Erling Haaland hits hat-trick as Manchester City put Ipswich to the sword

Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne celebrates scoring their second goal with Savinho and Erling Haaland. (Action Images via Reuters)
Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne celebrates scoring their second goal with Savinho and Erling Haaland. (Action Images via Reuters)
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Updated 24 August 2024
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Erling Haaland hits hat-trick as Manchester City put Ipswich to the sword

Erling Haaland hits hat-trick as Manchester City put Ipswich to the sword
  • Szmodics shot had just enough power to beat Ederson to register Ipswich’s first top-flight goal in 22 years for a shock opener
  • City bounced back and asserted dominance afterward

MANCHESTER: Erling Haaland struck a hat-trick as Manchester City bounced back from conceding a shock opening goal to beat newly-promoted Ipswich 4-1 on Saturday.
Sammie Szmodics had given the visitors a dream start at the Etihad, but order was quickly restored as City struck three times in four minutes through Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne.
The Norwegian then fired in from outside the box late on to complete his seventh Premier League hat-trick in just 68 games.
Victory takes City top of the table with a maximum six points from the opening two games of their title defense.
There was a mood of celebration before kick-off as City marked their fourth consecutive league title and welcomed back former captain Ilkay Gundogan, who took his place on the bench.
Yet, the champions were stunned with just seven minutes on the clock.
Ben Johnson’s pass split a static City defense and Szmodics shot had just enough power to beat Ederson to register Ipswich’s first top-flight goal in 22 years.
Kieran McKenna’s men have been given a baptism of fire by facing Liverpool and City in their opening two matches and the gap in quality between the Championship and Premier League quickly showed.
The lively Savinho won a penalty on his home debut, which was duly converted by Haaland to level.
Ipswich goalkeeper Arijanet Muric had a return to the Etihad to forget as he was then caught in possession by Savinho, who teed up De Bruyne to roll into an empty net.
Haaland beat Muric to a sumptuous De Bruyne ball over the top and stroked into the unguarded net.
De Bruyne smashed a shot from range off the crossbar as City threatened to run riot.
But to Ipswich’s credit they held out for over an hour before Haaland set the seal on another ruthless personal display and three points.


Spaniards Rodri and Bonmatí win Ballon d’Or award for best men’s and women’s players in world soccer

Spaniards Rodri and Bonmatí win Ballon d’Or award for best men’s and women’s players in world soccer
Updated 29 October 2024
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Spaniards Rodri and Bonmatí win Ballon d’Or award for best men’s and women’s players in world soccer

Spaniards Rodri and Bonmatí win Ballon d’Or award for best men’s and women’s players in world soccer
  • While Rodri is not a flamboyant player or a prolific scorer like Messi and Ronaldo, he had a huge influence on City’s team with his ability to protect the defense and distribute passes cleanly from the back
  • The 26-year-old Bonmatí retained her award after helping Barcelona win the Spanish league, the Spanish cup and the Champions League

PARIS: Spanish midfielders Rodri and Aitana Bonmatí won the men’s and women’s Ballon d’Or award for the world’s best soccer player on Monday.
The 28-year-old Rodri won the prestigious award for the first time after helping Manchester City win the Premier League and being a key player in Spain’s European Championship triumph. He succeeded eight-time winner Lionel Messi of Argentina.
Rodri put his hands over his face when his name was read out by former winner George Weah.
“Incredible night for me,” said Rodri, who is out for the season after injuring his ACL last month and arrived on crutches to the ceremony. “One of my key things is I always try to improve every game.”
The 26-year-old Bonmatí retained her award after helping Barcelona win the Spanish league, the Spanish cup and the Champions League. Bonmatí joined Barca teammate Alexia Putellas in winning two titles since the women’s trophy was first awarded in 2018. She beat her teammates Caroline Graham Hansen of Norway and Salma Paralluelo of Spain as Barcelona completed a 1-2-3.
“It’s a pleasure to be here again,” said Bonmatí, who received the award from Oscar winner Natalie Portman. “Thanks to my teammates and the clubs who make me a better football player every year.”
Vinícius Júnior was among the four men’s finalists with his Real Madrid teammates Jude Bellingham and Dani Carvajal. But no one from Madrid attended the gala in central Paris, even though Carlo Ancelotti won the coach of the year award.
Vinícius had been seen as one of the favorites for the award until making the decision not to travel to Paris for the ceremony. The decision was made by Madrid, according to a person who works with Vinícius and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because he wasn’t authorized to speak about the player’s whereabouts publicly.
Vinícius finished second in the voting, with Bellingham third.
Neither Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo — winners of the prestigious individual award a combined 13 times — were in the running for this year’s prize — the first time that’s happened since 2003.
While Rodri is not a flamboyant player or a prolific scorer like Messi and Ronaldo, he had a huge influence on City’s team with his ability to protect the defense and distribute passes cleanly from the back.
“I try to be a leader and try to improve every day from the best,” Rodri said.
City looked unbeatable at times with him in the side, while his excellent technical ability enabled him to slot smoothly into the quick-passing style made so effective by Spain at Euro 2024.
Bonmatí scored 19 goals for the second straight season for Barca and this year has netted five in five games for Spain, taking her international tally to 26.
The Ballon d’Or was created by France Football magazine and has been awarded since 1956 for the men, and since 2018 for the women. It is voted for by journalists from the top 100 countries in the FIFA rankings.
Each journalist, one per country, selects 10 players in ranked order, with points attributed to each position. The winner is the player who receives the most points. Unlike FIFA’s awards for the best players each year, fans aren’t part of the voting system.
Yamal’s trophy and other awards
On a good night for Spain and Barca players, teen prodigy Lamine Yamal — the youngest-ever scorer at a European Championship — won the Kopa award for best Under-21 player and Barca won the best women’s team award.
Real Madrid was voted the best men’s team.
Former PSG forward Kylian Mbappé and Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane shared the Gerd Mueller award for most club and country goals last season with 52. Mbappé joined Madrid during the offseason.
Argentina’s penalty-saving specialist Emiliano Martínez retained the Lev Yashin award for best goalkeeper.
Ancelotti and Olympic-winning coach Emma Hayes won the Johan Cruyff award for best men’s and women’s coach.
Spain forward Jenni Hermoso, who has fought sexism in Spanish soccer after she was kissed on the lips at last year’s Women’s World Cup final by former federation president Luis Rubiales, collected the Socrates award for humanitarian work.
A special award was given by France Football to the wife and son of late Germany great Franz Beckenbauer.


Manchester United sack manager Ten Hag

Manchester United sack manager Ten Hag
Updated 28 October 2024
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Manchester United sack manager Ten Hag

Manchester United sack manager Ten Hag

MANCHESTER: Manchester United have sacked manager Erik ten Hag, the Premier League club said on Monday, with the Old Trafford side 14th in the standings after nine games.
“Erik ten Hag has left his role as Manchester United men’s first-team manager,” the club said in a statement.
“Ruud van Nistelrooy will take charge of the team as interim head coach, supported by the current coaching team, whilst a permanent head coach is recruited.”


Saka regrets Arsenal not showing ‘our best selves’ against Liverpool

Saka regrets Arsenal not showing ‘our best selves’ against Liverpool
Updated 28 October 2024
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Saka regrets Arsenal not showing ‘our best selves’ against Liverpool

Saka regrets Arsenal not showing ‘our best selves’ against Liverpool
  • It took England winger Saka just nine minutes to open the scoring on his return from a hamstring injury only for Virgil van Dijk to equalize for Liverpool

LONDON: Bukayo Saka lamented Arsenal’s failure to show “our best selves” after they lost ground on Premier League title rivals Liverpool in a 2-2 draw at the Emirates Stadium.
It took England winger Saka just nine minutes to open the scoring on his return from a hamstring injury only for Virgil van Dijk to equalize for Liverpool.
Arsenal, however, regained the lead toward the end of the first half through Mikel Merino only for Mohamed Salah to rescue a draw for the visitors nine minutes from time.
The result left Arsenal, last crowned champions of England 20 years ago, third in the table but five points behind leaders Manchester City and four adrift of Liverpool after nine games.
Mikel Arteta’s men dominated the first half but failed to turn that superiority into more goals.
“We’re disappointed,” said Saka. “I feel like we didn’t show our best selves for 90 minutes. We believe we should have won it.
“For sure, there’s definitely some positives. Liverpool are a top team, and credit to them.
“But the overall feeling is that we didn’t show our best selves for the whole game, especially more in the second half, and it cost us in the end.”
Saka was a major doubt heading into Sunday’s match after missing Arsenal’s previous two games with a hamstring injury he suffered on international duty.
In the end he was fit to play and marked his comeback with a 50th goal in the Premier League.
“Hopefully that can push us to some silverware as well,” added Saka, who at 23 years and 52 days became the youngest player to reach the milestone for the Gunners.
“I hate to miss games, so I was buzzing to be back. I had this game in mind to come back for and I was feeling good out there, and I was happy to get an early goal.”
Arsenal ended the game with a makeshift and untested back four after Gabriel was forced off with a knee injury, while Jurrien Timber was also unable to complete the match.
But Gunners manager Arteta can now call upon William Saliba again after the center-back served a one-match suspension following his red card in the defeat at Bournemouth.
Arsenal are away to Preston in the League Cup on Wednesday before traveling to Newcastle in the Premier League on Saturday.


Mixed martial arts is ‘the sport of our era’ in the Kingdom and beyond

Mixed martial arts is ‘the sport of our era’ in the Kingdom and beyond
Updated 28 October 2024
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Mixed martial arts is ‘the sport of our era’ in the Kingdom and beyond

Mixed martial arts is ‘the sport of our era’ in the Kingdom and beyond
  • Abdullah Al-Hazza, CEO of the Saudi Mixed Martial Arts Federation, writes for Arab News about the sport’s rapid growth in the country
  • Saudi Arabia recently held the globally successful PFL MENA’s ‘Battle of the Giants’ event in Riyadh featuring Francis Ngannou

RIYADH: When Francis Ngannou said Saudi Arabia felt like “family” after his historic Professional Fighters League’s “Battle of the Giants” victory over Renan Ferreira in Riyadh recently, it made me feel very proud.

I was proud that one of the greatest fighters in our sport has such love for this country, which is certainly reciprocated. And that the work we are doing to promote MMA across the Kingdom is bearing fruit.

Ngannou is aware of what we as a federation are doing, and he understands how passionate people are for MMA in Saudi Arabia. He wants to play his part in the growth of what we all believe is the sport of our era.

There has been a 21 percent increase in MMA participation this year from last year across Saudi Arabia — which includes not just fighters and athletes of various ages, but also coaches, referees and judges.

This is evidence of an MMA ecosystem in place, which we are constantly trying to expand and enhance.

With six PFL events in 2024, including three pay-per-views, Saudi Arabia is reinforcing its role as a leading destination for major MMA competitions, while increasing awareness and excitement for the sport among our local population.

Since the federation’s inception in 2018, Saudi Arabia’s MMA fighters have won 35 medals — 19 gold, three silver and 13 bronze — in various international competitions. This includes world, Asia and other international championships.

We have three undefeated fighters in the PFL with Malik Basahel (3-0), Mostafa Nada (2-0) and Hattan Al-Saif (2-0). In addition, Abdullah Al-Qahtani has a 4-1 record. Overall, Saudi Arabia fighters now have a 11-1 record in reputable organizations such as the PFL.

There is also the financial aspect of MMA. Saudi Arabia has been highly successful in utilizing the sports industry as a catalyst for economic and social development.

This has connected us with global communities, attracted inward investment, contributed significantly to the nation’s gross domestic product, created jobs, and, essentially, encouraged healthy lifestyles.

We recognize the opportunities that MMA provides and our responsibility as a federation, working with relevant partners such as the Ministry of Sport, to ensure they are fully realized. Securing sponsorships for the programs we have created is but one example of this in action.

The next big international MMA event in Saudi Arabia takes place on Nov. 29 when Riyadh hosts the 2024 PFL finals.

The event will be held outside the US for the first time, with the federation, ministry, and the global PFL organization in charge of its management.

There is a $6-million prize pool, with $1 million awarded to each winner of the six main fights across various weight classes.

For us as Saudi Arabia citizens, however, perhaps the most exciting part is the inaugural Middle East and North Africa PFL finals, where Al-Saif will make history as the first woman from this nation to compete in a global PFL event.

The promotion of MMA among women is an integral part of what we do as a federation. We have organized two championships for women, and now have an increasing number of women fighters, coaches, referees and judges participating.

This means, I can assure everyone, that while Al-Saif is on an exciting journey, she is the first of many to come.

Speaking of which, I am often asked by members of the media if there will ever be a Saudi Arabian Francis Ngannou — an elite, world champion from the Kingdom.

My answer is always the same: there will be. It is only a matter of time, and when it happens, I will be justifiably proud because of all the work we have put into this endeavor.


Dubai Basketball secure dominant win in Croatia

Dubai Basketball secure dominant win in Croatia
Updated 28 October 2024
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Dubai Basketball secure dominant win in Croatia

Dubai Basketball secure dominant win in Croatia
  • The 102-74 victory against Cibona was the new team’s first triple-digit performance in the ABA League

DUBAI: Dubai Basketball have registered their first triple-digit performance with a 102-74 thrashing of Cibona on the road, to take their ABA League record to 5-1.

Dubai Basketball’s head coach, Jurica Golemac, could not have asked for a better performance as they dominated the game from tip-off to the final buzzer in Zagreb on Saturday.

After Ahmet Duverioglu converted both his free throws in the first 13 seconds, the visitors never looked back, closing out the first quarter with a healthy 35-17 advantage.

Dubai are now one of only a few teams to score over 30 points in a single quarter of play this season.

Cibona struggled without their starting point guards, Roko Rogic and Kreso Radovcic, and seemed to lack the star power needed to slow down Dubai’s offense.

By the time the third quarter ended, Dubai held a huge 81-52 lead and continued to pour on the offense, crossing the 100-point barrier late into the final quarter thanks to a JaCorey Williams two-pointer in the paint.

This marked the first time in the franchise’s young history that they would eclipse the century mark.

Williams, who scored double digits in three of six games this season, would leave Croatia ranked second in the ABA League’s “Points in the Paint.”

Former NBA star, Davis Bertans, put up a game-high of 17 points, doing most of his damage from beyond the arc, shooting five of eight (62.5 percent) from three-point territory.

At Saturday night’s conclusion, Bertans ascended to second in the ABA League for three-point shots made, trailing only Split’s Jordano Antonio.

Thirdy Ravena was stellar in over 10 minutes of action, recording his first steal, assist, and rebound of the season.

Thirdy, who has quickly emerged as a fan favorite in Dubai, kept intense pressure on Cibona’s offense, playing a major role in holding them to just 74 points.

Dubai Basketball are now tied for second in the ABA League standings, behind Partizan Mozzart, who they will face on Sunday, Nov. 10.

Golemac praised his team. “I congratulate my players for playing really well. We achieved what we came for, played a great game and now we are going to analyze what we can do better and move on to the next game.

“Our players understand that every move and every possession is important and they all share the same vision of wanting to not only win but also be competitive in each game. As a coach, it’s a pleasure to be working with them.”

Dubai Basketball are again on the road next weekend when they travel to Montenegro for game seven against Studentski Centar Derby on Saturday, Nov. 2.

They return to the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai on Sunday, Nov. 17, to take on KRKA.