Pr

Emery defends failure to shake hands with Arteta after Villa loss to Arsenal

  • At the final whistle, Arsenal manager Arteta, who succeeded Emery as Gunners boss, shared a brief embrace with his backroom staff before going to the opposing dugout to greet his fellow Spaniard.
  • Unai Emery said his failure to shake hands with opposing manager Mikel Arteta was because it was "cold" at the Emirates following his Aston Villa side's thumping 4-1 loss to Premier League leaders Arsenal.
  • At the final whistle, Arsenal manager Arteta, who succeeded Emery as Gunners boss, shared a brief embrace with his backroom staff before going to the opposing dugout to greet his fellow Spaniard.
Unai Emery said his failure to shake hands with opposing manager Mikel Arteta was because it was "cold" at the Emirates following his Aston Villa side's thumping 4-1 loss to Premier League leaders Arsenal.
Tuesday's result in north London left the Gunners five points clear of second-placed Manchester City and six ahead of third-placed Villa as they dealt a blow to the Birmingham club's hopes of a first English title since 1981.
Second-half goals from Gabriel, Martin Zubimendi, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus did the damage for Arsenal at the Emirates before Villa's  Ollie Watkins pulled one back in injury time.
It was an emphatic end to Villa's club record-equalling 11-match winning streak.
At the final whistle, Arsenal manager Arteta, who succeeded Emery as Gunners boss, shared a brief embrace with his backroom staff before going to the opposing dugout to greet his fellow Spaniard.
But Emery had already made his way down the tunnel following a handshake with fourth official Thomas Kirk.
“It is simple,” said Emery when asked about what had had happened.
"You can watch. After I finish the match, my routine is always quick, I shake hands, and I go with my coaches, with my players to the dressing room.
"I was waiting, I was waiting. He (Arteta) was happy, of course he was happy. He was with his coaches. And I decided to go inside. But for me it is no problem."
Emery later told Sky Sports: "Always my routine is go to the opposition coach, shake hands and go inside. If he is not doing the same rule, I can’t wait… it was cold."
Arteta played down the incident by saying: "You saw it, but it's OK, it’s all good. That is part of the game and it’s not unusual at all."
Arsenal had to wait until the second half to show their quality against Villa, with the Gunners seemingly weighed down in recent games by the pressure coming from wanting to end a 22-year-wait to win the Premier League. 
But they delivered a statement performance ahead of Manchester City's match against Sunderland on Thursday.
"I'm so happy," said Arteta, adding: "They (Villa) are a superb team, very difficult to play against, and we knew that we were going to have periods throughout the game.
“We talked about emotionally how demanding it was going to be and we struggled in the first 10 minutes. Then we adjusted, got a bit more control. We didn't manage to score and then in the second half we clicked."
jdg/lp

Sports

Pistons pound Lakers as James marks 41st birthday with loss

  • That though was the cue for Detroit to crank up their offense, and the Eastern Conference leaders outscored Los Angeles 49-27 down the stretch to cruise home.
  • Cade Cunningham scored 27 points as the Detroit Pistons spoiled LeBron James' 41st birthday with a 128-106 drubbing of the depleted Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday.
  • That though was the cue for Detroit to crank up their offense, and the Eastern Conference leaders outscored Los Angeles 49-27 down the stretch to cruise home.
Cade Cunningham scored 27 points as the Detroit Pistons spoiled LeBron James' 41st birthday with a 128-106 drubbing of the depleted Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday.
The Lakers' final home game of the year got under way in a festive atmosphere, with the Crypto.com Arena hoping to salute James as he celebrated his birthday.
But the Lakers, missing the injured Austin Reaves and Gabe Vincent, were always chasing the game against a Pistons line-up who led for most of the contest.
The home side threatened to haul themselves back into contention after tying the game at 79-79 midway through the third quarter.
That though was the cue for Detroit to crank up their offense, and the Eastern Conference leaders outscored Los Angeles 49-27 down the stretch to cruise home.
The Lakers' attempts to generate any kind of offensive momentum ended up being hamstrung by a string of errors. The Pistons scored 30 points off 20 Lakers turnovers.
"The turnovers, the fast break points ... just killed us tonight," said Lakers coach JJ Redick, adding that injuries have hampered his attempts to build a competitive team.
"We've really tried to play the right way every night and have the right intent, but the flow of lineups and rotations -- all of that has been challenging for everybody," Redick said. 
"It's a challenge for everybody -- and building an identity is difficult."
James meanwhile saluted the performance of Cunningham and the Pistons.

'Fast, explosive'

"Cade is playing like the number one draft pick he was drafted as and as a franchise player on a very good team," James said of Cunningham. 
"Give them a lot of credit. They're a fast, explosive team. 
"We haven't had a full team all year. We've got some very important guys out. It's very hard to get a rhythm on the floor. But the better team tonight won."
The Pistons improved to 25-8 to extend their lead at the top of the Eastern Conference while the Lakers fell to 20-11.
Cunningham was one of five Detroit players to crack double figures, with Marcus Sasser adding 19 off the bench.
James was limited to 17 points, with Luka Doncic providing the main offensive threat for the Lakers with 30 points, 11 assists and five rebounds.
In other games on Tuesday, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey scored 34 points apiece as the Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 139-136 in an overtime thriller.
VJ Edgecombe's 25-foot three-pointer with 1.7 seconds remaining sealed victory for the Sixers, who improved to 17-14 to remain in fifth place in the Eastern Conference standings.
Edgecombe's game-winner was one of five three-pointers he drained in a 25-point haul for Philadelphia.
Ja Morant led the Grizzlies scoring with 40 points while Cedric Coward added 28 points with 16 rebounds and four assists.
The third-placed Boston Celtics improved to 20-12 with a 129-119 victory over the struggling Utah Jazz (12-20) in Salt Lake City.
Derrick White steered the Celtics to victory, draining 13 of his 27 points in the fourth quarter to get Boston over the line. 
White also hauled down seven rebounds and made seven blocks in a commanding all-round performance.
Jaylen Brown added 23 points while Anfernee Simons scored 20 from the bench.
rcw/dh

Sydney

French duo stripped of Sydney-Hobart race overall win

  • You think about all the 100-something boats, all the big boats and superb sailors out there." said Jiang, one of just 13 woman owners and skippers among the 128 vessels that left Sydney Harbour on Boxing Day. 
  • A French crew were on Wednesday stripped of overall victory in the prestigious Sydney to Hobart yacht race over a rule infringement. 
  • You think about all the 100-something boats, all the big boats and superb sailors out there." said Jiang, one of just 13 woman owners and skippers among the 128 vessels that left Sydney Harbour on Boxing Day. 
A French crew were on Wednesday stripped of overall victory in the prestigious Sydney to Hobart yacht race over a rule infringement. 
New Caledonia-based duo Michel Quintin and Yann Rigal claimed victory for BNC in the overall Tattersall Cup, determined by a complicated handicap formula which allows smaller boats to compete with bigger and faster rivals. 
But a race panel later added more than one hour to their finishing time after upholding a complaint by second-placed Min River over an incorrectly secured sail. 
"Not in my wildest dreams did I think this would come true for me," said Min River co-skipper Jiang Lin after learning she had become the first woman to win the race, which was in its 80th edition.
"I did not have hopes of winning. You think about all the 100-something boats, all the big boats and superb sailors out there." said Jiang, one of just 13 woman owners and skippers among the 128 vessels that left Sydney Harbour on Boxing Day. 
"It hasn't sunk in yet. Maybe I will wake up and say: 'Oh that was a dream'."
Master Lock Comanche took the honours Sunday as the first boat to cross the finish line in Hobart, ending LawConnect's bid for a third straight win in the annual bluewater classic.
sft/dh

Open

'Sincaraz' set to dominate as 2026 tennis season kicks off

BY MARTIN PARRY

  • "It will be very difficult for me in the future to overcome the hurdle of Sinner or Alcaraz in a best-of-five in a Grand Slam."
  • Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are set for more world domination in 2026, starting at the Australian Open, while Aryna Sabalenka is bubbling with confidence as she chases further Grand Slam success.
  • "It will be very difficult for me in the future to overcome the hurdle of Sinner or Alcaraz in a best-of-five in a Grand Slam."
Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are set for more world domination in 2026, starting at the Australian Open, while Aryna Sabalenka is bubbling with confidence as she chases further Grand Slam success.
The new season gets under way on Friday with the mixed-teams United Cup in Perth and Sydney, headlined by women's world number two Iga Swiatek and men's world number three Alexander Zverev.
Top-ranked Sabalenka, who is pursuing a third Melbourne Park trophy, starts at the Brisbane International from January 4-11 in a stellar field also boasting Australian Open champion Madison Keys and fourth-ranked Amanda Anisimova.
Alcaraz and Sinner, or "Sincaraz" as they have been dubbed, play an exhibition in South Korea on January 10 in their only warm-up before the Australian Open eight days later.
While Spanish sensation Alcaraz bumped his Italian rival from the season-ending world number one spot, Sinner had the last laugh by edging him to retain his ATP Finals title in Turin.
It capped a stellar year in which Sinner retained his Australian Open crown and added a landmark triumph at Wimbledon among six titles, despite missing three months over a doping ban.
"I feel like a better player than last year," said Sinner after completing his 2025 campaign with 58 wins and just six defeats.
"A lot of wins and not many losses. And in the losses I had, I tried to see the positive thing and tried to use it to evolve me as a player."
Alcaraz was similarly dominant, clocking a 71-9 win-loss record with eight titles including the French Open and US Open.
But he is yet to go beyond the quarter-finals at the Australian Open, losing to Novak Djokovic in the last eight in 2025.
It is the only Slam missing from his resume and the 22-year-old will start afresh with a new coach after his shock split from Juan Carlos Ferrero, who mentored him since he was 15.

Djokovic last hurrah?

Djokovic begins what could be his last year on tour at the Adelaide International starting on January 12, still chasing an elusive record 25th major crown and 11th Australian Open title.
Now 38, he has had to settle for a secondary role since Sinner and Alcaraz took control of the men's tour, making the semis at all four majors in 2025 but not going further.
"I can do only as much as I can do," he admitted after defeat at the US Open.
"It will be very difficult for me in the future to overcome the hurdle of Sinner or Alcaraz in a best-of-five in a Grand Slam."
Since his last Slam title, in 2023 at the US Open, Alcaraz or Sinner have shared all eight majors.
A resurgent Felix Auger-Aliassime, Taylor Fritz and Alex de Minaur, ranked five, six and seven respectively, all feature at the United Cup, while Daniil Medvedev and a returning Nick Kyrgios play in Brisbane.
Sabalenka heads into the new season as undoubted world number one, having collected a second US Open title while also winning events at Brisbane, Madrid and Miami.
The Belarusian is favourite for a third Australian Open crown and fifth Slam title, although the likes of Swiatek, Coco Gauff and Elena Rybakina will have something to say.
"The Australian Open is very special to me," said Sabalenka, who lost a three-set thriller to Keys in the 2025 decider and heads to Australia after losing the controversial "Battle of the Sexes" clash to Kyrgios in Dubai.
"Winning it twice gives me confidence, but every year brings a new challenge. I'm excited to return and see what I can achieve."
Challenging her on Pat Rafter Arena in Brisbane will be Keys, along with fellow top-10 stars Rybakina, Anisimova, Jessica Pegula and Mirra Andreeva.
Swiatek leads Poland in Sydney at the United Cup, again teaming up with Hubert Hurkacz in their quest for revenge after being beaten by Team USA in the final in 2025 and Germany a year earlier.
The United States are spearheaded by Gauff and Fritz, while four-time major winner Naomi Osaka plays the event for the first time, representing Japan.
mp/pst

Martyn

Australian cricket great Damien Martyn 'in induced coma'

  • Australian media said he was being treated for meningitis, which can be deadly.
  • Former Australian Test batsman Damien Martyn has been rushed to hospital in an induced coma after being diagnosed with meningitis, media reports said Wednesday.
  • Australian media said he was being treated for meningitis, which can be deadly.
Former Australian Test batsman Damien Martyn has been rushed to hospital in an induced coma after being diagnosed with meningitis, media reports said Wednesday.
The 54-year-old, who played 67 Tests between 1992 and 2006 and 208 one-day internationals, was admitted on Boxing Day last week after falling ill while lying down.
Australian media said he was being treated for meningitis, which can be deadly.
Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
"He is getting the best of treatment," Test great and close friend Adam Gilchrist told The Australian newspaper.
"Amanda (his partner) and his family know that a lot of people are sending their prayers and best wishes."
Former Australian coach Darren Lehmann, a long-time teammate of Martyn's, also sent support.
"Lots of love and prayers... keep strong and fighting, legend. Love to the family," he wrote on X.
Known as one of the game's great strokemakers, Martyn became a key figure in Steve Waugh's all-powerful Australian side, hitting 13 centuries and averaging 46.37.
He was also part of the Australia team that won the 2003 ODI World Cup, cracking 88 not-out in the final against India in a match-winning partnership with Ricky Ponting.
He retired in 2006 during the Ashes series and had kept a low-profile since.
mp/abs

Pr

Caballero defends Maresca after Palmer substitution sparks jeers

  • Asked why Maresca didn't face the media to explain his Palmer switch, Caballero said: "He didn't feel well the last two days.
  • Chelsea assistant coach Willy Caballero defended Enzo Maresca's decision to replace Cole Palmer after the controversial substitution sparked jeered from angry fans during the 2-2 draw against Bournemouth on Tuesday.
  • Asked why Maresca didn't face the media to explain his Palmer switch, Caballero said: "He didn't feel well the last two days.
Chelsea assistant coach Willy Caballero defended Enzo Maresca's decision to replace Cole Palmer after the controversial substitution sparked jeered from angry fans during the 2-2 draw against Bournemouth on Tuesday.
Maresca was barraged with chants of "you don't know what you're doing" when Palmer was brought off in the 63rd minute as Chelsea chased a winning goal that would have ended their disappointing spell.
The Chelsea manager's move backfired, leaving them with just one win from their last seven league games and sparking more boos at the final whistle.
The pressure is growing on the Italian, with fifth-placed Chelsea having dropped 13 points at home from winning positions.
But Maresca, who was absent from his post-match media duties due to an illness, remains an "example" to everyone at the club according to Caballero.
"Any supporter wants to have the best players on the pitch," he said. "We want to have that as well. But Cole is coming from a long injury.
"In this case we need to find a way to find the right substitutions to go for the game and also to look after the health of our players. 
"We want to have them for the rest of the season."
Asked why Maresca didn't face the media to explain his Palmer switch, Caballero said: "He didn't feel well the last two days. He was with a bit of a temperature two days ago. 
"He did the last two sessions, he wanted to prepare the team. But after the game he went to the changing room and asked me to replace him because he didn't feel well.
"He's dealing well, he's very professional. He does a lot of hours every single day, even when the last two days feeling bad he was there. He loves to train and to coach. He's an example for me and all of the staff."
Bournemouth went ahead after six minutes when David Brooks finished at the second attempt following a Robert Sanchez save, before Chelsea levelled through Palmer's penalty.
Enzo Fernandez then fired the hosts in front but again the Blues could not hold their lead, Justin Kluivert equalising before half-time after Chelsea failed to deal with a long throw-in from Antoine Semenyo.
Ghana forward Semenyo is reportedly set to join Manchester City and he appeared to say goodbye to Bournemouth's fans before leaving the pitch.
However, Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola is confident he will play against leaders Arsenal on Saturday.
"It's not his last game here with us," Iraola said. "I cannot say a hundred per cent but I think he will play."
smg/bsp 

Pr

Depleted Man Utd 'lack quality', says Amorim

  • "We have a lack of fluidity and then lack of quality and then lack of creation of chances, and then we suffer a goal from a set-piece," said Amorim.
  • Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim said his side "lacked quality" to break down a Wolves team without a Premier League win all season in the latest blow to their chances of Champions League football next season.
  • "We have a lack of fluidity and then lack of quality and then lack of creation of chances, and then we suffer a goal from a set-piece," said Amorim.
Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim said his side "lacked quality" to break down a Wolves team without a Premier League win all season in the latest blow to their chances of Champions League football next season.
Wolves secured just their third point of the campaign and snapped a 12-game losing streak as Ladislav Krejci's header cancelled out Joshua Zirkzee's deflected opener in a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.
United were missing captain Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount and Kobbie Mainoo through injury, while Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo are absent due to the Africa Cup of Nations.
"We have a lack of fluidity and then lack of quality and then lack of creation of chances, and then we suffer a goal from a set-piece," said Amorim.
"These details are important to win these games in difficult moments."
United remain two points outside the top four in sixth.
But they could have been well on course for a return to European football's top table next season had they not failed to win four of their last five home games.
Amorim, though, remains confident his side will end the season strongly once they have their key players back fit and available. 
"I think we are in one situation that you have a lot of players out in the same time.
"Of course when you play Casemiro and (Manuel) Ugarte in the middle, you know that is different to when you have Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount or Bruno, that is normal. We just need to recover our players, the players from AFCON to return and then the fluidity is going to be different.
"I'm really confident when we recover all the players that we are going to be a strong team, there is no doubt in my mind."
kca/bsp 

Pr

'We know what we want': Arteta eyes title after Arsenal thrash Villa

BY STEVEN GRIFFITHS

  • Arteta hailed the result as proof Arsenal have what it takes to lift the Premier League trophy at last after finishing as runners-up for three successive seasons.
  • Mikel Arteta warned Arsenal's title rivals that their ruthless 4-1 rout of Aston Villa showed they are on track to win the Premier League for the first time in 22 years.
  • Arteta hailed the result as proof Arsenal have what it takes to lift the Premier League trophy at last after finishing as runners-up for three successive seasons.
Mikel Arteta warned Arsenal's title rivals that their ruthless 4-1 rout of Aston Villa showed they are on track to win the Premier League for the first time in 22 years.
Arteta's side issued a significant statement of intent in the title race by crushing Villa with a second half blitz at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday.
A costly mistake from Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez opened the floodgates as his failure to catch a corner allowed Gabriel Magalhaes to bundle home.
Martin Zubimendi doubled the lead moments later before Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus produced clinical finishes to complete the demolition.
Ollie Watkins' stoppage-time goal was no consolation for out-classed Villa, who paid the price for failing to turn their first half dominance into goals.
After losing at Villa and Liverpool and drawing with Manchester City and Chelsea earlier this season, Arsenal finally have a landmark victory in the bid to win the title.
Arteta hailed the result as proof Arsenal have what it takes to lift the Premier League trophy at last after finishing as runners-up for three successive seasons.
"Well, it has been a great 2025 on a personal and professional level. The way these guys, the club and the staff make me enjoy my work every single day is brilliant," Arteta said. 
"In 2026, we know what we want. We will have to work really hard for it every single day, but I think we are on the right tracks for it."
Arsenal end 2025 five points clear of second-placed Manchester City, who play their game in hand at Sunderland on Thursday, while third-placed Villa are six points adrift of the leaders.
Ending Villa's club-record equalling 11-match winning run was a sweet moment for Arteta after the pain of Emiliano Buendia's stoppage-time winner for Unai Emery's men earlier in December.

'Really meticulous'

"It is a beautiful evening. That was a very tough match, as we knew it would be, because they are a top opponent,"  said Arteta.
"The first 10 minutes were a bit shaky and we had to adjust things. After that, we grabbed the game and we were creating the chances.
"The way we started the second half was amazing. We really turned things up and were efficient in everything that we did. 
"We had to be really meticulous. It's a big credit to my players because against this team it isn't easy."
After grinding out a series of victories with just a one-goal margin lately, this was the kind of swaggering display that underlined Arsenal's vast potential.
"We needed scrappy goals to win other games but today the quality of our finishing was top and made the difference," Arteta said.
Praising Brazil defender Gabriel's influence on his first start since being injured in November, Arteta added: "We saw it today. He came back after six weeks out and composed himself against one of the best strikers in the league in Ollie Watkins. I thought he was tremendous."
Arteta and Emery didn't shake hands at the final whistle, with the Villa boss claiming his fellow Spaniard was too busy celebrating to acknowledge him.
"When I finish the match I am always waiting to shake hands with another coach but he was with his coaches and I can't wait for him. Of course, I was there but no problem. I went to my dressing room," Emery said.
Arteta played down the incident, saying: "Sometimes we are in this sort of moment, so it's not an issue for me."
Emery was left to rue Martinez's mistake and an injury to Belgium midfielder Amadou Onana, which he felt changed the momentum of the match.
"The first goal, how they scored it maybe could be foul but here in England it is more difficult because the referees let you touch the keepers," he said.
"That changed everything. After Onana's injury we lost everything in the middle. Arsenal have the power they showed. That is football."
smg/bsp 

Pr

Arsenal end Villa winning run, Man Utd, Chelsea stumble

  • - Wolves snap losing streak - United wasted another chance at Old Trafford to boost their chances of a return to the Champions League next season.
  • Arsenal snapped Aston Villa's 11-game winning run with a dominant 4-1 win to open up a five-point Premier League lead as Chelsea and Manchester United wasted the chance to climb into the top four.
  • - Wolves snap losing streak - United wasted another chance at Old Trafford to boost their chances of a return to the Champions League next season.
Arsenal snapped Aston Villa's 11-game winning run with a dominant 4-1 win to open up a five-point Premier League lead as Chelsea and Manchester United wasted the chance to climb into the top four.
Wolves picked up just their third point of the season in a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford, while Chelsea have won once in seven league games after being held 2-2 by Bournemouth.
Arsenal avenged their only defeat in the last 25 games in all competitions earlier this month at Villa Park to take a firm grip of the title race.
"It is a beautiful evening," said Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta. "The way we started the second half was amazing, we really turned things up and were efficient in everything that we did."
Doubts over Villa's ability to live with Arsenal and Manchester City over 38 games were realised as Unai Emery's men were blown away in the second half at the Emirates.
After a tightly-contested first 45 minutes in which Villa had their chances through Ollie Watkins, Arsenal cut loose.
Arteta's men could rely on a set-piece once more to break the deadlock when Gabriel Magalhaes outmuscled Emi Martinez to score on his return to the starting line-up from a hamstring injury.
Martin Odegaard's fine through ball then teed up Martin Zubimendi to quickly double the Gunners' lead.
Two quality strikes rubbed salt in the visitors' wounds as Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus fired in from outside the box.
Watkins netted a consolation but third-placed Villa fall six points behind the leaders.
City can cut the gap at the top back to two points when they travel to Sunderland on January 1.

Wolves snap losing streak

United wasted another chance at Old Trafford to boost their chances of a return to the Champions League next season.
Joshua Zirkzee's deflected effort gave the Red Devils the lead, but Ladislav Krejci's header snapped Wolves' 12-game losing streak.
Ruben Amorim's men remain in sixth, two points outside the top four, after failing to win for the fourth time in their last five home games.
"We were struggling the whole game. We had a lack of creativity," said Amorim. "We need to work on that because it's not the first time. The fluidity of the game was not there."
Chelsea failed to lift the gloom at Stamford Bridge as Enzo Maresca's decision to substitute Cole Palmer was booed by the frustrated home fans.
David Brooks gave the Cherries the perfect start but Bournemouth quickly showed why they have conceded more goals on the road than any other side in the English top flight.
Palmer equalised from the penalty spot before Enzo Fernandez was afforded acres of space to fire into the top corner.
But Chelsea failed to deal with a long throw for the second time in the opening 27 minutes when Justin Kluivert turned in Antoine Semenyo's delivery at the back post.
The home fans made clear their frustration at Maresca's decision to replace Palmer with Joao Pedro just after the hour mark as the Blues remain in fifth.
Newcastle secured just a second away league win of the season but were made to sweat after a dream start to beat lowly Burnley 3-1.
Goals from Joelinton and Yoane Wissa had the Magpies 2-0 up inside seven minutes.
Josh Laurent halved the arrears midway through the first half and Burnley hit the woodwork twice in the closing stages in their push for an equaliser before Bruno Guimaraes sealed victory for Eddie Howe's men.
A depleted Everton climbed into the top half of the table by getting the better of former boss Sean Dyche for the second time in a month to win 2-0 at Nottingham Forest.
The Toffees had not scored since their 3-0 win over Forest on December 6 but struck through James Garner and Thierno Barry to leave Dyche's men just four points above the relegation zone.
It could have been worse for Forest had West Ham not blown the lead twice to draw 2-2 at home to Brighton.
kca/bsp 

Pr

Arsenal crush Villa to make statement in title race

BY STEVEN GRIFFITHS

  • Third-placed Villa, who beat Arsenal 2-1 at home on December 6, trail six points behind the leaders after a chastening result that served as a reality check to their title credentials.
  • Arsenal punished a costly mistake from Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez as the Premier League leaders ran riot in the second half to crush their title rivals 4-1 on Tuesday.
  • Third-placed Villa, who beat Arsenal 2-1 at home on December 6, trail six points behind the leaders after a chastening result that served as a reality check to their title credentials.
Arsenal punished a costly mistake from Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez as the Premier League leaders ran riot in the second half to crush their title rivals 4-1 on Tuesday.
Mikel Arteta's side were gifted the lead at the Emirates Stadium when Martinez made a hash of catching a corner and Gabriel Magalhaes bundled home.
The Gunners struck again through Martin Zubimendi before Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus rubbed salt into Villa's wounds with clinical finishes.
Arsenal's ruthless display served as a significant statement of intent in a tense title race.
They end 2025 with a five-point lead over second-placed Manchester City, who travel to Sunderland on Thursday.
Arsenal, winners of four of their last five league games, are chasing a first English title since 2004 after finishing runners-up for the last three seasons.
They will hope for a favour from Sunderland against City before returning to action at Bournemouth on Saturday.
Third-placed Villa, who beat Arsenal 2-1 at home on December 6, trail six points behind the leaders after a chastening result that served as a reality check to their title credentials.
Unai Emery's team arrived in north London in the hunt for a first title since 1981 after beating Chelsea 2-1 last weekend to equal their club record of 11 successive wins.
But, aided by Martinez's blunder, Arsenal punctured their momentum with an impressive display that condemned Villa to a first defeat since losing to Liverpool on November 1.

Feelgood moment

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice was a surprise absence with a knee injury suffered in last weekend's win over Brighton, the latest casualty of a season plagued by fitness issues.
But Gabriel and Jurrien Timber started after injuries, giving Arsenal a far more solid look following their recent defensive wobbles.
Ollie Watkins should have given Villa the lead from Ezri Konsa's pass, but the England striker scuffed his shot wide from six yards.
Villa caused Arsenal all manner of problems on the break, yet couldn't make it count as Watkins curled wide at the end of another rapid raid.
With Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres squandering two good headed chances in the first half, extending his troubled debut season, the Gunners were beginning to grow frustrated as Martinez took an age over goal-kicks in a bid to take the sting out of game.
But they had their revenge on the Argentine, turning the tide in the 48th minute.
Arsenal's set-piece prowess shone through once again as Gabriel put Martinez under pressure at a corner, prompting a weak attempted catch from the keeper that ended with the ball rolling into the net off the defender.
The goal survived a VAR check for a potential foul on Martinez and Arsenal surfed the wave of momentum to double their lead four minutes later.
Martin Odegaard led a high-tempo press to steal possession and the Norwegian's perfectly weighted pass split the Villa defence as Zubimendi ran through to slot past Martinez from 12 yards.
Trossard put the result beyond doubt in the 69th minute, lashing home from the edge of the area after Odegaard's cross unhinged the creaking Villa defence.
Jesus capped a memorable evening for Arsenal with his feelgood moment in the 78th minute.
Just back from almost a year out with a knee injury, the Brazil forward took Trossard's pass and curled past Martinez from the 18 yards.
Jesus's first goal since January 1 left Arteta wreathed in smiles and Watkins' close-range strike in stoppage-time couldn't stop Arsenal revelling in their statement victory.
smg/pb

Sports

Senegal top AFCON group ahead of DR Congo as Tanzania make history

BY ANDY SCOTT

  • The Leopards, in contrast, must play 2019 champions Algeria next Tuesday with the winner of that potentially having to face Nigeria in the quarter-finals.
  • Senegal advanced to the Africa Cup of Nations last 16 as winners of their group on Tuesday, leaving the Democratic Republic of Congo facing a heavyweight tie against Algeria while Tanzania reached the knockout stage for the first time.
  • The Leopards, in contrast, must play 2019 champions Algeria next Tuesday with the winner of that potentially having to face Nigeria in the quarter-finals.
Senegal advanced to the Africa Cup of Nations last 16 as winners of their group on Tuesday, leaving the Democratic Republic of Congo facing a heavyweight tie against Algeria while Tanzania reached the knockout stage for the first time.
Sadio Mane's Senegal, African champions in 2022, defeated Benin 3-0 in Tangier to top Group D on goal difference ahead of the Leopards, who won by the same margin against Botswana in Rabat.
Abdoulaye Seck and Habib Diallo scored either side of half-time for the Lions of Teranga before skipper Kalidou Koulibaly was sent off. Cherif Ndiaye converted a penalty deep in injury time.
Ex-Chelsea playmaker Gael Kakuta, now based in Turkey, was in outstanding form with two goals and an assist as DR Congo saw off already-eliminated Botswana. 
His backheel set up Nathanael Mbuku for the opener at Al Medina Stadium in Morocco's capital, and Kakuta then converted a penalty late in the first half.
Kakuta got his second and his team's third on the hour mark and the Leopards then had a fourth goal scored by Fiston Mayele ruled out by VAR for a handball.
It looked at one point as though Senegal and DR Congo might end the group stage with identical records, leaving open the possibility of a drawing of lots to decide their final positions.
In the end both finish with seven points from three games with Senegal on top by a difference of just two goals.
Pape Thiaw's team now have a kinder draw as they remain in Tangier for a last-16 tie on Saturday against the third-place finisher in Group E, either Burkina Faso or Sudan.
The Leopards, in contrast, must play 2019 champions Algeria next Tuesday with the winner of that potentially having to face Nigeria in the quarter-finals.
"We wanted a fourth goal to maybe force a drawing of lots, and we wanted to score as many goals as possible to try to win the group," said Sebastien Desabre, the Democratic Republic of Congo coach.
"It wasn't to be but I'm not disappointed, I'm proud. We have achieved the objective of reaching the last 16."
Benin's three points are enough for them to go through as one of the best third-placed teams.
It will be just their second appearance in the AFCON knockout stages, with their reward a tie against Mohamed Salah's Egypt on Monday.

Nigeria stay perfect

Tanzania made history in progressing from their group for the first time, 45 years after their maiden AFCON appearance, by drawing 1-1 with fellow qualifiers Tunisia in Rabat.
Ismael Gharbi converted a penalty just before half-time for Tunisia and Feisal Salum levelled early in the second half.
Tanzania have still to win in 12 matches spanning four AFCON appearances. They squeezed into the round of 16 after two draws and one loss. 
Tunisia finished second in Group C with four points, five behind table-toppers Nigeria. Tanzania pipped Angola on goals scored for one of four places reserved for third-placed teams.
Raphael Onyedika scored twice as already qualified Nigeria overcame 10-man Uganda 3-1 in the other Group C match to maintain a 100 percent record after the group stage.
Paul Onuachu had given Nigeria the lead in the first half in Fes and Uganda suffered a huge blow on 56 minutes when goalkeeper Salim Magoola -- on as a substitute -- was red-carded for handling outside the area.
Onyedika then scored his two goals before Rogers Mato got a consolation for Uganda as they head home.
Tanzania now face a daunting task against hosts and title favourites Morocco in Rabat on Sunday, one day after Tunisia tackle Mali.
Nigeria will meet the third-placed team in Group F -- currently Mozambique -- on Monday in Fes.
"We did not have enough time to prepare the team, but worked together with the federation," said Argentina-born Tanzania coach Miguel Gamondi, appointed only last month.
"I feel very proud, not just for myself, but for the country. To qualify is great for Tanzania.
"I hope this success will be a reminder to these players and the next generation of players of the potential of Tanzanian football."
as-dl/bsp 

Pr

Maresca in the firing line as Chelsea stumble against Bournemouth

  • Goals from Joelinton and Yoane Wissa had the Magpies 2-0 up inside seven minutes.
  • Chelsea failed to lift the gloom at Stamford Bridge as Enzo Maresca's decision to substitute Cole Palmer was booed during a 2-2 draw against struggling Bournemouth on Tuesday All four goals came in the opening 27 minutes as Chelsea's miserable run stretched to one Premier League win in seven games.
  • Goals from Joelinton and Yoane Wissa had the Magpies 2-0 up inside seven minutes.
Chelsea failed to lift the gloom at Stamford Bridge as Enzo Maresca's decision to substitute Cole Palmer was booed during a 2-2 draw against struggling Bournemouth on Tuesday
All four goals came in the opening 27 minutes as Chelsea's miserable run stretched to one Premier League win in seven games.
David Brooks gave the Cherries the perfect start but Bournemouth quickly showed why they have conceded more goals on the road than any other side in the English top flight.
Palmer equalised from the penalty spot before Enzo Fernandez was afforded acres of space to fire into the top corner.
But Chelsea failed to deal with a long throw for the second time when Justin Kluivert turned in Antoine Semenyo's delivery at the back post.
The home fans made clear their frustration at Maresca's decision to replace Palmer with Joao Pedro just after the hour mark.
And it could have gone from bad to worse for the Blues in stoppage time had Enes Unal not wasted a glorious chance to secure Bournemouth's first win since October 26.
Newcastle secured just a second away league win of the season but were made to sweat after a dream start to beat lowly Burnley 3-1.
Goals from Joelinton and Yoane Wissa had the Magpies 2-0 up inside seven minutes.
Burnley are now winless in 10 games but will wonder how they failed to register at least a point.
Josh Laurent halved the arrears midway through the first half and hit the woodwork twice in the closing stages in their push for an equaliser before Bruno Guimaraes sealed victory for Eddie Howe's men.
A depleted Everton climbed into the top half of the table by getting the better of former boss Sean Dyche for the second time in a month at Nottingham Forest.
The Toffees had not scored since their 3-0 win over Forest on December 6 but struck through James Garner and Thierno Barry to leave Dyche's men just four points above the relegation zone.
It could have been worse for Forest had West Ham not blown the lead twice to draw 2-2 at home to Brighton.
Jarrod Bowen fired the Hammers into an early lead before a tale of three penalties before half-time.
Danny Welbeck levelled for Brighton before hitting the bar with a second spot-kick.
Lucas Paqueta was deadly with the chance to restore West Ham's lead, but Joel Veltman bundled in from a corner on the hour mark.
kca/bsp 

Sports

Senegal top AFCON group, DR Congo to face Algeria in last 16

BY ANDY SCOTT

  • The Leopards, in contrast, must play 2019 champions Algeria in the last 16 next Tuesday with the winner of that potentially having to face Nigeria in the quarter-finals.
  • Senegal saw off Benin on Tuesday to go through to the last 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations as winners of Group D, leaving the Democratic Republic of Congo to settle for second place which means they will play Algeria in a heavyweight tie in the next round.
  • The Leopards, in contrast, must play 2019 champions Algeria in the last 16 next Tuesday with the winner of that potentially having to face Nigeria in the quarter-finals.
Senegal saw off Benin on Tuesday to go through to the last 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations as winners of Group D, leaving the Democratic Republic of Congo to settle for second place which means they will play Algeria in a heavyweight tie in the next round.
Sadio Mane's Senegal, African champions in 2022, came into the final round of group games needing to beat Benin in Tangier and hope that their Congolese rivals did not manage to move above them on goal difference.
Senegal ran out 3-0 winners against Benin, with Abdoulaye Seck and Habib Diallo scoring before skipper Kalidou Koulibaly was sent off in the second half. Cherif Ndiaye then added a late penalty.
DR Congo beat already-eliminated Botswana 3-0 at the same time in Rabat, meaning the leading duo both finished with seven points from three games but Pape Thiaw's Senegal topped the section by a difference of two goals.
As a result, Senegal have a far kinder path in the knockout phase and will remain in Tangier for a last-16 tie on Saturday against the third-place finisher in Group E.
That will be either Burkina Faso or Sudan, who play each other in Casablanca on Wednesday.
The Leopards, in contrast, must play 2019 champions Algeria in the last 16 next Tuesday with the winner of that potentially having to face Nigeria in the quarter-finals.
Benin's three points, courtesy of a solitary 1-0 win over Botswana, are enough for them to go through as one of the best third-placed teams.
It will be just their second appearance in the AFCON knockout stages and their reward is a meeting with Mohamed Salah's Egypt in Agadir on Monday.
Israel-based centre-back Seck headed Senegal into the lead from Krepin Diatta's free-kick on 38 minutes and their second goal arrived just after the hour when a superb cutback by Mane was turned in by Diallo.
Skipper Koulibaly was then sent off after a yellow card was upgraded to red following a VAR review, leaving the Lions of Teranga to play out the final 19 minutes plus stoppage time a man down.
Ndiaye's 97th-minute penalty made it 3-0 and ended any doubt about Senegal's final position in the group. 
Playmaker Gael Kakuta, once of Chelsea and now playing in Turkey, was in outstanding form for DR Congo against Botswana at Al Medina stadium as his backheel set up Nathanael Mbuku for the opener.
Kakuta then converted a penalty shortly before half-time and got his second and his team's third on the hour mark from Theo Bongonda's assist.
Another goal at that point could have left DR Congo and Senegal with identical records and facing a possible drawing of lots to determine their final group positions.
DR Congo thought they had it when Fiston Mayele put the ball in the net on 64 minutes.
He appeared to have scored with his shoulder but the goal was eventually disallowed for handball after a VAR check and it finished 3-0.
as/pb

Carlsen

Norway's Magnus Carlsen wins 20th world chess title

  • The Nordic grandmaster now has nine blitz titles, six in rapid and five in the most prestigious longer format, which involves more than 10 games between the world champion and a challenger.
  • Norway's Magnus Carlsen, the world's number one chess player, on Tuesday won the World Blitz Championship in Doha, days after victory in the slightly longer 'rapid' format, to secure his 20th world title.
  • The Nordic grandmaster now has nine blitz titles, six in rapid and five in the most prestigious longer format, which involves more than 10 games between the world champion and a challenger.
Norway's Magnus Carlsen, the world's number one chess player, on Tuesday won the World Blitz Championship in Doha, days after victory in the slightly longer 'rapid' format, to secure his 20th world title.
Carlsen, 35, beat Uzbekistan's Nodirbek Abdusattorov, 21, in the final, securing victory with black in the fourth and final game, after losing the first.
Blitz games are played with three minutes at the start for both players, plus an additional two seconds per move.
Carlsen almost failed to reach the semi-finals after suffering three defeats in the 19 qualifying games, finishing third in the standings.
He beat American Fabiano Caruana in the semis to take on Abdusattorov, rapid world champion in 2021.
On Sunday, Carlsen was crowned rapid world champion, where players have 15 minutes and 10 seconds added per move, finishing first in the regular standings, with the competition taking place without a final phase.
The Nordic grandmaster now has nine blitz titles, six in rapid and five in the most prestigious longer format, which involves more than 10 games between the world champion and a challenger.
Carlsen relinquished his long-format crown in 2023, citing lack of motivation. It is now held by India's Dommaraju Gukesh.
In October, he and the International Chess Federation (FIDE) backed a new world championship format that sets the stage for his return.
The new "Total Chess World Championship Tour" will consist of four events a year and will crown one combined champion for three disciplines: fast classic, rapid and blitz.
A pilot version of the competition will be tested in the autumn of next year, with the first full season set for 2027.
fs/ah/phz/pb

Patriots

Patriots star Diggs facing assault charges: reports

  • "The New England Patriots are aware of the accusations that have been made regarding Stefon Diggs," the Patriots said.
  • New England Patriots star Stefon Diggs is facing charges of assault following an alleged altercation with a member of the wide receiver's staff, US media reported Tuesday.
  • "The New England Patriots are aware of the accusations that have been made regarding Stefon Diggs," the Patriots said.
New England Patriots star Stefon Diggs is facing charges of assault following an alleged altercation with a member of the wide receiver's staff, US media reported Tuesday.
ESPN reported that Diggs has been charged with felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault and battery after an incident on December 2.
Multiple reports said the charges arose from a financial dispute between Diggs and his personal chef over payment.
Diggs, 32, strongly denied the allegations in a statement sent to AFP by his defense attorney David Meier.
"Stefon Diggs categorically denies these allegations," Meier said. "They are unsubstantiated, uncorroborated, and were never investigated -- because they did not occur.  
"The timing and motivation for making the allegations is crystal clear: they are the direct result of an employee-employer financial dispute that was not resolved to the employee's satisfaction.
"Stefon looks forward to establishing the truth in a court of law."
The charges were filed during a court hearing in Dedham, Massachusetts.
The Patriots, who have enjoyed a resurgence this season to lead the AFC East with a 13-3 record, issued a statement in support of Diggs.
"The New England Patriots are aware of the accusations that have been made regarding Stefon Diggs," the Patriots said. "Stefon has informed the organization that he categorically denies the allegations. We support Stefon. We will continue to gather information and will cooperate fully with the appropriate authorities and the NFL as necessary."
The NFL said in a statement the league was "aware of the matter and have been in contact with the club. We have no further comment at this time."
rcw/pb

Nuggets

Jokic out for four weeks after knee injury: Nuggets

  • However the Nuggets confirmed in a statement on Tuesday that the 30-year-old had escaped serious injury, suffering only a hyperextended left knee.
  • Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic faces at least four weeks on the sidelines after suffering a left knee injury in a defeat to Miami, the Nuggets confirmed on Tuesday.
  • However the Nuggets confirmed in a statement on Tuesday that the 30-year-old had escaped serious injury, suffering only a hyperextended left knee.
Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic faces at least four weeks on the sidelines after suffering a left knee injury in a defeat to Miami, the Nuggets confirmed on Tuesday.
Three-time NBA Most Valuable Player Jokic collapsed to the court after a collision with team-mate Spencer Jones just before half-time in Monday's game in Miami.
The Serbian ace did not return to the game after suffering the injury, which Nuggets coach David Adelman later described as "gut-wrenching".
Replays of the incident showed Jokic's knee buckling awkwardly after Jones stepped on his foot while defending, prompting concern of possible knee ligament damage.
However the Nuggets confirmed in a statement on Tuesday that the 30-year-old had escaped serious injury, suffering only a hyperextended left knee.
"Nikola will be re-evaluated in four weeks," the team said in a brief statement.
The Nuggets are already dealing with an injury crisis that has left them deprived of regular starters Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun.
The issue of player injuries in the NBA has been in the spotlight this season, with players such as San Antonio's Victor Wembanyama and Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo spending significant time on the sidelines.
As well as Jokic, there were more grim injury bulletins on Monday with the Chicago Bulls losing both Coby White and Josh Giddey during their defeat to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
White exited in the first quarter with a calf problem, while Giddey limped out of the game in the second half with a sore hamstring.
Some coaches and players have argued that the relentless grind of the NBA's 82-game regular season has contributed to the injury toll, although league commissioner Adam Silver said earlier this month there was no statistical basis indicating scheduling was to blame.
rcw/bsp

Sports

Tanzania hold Tunisia to end 45-year wait for AFCON knockout spot

  • Tanzania have been trying since 1980 to advance beyond the group stage, and have still to win in 12 matches spanning four appearances.
  • Tanzania reached the Africa Cup of Nations knockout stage for the first time, 45 years after their maiden appearance, by coming from behind to draw 1-1 with fellow qualifiers Tunisia in Rabat on Tuesday.
  • Tanzania have been trying since 1980 to advance beyond the group stage, and have still to win in 12 matches spanning four appearances.
Tanzania reached the Africa Cup of Nations knockout stage for the first time, 45 years after their maiden appearance, by coming from behind to draw 1-1 with fellow qualifiers Tunisia in Rabat on Tuesday.
Ismael Gharbi converted a penalty just before half-time for Tunisia and Feisal Salum levelled early in the second half in the Moroccan capital.
Tanzania have been trying since 1980 to advance beyond the group stage, and have still to win in 12 matches spanning four appearances. They squeezed into the round of 16 after two draws and one loss. 
Tunisia finished second in Group C with four points, five less than table-toppers Nigeria. Tanzania pipped Angola on goals scored for one of four places reserved for third-placed teams.     
Raphael Onyedika scored twice as already qualified Nigeria overcame 10-man Uganda 3-1 in the other Group C match to maintain a 100 percent record after the group stage.
Tanzania will face hosts and title favourites Morocco in Rabat on Sunday, one day after Tunisia tackle Mali.
Nigeria will meet the third-placed team in Group F -- currently Mozambique -- on Monday in Fes.
"We did not have enough time to prepare the team, but worked together with the federation," said Argentina-born Tanzania coach Miguel Gamondi, who replaced local Hemed Suleiman only last month.
"I feel very proud, not just for myself, but for the country. I wanted to change this mentality of Tanzania always being underdogs. 
"To qualify is great for Tanzania. I hope this success will be a reminder to these players and the next generation of players of the potential of Tanzanian football."
Gamondi gave an AFCON debut to 33-year-old goalkeeper Hussein Masaranga, one of three changes to the team that drew with Uganda in their previous match.

Audacious goal attempt

Tunisia coach Sami Trabelsi dropped another 33-year-old, captain Ferjani Sassi, to the bench, but the midfielder came on early in the second half to win his 100th cap. 
Ismael Gharbi struck the post for Tunisia early on. He then saw an audacious long-range effort land on the roof of the netting to the relief of poorly positioned Masaranga. 
Tunisia had a slight edge in possession and went ahead on 43 minutes when the Congolese referee awarded a penalty after reviewing a goalmouth incident on the pitchside VAR monitor.
Big-screen replays showed Ibrahim Hamad fouling Hazem Mastouri. The spot kick was converted by Gharbi. 
The lead did not last long, as Feisal Salum levelled two minutes into the second half. He fired goalwards from beyond the D and the ball sneaked into the corner past Aymen Dahmen.
In Fes, Nigeria went ahead on 28 minutes through a well constructed move that exploited space in the Ugandan defence.
A clever pass from Bruno Onyemaechi set up Fisayo Dele-Bashiru to deliver a low cross that Onuachu struck into the net despite being surrounded by three opponents.
Uganda suffered a huge blow on 56 minutes when goalkeeper Salim Magoola was red-carded for handling outside the area. Magoola had replaced injured 40-year-old captain Denis Onyango for the second half. 
Legason Alionz came on, the third goalkeeper used by Uganda with the match less than an hour old. He was beaten twice within eight minutes by Raphael Onyedika as Nigeria surged to a three-goal lead. 
Onyedika twice found the bottom right corner with shots. Samuel Chukwueze, on loan to Fulham from AC Milan, set the midfielder up to score on both occasions. 
Rogers Mato netted a consolation goal on 75 minutes for Uganda, who will co-host the next AFCON in 2027 with Kenya and Tanzania.
dl/pb/bsp

Box

Burst tyre and speed contributed to Joshua crash say investigators

  • Joshua, 36, was admitted at Lagos's Duchess International Hospital, according to the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE) in Ogun state where the accident occurred.
  • A Nigeria traffic compliance agency said Tuesday that preliminary investigations showed the car involved in an accident in which former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua survived had a burst tyre before hitting a stationary truck.
  • Joshua, 36, was admitted at Lagos's Duchess International Hospital, according to the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE) in Ogun state where the accident occurred.
A Nigeria traffic compliance agency said Tuesday that preliminary investigations showed the car involved in an accident in which former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua survived had a burst tyre before hitting a stationary truck.
The British boxer was in a "stable condition" in hospital after the Monday car accident that killed two close associates, his promoter said on Monday.
Joshua, 36, was admitted at Lagos's Duchess International Hospital, according to the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE) in Ogun state where the accident occurred.
The smash happened on Monday morning on a main road linking Lagos and Ibadan in the southwest of the country.
TRACE's spokesman Babatunde Akinbiyi told AFP that "from the preliminary investigation that was conducted, definitely there was overspeeding on the part of the SUV Anthony Joshua was travelling in".
"In the course of that, the front tyre on the passenger side burst," he said. "That led to loss of control before the vehicle now swerved and rammed into the stationary truck that was parked. There was excessive speed...." 
Pictures and videos circulating online and also shared by local state authorities showed a shirtless Joshua -- a British national of Nigerian heritage -- grimacing in pain as he was helped step out of the car.
Others showed a mangled wreckage of a black sports utility vehicle.
His promoter Matchroom said the boxer's "close friends and team members" Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele were killed and Joshua himself was taken to hospital "for checks and treatment".
Nigerian police said the two victims died "at the scene".
Joshua's family hails from the southwest Nigerian city and he is known to visit there when he is in the country.
tba/sn/nr/pb

Pr

Johnson still a Spurs player despite Palace interest, says Frank

  • I fully expect him to be available and able to play against Brentford."
  • Thomas Frank said he expects Brennan Johnson to feature in Tottenham's New Year's Day trip to Brentford despite reports a deal has been agreed to sell the Wales forward to Crystal Palace.
  • I fully expect him to be available and able to play against Brentford."
Thomas Frank said he expects Brennan Johnson to feature in Tottenham's New Year's Day trip to Brentford despite reports a deal has been agreed to sell the Wales forward to Crystal Palace.
Several British media outlets, including the BBC and Sky Sports, reported that the Eagles have had a £35 million ($47 million) bid for the 24-year-old accepted but that Johnson is yet to green light the move.
The former Nottingham Forest winger is also attracting interest from Bournemouth, who look set to lose their top scorer Antoine Semenyo to Manchester City in the early days of the January transfer window.
"Brennan has been a top professional," said Frank at his pre-match press conference on Tuesday.
"He trained very well. I fully expect him to be available and able to play against Brentford."
Johnson, who cost £47.5 million when he joined from Forest in the summer of 2023, was Spurs' leading scorer last season with 18 goals, including the winner in the Europa League final against Manchester United to end the club's 17-year wait for silverware.
However, he has largely been a back-up to Mohammed Kudus on the right wing since Frank replaced Ange Postecoglou in the close-season.
Johnson has scored four times in 22 appearances in all competitions this season.
Palace boss Oliver Glasner has been vocal about his desire for more forward options.
After a fine start to the campaign, Glasner's side have failed to win in their last five games as a gruelling schedule across three competitions has taken its toll.
"I think to be honest if you watch our game, it is pretty clear what we need and then it is a decision of Crystal Palace," said Glasner.
"If you are constantly under-performing scoring goals, yeah. Look, all I can do is encourage the players, support them and be positive."
kca/smg/bsp

Sports

'Make our country happy': Sudan dream of AFCON glory as conflict rages at home

BY KAOUTHAR OUDRHIRI

  • Some players have moved to different countries like Taifour, who departed Al Merrikh for Libya and is now plying his trade in Tunisia.
  • When war broke out in Sudan in April 2023, Ammar Taifour was in a training camp with his club Al Merrikh in Khartoum.
  • Some players have moved to different countries like Taifour, who departed Al Merrikh for Libya and is now plying his trade in Tunisia.
When war broke out in Sudan in April 2023, Ammar Taifour was in a training camp with his club Al Merrikh in Khartoum.
"I just remember the surprise, the shock of the first gunshots. It was very surprising," the 28-year-old midfielder with the Sudan team at the Africa Cup of Nations tells AFP.
"Then in the days after that there were power cuts and constant gunshots. It was just unbelievable.
"I just pray for peace and for everyone who's in this situation to be safe and make it out."
Taifour, who was born in the United States, is among the lucky ones. He says he is "grateful and blessed" that family members in Sudan were able to leave the country.
Goalkeeper Mohamed Al Nour, meanwhile, had to deal with the anguish of his brother being taken prisoner by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.
"Luckily I have not lost any members of my family but my brother was taken prisoner for nine months by the RSF before being released," says Al Nour.
"We have experienced terror, people being killed. We just hope things improve."
The war that erupted close to three years ago between the country's army and its former allies the RSF has had a devastating impact on the population.
Tens of thousands of people have been killed and 11 million driven from their homes in what the UN has declared "the world's worst humanitarian disaster".
Despite that backdrop, Sudan's national football team qualified for the ongoing AFCON in Morocco and on Sunday they beat Equatorial Guinea 1-0 in Casablanca.
It was just their second win at the Cup of Nations in 18 matches across six tournament appearances since they lifted the trophy in 1970.
They play Burkina Faso in their final group game on Wednesday and do so with the pressure off because they are already assured of progressing to the last 16.
That is a remarkable achievement regardless of the current off-field context, given Sudan have only once made the knockout stages at an AFCON since 1970 -– they reached the quarter-finals in 2012.

'Big responsibility'

"It's a big honour," says Taifour. "But also we have big expectations and we want to make it as far as possible and even to win the tournament, make our country happy."
"Obviously it's a big responsibility. I think each one of us as individuals, we know the situation that's going on, we all can relate to it, we all have someone involved.
"So whatever we can do to help, whatever we can do to bring some happiness, we try our best to do so."
Al Nour, also known by his nickname Abooja, adds: "Of course the team has been impacted. Everyone has just tried to get through this period but it has been difficult with the tension all over Sudan."
"In the end our results on the pitch are what make the people happy and boost their morale."
The impact of the conflict on Sudanese football has been enormous, leading to the domestic championship being halted and the country's two biggest clubs going into exile.
Al Hilal and Al Merrikh of Omdurman played in the Mauritanian league last season. A domestic elite league did make its return in July, but now the two rivals are playing in Rwanda.
Some players have moved to different countries like Taifour, who departed Al Merrikh for Libya and is now plying his trade in Tunisia.
Despite that the national team has flourished under Ghanaian coach Kwesi Appiah.
They qualified for the competition at the expense of Ghana and put in some good showings in their World Cup qualifying group, beating the Democratic Republic of Congo and drawing with Senegal en route to finishing third.
In August they got to the semi-finals of the African Nations Championship -– a competition for locally-based players -– and they also appeared at the recent FIFA Arab Cup in Qatar.
"We have tried to use every match as preparation and to build chemistry within the group," says Taifour.
Al Nour, meanwhile, describes Appiah as "an exceptional person. We have learnt a lot thanks to him".
It has all led to this, with Sudan now building towards a Cup of Nations knockout tie this weekend and hoping to put smiles on the faces of supporters back home.
kao/as/nr/dmc