Arsenal will host Leicester City in Saturday’s Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium, following contrasting EFL Cup victories for both teams.
Arsenal demolished Bolton Wanderers 5-1 on Wednesday, with teenagers Jack Porter and Ethan Nwaneri making significant contributions. Porter, at 16, became Arsenal’s youngest-ever men’s team starter, while Nwaneri scored twice. Raheem Sterling, Kai Havertz, and Declan Rice also found the net.
Leicester City, meanwhile, needed a penalty shootout to overcome League Two’s Walsall, with goalkeeper Danny Ward saving three spot-kicks.
Arsenal currently sit fourth in the Premier League, two points behind leaders Manchester City. The Gunners are unbeaten this season and boast a 70% win rate in 2024, matching their best calendar year performance from 1932.
Leicester, one of six teams still seeking their first Premier League win this season, are 15th in the table. The Foxes have never gone six games without a victory at the start of a Premier League campaign, except in their 2022-23 relegation season.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta faces selection challenges due to injuries. David Raya is doubtful with a muscular issue, while Martin Odegaard, Mikel Merino, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Kieran Tierney, and Oleksandr Zinchenko are sidelined. Leandro Trossard returns from suspension.
Leicester have fewer injury concerns, with only Patson Daka, Jannik Vestergaard, and Jakub Stolarczyk unavailable. Jamie Vardy, who has 11 goals in 16 games against Arsenal, is expected to start.
Arsenal have won their last five Premier League encounters with Leicester and are unbeaten in 39 home games against newly-promoted teams.
Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are set to face off in a high-stakes Premier League encounter at Old Trafford on Sunday, with both teams looking to build on their midweek European performances.
Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United enter the match under increasing pressure following a 1-1 draw with FC Twente in their Europa League opener. Christian Eriksen’s admission that Twente “wanted” the victory more has raised concerns about the team’s mentality. United currently sit in the bottom half of the Premier League table after five games, having underperformed their Expected Goals (xG) significantly this season.
Tottenham, under Ange Postecoglou, arrive in better form after a 3-0 victory over Qarabag in the Europa League, despite playing with 10 men for much of the match. Spurs have rediscovered their attacking prowess, scoring eight goals in their last three games across all competitions.
Team News:
Manchester United continue to struggle with injuries. Ten Hag confirmed that Leny Yoro, Tyrell Malacia, Victor Lindelof, and Luke Shaw remain unavailable. The Dutch manager may consider recalling Kobbie Mainoo to midfield, potentially at the expense of Manuel Ugarte. Alejandro Garnacho is also pushing for a start in the attacking lineup.
Tottenham had an injury scare with captain Son Heung-min during their midweek match, but Postecoglou expressed optimism about his availability. Son, the league’s top chance creator from open play this season, has an impressive record against United with four goals and one assist in his last seven appearances. Wilson Odobert and Richarlison are Spurs’ only confirmed absentees due to injury.
Key Battles:
The midfield contest between Eriksen and James Maddison could be crucial, with both players capable of dictating their team’s attacking rhythm. In defense, United’s Lisandro Martinez will face a stern test against Tottenham’s in-form striker Dominic Solanke.
Historical Context:
Tottenham are unbeaten in their last three Premier League matches against Manchester United, including a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford last season. However, Spurs’ away form has been poor, with only two wins in their last 12 Premier League road games.
Prediction: Manchester United 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur
Given Tottenham’s resilience in coming from behind this season and Manchester United’s inconsistent form, a draw seems the most likely outcome. Spurs have won 28 points from losing positions since the start of last season, second only to Manchester City, suggesting they have the mental fortitude to recover if they fall behind at Old Trafford.
This match could prove pivotal for both teams’ ambitions this season, with United desperate to climb the table and Tottenham aiming to establish themselves as genuine top-four contenders under Postecoglou’s leadership.
Premier League leaders Manchester City travel to St James’ Park to face Newcastle United on Saturday, aiming to strengthen their position atop the table. The match presents a stern test for both sides, with City looking to extend their unbeaten league run in 2024 to 25 games, while Newcastle seek to rebound from a disappointing 3-1 loss to Fulham last weekend.
Newcastle’s strong start to the season, which saw them accumulate 10 points from their first four matches, has been tempered by inconsistent performances. Manager Eddie Howe admitted their defeat at Craven Cottage was their “worst we have played” this term, highlighting the need for improvement as they face the reigning champions.
Manchester City, fresh off a 2-1 EFL Cup victory over Watford, will be without key midfielder Rodri, who is sidelined for the season with knee ligament damage. Manager Pep Guardiola must also contend with the absences of Oscar Bobb, Nathan Ake, and Kevin De Bruyne.
Despite these setbacks, City’s formidable record against Newcastle – having won 31 Premier League matches and scored 101 goals against the Magpies – gives them reason for optimism. The Citizens were the last team to defeat Newcastle at St James’ Park, securing a 3-2 victory in January.
Newcastle face their own injury concerns, with Callum Wilson, Sven Botman, Jamaal Lascelles, and Lewis Miley all unavailable. Star striker Alexander Isak is doubtful with a toe injury, potentially forcing Howe to reshuffle his attack.
Guardiola is expected to recall several key players rested for the midweek cup tie, including goalkeeper Ederson, defenders Manuel Akanji, Ruben Dias, and Josko Gvardiol, midfielders Mateo Kovacic and Bernardo Silva, and prolific striker Erling Haaland, who has already netted 10 league goals this season.
The match promises to be a tightly contested affair, with Newcastle’s passionate home support creating a challenging atmosphere for the visitors. However, Manchester City’s depth and quality, even in the absence of key players, make them slight favorites to emerge victorious.
Prediction: Newcastle United 1-2 Manchester City
The combination of City’s attacking prowess, led by Haaland, and their historical dominance in this fixture suggests they may have the edge, despite Newcastle’s determination to bounce back from their recent setback.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a defiant speech at the United Nations General Assembly on Friday, vowing to continue military operations against Hezbollah until Israel achieves its objectives along the Lebanon border. His address further diminished hopes for an internationally backed ceasefire and raised concerns about a potential escalation into a wider regional conflict.
Netanyahu, facing leadership challenges amid conflicts on two fronts, declared that Israel would no longer tolerate daily rocket fire from Lebanon. “Israel has every right to remove this threat and return our citizens to their home safely. And that’s exactly what we’re doing … we’ll continue degrading Hezbollah until all our objectives are met,” he stated, drawing apparent support from a gallery that seemed filled with his backers.
The Israeli leader drew comparisons to hypothetical scenarios in the United States, asking, “Just imagine if terrorists turned El Paso and San Diego into ghost towns … How long would the American government tolerate that?” He emphasized, “Yet Israel has been tolerating this intolerable situation for almost a year. Well, I’ve come here today to say: Enough is enough.”
Shortly after Netanyahu’s speech, the Israeli military reported carrying out a strike on Hezbollah’s headquarters in Beirut, resulting in massive explosions in the city. This action underscored the immediacy of Netanyahu’s words and the ongoing tensions in the region.
During his address, Netanyahu defended Israel’s response to the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas, which triggered an Israeli military operation in Gaza. He insisted that Israel sought peace but warned Iran, “If you strike us, we will strike you,” blaming the country for many of the region’s problems.
Netanyahu’s speech was met with mixed reactions. While his supporters cheered, the Iranian delegation’s seats remained empty, and protesters demonstrated outside against Netanyahu and Israel’s policies. Following the Israeli leader’s address, Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa appealed to the UN Security Council to “hold Israel accountable,” questioning when the council would “activate your tools” to end the war.
The ongoing conflict has had devastating consequences, with over 41,500 Palestinians killed and more than 96,000 wounded in Gaza, according to the latest figures from the Health Ministry. Netanyahu claimed that Israeli forces have destroyed “90%” of Hamas’ rockets and killed or captured half of its forces, but insisted that Israel was still pursuing peace.
As tensions escalate, the United States, France, and other allies have called for an “immediate” 21-day ceasefire to allow for negotiations. However, Netanyahu’s speech and subsequent military actions suggest that Israel remains committed to its current course of action, raising concerns about the potential for further regional destabilization.
The Prime Minister’s UN address not only defended Israel’s actions but also sought to shape the narrative around the ongoing conflicts, setting the stage for continued military operations and potential diplomatic challenges in the coming weeks and months.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams appeared in a Manhattan federal court on Friday, pleading not guilty to federal bribery charges that have sent shockwaves through the nation’s largest city. The first-term Democrat firmly rejected allegations that he accepted overseas travel, campaign cash, and other perks from foreign interests seeking to leverage his influence.
Adams, 64, a former police captain, entered his plea before U.S. Magistrate Judge Katharine Parker in a packed courtroom just a short walk from City Hall. The mayor is charged with five counts: wire fraud, bribery, conspiracy, and two counts of receiving campaign contributions from a foreign national. If convicted of the most serious charge, wire fraud, he faces up to 20 years in prison.
The indictment, revealed a day earlier, accuses Adams of accepting $100,000 in flights and stays in luxury hotel suites from individuals tied to Turkey. Prosecutors allege that these perks, valued at over $100,000, included business-class upgrades, high-end meals, and even a trip to a Turkish bath. Additionally, Adams is accused of fueling his mayoral campaign with illegal donations that helped him qualify for more than $10 million in public campaign funds.
In return for these favors, Adams allegedly assisted his benefactors, including helping to ensure that Turkey’s newly built diplomatic tower in Manhattan would not be subject to a fire inspection it was certain to fail. The indictment cites an exchange where a Turkish official praised Adams as a “true friend of Turkey,” to which Adams allegedly responded, “Yes even more a true friend of yours. You are my brother.”
Adams’ lawyer, Alex Spiro, announced plans to move for dismissal of the case next week. Following the arraignment, Spiro addressed reporters outside the courthouse, describing the charges as “the airline upgrade corruption case” and questioning the legitimacy of the prosecution.
The mayor was released on the condition that he not contact any witnesses or individuals described in the indictment. He is allowed to communicate with family members and staff but not about matters pertaining to the allegations.
As Adams appeared in court, the investigation into his administration continued. Ingrid Lewis-Martin, one of the mayor’s closest City Hall advisers, was met by investigators at the airport upon returning from Japan. She was served with a subpoena, and local prosecutors seized her phones and searched her house.
The case has roiled New York City politics, with growing calls for Adams to resign, including from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and potential Democratic challengers in the upcoming mayoral primary. However, top Democrats such as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries have not called for his resignation, advocating for the legal process to unfold.
Governor Kathy Hochul, who has the power to remove Adams from office, issued a statement saying she was reviewing her “options and obligations” and expects the mayor to “take the next few days to review the situation and find an appropriate path forward.”
As the legal proceedings continue, U.S. Attorney Damian Williams indicated that the investigation is ongoing, suggesting the possibility of further charges and encouraging individuals with information to come forward.
The case against Adams unfolds against the backdrop of other high-profile legal matters in the same courthouse, including recent proceedings involving former President Donald Trump and hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, underscoring the significant legal challenges facing prominent figures in New York City.
Hurricane Helene, a powerful Category 4 storm, has left a trail of destruction across the southeastern United States, with at least 17 reported deaths and millions without power. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp announced Friday that at least 11 people in his state have been killed, while six others died in Florida and the Carolinas.
The hurricane made landfall late Thursday in Florida’s sparsely populated Big Bend area with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph (225 kph). The storm’s impact extended hundreds of miles northward, causing widespread flooding and damage.
Emergency crews are now rushing to rescue people trapped in flooded homes. Governor Kemp reported that dozens are still stranded in damaged houses across Georgia. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has deployed over 1,500 workers to assist in rescue operations, with 400 rescues reported by late morning Friday.
In Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis stated that the damage from Helene appears to be greater than the combined impact of Hurricanes Idalia and Debby last August. “It’s demoralizing,” DeSantis said, as communities face the prospect of rebuilding once again.
The storm’s effects were felt widely, with more than 4 million homes and businesses losing power across Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. Flooding was reported as far north as North Carolina, where a lake featured in the movie “Dirty Dancing” overtopped a dam. Multiple hospitals in southern Georgia were left without power, while in Valdosta, Georgia, residents sought shelter in hotels as the storm passed, with winds howling and water seeping through light fixtures.
President Joe Biden announced he was praying for survivors as FEMA’s head traveled to the affected area. Local officials have launched boat rescues, warning residents about the dangers of floodwaters potentially containing live wires, sewage, and debris.
The hurricane’s path of destruction included a church in Perry, Florida, losing its newly replaced roof, just weeks before the congregation was set to return. Trees toppling onto homes caused fatalities in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Anderson County, South Carolina, while possible tornado activity in south Georgia resulted in two deaths.
As Helene weakened to a tropical storm, forecasters warned of continued heavy rainfall and the risk of mudslides and flash flooding in the Appalachian Mountains. The National Hurricane Center reported the storm was moving northeast at 32 mph (52 kph) with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph (75 kph) as of Friday morning.
This devastating hurricane marks the eighth named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, which the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts will be above average due to record-warm ocean temperatures. As communities begin to assess the damage and initiate recovery efforts, the full extent of Helene’s impact is still unfolding across the southeastern United States.
The Israeli military conducted heavy airstrikes on Hezbollah’s central headquarters in Beirut’s southern suburbs on Friday, marking a significant escalation in the year-long conflict between Israel and the Iran-backed militant group. The attack sent shockwaves through the Lebanese capital, with thick plumes of smoke visible across the city.
Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari confirmed the operation in a televised statement, asserting that the targeted command center was deeply embedded within civilian areas. The strikes came shortly after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a closely watched United Nations speech, vowed to continue attacks on Iranian-backed fighters in Lebanon.
Hezbollah’s al-Manar television reported that four buildings were destroyed in the multiple strikes, with numerous casualties. Security sources in Lebanon indicated that the attack targeted an area known to house top Hezbollah officials, making it the most severe assault on Beirut in nearly a year of ongoing hostilities.
Uganda Airlines has unveiled plans to expand its fleet with the acquisition of eight new aircraft, a strategic move aimed at meeting growing demand and enhancing its operational capabilities. The announcement was made by Chief Executive Officer Jennifer Bamuturaki during a stakeholders’ trade and business forum in Harare, Zimbabwe.
The national carrier, operational for five years, currently operates a fleet of six aircraft. The planned expansion, set to begin in the 2025/2026 financial year, will include smaller planes with a passenger capacity of 160 to 170, two larger planes (likely Airbuses), and two dedicated cargo planes to bolster the airline’s logistics operations.
Bamuturaki expressed optimism about the expansion, stating, “We are seeing increasing demand for our services as Uganda Airlines stabilizes in the business. The purchase of eight new aircraft will help us meet that demand and improve our operational efficiency, especially with the addition of cargo planes.”
The CEO highlighted current challenges in cargo transportation, where passenger planes have been doubling as cargo carriers, limiting load capacity. “With the new dedicated cargo planes, I’m confident our cargo business will grow significantly,” Bamuturaki added.
Patrick Ocailap, deputy secretary to the treasury, emphasized the importance of route efficiency, noting that stakeholders are carefully assessing each route’s potential to maximize benefits for Uganda and its international partners. “We are working hard to ensure that all routes opened by Uganda Airlines operate efficiently,” Ocailap stated, reiterating the government’s commitment to supporting the airline’s growth and expansion plans.
Uganda Airlines currently operates 16 routes and is planning further expansion, including a highly anticipated route to London. This new connection is expected to significantly boost travel between Africa and Europe, enhancing Uganda’s connectivity to global markets.
The forum in Harare served to strengthen trade relations between Uganda and Zimbabwe, following the recent launch of a direct flight route between the two countries. This expansion aligns with Uganda Airlines’ broader strategy to become a major player in regional and international aviation.
As the airline continues its growth trajectory, the focus on fleet expansion and route development underscores its commitment to improving air connectivity across Africa and beyond. The planned acquisitions and route expansions position Uganda Airlines to compete more effectively in the increasingly competitive African aviation market while contributing to the country’s economic development and regional integration efforts.
Dame Maggie Smith, the venerable British actress whose career spanned seven decades and encompassed triumphs on stage, screen, and television, died Friday in a London hospital at the age of 89. Her sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, announced her passing, describing her as an “extraordinary mother and grandmother.”
Dame Maggie Smith plays Violent, Dowager Countess of Grantham, in Downton Abbey.
Smith’s illustrious career was marked by numerous accolades, including two Academy Awards. She won Best Actress for “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie” in 1969 and Best Supporting Actress for “California Suite” in 1978. Her talent garnered her additional Oscar nominations for performances in “Othello,” “Travels with My Aunt,” “A Room with a View,” and “Gosford Park.”
In recent years, Smith captivated new generations of fans with her portrayal of the sharp-tongued Dowager Countess of Grantham in “Downton Abbey” and as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter film series. Her dry wit and impeccable timing made her a standout in both roles, with Smith quipping that “Harry Potter is my pension.”
Born Margaret Natalie Smith on December 28, 1934, in Ilford, east London, she began her acting career at the Oxford Playhouse School. Her talent quickly caught the eye of Sir Laurence Olivier, who invited her to join his original National Theatre company.
Throughout her career, Smith was renowned for her versatility and commanding stage presence. She won a Tony Award in 1990 for “Lettice and Lovage” and received critical acclaim for her performances in numerous productions, including Noel Coward’s “Hay Fever.”
Smith’s reputation for being demanding on set was matched by her dedication to her craft. Director Richard Eyre described her as “intellectually the smartest actress I’ve ever worked with,” while playwright Alan Bennett praised her ability to bring freshness to every performance.
Despite her public persona, Smith was known to be intensely private. She was made a Dame Commander of the British Empire in 1990, recognizing her significant contributions to the arts.
Smith was married twice, first to actor Robert Stephens, with whom she had two sons, and later to writer Beverley Cross, who passed away in 1998.
As news of her death spread, tributes poured in from across the entertainment industry, celebrating Smith’s unparalleled talent, wit, and the indelible mark she left on British culture. Her passing marks the end of an era in British acting, but her performances will continue to inspire and entertain audiences for generations to come.
Tunisian authorities reported on Wednesday the discovery of 13 bodies of sub-Saharan African migrants washed up on the country’s Mediterranean coast near Mahdia, a town approximately 142 kilometers (88 miles) from the Italian island of Lampedusa. This grim finding underscores the ongoing humanitarian crisis surrounding unauthorized migration from North Africa to Europe.
The Coast Guard recovered the bodies, all identified as men from sub-Saharan Africa, according to local court spokesperson Ferid Ben Jha. An investigation has been launched to determine the origins of the deceased migrants.
Tunisia, along with neighboring Libya, has long served as a key departure point for migrants attempting the perilous journey across the Mediterranean to reach European shores. Lampedusa, being closer to North Africa than mainland Italy, is often the first European landfall for many of these migrants.
This incident occurs despite recent efforts by Tunisian authorities to increase patrols of territorial waters, supported by European funding and assistance. These measures have led to a notable decrease in migrant crossings and related deaths. Tunisia’s National Guard reported that from January through May, they recovered 462 bodies and intercepted over 30,000 migrants off the Tunisian coast, compared to 714 bodies and nearly 22,000 interceptions during the same period last year.
The European Union’s border and coast guard agency, FRONTEX, attributes the decrease in Central Mediterranean crossings largely to preventive measures taken by Tunisian, Libyan, and Turkish authorities. Italian data shows that approximately 10,000 migrants arrived in Italy by boats from Tunisia in the first half of this year, less than a third of the total for the same period in 2023.
However, as security tightens in the Mediterranean, there has been a corresponding increase in migrant arrivals to the Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago off Africa’s Atlantic coast, now serving as an alternative route to continental Europe.
The United Nations refugee agency estimates that at least 1,000 people die or go missing at sea each year, while the Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights reported over 1,300 dead or missing off Tunisia in 2023 alone.
