Accessible for switch 

Marcus Rashford’s future has undoubtedly been one of many largest tales of the January switch window. The 27-year-old has continually been within the headlines just lately since being dropped from the Manchester United squad for the derby towards Manchester Metropolis. Ruben Amorim was sad with Rashford’s manner and he was omitted from the matchday squad for 4 video games earlier than returning towards Newcastle United however he isn’t been concerned once more since. And talking after United’s 1-0 win over Fulham on Sunday, Amorim responded in damning style when requested about Rashford in a transparent signal that any likelihood of reviving his profession at Outdated Trafford seems close to unattainable.

“It is all the time the identical cause – the coaching, the best way I see a footballer ought to do in life. It is on daily basis, each element,” Amorim replied when requested about Rashford’s continued absence. “If issues do not change, I cannot change. It is the identical scenario for each participant, in the event you do the utmost and proper issues we will use each participant. “You may see on the bench we miss a little bit of tempo on the bench, however I might put [Manchester United goalkeeper coach Jorge] Important earlier than a participant who does not give the utmost on daily basis.”Rashford is amongst one of the best paid gamers in England, which is able to restrict the quantity of golf equipment capable of afford his wages – except United closely subside these prices. So the place might Rashford find yourself if he leaves United in January? AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund have dropped out the race and we’ve analysed 5 potential locations with curiosity from Turkey rising.

Six potential locations for Marcus Rashford in January?

Türkiye

With Rashford’s potential locations reducing by the day, Galatasaray and Fenerbache are the newest golf equipment to be linked. Relevo journalist Matteo Moretto has instructed that the Turkish giants have an interest within the England worldwide and will make a transfer earlier than the top of the window. A mortgage deal till the top of the season might attraction to Rashford but it surely’s been extensively reported that his desire is to stay at a high 5 league membership.

Barcelona

Rashford stays decided to stay in Europe at a high membership and it’s understood that Barcelona is his dream vacation spot. However any dream of a transfer to the Spanish giants seems unrealistic as a result of Barca’s well-documented monetary predicament. Barca chiefs have repeatedly struggled to abide by LaLiga’s monetary guidelines and they’re at the moment experiencing points in registering Dani Olmo. Raphinha has been wonderful this season in Rashford’s most popular left-wing position however he might cowl all three positions in Barca’s frontline. 

 

Arsenal

The North London membership have been linked with holding an curiosity in Rashford. Arsenal’s points at left-wing have been obtrusive this season, though Gabriel Martinelli has displayed promising indicators in current weeks. United would historically be unwilling to sanction bettering a rival however Amorim’s males are languishing within the backside half with Arsenal second and so they have totally different targets within the Premier League. Arsenal’s dedication to paying a proportion of Raheem Sterling’s wage on his mortgage deal from Chelsea might complicate a possible deal for Rashford but it surely stays an interesting proposition.

PSG

PSG maintain a long-standing curiosity in Rashford though hypothesis they might transfer for him in January have been shut-down by sources near the French giants. PSG have a plethora of attacking expertise with Need Doue struggling for normal minutes and Bradley Barcola rising as their primary man on the left. Rashford would realistically be deployed as a striker beneath Luis Enrique and his availability will likely be very interesting as Randal Kolo-Muani is anticipated to depart and Goncalo Ramos hasn’t excelled in France. 

Saudi Arabia

It was claimed that Rashford had turned down curiosity from a number of Saudi Professional League golf equipment however respected Athletic journalist Ornstein performed down these reviews. Rashford’s wage calls for wouldn’t be extreme for Saudi golf equipment and he represents a significant coup as a high-profile participant in what needs to be his peak years. However Rashford needs to stay in Europe and a transfer to Saudi this early in his profession could be damaging to his legacy and that’s why the MLS can also be an unrealistic vacation spot.

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has given a damning public dressing down of Marcus Rashford – claiming he would relatively put the membership’s 63-year-old goalkeeper coach on the bench than the ahead on account of effort.

Rashford was as soon as once more overlooked of United’s matchday squad for the 1-0 win over Fulham, wherein Amorim’s facet scored via Lisandro Martinez’s deflected strike – their solely shot heading in the right direction.

The England worldwide has not been in a Premier League matchday squad for United in almost two months and Amorim says Rashford is just not giving off the perspective of somebody “giving the utmost each day”.

With one week to go till the January switch window closes, Amorim mentioned “if issues do not change, I can’t change” on the subject of Rashford’s standing within the United squad.

“It is at all times the identical cause: the coaching, the way in which I see a footballer ought to do in life. It is each day, each element,” mentioned Amorim in his post-match press convention at Craven Cottage about why Rashford was not out there.

“If issues do not change, I can’t change. It is the identical state of affairs for each participant, if you happen to do the utmost and proper issues we are able to use each participant.

“You possibly can see on the bench we miss a little bit of tempo on the bench. However I’d put [Man Utd goalkeeper coach Jorge] Very important earlier than a participant who would not give the utmost each day.”

In a while Sunday, Rashford posted a ‘nicely executed’ message on his Instagram story, congratulating his team-mates on their win.

United goalkeeper coach Very important, who moved to Previous Trafford alongside Amorim from Sporting CP in November, is 63 years previous.

In December, Rashford advised journalist Henry Winter that he was “prepared for a brand new problem” and talking on the Switch Present on Monday night time, Winter mentioned the striker’s camp really feel he has been coaching arduous regardless of Amorim’s feedback.

“My understanding is that Marcus Rashford is coaching arduous however the course of journey for the previous few months has been that Rashford, for tactical and monetary causes, wants to maneuver on,” Winter advised Sky Sports activities Information.

“Tactically, he would not match into the template that Ruben Amorim has in 3-4-2-1.

“Additionally for monetary causes, Rashford is on some huge cash and for Amorim to put money into the squad and for the kind of gamers he desires to suit the 3-4-2-1, they should transfer some gamers out.”

Amorim ‘not satisfied’ by Rashford behaviour

Sky Sports activities Information’ Melissa Reddy talking on Switch Speak:

“Amorim is just not satisfied of Marcus Rashford’s behaviour and his professionalism if he has to remain on the shut of this window, which is a really massive risk as a result of Barcelona is the choice he desires and just about the one one left.

“They’ve not engaged United formally about taking Rashford on mortgage. They’re struggling to dump gamers and create any form of wage house. Their wage invoice is rising with contract renewals.

“[Barca manager] Hansi Flick appears very snug with the gamers that he has, he isn’t placing any strain for brand spanking new signings. His dedication is to these he already has. If Rashford stays, the onus is on him to vary his behaviour and alter his habits. Quite than the PR about how a lot he loves the membership, the followers want to see it in motion.”

Amorim: Man Utd lack tempo and energy up entrance, we have now concern scoring objectives

Amorim’s feedback on Rashford got here after the United boss admitted his crew nonetheless have an issue scoring objectives this season – and that his squad lacks “tempo and energy up entrance”.

At Craven Cottage on Sunday, United needed to wait 42 minutes for his or her first shot at purpose – a tame Matthijs de Ligt half likelihood – and in addition failed to attain from open play within the first half for the twelfth Premier League match in a row.

With Rasmus Hojlund taken off near the hour mark after making little influence and his substitute Joshua Zirkzee touching the ball simply eight instances within the remaining half an hour, Amorim admits there may be room for enchancment in his ahead line.

Requested if scoring objectives is an issue for his crew, Amorim advised TNT Sports activities: “I feel so. Even within the second half we needed to vary one thing, we lack some tempo and energy up entrance.

“However it’s what it’s. We have to have ball creators, extra probabilities. We wrestle so much in these particulars. However successful helps so much to enhance.”

Requested if he expects any additional assist from the remaining week of the switch window, Amorim replied: “We have now to be cautious. Even the foundations right here, we have now to comply with the foundations.

“We did [transfer] errors previously, we will not do it now. We’re centered on bettering the crew, let’s examine. Let’s concentrate on the gamers we have now and concentrate on the following recreation.”

Amorim not sure of Garnacho future

Amorim additionally remained coy on the way forward for Alejandro Garnacho, who began within the win over Fulham earlier than coming off after United’s winner.

Garnacho has been the topic of curiosity from Napoli and Chelsea, with United doubtlessly tempted to promote the academy graduate to boost ‘pure revenue’ funds to assist their Revenue and Sustainability Guidelines (PSR) compliance.

“No one is aware of. Something can occur,” mentioned Amorim on whether or not Garnacho may go away earlier than the deadline on February 3.

“He is bettering in each division of the sport, the way in which they get better, the understanding of the sport after they defend.

“I am looking for the perfect place for him, at this time he performed slightly extra open, not a lot inside. We’d like the fellows one towards one however I do not know what is going on to occur.”

Evaluation: A successful feeling – however United’s issues nonetheless plain to see

Sky Sports activities’ Pete Smith at Craven Cottage:

Amorim had pressured the significance of the consequence over the efficiency earlier than Man Utd’s 1-0 victory at Fulham and his hope would be the momentum of choosing up three factors on the street can provide his facet a lift.

They definitely seemed like they wanted one throughout nearly all of this match. United’s warning was plain to see as they defended in numbers and seemed for the secure possibility in possession. It was notable earlier than the sport that Fulham had been listed as favourites – and the guests performed as much as their underdog tag.

This consequence will not masks the issues Amorim has to resolve. He himself famous the shortage of thrust within the last third and the query marks over each Hojlund and his substitute Zirkzee stay.

Garnacho, a participant they may nicely promote earlier than the deadline, seemed the most definitely to offer a spark amid an in any other case uninspiring assault. Fulham, regardless of a poor attacking set-piece file themselves, nearly uncovered that well-documented United weak point late on.

But, with a Europa League journey to Bucharest on Thursday adopted by house video games towards Crystal Palace after which Leicester within the FA Cup, maybe there’s a likelihood for United to construct some constructive rhythm to enhance their short-term outlook. The larger image stays a significant work in progress.

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — There’s all types of the way past merely the rating to measure simply how dominant Jannik Sinner was whereas outplaying and irritating Alexander Zverev through the 6-3, 7-6 (4), 6-3 victory Sunday that earned the 23-year-old Italian a second consecutive Australian Open championship.

The zero break factors Sinner confronted. Or the ten he accrued. The 27-13 benefit in factors that lasted not less than 9 strokes. Or the best way Sinner accrued extra winners, 32 to 25, and fewer unforced errors, 27 to 45. The way in which Sinner gained 10 of the 13 factors that ended with him on the web. Or the best way he solely let Zverev go 14 of 27 in that class, often zipping passing pictures out of attain.

Properly, right here’s is another little bit of proof: what Zverev mentioned about Sinner.

“I’m serving higher than him, however that’s it. He does every part else higher than me. He strikes higher than me. He hits his forehand higher than me. He hits his backhand higher than me. He returns higher than me. He volleys higher than me,” Zverev mentioned. “On the finish of the day, tennis has 5 – 6 huge pictures — like, huge components — and he does 4 or 5 of them higher than me. That’s the rationale why he gained.”

Excessive reward from a man who’s, in any case, ranked No. 2. Sinner has held the No. 1 spot since final June and will not be displaying any indicators of relinquishing it. This was the primary Australian Open ultimate between the lads at No. 1 and No. 2 since 2019, when No. 1 Novak Djokovic defeated No. 2 Rafael Nadal — additionally in straight units.

“It’s superb,” Sinner mentioned, “to attain this stuff.”

The “issues” embrace being the youngest man to depart Melbourne Park with the trophy two years in a row since Jim Courier in 1992-93, and the primary man since Nadal on the French Open in 2005 and 2006 to observe up his first Grand Slam title by repeating because the champion on the identical event a yr later.

Sinner was requested later whether or not he felt extra reduction or pleasure when he raised his arms after the final level was his.

“This one was pleasure. We managed to do one thing unbelievable this time, as a result of the state of affairs I used to be in was fully totally different from a yr in the past right here,” he mentioned. “I had extra strain.”

Most likely true, however’s arduous to inform.

Go to the beginning of 2024, and take inventory. In that span, Sinner has gained three of the 5 main tournaments, together with the U.S. Open in September, which means he now has claimed three straight hard-court Slams. His file is 80-6 with 9 titles. His present unbeaten run covers 21 matches.

“There’s all the time one thing that may get higher,” mentioned one in all his two coaches, Simone Vagnozzi. “He’s enjoying rather well proper now and every part comes simply. However there can be robust moments forward.”

The one factor that’s clouded the previous 12 months for Sinner, it appears, is the doping case during which his exoneration was appealed by the World Anti-Doping Company. He examined optimistic for a hint quantity of an anabolic steroid twice final March however blamed it on an unintended publicity involving two members of his crew who’ve since been fired. Sinner initially was cleared in August; a listening to within the WADA attraction is scheduled for April.

“I preserve enjoying like this as a result of I’ve a transparent thoughts on what occurred,” Sinner mentioned Sunday. “I do know if I might be responsible, I might not play like this.”

Whereas he turned the eighth man within the Open period (which started in 1968) to start out his profession 3-0 in Grand Slam finals, Zverev is the seventh to be 0-3, including this loss to these on the 2020 U.S. Open and final yr’s French Open.

These earlier setbacks each got here in 5 units. This contest was not that shut. Under no circumstances.

“I’ll preserve doing every part I can,” Zverev mentioned, “to carry a type of trophies.”

Simply earlier than Zverev started talking right into a microphone through the trophy ceremony, a voice cried out from the stands, making reference to 2 of the participant’s ex-girlfriends who accused him of bodily abuse.

Through the match, there actually was just one second that contained a touch of rigidity. It got here when Zverev was two factors from proudly owning the second set at 5-4, love-30. However a break level — and a set level — by no means arrived.

A yr in the past, Sinner went by much more hassle to earn his first main, needing to get previous Novak Djokovic — who stop one set into his semifinal towards Zverev on Friday due to a torn hamstring — earlier than erasing a two-set deficit within the ultimate towards 2021 U.S. Open champion Daniil Medvedev.

This time, Sinner utilized strain with an all-around fashion that doesn’t actually seem to have holes.

He proved superior in each significant manner aside from aces, leaving Zverev shaking his head or trudging to the sideline with shoulders sagging or cracking his racket towards the court docket or towards one other racket.

Completely comprehensible, given what Sinner can do to an opponent, particularly on a tough court docket.

“The info communicate for themselves,” Zverev mentioned. “He’s in a special universe proper now.”

___

Howard Fendrich has been the AP’s tennis author since 2002. Discover his tales right here: https://apnews.com/creator/howard-fendrich. Extra AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis

Birds of a Feather star Linda Robson says the dementia prognosis of her pal Pauline Quirke “breaks my coronary heart”.

It was introduced earlier this month by Quirke’s husband Steve Sheen that the 65-year-old, who has additionally starred in Emmerdale and Broadchurch, had been recognized with the sickness.

The actor is finest recognized for enjoying Sharon Theodopolopodous in Birds of a Feather alongside Robson. The much-loved BBC present ran from 1989 to 1998 earlier than being revived by ITV between 2014 and 2020.

The present, which additionally starred Lesley Joseph because the snobbish and flirty Dorien Inexperienced, revolves round two combative sisters whose husbands are despatched to jail.

Robson didn’t instantly reply to the information of Quirke’s sickness however has since posted a brief assertion on Instagram.

“This would be the solely time I communicate on behalf of my finest pal, Pauline,” the Free Girls star, 66, wrote.

“For the previous three years, I’ve been in shut contact along with her husband, Steve, and have hung out with Pauline.

“It breaks my coronary heart to see her endure such a horrible sickness. Out of respect for her household and her privateness, I cannot be discussing this matter additional.”

Quirke and Robson each starred within the slapstick movie Junket 89 and the collection You Should Be Joking! throughout the Nineteen Seventies, and later within the Eighties Shine On Harvey Moon.

Robson additionally appeared in Quirke’s chat present Pauline’s Quirkes, which she started presenting as a young person.

The BAFTA-nominated actor’s final public look got here in February 2023, when she was awarded an MBE by Prince William for service to younger folks, leisure and charity.

Final week, Quirke’s husband Steve Sheen stated she’s going to retire from “all skilled and business duties” as he revealed her situation, which he stated was recognized in 2021.

In his assertion, Sheen stated: “It’s with a heavy coronary heart that I announce my spouse Pauline’s choice to step again from all skilled and business duties resulting from her prognosis of Dementia in 2021.

“Pauline has been an inspiration by means of her work within the movie and TV business, her charity endeavours and because the founding father of the very profitable Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts (PQA).

“Her expertise, dedication, and imaginative and prescient have touched numerous lives and can proceed to take action by means of the legacy of her work and thru PQA the place her imaginative and prescient and steerage has facilitated many younger peoples’ development and curiosity within the Arts and enhanced their self-confidence.”

Further reporting from the Press Affiliation

The Kansas Metropolis Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles are formally headed to Tremendous Bowl LIX, which kicks off at 6:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, Feb. 9, at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.

With two weeks till the massive rematch, we’re taking an early take a look at what you’ll be able to anticipate within the matchup. Lindsey Thiry units it up with what to know, and our NFL Nation reporters Adam Teicher and Tim McManus decide causes for hope and concern for each groups. Seth Walder provides you some key stats, Matt Bowen picks a key matchup and Eric Moody pulls out an X issue. Aaron Schatz solutions large questions surrounding the ultimate recreation of the season, Dan Graziano judges one potential overreaction and Ben Solak explores the quarterback matchup. And eventually, we now have early gut-reaction predictions from our specialists.

Will Saquon Barkley and the Eagles’ offense dominate? May Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs actually pull off the three-peat? This is the whole lot you should know.

Soar to a bit:
Chiefs | Eagles | Key stats
Matchup keys | Huge questions
Overreaction | Quarterbacks
Betting | Predictions

Tremendous Bowl LIX: Chiefs vs. Eagles

When: Sunday, Feb. 9, 6:30 p.m. ET on Fox
The place: Caesars Superdome, New Orleans | Tickets
Opening line, through ESPN BET: KC -1.5 (O/U 49.5)
ESPN’s Soccer Energy Index: PHI, 56.2% (by 2.3 factors)

This a rematch of Tremendous Bowl LVII, which capped the 2022 season and put the Chiefs on a path towards a historic Tremendous Bowl run. The Chiefs got here from behind to defeat the Eagles in that recreation, 38-35, then went on to defeat the San Francisco 49ers 25-22 in Tremendous Bowl LVIII final season. Now, because the Chiefs make their fifth Tremendous Bowl look previously six seasons, they’ll grow to be the primary group within the Tremendous Bowl period to win three consecutive championships.

Chiefs coach Andy Reid will make his sixth Tremendous Bowl look, tying Don Shula for the second most behind solely Invoice Belichick (9), and quarterback Patrick Mahomes ties John Elway with the second-most Tremendous Bowl appearances (5) for a beginning quarterback. To earn a historic three-peat, Mahomes and the Chiefs should accomplish what few different groups have: Decelerate quarterback Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley and get by the Eagles’ top-rated protection.

After a 2-2 begin, Nick Sirianni — making his second Tremendous Bowl look in 4 seasons as Eagles coach — made changes that enabled the Eagles to win 12 of their closing 13 regular-season video games. Barkley, who arrived in Philadelphia through free company over the offseason, led the NFL with 2,005 dashing yards. Within the Eagles’ three postseason wins, Barkley has scored 5 touchdowns. Hurts has gained 5 playoff video games since 2022, the second most within the NFL throughout that span behind Mahomes. — Thiry

Common season: 15-2 | AFC seed: No. 1

Cause for hope: The Chiefs will not essentially have to attain numerous factors to win their third straight Tremendous Bowl as a result of their protection has constantly stored them in video games. Kansas Metropolis completed the common season ranked fourth in scoring protection (19.2 factors per recreation). The cross rush, which had 10 sacks mixed towards the Texans and Payments this postseason, has additionally been productive of late.

Cause for concern: The safety for quarterback Patrick Mahomes has been shaky at instances. Mahomes was sacked 36 instances within the common season, essentially the most in his profession, and one other 5 instances within the playoffs. The Chiefs benched three totally different gamers at left deal with earlier than selecting Joe Thuney, who shifted outdoors from left guard. The constant stress contributed to Mahomes’ 67.6 QBR, the second-worst full-season mark of his profession. — Teicher

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Common season: 14-3 | NFC seed: No. 2

Cause for hope: The Eagles have the most effective protection and operating recreation within the NFL — they usually have labored hand in hand. Saquon Barkley is an explosive play ready to occur, as we noticed on the Eagles’ first snap of the NFC Championship Sport, and he is backed by an offensive line that ultimately wears down any opposition by 4 quarters. With that type of play, it is no shock Philadelphia ranks No. 1 in time of possession (32:22). Meaning much less stress on a protection that performs with the identical kind of bully mindset. The protection focuses on taking the ball away, the offense hardly ever turns the ball over and either side are as bodily because it will get. That makes the Eagles able to beating any group.

Cause for concern: The passing recreation has left one thing to be desired. A few of that may be attributed to a purposefully conservative method. With the bottom recreation and protection acting at such a excessive stage, there was an elevated concentrate on not turning the ball over by the air. Quarterback Jalen Hurts has been glorious in that regard, giving the ball away simply 3 times because the Eagles’ Week 5 bye. Nonetheless, the scheme borders on predictable, and the product ought to actually be higher with abilities like A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith operating routes. — McManus

Stats to know

The Chiefs’ offense is constructed on throwing the ball regularly and producing yards after catch (YAC). Kansas Metropolis ranks second in cross price over expectation, per NFL Subsequent Gen Stats, which means it handed much more usually than we might anticipate given recreation conditions than each different group in addition to Cincinnati. The Chiefs generated 0.16 EPA per play extra on dropbacks in comparison with designed carries. Once they do cross, YAC made up 58% of their receiving yards, which leads the league. Wideout Xavier Worthy leads the Chiefs with 439 YAC.

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Positive, Brown had a quiet postseason earlier than Sunday, however he had a very ridiculous season if you happen to’re keen to look past his considerably pedestrian 1,067 receiving yards. He recorded 3.3 yards per route run this common season, which is the fourth-best mark by a receiver since 2007 (minimal 200 routes).

Brown’s manufacturing was depressed as a result of he missed 4 video games in an already run-heavy offense, however his play was stellar. One other quantity which backs that up is his 99 mark in ESPN’s total receiver scores — tracking-based metrics that quantify a participant’s potential to get open, make the catch and generate YAC relative to expectation. That is the very best total rating by any participant since 2017. It could be a mistake to ever depend out Brown from having a large Tremendous Bowl. — Walder

Contained in the matchup

Eagles OLB Nolan Smith Jr. vs. RT Jawaan Taylor

Smith’s potential to create stress off the sting has modified the profile of the Eagles’ cross rush. He has 4 sacks and 9 pressures within the playoffs, utilizing his lower-body management to slither round offensive tackles and shut on quarterbacks in a rush. Search for Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio to scheme one-on-ones for Smith towards Taylor from vast alignments whereas additionally utilizing stunts to loop the skin linebacker inside. — Bowen

Eagles’ X issue: Dallas Goedert, TE

Goedert has been excellent since returning within the regular-season finale from a knee harm that sidelined him for 4 weeks. His chemistry with Hurts was on full show towards the Commanders. He led the Eagles in receptions (seven), tied Brown in targets (eight) and racked up 85 receiving yards. Goedert ought to play a key function within the Tremendous Bowl towards a Chiefs protection that gave up essentially the most receiving yards per recreation to tight ends in the course of the common season.

Chiefs’ X issue: Xavier Worthy, WR

Worthy has introduced velocity and toughness to Kansas Metropolis. He led all gamers with 85 receiving yards within the AFC Championship Sport and led the Chiefs with seven targets. His surge within the second half of the season carried into the playoffs, and he has been practically unattainable to comprise. The Eagles’ secondary can have its arms full attempting to sluggish Worthy down, particularly since no group has managed to take action this postseason. He is a key piece of the Chiefs’ offense heading into the Tremendous Bowl. — Moody

Answering large questions

What does historical past say in regards to the Chiefs’ quest to three-peat?

Whereas the Chiefs are attempting to grow to be the primary group to win three straight Tremendous Bowls, they’d not be the primary NFL group to three-peat. The Packers gained three straight NFL titles in the course of the Curly Lambeau period from 1929 to 1931, though there have been no playoff video games and solely 12 groups within the league. Inexperienced Bay additionally completed the feat in the course of the Vince Lombardi period from 1965 to 1967, which included wins within the first two Tremendous Bowls after the 1966 and 1967 seasons.

The Chiefs are the primary group to make the Tremendous Bowl in Yr 3 after two consecutive championships. Different groups made three straight Tremendous Bowls however misplaced one of many first two to forestall a three-peat. The 1971-73 Dolphins misplaced Tremendous Bowl VI to the Cowboys 24-3 earlier than successful the following two championships. The Patriots got here shut after they gained Tremendous Bowl LI because of the notorious “28-3” comeback over the Falcons. However they misplaced to the Eagles in Tremendous Bowl LII earlier than defeating the Rams the following yr.

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How do these Eagles examine to the 2022 Tremendous Bowl group?

The most important distinction between the 2022 Eagles and the 2024 Eagles comes on offense. Surprisingly, the 2022 Eagles had been extra environment friendly operating the ball with Miles Sanders as their lead again. Each the usual statistics and superior metrics inform the identical story. The 2022 Eagles averaged 5.9 yards per play total, whereas the 2024 Eagles averaged 5.6 yards per play. In 2022, the Eagles ranked fifth in cross DVOA and led the NFL in rush DVOA. This season, the Eagles had been solely 14th in cross DVOA and sixth in rush DVOA.

Philadelphia did achieve extra yards per carry in 2024 than two seasons in the past (4.9 versus 4.6), so that you is perhaps questioning how its DVOA was decrease this season. The principle purpose is carry-by-carry consistency. The 2022 Eagles led the NFL with a 55% success price on carries. The 2024 Eagles had solely a forty five% success price, which ranked sixth. (This doesn’t embrace scrambles.)

On protection, the massive distinction is stopping the run. Each the 2022 and 2024 Eagles had stellar defenses, because the 2022 Eagles ranked third in DVOA whereas the 2024 Eagles ranked first. The 2022 Eagles had the higher cross protection; they allowed 4.9 internet yards per cross in comparison with 5.1 this season. However this season’s Eagles had been a lot better towards the run. The Eagles ranked second in run protection DVOA behind the Broncos, whereas the 2022 Eagles ranked nineteenth. — Schatz

Judging one overreaction: Barkley goes to run everywhere in the Chiefs

Barkley’s good season continued Sunday, when he ran 60 yards for a landing on the Eagles’ first play from scrimmage and completed with 118 dashing yards and three touchdowns within the NFC Championship Sport. He has been an unstoppable drive all season, cementing himself as one of many nice free agent signings of all time and changing into a finalist for the MVP award.

His 2,005 dashing yards in the course of the common season rank eighth all time, and he has added 442 extra over three playoff video games. There’s little purpose to assume the Eagles will not depend on him to ship the second Tremendous Bowl title in franchise historical past.

The decision: OVERREACTION

It isn’t that he cannot do it, however fairly that the Chiefs aren’t more likely to make it as simple for him because the Commanders and Rams did the previous two weeks. Washington ranked twenty eighth within the league this season in yards allowed per rush (4.8) and twenty seventh in defensive rush success price (54.9%). The Rams — towards whom Barkley ran for 205 yards within the divisional spherical — tied for twenty third (4.6) and twenty fifth (55.5%) in these classes, respectively.

Kansas Metropolis, in the meantime, tied for fourth in yards allowed per rush (4.1) and ranked eleventh in defensive rush success price (61.0%).

Barkley can have success towards anybody, however the Chiefs are a stable wager to make it tougher than the Eagles’ previous two opponents. Additionally, Washington turned the ball over 4 instances Sunday, whereas the Chiefs entered the AFC title recreation on a streak of eight straight video games and not using a turnover. Tremendous Bowl-seasoned Kansas Metropolis ought to be a a lot harder total check for Barkley and the Eagles than upstart Washington. — Graziano

The quarterback matchup

Mahomes vs. Hurts

Any and each NFL quarterback could be at some drawback coming into a Tremendous Bowl towards Mahomes. This will likely be Mahomes’ fifth look previously six seasons (bonkers), his third consecutive Tremendous Bowl (tremendous bonkers) and probably the primary three-peat Tremendous Bowl championship (unprecedentedly bonkers). Whereas his 2024 numbers aren’t practically as gaudy as these he posted with prime Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce, he has grow to be an unbelievably polished level guard who can erase a number of deficiencies that will in any other case cripple an NFL offense. The left deal with issues and the shortage of a WR1 ought to have mattered for Kansas Metropolis, however they have not.

Hurts has come underneath scrutiny for shaky postseason play in a really cushioned function within the Eagles’ offense, however the NFC Championship Sport was a pleasant reminder of his peak performances. He was removed from excellent however made correct throws into one-on-one protection and acquired time towards large blitz seems. He is not requested to do as a lot on this offense as he was two years in the past, but he can nonetheless make opponents pay once they promote out towards the run.

The large distinction between these two, and maybe the deciding issue of their rematch? Their play towards stress. Mahomes, with a legal responsibility at left deal with for a lot of the season, ranks second within the league in success price when pressured and fourth in EPA per dropback. Hurts — behind the most effective line within the league — is nineteenth and 14th, respectively. — Solak

Betting nuggets

• The Eagles entered the season 11-1 to win the Tremendous Bowl and +550 to win the NFC. They had been tied for the second favorites to win the NFC coming into the season with the Lions, trailing the 49ers (+260).

• Underdogs have gained three of the previous 4 Tremendous Bowls. Since 2007, underdogs are 10-7 outright and 12-5 towards the unfold within the Tremendous Bowl.

• The Eagles are 13-7 towards the unfold this season, together with the playoffs.

• The Chiefs are 8-11 ATS. In the event that they win the Tremendous Bowl, they’ll have the worst ATS file by a Tremendous Bowl champion (2021 Rams had been 10-11).

Extra Tremendous Bowl LIX odds and developments

Intestine-reaction predictions

Stephania Bell, NFL harm analyst: Chiefs. I discovered my lesson after selecting towards them final yr; the extra intense the competitors, the extra they rise to the event.

Matt Bowen, NFL analyst: Eagles. I will take the Philly run recreation with Barkley and a cross rush that may win on the sides, whereas additionally creating inside stress to disrupt Mahomes’ timing.

Matt Miller, NFL draft analyst: Chiefs. I’ve a rule to by no means decide towards Mahomes within the Tremendous Bowl. It is that easy.

Dan Graziano, NFL nationwide reporter: Chiefs. They’re inevitable.

Eric Moody, fantasy analyst: Chiefs. Mahomes and the Chiefs’ offense won’t look as explosive as in previous seasons, however they ship when it issues most. Add in a Kansas Metropolis protection that is taking part in at a excessive stage, and this group is hard to beat.

Dan Orlovsky, NFL analyst: Chiefs. As a result of it is the Chiefs.

Aaron Schatz, NFL analyst: Chiefs. They’re peaking on the proper time, and I’m anxious in regards to the accidents on the Eagles’ inside offensive line .(Landon Dickerson left the NFC Championship Sport with a knee harm.)

Lindsey Thiry, NFL nationwide reporter: Chiefs. There isn’t any approach you’ll be able to decide towards coach Andy Reid and Mahomes. Again and again, all they do is win.

Seth Walder, analytics author: Eagles. They seem to be a full group with power constructed on power constructed on power. They’re going to avenge their Tremendous Bowl LVII loss.

Seth Wickersham, NFL author: Chiefs. It is too exhausting to beat the Reid/Mahomes/whichever receiver has an enormous recreation/Steve Spagnuolo combo.

Discipline Yates, NFL analyst: Chiefs. Like Matt Miller, there are a number of guidelines in life that I’ll ceaselessly comply with. Close to the highest of that checklist is to not decide towards Mahomes within the Tremendous Bowl. The Chiefs make historical past with a three-peat.

FC Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick revealed a touching gesture Gavi made in direction of a teammate throughout Sunday’s brutal 7-1 La Liga thrashing of Valencia.

The Catalans stayed in third and decreased bitter rival Actual Madrid’s benefit to seven factors via the goalfest, which some discovered spectacular given the variety of gamers Flick rotated with no less than 5 adjustments to the road up.

For Flick although, “the state of affairs that impressed me essentially the most was after I spoke to Gavi, who I wished to deliver on within the final quarter-hour”.

Regardless of being one of many benched gamers in favour of shut buddy Fermin Lopez as a CAM, Flick revealed that Gavi mentioned: “No, put Pablo Torre on”.

“And that is superb, it is nice. You may see how gamers are related to one another. It is improbable and for a coach it is superb. I like Gavi for his perspective and to talk that manner at that second is improbable,” Flick beamed.

Explaining the rotations, nonetheless, Flick remarked: “We would have liked contemporary legs, and everybody was impeccable and really concerned all through the match.”

The German was a fan of how “the crew was from the start, very concerned within the recreation” and confused that having typically second selection gamers carry out so nicely “is just not an issue for me”.

“It is good to have the ability to select between so many gamers with high quality,” he said.

Scoring two objectives and offering two assists in Gavi or Dani Olmo’s slot, Fermin was complimented for enjoying “a improbable recreation”.

“He was excellent with the ball and excellent in ending. I like Fermin,” mentioned Flick.

Although he may have simply been the villain of an exciting 5-4 comeback win towards Benfica within the Champions League after clattering into Alejandro Balde within the first half and in addition gifting away a penalty – with the Lisbon large scoring in each incidents – Wojciech Szczesny is proving to be a great luck appeal for Flick.

“Every week with Szczesny within the beginning line-up, two wins. One towards Benfica and one other towards Valencia. It is a tough state of affairs for Inaki Pena, nevertheless it’s one thing that has been mentioned internally and we took this resolution,” Flick commented on his goalkeeper choice dilemma.

Although Barca continues to hit the again of the web at will, “the truth that we scored 100 objectives this season does not imply something” to Flick.

“We wish to placed on a great present for the Culers, however our aim is to win titles – to not set aim data,” he concluded on this.

The Kansas Metropolis Chiefs are in uncommon air after clinching their berth in Tremendous Bowl LIX on Sunday.

They want to change into the primary NFL group to win three straight Tremendous Bowls. Kansas Metropolis has already made historical past with the primary half of its quest — it’s the first group to make it to a Tremendous Bowl after profitable back-to-back Tremendous Bowls.

Throughout the NBA/MLB/NHL/WNBA, there have been 14 cases when a group has received three straight titles. Since 1970, that quantity is proscribed to simply eight.

Here is a glance again at every group throughout the NBA/MLB/NHL/WNBA/MLS to win three straight championships since 1970.

Led by Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant, the Lakers strung collectively three straight NBA titles to kick off the brand new millennium.

Los Angeles received not more than 56 video games in every common season, together with 67 in 1999-00 — the second-most in franchise historical past. The Lakers discovered comparable success within the postseason. They went a mixed 45-13 spearheaded by a dominant 15-1 document within the 2001 playoffs.

That did not carry over within the 2002-03 season when Los Angeles went 50-32 after which misplaced within the Western Convention semifinals to eventual champion San Antonio Spurs.

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The Yankees began the twenty first century simply as they ended the earlier one — as World Collection champions.

New York began its three-peat with a franchise-record 114 common season wins, then went 11-2 within the submit season to win a title. Comparable success adopted in 1999 — a 98-64 common season document and 11-1 run within the playoffs — however the Yankees clawed to win their third straight.

They completed with an 87-74 document then went 5 and 6 video games, respectively, within the ALDS and ALCS. Nevertheless, New York dispatched the New York Mets in 5 video games of the Subway Collection.

The Yankees have been only one inning away from profitable a fourth straight. Mariano Rivera allowed two runs within the ninth inning of Recreation 7, blowing a save that led to the Arizona Diamondbacks clinching the World Collection.

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Houston Comets, 1997-2000

Houston marked the WNBA’s first dynasty, profitable the league’s first 4 championships.

The Comets have been led by a legendary big-three of Sheryl Swoopes, Cynthia Cooper and Tina Thompson. All of them averaged double-digit factors per sport throughout Houston’s ultimate three titles. Cooper received the WNBA MVP award in 1997 and 1998, whereas Cooper received in 2000.

Houston’s run got here to an finish in 2001 after posting a 19-13 document and shedding to the Los Angeles Sparks — who received the championship that season — within the Western Convention Semifinals.

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No group arguably dominated a decade within the NBA just like the Bulls within the Nineties. Led by Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, Chicago recorded two separate three-peats, the final of which got here in memorable vogue towards the Utah Jazz.

The Bulls received lower than 60 video games simply as soon as of their championship-winning common seasons. In 1995-96, they set an NBA-record with 72 wins within the common season. Remarkably, Chicago solely appeared in a Recreation 7 as soon as throughout each its three-peat runs. The tide turned in 1999, nevertheless, because the Bulls underwent a significant overhaul. Jordan retired, whereas different key members of the franchise moved on, together with former head coach Phil Jackson. Consequently, Chicago went 13-37 within the lockout-shortened season.

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If a three-peat solidifies a dynasty, then the Islanders’ four-peat left no room for interpretation as to who ran the league within the early ’80s.

These groups — which touted the likes of Denis Potvin, Mike Bossy, Bob Nystrom, Bryan Trottier, Clark Gillies and Billy Smith — led the Islanders to the franchise’s first Cup win in 1980. Then, they proceeded to observe up with three extra wins. They aren’t solely the final group to three-peat within the NHL, but additionally they’re one in all simply three four-peats which have occurred within the league’s historical past.

New York accomplished its three-peat in dominant vogue, with a four-game sweep of the Vancouver Canucks.

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A dynasty inside a decade of your earlier dynasty? Certain, why not. No different NHL squad dominated each the common season and playoffs like these Montreal groups.

With legendary Scotty Bowman behind the bench and Man Lafleur scoring 50+ objectives in every of the 4 seasons, the Canadiens could not be stopped.

The Canadiens hoisted Lord Stanley’s Cup 4 years in a row, practically replicating the feat of the primary Montreal dynasty — apart from the rise of one other group’s dynasty and the retirement of key contributors.

Ten gamers from this dynasty went on to be inducted into the Hockey Corridor of Fame.

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The Swingin’ A’s completely dominated the American League within the early ’70s, profitable 5 consecutive American League West Division titles and three American League pennants en path to their three World Collection titles.

The A’s made historical past with their three consecutive championships, changing into the primary group to three-peat in twenty years and the one MLB group apart from the Yankees to take action. Oakland’s reign included beating the Cincinnati Reds in seven video games in 1972, the New York Mets in seven video games in 1973 and the Los Angeles Dodgers in 5 video games in 1974.

4 members from the dynasty went on to be inducted into the Nationwide Baseball Corridor of Fame: Catfish Hunter (1987), Rollie Fingers (1992), Reggie Jackson (1993), and supervisor Dick Williams (2008). Out of the 4 Corridor of Famers, solely Fingers and Williams have been inducted with the A’s emblem on their plaque.

ESPN Analysis contributed to this story.

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Hansi Flick’s Barça have made a century after racking up seven targets within the La Liga victory over Valencia on the Estadi Olímpic. The determine comes after simply 32 video games and implies that the blaugranes in 2024/25 have a formidable common of three.16 targets per recreation.

Flick: 101 targets 

101 targets in 32 matches in all competitions is the second greatest begin ever for a season in Barça historical past with solely Helenio Herrera arriving on the determine in much less time, 31 matches within the Fifties. 

German coach Hansi Flick has reached the landmark determine faster than Barça legends akin to Luis Enrique (34 video games), Tito Vilanova (34 video games), Domènec Balmanya (36 video games), Ladislao Kubala (36 video games) and Josep Guardiola (37 video games).

Lewandowski high scorer 

Of the 101 targets scored, 15 participant have contributed with Robert Lewandowski high scoring with 29 targets. Behind the Polish striker come: Raphinha (23 targets), Lamine Yamal (9), Ferran Torres (7), Dani Olmo (6), Pedri, Pablo Torre (4), Kounde, Fermín López (3), Iñigo Martinez, Gavi, Pau Víctor, Eric Garcia, Frenkie de Jong (2) and Balde (1), in addition to two personal targets. 

59 targets have come within the league, 26 within the Champions League, 9 within the Copa del Rey and seven within the Spanish Tremendous Cup. 

Valencia and Actual Madrid 

Of the groups Barça have scored in opposition to, Valencia and Actual Madrid come off worse. Each groups have concedes 9 targets in opposition to Hansi Flick’s workforce: Actual Madrid within the 4-0 loss within the Santiago Bernabéu within the league and the 5-2 defeat within the Spanish Tremendous Cup. Valencia conceded twice within the defeat at Mestalla on the opening weekend of the league season and 7 instances within the defeat on the Estadi Olímpic on Sunday. 

• International Secretary will co-host a reception with the Embassy of Israel within the International Workplace at present
• David Lammy will meet Holocaust survivor Janine Webber, who survived Nazi persecution in occupied Poland
• senior UK delegation together with HMTK will be part of world leaders at Auschwitz-Birkenau commemoration ceremony in Poland

The International Secretary will at present co-host a reception with Her Excellency the Ambassador of Israel to the UK to mark Holocaust Memorial Day and the eightieth anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau focus camp.

Previous to the commemoration, the International Secretary will meet Holocaust survivor Janine Webber BEM, who survived the Holocaust as youngster in occupied Poland, enduring the tragic lack of her mother and father and brother by the hands of the Nazis.

The commemoration will showcase progressive approaches to Holocaust schooling. These embrace Testimony 360, a digital actuality programme preserving survivor testimonies for future generations, and ‘In Their Footsteps’, a robust exhibition that includes 3D-printed sneakers that symbolise Holocaust remembrance.    

International Secretary David Lammy is predicted to say:

‘By no means once more’ is a solemn promise, which we owe to the victims, but additionally which we should uphold for our personal sake and for the sake of future generations.

We want Holocaust remembrance. Holocaust schooling. Motion in opposition to antisemitism.

It’s how we construct a greater future for all.

A high-level UK delegation, together with senior authorities officers, His Majesty The King and Holocaust survivors, will be part of world leaders at present on the Auschwitz-Birkenau commemoration ceremony in Poland.

As a part of the UK’s dedication to Holocaust remembrance, the Prime Minister pledged at the very least £2.2 million in September to proceed to fund the Holocaust Academic Belief’s Classes from Auschwitz challenge, enabling UK college students to go to Auschwitz and be taught concerning the historical past of the Holocaust.

Background

• Holocaust Memorial Day is marked yearly on 27 January
• as set out by the Holocaust Memorial Day Belief, Holocaust Memorial Day remembers the 6 million Jews murdered throughout the Holocaust. It additionally commemorates the thousands and thousands extra individuals murdered by means of the Nazi persecution of different teams and within the more moderen genocides of Rwanda, Srebrenica, and acts of genocide in Cambodia and in opposition to the Yazidi individuals
• the UK at the moment holds the presidency of the Worldwide Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, till 28 February 2025
• learn extra details about Holocaust Memorial Day and Janine Webber BEM
• all imagery from the occasion and the International Secretary’s attendance will likely be on FCDO Flickr
• learn the International Secretary’s 2025 Holocaust Memorial Day speech