Mikel Arteta expressed optimism following Arsenal’s hard-fought 1-0 victory over Fulham, marking their first win at Craven Cottage in three attempts. Leandro Trossard’s decisive 58th-minute strike secured the Gunners’ fifth consecutive win across all competitions, solidifying their position at the top of the Premier League table. Arsenal now hold a three-point lead over second-placed Manchester City, with reigning champions Liverpool trailing by four points ahead of their clash with Manchester United. This victory is particularly significant for Arsenal, who struggled in similar fixtures last season, managing just one point from away games against Newcastle and Fulham, as well as a home match against West Ham. This season, however, they have already amassed nine points from these encounters, signaling a marked improvement. Arteta emphasized the importance of these wins as a statement of intent for a team that has finished as runners-up in the last three seasons and is determined to clinch their first league title since 2004. ‘The recent history wasn’t in our favour, and we wanted to change that,’ Arteta remarked. ‘This is another step towards developing the mindset and ability to win these challenging matches against strong opposition.’ The match was not without controversy, as Bukayo Saka appeared to have earned a penalty after being fouled by Fulham’s Kevin. However, VAR overturned the decision, ruling that Kevin had touched the ball first. Arteta, visibly frustrated on the sidelines, later acknowledged the correct decision but criticized the delay in the VAR process. The only concern for Arsenal was the continued goal drought of Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres, who has failed to score in seven consecutive games since his high-profile transfer from Sporting Lisbon. Despite his struggles, Arteta remains supportive, praising Gyokeres’ work rate and expressing confidence that the goals will come. ‘He was very close again today. We all want him to score, and it will happen,’ Arteta assured.
分类： sports
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City boss Guardiola warns against overdependence on Haaland
Despite Erling Haaland’s stellar performance, scoring a brace in Manchester City’s 2-0 Premier League victory over Everton, manager Pep Guardiola emphasized the need for the team to reduce its reliance on the Norwegian striker. Haaland, 25, has been in exceptional form this season, netting 23 goals for both club and country. However, the rest of the squad has struggled to contribute, with no other player scoring more than once in the league. Guardiola highlighted missed opportunities by Savinho, Jeremy Doku, and Tijjani Reijnders, stressing that such chances must be capitalized on at the highest level. ‘We cannot rely solely on Haaland. Wingers and attacking midfielders must step up and score goals,’ Guardiola stated. Defender Ruben Dias echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of collective contribution. Guardiola praised the team’s improved delivery to Haaland in the second half, acknowledging his pivotal role. Haaland leads the league with 11 goals in eight games, a feat only he has achieved three times in Premier League history. Midfielder Phil Foden lauded Haaland as a ‘world-class striker,’ always present at crucial moments. After a disappointing third-place finish last season, City is now unbeaten in eight games across all competitions, with Haaland’s form reigniting their title aspirations. ‘Erling lives for it,’ Guardiola remarked, highlighting his importance to the team’s success.
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South African rowers of color become first to compete at Charles, part of larger trend toward access
In a groundbreaking moment for diversity in elite sports, four South African rowers are set to make history at the prestigious Head of the Charles Regatta in Boston this weekend. Representing the first crew of color from South Africa to compete internationally, their participation underscores a global effort to dismantle barriers in a sport historically dominated by white athletes. Originating from British colonial traditions, competitive rowing has long excluded marginalized communities, but recent initiatives aim to reshape its future. This year’s regatta also features other historic firsts, including the first all-Black women’s 8+ from the U.S., an indigenous 4+, and a native women’s 4+. Lwazi-Tsebo Zwane, a 23-year-old rower from Germiston, South Africa, emphasized the significance of their journey, stating, ‘It takes a lot to be at this regatta. There’s been a lot of pitfalls, there’s been a lot of barriers.’ Zwane and his teammates are acutely aware of their role as inspirations for younger rowers, particularly in communities where access to resources is limited. Structural challenges, such as the high cost of equipment and lack of access to waterways, persist in both South Africa and the U.S., perpetuating inequality. Arshay Cooper, founder of a foundation supporting underrepresented athletes, highlighted the need for systemic change, noting, ‘There’s talent everywhere, but not a lot of access and opportunity.’ The regatta also serves as a platform for social advocacy, with last year’s indigenous four using their participation to honor murdered and missing indigenous women. Despite recent setbacks in diversity initiatives, organizers remain committed to fostering inclusivity. Denise Aquino, co-founder of the nonprofit podcast Rowing in Color, emphasized the importance of representation, stating, ‘It’s about the young people who will see these boats and feel visibility and representation in the sport we all love.’ For Zwane and his teammates, the experience is both transformative and humbling, offering a rare glimpse into a world that remains inaccessible to many. ‘This is a luxury,’ Zwane reflected. ‘It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.’
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England reaches semifinals after surviving India’s thrilling run chase at Women’s Cricket World Cup
In a nail-biting encounter at the Women’s Cricket World Cup, England triumphed over India by a narrow margin of four runs, securing their place in the semifinals. The match, held at Holkar Stadium in Indore, saw India falter despite a strong performance, marking their third consecutive loss in the tournament. Chasing a target of 289, India appeared poised for victory, with Smriti Mandhana leading the charge with a stellar 88 and captain Harmanpreet Kaur contributing a steady 70. However, England’s disciplined bowling, spearheaded by Nat Sciver-Brunt (2-47) and Linsey Smith (1-40), stifled India’s momentum, culminating in a dramatic finish. India concluded their innings at 284-6 in 50 overs, leaving the home crowd in disbelief. Earlier, England had set a competitive total of 288-8, powered by Heather Knight’s explosive 109 off 91 balls. With this win, England remains unbeaten in the tournament and advances to the semifinals alongside Australia and South Africa. India, now fourth in the standings, faces an uphill battle in their remaining matches against New Zealand and Bangladesh to keep their semifinal hopes alive.
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Sei Young Kim wins LPGA South Korea by 4 strokes to end 5-year drought
In a remarkable display of skill and determination, South Korean golf star Sei Young Kim clinched a decisive victory at the BMW Ladies Championship on Sunday, ending a five-year title drought. The LPGA Tour veteran, who joined the circuit in 2015, carded a final-round 67 to secure a four-stroke win at Pine Beach Golf Links on the Korean peninsula. Kim’s four-round total of 24-under 264 marked her 13th career title and her first since the Women’s PGA Championship in 2020. The 32-year-old showcased her prowess by dropping only one shot at the par-3 third hole and sinking six birdies throughout the remainder of the round, comfortably outpacing her closest competitor, Japan’s Nasa Hataoka, who finished at 20-under 268. Celine Boutier and Kim A-lim tied for third place at 18-under, while defending champion Hannah Green shared fifth place with Yealimi Noh at 17-under. The tournament also saw impressive performances from Lindy Duncan, Choi Hye-jin, and An Na-rin, who tied for seventh. This victory adds momentum to Kim’s career as the LPGA Tour continues its Asian swing, with upcoming events in Malaysia and Japan.
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Australia bowls first in ODI against India led by new captain Shubman Gill
In a strategic move, Australia won the toss and elected to bowl in the opening One-Day International (ODI) cricket match against India at Perth on Sunday. This marks the beginning of a highly anticipated series between the two cricketing giants. India, under the leadership of their newly appointed ODI captain Shubman Gill, is looking to build momentum ahead of the 2027 Cricket World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. Gill, who also captains India’s Test team, has taken over the reins from Rohit Sharma, who returns to the squad as a batter alongside Virat Kohli. The duo, who had retired from Test cricket before India’s tour of England, are back in action for the first time since India’s Champions Trophy victory in March. On the Australian side, Mitchell Starc makes a comeback after being rested for recent series, as the hosts gear up for a packed summer schedule. This includes three ODIs and five Twenty20 Internationals against India, followed by the Ashes Test series against England. Mitch Marsh, leading the Australian team, will open the batting with Travis Head on his home pitch. The hosts have also introduced fresh faces to their middle order, including Matt Renshaw, Josh Philippe, Mitch Owen, and Cooper Connolly. India’s eight-game tour of Australia will see them play ODIs in Perth, Adelaide (October 23), and Sydney (October 25), followed by five Twenty20 matches across Canberra, Melbourne, Hobart, Gold Coast, and Brisbane. Both teams are set to showcase their depth and talent as they prepare for future challenges on the global stage.
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Staying Power on display as Godolphin’s Trawlerman thrills on British Champions Day
The 2025 British Champions Day at Ascot witnessed a series of thrilling performances, with Godolphin’s Trawlerman and Sheikh Rashid bin Dalmouk Al Maktoum’s Powerful Glory stealing the spotlight. Trawlerman, under the expert guidance of jockey William Buick, delivered a masterclass in the Group 1 QIPCO British Champions Long Distance Cup, securing his status as Britain’s Champion Stayer of the year. The victory marked Godolphin’s 17th Champion Owner title in the UK, cementing their dominance in the sport. Trainer John Gosden praised Trawlerman’s relentless gallop and hinted at an early-season run before next year’s Gold Cup. Meanwhile, Powerful Glory stunned the sprint division with a 200-1 upset in the QIPCO Champions Sprint, becoming the longest-priced winner in European Group 1 history. Jockey Jamie Spencer, still in disbelief, credited the horse’s unexpected surge. The day also saw French raider Calandagan triumph in the Champion Stakes, adding to the drama of an unforgettable finale to the flat-racing season.
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‘Big shoes for me to fill’, says Gill as Virat, Rohit make ODI return
As the Indian cricket team gears up for their opening one-day international (ODI) against Australia in Perth, all eyes are on the return of stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. The duo, who last played for India during their Champions Trophy victory in March, are set to make a much-anticipated comeback. Meanwhile, Shubman Gill, India’s newly appointed ODI captain, expressed both excitement and humility as he steps into the leadership role. ‘It’s definitely very exciting, but also a big responsibility to carry forward the legacy left by Virat and Rohit,’ Gill remarked during a press conference on Saturday. The 26-year-old, who has previously captained India in T20Is and Tests, acknowledged the immense influence Kohli and Sharma have had on his career. ‘These are players I idolized as a kid. Their hunger and passion for the game inspired me. It’s an honor to lead such legends and learn from them,’ he added. Gill, who boasts an impressive ODI batting average of nearly 60, emphasized the importance of open communication and mutual respect within the team. ‘In challenging situations, I won’t hesitate to seek their advice. I want to create an environment where every player feels secure and confident in their role,’ he stated. Australia’s captain, Mitch Marsh, acknowledged the star power of Kohli and Sharma, predicting a near-sellout crowd at the 60,000-seat Perth Stadium despite the threat of rain. ‘A lot of people are coming to watch them. If this is their last time on Australian soil, I hope they enjoy it,’ Marsh said, jokingly adding that he hopes they don’t play ‘too well.’ Marsh, who has been in stellar form recently, dismissed speculation about a potential Test recall ahead of the Ashes series, humorously noting that he’s only secured tickets for the first two days of the Perth match.
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How two British women rowed from Peru to Australia
In an extraordinary feat of endurance and determination, British adventurers Jess Rowe and Miriam Payne successfully rowed from Peru to Australia, completing the six-month journey entirely unsupported. The duo shared their remarkable story with the BBC, detailing how they sustained themselves by catching fish and cultivating their own vegetables during the arduous expedition. Their journey, which spanned thousands of miles across the Pacific Ocean, stands as a testament to human resilience and the spirit of adventure. Rowe and Payne’s accomplishment not only highlights their physical and mental fortitude but also underscores the importance of self-reliance and innovation in extreme conditions. This remarkable achievement has captured global attention, inspiring countless individuals to push the boundaries of what is possible.
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Afghanistan pulls out of cricket series after it says Pakistan air strike killed local players
In a tragic turn of events, Afghanistan has announced its withdrawal from an upcoming tri-nation T20 cricket series following the deaths of three local players in an air strike. The Afghan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed the decision, citing respect for the victims, who were killed in what it described as an attack carried out by the Pakistani regime. The incident occurred on Friday evening in the Urgon district of eastern Paktika province, where the players were having dinner after a match. Eyewitnesses and local officials reported that the strike targeted a residential home, resulting in eight fatalities. Pakistan, however, denied targeting civilians, claiming the operation was aimed at militants. The ACB identified the deceased players as Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon, labeling their deaths as a significant loss for Afghanistan’s sports community. The attack coincided with the expiration of a temporary truce between Afghanistan and Pakistan, which had been in place following deadly border clashes. Pakistan stated that the strike targeted Afghan militants, with at least 70 combatants killed. Meanwhile, Afghan national team captain Rashid Khan and other players paid heartfelt tributes to the victims, calling the attack a ‘heinous crime.’ The incident has further strained relations between the two nations, even as peace talks continue in Doha, Qatar, with both sides seeking to resolve cross-border tensions.