Manchester City can close the gap on Premier League leaders Arsenal to three points when they host Fulham on Wednesday, a day before the Gunners visit in form Brentford. Arsenal remain favourites for a first league crown in 22 years, but City’s dramatic late comeback win over Liverpool at Anfield has revived belief in Pep Guardiola’s squad.
City have often finished seasons strongly under Guardiola, yet they have won only two of their seven league games in 2026. Forward Erling Haaland, leading the Golden Boot race, admitted he has not scored enough this year after managing just one open play goal in his last 13 appearances and said he must improve for the run in.
With a favourable set of fixtures before Arsenal travel to the Etihad in mid April, City have a chance to increase the pressure and seriously test Arsenal’s resolve. Mikel Arteta’s side have recovered from a poor January with four straight wins in all competitions, but Brentford, who have lost only twice at home all season, are expected to pose a tough challenge.
Last season’s champions Liverpool are slipping further away from Champions League qualification and now sit four points off the top five. Arne Slot’s injury hit team face an awkward trip to Sunderland, who boast the league’s only unbeaten home record, and must cope without standout midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai after his late red card against City.
Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United, both successful in Europe this season, find themselves stuck in the bottom half of the Premier League table. The two sides meet in north London on Tuesday in a game that has increased scrutiny on their managers, Thomas Frank and Eddie Howe.
Frank admitted Tottenham are the more desperate side as they sit 15th, only six points above the relegation zone, amid growing calls from fans for his dismissal. Howe remains popular on Tyneside after ending Newcastle’s 70 year wait for a domestic trophy with last season’s League Cup and twice securing Champions League qualification, but poor league form has still raised questions over his future.
The 48 year old insisted he is still the right man for the job, though reports suggest England and Manchester United are monitoring him. With tougher fixtures ahead, some observers believe Howe may choose to move on at the end of the season if results and backing do not improve.
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Students, others feared dead as 3-storey hostel collapses in Anambra
The building, identified as Elite Five Star Lodge and located beside Tonimas Filling Station, reportedly caved in late Sunday night, trapping several occupants beneath the rubble. Rescue workers and a joint security team were still on the scene as efforts continued to save those trapped and recover victims. Some injured persons had already been rescued and taken to a hospital in the area, but the exact number of casualties had not been confirmed at the time of the report. Authorities said the operation was ongoing and urged calm as emergency responders worked through the debris. The collapse has sparked fresh concern over building safety and enforcement of construction standards in student-dominated areas of Anambra State.
DHQ, ICRC begin training to identify soldiers killed in combat
The week-long Battlefield Mortuary Affairs Programme began on Monday at the Nigerian Air Force Base in Kaduna and will run from July 27 to August 1. Participants were drawn from the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force, with the training aimed at strengthening the military’s response to battlefield deaths and missing personnel. According to officials, the programme will equip soldiers with the knowledge and practical skills needed for personnel identification, search and recovery operations, mortuary collection points, respectful storage and transportation of human remains, temporary burials and cemetery creation. It will also expose participants to the humanitarian role of the ICRC and the legal framework guiding battlefield mortuary affairs, including international humanitarian law and Nigerian military doctrine. ICRC Forensic Manager Dr Habib El TaKach said the initiative grew out of engagements that began in Pretoria, South Africa, in 2024, and […]
Infantino slams World Cup critics for spreading hate
In an open letter and a long Instagram post shared after the tournament, Infantino said detractors were “consumed by hate and criticism” and had ignored the joy and togetherness experienced by supporters around the world. He described the World Cup, hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico, as “the greatest show on earth” and “the most outstanding” edition in history. “To those behind their pens and papers, behind their screens spreading hate and false rumours, I want to say that while you are sitting behind, we at FIFA are on the front lines organising, working hard, and delivering the best show in the world,” Infantino wrote. He accused some commentators of “planting seeds of hate” instead of acknowledging what he called a tournament of unity, safety and inclusion. Infantino urged critics to “find love and peace,” suggesting they should […]
Iran foreign ministry says no current negotiations with United States
Foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei told a press briefing in Tehran that Iran “has no negotiations with the American side at present” and has made no move to reopen direct talks with Washington. “Claims that Iran has requested negotiations are reports periodically circulated by our opponents,” he added. Baghaei said any contacts now take place only through intermediaries, noting that “mediators may convey messages from the American side regarding current developments in the region, but at present we have no negotiations with the American side.” He stressed that Iran’s recent discussions with Oman over the management of the Strait of Hormuz are purely bilateral. “These talks have no connection with the United States… and they are continuing,” he said, adding that the waterway “remains closed.”english.alarabiya+1 The comments follow earlier statements from Iranian officials who accused the US of violating a […]
Joshua survives knockdowns, stops Prenga
Two-time heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua recovered from two knockdowns to stop Kristian Prenga with a second-round knockout in Jeddah on Sunday.espn+1 Joshua was twice put on the canvas in the opening round, but he survived the pressure and returned stronger in the second. He regrouped behind his jab, pushed Prenga back to the ropes and then unloaded a powerful right hand that sent the Albanian crashing through the ropes, forcing the referee to stop the fight at 2:43 of round two.wtop+1 The victory was Joshua’s first fight of 2026 and marked a successful return to the ring after a tense opening round. Reports say the win could set up a blockbuster all-British showdown with Tyson Fury later this year.
BBNaija 11: Biggie divides housemates into male, female teams for tasks
According to Biggie, the house will now operate in two groups — the ladies and the guys — with wager tasks, arena games and other activities contested along those lines. The move is expected to raise the stakes in the house, as contestants must work more closely with members of their own team to win rewards and gain an advantage. The new structure is also likely to affect alliances and strategy, since housemates will now compete not just individually but as part of a broader team battle.
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Infantino slams World Cup critics for spreading hate
In an open letter and a long Instagram post shared after the tournament, Infantino said detractors were “consumed by hate and criticism” and had ignored the joy and togetherness experienced by supporters around the world. He described the World Cup, hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico, as “the greatest show on earth” and “the most outstanding” edition in history. “To those behind their pens and papers, behind their screens spreading hate and false rumours, I want to say that while you are sitting behind, we at FIFA are on the front lines organising, working hard, and delivering the best show in the world,” Infantino wrote. He accused some commentators of “planting seeds of hate” instead of acknowledging what he called a tournament of unity, safety and inclusion. Infantino urged critics to “find love and peace,” suggesting they should […]
Messi leads Argentina against Spain in blockbuster World Cup final
Lionel Messi is set to lead Argentina against Spain in a blockbuster FIFA World Cup final. Argentina booked their place in the showpiece after a dramatic semi-final comeback, with Messi once again playing a decisive role in the team’s attack. The veteran captain did not score in the semi-final but created both goals as Argentina turned the game around late to reach the final. Spain, meanwhile, arrive with a strong defensive record and will be hoping to stop Messi and the defending champions from making history. The final promises a huge battle between two of football’s biggest nations, with Argentina aiming to retain the title and Spain seeking another world crown. Fans around the world are expecting a high-quality contest as Messi chases one more major trophy in what could be one of the biggest matches of the tournament.
Messi aims for another World Cup milestone
Argentina are just one victory away from making football history as they prepare to face Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. A win would make Lionel Scaloni's side only the third nation to successfully defend the World Cup, matching the achievements of Italy (1934 and 1938) and Brazil (1958 and 1962). Much of Argentina's hopes once again rest on captain Lionel Messi, who continues to deliver outstanding performances despite approaching the later stages of his career. Victory on Sunday would see him become the first captain in history to lift the FIFA World Cup trophy twice. Messi has enjoyed another remarkable tournament, scoring eight goals in seven matches and moving within one goal of Kylian Mbappé in the race to become the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history. His performances have played a crucial role in guiding […]
Messi leads Argentina against Spain in blockbuster World Cup final
Lionel Messi is set to lead Argentina against Spain in a blockbuster FIFA World Cup final. Argentina booked their place in the showpiece after a dramatic semi-final comeback, with Messi once again playing a decisive role in the team’s attack. The veteran captain did not score in the semi-final but created both goals as Argentina turned the game around late to reach the final. Spain, meanwhile, arrive with a strong defensive record and will be hoping to stop Messi and the defending champions from making history. The final promises a huge battle between two of football’s biggest nations, with Argentina aiming to retain the title and Spain seeking another world crown. Fans around the world are expecting a high-quality contest as Messi chases one more major trophy in what could be one of the biggest matches of the tournament.
Burna Boy, Madonna, Justin Bieber, others to perform at World Cup final halftime show tonight
Nigerian music star Burna Boy is set to perform alongside Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira and BTS at the first-ever FIFA World Cup final halftime show The historic 11-minute performance will take place at the New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19 and is being curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin. According to FIFA, the show is part of a broader effort to promote education and football opportunities for children through the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. Burna Boy’s appearance marks another major international milestone for the Afrobeats star, who has continued to gain global recognition through major collaborations and festival performances. Other performers expected to feature in the show include Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel, the PS22 Chorus from Staten Island and Coldplay. The event is expected to draw a massive global audience as football fans around the world tune […]
World Cup: Nicky Butt urges Mainoo to boycott France clash, calls for Tuchel’s sack
Former Manchester United midfielder Nicky Butt has urged Kobbie Mainoo to refuse to play in England’s World Cup third-place match against France. Butt said the midfielder has been unfairly overlooked throughout the tournament and should not be asked to feature in what he described as a meaningless game. He argued that Mainoo has not played a single minute and should not be exposed to injury in a match that offers little value after England’s semi-final exit. Butt also called for the dismissal of England manager Thomas Tuchel, insisting the German coach should not remain in charge after the team’s disappointing World Cup campaign. He suggested that the Football Association should look at other options, naming Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe and United States coach Mauricio Pochettino as possible replacements. The comments have added to the pressure on Tuchel as criticism […]