Monday, 2 November 2026
KAI HARVERTZ BREAKS PREMIER LEAGUE RECORD WITH ARSENAL'S WINNER AT LIVERPOOL
The German tapped home to send Arsenal clear at the top of the table.
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| Kai Havertz scored the winner for Arsenal against Liverpool. | David Price/Arsenal FC/Getty Images |
As Kai Havertz wheeled away to celebrate his goal against Liverpool on Sunday, the Arsenal striker may not have realized he had just made Premier League history.
On what was his 172nd appearance in the competition, Havertz’s tap-in in Sunday’s 1–0 win was his 46th goal, taking him clear of Manchester City hero İlkay Gündoğan’s tally of 45 to make him the German with the most Premier League goals ever.
Rather than bask in the moment, Havertz preferred to divert the attention away from himself and over to teammate Declan Rice, whose excellent assist gave the German very little to do in front of goal.
“I think 90% of the goal belongs to that man,” Havertz told Sky Sports after the game. “We all know his right foot. Today he was there, brilliant overlap and perfect cross. For me it was an easy tap-in. As I said, I think that goal definitely belongs to him.”
The Enigma of Kai Havertz Continues to Divide Opinion
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| Few players in the world divide opinion quite like Havertz. | David Price/Arsenal FC/Getty Images |
The initial response to Havertz’s new accolade is one of confusion, with a tally of 46 goals in 172 appearances hardly standing out on paper.
In truth, that has been the debate surrounding Havertz ever since he joined Chelsea in 2020. Nobody has ever doubted his quality, but many have questioned what he actually is. Havertz has spent time as a winger and all across midfield but has settled in at striker at both of his London clubs, neither of which actually signed him to play in that role.
There are many Havertz sceptics out there, but the logic behind his continued involvement for England’s best side is clear to see this season. He may only have four goals in 14 games across all competitions, but three of those have come against Manchester City, Chelsea and now Liverpool.
Even last year, when injury restricted him to a total of 24 games and just 1,066 minutes, Havertz still found time to score against Man City and Chelsea to go alongside big goals in Champions League knockout ties, including one in the final against Paris Saint-Germain.
Arsenal may be able to find more goals elsewhere—perhaps from somebody who is actually a natural striker—but that is far from guaranteed. The fact Havertz is still starting over Viktor Gyökeres should speak volumes.
Gyökeres scores more goals than Havertz—97 in 102 appearances for Sporting CP came before 21 goals in his first season at Arsenal—but manager Mikel Arteta has been left asking which of his two options actually contributes to winning when it matters most.
In the Premier League, Gyökeres’s 14 goals last year were shared between Leeds United, Nottingham Forest, Burnley, Everton, Sunderland, Bournemouth, Fulham and a woeful Tottenham Hotspur. While scoring against any top-flight defense takes immense quality, Arteta has clearly backed the striker he thinks makes his side better against the elite.
That will never be enough for many of Havertz’s fiercest critics. Even Arsenal may well continue to search for an upgrade across future transfer window. But for now, however, the 27-year-old will carry on doing his job and contributing to winning. As Arsenal fans will always remind you: “£60 million down the drain, Kai Havertz scores again.”
- Tom Gott
KIMI ANTONELLI CROWNED YOUNGEST EVER FORMULA 1 WORLD CHAMPION IN MÉXICO CITY
Italian Mercedes driver becomes youngest ever to win ever Formula 1 world championship
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| Kimi Antonelli (Photo: Formula 1 website) |
Kimi Antonelli made Formula 1 history by becoming the youngest ever world champion after securing third place at the Mexico City Grand Prix, while Max Verstappen claimed victory ahead of Lewis Hamilton.
The Mercedes driver, 20, arrived at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez for Sunday's 71-lap race needing only a ninth-place finish to secure his maiden world title, regardless of the results of championship rivals Hamilton and team-mate George Russell.
Starting fourth on the grid, Antonelli navigated a challenging afternoon to finish third and seal the 2026 drivers' championship. His race was interrupted by a mid-race red flag following a heavy accident involving Valtteri Bottas, while a late safety car was deployed after Arvid Lindblad crashed out.
At the front, Verstappen secured his third victory of the season, with the Red Bull driver holding off sustained late pressure from Hamilton to claim an unexpected win after starting fifth.
Verstappen made an immediate impact, moving up to second on the opening lap before taking the lead after Charles Leclerc received a time penalty for cutting the track while battling pole-sitter Hamilton.
The Dutchman maintained his advantage at the standing restart and once again held off Hamilton after the safety car was withdrawn with eight laps remaining.
Leclerc eventually finished fourth, having resisted considerable pressure from Lando Norris in the closing stages. Russell took fifth for Mercedes, followed by Liam Lawson, who delivered an impressive drive for Racing Bulls after starting from the pit lane.
Gabriel Bortoleto secured seventh for Audi, ahead of Red Bull's Isack Hadjar, who had spun after contact with Russell on the opening lap. Ryo Hirakawa completed the top 10 on his Formula 1 debut for Haas, having received a mid-weekend call-up.
Alex Albon finished 11th for Williams, ahead of team-mate Carlos Sainz. Oscar Piastri was 13th after receiving a 10-second penalty for his collision with Lindblad.
Nico Hulkenberg finished 14th following a 10-second penalty for contact with Ollie Bearman, while Alpine's Franco Colapinto also received a 10-second penalty for failing to slow sufficiently under yellow flags.
Home favourite Sergio Perez finished 16th for Cadillac, while Alpine lost the opportunity to secure a double points finish after Pierre Gasly was handed a 30-second penalty, in lieu of a drive-through, for failing to slow under double yellow flags.
Lindblad retired after crashing at Turn 2 following a late collision with Piastri. Bearman also failed to finish after making contact with Hulkenberg, while Bottas and both Aston Martin drivers, Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso, were also forced to retire.
However, the biggest story of the afternoon belonged to Antonelli, whose third-place finish was enough to secure the 2026 world championship and establish his place in Formula 1 history as the sport's youngest ever champion.
- maltatoday
Sunday, 1 November 2026
JOURNALIST WAS PRESSURED TO CHANGE HIS 2026 BALLON D'OR VOTE AGAINST HIS WILL
As the most prestigious individual award in football, there is always great interest around the Ballon d'Or voting. In 2026, Harry Kane came out on top, beating Kylian Mbappe by just 28 points.
The Bayern Munich star – who scored 78 goals for club and country in 2025/26 – picked up 1055 points. Behind Mbappe, Lamine Yamal finished third, with Rodri fourth and Lionel Messi fifth.
Naturally, there are those who felt as though the final rankings should have played out differently. Two nations didn't even vote Kane inside their top 10, while Croatian journalist Zdravko Reic has now admitted it was a mistake placing the Englishman down in sixth.
Adding to the intrigue of it all, a Moroccan journalist has now revealed he was pressured to vote against Achraf Hakimi.
Moroccan Journalist Pressured Not To Vote For Hakimi
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| Peter Cziborra via Reuters |
Speaking in an interview with Africafoot, Mustapha Badri has explained that he placed Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco wingback Hakimi first in his rankings. He claimed he was proud to list the Champions League winner so highly, and 'sincerely' felt it was fair:
“I’m not going to hide it: my Moroccan identity naturally played a role in my choice. But that absolutely does not mean that my vote lacked sporting arguments. Achraf has never compromised his commitment to Morocco or his decision to defend his country’s colours. His statistics, performances and influence on the pitch allow me to fully stand by my decision. I am proud to have placed him first, because I sincerely believe that he deserved to be elected the best player of the year.”
However, the Moroccan journalist revealed that he was contacted by unnamed people, who looked to pressure him into changing his vote right at the last minute. Badri said:
“I’m going to reveal a secret to Africafoot and give you a genuine exclusive. In the final hours before the official vote, certain people contacted me in an attempt to influence me and convince me to vote against Achraf Hakimi in favour of another player, whose name I would prefer not to reveal. I did not give in to these requests, but this experience shows that attempts to influence this type of vote do exist.”
Hakimi ended up finishing 13th on the list, the highest of any African player in the 2026 Ballon d'Or rankings, although PSG teammates Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Ousmane Dembele, and Fabian Ruiz were ahead of him, all making it into the top 10.
Seperate Investigation Launched Into Ballon d'Or Betting
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| Action Images via REUTERS |
This isn't the only controversy to emerge from the awards, as there has since been an investigation into suspicious betting on the final rankings. French outlet Upside identified 12 accounts on Polymarket, a cryptocurrency-based prediction market, that wagered more than $264,000 (about £197,000) on the outcome before the ceremony.
This alone isn't necessarily noteworthy, but the accounts all piled into one precise scenario, as they correctly bet upon the top five: Kane first, Mbappé second, Yamal third, Rodri fourth and Messi fifth.
Every position matched the official result, generating close to $200,000 (£149,000) in profit. What's more, all 12 accounts were created between October 1 and 20, with seven having never placed a bet on any other market, whilst six placed their first wager within 15 minutes of registering.
An investigation has now been opened, with police looking into the matter.
- Hal Fish0
BAYERN MÜNCHEN'S ISMAEL SAIBARI COULD BE OUT THREE MONTHS
FC Bayern is feeling the wrath of the injury gods.
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| (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images) Getty Images |
Bayern Munich will be without Ismael Saibari and Serge Gnabry following Saturday’s 2-2 draw against Borussia Dortmund, with both players picking up injuries during Der Klassiker.
According to the club’s official website, Saibari suffered a tear to the syndesmotic ligament in his right ankle and has already undergone surgery. The injury is particularly concerning, with Bild (via @iMiaSanMia) reporting that the midfielder is expected to be sidelined for at least three months.
Gnabry, meanwhile, sustained a muscular injury in his left hamstring. Bayern Munich has confirmed the diagnosis but has not yet provided a specific timeline for his return. There is also still no word on the extent of the injury that caused Michael Olise to leave the game.
It is another frustrating setback for the Bavarians, who are already dealing with several injury concerns. Losing Saibari for such an extended period is especially disappointing, while Gnabry’s absence further limits the team’s options in attack.
The timing could hardly be worse as Bayern Munich enters another demanding stretch of the season. More opportunities will now have to come from elsewhere in the squad as the coaching staff looks to navigate an increasingly difficult injury situation.
- Chuck Smith (CSmith1919)
ONE PHILLY HBCU CLASSIC RETURNS WITH EXPANDED LINEUP AND COLLEGE OPPORTUNITIES
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| Elizabeth Robertson / Staff Photographer |
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The One Philly HBCU Classic returned to Lincoln Financial Field for its second year, bringing football, college recruitment opportunities and cultural celebrations to thousands of students as part of One Philly HBCU Week.
The event featured an expanded format with two football games, beginning Friday night with the Virginia Union University Panthers facing the Lincoln University Lions.
"This is the alma mater of Thurgood Marshall and the poet Langston Hughes. Just to see people lift the culture up," Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker said of Lincoln University and the week of festivities.
More than 4,000 high school students from across Philadelphia were bused to the event, where they attended a college and career fair in addition to watching the game.
"We get a free football game. On top of that we get college opportunities and we get to see people in the Philly area," said Canaan Bey, a 12th grader.
Students said the event provided exposure to higher education options and direct access to college representatives.
"It's nice to see all the opportunities laid out in front of us. And the people from the colleges are very engaging," said Leila Ray, a 12th grader.
Some colleges offered on-the-spot admissions during the fair.
"I'm really interested in going to an HBCU. So seeing all the different HBCU and learning about them is really good," said Fiona Gaymon, a 12th grader.
"It's good seeing everybody in school. Trying to get to college you know. And it's amazing!" said Ginuwine Barfield, a 12th grader.
The event also included a step show competition designed to build excitement about college life.
"It definitely does make me excited for college and all the opportunities, especially being in here," said Sarah James, a 12th grader.
6abc's Christie Ileto served as one of the judges for the competition.
"I love seeing the high school kids here because it's giving them a lot of inspiration to really aim to go to higher learning, go to college," Ileto said.
School District of Philadelphia Superintendent Tony Watlington also participated as a judge.
"I was wishing for my college days back," Watlington said while talking about the enthusiastic atmosphere of the step show.
The festivities drew community members and notable guests, with rapper Ludacris performing during halftime.
Organizers said the classic continues to grow as a cultural event celebrating Historically Black Colleges and Universities and their traditions.
"Historically Black Colleges and Universities lifted up along with everything that comes with that culture," Parker said.
Activities will continue Saturday with a battle of the bands scheduled for 11 a.m. at Lincoln Financial Field.
Former Philadelphia Eagles players Michael Vick, now head coach at Norfolk State, and DeSean Jackson, now head coach at Delaware State, are also scheduled to return to the field before their teams face off at 3 p.m. Tickets are still available.
- TaRhonda Thomas
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