Arsenal nullified reigning champions Manchester City in a 0-0 draw at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, allowing Liverpool to take top spot on a pivotal day in the Premier League’s three-way title race.
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, in the hunt for their first league title in 20 years, are second in the table on 65 points with nine games remaining, while City are third with 64. Liverpool, on 67 points, claimed the lead with their 2-1 comeback victory over Brighton & Hove Albion earlier on Sunday.
“No way can you be fully happy (with just a point),” Arteta told Sky Sports. “Listen, I think we have made a big step today. Coming to these big places not a lot of teams have done what we have done today, especially when there is a lot at stake and the pressure elevates. To respond to it is another step.”
The match failed to live up to its billing as a battle of titans. City dominated possession with 72.2% and came at Arsenal in waves.
But the visitors frustrated Pep Guardiola’s men – including league-leading scorer Erling Haaland – with a textbook defensive display to extend their unbeaten league run to nine games and end their streak of eight losses at the Etihad.
“Tough game … take the point and onto the next,” Guardiola told the BBC. “They make a really good pressing. They are a master of that. It is what it is. In the end we tried. They have really top players in defence, defending perfectly compact. Low block. We tried.”
Usually prolific Man City were restricted to just one shot on goal and it was the first time in 58 games across all competitions that they have not scored at home.
“We want all the three points obviously, and we tried our best to get the win but we’ll take the point and move on,” Arsenal skipper Martin Odegaard said.
“We had to defend a lot, a bit more deep than we would have liked. It was a tight game and a tough one. So much can happen before the end of the season, we have to take it game-by-game.”
‘NOT SATISFIED’
Gabriel Jesus had Arsenal’s best chances, firing two shots just wide in the first half and then narrowly failing to meet an inviting cross from Bukayo Saka.
City’s best opportunity was Kevin De Bruyne’s early corner kick that glanced off the shoulder of Nathan Ake but fell to keeper David Raya.
City parked themselves in Arsenal’s half over a final tense few minutes but the visitors held strong.
The normally reliable Haaland failed to make contact with the ball when he seemed to have a simple finish from Josko Gvardiol’s header late in the game, holding his head in his hands in frustration while the City fans groaned.
While Arsenal lacked the firepower of recent weeks – they had scored an astounding 33 goals in eight successive league victories – shutting down City was mission accomplished for the Gunners, who were clobbered 4-1 at the Etihad last season before City ran away with the title.
“We can’t be satisfied when we draw,” said Arsenal defender William Saliba. “We leave with one point, but we are not satisfied. We know they are the best team in the world, so we have to be focused.
“We didn’t score but we didn’t concede, so we are happy. We defended well. We have to keep going like that.”
The game marked the final clash between two of the top three teams this season.
Canada’s pioneering cricket league, Canada Super 60, has announced that its inaugural Women’s Trophy will be named in honour of Mel Jones, the former Australian cricketer, respected broadcaster, and tireless advocate for women’s cricket. Canada Super 60 is the world’s first-ever ten-over-a-side event to launch with both men’s and women’s competitions from its inaugural season. The league will be staged under the roof of the iconic BC Place in Vancouver, showcasing international stars alongside homegrown Canadian talent.
As part of its commitment to celebrating women’s cricket and inspiring future generations, Canada Super 60 will name the Women’s Trophy each year after an international women’s cricket legend. This tradition will not only create awareness but also honour trailblazers whose contributions have shaped the women’s game.
This year, the league has chosen Mel Jones—not only for her outstanding career in cricket and broadcasting, but also for her leadership off the field. Jones has been a leading voice for women’s cricket worldwide, and the ICC has widely recognized her efforts. She played a pivotal role in supporting Afghan women cricketers forced to flee their homeland after the Taliban takeover in 2021, helping coordinate their evacuation to Australia, providing resources, and co-founding the Pitch Our Future initiative to support their education and sporting careers. In recognition of these efforts, she was honoured with the prestigious MCC Spirit of Cricket Award in 2025.
Thanks to her advocacy and international coordination, many of these Afghan players found refuge abroad including two who are now living in Canada, following the Canadian government’s support for their refugee applications. This aligns with the Canada Super 60 vision of using cricket as a platform for opportunity and inclusion. Mel Jones on Receiving the Honour said “This honour from Canada Super 60 truly humbles me,” said Mel Jones. “To have the Women’s Trophy named after me is something very special. What excites me most is the vision behind this initiative creating more opportunities and visibility for women’s cricket, especially in associate nations. Platforms like Canada Super 60 will inspire and empower a new generation of players. My hope is that one day, a Canadian cricket legend will have this trophy named after them, as the women’s game continues to grow in this country.”
The Canada Super 60 Women’s Trophy will be presented at BC Place, Vancouver, during the inaugural edition of the tournament, taking place from October 8–13, 2025.
Golf fans, mark your calendars. The DP World Tour has announced its blockbuster 2026 global schedule, featuring 42 tournaments across 25 countries and a record-breaking $157.5 million prize fund (excluding the Majors).
Headlining the season are two exciting highlights:
The Estrella Damm Catalunya Championship in Barcelona (May 7-10), making its debut at Real Club de Golf El Prat. The event celebrates Spain’s growing importance in world golf ahead of hosting the 2031 Ryder Cup.
A brand-new venue for the Amgen Irish Open, which will be staged at Trump International Golf Links, Doonbeg, from September 10-13.
The 2026 schedule will once again be divided into five Global Swings, the Back 9, and the DP World Tour Play-Offs, culminating with the Race to Dubai finale at Jumeirah Golf Estates in November.
Dubai remains at the heart of the season with three tournaments:
The Dubai Invitational (January 15-18)
The prestigious Hero Dubai Desert Classic (January 22-25), part of the Rolex Series
The season-ending DP World Tour Championship (November 12-15)
Other Rolex Series events include the Genesis Scottish Open, BMW PGA Championship, and the Abu Dhabi Championship, ensuring fans will see top fields competing for major points and prestige.
Key Changes for Players
The DP World Tour also confirmed updates to its membership structure to create more balance and clarity. Among the changes:
Only the top 100 players will keep full cards for 2027 (previously 110).
Fewer Qualifying School spots: 15 cards instead of 20.
Conditional categories for those finishing just outside the cut-off.
DP World Tour CEO Guy Kinnings said:
“Our 2026 schedule once again showcases our global talent in global destinations as we celebrate the diversity of the courses and cultures we visit.”
The Hero Dubai Desert Classic isn’t just about world-class golf anymore; it’s about shaping a greener future.
In partnership with Deloitte, the tournament has launched the Green Incubator Challenge, a first-of-its-kind global call for ideas that could transform how sports and entertainment events tackle climate change.
The challenge is open to entrepreneurs, start-ups, students, and companies worldwide. Organisers say they’re looking for both fresh concepts and ready-to-deploy solutions that can make events more sustainable.
And here’s the big prize: the winning idea will be rolled out at the 2027 DP World Tour and Rolex Series tournament — giving it a global platform.
To help participants succeed, the Hero Dubai Desert Classic team and Deloitte will provide expert mentoring, guidance, and evaluation, ensuring that the solutions are not only bold but also practical and scalable.
“Through this challenge, we aim to identify visionary ideas that will shape the future of sustainable events globally,” said Simon Corkill, Executive Tournament Director of Hero Dubai Desert Classic.
The initiative is also part of the DP World Tour’s Green Drive programme, which is committed to achieving net-zero carbon by 2040.
Key Dates
November 18 – Shortlist announced
December 19 – Three finalists revealed
2026 Tournament – Final pitches to expert judges
With this challenge, Dubai is sending a clear message: the future of global events must be sustainable, and innovation starts here.
