Eddie Howe hints Newcastle squad depth inadequate after Tottenham hammering

Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton look dejected after the match. (Action Images via Reuters)
Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton look dejected after the match. (Action Images via Reuters)
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Updated 11 December 2023
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Eddie Howe hints Newcastle squad depth inadequate after Tottenham hammering

Eddie Howe hints Newcastle squad depth inadequate after Tottenham hammering
  • Magpies’ hope for European and domestic success in doubt
  • Injuries and poor away form are big problems, says Howe

LONDON: Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe has for the first time hinted that the Magpies’ squad is not equipped to fight on three fronts.

The Magpies were hammered in North London by Ange Postecoglou’s men, as Richarlison’s double and goals from Heung-Min Son and Destiny Udogie ensured Newcastle slipped further away from the Champions League places in the Premier League. It was also their second three-goal beating in four days, having lost at Everton on Thursday.

So with Premier League top-four hopes faltering, attention turns to the Champions League on Wednesday, when a win against last season’s semifinalists, AC Milan, will ensure European football remains on Tyneside, either in the last 16 of the competition, or in the Europa League, depending on the result in the Borussia Dortmund versus Paris Saint-Germain encounter.

Newcastle also have the prospect of a Carabao Cup quarterfinal in a week and a half, with Chelsea waiting in the wings.

Assessing his side’s performance, and looking at possible reasons for the last week’s disappointments, Howe has for the first time hinted his squad, after a host of injuries, is not capable of performing three times a week, as has been the case since September.

“We had our moments but we gave everything without the resources to give more,” said Howe. “It is difficult because we play on Wednesday, this is what we wanted. We hoped to have the squad to cope with that but we’ve had worse injuries than any team that I can remember.

“You have to critique like you would normally; we weren’t in rhythm around the box and lacked conviction. We didn’t defend the goals well enough. The moments were there, we had chances. There is always more, you can push yourself even when you’re tired.

“It was a difficult afternoon. The players have done so well to keep going behind a very congested period of games with some very hard fixtures for us.

“When you go back to Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Bournemouth they’re all difficult fixtures and then Everton and Tottenham away in a very short period of time. We haven’t been at our best, it’s there for everybody to see. The players are giving everything they could give so I have to back them and support them but acknowledge that our performances are not where they could be.

“You want to make changes that benefit the team. Not make changes that don’t benefit the team so I’m trying to make those decisions and get them right. I’ve been backed into a very difficult position with the team selection and even in game decisions. Today it would have been easy to say: ‘You’ve got Callum and Sean, put them on the pitch.’ But they’re not 100 percent fit so I’ve got to be very careful with them. Thankfully they came through and I thought their performances were really good in the game and that is a big positive in the game.”

While injuries have bitten hard, with the absence of fringe men felt as much as key performers, given Howe has been unable to allow his starters to rest, there is hope from the treatment room.

Callum Wilson and Sean Longstaff both came off the bench against Spurs and it is hoped Sven Botman and summer signing Harvey Barnes are not too far behind.

“We have light at the end of the tunnel,” Howe added.

“Callum and Longstaff are two huge players for us. We have to be positive, take the pain and come fighting.

“(Longstaff and Wilson) will be better for today. That was a good 30 minutes for them but we’ll have to take it game by game.”

One player who Howe will have to learn to live without, for (one) game at least, is Kieran Trippier, who picked up his fifth booking of the campaign. He will be unavailable for next week’s visit of Fulham, but will be able to play against Milan.

“It’s a huge blow for us, Kieran is a standard for us really to get a level of consistent performance. We’ll miss his quality,” said Howe.

Two home games in a week comes on the back of an away-day doubleheader. The form on home turf compared to their travels is stark. The Magpies have lost just once at St. James’, while they’ve won just once on the road. Howe knows it’s something that needs to change if Newcastle are to challenge the top four, like they did so successfully last season.

On poor away form, Howe said: “I can’t argue with that assessment. It’s up to us to find answers to that. I can’t defend it, so I won’t.”


Why Ivan Toney’s move to Al-Ahli is one of Saudi Pro League’s biggest statements yet

Why Ivan Toney’s move to Al-Ahli is one of Saudi Pro League’s biggest statements yet
Updated 1 min 20 sec ago
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Why Ivan Toney’s move to Al-Ahli is one of Saudi Pro League’s biggest statements yet

Why Ivan Toney’s move to Al-Ahli is one of Saudi Pro League’s biggest statements yet
  • The England international was wanted by several Premier League clubs but will now form a formidable forward line with Riyadh Mahrez and Roberto Firmino in Jeddah

LONDON: The future of Ivan Toney has been one of the talking points of the summer. It has now been settled. The England striker has signed for Al-Ahli in a deal that is meaningful both on and off the pitch for the player, the club, and the Saudi Pro League.

A front-line of Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino and Toney is one that no defense in the world would relish facing, but it is one that the 17 other SPL teams will have to deal with in the coming season. The Jeddah giants swooped for Toney on Friday, doing a deal with Brentford that will keep the forward, who scored 72 goals in 141 appearances for the club, in Jeddah until 2028.

The 28-year-old is not the biggest name to head to Saudi Arabia since Cristiano Ronaldo shocked the world by joining Al-Nassr in December 2022. Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante and Neymar have won some of the biggest prizes in the game, and all play in the SPL. Mahrez joined Al-Ahli from Manchester City, who were European champions at the time; Benzema was the Ballon D’Or holder when he headed to Al-Ittihad from Real Madrid; and Kante is a World Cup winner. Toney joins Al-Ahli from Brentford, a mid-level — at best — English Premier League team.

Brentford may not be title challengers, but there were teams who are — such as Arsenal — who were very interested in Toney. The Gunners may regret missing out. Brentford are also sure to be happier selling their star forward to a club in a different league and not having to put their fans through the painful experience of Toney coming back to West London to do what he does best: score goals.

What will please Al-Ahli fans is that this is a star player, in demand, moving from the English Premier League at what should be the peak of his career. Toney has already shown that he is a force to be reckoned with, scoring against some of the best defenses in the world while playing for one of the league’s smaller teams that had, until just over three years ago, never played in the Premier League. In the 2022-23 season, only Erling Haaland and Harry Kane scored more.

Last season wasn’t so memorable for the Northampton-born striker who worked his way up through the lower leagues to reach the top. He was banned for most of it for gambling offences.

The inactivity perhaps cost him time with the national team but he still played a part as England reached the final of the European championships, and his no-look penalty in the shootout win over Switzerland in the quarter-finals made headlines around the world.

His prowess from the spot (he has scored 30 out of 32 in non-shootout situations) is just one reason why fans will be excited. Toney is not just a recognized talent but one with something to prove. He still wants to show whoever the new permanent England boss is going to be that he deserves to be starting for his country.

The SPL was well-represented at the Euros and Toney will have seen first-hand how solid Al-Nassr’s Aymeric Laporte was as the defender impressed in the final when Spain defeated England 2-1.

Toney will have a chance to make up for that disappointment with trophies. Al-Ahli finished third last season, a good showing on their return to the top tier after a surprise relegation. The platform is there for a genuine challenge for their first championship since 2016 and there is also the AFC Champions League to look forward to. The forward line is not just mouthwatering on paper, but should spell danger for defenses around across Asia.

Mahrez recorded more assists than any other player in the league last season. The two should relish playing together. Then there is Firmino, now looking fully settled into life in Jeddah. Toney is not only great in the air and a deadly finisher, but can play as a single striker or part of a pair. A potential partnership with Firas Al-Buraikan, the top-scoring Saudi striker last season with an impressive 17 goals, will have Al-Ahli’s famous green army of fans rubbing their hands in anticipation.

They, as well as Toney, could be in for quite a season.


Bangladesh’s Mehidy Hasan’s double restricts Pakistan to 183-5 in second Test

Bangladesh’s Mehidy Hasan’s double restricts Pakistan to 183-5 in second Test
Updated 31 August 2024
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Bangladesh’s Mehidy Hasan’s double restricts Pakistan to 183-5 in second Test

Bangladesh’s Mehidy Hasan’s double restricts Pakistan to 183-5 in second Test
  • Pakistan are desperate for a victory to level the two-match series after losing the first Test by 10 ten wickets
  • Pakistan shone with solid batting in first session after first day’s play on Friday was washed out due to rain

RAWALPINDI: Bangladesh fought back with four wickets, including that of Babar Azam, to restrict Pakistan to 183-5 at tea on the second day of the second Test in Rawalpindi on Saturday.
Off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz dismissed Shan Masood for 57 and opener Saim Ayub for 58 after the home team had been well-placed on 99-1 at lunch.
However, the second session belonged to the visitors as spinner Shakib Al Hasan trapped Azam for 31 with a ball that kept low. Zakir Hasan dropped a sharp catch at short-leg off Agha Salman two balls later.
Mohammad Rizwan was unbeaten on 18 at the break, with Salman yet to score, with Pakistan desperate for a victory to level the two-match series after losing the first Test by 10 ten wickets.
Bangladesh’s Test victory last Sunday was their first over Pakistan in 14 attempts.
Pace bowler Taskin Ahmed bowled first Test centurion Saud Shakeel for 16, the left-hander having already survived a dropped catch by Mehidy off Nahid Rana on one.
The first day’s play on Friday was washed out due to rain but Pakistan shone with solid batting in the first session after being sent in by the visitors.
Masood, under pressure after scores of six and 14 in the first Test, hit two boundaries before he fell leg-before to Mehidy in the third over after the lunch break.
Fellow left-hander Ayub was more aggressive, hitting two sixes and four boundaries before he was stumped by wicketkeeper Liton Das off Mehidy.
Taskin, brought in for the unfit Shoriful Islam as Bangladesh’s only change, bowled Abdullah Shafique off the sixth ball of the match.
Pakistan made two changes from the first Test, resting spearheads Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah to bring in pace bowler Mir Hamza and spinner Abrar Ahmed.


Sam Morsy hoping success with Ipswich in Premier League will lead to Egypt recall

Sam Morsy hoping success with Ipswich in Premier League will lead to Egypt recall
Updated 31 August 2024
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Sam Morsy hoping success with Ipswich in Premier League will lead to Egypt recall

Sam Morsy hoping success with Ipswich in Premier League will lead to Egypt recall
  • The 32-year-old midfielder has not played for his country since winning his ninth international against Tunisia last September

Sam Morsy may have fulfilled a dream of playing in the Premier League, but the Egyptian will not rest on his laurels as he looks to return to the international fold.

The Ipswich Town captain has not played for his country since last September, winning his ninth cap against Tunisia.

But Morsy has not given up hope, despite being overlooked for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Cape Verde and Botswana in September.

The 32-year-old midfielder knows his best chance of a recall to Hossam Hassan’s side is to prove his worth in the top flight against some of the world’s best players.

“There’s not a better league in world football to show what I can do,” said Morsy, who led Ipswich to successive promotions from League One and the Championship.

“If I can do well at this level, it will probably be quite hard for the Egypt manager to leave me out.

“Of course I want to play for Egypt again — that’s always my ambition. Unfortunately I didn’t get called up to this squad for September, but look, you don’t want to be too greedy.

“I want to enjoy my time here with Ipswich and I’ll be ready when called upon.”

Wolverhampton-born Morsy, who qualifies for Egypt through his father Mekawy, made his national team debut in 2016 against Guinea.

He was part of Egypt’s World Cup squad for the 2018 finals in Russia, making an appearance against Uruguay.

And Morsy has targeted another appearance on football’s biggest stage when Canada, Mexico and the US host the tournament in 2026.

“Of course it’s a dream to play in the next World Cup,” he told Arab News exclusively. “I played in the 2018 one and it was a really proud moment and I’d love to get the opportunity again.

“But there’s a lot of time and a lot of work to get there. I will keep working hard and see what happens.”

Morsy has certainly worked hard to reach the top flight, having spent most of his career in the lower leagues at clubs such as Port Vale, Chesterfield, Wigan, Middlesbrough and then Ipswich.

And he has strived to improve even more by taking advice from Egypt and Liverpool hero Mohamed Salah.

“Mohamed’s an amazing guy,” said Morsy. “He’s always helped me, given me loads of advice, always an ear to listen to.

“I’ve quizzed him on many many things and he was always helpful, as he is now.

“I ask loads of things, technical things, physical things, recovery things and he is always on hand to help, like he is with all the national team. He’s just a fantastic human being.”

Salah and Liverpool ruined Ipswich’s return to the Premier League after a 23-year absence with a 2-0 opening-day league win.

That was followed by a 4-1 loss at an Erling Haaland-inspired Manchester City.

But Morsy said he and Ipswich — who host Fulham on Saturday at Portman Road — can only learn from facing English football’s finest.

“Playing in this league and against the best players is definitely what I’ve always dreamed of — that’s the level you want,” he said.

“In any walk of life really you want to push yourself and test yourself. This is the best these last two league games, especially the game against Manchester City.

“It’s against the best in the world, people we watch every week and there’s loads of things for us to work on and improve on.

“We want to have a good season. Last season we got promoted and that’s a good thing, but what we can do this time, who knows?

“We don’t want to put a ceiling on it. Always your first goal is to remain in the division, but we want to be competitive and win a lot of games.”


Local talents compete alongside international stars on historic first day of Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters

Local talents compete alongside international stars on historic first day of Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters
Updated 31 August 2024
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Local talents compete alongside international stars on historic first day of Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters

Local talents compete alongside international stars on historic first day of Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters
  • The World Snooker Tour’s new major championship officially got underway in Riyadh on Friday
  • Round 1 saw 7 Saudi players in action alongside snooker legend Jimmy White, former world champion Ken Doherty, and women’s world No. 1 Mink Nutcharut

RIYADH: The inaugural Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters kicked off on Friday, as the World Snooker Tour’s new major championship was hosted at the Green Halls in Riyadh.

As the biggest international ranking event in WST history and the first-ever staged in the Kingdom, the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters represents the start of a new era for professional snooker locally and internationally. Running until Sept. 7, this year’s edition welcomes 144 of the world’s best players with the title and world ranking points on offer.

Dr. Nasser Al-Shamri, president of the Saudi Billiards and Snooker Federation, said: “This historic event is already presenting never-before-seen opportunities for our talent and fans across the Kingdom. We’re delighted that they can finally experience and be a part of such a prestigious tournament right here in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters marks a new era for snooker nationwide and across the region — and it’s an exciting time for everyone connected with the sport.”

Round 1 of action saw 62 players — including seven from the Kingdom — competing across 31 matches.

Tipped to be one of Saudi Arabia’s future snooker stars, 14-year-old Ziyad Al-Qabbani made his first WST appearance on home soil against 2023 World Junior Champion Stan Moody from England. While falling short in his maiden ranking event match, Al-Qabbani — the youngest player in the tournament — revealed it was a dream come true to play against high-caliber players and that he looks forward to his future in the sport.

Elsewhere on Day 1, women’s world No. 1 Mink Nutcharut from Thailand progressed to the second round with a 4-2 win over Libya’s Kusai Hamed. Her encounter highlighted the opportunities for female professionals to compete in major tournaments. Snooker legend Jimmy White and former world champion Ken Doherty were also in action.

Meanwhile, Najla Al-Naimi, the Saudi Billiards and Snooker Federation-registered referee, became the first woman to officiate a professional match in the Kingdom.

The Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters is part of a partnership between the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Sport and the Saudi Billiards and Snooker Federation to develop the game nationally and regionally over the next decade.

Ranking alongside the sport’s “Triple Crown” events — the Masters, UK Championship, and World Championship — should elevate the status of the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters to one of the most prestigious tournaments in snooker.

The Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters continues on Saturday with 32 matches locked in across Round 2, broadcast in 200 countries to a global audience exceeding 500 million.


Sabalenka wins latest-starting match in US Open history that finally begins after midnight

Sabalenka wins latest-starting match in US Open history that finally begins after midnight
Updated 31 August 2024
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Sabalenka wins latest-starting match in US Open history that finally begins after midnight

Sabalenka wins latest-starting match in US Open history that finally begins after midnight
  • The runner-up last year in Flushing Meadows eventually finished off the victory at 1:48
  • Sabalenka and Alexandrova were kept on Ashe, finally getting on the court after defending champion Novak Djokovic was shocked by No. 28 seed Alexei Popyrin in four sets

NEW YORK: Aryna Sabalenka finally got rolling after a bad beginning to the latest-starting match in US Open history, regrouping to beat No. 29 Ekaterina Alexandrova 2-6, 6-1, 6-2 early Saturday to reach the fourth round.

The No. 2 seed didn’t get underway until 12:07 a.m. and had dropped the first set barely a half-hour later. But she seized control early in the second set, winning 10 straight games to open a 5-0 lead in the third.

The runner-up last year in Flushing Meadows eventually finished off the victory at 1:48, tied for the second-latest ending to a women’s match at the US Open, and advanced to face No. 33 seed Elize Mertens on Sunday.

“I was happy that I was able to stay focused, no matter what, and I was able to turn around this match,” Sabalenka said.

The previous latest start to a women’s match at the US Open was exactly at midnight on Sept. 2, 1987, with Gabriela Sabatini going on to beat Beverly Bowes 6-3, 6-3.

The night session at Arthur Ashe Stadium began more than an hour after its usual 7 p.m. starting time following Frances Tiafoe’s victory over Ben Shelton in the afternoon that lasted 4 hours, 3 minutes.

Under a new late-night match policy the tournament debuted this year, the tournament referee can move any match that hasn’t gone on by 11:15 p.m.. Instead, Sabalenka and Alexandrova were kept on Ashe, finally getting on the court after defending champion Novak Djokovic was shocked by No. 28 seed Alexei Popyrin in four sets.

A US Tennis Association spokesman said tournament officials kept the Grandstand available in the event they wanted to move the Sabalenka-Alexandrova match. A decision was going to be made by the end of the fourth set of the Djokovic-Popyrin match.

Sabalenka said her desire was to remain on Ashe, though she would prefer it be in the opener of the night session and put the men second.

The bigger problem was the quick start by Alexandrova, who broke Sabalenka’s serve twice in the first set.

“She just crushed it. She played so well,” Sabalenka said.

But once Sabalenka broke for a 3-1 lead in the second set, she got going quickly from there to wrap it up earlier than the latest end of a women’s match, when Maria Sakkari finished off Bianca Andreescu at 2:13 a.m. on Sept. 6, 2021.

Sabalenka hoped to be in bed by 4 a.m. and sleep as long as she could.

“Technically, I did my practice session today, so I’m good for tomorrow, right?” she joked. “Can I just tell my team that? It’s 2 a.m.; we count it like today.”