LONDON: Granit Xhaka’s second-half winner secured Arsenal a 1-0 win over PSV Eindhoven at the Emirates and a place in the Europa League knockout phase on Thursday.
Mikel Arteta’s men moved five points clear of PSV at the top of Group A in a rescheduled game which was postponed last month following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
The two sides meet again in a week’s time, when a point for Arsenal would be enough to wrap up top spot and qualification directly into the last 16.
A fourth victory in as many games in Europe mean Arsenal have won 13 of their 14 matches in all competitions this season.
The Premier League leaders dominated for long periods but had to wait until 19 minutes from time to take the lead when Takehiro Tomiyasu chipped the ball back for Xhaka to drill home his third goal of the season.
Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli both came close to extending the advantage late on, but Ruud van Nistelrooy’s PSV rarely threatened an equalizer.
Arsenal, who are four points clear of reigning champions Manchester City, return to Premier League action on Sunday with a visit to Southampton.
Arsenal reach Europa League knockouts with victory over PSV
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Arsenal reach Europa League knockouts with victory over PSV
- Mikel Arteta's men moved five points clear of PSV at the top of Group A
- The two sides meet again in a week's time
Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah’s visit to Japanese temple sparks social media debate among Egyptians
- Club say visit was part of pre-season preparations for new football season
- Some social media users praise Salah, laud him for respecting, accepting other religions
BEIRUT: Photographs of Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah visiting a Buddhist temple in Japan this week — alongside his teammates — have sparked controversy among Egyptians on social media, with some praising Salah’s open-mindedness and others having a different opinion.
As part of their summer tour ahead of the Premier League’s start next month, Liverpool posted a video on their X handle on Monday about their visit to Eko-in Temple, a Jodo-shu Buddhist temple in Tokyo, for what they described as a “bespoke meditation session.”
Some Arabic news websites posted photos of players, including Salah, sitting cross-legged on the temple’s floor while they seemed to be attending a meditation session, which Liverpool said was “guided by a monk.”
Some social media users praised Salah for being culturally curious and respecting and accepting of other religions, while others criticized his visit and considered whether — as an icon for millions in the Arab and Muslim world — he should instead have visited an Islamic center or a mosque in Tokyo.
Several users commented on X that Salah had represented Egypt and the Egyptians in the best way through showing respect and openness toward other cultures and religions.
Others had an opposite viewpoint, saying they would have preferred to have seen Salah visiting a mosque in Tokyo rather than a temple.
One group of users — describing the criticism and controversy as “exaggerated” — said that Liverpool’s visit to the temple had no religious significance but rather fell within the tourist and cultural program of a global sports team.
According to the club’s official website, Liverpool’s tour of Japan included friendly matches and cultural activities aimed at strengthening ties with Japanese fans.
Eko-in Temple is a popular tourist destination in the Japanese capital, distinguished by its traditional architecture and the meditation sessions held there.
Cole Palmer mistakes South Africa for Saudi Arabia in Instagram comment over Felix’s move to Al-Nassr
- ‘Good luck in South Africa,’ Palmer said
- ‘I’m here for Palmer’s comment. Where is it?’ said another user
BEIRUT: A reply by Chelsea’s winger Cole Palmer to a comment by Joao Felix over his move to Al-Nassr triggered hysterical debate on Instagram after Palmer mistook South Africa for Saudi Arabia.
Shortly after Chelsea placed on their Instagram page a post announcing the Portuguese forward’s departure to Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr, Felix commented: “Once a blue, always a blue.”
Felix’s English clubmate Palmer replied to the comment, saying: “Good luck in South Africa,” and ended his comment with a heart emoji.
Commenting on the reply of Palmer — who seemingly mistook South Africa for Saudi Arabia — one user wrote: “What??? He might need some geography lessons.”
Another user added “Good luck in South Africa,” and included three laughing emoji faces in an obvious attempt to make fun out of Palmer’s comment.
A user commented cynically: “I’m here for Palmer’s comment. Where is it?”
Chelsea’s post garnered over 330,000 likes and more than 6,200 comments in a couple of hours, but by the time Palmer’s comment surfaced in response to Felix’s, many users started suggesting that the English attacking midfielder had deleted his post.
One user replied to Felix, saying: “We shall support you, even in the Saudi League.”
News reports have indicated that Felix has signed with the Saudi club until 2027.
Vollering to keep racing at Tour de France after crash
- Vollering underwent medical tests that have excluded a risk of a concussion
- She fell less than four kilometers from the finish line in Angers
SAUMUR, France: Former champion Demi Vollering will continue racing at the women’s Tour de France despite a heavy crash that left her bruised.
Her FDJ-Suez team said on Tuesday that Vollering underwent medical tests that have excluded a risk of a concussion after she hit the ground during Monday’s Stage 3.
Her team said Vollering, who lagged 19 seconds behind race leader Marianne Vos in the general classification, is “determined to take the start” of Tuesday’s stage from Saumur to Poitiers.
Vollering fell less than four kilometers from the finish line in Angers in a crash that involved several riders. Examinations carried out by the team doctor revealed that she had suffered multiple contusions but she did not go to hospital “given the non-urgent nature of her condition,” FDJ-Suez said.
Vollering is one of the most decorated cyclists of her generation. She won the Tour de France in 2023.
The nine-stage race ends Aug. 3.
Portugal’s Felix joins Ronaldo at Al-Nassr
- Joao Felix: ‘I’m here to spread joy. Let’s win together’
- Felix remains one of the most expensive transfers in history, following his move from Benfica to Atletico Madrid for 127.7m euros in 2019
RIYADH: Portuguese forward Joao Felix has signed a two-year deal with Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr, where he will join Cristiano Ronaldo, the club announced Tuesday.
Felix, now 25, made a blockbuster move from Benfica to Atletico Madrid in 2019.
“I’m here to spread joy. Let’s win together,” said Felix in a video posted on the club’s X account. A separate post said he had signed until 2027.
Felix remains one of the most expensive transfers in history, following his move to Atletico for 127.7 million euros ($147.3 million) in 2019.
He has since had stints at Barcelona, AC Milan and Chelsea.
Al-Ain to host first Abu Dhabi Grappling Championship
- Hundreds of athletes from over 20 countries to compete at ADNEC Centre Al-Ain from Aug. 1-3
AL-AIN: The inaugural Abu Dhabi World Grappling Championship 2025 will take place from Aug. 1 to 3 at ADNEC Centre Al-Ain, it was announced recently by International Vision Sports Management.
This initiative is being held in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, and under the banner of Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro.
The championship will feature hundreds of male and female athletes from over 20 countries, including youth, amateurs, masters and professionals.
Saeed Al-Dhaheri, destination management director at the department, said: “As Abu Dhabi grows in prominence as a hub for major global sporting events, combat sports have emerged as an increasingly important pillar of our sport and entertainment vision for the emirate.”
The event will join other top shows in the UAE including Abu Dhabi Showdown Week, UFC Fight Nights, and the Jiu-Jitsu World Championships, Al-Dhaheri added.
“We look forward to new audiences in Al-Ain Region and across Abu Dhabi being introduced to this exciting and increasingly popular sport.”
Tareq Al-Bahri, general manager of International Vision Sports Management, said: “This event underscores the UAE’s leadership in hosting elite combat sports, offering a platform for athletes worldwide to excel.
“With the support of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, we aim to deliver unparalleled competition and establish a lasting legacy for grappling in the region.”
As part of the AJP Tour, competitors of all nationalities can participate across age divisions, from under 14 to over 35 in the amateur and professional categories. Winners will earn 2,000 ranking points and substantial cash prizes.
The event’s opening day will focus on professional bouts up to the semifinals, followed by youth and amateur competitions on the second day. The championship will conclude with third-place playoffs and finals.
