Trevor Steven: Fixture pile-up means Manchester City MUST beat Arsenal in title showdown April 17, 2023 At this stage in a delicately poised Premier League title race you are looking for little signs of where the trophy might be heading, and in the last week Arsenal and Manchester City have provided some. On Sunday at West Ham, leaders Arsenal put themselves firmly in control with two early goals, only to let [...]
What is wrong with track and field? Why athletics could go extinct April 17, 2023 What is wrong with athletics? On the surface it doesn’t seem to be a question many are asking but within track and field it’s at the forefront of minds. Despite the quality of athletes remaining at historically high levels, the need and desire from fans to see them appears to be dwindling. Poor attendances at [...]
Grand National protests: More than 60 animal rights activists in custody April 17, 2023 More than 60 animal rights activists are in custody after a large number of protesters attempted to gain entry to the Aintree Racecourse track, delaying the start of the Grand National, Merseyside Police said. Officers arrested 118 people on Saturday after scores of activists climbed fences, with at least two fixing themselves to a jump [...]
Leeds, Chelsea, Crystal Palace: Why have so many clubs chosen short-term managers? April 17, 2023 When Javi Gracia made a surprise return to the Premier League in February he signed a contract with Leeds United which the club described as “flexible”. In reality, it meant a short-term deal guaranteed only until the end of the season, when it could be extended if all parties agreed. Since then, five more clubs [...]
Manchester United go third with win over Nottingham Forest in Premier League April 16, 2023 Manchester United continued their push for Champions League qualification with a 2-0 victory over strugglers Nottingham Forest in the Premier League at the City Ground. The result puts Erik ten Hag’s side third, six points clear of Tottenham Hotspur in fifth and three ahead of Newcastle United in fourth. Forest remain in the Premier League [...]
Surrey stay unbeaten and Middlesex winless in County Championship April 16, 2023 Defending County Championship winners Surrey showed their title rivals what they could do after a blistering afternoon at the Oval saw Ollie Pope lead the side in a successful chase of nearly 250 against Hampshire. Pope followed up his first innings 91 with 122 in his second knock while Dom Sibley added 79 and captain [...]
Harlequins face crunch games in bid to make Premiership top four April 16, 2023 Harlequins are facing a pair of crunch games in the next three weeks if they are to make the Premiership top four and stay in the fight for a third top-flight title. After defending champions Leicester Tigers crushed Exeter Chiefs 62-19 yesterday in a match Chris Ashton that saw notch up his 99th, 100th and [...]
British Horseracing Authority: Grand National protestors ‘reckless’ April 16, 2023 The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has “robustly condemned the reckless and potentially harmful actions” of the protestors who disrupted the Grand National. Shortly before the major jump race at Aintree on Saturday, won by favourite Corach Rambler, a number of activists invaded the track and attempted to glue themselves to fences. Over 110 protesters, many [...]
Mikel Arteta highlights Arsenal frailty after they surrender two-goal lead again April 16, 2023 Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta accused his team of lacking killer instinct after their Premier League title hopes suffered a major setback at West Ham United today. The Gunners scored twice inside the opening 10 minutes before blowing a two-goal lead and drawing 2-2 for the second match in succession – even missing a penalty for [...]
Fines over Russia tennis player bans factor in LTA loss April 16, 2023 The fines imposed on the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) due to their banning of players from Russia and Belarus in 2022 have contributed to the organisation’s financial loss. Last year the LTA implemented the ban which meant players from the two countries were unable to play in pre-Wimbledon grass-court tournaments. Wimbledon’s All England Lawn Tennis [...]