Alex Murphy makes Premier League bow as Newcastle thrash ten-man Chelsea
Republic of Ireland underage international Alex Murphy made his Premier League debut for Newcastle as the Magpies thrashed ten-man Chelsea 4-1 at St James' Park.
Eddie Howe Sport News
Flat Barca claim late draw at Rayo
MADRID: Spanish champions Barcelona slipped up in a 1-1 draw at Rayo Vallecano on Saturday in La Liga, continuing a worrying run of underwhelming performances. Surprise leaders Girona and rivals Real Madrid in second now have the chance to extend their lead on the third-place Catalans over the next two days. Unai Lopez drove Rayo ahead from long range in the first half but Barca levelled through Florian Lejeune’s own goal in the 82nd minute. The draw adds to the doubts around Barcelona, who have not been at their best for several weeks and face Porto on Tuesday seeking Champions League knock-out round qualification. Inaki Pena started in goal for Barca with Marc-Andre ter Stegen out with a back problem, while Xavi turned to the fit-again Frenkie de Jong to replace the injured Gavi in midfield. The 19-year-old’s cruciate ligament tear will keep him out for the season, with Barcelona losing a player the coach has described as the “soul” of the team. Barcelona players wore shirts before kick off with his name on the back, and a message saying “we are with you, Gavi.” Pena spilled the ball the first time he was called into action but recovered quickly to clear up the danger. The goalkeeper then denied Oscar Valentin after De Jong lost the ball on the edge of his own box. Hosts Rayo started well, encouraged by having beaten Barca on three of their four previous clashes, including twice at their ramshackle Vallecas stadium. They took the lead after 39 minutes when Lopez hammered a superb effort into the bottom right corner from around 30 yards out after the ball was cleared into his path. Rayo came close to adding a second in stoppage time but Alejandro Balde was alert to cut Jorge de Frutos’ low cross out with two Rayo
Saudi showjumping championships prepares international equestrians for World Cup finals
RIYADH: The three-star category of the Saudi Equestrian Federation Cup for Show Jumping began on Thursday and ended on Saturday evening.
Cristiano Ronaldo and goals ‘a perfect mix,’ says Al-Nassr manager Luis Castro after wonder strike
RIYADH: Cristiano Ronaldo and goals go together like the perfect couple, said Al-Nassr manager Luis Castro, after the superstar’s stunning double over Al-Okhdood took his tally to 15 goals in 13 Roshn Saudi League games this season.
Eddie Howe outlines Saudi Pro League stance as he discusses Newcastle United January transfer plans
NEWCASTLE: Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe has questioned the media circus around this week’s Premier League vote and the focus on the Saudi Pro League when discussing the Magpies’ January transfer plans.
Newcastle have no advantage over other clubs after loan vote, says Howe
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe said his side does not hold an advantage over other teams after a vote by English Premier League clubs on a temporary ban on related-party loans did not receive enough support.
Neves, Ronaldo, Benzema: 15 players Newcastle could target from other PIF-owned clubs
Newcastle United will be allowed to loan players from sides controlled by their Saudi Arabian owners in the January transfer window after a vote on a temporary ban on related-party loans did not get enough support from Premier League clubs.
The issues facing injury-hit Newcastle heading into testing end to year
The international break could hardly have been better timed for Newcastle with the rigours of competing on multiple fronts having taken a devastating toll on their playing resources.