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Man United loses 3-0 at home to Tottenham as Bruno Fernandes is red-carded

Man United loses 3-0 at home to Tottenham as Bruno Fernandes is red-carded
Tottenham Hotspur's Italian goalkeeper #01 Guglielmo Vicario jumps to makes a save during the UEFA Europa League League stage football match between Tottenham Hotspur and at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, on September 26, 2024. (AFP)
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Updated 30 September 2024

Man United loses 3-0 at home to Tottenham as Bruno Fernandes is red-carded

Man United loses 3-0 at home to Tottenham as Bruno Fernandes is red-carded
  • Tottenham is up to eighth and has won four games in a row in all competitions

MANCHESTER, England: Manchester United was humbled by Tottenham in the Premier League on Sunday, losing 3-0 at Old Trafford and seeing captain Bruno Fernandes sent off in an increasingly troubled start to the season.
Goals by Brennan Johnson, Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke consigned United to a third loss in the league already this season and left Eric ten Hag’s team 12th in the standings.
“First we have to deal with this and show resilience. This is not good enough,” Ten Hag said. “We have to accept this and get better. Focus on the next game and do things better than we did today.”
Tottenham is up to eighth and has won four games in a row in all competitions.
In contrast, United has failed to win any of its last three games in all competitions — and has won just one of its last five games in the league — and there were boos inside the stadium at the final whistle. Many fans had already left after Solanke’s strike, prompting chants of “Is there a fire drill?” from Spurs fans.
As bad as this latest setback for Ten Hag was, it could have been worse, with goalkeeper Andre Onana twice denying Timo Werner in one-on-one situations with the forward. He also stopped Solanke from scoring his second when through on goal late on.
United got off to a terrible start. It went behind in the third minute when Johnson was left with an open net to aim at after defender Micky van de Ven was allowed to run from his own half and cross from inside the box.
Johnson made no mistake from close range and might have added another when firing against the post.
United was lucky not to go further behind before halftime as Tottenham dominated and even came close to an equalizer when Alejandro Garnacho volleyed against the post with a rare chance for the home team.
But any chance of a comeback was dealt a major blow after Fernandes was shown a straight red for a studs-up challenge on James Maddison shortly before the break.
Spurs didn’t have to wait long to double the lead, with Kulusevski adding a second two minutes into the second half by flicking a shot past Onana from Johnson’s cross.
Solanke slid in for Spurs’ third in the 77th.
“We were real good. Obviously it is a great victory,” Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou said. “That is everything we want to be.”
Delap double
Aston Villa missed the chance to move level on points with Premier League leader Liverpool after a 2-2 draw at Ipswich earlier Sunday.
Liam Delap scored twice for newly promoted Ipswich to earn a point at Portman Road.
Villa had led 2-1 at halftime, but Delap’s goal in the 72nd ensured the points were shared.
Villa remained in fifth place and Ipswich is 15th after a fourth-straight draw in the league.
Delap fired Ipswich into a surprise lead in the eighth with a low effort at the near post. Morgan Rogers leveled the score seven minutes later as Villa capitalized on the Ipswich defense’s failure to clear the danger from its own box and drilled past goalkeeper Arijanet Muric.
Ollie Watkins headed the visitors in front in the 32nd when rising to meet Leon Bailey’s cross from the right for his fourth goal in as many games.
But Villa’s hopes of leapfrogging Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea were ended by Delap’s second from inside the box.


Barcelona sign goalkeeper Joan García from crosstown rival Espanyol

Barcelona sign goalkeeper Joan García from crosstown rival Espanyol
Updated 3 sec ago

Barcelona sign goalkeeper Joan García from crosstown rival Espanyol

Barcelona sign goalkeeper Joan García from crosstown rival Espanyol
The 24-year-old García recently finished a stellar first season in La Liga
Barcelona said they activated a release clause of $28.5m

BARCELONA: Barcelona are signing Espanyol goalkeeper Joan García, who was once linked to a move to Arsenal, to a six-year contract, the Spanish champion said Wednesday.

The 24-year-old García recently finished a stellar first season in La Liga when he led all goalies in saves with an average of almost four a game.

He will now join Espanyol’s main rival.

Barcelona said they activated a release clause of 25 million euros ($28.5 million) and that García is expected to sign the contract Friday in a “private ceremony” at the club offices.

The fee could help Espanyol reinforce a squad after they only avoided relegation on the final day of the season.

García had been close to a possible move to Arsenal last summer after he helped Spain win Olympic gold in Paris. He stayed put and was Espanyol’s best player.

García has yet to debut for Spain’s senior side, but it is considered only a matter of time before he does if he continues to play well.

His arrival to Barcelona puts in question the role of veteran Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who was injured most of the season. He is under contract through 2028.

Following Ter Stegen’s injury, Barcelona convinced Wojciech Szczęsny to come out of retirement and sign a contract for the remainder of last season. Barcelona’s other goalie is Iñaki Peña.

While several Barcelona players have joined Espanyol later in their careers, it is rare for an Espanyol player to move to Barcelona. Their derbies are heated affairs.

Last year’s Wimbledon finalist Jasmine Paolini beaten by Ons Jabeur in first grass match of 2025

Last year’s Wimbledon finalist Jasmine Paolini beaten by Ons Jabeur in first grass match of 2025
Updated 27 min 30 sec ago

Last year’s Wimbledon finalist Jasmine Paolini beaten by Ons Jabeur in first grass match of 2025

Last year’s Wimbledon finalist Jasmine Paolini beaten by Ons Jabeur in first grass match of 2025
  • Jabeur, a Wimbledon finalist in 2022 and 2023, beat the fourth-seeded Paolini 6-1, 6-3 in the second round of the Berlin Tennis Open
  • Paolini was playing for the first time since winning the French Open doubles title with fellow Italian Sara Errani

BERLIN: Last year’s Wimbledon runner-up Jasmine Paolini got off to a losing start in her first grass-court match of 2025, a straight-sets loss to Ons Jabeur.

Jabeur, a Wimbledon finalist in 2022 and 2023, beat the fourth-seeded Paolini 6-1, 6-3 in the second round of the Berlin Tennis Open on Wednesday after the Italian had a first-round bye.

Jabeur could face 2023 Wimbledon winner Marketa Vondrousova or Diana Shnaider in the quarterfinals of the tournament.

Paolini was playing for the first time since winning the French Open doubles title with fellow Italian Sara Errani. Paolini lost to Elina Svitolina in the fourth round of the French Open singles.


Green Falcons settle in Austin, finalize preparations for USA game

Green Falcons settle in Austin, finalize preparations for USA game
Updated 18 June 2025

Green Falcons settle in Austin, finalize preparations for USA game

Green Falcons settle in Austin, finalize preparations for USA game
  • Squad greeted by ֱ’s Consul General in Houston Shafi Al-Otaibi.
  • Hassan Kadesh and Mohannad Al-Saad continued recovery work, guided by the team’s medical staff

AUSTIN: The Saudi national football team has touched down in Austin, Texas, and is now in the final stretch of its preparations for Thursday night’s highly anticipated Concacaf Gold Cup game against the United States at Q2 Stadium.

Arriving from San Diego late Tuesday, the squad was greeted by ֱ’s Consul General in Houston, Shafi Al-Otaibi. Saudi Football Federation President Yasser Al-Misehal extending his thanks to the consulate for their hospitality and the smooth coordination of arrival logistics.

Once settled, the Green Falcons got straight to work. Under the watchful eye of head coach Herve Renard, the team trained at St. Edward’s University. The session featured a mix of warm-ups, and a short game on half the pitch, before winding down with stretching routines.

Injury updates came from the sidelines, where Hassan Kadesh and Mohannad Al-Saad continued their recovery work individually, guided by the team’s medical staff.

ֱ will hold one final training session on Wednesday evening at 6:30 p.m. local time, again at St. Edward’s. The opening 15 minutes will be open to the media.


PFL MENA showdown: Hattan Al-Saif vows dominance, Nour Fleyti promises a surprise

PFL MENA showdown: Hattan Al-Saif vows dominance, Nour Fleyti promises a surprise
Updated 18 June 2025

PFL MENA showdown: Hattan Al-Saif vows dominance, Nour Fleyti promises a surprise

PFL MENA showdown: Hattan Al-Saif vows dominance, Nour Fleyti promises a surprise
  • Al- Hattan Al-Saif: ‘I don’t care who I’m facing — I’m ready for anyone’

The heat is rising ahead of the much-anticipated showdown in the Professional Fighters League MENA, as Saudi fighter Hattan Al-Saif and Lebanese contender Nour Fleyti exchanged fiery statements that set the stage for an electrifying bout scheduled for July 4 at the Green Halls in Riyadh.

Speaking at the official pre-fight press conference, both fighters exuded confidence and determination, making it clear this is more than just a match — it is a clash of wills.

Al-Saif said: “I don’t care who I’m facing — I’m ready for anyone.”

She dismissed any concerns about her opponent, and added that victory in combat sports is not accidental but the result of relentless dedication.

“Winning doesn’t happen by chance — it’s a result of continuous hard work and commitment,” she said. “I’m prepared for any opponent. Every fight requires a different strategy.”

When asked about criticism of Arab women in combat sports, Al-Saif responded firmly: “I don’t pay attention to outdated opinions. I’m doing what I love and chasing my goal.”

Fleyti said: “I love surprises — watch my answer inside the cage.”

She expressed her excitement to finally step into the PFL MENA cage, describing it as a long-awaited opportunity.

“I respect Hattan as a fighter,” she said, adding: “But she’ll be facing me — and I’m stronger. I will surprise everyone inside that cage.”

Fleyti promised a thrilling performance: “Expect a fun fight. I don’t find fighting difficult — I enjoy every second of it.”

A battle of pride and passion awaits as the two fighters prepare to face off.

With Al-Saif’s unwavering confidence and Fleyti’s bold promises, Riyadh is set for a showdown that transcends sport. One question remains: Who will prove to be the stronger force inside the cage?

The answer awaits on July 4.


Hosts England face Sri Lanka in 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup opener

Hosts England face Sri Lanka in 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup opener
Updated 18 June 2025

Hosts England face Sri Lanka in 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup opener

Hosts England face Sri Lanka in 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup opener
  • Edgbaston will also host a clash between Asian rivals India and Pakistan on June 14
  • Group 1 includes record six-times champions Australia, South Africa, India, Pakistan

Hosts England will kick off their 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka at Edgbaston on June 12 while holders New Zealand begin their title defense against the West Indies a day later, the International Cricket Council said on Wednesday.

Group 1 includes record six-times champions Australia, two-times runners-up South Africa, 2020 finalists India and Pakistan, as well as two teams from the Global Qualifier tournament.

New Zealand, 2009 champions England, Sri Lanka, 2016 winners West Indies and the other two teams from the Global Qualifier are in Group 2.

The top two teams from Group 1 and Group 2 will advance to the semifinals of the biennial T20 international tournament, which will be contested by 12 teams for the first time.

“World Cups are always special, but this one already feels different – it has the potential to be truly game-changing,” England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt said in a statement.

“Playing on home soil, for the biggest prize, against the best players in the world, it’s going to be unmissable. I can’t wait to be a part of it.”

Edgbaston will also host a clash between Asian rivals India and Pakistan on June 14.

Hampshire Bowl, Headingley, Old Trafford, The Oval, Bristol County Ground and Lord’s are the other venues.

The final will take place at Lord’s on July 5.