Liverpool, Man City face defining moment in Premier League title race

Liverpool, Man City face defining moment in Premier League title race
Manchester City's Spanish manager Pep Guardiola greets Liverpool's German manager Jurgen Klopp ahead of their English Premier League football match at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England, on Nov. 25, 2023. (AFP)
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Updated 08 March 2024
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Liverpool, Man City face defining moment in Premier League title race

Liverpool, Man City face defining moment in Premier League title race
  • Klopp’s bombshell revelation that he will quit as Liverpool manager at the end of this season has given extra gravitas to Sunday’s crucial clash with City at Anfield
  • Declan Rice has warned Arsenal they have no margin for error in the chase to win a first Premier League title since 2004

LONDON: Liverpool host Manchester City in a defining moment in the Premier League title race as Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola conclude their top-flight rivalry on Sunday.

Free-scoring Arsenal can go top for at least a day when they host Brentford, while Aston Villa face Tottenham in a vital showdown in the battle for a top-four finish.

Here are three talking points ahead of the weekend’s action:

 

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola faces one last sleepless night as he wrestles with the problems posed by his great rival Jurgen Klopp.

Klopp’s bombshell revelation that he will quit as Liverpool manager at the end of this season has given extra gravitas to Sunday’s crucial clash with City at Anfield.

Although Guardiola has won five of the last six Premier League crowns, Klopp has been a constant thorn in his side, with Liverpool’s 2020 title the only break in City’s dynastic reign.

Guardiola revealed the depth of his respect for Klopp when he admitted the German’s departure would make it easier for him to relax before meetings with Liverpool.

“I will sleep better. The games against Liverpool have almost been a nightmare,” said Guardiola, whose second placed team are one point behind leaders Liverpool with 11 games remaining.

Although Klopp and Guardiola also faced off during spells with Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich respectively, their time in the Premier League elevated their battle for supremacy to new heights.

The pair have met 15 times in the Premier League since 2016, with Klopp earning four victories and Guardiola claiming five wins.

However, beating Liverpool at Anfield in front of a crowd is one of the few feats still to elude Guardiola as City boss.

The English champions only victory away to Liverpool since 2003 came behind closed doors three years ago.

With so much at stake this weekend, Guardiola will have been shifting restlessly under his duvet this week as he plots one more memorable moment at Klopp’s expense.

Declan Rice has warned Arsenal they have no margin for error in the chase to win a first Premier League title since 2004.

After finishing 2023 with damaging defeats against West Ham and Fulham, Mikel Arteta’s men have responded with seven successive league victories.

Sheffield United were crushed 6-0 at Bramall Lane on Monday, moving Mikel Arteta’s third placed side back within two points of Liverpool.

With Liverpool and City meeting on Sunday, Arsenal can temporarily seize pole position if they beat Brentford at the Emirates Stadium 24 hours earlier.

“It has been a hell of a comeback since the Christmas period, when we lost two in a row,” Arsenal midfielder Rice said.

“But it is the Premier League, you need to be on it every single game. You can’t have any slip-ups.

“If you look at the two other teams at the top, they don’t look like they are going to slip up anytime soon.”

Aston Villa face top four rivals Tottenham on Sunday bidding to take a huge step toward playing in the Champions League for the first time in 41 years.

Villa’s unexpectedly impressive campaign has raised hopes of a return to Europe’s elite club competition, a level they last played at as holders in 1982-83 after Tony Barton’s team won the tournament the previous year.

Over four decades later, Unai Emery’s fourth-placed side are five points ahead of Tottenham in fifth and a victory at Villa Park would put them firmly on track to finish in the top four.

“The Premier League is 38 matches and we are now in the fourth position and it is a very good opportunity to try to compete,” Emery said.

“If we want to raise our levels, playing important games, it is important to play matches like this week.”

Fixtures:

Saturday (1500 GMT unless stated)

Manchester United v Everton (1230), Bournemouth v Sheffield United, Crystal Palace v Luton, Wolves v Fulham, Arsenal v Brentford (1730)

Sunday (1400 GMT unless stated)

Aston Villa v Tottenham (1300), Brighton v Nottingham Forest, West Ham v Burnley, Liverpool v Manchester City (1545)

Monday

Chelsea v Newcastle (2000)


Saudi Pro League partners with Word Football Summit for WFS Asia show in Riyadh

Saudi Pro League partners with Word Football Summit for WFS Asia show in Riyadh
Updated 9 sec ago
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Saudi Pro League partners with Word Football Summit for WFS Asia show in Riyadh

Saudi Pro League partners with Word Football Summit for WFS Asia show in Riyadh
  • Set to take place on Dec. 2-3 at Riyadh’s King Abdullah Financial District, the event will bring together more than 2,000 industry leaders

LONDON: The Saudi Pro League, Asia’s top-ranked football league, and the World Football Summit announced on Monday a strategic partnership ahead of the WFS Asia 2024 in Saudi Arabia.

Set to take place on Dec. 2-3 at Riyadh’s King Abdullah Financial District, the event will bring together more than 2,000 industry leaders to discuss and shape the future of football business.

“We are delighted to partner with the World Football Summit,” said Omar Mugharbel, CEO of the Saudi Pro League.

“This collaboration serves as a platform to welcome the global football industry to Saudi Arabia, fostering opportunities for shared growth and mutual prosperity. From our humble beginnings with just eight teams to becoming Asia’s top-ranked league today, our journey highlights the transformative power of football in driving both sporting excellence and societal progress,” he added.

Jan Alessie, co-founder and director of the World Football Summit said the SPL’s success in recent years has been rooted in three key pillars: nurturing young talent, securing world-class international players, and improving club governance.

This evolution aligns seamlessly with WFS Asia’s mission to drive innovation in football business, making the event a natural platform for the SPL to share its insights and experiences.

“The Saudi Pro League’s evolution represents one of the most remarkable stories in modern football,” he said.

“Their commitment to developing local talent while attracting global stars has created a unique model that deserves industry-wide attention. This partnership will provide invaluable insights for football executives worldwide,” he added.

The key themes for the 2024 edition of WFS Asia are the integration of cutting-edge technology in football and the innovation of fan engagement strategies to enhance the sport’s appeal and accessibility.

Additionally, the summit will emphasize the development of sports tourism, showcasing football’s potential to drive economic growth. Sustainability in football will also take center stage, highlighting environmentally conscious practices within the industry.

The event will further spotlight the growth of women’s football and the importance of youth development programs, reinforcing the Kingdom’s dedication to inclusivity and nurturing future talent.


Saudi Arabia to launch professional cricket league: SACF chief

Saudi Arabia to launch professional cricket league: SACF chief
Updated 25 November 2024
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Saudi Arabia to launch professional cricket league: SACF chief

Saudi Arabia to launch professional cricket league: SACF chief
  • PIF involvement will see world-class stadiums built in Riyadh, Jeddah and Yanbu

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia will launch its own professional cricket league and has plans to enter into international cricket investments in cooperation with the Public Investment Fund, the chief of the sport’s federation in the Kingdom has said.

World-class stadiums in Riyadh, Jeddah and Yanbu will also be developed under the plan.

It came as the Kingdom hosted the Indian Premier League mega auction for the first time, with top players signing for teams in India’s T20 league, the world’s biggest and most popular.

Speaking to reporters at Abadi Al-Johar Arena in Jeddah, Prince Saud bin Mishal Al-Saud, chairman of the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation, said: “Plans are underway to enter into international investments in cooperation with the Saudi Public Investment Fund that will support their shared ambition to grow cricket at every level of the game in Saudi Arabia.

“One of the most important plans is to set us on the path to achieving our vision to make cricket a major sport in Saudi Arabia and at the same time creating our own professional league.”

He added: “Part of our strategy aims to build on Saudi Arabia’s cricket infrastructure by developing world-class facilities in Riyadh, Yanbu and Jeddah.”

When asked by Arab News about the impact of hosting the IPL mega auction in Saudi Arabia for the first time, he said: “It is a great opportunity for us to host this year’s prestigious auction. With the full support of our government, we are sending a message that it is really a testament to the Kingdom’s commitment to developing cricket here and establishing our country as a global hub for sporting events.”

Commenting on upcoming events, he added: “A lot of things are coming on the pipeline, and we are determined to achieve our big ambition.

“We have more work to do and we are excited about the future and look forward to working with all our partners to achieve this vision together.”

The two-day mega auction began at the Abadi Al-Johar Arena in Jeddah on Sunday.

The squads of the league’s 10 franchises — Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Titans, Kolkata Knight Riders, Lucknow Super Giants, Mumbai Indians, Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals, ‎Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad — will be finalized on Monday from a pool of 574 players.

The IPL will enter its 18th season in March next year, and the Red Sea City is an important stop en route.


Salah says he is ‘more out than in’ at Liverpool as he enters final months of contract

Salah says he is ‘more out than in’ at Liverpool as he enters final months of contract
Updated 25 November 2024
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Salah says he is ‘more out than in’ at Liverpool as he enters final months of contract

Salah says he is ‘more out than in’ at Liverpool as he enters final months of contract
  • Mohamed Salah: ‘Well, we are almost in December and I haven’t received any offers yet to stay in the club’
  • The Egypt international is 32 and has been at the club since 2017

Mohamed Salah has raised doubts about his Liverpool future, saying he is yet to be offered an extension to his contract, which expires at the end of the season.
Salah spoke out after scoring two goals in Liverpool’s 3-2 win over Southampton on Sunday and suggested he is more likely to leave than stay with the Premier League leader.
“Well, we are almost in December and I haven’t received any offers yet to stay in the club,” he told reporters. “I’m probably more out than in. You know I have been in the club for many years. There is no club like this. But in the end, it is not in my hands.”
Salah’s goals saw Liverpool extend its lead at the top of the standings to eight points. The Egypt international is 32 and has been at the club since 2017.
He has scored 12 goals in 18 appearances this season.
Salah gave a rare interview to English print media before boarding the team bus after the Southampton game and expressed his frustration about the lack of progress with his contract.
“I’m not going to retire soon so I’m just playing, focusing on the season and I’m trying to win the Premier League and hopefully the Champions League as well. I’m disappointed but we will see,” he said.
“I’m very professional. Everybody can see my work ethic. I’m just trying to enjoy my football and I will play at the top level as long as possible. I’m just doing my best because this is who I am and I try to give it all for myself and for the club. We will see what happens next.”
Salah has been heavily linked with a move to Saudi Arabia since the oil-rich nation launched a drive to lure some of the biggest players in the world to its top league.
Salah is Liverpool’s all-time leading scorer in the Premier League with 167 goals. In all competitions he has scored 223 goals in 367 appearances.
He has won a full set of trophies with the Merseyside club including the league title and the Champions League.


Jeddah event celebrates African heritage, culture, and unity

Jeddah event celebrates African heritage, culture, and unity
Updated 25 November 2024
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Jeddah event celebrates African heritage, culture, and unity

Jeddah event celebrates African heritage, culture, and unity

JEDDAH: VibeScape and SightScape hosted African Night, an event brimming with vibrant energy, cultural performances, and diverse activities, over the weekend at Yazen Ranch in Jeddah.

The event featured activities for all ages, and guests were welcomed by the beats of African drums and live DJ performances, setting an energetic tone for the evening.

A standout feature was the captivating African stage shows, which brought stories of heritage and unity to life. Guests also enjoyed unique activities like stargazing with telescopes, interactive color fights, and marshmallow roasting by campfire.

Families delighted in the animal interaction area, meeting ostriches, deer, and other exotic creatures, while others explored carnival games, karaoke sessions, and photography corners.

Guests enjoyed a buffet featuring a variety of African dishes, offering a taste of the continent’s rich culinary traditions.

Khaled Hashem, founder of VibeScape and SightScape, shared his vision for the event.

“We wanted to create an experience that brings people together and celebrates the richness of African culture. Seeing families and friends connect and enjoy themselves motivates us to keep innovating,” he said.

SightScape, a Saudi platform offering city passes, encourages locals and tourists to explore the Kingdom through curated experiences. Along with VibeScape, it contributes to the growth of Saudi Arabia’s entertainment and tourism sectors, supporting Vision 2030’s goal of promoting cultural exchange and enhancing local experiences.

Morooj Ghoneim, the choreographer behind the stage performances, said: “Our African-themed show is a celebration of traditional and modern African culture, brought to life through music and dance. We incorporated over six iconic songs, ranging from classics like ‘Waka Waka’ to contemporary hits, all performed with authentic African rhythms and drums.

“The choreography was designed to reflect the vibrancy and essence of African dance, and the team worked tirelessly to ensure each performance truly honored the culture and spirit of Africa.”

Afrah Al-Naeem, an attendee who came with her family, said: “The African shows were absolutely breathtaking; they truly transported us to another world.

“As a Sudanese, I felt immense pride seeing our culture and cuisine showcased so beautifully. My family loved the petting zoo, and the pleasant weather made the outdoor activities even more enjoyable. Everything was well-organized,” she added.

Salem Abdullah, another guest, praised the variety of activities, saying: “From the color fight to the nature walk, every moment was unique, and the vibrant community spirit was inspiring.

“Events like this show how much the Kingdom has evolved, offering exceptional entertainment for everyone and setting a new benchmark for events.”


Saudi’s Al-Qahtani aims to avenge loss to Jordan’s Alhyasat in Riyadh

Saudi’s Al-Qahtani aims to avenge loss to Jordan’s Alhyasat in Riyadh
Updated 25 November 2024
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Saudi’s Al-Qahtani aims to avenge loss to Jordan’s Alhyasat in Riyadh

Saudi’s Al-Qahtani aims to avenge loss to Jordan’s Alhyasat in Riyadh
  • The hometown fighter lost to his opponent in the semifinals but was handed a reprieve after original finalist Islam Reda withdrew due to injury

RIYADH: An odds-on favorite to become one of four inaugural PFL MENA champions, Saudi Arabian featherweight star Abdullah Al-Qahtani found himself on the wrong end of arguably the biggest upset of the first season — he fell to relative unknown Abdelrahman Alhyasat in the semifinals. 

Al-Qahtani had steamrolled his first four assignments inside the PFL SmartCage, but “The Reaper” was effectively neutralized by Alhyasat, as the Jordanian “Cobra” grappled his way to a unanimous victory. 

It seemed Al-Qahtani would have to go back to the drawing board and try again next season, but fate handed him a second chance at gold. Original finalist Islam Reda was forced to withdraw due to injury, clearing the path to a spot in the finals and a shot at redemption against Alhyasat. 

With gold on the line, the two talented 145-pounders will face each other in Riyadh on Nov. 29.

Back in the hunt, Al-Qahtani says he has studied his mistakes and plans to make things right.

“Together with my coaching team, I’ve analyzed the mistakes I made in the semifinal and focused on the positive aspects of my performance,” he said. “We’ve set the right plans for the final. God willing, Abdullah will be the one to crack Alhyasat’s code, win, and bring joy to the Saudi audience.”

Given that Al-Qahtani is arguably the biggest mixed martial arts star in Saudi Arabia today, it would be easy to assume his morale took a hit after bowing to a less-experienced fighter. But Al-Qahtani maintains the loss to Alhyasat was not a big deal. 

“Abdelrahman has five victories in his professional career and won the semifinal by unanimous decision. This hasn’t put pressure on me or affected my morale,” he said. “Since the PFL announced a month ago that I would be in the final, replacing Islam Reda due to his injury, I’ve been training intensively to prepare.”

Now with higher stakes, Al-Qahtani is more motivated to bring home the inaugural PFL MENA Featherweight Championship. 

“I have nine wins against two losses, and this motivates me to give my best, avenge the semifinal loss, and claim the title. Fighting on home soil with the Saudi crowd behind me will be a strong support as I aim to secure the belt.,” he said.

The complete PFL MENA Championships Fight Card:

PFL MENA Featherweight Championship: Abdelrahman Alhyasat (5-0) vs. Abdullah Al-Qahtani (9-2)

PFL MENA Welterweight Championship: Mohammad Alaqraa (7-0) vs. Omar El Dafrawy (12-6)

Amateur Women’s Atomweight Bout: Hattan Alsaif vs. Lilia Osmani

PFL MENA Bantamweight Championship: Ali Taleb (11-1) vs. Rachid El Hazoume (15-3)

PFL MENA Lightweight Championship: Mohsen Mohammadseifi (6-1) vs. Georges Eid (10-4)

Showcase Fights:

Lightweight MENA Showcase: Mansour Barnaoui (21-6) vs. Alfie Davis (17-4-1)

Heavyweight MENA Showcase: Slim Trabelsi (7-0) vs. Abraham Bably (5-0)

Featherweight Global Showcase: Jesus Pinedo (23-6-1) vs. Jeremy Kennedy (19-4)

Featherweight Global Showcase: Asael Adjoudj (8-1) vs. Jose Perez (9-1)

Middleweight Global Showcase: Costello van Steenis (15-3) vs. Joao Dantas (7-1)