The race for the English league has come to an end as Man city failed to win at Stamford Bridge tonight.
The reigning champions came into the game with hopes of holding out till Liverpool were announced champions however their hopes were dashed by a dazzling Chelsea team.
Man city played without Sergio Aguero who is out injured and without youngster Phil Foden who has been on hot form since after the break.
Chelsea started the game placing pressure on the City team who also seemed up to the task and kept a tight defensive line.
Chelsea however had a break on a counterattack from a City free kick. Pulisic got the ball from a mistake by Mendy and slotted it past Ederson
Pulisic scoring the fist goal for Chelsea
The City team upped their effort and they were rewarded with a free kick which was placed past the keeper by De Bruyne.
City kept pushing and was nearly rewarded by a Raheem Sterling chance but was denied by the bar.
Tammy Abraham was introduced in the second half replacing Giroud. He got an opportunity which was denied by the keeper.
The opportunity was later reviewed by Var and Fernandinho was found to have used his hand and a Penalty was granted to Chelsea. Willian took the penalty and gave Chelsea the lead.
Pedro has an opportunity to score a third goal for Chelsea but was denied by the keeper.
Tonights defeat mean Liverpool has won their first Premier League title after a 30 year wait.
We cannot stand akimbo and watch our colleagues being sexually harassed,molested and eventually killed by unscrupulous criminals who are always jittery to decimate the very bright future of our distinguished members. We are always enshrined in prolonged tribulation when hearing the depressing news about demise of our dear Students. This year alone, enormous innocent Students who are leaders of this country tomorrow have been lowered into the soil as a result of rape. We cannot just continue with this ugly scenario that’s why it has been taken upon the leadership of NANS ZONE D to visit Osun State Commissioner of Police and discuss important issues with him. Despite the Commissioner’s hectic schedules, we have applaud him for granting our impromptu notice of invitation.
The executive members of the association were led by the Coordinator to the CP’s office for roundtable dialogue. Comrade Kappo Samuel Olawale being the Coordinator, formally introduced executive members on ground and the entourages. He used the medium to eulogise the reputable CP stating his good relationship with Ondo State Students when he was serving in the state. He also lauded the CP’s giant strides towards ensuring Osun state maintains its position as the most peaceful state in South west.
Furthermore, the Coordinator asked the Commissioner of Police why rape cases are daily issues in the news. He asked why are some heartless criminals interested in raping? The CP painstakingly responded. He said not all men have the courage to stand before women. Not all young males have the ideas to express their emotional feelings before young females. Many young males are interested in dating but don’t know how to convince their female counterparts. Having tried repeatedly with no result, they believe the next line of action is to forcefully achieve their aim. YHE CP told NANS delegation that some journalists came to interview him some days ago asking the correlation between poverty and rape. The CP said according to his response, it has no correlation with rape. He cited instances where fathers raped their children, instances where the affluents raped the paupers to quench their sexual urge.
The Coordinator also encouraged the CP to assist us towards ensuring reopening of schools across the country. The security officials also have solid relationship with government it would fasten our move is forces are combined together. The CP said he would be extraordinarily elated if schools are opened today. He said his children too are sleeping at home doing nothing. He acceded to our request and promised to join the leadership of the zone in the movement.
The CP condemned the acts of some parents of victims of rape. When case is set to reach s meaningful conclusion, as a result of unnecessary trepidation, they come to withdraw. This is bad and not helping the police. Conclusively, the CP expressed his satisfaction on the leadership of the zone and promised to work harmoniously with Kappo led administration.
More pictures Below.
Signed:
Comrade Kappo Samuel Olawale
Coordinator,
NANS ZONE D SOUTH WEST
08073529590
Comrade Olatunji Nurudeen Solace
PRO,
NANS ZONE D SOUTH WEST
08168113261
Comrade Ilesanmi Ebenezer
Director of media
NANS ZONE D SOUTH WEST
08088457279
Liverpool’s future Premier League title parade after Jürgen Klopp fulfilled his request for a congratulatory WhatsApp message.
The Wycombe Wanderers striker – and huge Reds fan – called for contact from Klopp during an emotional post-match interview in the aftermath of his team’s League One play-off final win over Oxford United at Wembley on Monday night.
The boss duly responded and Akinfenwa posted the video message he received from Merseyside on social media.
On Tuesday, Klopp was asked when he’ll meet up with the forward and whether he had received a reply.
When it’s possible, in the future one day,” the manager said. “I don’t know when exactly but he is invited for the parade, 100 per cent!
“I saw, before the video, when he was sitting in the team meeting in a Liverpool kit which I thought was really funny! I watched the game last night [and] yes, he responded – he sent a video back. It’s private (what he said), at least a few things in life should stay private.
“It was nice, he was obviously really happy.”
Klopp went on to state how happy stories such as that of the 38-year-old Akinfenwa – who was without a club four years ago but can now look forward to his first opportunity to play at Championship level – make him.
He added, “It was just nice to see. Yesterday (Monday) before the game I was, to be 100 per cent honest, neither a Wycombe supporter or an Oxford supporter but Ben Woodburn plays for Oxford, so I was slightly more on the side of Oxford.”
“But I watched the game just because I wanted to see it and then when they won it, it’s just nice, you see how much it means to them. When you are involved, I don’t like the play-offs too much. I was (involved) in my life once or twice and the pressure is really incredible, it’s not a lot to do with enjoyment.
“The bills keep coming so these exhibitions keep popping up all over the place. I already played one in Germany and it’s great for the players to have some sort of income in Germany”
Dustin Brown has highlighted the importance of the financial help provided by safe exhibition tournaments amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The Jamaican-German was recently part of Patrick Mouratoglou’s inaugural Ultimate Tennis Showdown, a unique short-format of the game designed to attract new and younger fan bases.
Tournaments have been cropping up around the world since the suspension of the ATP Tour, some evidently fairing better than others in regards to upholding safety measures. Novak Djokovic, in particular, has been subject to backlash after multiple players tested positive for COVID-19 after competing on the World No 1’s Adria Tour.
Prior to UTS Brown headlined the Tennis Point Exhibition Series held behind closed doors without fans, line judges, ballboys or handshakes in Germany at Base Tennis centre near Koblenz.
“I think for everyone it’s good that we can go out, I think certain countries are still under lockdown,” said Brown. “At the end of the day it’s also a job for us so not playing means you are not earning any money.null
“The bills keep coming though so these exhibitions keep popping up all over the place. I already played one in Germany and it’s great for the players to have some sort of income in Germany.
“A lot of players would have played Bundesliga, that got cancelled, that’s a big amount of money especially for guys that are 200th, 300th (in the world) that use this money year-round to plan for these tournaments and to see if they can take a coach to a Slam and all of that. All of that is gone.”
The ATP and WTA announced in May they would be holding talks with the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and the four Grand Slam tournaments over a Player Relief Programme that would supply financial assistance to lower-ranked players affected by the pandemic.
“It’s essentially like a business,” he added. “A lot of businesses are struggling at this time and this is a great initiative that Patrick has started and all of the players that are here are very happy that they get to play competitively and then at the same time have fun.”
The decision to stage next month’s US Open in New York has drawn widespread criticism in light of the city’s rise in coronavirus cases.
While UTS was able to take place safely, Brown believes the task of hosting the US Open is a completely different challenge.
“It’s a little different from having 10 players to having 300 players so I think that’s the biggest issue,” he said.
“If you have that many people, plus all the guys here are pretty close, for me a flight from Cologne is maybe an hour, getting everyone to a different continent is a different situation
“There it’s not even so much about the site or playing tennis, it’s about getting everyone there and keeping everyone safe. So two different things.”
CDon’t forgot to follow on Twitter @lademark and Facebook @tucsmarcus.
The Gunners put away Norwich City in their latest victory on Wednesday night but the fans at the Emirates Stadium wouldn’t be smug if they asked for more from the club.
It’s been three years since Arsenal had anything worthwhile to celebrate with their fans in London and across the world. They have been far away from qualifying for the Champions League since the 10-2 demolition by Bayern Munich in the 2016/2017 season and also last lifted a major trophy, the English FA cup in that season.
Gone are the days of exciting Champions League nights are at the Emirates. The days of stunning solo runs from Theo Walcott and clinical finishing from Robin Van Persie is now a distant memory and not many people remember how Arsenal made the Champions League final in 2006. More recently, the game against Olympiakos was an all time low and it was difficult to watch Arsenal being sent packing from the Europa League even for neutral fans. Such is how Arsenal has degenerated over the years and it remains to be seen how or when they will return to Europe in the near future. Nothing is settled as of yet as it is still possible for them to make the European places mathematically. The win against Norwich takes them up to seventh on the log but a win for either of Sheffield or their arch rivals, Totenham later today would see them return to eight on the table.
Their weak financial muscles only makes things more complicated for them going into the summer and they will struggle to attract any player in the next transfer window without a trophy to show for or at least a place in Europe’s second division tournament.
Keeping Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang beyond this season also seems like mission impossible as he continues to be linked with the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter Milan. The Gabonese striker may finally make a move if he ends the season without a meaningful achievement to look back on this season despite being the club captain all season. The former Dortmund striker has become the fastest player to hit 50 goals in an Arsenal shirt, in 83 appearances.
For all that it is worth, the club must try hard to keep their starman to get close to winning anything and Arteta should sure know better than let him leave. Arsenal are still in competition for a place for the Europa League and could still win the FA cup if they manage to get the better of Man City who on the strength of their lofty standards will want to forget this season despite most likely finishing second behind Liverpool and have already won the Carabao cup.
There are too many question marks than answers on what the future portends for the Gunners but they can be certain of a bleaker future if they fail to record any serious achievement come the end of July.
The battle for the champions league places in the English top flight looks very exciting at the moment after Chelsea and Leceister City dropped all three points against West Ham and Everton respectively.
Chelsea had opened the scoring at the London stadium from a penalty well taken by Willian after Christian Pulisic was brought down by Issa Diop in the Hammers penalty area. West Ham got back into the game not too long after and just before half time when Bowen’s cross found Slavia Prague loanee Soucek who powered a towering header into the net.
Bowen also supplied another assist to Michail Antonio who tapped in from close range to give the Hammers the lead six minutes into the second half.
Prior to this game, Willian had not scored against West Ham but he doubled his tally on the night with a sweetly struck free kick from 20 yards out to bring Chelsea back into the game.
Unlike the game at Aston Villa, there was no comeback for Chelsea as Andry Yarmalenko’s finished from a late counter attack condemned Chelsea to their first defeat since the return of football.
The last time Chelsea were defeated by a three goal margin was at home to Bayern Munich in the Champions League before the suspension of football and they could not win the much needed points against the Hammers who would be very happy to win all three points in their bid to avoid relegation.
For all that their season is worth, Leicester City will be licking their wounds after they have blown open the race for the top three finish. Jamie Vardy failed to get onto the scores sheet for the fourth match since the Foxes resumed their Premier League campaign.
Once looking destined for the Champions League next season, successive dropping of points have seen their position being open up to a challenge from teams outside the top four at the moment.
Their latest defeat also came on the same night Chelsea lost. Early goals from Richarlisson and Sigurdsson just before the twenty minutes condemned them to defeat despite Kelechi Ihenacho’s 51’st minute strike offered a glimmer of hope for the Foxes.
Manchester United and Wolverhampton will be delighted with the results considering that they picked up all three points against Brighton and Bournemouth while still keeping clean sheets. It all makes for an interesting end to the season with both teams two points away from fourth spot and three from the third spot.
Very few can bet against the Red Devils have they have looked comfortable in victories against Sheffield and Brighton, teams they would struggle to beat some few months ago. Their fixture list does not look bad either and the confidence in the team looks really high at the moment.
Wolves also have a very easy fixture list and will also be challenging quietly as they have been doing for a couple of matches now. All in all, the top four battle is wide open to all four of the teams but only the best teams will rise in the end.
The latest transfer news and rumours, including updates on the futures of Sergio Aguero, Jadon Sancho, Kalidou Koulibaly and much more!
10:00
‘HART TO TOP CELTIC’S GOALKEEPER HIT LIST’
Celtic will start signing talks with former England keeper Joe Hart this week, according to the Daily Record.
The Record say Hart will go to the top of Celtic’s goalkeeper wishlist if a second loan for Southampton’s Fraser Forster can’t be agreed.
Craig Gordon this week confirmed he had played his last game for the Scottish champions.09:33
FOWLER LEAVES BRISBANE ROAR
Robbie Fowler has ended his tenure as head coach of the Brisbane Roar in Australia’s A-League.
The former Liverpool and England striker returned home in March along with his assistant Tony Grant when the league was suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Roar vice-chairman Chris Fong said on Monday that Fowler, 45, does not want to be separated from his family in England at this time and will not be resuming his coaching duties.09:04
FORSTER, ELYOUNOUSSI TO RE-JOIN CELTIC?
Southampton will consider loaning out Fraser Forster for another season when Celtic make their approach this week, according to the Daily Mail.
Celtic will also reportedly look to re-sign Saints’ Mohamed Elyounoussi, who has also been on loan at the Scottish club this season, but any deal could see Olivier Ntcham join Saints.08:39
NO INTER DEAL FOR SANCHEZ, MOSES
InterMilan are yet to agree loan extensions for AlexisSanchez and Victor Moses.
Sanchez, on loan from Man Utd, and Moses, on loan from Chelsea, will see their contracts run out in the coming days, but cannot play for their parent clubs this season.
Inter CEO Giuseppe Marotta told Sky in Italy: “This is a great regulatory anomaly that needs to be resolved because we are still dealing with Chelsea and Manchester United today to try to extend their loans.”08:18
DORTMUND CEO DOUBTS CLUBS CAN AFFORD SANCHO
Borussia Dortmund’s chief executive Hans–Joachmin Watzke admits the club are willing to discuss selling Jadon Sancho, but doubts anyone could match their asking price.
Sancho, just 20, has registered a combined 17 goals and assists this season, and Dortmund reportedly rate him at £100m, with Manchester United among those thought to be interested.
Watzke said: ““If Jadon approaches us and says he wants to leave no matter what – which has not happened so far – and a club wants to spend what we are asking for, we will discuss it.
“But I don’t think a club will pay the fee we want.”07:46
LOVREN AS MAKEWEIGHT IN KOULIBALY DEAL?
Liverpool are edging rivals Manchester City in the race to sign Napoli defender KalidouKoulibaly by offering up Dejan Lovren as part of the deal, according to Tuttosport in Italy.
Napoli are reportedly demanding £90m for Koulibaly, but the newly-crowned Premier League champions are hoping to offer Croatian defender Lovren as a makeweight.
The report says Liverpool are looking to move quick in the transfer market after securing the title.
07:24
SKRINIAR/AGUERO SWAP DEAL?
Inter Milan could attempt to lure SergioAguero away from Manchester City, according to Calciomercato.
Any deal could involve defender Milan Skriniar, with Manchester City reportedly interested in the Inter.
Aguero, 32, has scored 16 Premier League goals this season, and is out of contract next summer.
LETS WATCH AND SEE WHAT IT GOING TO BE LIKE IF AGUERO FINALLY LEAVES CITY
Image:Vince Carter is regarded as one of the greatest dunkers of all time
Vince Carter has announced his retirement from the NBA, bringing an end to a 22-year career, the longest in the league’s history.
He made the announcement on the Winging It podcast, saying: “I’m officially finished playing basketball.”
Carter, 43, was the No 5 overall pick in the 1998 NBA Draft and played his first six-plus seasons with the Toronto Raptors, winning the Rookie of the Year award in 1999 and the NBA Dunk Contest in 2000. He made eight consecutive All-Star teams from 2000-07.
The Hawks were the final stop of Carter’s NBA journey, as he spent the past two seasons as a veteran presence on a young Atlanta team. He also played with the New Jersey Nets (2004-09), Orlando Magic (2009-10), Phoenix Suns (2010-11), Memphis Grizzlies (2014-17) and Sacramento Kings (2017-18).
Carter: Weird way to potentially end careerFollowing the NBA’s decision to suspend their season, Vince Carter reflected on what could potentially be the end of his 22-year professional career.
“Over the last two years, Vince Carter has been a committed leader, respected mentor and influential example on the court, in the locker room and in the Atlanta community,” the Hawks said in a team statement.
“Throughout his historic 22-year journey covering an unprecedented four different decades, his evolving career arc was perhaps like none other in league history – from Top 5 Draft Pick to Rookie of the Year to Slam Dunk Champion to superstar and eight-time All-Star to Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year and valuable role player.
“It’s an honour to the Hawks organisation that he completed his Hall of Fame career wearing Atlanta across his chest and representing our city.
Image:Carter represented eight different teams in the NBA
Carter averaged more than 20 points per game in 10 seasons, with a career-high of 27.6 in 2000-01.
He retires with career averages of 16.7 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game.
The North Carolina product played 60 games for the Hawks in the 2019-20 season, averaging 5.0 points in 14.6 minutes per game.
The Hawks are not among the teams who will finish the coronavirus-interrupted season near Orlando, beginning next month.
He scored five points in his final career game, an overtime loss to the New York Knicks on March 11; the day the season was suspended. Carter’s 22nd season surpassed the 21 played by Robert Parish, Kevin Garnett, Kevin Willis and Dirk Nowitzki.
Former Great Britain and England hockey stars are the guests on new episode of the Will Greenwood Podcast
Kate and Helen Richardson-Walsh – the first-ever same-sex married couple to win Olympic gold – discuss psychology, the mental side of elite sport, injuries, disappointments and more on the road to Rio 20Hockey players for Great Britain and England, the couple racked up nearly 700 international caps between them from 1999 to 2016, and chatted to Sky Sports Rugby as guests on the latest Will Greenwood Podcast.
Having married in 2013, the Richardson-Walshs welcomed their first child in January, and among more topics, spoke extensively on playing sport at the highest level, the physical toll, coping with injury and failure, as well as the mental side of competing at the very top.
Kate and Helen proudly show their gold medals during the Olympic Parade in Manchester in October 2016
As GB captain between 2003 and 2016, what were some of the coping mechanisms Kate employed in her career?null
“We did a lot of work with our psychologist, particularly the last seven years,” she said. “On that preparation, mental, physical, emotional. It was really transformative actually.null
“I struggled with it for years, trying to get to that sweet spot where you feel everything can just flow and you’re not having to try too hard or force anything.
“I would either be too amped up, too angry, aggro, feisty, or I’d be the other side – really laid back, very casual, and a bit slow and reactive.
“It took me a long time to find my rhythm. We talk with our psychologist about all the things you can do, and some of it is physical in terms of things to prepare, and others mental.
“It didn’t change whether we were playing an Olympic final or against a club first team, the preparation needed to be the same.
“So for me, I would make sure I got my kit out the night before, which sometimes is not possible if you’ve been playing back-to-back games, but I’d get as much as I could ready, all folded and ready to go so I wouldn’t be faffing around the next day trying to scrabble around finding things, because that would make me anxious and nervous.
“The night before the game, I’d also do a lot of my thinking in terms of who I’d be playing against.
“The opposition, their tactics, our tactics, what will I see facing me? As a defender, I’ve got the whole game in front of me, how are players going to run at me? What skill-sets have they got? Where are the likely passing channels and gaps? Which players will link up most?
“I just go to sleep thinking and dreaming about those things. The next day when it’s game day, I just feel ready and I can get into the routine of the day, the meetings, set-piece briefings, checking in with players.
“Bill Belichick, the NFL coach, said about taking the temperature in the room, and I loved that. As I progressed in my captaincy, that was something I became able to do, because my own preparation became second nature.
Then with my leadership group, I’d ask ‘how is everybody? Where are we? What do we need to do?’ Or not do to get ourselves in that right space.
“But it took me a long time to really grasp how much players were feeding off me as a captain, and how important it was that I was aware of that, because it was affecting them. To be honest, it was affecting me and my performance as well, so I needed to think about it in both ways.”
Highs and lows
Having represented Britain at the highest level since the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, the 2016 Olympic Games finally allowed the Richardson-Walshs to pick up gold.
What was that moment like?
“I was 18 in Sydney, Kate was 20 – we were really young when we first got into the team and went to an Olympic Games,” Helen says.
“It was a long hard road, with so many downs, challenges. Yes, there were amazing positives and highs along the way, but there were lots of downs.
“In that moment and being able to share it with Kate was incredible, and not something a lot of people get to do. And it has then helped us moving away from the sport, because we just get each other, we understand.
“It’s hard to stop doing the thing you’ve done all your life, and you know, I would carry on playing forever if I could, if my body allowed me too, but it doesn’t, you have to stop.
“So on the occasion where one of us wakes up in the morning and says, ‘I feel rubbish today and I don’t know why’, the other one will just be like, ‘well that’s OK, I get it’, and that’s really nice to be able to have that and not have to explain yourself.
“I think that’s really precious.”
Precious in life, but precious in a sporting context too. The last married couple to achieve Olympic gold medals? Cyril and Dorothy Wright for GB at the 1920 Olympics in sailing.
Over the course of careers which spanned nearly two decades, what were some of those lowest points for the Richardson-Walshs which occurred before the ultimate high of Olympic gold?
“Where do you want us to start?” Kate says. “I think the first one which was pretty formative to me was 2004, when we failed to qualify for the Athens Olympic Games.
“We had an opportunity to qualify and we’d missed that, and then this was our last chance to qualify: There were 12 teams, the top five qualified and we were the top-ranked team at the time, so should have been fine.
“But we weren’t in a good place and that ranking wasn’t really where we were as a group. It slowly went away – we were winning 2-0 in our first game and drew 2-2; each game just got further and further away from us, and it came down to a game against South Korea which we needed to win in order to get an opportunity to play for that fifth spot.
“We lost that game 2-0 and I still get very emotional about it now because I can absolutely put myself in that moment at the final whistle when it went, and being on that field with players 10 years my senior who probably knew at that point it was the last time they were going to pull on that shirt.
“I was a young captain at 23, and to have to help some of those players off the field was so incredibly powerful and it ignited something in me which powered me for the rest of my career. I never, ever wanted to let that happen again.
“The aftermath was almost worse. We lost 70 per cent of our funding as a sport, what little we had anyway.
“It was really hard-going for a few years and that was powerful for me.”
Helen adds: “I think my hardest moment was in 2014, not long before Rio really. In 2013, one of the discs in my back ruptured and I needed surgery.
“I had surgery, got back onto the pitch but 11 months later the same thing happened again, so in 2014 I needed more back surgery, which is really a frightening place to be.
“When you’re having surgery on your back, the fear there of what can go wrong is very real.
“That surgery was very close to a World Cup, and I’d tried to get back for it, with the target being selection nine weeks after back surgery – which when I say out loud now is crazy, but I tried to get back for that World Cup.
“I didn’t make it, didn’t get selected and I missed out. I felt like I was in a place where I could have been selected, but I didn’t and so for the first time, I got dropped from a squad I felt I should have been in, and that was really hard because it challenged everything about me.
“My ego was probably the hardest hit in that moment. I also felt like that was the end, because there was a new coach in place, my body was clearly struggling, I didn’t know if I was going to get back from this second surgery, and I thought that was the end of my career.
“That was definitely my lowest moment and I really struggled with my mental health, and for both of us, 2014 was a year that was pretty awful.”But we got through and it kept driving us. More learnings took place and helped without doubt to get us to Rio.”
Amron Sands is an 11-0 undefeated heavyweight prospect from the Bahamas who Deontay Wilder used as a sparring partner before facing Tyson Fury.
How did sparring go with Wilder?
Amron Sands: In the first round I was nervous to be in the ring with Wilder, a hard hitter. It was overwhelming to be in there with the WBC champion of the world. For me, it was a learning experience.
They wanted me to move. I can move, I am a mover, which is why they brought me in. I have good head movement, good feints. They liked my work with him.
He caught me with his right hand. He is a strong person.
Wilder lost to Fury…
Amron Sands: Everybody knows Wilder has problems with guys who move. He is used to throwing his one punch and knocking guys out.null
But to face Fury, a 6ft 9in guy who can move? That is a problem for him.
Did you sense Wilder’s struggles with ‘guys who move’ in sparring?
Amron Sands: Yes. If they decide to do a trilogy fight and Wilder doesn’t change, Fury will win again. He struggles with movement and that’s what Fury does.
You have won all 11 fights in a three-year pro career. Describe your style…
Amron Sands: I put my combinations together. I don’t like the one-punch style. What happens if your one punch doesn’t get him? You miss your opportunity.
I am an offensive person. I have no problem going forward. I am a fighter that likes to put my foot on the gas – go, go, go.
My coach is stronger on the defensive side because he used to play professional football. He was in charge of the defensive line. He is better on defence and that was the weakest part of my game.
How did you discover boxing in the Bahamas?
Amron Sands: My mother is an American citizen and she sent me to college in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on a basketball scholarship. It went very well. I was supposed to go to Oklahoma State University on a scholarship but I tore my ACL and MCL.
It turned me away from basketball because my vertical jump wasn’t as high any more. I wasn’t as fast anymore.
Then I went home but had a motorcycle accident.
My basketball coach told me to try boxing. I said: ‘Me? Boxing?’.
I started training just for fitness but learned some stuff, enjoyed it, and liked the rush that it gave me.
I did my first amateur tournament and, by my second, was fighting without headgear in Ecuador, Panama, Venezuela against some top guys. I trained with Cuba’s Olympic team.
I gained a lot of experience in a short amount of time.
You must have known you were a tough guy…
Amron Sands: No! I wasn’t aware!
I didn’t choose boxing. Boxing chose me. I never pictured myself in a boxing ring, never in a million years.
But I tried it and was good. My first amateur fight was at 18. I would study then ask my coach how to do things.
I became light on my feet. I would always practise things over and over and over. That’s what got me ahead.
If you survived sparring with Wilder you must have a strong chin…
Amron Sands: In my fourth fight I fought a guy who was 40lbs heavier. He wasn’t accurate but he connected! I heard the 10-second bell and relaxed but he hit me.
I wobbled but didn’t drop. I smiled and said: ‘You almost got me!’
I’ve had my chin tested in the amateurs and pros. I have a really strong chin.
Dubois would have a problem with my movement because he is flat-footed
Amron Sands
Are you watching the British heavyweight scene?
Amron Sands: The British boys have all the belts, so of course.
I keep an eye on Daniel Dubois, Dillian Whyte and Anthony Joshua.
I know me and Dubois will fight one day in the future. I heard of him last year – he’s young and explosive.
But he would have a problem with my movement because he is flat-footed.
their first English title in 30 years potentially just 90 minutes away. But City dominated the ball early on and looked likely to make the Reds wait go on when Chelsea stopper Kepa Arrizabalaga nearly handed the visitors a goal, miscuing a pass out and having to stop Bernardo Silva from capitalising.
Kepa impressed moments later though, tipping Fernandinho’s header from a set-piece over the bar and Chelsea began to get a foothold, with Ross Barkley seeing one shot blocked and another cleared two yards out by Fernandinho before Andreas Christensen drew a smart stop from Ederson with a header from the resulting corner.
Those chances had come against the run of play and Chelsea took the lead on 36 minutes with a stunning counter-attack.null
After a cleared Man City free-kick, Mendy and Gundogan’s miscommunication allowed Pulisic to pick up the ball just inside his own half and charge forwards, where, after skipping past Mendy’s recovery challenge, the American expertly slotted in from the edge of the penalty area.
Both Chelsea and Liverpool supporters will have celebrated that one but just 10 minutes after the break De Bruyne hauled City back on level terms with a sensational free-kick, looping his shot into the top corner from 30 yards out.
Image:Ederson was beaten by Christian Pulisic’s fine finish
Raheem Sterling then almost completed the turn around when he chipped over Kepa and onto the post from a fast City break before Mason Mount blew a great chance to put Chelsea back in front, skewing wide on 62 minutes.
Sterling again went close, bending a shot just beyond the far post after Antonio Rudiger had survived a VAR check on his painful – but legal – collision with De Bruyne from a clearance.
However, despite City being in full flow, Chelsea remained dangerous on the break and Kyle Walker pulled off an incredible sliding goalline clearance to deny Pulisic a second on 72 minutes when Chelsea and Liverpool supporters were just about to celebrate.
Image:Ilkay Gundogan closes down Ross Barkley
That Chelsea threat eventually proved too much when Fernandinho resorted to pushing away a Tammy Abraham shot with his arm on the City goalline, after Ederson had twice denied the England man. After a VAR check, the City defender was shown a red card and Willian blasted emphatically into the top corner.
It was a big moment for the Brazilian, who could leave the Blues this summer, and helped Chelsea boost their Champions League qualifying hopes. But it was a far bigger moment for Liverpool supporters who celebrated outside Anfield.
After hearing the full-time whistle at Stamford Bridge, Liverpool’s players celebrated together as they claimed the club’s first-ever Premier League title
Liverpool have enjoyed a stunning season that has seen them beaten just once in the league so far – a shock 3-0 loss at struggling Watford in February – to open up an unassailable 23-point lead over Pep Guardiola’s side in second.
Their unstoppable march towards the league title was temporarily halted by the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic back in March, with the Reds just two wins from glory.
Liverpool player stats – Premier League 2019/20
Most goals Mo Salah 17. Most apps Trent Alexander-Arnold 31 Most assists Trent Alexander-Arnold 12 Most shots Mo Salah 103. Most passesVirgil van Dijk 2,702. Most tackles Jordan Henderson 50
And though Merseyside rivals Everton held them to a goalless draw following the resumption of the Premier League this month, they did not have much longer to wait to rubberstamp their 2019/20 triumph.
Liverpool, who have followed up last season’s Champions League title with Premier League silverware, now stand just one behind Manchester United’s record-breaking haul of 20 top-flight titles.
Klopp’s side still have plenty to play for between now and the end of the campaign as they go in search of a whole host of records to break, including the most ever wins and points in a Premier League season, as well as the record number of points in an English league campaign.
The title race continues to heat up in Spanish top flight as Barcelona narrowly defeated Athletic Club 1-0 and Real Madrid claiming all three points at home against Mallorca.
1) Barcelona needs to overhaul their midfield and defence ahead of next season It has been a long time coming but it is more than obvious at the moment that Barcelona are in dire need of a squad overhaul if they are to sustain their domestic dominance, talk more of rising to the pinnacle of football once again. The midfield which has been the heartbeat of the club in the past cannot even be compared to a shadow of its former self.
Before his injury woes, we have seen enough of De Jong to be convinced that he is not Iniesta and Arthur is no Xavi.
In defence, Gerard Pique is not the same player and Lenglet is not Carles Puyol despite keeping four consecutive clean sheets since the return of the La Liga.
Barcelona need genuine quality again and must spend in the summer to avoid a catastrophe from happening soon.
2) The Barcelona attack is not any better
Barcelona also have a lot to think about in attack. On paper, they have a very solid attack that should dominate the Spanish top flight but football barely thrives on paper these days. Messi continues to carry the weight of the team on his shoulders and he is showing signs that age is getting the better of him. Suarez has also been on the wane for a while and Barcelona needs serious competition for places in his position if they are to take the bulk of the goalscoring responsibilities off Messi’s shoulders. The presence of a firing centre foward would have made a profound difference in the fortunes of the Catalans.
The Blaugrana’s reliance on Ansu Fati is also a testament to the the growing need for reinforcements in attack even if the teenager has performed incredibly anytime he has been called upon. Griezmann is not the same player. These days it’s difficult to understand if he fitting into Barcelona is the problem or the inability of the team to conform to his style of player on the pitch. Many would argue that it should ideally be the former but then Barcelona may have to make a decision over his future soon. Dembele has spent more time on the treatment table than he has on the pitch in his Barcelona career and it’s highly unlikely that he will have any impact on the title race.
3) Vinicius is on fire. When big hitters like Bale and Hazard are expected to lead the title charge for the Los Blancos, it is Vinicius Jr that has been making the headlines for the Capital City side. For the second game in a row, he has got the man of the match award and got on the scorers sheet twice. He probably wouldn’t have picked his form at a better time. Seeing Hazard brought off while he remained on the pitch for 90 minutes was the highlight of it all.
4) Vamos Ramos Ramos always makes the headlines for the right and wrong reasons and this season has proven to be his most productive career yet. His delightful free kick on the night is evidence that he’s not just a gritty defender but also a fine footballer. He is one of the best defenders in the world if not the best at the moment.
5) Title Race may drag into the final day.
This season looks like one of those seasons in which the contenders have to wait until the final day to decide who claims the crown. Like Athleti and Barcelona in 2014 and Real Madrid versus Barcelona in 2016, the battle is primed to drag until the last minute of the season. You cannot look away from the possibility of this happening because both teams are level on point with only head to head statistics being the difference between both teams.
The title race is a very interesting one this season and it promises to get better in the coming fixtures. Barcelona have to be on their toes and must win games in their next matches against Celta Vigo, Athletico Madrid, Villarreal and Espanyol. Madrid on the other hand have to ensure they do not slip up against Espanyol, Getafe, Athletic Club and Alaves.
Luiz signs one-year contract extension; Mari and Cedric make loan moves permanent; Dani Ceballos extends loan from Real Madrid until end of season
David Luiz has signed a one-year contract extension
David Luiz has signed a new one-year contract at Arsenal, while Pablo Mari and Cedric Soares have made their loan moves permanent from Flamengo and Southampton respectively.
Dani Ceballos has also extended his loan from Real Madrid until the end of the season.
Luiz was due to be out of contract at the end of June and Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta had urged the club to extend his deal.
The Brazilian will remain at the Emirates Stadium for at least another year, with Mari formally completing his move from Flamengo on a “long-term deal” when the transfer window reopens and Soares also making his loan switch from Southampton permanent.
Arsenal technical director Edu said: “I am really happy that we will have these players in our squad for the future. They have been part of the long-term technical plan Mikel and I have developed. They bring the right balance to our squad.
“David is a really important player for us. He has played most of our matches this season and has been important for the team. His passing, his communication with the team on and off the pitch. He helps everyone.
Cedric Soares also makes a permanent switch to Arsenal
“Cedric is also going to be an important player. He has been unlucky with the injuries but he is close to being ready and gives us more strength in the right-back position.
“We’re also pleased Dani will finish the season here. He is making a good contribution and we look forward to him having a strong finish to the season.”
Arsenal sit 10th in the Premier League table after back-to-back defeats following the season’s resumption. They face Southampton on Thursday,
Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a viral respiratory illness caused by a coronavirus called SARS-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV). SARS was first reported in Asia in February 2003. The illness spread to more than two dozen countries in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia before the SARS global outbreak of 2003 was contained (4). Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) is a viral respiratory disease caused by a novel coronavirus (Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus, or MERS‐CoV) that was first identified in Saudi Arabia in 2012 (5). MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV have been known to frequently cause severe symptoms. MERS symptoms usually include fever, cough, and shortness of breath which often progress to pneumonia. About 3 or 4 out of every 10 patients reported with MERS have died. MERS cases continue to occur, primarily in the Arabian Peninsula. SARS symptoms often included fever, chills, and body aches which usually progressed to pneumonia. No human cases of SARS have been reported anywhere in the world since 2004 (6).
(SARS) Severe acute respiratory syndrome(MERS) Middle East respiratory syndrome
Coronavirus – Background and Symptoms
Signs and Symptoms of Coronaviruses – General Overview
Common human coronaviruses usually cause mild to moderate upper-respiratory tract illnesses, like the common cold. Most people get infected with these viruses at some point in their lives. These illnesses usually only last for a short amount of time. Symptoms may include:
Runny nose
Headache
Cough
Sore throat
Fever
General feeling of being unwell
Repeated shaking with chills
Muscle pain
New loss of taste or smell
Human coronaviruses can sometimes cause lower-respiratory tract illnesses, such as pneumonia or bronchitis. This is more common in people with cardiopulmonary disease, people with weakened immune systems, infants, and older
Signs and Symptoms of the Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV)
Source: WHO
Based on what was seen with other coronaviruses, it is believed that symptoms of 2019-nCoV may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 after exposure.
Emergency Warning Signs:
According to the CDC, seek medical attention immediately if you have any of these emergency warning signs8 *:
Trouble breathing
Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
New confusion or inability to arouse
Bluish lips or face
* This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.
CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). (2020). SARS | Home | Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome | SARS-CoV Disease | CDC. [online] Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/sars/index.html [Accessed 29 Jan. 2020].
WHO (World Health Organization). (2020). Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). [online] Available at: https://www.who.int/emergencies/mers-cov/en/ [Accessed 29 Jan. 2020].
CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). (2020). Coronavirus | About | Symptoms and Diagnosis | CDC. [online] Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/about/symptoms.html [Accessed 29 Jan. 2020].
CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). (2020). Coronavirus | About | Symptoms and Diagnosis | CDC. [online] Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/about/symptoms.html [Accessed 29 Jan. 2020].
CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). (2020). Symptoms of Coronavirus
Ukrainian Olympians have battled side-by-side for a decade but are ‘definitely different personalities’
There have always been signs that Oleksandr Gvozdyk might make a shock decision, in stark contrast to Oleksandr Usyk, according to the promoter who knows both Ukrainians best.
Ukraine’s stunning Olympic 2012 team included Vasiliy Lomachenko, Usyk and Gvozdyk – all three became professional world champions but the latter has called time on his career surprisingly early.
Does that raise new questions about Usyk and Lomachenko, who are the same age and similarly long in the tooth?
But there were five medallists at that Games – Denys Berinchyk won silver, Gvozdyk and Taras Shelestyuk took bronze. It was then Lomachenko who burst into the pro game at a million miles per hour, becoming the fastest-ever three-weight world champion, inside 12 fights.null
Usyk, just as formidably, became undisputed cruiserweight champion and inaugural World Boxing Super Series winner and is now the WBO mandatory challenger to Anthony Joshua.
But under the radar, Gvozdyk forged a brutal career and became an undefeated light-heavyweight world champion before retiring aged 33 – after his first defeat – earlier this month.
His knockout defeat against Artur Beterbiev in their unification clash was just the second loss in 81 combined fights for Ukraine’s five Olympic medallists from 2012 (Lomachenko lost his second pro bout).
Usyk, Lomachenko and Gvozdyk lost just 46 out of a combined 956 amateur bouts.
They have been a wonderfully successful group that are now splintered by Gvozdyk’s retirement.
“Gvozdyk and Usyk are definitely different personalities,” promoter Alexander Krassyuk told Sky Sports.
“Both are great gentlemen and prominent athletes.
“All people know Gvozdyk as an extremely intelligent man with high-profile analytical skills.
“I had a chance to negotiate the promotional deal with both. Usyk used to make decisions collecting opinions from the advisors around him. Gvozdyk made an impression of a man who takes the final decision himself.
“His manager Egis Klimas told me that Gvozdyk took the decision to switch to commercial activities (private business). I never heard more details.
“Usyk has no plans for retirement at this stage. As long as he stays victorious he will look for higher results.
“Everyone has to finish his career sooner or later. But Usyk wants to make history becoming the only man to be undisputed in two weight divisions
A forgotten chapter of Fury’s career began quietly in Canada with Emanuel Steward in his corner for the only time, and ended back home amid interrogations about his chin
“I know I introduced him to the canvas,” grins the first man to knock Tyson Fury down, the man who started a chorus of questions about whether the future world heavyweight champion could take a smack.
It was a fight that the young and cocksure Fury chose for himself, an opponent that he chased to Canada and back over a barbaric year, a grudge match he did ultimately win but also one which raised troubling concerns.
The big lesson for the first man to knock Tyson Fury down? “He has a will to come back up”. He is no stranger to a mid-fight crisis, Fury, despite his 31 undefeated fights but at the time, with the giant heavyweight on the seat of his pants in his hometown, eyes were rolled.
The big lesson for the first man to knock Tyson Fury down? “He has a will to come back up”. He is no stranger to a mid-fight crisis, Fury, despite his 31 undefeated fights but at the time, with the giant heavyweight on the seat of his pants in his hometown, eyes were rolled.
Neven Pajkic was the challenger to Fury’s Commonwealth title in 2011 but, more interestingly, he was an early indicator of the engaging and attractive rivalries that the British heavyweight could drum up.null
“He has an ugly face,” Pajkic said at the press conference.
Fury replied: “I like his hair-cut but when will he get it finished?”
Notably the 22-year-old Fury said: “If Pajkic gives me a hard fight I will retire because if I can’t handle him, I’ll never unify the division.”
In the second round of their fight in Manchester, Fury was floored for the first time as a professional. Pajkic knocked him down with an overhand right and Fury’s hometown crowd gasped. The hellacious round ended with Fury absorbing another massive punch and desperately clinging on.
“I only cracked him with 30 percent,” Pajkic exclusively tells Sky Sports nine years later. “I didn’t expect him to go down. I practised the right hand, left hook. To my surprise, he fell after the first punch.
“I hoped he would be groggy with the right hand then I would finish him off with the left hook. The right hand was supposed to be a set-up. I wish he hadn’t gone down because the left hook was coming and would have put him out.”
Pajkic won just five of his 18 fights by knockout but had seen Fury caught with a hurtful punch in his previous fight, just two months prior.
“Fury fought a guy I had beaten, Nicolai Firtha. A tough guy,” Pajkic said. “That fight told me everything I needed to know. Guys who study their opponents? I get it. But it’s a dog-fight, that’s it. I did what I always did – head down, move forwards, swing.”
Pajkic knew Fury had been hurt before.
“With the same punch that I dropped him with. I knew that. And I practised that punch.”
Tellingly Fury weathered the storm and charged right back into the danger zone – in the very next round he floored Pajkic twice and brought up a 17th undefeated fight.
“I gave myself a scare,” he admitted afterwards.
“He overcame adversity on that night and showed his championship mentality,” Pajkic told Sky Sports.
The same spirit would allow Fury to defy logic by climbing off the canvas against Deontay Wilder in the 12th round of their first WBC title fight eight years later.
Two years after Pajkic, Fury was on the canvas again so a worrying pattern was threatening to emerge. Steve Cunningham, a former cruiserweight and a far smaller man who had knocked out less than half of his opponents, did the damage in 2013.
“Any man can go down,” Pajkic said when asked if he exploited a future weakness in Fury.
“The performance was good; we did well defensively. We didn’t concede opportunities, we were focused. We had a big chance to win but against a strong team we showed good character and personality.”21:41
CAHILL: REDS PLAYED INTO EVERTON HANDS
“If Liverpool were at full strength it would have been different. Today they played into Ancelotti’s hands – everything was in front. Minamino, Mane were coming into the same position. Klopp fixed it in the second half but Coleman’s defending was fantastic.”
21:39
KLOPP ON ‘PHYSICALLY INTENSE’ DERBY
Here’s the full interview with the Liverpool boss…
21:30
MORE FROM KLOPP
He was pretty satisfied with what he saw – but he’s wary of the threat Crystal Palace up next could pose…
“Of course we want to make more chances; we have to more clear in situations – pass the ball, shoot in the right moment, more crosses. The second half we started to do that better but Everton defended really well; they tried to take care of Sadio and Trent and we were not smart enough to use the space for somebody else. That’s normal when you begin to play again but a lot of things very good. Physically I liked it.
“You saw the derbies we had here before – they were never really better, I have to say! Each team is fighting like crazy so in the end there is not a lot of football. There is space for improvement for us here at Goodison; I like football when it’s slightly different but that’s how it is; we had a proper fight, it was intense and we were ready for that.
“Now I know we are ready because you don’t know 100 per cent if we did enough (during the break), but we can involve fresh legs on Wednesday. So far, so good but I saw Crystal Palace yesterday and they looked like a well-oiled machine. It will be tough.”
21:28
CARRA: LIVERPOOL NEED TO STRENGTHEN
“The front three are as good as anyone in Europe but whenever one of them is out, there is a massive drop off. When Liverpool dropped points at Manchester United, Salah wasn’t playing. That’s why Liverpool need to strengthen the front three. Divock Origi is a legend for Liverpool as he’s scored big goals at big moments but doesn’t have quite the quality. Is Minamino part of the front three? Not for me. The front three are very robust and don’t miss many games but if Liverpool were to lose one of them, especially the two wide players, for a lengthy amount of time they could have a real problem next season.”
21:22
“We had a few chances but it wasn’t our day.”
21:18
KLOPP’S REACTION
“It was a real fight. Both teams showed that they understand it’s a derby – even without a crowd. It was intense, physical, all-in.
“The players were really in the game, so that’s good. I really liked our defending.; the high press, midfield press, counter-press good. We won a lot of balls.
“We didn’t have a lot of chances; most of the time we were dominant but they had the biggest chance – that’s how it is. It came out of the blue. We were lucky in that moment but apart from that, we were in control.”
21:11
FREE MATCH HIGHLIGHTS: EVERTON 0-0 LIVERPOOL
MAN OF THE MATCH
Man of the Match, @Everton‘s Seamus Coleman 52 touches 8 x possession won* 4 tackles* 3 clearances 2 interceptions 18 duels (* = most in match)
“The USTA expects to gather player feedback on their perspective and work with with the ITF to finalise an approach to the 2020 US Open wheelchair competition”
The US Open organisers have promised to look at ways the wheelchair competitions can take place this year, following criticism about how their initial removal from the schedules was handled.
The International Paralympic Committee was also critical of the decision, with president Andrew Parsons saying the USTA should not be using the coronavirus pandemic as “an excuse to discriminate against a group of players”.null
A USTA statement said: “[On Friday] the USTA, in conjunction with ITF wheelchair tennis leadership, conducted a very productive call with the wheelchair athletes who traditionally compete in the US Open wheelchair competition.null
“The USTA acknowledged that the association should have communicated directly and worked in a collaborative manner with the wheelchair athletes when developing the plan for the 2020 US Open, as it had done with both the ATP and WTA.
“The USTA also committed to working with the players and the ITF to explore a number of potential scenarios for the wheelchair competition to determine the best approach moving forward for the athletes and the competition.
“The USTA expects to gather player feedback on their perspective and work with with the ITF to finalise an approach to the 2020 US Open wheelchair competition.”
The new statement from the USTA was received positively by Reid, who said on Friday night: “Positive discussions with @usopen today. They’re looking to make it right with the help of the players.”
The WBC is in the process of contacting every champion”
Tyson Fury will be contacted by the WBC to discuss his “status” as their heavyweight champion, leaving the door open to becoming ‘franchise’ title holder.
Fury will next meet Deontay Wilder in a third WBC title fight, but is mandated to defend his belt against Dillian Whyte before February 2021, and has also agreed financial terms to face IBF, WBA and WBO champion Anthony Joshua.
Top Rank boss Bob Arum, who is Fury’s US-based promoter, suggested the fighter could be upgraded to ‘franchise’ champion to skip his mandatory obligation to face Whyte and dive straight into an undisputed title clash with Joshua.
WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman, when asked about Fury, told Sky Sports: “We are addressing every weight category separately. The WBC is in the process of contacting every champion to assess their current status and plans.
“The WBC will be looking into each category and will review each case and rule taking into consideration the variables that have to do with each case.
The WBC upgraded Vasiliy Lomachenko and Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez to ‘franchise’ champions meaning they are not obliged to fight mandatory contenders.
In the case of Lomachenko, he holds the WBA, WBC ‘franchise’ and WBO lightweight titles and will fight IBF champion Teofimo Lopez next. When he was given the ‘franchise’ status, Devin Haney was upgraded from interim champion to full title-holder and Luke Campbell was ordered to fight for the interim belt.
Fury believes Wilder is still the most dangerous fighter in the heavyweight division
Arum previously told Sky Sports that Fury should not be forced into facing Whyte by February 2021: “These organisations will be cognizant that the mandatories must be pushed into the future because fighters, for at least three months, had no ability to fight. Then after those three months, the fights will be without spectators.
“We will be talking to the organisations to eliminate mandatories, or to postpone them all for at least one year.
“I am sick and tired of being forced, with my marquee fighters, to fight meaningless fights against mandatories that mean nothing.”
Whyte’s promoter Eddie Hearn said: “We’d much rather that this was not for a ‘franchise’ belt, this was for a WBC world title, and we want Dillian Whyte to get his shot at the world title.
Source: WHO
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