, could have got them to doubt themselves,” said Levante midfielder Carlos Alvarez.”If we’d have gone in front, who knows what could have happened.”Earlier Sevilla earned a 1-0 win at Getafe, while third-placed Villarreal host Valencia later on. …
Saida, owned by Time Form Syndicate and trained by Hamad al-Jehani, produced a thrilling late charge to capture the Al Waab Cup in the Local Thoroughbred Handicap (50–70) over 1400m for horses aged three years and older at Al Rayyan Racecourse on Saturday night.The five-year-old mare, racing on turf, was seventh at the halfway stage before accelerating powerfully under jockey Saleh Faraj al-Otaibi to snatch victory by a head, registering her third win from five starts this season.With her success in the feature race at the 54th Al Uqda meeting, Saida also completed a double on the card.Al Deebil, racing for Al Wasmiyah Farm and trained by Mohammed al-Ghazali, finished second under Arnaud de Lepine, while Toyota, representing Al Ezz Stud and trained by Saeed al-Shafi, came third under Lukas Delozier. QREC Registration and Studbook Department’s Deputy Director Saad Ali al-Kubaisi presented the Al Waab Cup to the winners.Earlier, RB Hot Mess sealed the victory in the sixth and penultimate race, a Purebred Arabian Handicap 65-85 over 2200m.The seven-year-old grey, owned by Yosuf Ahmad Telfat and trained by Bader al-Balushi, unleashed a strong late surge to win by two and a half lengths under Pierre-Charles Boudot.Meanwhile, Manjam, owned by Khalifa bin Sheail Al Kuwari and trained by Zuhair Mohsen, was ridden to success in the Purebred Arabian Handicap 65-85 over 1400m by Abdulla Rashid al-Hajri.Injaaz Stud’s Rayyan Bu Thaila captured the Local Thoroughbred Graduation Plate title under Boudot, while Mister Linsou was the fastest in the Purebred Arabian Maiden Plate over 1400m for four-year-olds, giving trainer Hamad al-Jehani another success.Just A City Boy claimed the Thoroughbred Handicap 0-60 over 2200m for owner Alghazali Motors Racing and trainer Mohammed al-Ghazali, while Hardan set the tone in the opening Local Purebred Arabian Handicap 0-65 over 2200m, delivering for owner Maryam Abdulrahman al-Jaber and trainer Hadi al-Ramzani. RESULTS54th Al Uqda Race Meeting – Al Waab CupAl Waab Cup – Local Thoroughbred Handicap 50-70 (Class 3)Saida, Hamad al-Jehani, Saleh Faraj al-OtaibiPurebred Arabian Handicap 65-85 (Class 4)RB Hot Mess, Bader al-Balushi, Pierre Charles BoudotPurebred Arabian Handicap 65-85 (Class 4)Manjam, Zuhair Mohsen, Abdulla Rashid al-HajriLocal Thoroughbred Graduation Plate (Class 4)Rayyan Bu Thaila, Jihad El Ahmad, Pierre Charles BoudotPurebred Arabian Maiden Plate (4yo Only) (Class 6)Mister Linsou, Hamad al-Jehani, Pierre Charles BoudotThoroughbred Handicap 0-60 (Class 6)Just A City Boy, Mohammed al-Ghazali, Jefferson SmithLocal Purebred Arabian Handicap 0-65 (Class 6)Hardan, Hadi al-Ramzani, Pierre Charles Boudot Related Story Source link
The International Cricket Council has confirmed that Doha, Qatar, will host the next round of ICC Board and Committee meetings from 25-27 March 2026. The meetings will bring together ICC Board Directors, Chief Executives, Committee Members and senior leadership as part of the organisation’s ongoing governance calendar, providing an important opportunity to deliberate over key matters pertaining to the present and future of the global game. The decision to stage the meetings in Doha reflects the ICC’s growing engagement with cricket in Qatar and the country’s wider sporting ecosystem. The ICC’s support of and collaboration with the Qatar Cricket Association and Olympic Committee, Cricket in Qatar has fuelled remarkable progress for the sport in recent years. Since 2020, overall participation in cricket in Qatar has grown by an impressive 447%, driven largely by initiatives aimed at introducing the sport to new and younger audiences. Central to this growth has been cricket’s inclusion in the Qatar Olympic Committee’s School Olympic Programme, which has helped embed the game within schools across the country. More recently, the launch of ICC’s Criiio Cricket Festivals has further expanded cricket’s reach, with 287 school teams taking part in the previous edition and nearly 90% of participants experiencing cricket for the first time. The ICC sees this sustained progress as a strong example of how strategic partnerships and grassroots investment can accelerate the growth of the game in emerging markets, while also aligning with cricket’s growing global significance. Hosting the ICC’s Board and Committee meetings in Doha underlines Qatar’s increasing role within the international cricket community and provides a valuable opportunity to further strengthen the collaboration between the ICC, the Qatar Cricket Association and key national sporting stakeholders. Further details regarding the meetings will be shared in due course. Source link
DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 21: Sebastian Korda of the United States returns a shot against Flavio Cobolli of Italy during their Men’s Singles Semifinals match…