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Calls for Grace Clinton to break into England's starting XI for Euro 2025 will only increase after yet another impressive display in their victory over Switzerland. The Manchester United midfielder was on the scoresheet again - her third goal in five appearances - as the Lionesses claimed a 1-0 win at Bramall Lane . It ends a period of experimentation by boss Sarina Wiegman as she prepares them for the defence of their European title in Switzerland next summer. From switching formations and rotating her players, she has been given plenty to think about - and Clinton's inclusion will surely be high on her list. "In the first half especially, she felt very comfortable and players close to her felt very comfortable - that was really good to see," said Wiegman. "What I would like to see more from her is that she sees the overall picture, even when the pace of the game is faster than it was tonight. "You can tell she is on the way and is improving. Hopefully she keeps showing that and also [shows it] with her club." Clinton made her mark in Sheffield within eight minutes, firing in the winner when she reacted quickest after Millie Turner's header had rebounded off the post. It was a second start in this four-game friendly period and a second goal for Clinton after she also shone in a 2-1 win over South Africa in October. It has been a rapid rise for the 21-year-old, who had two successful spells on loan at Bristol City and Tottenham, before returning to United in the summer and becoming a key player under manager Marc Skinner. Former England striker Ellen White said last month Clinton "should" be in the starting XI more regularly - but the next step is playing her against top opposition. She was left out of the side for the goalless draw with the USA on Saturday and October's defeat by Germany - both at Wembley Stadium. "She needs to be put against top midfield players," White told BBC Radio 5 Live. "I'm not saying domestically she doesn't play against top players, but internationally [she needs] to be in among it at Wembley. "We saw a lot from her [against South Africa]. What I like is she has got a completely different profile to what we have seen in a midfielder for many years. "She is strong, she is powerful, she can go box-to-box. She is technical, she holds the ball up, she does very simple passes, she does really good long passes. "She has a good profile that I think we are missing in the middle for England. She is really knocking on Sarina's door to say 'start me'." But while Clinton has yet to be tested on the biggest stages, she has stepped up to the plate under Wiegman and ex-midfielder Karen Carney said she is "really starting to take hold" of her position in the squad. Former striker Ian Wright added: "Grace Clinton is more than ready for this level. I would like to see her play more." Wiegman has been criticised previously for her selection choices, often opting for experienced players and familiar starting XIs. But she made 10 changes in the victory over Switzerland, handing out senior debuts to Mace and Laura Blindkilde Brown, as well as first starts for Millie Turner and Aggie Beever-Jones. She was asked about the performances of several individuals in her post-match press conference and tried to avoid singling people out, making a point of praising Jess Park when prompted to discuss Clinton's display. "I think [Clinton's] improving well," added Wiegman. "She had to do a couple of things too. She had a good game, she's had more good games. "The next step is to get into the squad more often and get consistency. I was really happy with her. You can really see that she's developing. "But I also thought Jess Park made a difference today." Manchester United manager Skinner said in November he had no doubts Clinton would "put herself in the best possible position" for regular England selection, but was cautious not to rush her international development. There is competition for places, with regular starters Keira Walsh and Georgia Stanway mainstays in Wiegman's team, while Park and injured midfielder Ella Toone are strong number 10 options. Leicester's Mace also looked at home in a holding midfield role against Switzerland, adding to Wiegman's options. "You know what we're like in England, we recognise talent, put it on a pedestal and then say, 'off you go', and we try shoot it down," said Skinner in November. "[Clinton] plays the game with enjoyment and that's my job, to keep Grace in that space. When she's in that space, she will do all she can to be selected by England." England will find out their Euro 2025 group-stage opponents when the draw takes place in Switzerland on 16 December. Before Euro 2025, they must navigate another Women's Nations League campaign, where they will face world champions Spain , as well as Belgium and Portugal. "When you are in these competitions and playing every three or four days, physicality is a big thing," said former England captain Steph Houghton. "What I see from Grace Clinton is that ability to get back, defend and be a presence in the box. Now, she is adding goals to her game. "She hasn't had experience but over these next six months it is so crucial that Sarina gives her that opportunity to nail down that position."win ph winph99 com 。

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Ceramics decorate this porcelain "palace" outside Jingdezhen, a city known as the porcelain capital of China. Ming Dynasty vases and ceramics are used in the rotunda. Doreen Siow JINGDEZHEN, Jiangxi – Driving into Jingdezhen, it looks like any other inland Chinese provincial city that has rampantly urbanised: concrete infrastructure and superhighways sprawled against a rustic landscape of paddy fields and mountains. But I start noticing lamp posts and road dividers clad in blue-and-white porcelain, which look a little out of place in the grey city, but point to Jingdezhen’s past as the world’s porcelain capital. The dusty city in south-eastern Jiangxi province has been producing porcelain wares for more than 2,000 years. It is surrounded by the Gaoling Mountain range, which is rich in the kaolin clay deposits needed for the finest porcelain. According to China’s imperial records, when Emperor Shizong of Liao (947-951) heard that the kaolin here produced ceramics that was “white like jade, bright as a mirror, thin as paper” and “sounds like a bell”, he arranged the Gaoling mines to supply porcelain exclusively to royalty. Royal kilns were built and over time, the porcelain was also exported. Chinese porcelain made its way to Persia around the ninth century. At the same time, Jingdezhen artisans became acquainted with Persian cobalt, which turned a vivid blue when fired under high temperatures. China’s blue-and-white ceramics became a hugely popular colour combination for decorating tableware. From the Tang Dynasty (618-907) onwards, the porcelain became a major export for China that was copied globally. At its peak, Jingdezhen employed more than a million men, women and children in 3,000 kilns in the 18th century. The manufacturing process was split into areas of specialisation. Some workers focused on mixing clay, for instance, while others fired the kilns. Artisans drew patterns, painted and carved. This division of labour continues today, though many processes have changed with the times. In Jingdezhen, even the lamp posts are clad in porcelain. PHOTO: DOREEN SIOW Today, most workshops have abandoned the kaolin from nearby mountains for purer deposits in other provinces. Electric kilns have replaced wood-fired ones. Political upheaval and mass production in factories elsewhere are among the reasons for the diminished dominance of Jingdezhen porcelain. But the craftsmanship never left the city, and the tradition is slowly being revived. While state-owned porcelain factories have shuttered, many have been converted into art hubs housing private studios and workshops. Rising affluence in China has brought new customers, while the government’s move in 2010 to promote tourism has resulted in domestic and overseas visitors flocking in. More than eight million tourists visited Jingdezhen during China’s week-long National Day holiday in 2023, according to the Jiangxi Department of Culture and Tourism. The city has also attracted over 30,000 Jing Drifters – young Chinese migrants escaping the stress of life in major metropolises like Beijing and Guangzhou. They are drawn to Jingdezhen’s lower rents, slower pace and opportunities to pursue art, set up cafes or discover themselves. Here, design lovers, influencers and travellers can marvel at porcelain rotundas, spend time at repurposed brick kilns-turned-art hubs and cafes, and shop for ceramics. Taoxichuan Ceramic Art Avenue is a popular spot to shop for ceramics. PHOTO: DOREEN SIOW Taoxichuan Ceramic Art Avenue is an art mall converted from an old porcelain factory. Parts of the brick kilns and chimneys have been retained, while the original factories have been repurposed into art studios, shops selling ceramics, eateries and open spaces for entertainment. In the evenings, the bustling plaza is filled with stalls helmed by young potters and entrepreneurs selling ceramics. Salesman Wang Xiaowei says: “Most of the factories and workshops in Jingdezhen today are small. The scale is not large because it is still mainly manual production here. There are many small family-run workshops.” He works at Qi He Tang, a porcelain shop outside Jingdezhen Sculpture Porcelain Factory, a ceramics bazaar built on the former site of a state-owned factory. His family runs a factory with some 20 employees, mostly relatives. He says porcelain tableware can be mass-produced by machines in Jingdezhen, but items such as vases and tea sets are still mostly finished by hand. “The tea sets are mass-produced, but the patterns are painted by hand,” he adds. “So, it is more expensive, and the output is low.” Another highlight is the beautiful Jingdezhen Imperial Kiln Museum, located in the restored historical neighbourhood of Taoyangli. Next to it are the ruins of an imperial Ming Dynasty kiln. Designed by Studio Zhu Pei, the award-winning museum was built using recycled kiln bricks and new ones. Recycled bricks are plentiful in the city, as the kilns are demolished regularly to ensure top thermal performance. The archaeological museum is composed of buildings shaped like old Chinese kilns, and houses ceramic relics and shards found in the city. It is popular with tourists and international students keen to learn about pottery and Chinese ceramic culture, says Ms Zhu Ziqi, an English-speaking guide who graduated from the Jingdezhen Ceramics University. “This year also marks the 60th anniversary of China-France diplomatic relations. So, there are also many French people visiting,” she adds. Ming Dynasty vases and ceramics are used in the rotunda of Yu Ermei’s porcelain palace. PHOTO: DOREEN SIOW Just outside Jingdezhen is a porcelain “palace” built by grandmother and retired ceramicist Yu Ermei. The “palace” features three-storey rotundas covered from floor to ceiling in porcelain shards. More than 60,000 colourful ceramic wares, including a pair of precious Ming vases, decorate the windows, doors, ceilings and walls. The attraction is a hot spot for domestic tourists and youngsters, many dressed in traditional clothing or hanfu for photographs. Jingdezhen, which once made ceramics for royalty and dominated the world stage, has successfully transformed itself to be cool and relevant again in 21st-century China. Visitors dressed in blue and white hanfu to match the decor. PHOTO: DOREEN SIOW Different types of Jingdezhen porcelain Jingdezhen ceramicists today make a huge variety of wares – from delicate Chinese tea sets to modern Western-style tableware to contemporary art pieces commissioned by museums, casinos and other entities. A visit to the studio of ceramic artist Zhu Legeng, a grand master in China’s ceramic art world, shows how he is able to mould and fire clay into fantastical objects of art with vivid colours. Born in Jingdezhen, Zhu studied at the Jingdezhen Ceramics Institute and researched the craftsmanship, history and culture of ceramics. In an interview with China Daily, the artist noted that in ancient China, pottery and agriculture went hand in hand. “Many Chinese ceramics were products of agricultural civilisation,” he said. Oxen and other farm animals are common motifs in Chinese ceramics. PHOTO: DOREEN SIOW Zhu often uses domesticated animals as motifs in his works, and his studio displays many ox and horse sculptures in all shapes and sizes. Some of the ox sculptures are made from a special clay fired to a beautiful rustic orange hue with light gold streaks. The creations have a distinct Chinese aesthetic. Ceramics salesman Wang Xiaowei says the city mainly makes four types of porcelain: qinghua porcelain (blue-and-white porcelain), linglong porcelain with pierced ornamentation, famille rose porcelain and enamel colour-glazed porcelain. Qinghua is regarded as the most famous and popular of the four styles. Many Chinese households have blue-and-white dinner sets and vases. The main raw material, cobalt oxide, turns blue when fired at a high temperature. The patterns in linglong porcelain emerge when viewed against the light. PHOTO: DOREEN SIOW Linglong porcelain features carved patterns filled with a translucent glaze. This technique is used in Chinese tableware, where rice grain-sized shapes are hollowed out and a glaze applied several times to cover them. When held against the light, a pattern emerges. High-temperature colour glazes and colour enamel porcelain are also favoured by Jingdezhen ceramicists, who make teacups and vases with this technique, often using shapes and styles from the Song and Ming Dynasties. A red porcelain teacup in a floral shape popular in the Song Dynasty. PHOTO: DOREEN SIOW Mr Wang’s shop sells handmade, flower-shaped enamel red porcelain teacups, a style from the Song Dynasty. “The five-mouth teacup was from the Song period, when the people loved flowers,” he says. “These cups are made entirely by hand. Our relatives make it in small workshops, so the output is small and only one to two people are involved.” Famille rose porcelain, a technique brought to China in the 17th century from Europe, is when white porcelain ware is fired with a translucent glaze. Colours are applied by hand before the items are fired again. Such porcelain was especially popular in the 18th and 19th centuries. Large quantities of these wares were exported from Jingdezhen to Europe, the United States and Singapore. A Peranakan porcelain cup made in the famille rose style. PHOTO: DOREEN SIOW The famille rose porcelain in Singapore was made specially for the wealthy Straits-born Chinese community. Straits Chinese or Nonya porcelain is characterised by exuberant colours, and often features phoenix and tree peony motifs. The Singapore Peranakan Museum has a small but beautiful collection of Nonya porcelain made in Jingdezhen. There is also a selection for sale in the museum’s souvenir shop, as well as in the household department of Tangs. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you. Read 3 articles and stand to win rewards Spin the wheel now

Nearly 50 payloads safely splashed down to Earth on SpaceX's 31 st Commercial Resupply Services Mission for NASA KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. , Dec. 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Research that could enable early cancer detection, advance treatments for neurodegenerative conditions, and improve respiratory therapies returned from the International Space Station (ISS) on SpaceX's 31st Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) mission for NASA. SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft splashed down off the coast of Florida with nearly 50 biotechnology, physical science, and student research payloads sponsored by the ISS National Laboratory ® . These investigations are among those that leveraged the unique environment of the space station for the benefit of life on Earth: The ISS National Lab enables access and opportunity for researchers to leverage this unique orbiting laboratory for the benefit of humanity and to enable commerce in space. To learn more about ISS National Lab-sponsored investigations that flew on NASA's SpaceX CRS-31, please visit our launch page . Download a high-resolution image for this release: SpaceX Dragon Freedom spacecraft About the International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory: The International Space Station (ISS) is a one-of-a-kind laboratory that enables research and technology development not possible on Earth. As a public service enterprise, the ISS National Laboratory ® allows researchers to leverage this multiuser facility to improve quality of life on Earth, mature space-based business models, advance science literacy in the future workforce, and expand a sustainable and scalable market in low Earth orbit. Through this orbiting national laboratory, research resources on the ISS are available to support non-NASA science, technology, and education initiatives from U.S. government agencies, academic institutions, and the private sector. The Center for the Advancement of Science in SpaceTM (CASIS ® ) manages the ISS National Lab, under Cooperative Agreement with NASA, facilitating access to its permanent microgravity research environment, a powerful vantage point in low Earth orbit, and the extreme and varied conditions of space. To learn more about the ISS National Lab, visit our website . As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, CASIS ® accepts corporate and individual donations to help advance science in space for the benefit of humanity. For more information, visit our donations page . Media Contact: Patrick O'Neill 904-806-0035 PONeill@ISSNationalLab.org International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory Managed by the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space, Inc. (CASIS) 1005 Viera Blvd., Suite 101, Rockledge, FL 32955 • 321.253.5101 • www.ISSNationalLab.org View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/iss-national-lab-sponsored-projects-on-cancer-neurodegenerative-conditions-and-more-return-from-space-station-302334158.html SOURCE International Space Station National LabSeagate Technology Holdings PLC stock underperforms Wednesday when compared to competitorsBoth people spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the school isn't commenting publicly on its search. Belichick's interview, first reported by Inside Carolina, comes a week after the school fired its winningest coach in College Football Hall of Famer Mack Brown. The school announced Nov. 26 that Brown wouldn't return for a seventh season in his second stint at the school, with Brown staying on to coach last weekend's rivalry loss to N.C. State. Former Cleveland Browns coach Freddie Kitchens is working as the interim coach for an upcoming bowl game as UNC conducts it search. Moving on from the 73-year-old Brown to hire the 72-year-old Belichick would mean UNC is turning to a coach who has never worked at the college level, yet had incredible NFL success alongside quarterback Tom Brady throughout most of his 24-year tenure with the Patriots that ended last season . In the time since, he had been linked to NFL jobs , notably the Atlanta Falcons in January. UNC’s opening comes at a time of rapid changes in college athletics with free player movement through the transfer portal and players able to cash in on their athletic fame with endorsement opportunities. There’s also the impending arrival of revenue sharing, part of a $2.8 billion antitrust settlement proposal that gained preliminary approval by a judge in October. “I think it's a great time for me to get out,” Brown said after Saturday's loss to the Wolfpack. “This isn't the game that I signed up for. It's changed so much.” In an UNC-produced podcast earlier this week, athletic director Bubba Cunningham said all the coaches the school is talking with about its job “are playing,” with college football having reached its conference title games before unveiling the 12-team College Football Playoff and bowl assignments. Cunningham said then that “fit” was the most important thing in finding Brown’s successor. “There's a certain person that’s best suited at the right time, at the right place,” he said. “And right now, that’s we’re looking for: Where are we today, who can lead us in the next three, five, 10 years?” Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-footballLiverpool player ratings: Alexander-Arnold, Salah star in thriller vs. Newcastle

Wednesday, December 4, 2024 The 26th China Clean Expo (CCE) will take place from March 31 to April 3, 2025, at the Shanghai New International Expo Center (SNIEC), offering a premier platform for industry professionals to explore new innovations, foster business growth, and connect with global leaders in the cleaning industry. Organized by IM Sinoexpo and supported by ISSA, CCE 2025 promises to be an essential event for anyone looking to stay ahead in China’s rapidly expanding cleaning market. Shanghai, one of the world’s most dynamic business hubs, sets the perfect stage for CCE 2025. China’s cleaning industry has experienced significant growth, reaching a market value of USD 30 billion in 2023, with forecasts predicting this number could grow to USD 50 billion by 2028. This robust growth is driven by factors such as rapid urbanization, technological advancements, and rising demands for hygiene and sustainability across public and commercial spaces. CCE 2025 provides the ideal environment to tap into these exciting opportunities and accelerate your business’s success in one of the most promising markets globally. Over 400 leading companies from around the world will be exhibiting at CCE 2025, showcasing the latest technologies and innovations shaping the future of the cleaning industry. Renowned global brands such as Nilfisk, STIHL, HAKO, Rubbermaid, PUDU, and LAVOR will present state-of-the-art cleaning solutions, including smart systems, advanced high-pressure equipment, air purifiers, and sustainable sanitation products. Whether you’re interested in cutting-edge automation, environmentally friendly solutions, or smart cleaning technologies, CCE 2025 will feature a wide range of solutions for every aspect of the industry. The event will be organized into three dedicated zones, each focusing on key areas within the cleaning industry: These specialized zones will give attendees the chance to focus on the areas most relevant to their business, ensuring a highly targeted and productive experience. In addition to the exhibits, CCE 2025 will feature a series of expert-led seminars and workshops, providing attendees with valuable insights into the latest industry trends, including facility management, smart cleaning technologies, air quality management, and disinfection techniques. These sessions will be led by thought leaders and industry experts, offering attendees the knowledge they need to stay ahead in a fast-evolving market. Moreover, CCE 2025 will be co-located with the Hotel & Shop Plus 2025 event, which focuses on the hospitality, commercial real estate, and property management sectors. This co-location creates a unique opportunity for cross-industry networking, allowing attendees to explore new business opportunities and partnerships across various sectors. Whether you are looking to expand your network, explore potential collaborations, or source new products, CCE 2025 and Hotel & Shop Plus 2025 will provide a wealth of opportunities. With hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of professionals gathering in Shanghai, CCE 2025 is the must-attend event for anyone in the cleaning industry. Whether you are looking to source new products, gain insights into emerging trends, or network with global leaders, CCE 2025 offers unparalleled opportunities to position your business for success. Join us at the Shanghai New International Expo Center for CCE 2025 and take your business to new heights in China’s rapidly growing cleaning industry. Don’t miss this chance to be part of the future of cleaning!

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Playoff game at Ohio State has sold 34% more tickets than Notre Dame game on StubHubThree-time Olympic gold medalist equestrian Charlotte Dujardin was suspended from all competition for one year Thursday by the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI), following its investigation into a video that shows Dujardin repeatedly whipping the legs of a horse during a coaching session. Dujardin was provisionally suspended by the FEI, the sport’s international governing body, on July 23 and withdrew from the Paris Games when news of the video first emerged. It shows Dujardin conducting a lesson with a young rider mounted atop a horse. The British equestrian follows alongside, whipping the horse’s legs more than 20 times in a minute. The FEI’s suspension Thursday backdates to July and includes a fine of about $11,300. The organization said Dujardin’s behavior constituted horse abuse and “conduct that brings the FEI and/or equestrian sport ... into disrepute. “Given the gravity of the offence and the relevant mitigating circumstances, including Dujardin’s prior clean disciplinary record and her voluntary withdrawal from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the FEI proposed a one-year suspension and a 10,000 (Swiss Franc) fine.” Dujardin has won six Olympic medals in team and individual dressage across the London, Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo Games, including three gold, one silver and two bronze medals. In accepting the sanctions, she apologized on social media. “I fully respect the verdict issued by the Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI), released today,” she wrote. “As the federation has recognised, my actions in the video do not reflect who I am and I can only apologise again. I understand the responsibility that comes with my position in the sport, and I will forever aim to do better.” Dutch attorney Stephan Wensing submitted the video of Dujardin to the FEI on behalf of an unnamed client. Following its decision Thursday, Wensing told the BBC his client was pleased with the investigation’s outcome. “My client is very happy that the FEI has taken this so seriously and this is a good message for the whole dressage world,” Wensing said. “She is also happy that Charlotte Dujardin has taken this seriously, and has taken responsibility and accepted her punishment.”

North Carolina interviews Bill Belichick for head coaching job, AP sources say

LONDON -- stepped up their pursuit of leaders by sealing a 2-0 win against at the Emirates on Wednesday, once again highlighting their peerless ability to score from set pieces. Second-half goals from and , both from corners, clinched a comfortable win for the Gunners that left United coach Ruben Amorim with his first defeat since taking charge at Old Trafford last month. With Liverpool dropping two points after being held to a dramatic 3-3 draw against Newcastle at St. James' Park, Arsenal reduced the gap between themselves and Arne Slot's team to seven points with the win against United. First defeat for Amorim, but Man United show progress Amorim warned that a "storm will come" ahead of Manchester United's visit to Arsenal. The new United coach arrived at the Emirates unbeaten in three games since arriving at the club last month, but the defeat against Arsenal ended that unblemished start. Amorim said he expected United to endure a difficult period and that might now come considering a run of games that sees his side play , Tottenham and Newcastle before the end of the month. But, while United were well-beaten in the end by the Gunners, there was enough shown by the players to suggest that Amorim's influence is beginning to have an effect. For a start, United played with purpose for much of this game and had a clear plan of what was expected of them. Amorim and his coaches have clearly drilled the players on the training ground and the back three looks convincing and in midfield, captain looks like he could be a solution in a deeper-lying role. brought energy and tactical awareness to his position further forward and 's appearance as a second-half substitute was the French teenager's first competitive game since his summer arrival from following a lengthy foot injury lay-off. The manner of United's defeat -- two goals conceded from two corners -- and the way his team ran out of steam late in the game will be a concern, however. Amorim has already cited the need to improve the squad's physical condition and that is a job that is still to be done. But there are signs of progress. Amorim is giving all his players a chance to make or break their United careers and he is seeing them win and now lose, which will help him learn more about their capabilities. By the time United return to the Emirates for an FA Cup third round tie in January, expect them to be better still and more likely to emerge with a positive result. Arsenal cut into Liverpool's lead Gunners manager Mikel Arteta last week warned Liverpool that a big lead at the top of the table is no guarantee of anything, suggesting that "suddenly when you think you have it, one day it collapses." A 3-3 draw at Newcastle does not constitute a collapse by Liverpool but it did present an opportunity for the chasing pack to chip away at their nine-point lead. and Manchester City did so in the slightly earlier kick-offs with wins against and respectively, ramping up the pressure on the Gunners to follow suit. They were just wrapping up those victories around the time Timber opened the scoring at Emirates Stadium on 54 minutes, settling palpable nerves in the stands after a first-half in which United did a good job of stifling their opponents. Arsenal held their nerve despite an opening 45 minutes in which they never really got going and Arteta will be pleased with the maturity his team showed in maintaining their composure and finding the breakthrough. From the moment they took the lead, United never seriously threatened aside from Matthijs De Ligt's 67th-minute header and, after Saliba's goal six minutes later, the Gunners were left to close a relatively comfortable win, which will fuel their self-belief that Liverpool can be caught. A winnable run of league games until the New Year awaits: away, at home, away and Ipswich at home. Maximum points would put Liverpool under further pressure. Amorim gives Man United energy from the touchline The new Manchester United head coach is a bundle of energy on the touchline, and his passion and drive is rubbing off on his new team. Erik ten Hag's successor was constantly coaching, cajoling and berating his players from the technical area, with left-back pretty much given a personal one-on-one coaching session as he attempted to deal with Arsenal's during the first-half. Amorim was organising his players, telling them to be more compact as a defensive unit and also urging them to hit Arsenal quicker on the break. His frustration, too, was evident whenever an attacking move broke down because his forwards -- usually -- cut back and failed to be more direct. There are shades of Jurgen Klopp in Amorim's actions on the touchline, although he has yet to be quite as critical of the officials as the former Liverpool manager. But compared to Ten Hag, who often stood motionless on the touchline with his hands in his pockets, Amorim is a much livelier character and his players feed off it because they know they have to step it up to impress their new boss. No Gabriel, no problem from set-pieces for Arsenal When made an embarrassing hash of a close-range near-post header in the eighth minute, it was tempting to speculate how much Arsenal would miss their biggest threat from set-pieces. They scored 32 Premier League goals from dead-ball situations last season -- a league high -- and from corners the figure is even starker. No Premier League team has scored more goals from corners since the start of last season than Arsenal's 22 and in the past three years, no defender has netted more than Gabriel's 15. As a reminder of the Brazilian's enduring threat, he scored in Arsenal's previous two matches before missing out here with a thigh injury -- against in the Champions League last week and then the opening goal in Saturday's 5-2 thrashing of West Ham. Instrumental in that corner routine at the London Stadium was Timber, whose gentle near-post nudge on enabled Gabriel to meet Bukayo Saka's delivery. This time, Timber got the telling touch himself from 's corner to score his first goal for the Gunners. They were at it again in the 73rd-minute. Saka's delivery to the far post found Partey unmarked and this time his header back across goal hit Saliba and flew in. Arteta celebrated both goals with Arsenal's set-piece coach Nicolas Jover -- it is a familiar sight these days and Arsenal's unparalleled potency from dead-ball situations decided another contest in their favour.None

Mbappé enduring 'difficult moment' as he misses another penalty kick and Madrid loses to Athletic MADRID (AP) — Kylian Mbappé admitted he is going through a difficult moment as he missed another penalty kick and Real Madrid lost ground to Barcelona in the Spanish league after a 2-1 loss at Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday. Tales Azzoni, The Associated Press Dec 4, 2024 3:23 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe fails to score a penalty during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Athletic Bilbao and Real Madrid at the San Mames stadium in Bilbao, Spain, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Miguel Oses) MADRID (AP) — Kylian Mbappé admitted he is going through a difficult moment as he missed another penalty kick and Real Madrid lost ground to Barcelona in the Spanish league after a 2-1 loss at Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday. Mbappé had his penalty saved by Athletic goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala in the 68th minute, and later Federico Valverde gifted a late goal by losing possession on defense to allow an easy winner by Gorka Guruzeta in the 80th. “Bad result,” Mbappé posted on Instagram. “A big mistake in a match where every detail counts. I take full responsibility for it. A difficult moment but it's the best time to change this situation and show who I am.” Mbappé sent the penalty shot to his right and Agirrezabala dived that way to make the stop. “We knew that he is a good penalty taker,” Agirrezabala said. “He missed the last one and I believed that he was going to choose the same side and luckily that’s what happened.” Mbappé, who had a goal disallowed for offside in the 13th, had also missed a penalty in Madrid’s 2-0 loss at Liverpool in the Champions League last week. He didn’t take the one for the club in a Spanish league match on Sunday, but he scored in the 2-0 win over Getafe to ease some of the pressure on him and the club. But it was another lackluster outing for the France star, who continues to struggle in his first season since finally joining the Spanish powerhouse. “I won’t evaluate the performance of a player because of a missed penalty. Obviously he is sad and disappointed, but you have to move on,” Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said about Mbappé. “He is not at his best level, but you have to give him time to adapt. You have to give him time to be able to do better.” Ancelotti also downplayed the bad play by Valverde, saying that mistakes can happen to anyone. Valverde had control of the ball but gave it away while trying to get past a couple of Athletic players instead of passing it to a teammate, leaving Guruzeta with an easy run into the area for his goal. Álex Berenguer had put the hosts ahead in the 53td and Jude Bellingham equalized for Madrid in the 78th. The defeat left Madrid four points behind Barcelona, which on Tuesday ended a three-match winless streak in the league with a 5-1 rout at Mallorca. Madrid, which has a game in hand, had won three consecutive league games since a 4-0 loss at home in the “clasico” against Barcelona. Madrid has lost five of its last 11 matches in all competitions. Athletic moved to fourth place with the victory, its fourth consecutive across all competitions. Both matches on Tuesday and Wednesday were moved forward in the schedule because the clubs will be playing in the Spanish Super Cup in January. Copa del Rey In the Copa del Rey, first-division clubs Rayo Vallecano, Valencia and Real Betis all advanced over lower-division teams in the second round, but Villarreal lost 1-0 to fourth-division club Pontevedra and Girona fell on penalties to fourth-tier team Logrones. ___ AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer Tales Azzoni, The Associated Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Get your daily Victoria news briefing Email Sign Up More Soccer The draw for the FIFA’s revamped Club World Cup is coming up. Here’s what to know Dec 4, 2024 3:33 PM Liverpool's lead cut in Premier League and Man City ends slump. Chelsea and Arsenal win Dec 4, 2024 3:18 PM Frankfurt follows Bayern with early exit from German Cup in 3-0 loss at Leipzig Dec 4, 2024 2:57 PM

Grimes says Elon Musk became ‘unrecognizable’ amid nasty custody fightWASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump's pick for intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard faced fresh scrutiny Monday on Capitol Hill about her proximity to Russian-ally Syria amid the sudden collapse of that country's hardline Assad rule. Gabbard ignored shouted questions about her 2017 visit to war-torn Syria as she ducked into one of several private meetings with senators who are being asked to confirm Trump's unusual nominees . But the Democrat-turned-Republican Army National Reserve lieutenant colonel delivered a statement in which she reiterated her support for Trump's America First approach to national security and a more limited U.S. military footprint overseas. “I want to address the issue that’s in the headlines right now: I stand in full support and wholeheartedly agree with the statements that President Trump has made over these last few days with regards to the developments in Syria,” Gabbard said exiting a Senate meeting. The incoming president’s Cabinet and top administrative choices are dividing his Republican allies and drawing concern , if not full opposition, from Democrats and others. Not just Gabbard, but other Trump nominees including Pentagon pick Pete Hegseth, were back at the Capitol ahead of what is expected to be volatile confirmation hearings next year. The incoming president is working to put his team in place for an ambitious agenda of mass immigrant deportations, firing federal workers and rollbacks of U.S. support for Ukraine and NATO allies. “We’re going to sit down and visit, that’s what this is all about,” said Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., as he welcomed Gabbard into his office. Meanwhile, Defense Secretary pick Hegseth appeared to be picking up support from once-skeptical senators, the former Army National Guard major denying sexual misconduct allegations and pledging not to drink alcohol if he is confirmed. The president-elect's choice to lead the FBI, Kash Patel , who has written extensively about locking up Trump's foes and proposed dismantling the Federal Bureau of Investigation, launched his first visits with senators Monday. “I expect our Republican Senate is going to confirm all of President Trump’s nominees,” said Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., on social media. Despite widespread concern about the nominees' qualifications and demeanors for the jobs that are among the highest positions in the U.S. government, Trump's team is portraying the criticism against them as nothing more than political smears and innuendo. Showing that concern, Nearly 100 former senior U.S. diplomats and intelligence and national security officials have urged Senate leaders to schedule closed-door hearings to allow for a full review of the government’s files on Gabbard. Trump's allies have described the criticisms of Hegseth in particular as similar to those lodged against Brett Kavanaugh, the former president's Supreme Court nominee who denied a sexual assault allegation and went on to be confirmed during Trump's first term in office. Said Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., about Hegseth: “Anonymous accusations are trying to destroy reputations again. We saw this with Kavanaugh. I won’t stand for it.” One widely watched Republican, Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa, herself a former Army National Guard lieutenant colonel and sexual assault survivor who had been criticized by Trump allies for her cool reception to Hegseth, appeared more open to him after their follow-up meeting Monday. “I appreciate Pete Hegseth’s responsiveness and respect for the process,” Ernst said in a statement. Ernst said that following “encouraging conversations,” he had committed to selecting a senior official who will "prioritize and strengthen my work to prevent sexual assault within the ranks. As I support Pete through this process, I look forward to a fair hearing based on truth, not anonymous sources.” Ernst also had praise for Patel — “He shares my passion for shaking up federal agencies" — and for Gabbard. Once a rising Democratic star, Gabbard, who represented Hawaii in Congress, arrived a decade ago in Washington, her surfboard in tow, a new generation of potential leaders. She ran unsuccessfully for president in 2020. But Gabbard abruptly left the party and briefly became an independent before joining with Trump's 2024 campaign as one of his enthusiasts, in large part over his disdain for U.S. involvement overseas and opposition to helping Ukraine battle Russia. Her visit to Syria to meet with then-President Bashar Assad around the time of Trump's first inauguration during the country's bloody civil war stunned her former colleagues and the Washington national security establishment. The U.S. had severed diplomatic relations with Syria. Her visit was seen by some as legitimizing a brutal leader who was accused of war crimes. Gabbard has defended the trip, saying it's important to open dialogue, but critics hear in her commentary echoes of Russia-fueled talking points. Assad fled to Moscow over the weekend after Islamist rebels overtook Syria in a surprise attack, ending his family's five decades of rule. She said her own views have been shaped by “my multiple deployments and seeing firsthand the cost of war and the threat of Islamist terrorism.” Gabbard said, “It's one of the many reasons why I appreciate President Trump’s leadership and his election, where he is fully committed, as he has said over and over, to bring about an end to wars.” Last week, the nearly 100 former officials, who served in both Democratic and Republican administrations, said in the letter to Senate leaders they were “alarmed” by the choice of Gabbard to oversee all 18 U.S. intelligence agencies. They said her past actions “call into question her ability to deliver unbiased intelligence briefings to the President, Congress, and to the entire national security apparatus.” The Office of the Director of National Intelligence was created after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks to coordinate the nation’s intelligence agencies and act as the president’s main intelligence adviser. Associated Press writer Stephen Groves contributed to this report.

David Beckham pays tribute to ‘heartbeat of Manchester United’ Kath PhippsA 7.0 magnitude earthquake shook a large area of Northern California on Thursday, knocking items off grocery store shelves, sending children scrambling under desks and prompting a brief tsunami warning for 5.3 million people along the U.S. West Coast. The quake struck at 10:44 a.m. west of Ferndale, a small city in coastal Humboldt County, about 130 miles (209 km) from the Oregon border, the U.S. Geological Survey said. It was felt as far south as San Francisco, some 270 miles (435 km) away, where residents felt a rolling motion for several seconds. It was followed by multiple smaller aftershocks. There were no immediate reports of major damage or injury. The tsunami warning was in effect for roughly an hour. It was issued shortly after the temblor struck and covered nearly 500 miles (805 km) of coastline, from the edge of California’s Monterey Bay north into Oregon. “It was a strong quake, our building shook, we’re fine but I have a mess to clean up right now,” said Julie Kreitzer, owner of Golden Gait Mercantile, a store packed with food, wares and souvenirs that is a main attraction in Ferndale. “We lost a lot of stuff. It’s probably worse than two years ago. I have to go, I have to try and salvage something for the holidays because it’s going to be a tough year,” Kreitzer said before hanging up. The region — known for its redwood forests, scenic mountains and the three-county Emerald Triangle’s legendary marijuana crop — was struck by a 6.4 magnitude quake in 2022 that left thousands of people without power and water. The northwest corner of California is the most seismically active part of the state since it’s where three tectonic plates meet, seismologist Lucy Jones said on the social media platform BlueSky. Shortly after the quake, phones in Northern California buzzed with the tsunami warning from the National Weather Service that said: “A series of powerful waves and strong currents may impact coasts near you. You are in danger. Get away from coastal waters. Move to high ground or inland now. Keep away from the coast until local officials say it is safe to return.” Numerous cities urged people to evacuate to higher ground as a precaution, including Eureka. In Santa Cruz, authorities cleared the main beach, taping off entrances with police tape. Aerial footage showed cars bumper-to-bumper heading to higher ground Thursday morning on California highways 1 and 92 in the Half Moon Bay area south of San Francisco. “I thought my axles had fallen apart,” said Valerie Starkey, a Del Norte County supervisor representing Crescent City, a town of fewer than 6,000 near the Oregon border. “That’s what I was feeling ... ‘My axles are broken now.’ I did not realize it was an earthquake.” Cindy Vosburg, the executive director for the Crescent City-Del Norte County Chamber of Commerce, said she heard alarms sound just before shaking began and the city’s cultural center downtown started to creak. “The earthquake seemed to go on for quite a few seconds. It was a rolling earthquake,” Vosburg said. “Just as it would start to subside, the building would roll again.” Vosburg, a former resident of the San Francisco Bay Area and the Central Valley, said it was the strongest earthquake she felt since the 1989 Loma Prieta quake struck Northern California. Gov. Gavin Newsom said he has signed off on a state of emergency declaration to quickly move state resources to impacted areas along the coast. State officials were concerned about damages in the northern part of the state, Newsom said. White House Spokesperson Jeremy Edwards said President Joe Biden was briefed on the earthquake and that FEMA officials are in touch with their state and local counterparts in California and Oregon. Crews in Eureka, the biggest city in the region, were assessing if there was any major damage from the quake, Eureka Mayor Kim Bergel said. Bergel, who works as a resource aid at a middle school, said lights were swaying and everyone got under desks. “The kids were so great and terrified. It seemed to go back and forth for quite a long time,” she said. Some children asked, “Can I call my mom?” The students were later sent home. In nearby Arcata, students and faculty were urged to shelter in place at California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt. The campus in was not in the tsunami hazard zone and after inspections, “all utilities and building systems are normal and operational,” the university said in a statement. Humboldt County Sheriff William Honsal said residents experienced some cracks in their homes’ foundations, as well as broken glass and windows, but nothing severe. There also have been no major infrastructure problems, building collapses or roadway issues, and no major injuries or deaths have been reported, he said. Honsal said he was in his office in the 75-year-old courthouse in downtown Eureka when he felt the quake. “We’re used to it. It is known as ‘earthquake country’ up here,” he said. “It wasn’t a sharp jolt. It was a slow roller, but significant.” Michael Luna, owner of a Grocery Outlet in Eureka, said that besides a few items falling off shelves, the store on Commercial Street was unscathed by the earthquake. “We didn’t have any issues but a couple of deodorants fall off.... I think the way the earthquake rumbled this time, it was a good thing for our store because the last earthquake was a huge mess,” he said. They evacuated customers and closed their doors temporarily until officials lifted the tsunami warning, he said, rushing off the phone to attend to a growing line of customers at check-out. The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District, known as BART, stopped traffic in all directions through the underwater tunnel between San Francisco and Oakland, and the San Francisco Zoo’s visitors were evacuated. Dave Snider, tsunami warning coordinator for the Tsunami Warning Center in Alaska, said the computer models indicated that this was the type of earthquake that was unlikely to cause a tsunami and gauges that monitor waves then confirmed it, so forecasters canceled the warning. This quake was a strike-slip type of temblor that shifts more horizontally and is less prone to cause tsunamis, unlike the more vertical types, said National Weather Service tsunami program manager Corina Allen in Washington state. The California Geological Survey says the state’s shores have been struck by more than 150 tsunamis since 1800, and while most were minor, some have been destructive and deadly. On March 28, 1964, a tsunami triggered by a powerful earthquake in Alaska smashed into Crescent City hours later. Much of the business district was leveled and a dozen people were killed. More recently, a tsunami from a 2011 earthquake in Japan caused about $100 million in damages along the California coast, much of it in Crescent City.