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Man City and Arsenal draw 0-0 to hand Liverpool title-race advantage – ARN News Centre

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2 years ago

April 1, 2024

Staff Reporter

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AFP

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.

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T20 World Cup 2026: STARTRADER named official partner of UAE national cricket team

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2 weeks ago

January 16, 2026

Michael Gomes

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The UAE Men’s National Cricket Team is heading into the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 with a major boost, as STARTRADER has been announced as its Official Partner for the global tournament.

The renewed partnership means STARTRADER’s branding will feature on the official UAE team jerseys throughout the World Cup, which kicks off on February 7, 2026, across India and Sri Lanka.

The agreement was signed in Dubai on Wednesday, January 14, in the presence of senior officials from both organisations, including Emirates Cricket Board COO Subhan Ahmad, ECB Board Member Zayed Abbas, STARTRADER CEO Peter Karsten, and UAE Men’s Captain Muhammad Waseem.

STARTRADER CEO Peter Karsten said the collaboration builds on the company’s earlier sponsorship of the UAE team during the Asia Cup, but with an even stronger commitment this time around.

“We know that cricket has a way of reminding us what commitment, trust and growth can achieve,” Karsten said.

“Continuing this partnership reflects our belief in long-term support for communities and in the human spirit driving both the game and the markets.”

He added that the partnership mirrors STARTRADER’s core values, where trust in strategy and teamwork plays a vital role in achieving sustainable growth, whether on the pitch or in global markets.

STARTRADER is regulated by five international authorities, including the SCA, ASIC, FSCA, FSA and FSC, reinforcing its focus on transparency, trust and long-term growth for its clients.

Emirates Cricket Board COO Subhan Ahmad welcomed the renewed partnership, describing it as a relationship that goes beyond sport.

“We are delighted to welcome STARTRADER as our Official Partner for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026,” he said.

“This partnership reflects shared values of discipline, focus and resilience, and aligns perfectly with our vision as the UAE team continues to perform on the world stage.”

Sports

Dubai named permanent opening city for new global beach volleyball series

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2 weeks ago

January 15, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Dubai is about to serve up something big on the global sports stage. The Federation Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) has announced Dubai as the permanent opening destination of its brand-new international championship, the Beach World Series, which will launch for the first time in November 2026.

The announcement was made during the World Sports Summit, following the signing of a five-year strategic partnership between the Dubai Sports Council and FIVB, a move that further cements Dubai’s reputation as a leading host of major global sporting events.

A new model for global sport

Under the agreement, Dubai will become the first city in the world to host a permanent opening stop of the Beach World Series, setting a new benchmark for global championships that combine elite competition with entertainment, culture, and fan engagement.

The series introduces an innovative format that blends high-level beach volleyball with music, interactive experiences, and a vibrant beach atmosphere, offering something beyond traditional sporting events.

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed in the presence of senior officials from the Dubai Sports Council, with signatures from Guido Betti, Chief Business Officer of Volleyball World, and Eisa Sharif, Director of the Sports Events Department at the Dubai Sports Council.

Ten global destinations

The Beach World Series will span 10 international destinations, each bringing its own identity and local flavour to the competition. Dubai’s role as the opening city positions it at the heart of this global journey, showcasing beach volleyball as both an elite sport and a shared cultural experience.

Additional host cities are expected to be announced in the coming months as the Beach World Series expands across globally recognised sports and entertainment hubs.

Sports

Trophies, belts and cash prizes: Inside the ILT20 Season 4 grand finale

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3 weeks ago

January 6, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Fireworks, flair and firsts, DP World ILT20 Season 4 delivered a finale to remember as the Desert Vipers lifted their maiden title, crushing MI Emirates by 46 runs at a packed Dubai International Stadium.

While the trophy glittered, the spotlight also shone brightly on the league’s iconic signature belts, with star performances keeping fans guessing right up to the final ball.

Leading the charge was Desert Vipers captain Sam Curran, who produced a season for the ages, sweeping both the Red Belt (Most Valuable Player) and the Green Belt (Best Batter). Calm under pressure and devastating with the bat, Curran’s unbeaten 74 in the final sealed the Vipers’ historic triumph and underlined his status as the league’s standout performer.

The Vipers walked away not just with silverware but a $700,000 winners’ purse and the Black Belt, while runners-up MI Emirates earned $300,000 for another strong campaign.

Red Belt: Sam Curran (Desert Vipers)

Curran piled up 397 runs, while snapping seven wickets, taking 10 catches and finishing with a tournament-high 691 points. It was dominance, delivered with leadership.

Green Belt: Sam Curran (Desert Vipers)

With 397 runs at a strike rate of 135, Curran topped the batting charts, smashing 17 sixes and proving clutch when it mattered most.

White Belt: Waqar Salamkheil (Dubai Capitals)

Spin wizard Waqar Salamkheil claimed the bowling honours with 18 wickets at an economy of 7.66, earning his second White Belt in ILT20 history.

Blue Belt: Muhammad Waseem (MI Emirates)

UAE stalwart Muhammad Waseem continued his incredible run, securing the Blue Belt for a fourth straight season after scoring 370 runs at a strike rate of 132.

With unforgettable moments, top performances, and a champion crowned, DP World ILT20 Season 4 once again proved why it’s one of the most exciting T20 leagues in the world of cricket.