Thursday, 5 March 2026
Wednesday, 4 March 2026
WORLD NO. 1 ARYNA SABALENKA ANNOUNCES ENGAGEMENT
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| Mar 3, 2026; Indian Wells, CA, USA; Aryna Sabalenka (BEL) speaks to the media at a news conference during the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images |
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka provided a not-so-subtle hint in January that she hoped she would be calling her boyfriend by a different name -- and soon.
On Tuesday, Sabalenka became able to do just that as she shared a video on Instagram of Georgios Frangulis popping the question. "You & me, forever" was the caption along with Tuesday's date in the video that included a giant, oval-shaped engagement ring.
Sabalenka, 27, was dressed in black flip flops, jeans and a simple white tee at the time of the proposal.
"Well, I obviously had NO idea this was happening tonight," she wrote on the video, complete with a laughing emoji.
The couple has been dating since 2024. She offered the suggestion about her hopes for the future with Frangulis during the Australian Open.
"Last but not least, thank you to my team for handling me. I really am the toughest to handle and you are the toughest in the world because you can handle me," she said at the time. "Thank you to my boyfriend. Hopefully soon I can call you something else."
Per People, Frangulis is an entrepreneur from Brazil who founded the Oakberry food brand in 2016.
--Field Level Media
BERND MAYLANDER CELEBRATES 500TH GRAND PRIX IN MELBOURNE
Safety car driver Bernd Maylander celebrates his 500th Grand Prix in the role this weekend in Melbourne 👏
Tuesday, 3 March 2026
EX-NEWCASTLE STAR OPENS UP ON 'DAMAGING' COCAINE ADDICTION - 'I HURT LOTS OF PEOPLE'
Daryl Janmaat has opened up about the 'damage' caused by a cocaine addiction after retiring from professional football
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| Daryl Janmaat admitted he turned to drugs after hanging up his boots(Image: PA) |
Former Newcastle United defender Daryl Janmaat has opened up about the 'damage' a cocaine addiction inflicted on his life after his professional football career came to an end. Janmaat made his mark in the English top flight with both Newcastle and Watford during his playing days, whilst also spending a considerable period in the Netherlands.
The 36-year-old, who accumulated 34 caps for the Dutch national side throughout his career, spent two years at Newcastle before making the switch to Watford in 2016. Janmaat eventually departed Vicarage Road in 2020 to head back to his home country with ADO Den Haag, a club that now competes in the second tier of Dutch football.
Following his retirement from professional football in 2022, Janmaat went on to take up a role as technical manager at ADO Den Haag. The former Premier League ace has now spoken openly in an interview about the "damage" wrought by a cocaine addiction, as per the Mirror.
"I have three children who also hear and read things," Janmaat said, via Dutch newspaper AD. "I can't and don't want to go into all the details, but my cocaine addiction has caused a lot of damage."
The former Premier League star recounts how the conclusion of his professional football career, which came about after the ex-defender sustained a knee injury, was when his troubles began.
"I was supposed to get help from everyone and everything, but I was left to fend for myself. It was nothing," Janmaat added. "Suddenly, I lost the structure I'd had for years as a footballer.
"That was difficult. The cocaine addiction gradually crept in. You start lying to the people you love. That's terrible; I hurt a lot of people.
"The problems only started after I retired. As a player, everything is manageable: you go from training to training. From match to match.
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| Janmaat’s life changed dramatically after retirement(Image: PA) |
"When all that disappeared and I felt completely out of place as technical manager at ADO, things went wrong. Very much so."
Janmaat also spoke candidly about how the addiction has affected his personal life. "I'm still officially married, but we're no longer together," he stated.
"The relationship wasn't going well, you know, but the addiction obviously didn't help. A lot of damage has been done, although we're on good terms again."
Janmaat now operates his own gym business in Scheveningen called High Power Gym, and has revealed how he managed to overcome being in a 'really, really bad' place to transform his life.
"Cocaine destroys a lot. My family and friends were there for me, but I let a lot of people down," Janmaat admitted. "You start lying and distorting things.
"That's exhausting, but above all, very painful. Was it life-threatening? Well, I was in deep, very deep.
"There were times when I was really, really bad, let's just say that. I had everything as a player, and I still do, actually. But a lot has happened in the meantime. Too much.
"Addiction is truly a battle, where you're at your wits' end. Literally. You're in a struggle; it really destroys a lot.
"In a clinic like that, you have therapy and counselling. After that, I went in a different direction. Yes, the right direction. Fortunately."
- Mark Wakefield and Bruna Reis
ALVARO ARBELOA FUMES AT REAL MADRID PLAYER AFTER GETAFE LOSS - 'IT’S UNACCEPTABLE'
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| Alvaro Arbeloa fumes at Real Madrid player after Getafe loss – ‘It’s unacceptable’ |
Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa defended his side’s performance against Getafe after their 1-0 defeat on Monday night, and while he admitted that his side can play better, felt they had done enough to win the game. On the other hand, he also had some stinging words for Franco Mastantuono.
The defeat means that the gap to Barcelona at the summit of La Liga remains at four points, a gap that in theory Los Blancos could overhaul. Yet many Madridistas were left wondering whether overhauling their most bitter rivals was possible given the way their side is playing. Arbeloa was clear that the title was still in play.
“No, now we have no other objective than to win the 36 points that remain at stake. This is Real Madrid and nobody gives up here. It’s a gap that we think we can close.”
Arbeloa: ‘We had clearer chances than Getafe’
Despite the feeling that Getafe had carried out their gameplan to perfection, as Jose Bordalas noted, Arbeloa believed his side had done enough for the three points.
“We had clearer chances than Getafe. We had Vinicius’s chance, Rudiger’s chance, Rodrygo’s chance… We knew the kind of game we were going to play. Nothing happened that we didn’t know was going to happen, and that’s how I see the game.”
“Saying that ‘it’s impossible for us to play well, that’s putting words in my mouth that I have not said. It’s true that we had chances to score; it’s also true that we can play better. I can’t fault my players for their effort. The responsibility for improving our play is mine. If anyone is responsible for the defeat, it’s me.”
Arbeloa also had criticism for the officiating, despite Antonio Rudiger escaping a red card.
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| Image via Sport / Europa Press |
“Today we struggled against an opponent that defended very well. We needed to be more aggressive in certain situations. We always tend to rely on Vinicius for the easy option, but we need to be a constant threat on both flanks. There were also many interruptions. The referee allowed a game where the focus was on not playing. But I have no criticism of Getafe because they do what they’re allowed to do.”
Arbeloa angry with Mastanuono for sending off
Late on, Mastantuono was sent off for dissent, meaning he will be absent for Real Madrid’s trip to face Celta Vigo on Friday. Bookings for Alvaro Carreras and Dean Huijsen will also keep them out of the trip, but Arbeloa felt Mastantuono’s was avoidable.
“It’s unacceptable. The Mastantuono thing cannot happen. Huijsen and Carreras’ yellow cards are part of the game. But we’re going to have three very important players out in Vigo.”
Arguments for improvement
Looking ahead to the rest of the season, Arbeloa had the following reasons for optimism.
“We have great players, others who are going to recover, and we have that objective of continuing to improve and that we can do better. I understand the criticism and the perspective that exists, but we played a good enough game to beat Getafe. We didn’t know how to take advantage of the chances we had.”
Los Blancos face Celta Vigo at 21:00 CEST at Balaidos this Friday, with a second chance to reduce the gap to Barcelona to one point, ahead of the Catalans facing Athletic Club. Following that, Real Madrid will take on Manchester City in the Champions League Round of 16.
- Ruairidh Barlow
Monday, 2 March 2026
FIA PRESIDENT ISSUES STATEMENT AS GROWING MIDDLE EAST CONFLICT THREATENS OPENING RACES
The President of the FIA, Mohammed Ben Sulayem has issued a statement amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, with the sport's governing body continuing to "monitor developments carefully and responsibly."
US and Israeli bombing of Iran at the weekend has been followed with a series of retaliatory strikes across the Middle East, primarily targeting US military bases across the region.
Speculation has since increased that the opening races of the F1 2026 season will be affected, particularly in Bahrain and Jeddah with F1 races scheduled in April, due to air traffic freezes in the Middle East that have impacted important travel hubs in the region.
'Safety and wellbeing will guide our decisions,' says FIA President
In a statement on social media, FIA President Ben Sulayem said the governing body are "deeply saddened" by the ongoing events in Middle East, and that the "dialogue and the protection of civilians must remain priorities."
Ben Sulayem said: "As President of the FIA, my thoughts are with all those affected by the recent events in the Middle East. We are deeply saddened by the loss of life and stand with the families and communities impacted.
"At this moment of uncertainty, we hope for calm, safety, and a swift return to stability. Dialogue and the protection of civilians must remain priorities."
The FIA President also emphasised that "safety and wellbeing" are to guide the governing body's decision making with regard to forthcoming scheduled events in the Middle East.
"We are in close contact with our Member Clubs, championship promoters, teams, and colleagues on the ground as we monitor developments carefully and responsibly.
"Safety and wellbeing will guide our decisions as we assess the forthcoming events scheduled there for the FIA World Endurance Championship and the FIA Formula One World Championship.
"Our organisation is built on unity and shared purpose.
"That unity matters now more than ever."
Melbourne F1 boss provides update on Australian Grand Prix amid Middle East unrest
Despite the Middle East travel freeze reportedly affecting up to 1000 F1 personnel, Australian Grand Prix CEO Travis Auld has issued an update on the season-opener, with the Melbourne boss "confident" the race will not be impacted.
- byHenry Eccles
NBA FANS REACT TO GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS STEPH CURRY ANNOUNCEMENT
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| HOUSTON, TEXAS - MAY 04: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after defeating the Houston Rockets 103-89 in Game Seven of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center on May 04, 2025 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) |
On Monday night, the Golden State Warriors will play the LA Clippers on their home floor in San Francisco.
The Warriors have been without their best player since the end of January, as two-time MVP Steph Curry continues to deal with an injury.
Golden State Warriors Make Steph Curry Announcement
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| INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 05: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts to fouling out during the second half of a game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Intuit Dome on January 05, 2026 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) |
On Sunday, the Warriors announced an update on Curry.
Yahoo Sports wrote: “Steph Curry will be sidelined at least more 10 days after being re-evaluated for lingering knee issues, the Warriors announced. Curry last played on Jan. 30 and has missed the last 10 games with patella-femoral syndrome/bone bruising in his right knee.”
Before the injury, the four-time NBA Champion had been averaging 27.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.1 steals per contest while shooting 46.8% from the field and 39.1% from three-point range in 39 games.
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| SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 19: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after he had an assist to Gary Payton II against the Miami Heat at Chase Center on January 19, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) |
Here’s what people were saying about the news:
@DrNiravPandya: “This is not surprising given the tricky nature of patellofemoral syndrome (with bone bruising as reported by the team). Unlike other conditions, the recovery is not linear. As it largely stems from overuse, pushing too quickly can lead to a flare up and more time missed.”
@Gene_February: “Speedy recovery to the Greatest player of our Generation”
@WarriorsAdamo: “They know he isn’t coming back, just shut him down for the season. They can afford the ticket sales dropping”
@Luigi__457: “Geez man Warriors are cooked.”
@diptimahapatra: “Steph go on a long vacation with Ayesha. This team is beyond saving and I would hate to see Steph get a catastrophic injury trying to salvage this season.”
@CuffsTheLegend: “Warriors should shut Steph Curry down for the rest of the season. This season is cooked anyway for Golden State. Let Steph get healthy and keep developing your young players.”
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| HOUSTON, TEXAS – APRIL 30: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts during the second quarter in Game Five of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on April 30, 2025 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images) |
The Warriors have had an up-and-down season that currently has them as the eighth seed in the Western Conference with a 31-29 record in 60 games.
They are 19-12 in the 31 games they have hosted at the Chase Center.
Curry was the seventh pick in the 2009 NBA Draft out of Davidson.
He has spent all 17 years of his career with Golden State.
In that span, Curry and the Warriors have made the NBA Finals six times (and won four titles).
- Ben Stinar
SHANE LOWRY MAKES HEARTBREAKING ADMISSION ABOUT HIS DAUGHTER AFTER BARELY BELIEVABLE PGA COLLAPSE
After somehow blowing a three-shot lead in the final stages of the Cognizant Classic on Sunday afternoon, Shane Lowry's agony was compounded by having his young daughter watching the nightmare unfold.
The Irishman looked on course for a commanding victory at Palm Beach Gardens with youngest daughter Ivy, four, watching on and hoping to see her dad win for the first time.
But then the ghosts Lowry has faced at this tournament before came back to haunt him. He inexplicably hit his tee shots into water on the 16th and 17th holes to record costly back-to-back double bogeys and snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.
To his credit, Lowry still stepped up and spoke to the media moments after his scarcely believable collapse and said the heartbreak hit harder with his daughter nearby.
'I'm obviously extremely disappointed,' Lowry said. 'I had the tournament in my hands and I threw it away. What more can I say?
'The hardest thing about today is that I've never won in front of my four-year-old.
'She was there waiting for me and I only wanted it for her today. I didn't care about anything else, I wanted so bad to see her little ginger head running out on the 18th green would have been the most special thing in the world.
Lowry has scar tissue from this particular event, having led until the latter, rain-hit stages in 2022 and also failing to convert a final-day advantage into victory two years ago.
His errors cleared the way for Nico Echavarria of Colombia to close out a two-stroke victory on 17 under, with Lowry slipping back into a three-way tie for second on 15 under.
'I played unbelievable all day and then one bad shot on 16 and it completely threw me for the last three holes. It's never happened to me before,' he explained.
'I said to Darren (Reynolds, his caddie) "how do I feel like this now when I went through what I did last September at Bethpage (at the Ryder Cup) and I got through it fine?"'
'It was weird out there, I just couldn't feel the club face on the last three holes after my tee shot on 16, it was strange.'
'I thought I had it, I thought I was going to win. I didn't get ahead of myself but I was so comfortable out there. And then... I did the only thing I couldn't really do.'
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| Lowry said the loss hurt because he has never won with daughter Ivy watching him play |
Lowry has two children, Iris and Ivy, with his wife Wendy. It is Ivy who Lowry, a major winner at the 2019 British Open, has never won in front of.
Lowry has scar tissue from this particular event, having led until the latter, rain-hit stages in 2022 and also failing to convert a final-day advantage into victory two years ago.
His errors cleared the way for Nico Echavarria of Colombia to close out a two-stroke victory on 17 under, with Lowry slipping back into a three-way tie for second on 15 under.
'I played unbelievable all day and then one bad shot on 16 and it completely threw me for the last three holes. It's never happened to me before,' he explained.
'I said to Darren (Reynolds, his caddie) "how do I feel like this now when I went through what I did last September at Bethpage (at the Ryder Cup) and I got through it fine?"'
'It was weird out there, I just couldn't feel the club face on the last three holes after my tee shot on 16, it was strange.'
Echavarria, meanwhile, posted a flawless 66 for his final round to claim victory.
Brooks Koepka, meanwhile, finished in a tie for ninth on 10 under after a final-round 65, his best showing since returning to the PGA Tour from LIV Golf.
- JACK BEZANTS
'PICTURES PERFECT' WEDDING FOR CHARLES LECLERC & ALEXANDRA | 250 TESTA ROSSA
Picture this scene. The narrow streets of Monaco glowing under soft afternoon light. The harbor in the background. And Leclerc behind the wheel of a legendary Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa.
It is not just a drive. It is history on wheels. The 250 Testa Rossa is one of the most iconic racing Ferraris ever built. Open top. Deep red paint. Raw V12 sound echoing between the buildings. In Monaco that sound feels even more personal.
Beside him sits his Mexican wife, relaxed, sunglasses on, enjoying the calm side of a city that usually roars during race weekend. No helmets. No pressure. Just a slow cruise through the place that shaped his Formula 1 story.
The contrast makes it powerful. A modern F1 star in a classic machine from Ferrari’s golden era. Old school engineering meeting today’s generation. Monaco is not just his home circuit. It is part of his identity.
- F1 Legacy
Sunday, 1 March 2026
F1 MAKE AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX DECISION AS TEAMS CAUGHT UP IN MIDDLE EAST CHAOS
Formula One officials are monitoring the situation after several teams were left in travel chaos ahead of the 2026 Australian Grand Prix next weekend following airstrikes by the US, Israel and Iran
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| Melbourne hosts the first F1 race of the 2026 season(Image: Clive Rose, Getty Images) |
The 2026 Australian Grand Prix is set to proceed next weekend despite reported travel worries for several teams. This follows the closure of Doha and Dubai - the primary stopover hubs for Qatar and Emirates airlines - on Saturday due to ongoing conflict in the region.
The Middle Eastern countries made this decision after Iran launched retaliatory strikes in Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and the UAE in response to the United States and Israel initiating joint airstrikes on the country. The Daily Mail reports that airport closures have resulted in travel turmoil for several Formula One teams ahead of the Aussie GP on Sunday, March 8.
The report suggests that approximately 2,000 team and organisational staff have had to abruptly change their travel plans. It's understood that those heading Down Under are being rerouted onto flights via Hong Kong and Singapore, whilst some are flying directly into Perth with Qantas, before a three-hour and 35-minute domestic connection to Melbourne.
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| Eventual world champion Lando Norris won last year's race in Melbourne(Image: SAEED KHAN, AFP via Getty Images) |
However, it's believed that the 2026 season-opening F1 race in Australia will still take place. Officials are keeping an eye on the situation and are liaising with the relevant authorities.
Some teams have already made their way to Australia ahead of practice on Friday, before qualifying takes place a day later at Albert Park. F1 are said to be relaxed and are not expecting any significant issues ahead of the season opener.
Apart from the cancelled events in 2020 and 2021, due to the Coronavirus pandemic, Melbourne has featured on the F1 calendar every year since 1996. Significant regulation changes promise an unpredictable start to the new season.
Pre-season testing indicates no team will dominate, though Mercedes and Ferrari are considered as frontrunners to triumph in Australia next weekend.
And there has already been substantial controversy surrounding Mercedes' engine, with competitors claiming they have found a method around engine compression ratio restrictions.
The FIA confirmed earlier this month that it would not prohibit Mercedes' engine and have now revealed a new mid-season rule amendment: a test in June to tackle the alleged 'loophole'.
- Isaac Seelochan and Cameron Winstanley
THE NRL MAKES HISTORY WITH LAS VEGAS THRILLER - AS ONE STAR HAS A NSFW MOMENT ON LIVE TV
Canterbury skipper Stephen Crichton stood up like only he can to land a field goal with six seconds of golden point remaining to sink a gallant St George Illawarra 15-14.
A record Las Vegas crowd of 45,719 got their first taste of golden point footy and it took 89 minutes and 54 seconds of a cracking, old-fashioned arm wrestle to split the teams.
Crichton set himself in position from right in front to snap his left-footer straight through after playing a great match on Saturday (Sunday AEDT).
The Dogs led 10-8 at the break and went further ahead with a try to winger Jacob Kiraz after a trademark Crichton left-hand flick.
Dragons debutant winger Setu Tu, at the age of 27, capped a stellar match with a try in the 59th minute to reduce Canterbury's lead to just two.
The Red V defended like demons to scramble and deny the favourites on numerous occasions.
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| Stephen Crichton (pictured) starred as the Canterbury Bulldogs claimed a thrilling 15-14 victory against St George Illawarra |
With Valentine Holmes limping, Kyle Flanagan nailed a 30m penalty and it was 14-all with six minutes on the clock.
It was a thriller right to the end. With less than 40 seconds on the clock, Holmes looked to win the match for the Dragons, booting a drop goal from the halfway line. The ball agonisingly dropped short and the Doggies rebounded. Kiraz ran the ball up and offloaded to Marcelo Montoya, who broke through the Dragons’ line.
Defenders scrambled to bring the 189cm winger down, with Christian Tuipulotu grabbing the back of his shorts.
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| A record Las Vegas crowd of 45,719 got their first taste of golden point footy and it took 89 minutes and 54 seconds of a cracking, old-fashioned arm wrestle to split the teams |
An embarrassing moment followed, as Montoya’s backside was exposed on live television. The Bulldogs went coast to coast, sending the ball wide as they attempted to touch down for another try but agonisingly knocked on, sending the match to extra time.
In the first segment of golden point, Jaydn Su'A charged down a Matt Burton shot. Connor Tracey did the same to deny Daniel Atkinson, while Valentine Holmes had another crack from 45m that failed.
Atkinson went for a failed 50m shot with 90 seconds to go and the Bulldogs received a penalty. Crichton then stood up to cap a man-of-the-match display.
The two sides have a fierce rivalry and there was niggle and flair-ups, particularly when Crichton caught Tu high.
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| There was a bizarre moment just before full-time as Marcelo Montoya's backside was exposed during a tackle |
Dragons firebrand Luciano Leilua gave away a penalty in possession when he had a disagreement with Jacob Preston. Both captains were told to tell their players to cool it.
St George Illawarra prop Toby Couchman was put on report in the first half for a shoulder to the head of Sitili Tupouniua. Minutes later Red V winger Christian Tuipulotu was also booked for a shoulder charge on Connor Tracey.
The Dragons showcased resilience in defence in the opening half to thwart slick Canterbury attack, orchestrated by half Lachlan Galvin.
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| The Bulldogs winger had broken through the St George defence, but was humorously pulled down by his shorts |
The 20-year-old has clearly upped his passing precision and decision making in the off-season and his confidence, execution and running game impressed.
St George Illawarra also got a controlled display from new half Atkinson, who called the plays and took most of the long kicks.
The Dogs scored the first try when Galvin spied a chance on the right side, skipped across and threw a slick pass to put storming back-rower Jacob Preston through.
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| The two sides have a fierce rivalry and there was niggle and flair-ups, particularly when Crichton caught Setu Tu (front left) high |
Preston, a sublime hole runner, stepped fullback Clint Gutherson with ease.
The Dragons hit back with creative hooker Damien Cook dinking a slick left-foot grubber through for rampaging prop Emre Guler to plant it.
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| The Dragons were ultimately penalised for dissent, with Crichton making them pay with a try-assist and the magic moment at the death |
After the break the Dragons blew up when Moses Suli went off for an HIA after they claimed he had been head-slammed by Bailey Hayward.
They were penalised for dissent and Crichton made them pay with a try-assist and the magic moment at the death.
- AUSTRALIAN ASSOCIATED PRESS
ARSENAL'S WAGE BILL BLOWS CHELSEA'S AWAY AS STAGGERING AMOUNT BOTH SIDES SPEND COMPARED
Arsenal spend significantly more on wages than Chelsea as the Gunners prepare to face their London rivals
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| Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been backed by the club financially(Image: Mike Hewitt, Getty Images) |
Arsenal have certainly supported Mikel Arteta financially as the club attempt to end their wait for a Premier League title. The Gunners held a five-point lead at the top of the table following their commanding 4-1 victory in the north London derby last weekend.
It proved a timely result for Arsenal, not merely to secure bragging rights over Spurs but also to deliver the ideal response following their frustrating draw to Wolves. The side faced criticism after surrendering a two-goal lead, increasing scrutiny on the league leaders.
While Arteta is aiming to end a 22-year title drought, there is a degree of expectation that Arsenal should seal the league title this term, especially as other challengers have stumbled. As the club prepare to meet Chelsea on Sunday, there's little question that the Gunners have supported the manager through the salaries that they are prepared to pay compared to their upcoming opponents.
Arsenal's wage bill is reportedly the second-highest in the division, trailing only Manchester City. This indicates that Arsenal spend more on wages than Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea, despite the latter being regarded as having a larger squad.
It was recently confirmed that Bukayo Saka had signed a lucrative new contract. It has been reported by football.london that the deal makes him the club's highest-paid player on £300,000 per week, with Arsenal further extending the wage gap to the teams beneath them and heightening the pressure on the club to finally secure the Premier League title.
Spotrac previously stated that Arsenal spent £189,956,000 annually on wages for their first team squad. However, Saka's salary rise from £195,000 per week represents an additional £5.46million, bringing the revised total to £195.416million.
This figure substantially exceeds Chelsea's estimated wage bill of £153.296m, which ranks fifth in the Premier League, trailing Liverpool (£176.8m) and Manchester United (£167.492m) as well. The club embrace a more youth-oriented approach towards recruitment, resulting in lower salaries than Arsenal.
Based on Spotrac data, Chelsea captain Reece James stands as the club's highest-paid player on £250,000 weekly. Wesley Fofana is the only other Chelsea player claimed to be collecting a weekly wage of £200,000 or above.
Conversely, Arsenal have multiple players, including Saka, who receive more than Chelsea's leading earner. Kai Havertz (£280,000) and Gabriel Jesus (£265,000) earn larger salaries than James, while William Saliba (£250,000), Declan Rice (£240,000) and Martin Odegaard (£240,000) collect the same or marginally less than the Chelsea captain.
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| Bukayo Saka and Reece James are reportedly the top earners at their respective clubs(Image: Matteo Ciambelli/DeFodi Images via Getty Images) |
In total, seven Arsenal players pocket £200,000 per week or above, compared to just two at Chelsea. Meanwhile, Moises Caicedo and Cole Palmer rank among Chelsea's best performers, yet both sit outside the club's five highest-paid stars, earning weekly wages of £150,000 and £130,000 respectively.
Only Man City are reported to outspend Arsenal on wages, with Spotrac recording their annual salary expenditure at £248.835m. Erling Haaland's earnings far exceed those of his teammates, with an estimated weekly salary of £525,000.
However, City's second-highest earner Bernardo Silva commands the same reported wages as Saka's new contract, with Omar Marmoush narrowly trailing the Portuguese midfielder on £295,000. Highlighting the contrasting pay structures between Pep Guardiola's squad and Chelsea, John Stones, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Ruben Dias and January recruit Marc Guehi all pocket the same wages as James.
While there is also a considerable gulf between City and Arsenal's spending, it does highlight that the Gunners are among the best-placed clubs financially to mount a challenge to City's supremacy in recent years. Saka's new deal demonstrates that Arsenal are prepared to offer elite-level wages and the club can begin turning ambition into reality by clinching silverware this season.
- Jake Bayliss
'THAT WAS EXTREME TODAY' - VINCENT KOMPANY REACTS TO BAYERN MUNICH 3-2 WIN OVER BORUSSIA DORTMUND
Vincent Kompany embraced enjoyed the intensity of Der Klassiker after Bayern Munich’s dramatic 3-2 win over Borussia Dortmund.
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| 28 February 2026, North Rhine-Westphalia, Dortmund: Soccer, Men, Bundesliga, Borussia Dortmund - FC Bayern Munich, Matchday 24, Signal Iduna Park, Coach Vincent Kompany (Bayern Munich) gives instructions. IMPORTANT NOTE: In accordance with the regulations of the DFL German Football League and the DFB German Football Association, it is prohibited to use or have used photographs taken in the stadium and/or of the match in the form of sequential images and/or video-like photo series. Photo: David Inderlied/dpa (Photo by David Inderlied/picture alliance via Getty Images) |
When Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund meet, you can always expect some tension, and eventful clashes. On Saturday, Der Klassiker delivered once again when Bayern defeated Die Borussen 2-3 in a thrilling encounter.
After a pretty mild first half, the teams turned it up a notch for the second half, especially the last 15-20 minutes of it, with a late equalizer by BVB’s Daniel Svensson in the 83rd minute to knot the game, before Bayern captain Joshua Kimmich managed to score the winning goal with a beautiful shot into the upper corner of Gregor Kobel’s goal in the 87th minute.
Bayern’s coach Vincent Kompany pointed this out during an interview after the match, emphasizing both team’s initiative to get an extremely important victory, as captured by FCBayern.com. “That was extreme today. You could feel that Dortmund desperately wanted to seize their opportunity. We noticed that throughout the entire 90 minutes. Even after the 2-2, they kept pushing forward; they were determined to win. But our lads didn’t just sit back either. We kept trying to create our chances,” stated Kompany.
Kompany also took a chance to stress the attractiveness of the Bundesliga, showcasing to the football world how exciting the league can be. “In my opinion, it was great publicity for the Bundesliga. With intensity, goals, and above all, the absolute will of both teams to always attack and win the game.”
With this victory, Bayern Munich inches closer to the title, sitting atop the Bundesliga already having an 11-point lead over 2nd-placed Borussia Dortmund, with 10 games remaining.
- alco1
LAMINE YAMAL SENDS EPIC MESSAGE TO BARCELONA FANS AHEAD OF COPA DEL REY TIE AGAINST ATLÉTICO
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| BARCELONA, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 28: Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and Villarreal CF at Spotify Camp Nou on February 28, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) Getty Images |
Lamine Yamal is feeling good and already looking forward to facing Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey in midweek after scoring his first Barcelona hat-trick against Villarreal.
Barcelona head into the second leg of their semi-final tie at Camp Nou already 4-0 down and with a mountain to climb. However, Yamal is simply refusing to give up hope. He took to social media after the game with a post that reads: “1% chance, 99% faith.”
Yamal also had a few words about the match afterwards, telling the media: “It was time to react and push. We are doing it. Now let me tell our fans… …come to the stadium against Atléti, the magic can happen.”
Eric Garcia is backing Yamal to deliver the goods against Atletico. He shared his thoughts afterwards saying, “We are lucky that he plays for our team, Lamine’s performance has been incredible, he could even have saved one or two goals for Tuesday.”
Let’s hope he has saved a few goals for Tuesday night as Barca face a huge task trying to turn the tie around.
- Barca Blaugranes
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