Newcastle in title race after Arsenal draw but coach remains humble

Players from Arsenal and Newcastle United remonstrate with referee Andrew Madley during their Premier League match on Jan. 3, 2023. (Reuters)
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Updated 04 January 2023
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Newcastle in title race after Arsenal draw but coach remains humble

  • Eddie Howe keeps hubris at bay, focuses on improving
  • Magpies continue incredible run under new owners

LONDON: Eddie Howe has refused to be drawn on whether Newcastle United are in a title race despite bloodying the noses of top-of-the-table Arsenal.

The Magpies kept their sixth clean sheet in succession, making it nearly nine hours of football since they conceded a goal — back on Nov. 6, 2021 — which is even more incredible because Premier League leaders Arsenal had scored in all 16 games of this campaign.

United frustrated the Gunners, who could have stretched 10 points clear at the top with a win, but also didn’t produce their best performance, according to Howe.

These latest heroics have led many to continue to talk Newcastle up as possible title contenders, especially having only lost once, and continuing to have the best defense in the league. Howe, though, is still refusing to go there.

Speaking from the Emirates, the head coach said: “There is no race from our perspective. It is just about being the best team that we can be on a continued basis.

Focus on improving

“We need to improve, we are working hard every day to do that with the players that we have. That is our main goal.

“We wanted to attack the game, we wanted to be ourselves. I don’t think we quite were — but I think that is credit to Arsenal. They forced us to play a little deeper than we normally do.

“Sometimes you have to do that in these games, you have to slightly tweak the way you play to stay in the match. We did that and I think the players deserve lots of credit for coming through that test.

“The next step for us is to have some more quality. There were some loose passes and touches that broke those attacks down.

“We are looking to evolve and improve all parts of our game.”

Howe made just one change to the United side, with Callum Wilson restored to the frontline in place of Chris Wood who started the game on the back foot.

While Newcastle had not conceded in the five games prior to the trip to the Emirates, they were cut open at will by a rampant Arsenal side in the opening exchanges.

After some penalty box pinball the ball fell to the man you’d least like it to in Martin Odegaard, however the in-form Norwegian volleyed over the top of Nick Pope’s bar. Pope then had to be sharp to deny Bukayo Saka’s cross-goal effort with his outstretched right leg.

At the other end, Wilson mustered the Magpies’ first effort on goal but England teammate Aaron Ramsdale was more than equal to it.

United got to grips with the pace of the game as the half wore on but were still caused all kinds of problems by the speed of Saka down the Newcastle left and movement of the likes of Eddie Nketiah, Odegaard and others through the middle.

Defense holds against Gunners

However, their resolute defense — the best in the Premier League this season — held firm to go in at the break level, although Joelinton should have put them in front from just over five meters after a Kieran Trippier corner was flicked on by Fabian Schar, only for the Brazilian to somehow head over with the goal at his mercy.

While the first 45 saw United show a limited version of themselves, more keen to keep Arsenal at bay, they came out with renewed vigor, showing greater belief in the final third.

That bravery was almost rewarded when Joelinton closed down Ramsdale in typical fashion, forcing the keeper into an error and while the ball wouldn’t fall kindly for a Miguel Almiron or Sean Longstaff effort, the Paraguayan recycled and pulled back for Wilson, who couldn’t quite connect with a fizzing cross.

As was to be expected, momentum then switched in favor of the hosts as Saka again enjoyed some success down the Arsenal right, despite Joelinton doubling up on the England winger to help struggling Dan Burn out.

Pressure continued to build without any real chances being created until Gabriel Martinelli rose highest at the front post to flick wide with Pope stranded.

Again Pope had to be at his usual sharp best to deny Nketiah a late winner as the ball deflected through into his path but his low finish was turned away by the keeper.

Arsenal had a penalty call turned down in the final minute of added time when the ball hit Jacob Murphy’s arm, but was not deemed to be an infringement. “At that stage of the game you are just thinking ‘please no, the lads have given so much to the game.’ That would’ve been a travesty for us,” Howe said of the late penalty shout.

“I didn’t think it was a penalty, just because of the proximity. But you just never know.” That incident enraged Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, which saw Howe uncharacteristically clash with the Spaniard on the touchline.

On the Arteta incident, he added with a smile: “With me and Mikel, yeah it was fine.”

Transfer window

While this stands out as probably United’s best result of the campaign, Howe still sees room for improvement — and what better way to do that than dive into the January transfer market.

Speaking about possible additions, Howe said: “At the moment we are taking it day-by-day. We have got a strong team and a strong group of players who are giving everything. But we will assess what we need as we go through. January is a long month.

“There is certainly no intention to imminently improve the squad, but that could change.”

On the return of Dubravka and the absence of stand-in Loris Karius, Howe said: “Martin’s situation is that he wanted to come back, and we were delighted to welcome him back.

“There was never an issue between me and Martin. He’s a top goalkeeper, and I’m delighted to welcome him back to the squad.”

On ex-Liverpool keeper Karius, he added: “There’s no update on Loris.”


Palmeiras ease past Al Ahly in Club World Cup

Updated 10 sec ago
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Palmeiras ease past Al Ahly in Club World Cup

The match was suspended in the 63rd minute because of a weather warning
Victory took Palmeiras provisionally top on four points

EAST RUTHERFORD, USA: Palmeiras drew first blood in Club World Cup Group A with a 2-0 victory over Al Ahly on Thursday in New Jersey.

Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami face Porto later on in the group’s other clash after two goalless draws in the first round of fixtures.

The match was suspended in the 63rd minute because of a weather warning, with players and fans at the MetLife Stadium instructed to “take shelter” because of a nearby storm.

Palmeiras were leading by two goals at the time, with a Wessam Abou Ali own goal sending the Brazilians ahead in the 49th minute before Flaco Lopez doubled their lead on the Egyptians 10 minutes later.

Victory took Palmeiras provisionally top on four points, with the other three sides level on one point each.

It was the third match at the tournament affected by adverse weather at the tournament.

On Tuesday Mamelodi Sundowns game against Ulsan HD was suspended just before kick-off for just over an hour due to a weather alert.

Then on Wednesday RB Salzburg’ s match against Pachuca was suspended in the second half for 97 minutes because of a storm.

Palmeiras, led by talented youngster Estevao Willian, who is set to join Chelsea, played well but were held by Porto in their opening clash.

Al Ahly kept them at bay in a tight first half, in which English referee Anthony Taylor sent off Palmeiras midfielder Raphael Veiga for a foul on Ahmed Zizo, before overturning his decision following a VAR review.

Palestinian striker Abou Ali headed Anibal Moreno’s free-kick into his own net to hand Palmeiras the lead.

Lopez finished coolly for the Brazilians’ second after Mauricio played him through on goal.

After the suspension of around 45 minutes for the weather warning, Palmeiras played out the remainder of the match comfortably without risking their advantage.

South American sides have come into the tournament strongly, in good condition given they are in the middle of their domestic seasons, and have stayed unbeaten to this point.

Man City fined more than a million pounds for delayed kickoffs

Updated 19 June 2025
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Man City fined more than a million pounds for delayed kickoffs

  • The club accepted and apologized for the rule breaches
  • City are awaiting the verdict of 115 unrelated charges of alleged breaches of the FFP rules

MANCHESTER: Manchester City have been fined more than one million pounds by the Premier League for breaching the rules around delayed kickoffs and restarts nine times last season, England’s top-flight league said on Thursday.

The fine comes a year after City paid 2 million pounds ($2.56 million) to the league for breaching the same game-delay rules.

The club accepted and apologized for the rule breaches, and confirmed they have reminded their players and staff of their responsibilities in complying with the rules.

“Rules relating to kick-offs and re-starts help ensure the organization of the competition is set at the highest possible professional standard and provides certainty to fans and participating clubs,” the league said in a statement.

“It also ensures the broadcast of every Premier League match is kept to schedule.”

Fines totalling 1.08 million pounds were imposed relating to City’s home games against Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, Nottingham Forest, Manchester United, West Ham United and Newcastle United and their away fixtures against Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and Ipswich Town.

The longest game delays were two minutes 22 seconds each for restarts v West Ham and Ipswich.

City are awaiting the verdict of 115 unrelated charges of alleged breaches of the Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules.

The charges cover a period starting from 2009 and continuing into the 2022-23 season. City have always denied any wrongdoing.


Soccer fans storm field in Libya and a Portuguese referee is injured during a suspended match

Updated 19 June 2025
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Soccer fans storm field in Libya and a Portuguese referee is injured during a suspended match

  • The match was suspended in the 39th minute
  • Al-Ittihad’s bus was set on fire, the club said in a statement

TRIPOLI: A highly-anticipated derby in Libya’s top soccer league was suspended after fans stormed the pitch and officials said Thursday the Portuguese referee and some fans were injured.

The match Wednesday between Al-Ahly Tripoli and Al-Ittihad was suspended in the 39th minute when Al-Ahli substitutes and fans stormed the pitch in protest of Al-Ittihad players’ celebration of their opening goal.

Al-Ittihad’s bus was set on fire, the club said in a statement.

Players and soccer officials fled the stadium amid a fan disturbance outside the facility. Footage circuited online showed clashes between fans and security forces in and around the stadium.

Al-Ahly blamed what they called a “provocative act” by one of Al-Ittihad players for the disturbance.

They said in a statement that security forces used “excessive force and live fire” against fans at the club’s headquarters.

Local media reported that Portuguese referee Fábio José Costa was injured.


FIFA hands four-match bans to Boca Juniors players sent off in Club World Cup opener

Updated 19 June 2025
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FIFA hands four-match bans to Boca Juniors players sent off in Club World Cup opener

  • Boca disagreed with the sanctions imposed on their players
  • “We have already contacted FIFA to submit an appeal,” said the club

MIAMI: Boca Juniors players Ander Herrera and Nicolas Figal were handed four-match bans by FIFA after being sent off in their Club World Cup opener against Benfica, a spokesperson for the Argentine club told Reuters on Wednesday.

Boca disagreed with the sanctions imposed on their players after Benfica’s Andrea Belotti received a two-match ban for catching Ayrton Costa in the head with a high boot in the 72nd minute.

“We have already contacted FIFA to submit an appeal,” said the club spokesperson.

Spanish midfielder Herrera, who was subbed off due to a muscle injury, was shown a red card in the 45th minute after protesting to Mexican referee Cesar Ramos from the bench over a penalty awarded to the Portuguese side.

Defender Figal was sent off in the 88th minute with a straight red card for a foul on Florentino Luis when the match was tied at 2-2.

Boca will face Bayern Munich at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Friday in their second match in Group C.


Biaggio Ali Walsh gets support from Muslim community ahead of SmartCage return

Updated 19 June 2025
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Biaggio Ali Walsh gets support from Muslim community ahead of SmartCage return

  • Grandson of boxing legend Muhammad Ali takes on Ronnie Gibbs on June 27 as part of PFL World Championship semifinals

DUBAI: Undefeated fighter Biaggio Ali Walsh has revealed how the Muslim community in Las Vegas, Nevada, is supporting him ahead of his highly anticipated return to the Professional Fighters League’s SmartCage.

Family, friends and members of the community gathered at Masjid As-Sabur, the oldest mosque in Las Vegas, on June 13 to show their support for Walsh ahead of his upcoming fight — a showcase lightweight bout against Ronnie Gibbs on June 27, which is part of the 2025 PFL World Championship semifinals, at Wintrust Arena in Chicago.

Walsh explained: “Some people from the community, family and friends, came and helped, supporting my fight coming up.

“I’m just super grateful for all the love and support; I feel it radiating throughout me.”

It was a special night of fellowship as everyone prayed, enjoyed food, and wished Walsh well. 

Walsh, who is the grandson of boxing legend Muhammad Ali, spoke about the importance of faith and how essential it is to have a deep relationship with God.

He said: “Faith is everything in life, period. I feel like if you have good faith and deep faith in God and trust God, you can do anything.

“It’s everything, it’s the only thing I know, and that’s the only thing that helps calm me before these kinds of fights.”

He added: “I’m really excited for the fight … thank you guys so much for coming out, and inshallah, I will come back victorious.”

Initially making waves as a standout collegiate football player, the 26-year old found his way to mixed martial arts and ultimately made the full-time leap.

It was this transition to combat sports that, he said, helped strengthen his faith and his relationship with God.

In 2024, shortly after turning pro in MMA, Walsh deepened his devotion by partaking in Umrah, the spiritual journey to Makkah.

Coming from a family of elite fighters, it is no surprise that Walsh is making an impact on the MMA scene.

In addition to the Muhammad Ali connection, Walsh’s aunt is world champion boxer Laila Ali. His younger brother Nico is also a professional boxer.

Now with a 2-0 record in his professional MMA career, Walsh is determined to carry on the Ali legacy into a new era — and with faith, family, and community behind him, he has never been more ready.