Football

Manchester City took a commanding step towards an unprecedented fourth consecutive Premier League title with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday. Erling Haaland's clinical finishing proved decisive, as the Norwegian striker netted twice to secure the crucial three points.The match began with a tense atmosphere, with Tottenham fans torn between supporting their own team and potentially aiding City's title charge. However, the home crowd made their feelings clear with chants of "Stand up if you hate Arsenal," their bitter local rivals.Despite Tottenham's early pressure, City gradually asserted their dominance. Kevin De Bruyne's pinpoint cross found Haaland unmarked in the box, and the Norwegian tapped home to break the deadlock in the 51st minute.Tottenham pushed for an equalizer, but City's defense held firm. Substitute goalkeeper Stefan Ortega made a brilliant save to deny Son Heung-min, and the visitors were awarded a penalty in the dying minutes when Pedro Porro brought down Jeremy Doku. Haaland stepped up to convert the spot-kick, sealing the victory for City.The win puts Pep Guardiola's team two points clear of Arsenal at the top of the table with just one game remaining. A victory at home against West Ham on Sunday will secure the title for City, regardless of Arsenal's result against Everton.Guardiola praised his team's resilience and urged the fans to create a raucous atmosphere for the final match. "We know what we're playing for," he said. "The tension is there, the rival is so good. It's why it is difficult, we know that."Tottenham's defeat guarantees Aston Villa a place in the Champions League next season, joining City, Arsenal, and Liverpool in Europe's top-tier competition.

Thai women's football goalkeeper Sukanya Chor Charoenying's World Cup debut in 2019 was an unforgettable experience, albeit a painful one. The team's record-breaking 13-0 defeat to the United States left a lasting impact on Sukanya and captain Kanjana Sungngoen.Despite their initial confidence, Thailand found themselves overwhelmed by the American juggernaut. Sukanya, now 36, recalls the devastating loss with tears in her eyes. "We were heartbroken that we had disappointed the Thai people," she says.The defeat sparked a wave of online mockery, but also criticism of the Americans' behavior. However, Kanjana, who scored Thailand's only goal in the tournament, defended the US players. "To not hold back, that's the way of professional football," she says.The loss served as a wake-up call for Thai women's football. "We realized that we had to put as much effort into development as them to be at the same level," Kanjana says.Since then, the Thai women's game has made strides in organization and efficiency. However, challenges remain, including a shortage of top clubs and limited facilities.Despite these obstacles, the election of Nualphan Lamsam as the Thai FA's first woman president has raised hopes for the future. Lamsam has set a target of qualifying for the 2027 Women's World Cup.Sukanya, now retired from playing, believes the current team can draw on the lessons of 2019. "I couldn't beat you today, so I will go back and train our young players so they can," she says.The pride of representing her country at a World Cup still burns bright for Sukanya. "Just to have played there against the best in the world I can talk about it until I die," she says.

Joselu Mato, a Spanish striker, has emerged as an unlikely hero for Real Madrid in their quest for a record-breaking 15th UEFA Champions League title. Two years ago, he was a fan in the stands, cheering on his beloved club as they lifted the trophy in Paris. Now, he is the one leading the charge on the pitch, scoring crucial goals that have propelled Madrid to the final at Wembley.Joselu's journey to the Bernabeu has been a winding one. Born in Germany to Spanish parents, he moved to Spain at a young age and began his career with Celta Vigo. In 2009, he was signed by Real Madrid and spent several years with the club's youth team, Castilla. He made his first-team debut in 2011, but limited opportunities led him to seek a move away.After stints with Hoffenheim, Eintracht Frankfurt, Hannover 96, Stoke City, and Alaves, Joselu returned to Madrid in 2022 on a loan deal. The club was in need of a striker following the departure of Karim Benzema, and Joselu was seen as a stop-gap solution. However, he has proven to be much more than that.Despite facing initial skepticism from fans, Joselu has silenced his critics with his performances on the pitch. He has scored 17 goals for Madrid this season, including two crucial goals in the semi-final against Bayern Munich that sent the Spanish giants to the final.Joselu's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the unexpected turns that life can take. From being a fan in the stands to leading his team to the brink of European glory, his journey is an inspiration to all who dare to dream.

In the annals of football history, Arsenal's "Invincibles" stand as a testament to the extraordinary heights that can be achieved through unwavering determination and collective brilliance. Twenty years ago, on May 15, 2004, the Gunners etched their names into immortality by completing an unbeaten Premier League season, a feat that has remained unmatched in the English top-flight.Led by the visionary Arsene Wenger, Arsenal's squad boasted an array of exceptional talents. Thierry Henry, the league's top scorer with 30 goals, was a force of nature, capable of scoring spectacular goals from any angle. Dennis Bergkamp, a master of space and movement, provided the perfect foil for Henry, while Robert Pires and Freddie Ljungberg terrorized opponents from the wings.The team's backbone was anchored by Patrick Vieira, a midfield general who epitomized resilience and determination. Ashley Cole, Sol Campbell, Kolo Toure, and Lauren formed an impenetrable back four, while Gilberto Silva and Vieira controlled the midfield with authority.Arsenal's unbeaten run was not without its challenges. They faced a stern test early in the season against Manchester United at Old Trafford, where they were forced to play with 10 men after Vieira's dismissal. However, they displayed remarkable defensive resilience and held on for a 0-0 draw.Another defining moment came in the clash against Liverpool, where Arsenal rebounded from disappointing exits in the FA Cup and Champions League to secure a thrilling 3-2 victory. Henry's hat-trick showcased the team's ability to overcome adversity and maintain their focus.The Invincibles' success was not solely based on individual brilliance but on a collective spirit that transcended the pitch. They played with a relentless intensity, never giving up even when faced with setbacks. Their unwavering belief in themselves and their manager was a key factor in their historic achievement.Arsenal's unbeaten season remains a source of inspiration for generations of players and fans alike. It serves as a reminder that with hard work, dedication, and a shared vision, anything is possible.

Raphael Varane, the esteemed French defender, has announced his departure from Manchester United at the conclusion of the season. The 31-year-old joined the Red Devils in 2021 from Real Madrid, where he had enjoyed immense success.During his three-year tenure at Old Trafford, Varane made 93 appearances, scoring twice. He played a pivotal role in the club's triumph in the 2023 League Cup, their first trophy in six years. However, his time at United has been marred by injuries, limiting his playing time.Despite the challenges, Varane remains optimistic about the future of the club. He expressed his admiration for the fans and the club's history, stating, "The first time I went to Old Trafford as a Man United player was insane, the atmosphere was amazing."Varane's departure comes amidst a tumultuous season for United, who currently languish in eighth place in the Premier League. The club has endured 14 defeats and faces an uphill battle to qualify for European competition.Erik ten Hag, United's manager, will have to address the defensive void left by Varane's exit. The Dutchman has two league matches remaining before the FA Cup final against Manchester City on May 25.Manchester United released a statement acknowledging Varane's departure, praising his "great deal of class and experience." The club highlighted his "unflappable work at the heart of the defence," recognizing his contributions to the team.

Aston Villa's Champions League hopes received a major boost as they fought back from a 3-1 deficit to secure a thrilling 3-3 draw against Liverpool on Monday. The result leaves Villa on 68 points with one game remaining, five clear of fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur, who have two matches still to come.The match started disastrously for Villa when goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez fumbled a tame Harvey Elliot cross into his own net in the second minute. However, Villa responded well and equalized through Youri Tielemans 10 minutes later.Liverpool regained the lead in the 23rd minute through Cody Gakpo, but Villa refused to give up. Jarell Quansah headed in off the post from a free kick in the 48th minute to make it 2-2.Liverpool looked set to secure all three points when Quansah scored an own goal in the 65th minute. However, Villa substitute Jhon Duran had other ideas. The Colombian striker scored twice in the final five minutes to earn Villa a vital point.Duran's first goal came in the 85th minute when he latched onto a loose ball in the Liverpool area and fired home. He then completed the comeback in the 88th minute with a stunning strike from outside the box.The draw leaves Villa in a strong position to secure a top-four finish and a place in next season's Champions League. They will play their final game of the season at Crystal Palace on Sunday, while Tottenham end their campaign at relegated Sheffield United.

Barcelona's resurgence continued on Monday as they secured a 2-0 victory over Real Sociedad, propelling them to second place in La Liga, just a point ahead of Girona. The win dealt a blow to Real Sociedad's Europa League aspirations, leaving them seventh in the standings.Despite having nothing but pride to play for in the final weeks of the season, Barcelona displayed a determined performance, eager to finish above their Catalan rivals. Lamine Yamal, the 16-year-old winger, opened the scoring in the 40th minute, showcasing his impressive skills. Raphinha sealed the victory with a late penalty, ensuring Barcelona's second-place finish.Barcelona coach Xavi praised his team's performance, highlighting their control of the game and the importance of the victory. He also acknowledged the need to finish above Girona, a testament to the club's desire to salvage some pride from a disappointing campaign.Real Sociedad, on the other hand, were left frustrated by the result, which hindered their chances of securing European football next season. Midfielder Benat Turrientes expressed his disappointment, lamenting the missed opportunities that could have changed the outcome of the match.Barcelona's victory was marred by Robert Lewandowski's visible frustration after being substituted with 15 minutes remaining. The Polish striker, who is vying for the La Liga top scorer award, was visibly upset by the decision. However, Xavi defended his choice, emphasizing the need for fresh legs and energy to maintain their lead.Barcelona will face Almeria on Thursday and Rayo Vallecano on Sunday in their final two matches of the season, aiming to secure their second-place finish. Real Sociedad, meanwhile, will look to bounce back and secure a Europa League berth in their remaining fixtures.

Kylian Mbappé, the prodigious French forward, has been crowned France's Player of the Year for the fifth consecutive time. The prestigious award, presented at the UNFP (French players' union) Trophies gala in Paris, marks the culmination of an extraordinary season for Mbappé, who has scored an astonishing 44 goals in all competitions for Paris Saint-Germain.As Mbappé prepares to bid farewell to PSG at the end of the campaign, the award serves as a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering commitment to French football. The 25-year-old captain has been a cornerstone of the national team, leading them to victory in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.In his acceptance speech, Mbappé expressed his gratitude for the recognition and acknowledged the significance of Ligue 1 in his career. "It is a page that is turning, a chapter of my life that is going to close," he said. "Ligue 1 will always have an important place in my life. It is the only league I have known in my career up to now."Mbappé's departure from PSG has been the subject of intense speculation, with Real Madrid widely expected to be his next destination. While he remained tight-lipped about his future plans, he hinted at an exciting chapter ahead. "What is coming next is very exciting but that is something else," he said.Mbappé's final home game for PSG was a bittersweet affair, as the champions suffered a shock 3-1 defeat against Toulouse. However, he managed to score a consolation goal, taking his tally for the season in Ligue 1 to 27, eight goals more than his closest rival.With two more Ligue 1 games and the French Cup final against Lyon still to come, Mbappé's season is far from over. He will be determined to end his PSG career on a high note and cement his legacy as one of the greatest players in French football history.

Kylian Mbappé's tenure at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has come to an end, marked by a tumultuous relationship that culminated in his departure. The French superstar joined PSG in 2017 as a teenage prodigy from Monaco, but his time at the club has been marred by ongoing tensions and a lack of Champions League success.Mbappé's relationship with PSG began to deteriorate after he signed a lucrative contract extension in 2022. The club had promised to sign key players, including a top-class center forward, to accommodate Mbappé's preferred position wide left. However, these promises were not kept, leaving Mbappé frustrated.In June 2023, Mbappé stunned PSG by informing the club that he would not exercise the option for an extra year on his contract. This put PSG in a difficult position, as they faced the prospect of losing their star player for free when his contract expired.Tensions escalated further when Mbappé was left out of PSG's pre-season tour to Japan. The club insisted he would be sold, but Mbappé refused to leave. He eventually returned to the team and scored a penalty in the opening league game.However, relations between Mbappé and PSG coach Luis Enrique became strained. Enrique showed his authority by benching or substituting Mbappé in important games. Mbappé's status as the club's untouchable star was suddenly in question.In mid-February, Mbappé informed PSG president Nasser Al Khelaifi of his decision to leave. The club did not comment on the matter, and Mbappé made his departure official on May 10.Mbappé's last match for PSG will be the French Cup final against Lyon on May 25. His departure marks the end of an era for the club, as they have failed to win the Champions League despite investing heavily in star players.