Sky Sports activities commentator Wayne Mardle was absent from the opening evening of the World Darts Championship after his spouse Donna died earlier this week.

Mardle was attributable to lead the broadcaster’s protection at Alexandra Palace, however information of his spouse’s dying on the age of 52 following a brief sickness was introduced on Sunday.

An emotional presenter Emma Paton stated on air: “Wayne is the guts and soul of every little thing we do right here at Sky Sports activities darts, however the coronary heart of his world, his great spouse Donna, sadly handed away earlier this week after a brief sickness.

“We shall be remembering Donna all through this event. Wayne, you might be in our ideas, in our hearts, we love you very a lot and we are going to see you very quickly.”

Mardle has been the principle voice of Sky Sports activities’ protection of darts for a few years and gained extra fame two years in the past for his memorable commentary of the game’s best leg the place Michael Smith hit a nine-dart end within the last in opposition to Michael van Gerwen, who missed a double 12 on his personal try at perfection.

Mardle exclaimed: “One man misses, does the opposite man get? I’ve by no means seen the like.

“Come on Bully Boy. Sure! Double 12…That’s the most wonderful leg of darts you’ll ever see in your life. I can’t communicate, I can’t communicate.”

Former participant Mardle just isn’t anticipated to be in attendance for any of the 2025 event which began on Sunday and ends on January 3.

The 2024 Royal Selection Efficiency has been the discuss of the nation, with audiences voicing a unanimous opinion simply moments into the revered present.

This yr’s extravaganza, filmed final month and introduced by comedic treasure Alan Carr alongside Amanda Holden, graced tv screens throughout the UK on the night time of December 15.

The regal meeting on the Royal Albert Corridor, together with King Charles III, was serenaded by luminaries equivalent to Sophie Ellis-Bexter, theatre stars from The Satan Wears Prada, and the inspiring Change and Verify Choir orchestrated by Marti Pellow, that includes famend broadcaster Lorraine Kelly.

But, mere minutes after the programme started, chatter amongst ITV viewers watching from their properties converged right into a singular narrative as they took to social media platforms to specific their views.

On X, beforehand generally known as Twitter, one viewers member lamented: “Amanda Holden, no thanks #RoyalVarietyPerformance.”, reviews the Mirror.

One other chimed in with: “Dreadful presenters #RoyalVarietyPerformance.” “Properly, Alan Carr and Amanda Holden are completely dreadful. This opening is so awkward. #RoyalVarietyPerformance.” echoed a 3rd critic.

Conversely, not everybody shared this sentiment; some celebratory feedback emerged lauding the hosts: “Alan Carr is hilarious. and Amanda Holden is not wanting too dangerous both.” With one other spectator expressing their fondness, posting: “Love Amanda and Alan collectively.”

Whereas the Royal Selection Efficiency is acquainted territory for Alan who steered the present again in 2021, this yr marks a debut internet hosting partnership along with his good buddy Amanda, who enthusiastically remarked on her first-time expertise: “It really is such an honour to be internet hosting the Royal Selection Efficiency this yr.”

The exuberance was palpable as one half of the dynamic duo exclaimed: “I am nonetheless pinching myself! It is a dream job and Alan is a ‘true’ buddy, we’re already bursting with concepts and pleasure, it will be such a enjoyable night time!”

Reflecting on a historical past with Britain’s Acquired Expertise spanning 18 years, they voiced their delight: “I’ve labored on Britain’s Acquired Expertise for 18 years and have been so proud watching all our winners carry out for the Royal Household. This yr might be no totally different, so within the phrases of Sydnie Christmas, let’s av it! “.

Alan shared the fun, commenting: “I’m fully thrilled to be requested again to host the Royal Selection Efficiency so quickly, what a praise and an honour! To have the ability to host this magical night with my greatest buddy and television spouse Amanda Holden is the icing on the cake for me. If we now have half as a lot enjoyable as we did three years in the past, effectively we’re all in for an actual deal with.”

Royal Selection Efficiency is accessible to look at on ITVX

By Francesca Merlo

Cyclone Chido has induced catastrophic destruction in Mayotte, with officers warning the dying toll may attain “a number of hundred” or 1000’s. The cyclone, with winds exceeding 220 km/h, struck the French Indian Ocean territory final Saturday, making it the worst storm to hit Mayotte because the Nineteen Thirties.

Assist from mainland France

Mayotte’s inside minister has warned that “It would take days and days to ascertain the human toll”. French authorities have deployed over 1,600 law enforcement officials and gendarmes to help survivors. Moreover, 250 rescuers and emergency personnel are being despatched from mainland France and close by Réunion.

Mayotte, with a inhabitants of 300,000, is the European Union’s poorest territory. A 3rd of its folks dwell in makeshift slums, a lot of which are actually destroyed. Residents described complete districts flattened, uprooted timber, and overturned boats. Key infrastructure, together with the principle airport, hospital, and electrical energy and water provides, has suffered extreme harm. Aid efforts stay difficult as solely army plane can at present land.

Prefect François-Xavier Bieuville famous that undocumented migrants and Mayotte’s custom of burying the useless inside 24 hours complicate casualty counts.

Pope Francis, visiting Corsica on Sunday, prayed for the victims and urged worldwide assist. “I’m spiritually near those that have been affected by this tragedy,” he mentioned.

Chido’s destruction

The cyclone additionally struck the Comoros Islands and Madagascar earlier than shifting in direction of Mozambique, inflicting extreme harm in Cabo Delgado province. UNICEF reported widespread destruction, leaving two million folks in pressing want of help.

Although weakening, Cyclone Chido continues to pose a menace, with Malawi and Zimbabwe bracing for flooding and potential evacuations.

Mayotte stays in determined want of help as rescuers work to assist survivors and assess the complete scale of the catastrophe.

This 12 months’s Royal Selection Efficiency took over a lot of ITV1’s night schedule on Sunday, 15 December, with King Charles III attending alone as Queen Camilla recovered from sickness.

Located at London’s Royal Albert Corridor, the star-packed annual spectacle welcomed entertainers resembling Elton John, Penn & Teller, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Stephen Mulhern, Cirque De Soleil, Britain’s Received Expertise champion Sydnie Christmas, and Eurovision Track Contest’s Nemo to the stage, in addition to the London casts of Starlight Specific, The Satan Wears Prada, and Oliver!

Right here had been the standout moments from the RVP…

The night’s hosts Alan Carr and Amanda Holden obtained proceedings off to a flier with their again and forths.

“We should always most likely cease holding palms now, individuals will assume you are my carer,” identified Carr after becoming a member of palms together with her in entrance of the group. “Or worse — that we are the winners of a really disappointing collection of Love Island,” quipped Holden.

That is when the Chatty Man himself determined to make a cheeky dig reminiscent of the numerous Ofcom complaints focusing on his co-star’s wardrobe while judging BGT through the years.

“Oh Amanda, you are so not my sort on paper… or actual life! However can I say your costume seems to be completely fabulous! Simply on the best aspect of an Ofcom grievance!” he stated.

Enjoying alongside, Holden replied: “That is disappointing…”

Stephen Mulhern dedicates magic present to his late father

TV magician Mulhern dropped by the RVP with a usually humorous routine; incorporating three separate illusions that had the Royal Albert Corridor viewers downright baffled.

The 47-year-old’s first one noticed him seemingly tearing up a newspaper into many items, solely to disclose its entire, unhurt kind a second later. Then he invited Carr and Holden to partake — disappearing a cup stuffed with orange juice on the previous’s head earlier than levitating the latter.

While taking his well-earned end-of-show bow, Mulhern shouted “That was for you dad!” following the latest demise of his beloved mum or dad Christopher Mulhern.

Viewers let down by Sydnie Christmas’s tune choice

Having conquered BGT 2024, vocalist Christmas lined the 2017 hit tune by Think about Dragons, Believer, however followers reacting on social media platform X felt it did not essentially go well with her model.

“Sydnie Christmas did not sing my fave,” complained one person, probably in reference to her prior renditions of Someplace Over the Rainbow and Frank Sinatra’s My Means.

“What a horrible tune Sydnie Christmas sang. What a let down after her performances on BGT,” learn one other tweet, earlier than another person got here out with: “Not a fantastic alternative of tune for Sydnie Christmas.”

It wasn’t unanimous unfavorable suggestions at the very least, which you’ll be able to see beneath.

Matt Forde does NSFW impersonation of UK Prime Minister

Matt Forde of Spitting Picture fame handled attendees and viewers alike to a smorgasbord of side-splitting impressions, together with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Boris Johnson, US President-elect Donald Trump and Rishi Sunak.

The standout second occurred after he described Starmer’s “very distinctive, blocked-nosed, lock-jawed voice” and what would possibly occur if he was going to promote his skills within the bed room.

Learn extra:

“A good friend of mine stated, ‘Effectively he cannot do the attractive stuff can he?'” Forde instructed the room. “What does that even imply? When you needed to have an evening of ardour with certainly one of two politicians, would you choose [Johnson or Starmer].”

Having accomplished his bang-on, scattergun Johnson impersonation, the comedian adopted up with: “Do you select the man that claims: ‘Look I am not going to make any guarantees, however it’s my intention to fulfill you as totally as attainable within the time obtainable to me.'”

Penn & Teller depart rather a lot to be desired

Las Vegas icons Penn and Teller made a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it cameo alongside Vanessa Williams late within the schedule.

Nevertheless, their magic routine left a fantastic deal to be desired for followers commenting on social media once more; destroying Williams’s bank card after which making it reappear in a burger field locked inside a wheelie bin.

After such sky-high expectations, their tame effort was universally panned. See for your self…

Strictly Come Dancing’s Amy Dowden raises Breast Most cancers Consciousness

Particular appearances from the likes of Amy Dowden, Claire Sweeney, Penny Lancaster, Shaun Dooley and Sally Dynevor unfolded proper on the finish of the RVP because of their involvement with elevating breast most cancers early detection consciousness in partnership with Lorraine Kelly, Marti Pellow and the Change and Examine Choir, who’re re-releasing Love Is All Round by The Troggs for a charitable marketing campaign.

An enormous group of them arrived on stage to play it dwell and clap alongside.

Dowden overcame breast most cancers to compete on this 12 months’s collection of Strictly Come Dancing, however her return was dampened a number of weeks in as she was compelled to drag out with damage.

The 2024 Royal Selection Efficiency is streaming on ITVX.

Aston Villa star Jhon Duran got here beneath criticism from membership icon Gabby Abgonlahor on Saturday night after his poor efficiency towards Nottingham Forest – earlier than the previous Villans man deleted his publish as soon as the Colombian opened the scoring.

Duran was elected to start out over Ollie Watkins within the East Midlands following his purpose towards RB Leipzig within the Champions League in midweek, with the England striker dropping to the bench as Unai Emery continues to reward his gamers for sturdy type. But it surely wasn’t a really perfect outing from the 21-year-old, resulting in Abgonlahor’s criticism.

Abgonlahor Slates Jhon Duran For Poor First Half Outing

The Colombian wasn’t nice within the opening interval however he notched as soon as once more within the Premier League

With the on-fire striker – reportedly on £75,000-per-week – scoring but once more in Villa colors, Agbonlahor was left with egg on his face – and though the publish on X (previously Twitter) has now been deleted, followers have been fast to screenshot the publish from the previous Holte Finish favorite – who scored 74 Premier League targets for his boyhood membership.

The publish learn: “If Watkins had a primary half like that…”, which was adopted by a shrugging emoji.

Nevertheless, Duran scored with a neat header from a John McGinn cross – although Villa blew their lead by conceding targets within the 87th minute and the 93rd minute, as their barely underwhelming begin to the season continues.

The Birmingham-based membership sit three factors behind Forest, understanding {that a} win would have momentarily put them fourth within the Premier League; however their loss might see them slip so far as eighth within the desk.

Emery’s males are flying in Europe, and two wins over Monaco and Celtic within the ultimate two recreation weeks of the season will see them mathematically qualify for the final 16 knockout section, avoiding the play-off stage within the course of – however they are going to be wanting Duran and Watkins on high type.

Watkins has seven targets in 22 video games in all competitions, which implies the previous Brentford star hasn’t fairly been at his greatest, in comparison with his 27 strikes in simply 53 video games final season. And with Duran notching 11 targets in simply 24 appearances, of which solely 5 have been begins, he is definitely knocking on the door for everlasting begins within the top-flight and on the continent.

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Statistics courtesy of WhoScored. Appropriate as of 15-12-24.

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — France was speeding assist by ship and navy plane to its poor abroad territory of Mayotte within the Indian Ocean on Monday after the island was shattered by its worst storm in almost a century.

Authorities in Mayotte worry lots of and probably 1000’s of individuals have died in Cyclone Chido, though the official dying toll on Monday morning stood at 14. Rescue groups and medical personnel have been despatched to the island off the east coast of Africa from France and from the close by French territory of Reunion, in addition to tons of provides.

French tv station TF1 reported Monday morning that Inside Minister Bruno Retailleau had arrived in Mamoudzou, the capital of Mayotte.

“It is going to take days and days to determine the human toll,” he informed French media.

French authorities stated greater than 800 extra personnel had been anticipated to reach within the coming days as rescuers comb by way of the devastation brought on by Chido when it hit the densely populated archipelago of round 300,000 individuals on Saturday.

Mayotte Prefect François-Xavier Bieuville, the highest French authorities official in Mayotte, informed native TV station Mayotte la 1ere on Sunday that the dying toll was a number of hundred individuals and will even be within the 1000’s.

This undated photograph supplied by NGO Medecins du Monde on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, reveals a devastated hill on the French territory of Mayotte within the Indian Ocean, after Cyclone Chido triggered intensive harm with stories of a number of fatalities.

AP/Medecins du Monde

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AP/Medecins du Monde

He stated Mayotte’s poor slums of metallic shacks and different casual constructions had suffered horrible harm and authorities had been struggling to get an correct rely of the useless and injured after the worst cyclone to hit Mayotte for the reason that Nineteen Thirties.

Complete neighborhoods have been flattened, whereas public infrastructure like the principle airport and hospital have been badly broken and the electrical energy provide has been knocked out, French authorities stated. The harm to the airport management tower means solely navy plane can fly into Mayotte, complicating the response.

Mayotte is France’s poorest division and is considered the poorest territory within the European Union, however it’s a goal for financial migration from even poorer international locations like close by Comoros and even Somalia due to a greater way of life and the French welfare system.

Bieuville, the Mayotte prefect, stated it might be extraordinarily onerous to rely all of the useless and lots of may by no means be recorded, partly because of the Muslim custom of burying individuals inside 24 hours of their deaths and likewise due to many undocumented migrants residing on the island.

Chido ripped by way of the southwestern Indian Ocean on Friday and Saturday, additionally affecting the close by islands of Comoros and Madagascar. Mayotte was immediately within the cyclone’s path, although, and took the brunt. Chido introduced winds in extra of 220 kph (136 mph), in response to the French climate service, making it a class 4 cyclone, the second strongest on the dimensions.

It made landfall in Mozambique on the African mainland late Sunday, the place authorities and assist businesses have stated greater than 2 million individuals could also be impacted in one other poor nation the place well being amenities are already restricted. Mozambique media reported three individuals had died within the north of the nation the place the cyclone made landfall, however stated that was a really early toll.

Additional inland, Malawi and Zimbabwe have additionally made preparations for attainable evacuations due to flooding as Chido continues its japanese trajectory, though the cyclone has weakened because it passes over land.

December by way of to March is cyclone season within the southwestern Indian Ocean and southern Africa has been pummeled by a sequence of robust ones lately. Cyclone Idai in 2019 killed greater than 1,300 individuals, principally in Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe. Cyclone Freddy left greater than 1,000 useless throughout a number of international locations within the Indian Ocean and southern Africa final 12 months.

As United celebrated their winner, Rashford posted an image on social media. “Yesssssssss! Adore it lads,” was the caption, with two coronary heart emojis for emphasis. Garnacho stayed silent.

Each had skilled at Carrington on Sunday morning however neither had been chosen for the Metropolis sport.

Manchester was not in need of hearsay across the motive for his or her respective omissions.

But, when he got here to clarify, Amorim repeatedly burdened it was not a disciplinary concern.

The extra you delved into his phrases, it was laborious to flee the conclusion it boiled all the way down to a scarcity of self-discipline, or not less than slipped requirements.

Amorim even used the latest spherical of redundancies amongst employees members to drive residence the purpose that if his calls for should not met, there shall be penalties.

“Subsequent week, subsequent sport, new life,” he mentioned.

“For me it is vital; the efficiency in coaching, the efficiency in video games, the way in which you gown, the way in which you eat, the way in which you have interaction along with your team-mates, the way in which you push your team-mates.

“All the pieces is vital. In our context, at first of one thing, after we need to change numerous issues, when folks in our golf equipment are shedding their jobs, we’ve got to make the requirements actually excessive.

“Right this moment the crew proved we are able to go away anybody out of the squad and handle to win in the event you play collectively.”

Amorim used the instance of Jonny Evans to spotlight that, with extra of his squad match, there won’t at all times be a spot for everybody, because the veteran defender discovered to his price at this time.

But there’s clearly a big distinction between Evans, at 36 having fun with an Indian summer time in his profession again on the membership the place it began, and each Rashford and Garnacho.

Rashford is one in every of United’s highest earners. Garnacho one in every of its brightest younger stars. Considerably, they each additionally desire to play within the large attacking function that doesn’t exist in Amorim’s new-look crew.

However the place Amad has tailored rapidly and flourished, evidently, Rashford and Garnacho haven’t.

“It is a massive speaking level as a result of he is clearly seen issues he does not like,” former United skipper Roy Keane instructed Sky Sports activities. “However for us it isn’t a giant shock as a result of each gamers have been poor and he has mentioned sufficient is sufficient.

“He’s placing a marker down. Let’s examine how they react to it. We’ve talked about angle for the final couple of years. A brand new supervisor shall be selecting up on all this.”

The issue for Rashford specifically is that there have been points previously.

He was dropped by Ten Hag for a match at Wolves after lacking the beginning of a crew assembly and in January was axed by Ten Hag in response to discovering out Rashford had stayed longer than scheduled on a deliberate journey to Belfast, consequently turning up late for coaching.

At 27, Rashford must be within the prime of his profession however there’s feeling of drift it seems Amorim is keen to confront head on.

Marcus Rashford was omitted from the Manchester United squad to face Manchester Metropolis on Sunday.

The England ahead began the 2-1 win over Viktoria Plzen within the Europa League on Thursday however was substituted early within the second half.

He didn’t make the journey to the Etihad after being neglected of the matchday squad.

After watching United strike late twice to grab a derby victory from residence, Rashford posted on Instagram: “Yesssssssss! Adore it lads.”

Alejandro Garnacho was additionally excluded from the group for the Manchester derby. Sources advised ESPN that the choice was head coach Ruben Amorim’s and that neither participant is coping with a health concern, and the Portuguese coach confirmed his motivations in an interview with Sky Sports activities earlier than the sport.

“I do not need to ship a message. It is merely an analysis, and so they understand it,” he mentioned. “The gamers are actually, actually sensible. Everyone understands my choice. I’ve to decide on. It is simply easy choice.

“The context is tough. We’ve to win video games and we have now a tough state of affairs. I take note of every thing, the way in which you eat, the way in which you place in your garments to go the sport. Every thing. I make my analysis after which I’ve to determine. I’ve quite a lot of gamers to decide on.

“It is the identical on a regular basis. There is a communication after the final coaching which works to the WhatsApp. They obtain the data. However they’re alright. They’d coaching this morning, I used to be there. Every thing was OK. They educated very well.”

Rashford has scored three targets below new head coach Amorim. He was named on the bench for the final two Premier League video games towards Arsenal and Nottingham Forest, each of which led to defeat.

Rashford has report towards Metropolis, scoring six targets in 22 video games. He scored on the Etihad final season as United misplaced 3-1 to Pep Guardiola’s aspect.

One other week, one other loss, one other closing rating that isn’t indicative of how the sport performed out. The Cardinals wanted this sport with a view to maintain their playoff hopes alive, and so they delivered. The Patriots, alternatively, appeared like their typical, pungent selves.

1. I’m guessing there are a number of followers on the market who nonetheless discover themselves pissed off by what we’re seeing with this crew, and I get it. I actually do. Nevertheless it’s been roughly the identical music and dance with the 2024 Patriots all season, and with solely three video games left, it ain’t altering. So we could as effectively get pleasure from it and try to get pleasure from the little moments.
2. I’ll say, although: it’s pretty outstanding how impossibly constant the Patriots have been of their means to lose video games each week. You normally see groups implementing totally different gameplans, altering their technique, tweaking rosters, going run-heavy one week and pass-heavy the subsequent. Not the Pats, although. Each Sunday, with out fail, they be sure that to overlook blocks, negate massive performs with penalties, sort out poorly, drop passes, and put themselves in an insurmountable gap early sufficient so the remainder of the sport is kind of taking part in out the string. It’s nearly poetic, in a bizarre, masochistic approach. I don’t assume any crew, within the historical past {of professional} soccer, can persistently flip a possible first-and-goal right into a missed 50-plus-yard subject aim try the best way these Patriots can.
3. I feel the large subject for me, not less than one which represents a semi-departure from the same old points I harp on each week, is that I didn’t get the sense that the Patriots had been all that ready to play this one. Coming off a bye, with two weeks to organize, they simply didn’t appear able to play at any degree.
4. And whenever you mix the same old nincompoopery with a sport like yesterday’s, the place it type of had a “simply a type of video games” really feel to it, there was simply no shot New England was successful this one.
5. You recognize what I’m speaking about. Each crew experiences video games like this, poor play and penalties apart, the place every part simply appears to go the opposite crew’s approach. The Cardinals fumbled twice however recovered them each, one by an enormous fats man ultimately zone for a TD. A possible game-changing decide was referred to as again on a wildly questionable Roughing the Passer penalty. Drake Maye hit Boutte in stride, however he bobbled it and it went proper into the fingers of a Cardinals defender. Generally you simply have video games the place the bounces all favor one crew. Generally it favors your crew. Couple that with the Patriots being a horrible soccer crew, and right here we discover ourselves.
6. However let’s concentrate on the constructive right here as we speak. I actually don’t know what number of extra methods I can say that the O-line is horrible and the crew has no self-discipline. Perhaps I’ll give myself an early Christmas current and never kind the phrases “Vederian Lowe” for the remainder of the yr.
7. Though actually as I used to be writing that final notice, I additionally realized that there are solely so some ways you possibly can write “Drake Maye” and “Christian Gonzalez.” So perhaps I would like to stay with the detrimental for a short time longer with a view to meet my phrase rely.
8. And since I’m staying detrimental, I’ll have fun Festivus just a little early this yr and air what are in all probability my three largest grievances of 2024, O-line play and psychological self-discipline apart:
9. One – Kyle Dugger STINKS. Perhaps his ankle is shattered and he’s taking part in via it whereas additionally taking part in out of place and discovering himself pressured to play a number of roles on account of lack of depth and damage all whereas concurrently moonlighting as a vigilante who fights crime. During which case I’ll give him a move. However he’s on the market whiffing tackles, taking horrible angles, getting smoked on cuts, and never dwelling as much as that large contract he received this offseason.
10. Two – If the Patriots have confronted a 3rd or fourth and fewer than a yard and referred to as a single Drake Maye QB sneak all yr, I definitely can’t keep in mind it. I’d prefer to assume that one of many extra cellular and athletic quarterbacks within the league would have the ability to take a snap and fall ahead for 3 toes. Perhaps I’m incorrect and he’ll get stuffed behind this line. However perhaps show it by calling a QB sneak, simply as soon as, for the love of Tebow.
11. Three – When this crew wants a cease to get again in it, that’s nearly all the time the a part of the sport the place as an alternative they offer up a 38-play, 97-yard scoring drive that takes three weeks off the sport clock. It’s not even like they will’t give up a primary down and completely must power a three-and-out; they simply want to forestall a rating and provides the offense the ball with just a little time on the clock to try to do one thing with it. And it’s in these clutch moments the place the D is at their absolute worst. And once more, that each one goes again to psychological self-discipline and toughness. AKA teaching.
12. I haven’t referred to as for Jerod Mayo’s job as soon as all season and I’m not about to start out now. He inherited a foul crew and is studying on the job at one of many hardest positions there may be. My massive hope for him is that he’ll look again on 2024 and understand that he spent a lot time attempting to show that he wasn’t Invoice Belichick that he forgot to be Jerod Mayo, and this offseason he’ll discover his footing and his fashion.
13. One of many few actual regrets I’ve about this season is how few persons are watching the Patriots play, and thus lacking absolutely the masterclass that Christian Gonzalez places on week in and week out. It’s not simply his bodily skills and the best way he roughly erases each receiver he covers. It’s how he learns from the instances he will get beat and solely makes a mistake as soon as.
14. Excellent instance of that – early on this sport, Gonzalez received caught on a rub route with Harrison coming throughout the center, which became a 23-yard catch and run. It was a really well-executed play that put McBride in Gonzo’s face and sprung Harrison for an enormous acquire. The Cardinals tried operating it two extra instances yesterday after that one; Gonzo beat the rub the primary time to take care of protection, and the second time he learn the route pre-snap and bumped Harrison on the line to disrupt the timing. That 23-yard reception was considered one of two passes Harrison caught on the day, on six makes an attempt, two of which had been PBUs ultimately zone.
15. I’m legitimately questioning if Drake Maye is flourishing despite the help he’s getting from the teaching quite than due to it. The issues he does greatest – accuracy, pocket mobility, creativity, means to improvise – are all parts he dropped at the desk already or happen after the play inevitably breaks down.
16. His play of the day was that absolute dime he threw to Kenrick Bourne, which then arrange a nifty shovel-pass to Douglas to make it a two-score sport. Each week, I’m grateful I get to not less than take some good away from this crew, and it’s all the time one thing that Maye does or continues to do.
17. I actually consider that the Patriots are in actually fine condition to develop into contenders inside two years. I genuinely assume that, all homerism apart. What’s going to maintain me awake at night time, although, is whether or not they squander this chance and mismanage their approach out of a doubtlessly generational expertise.
18. I additionally really feel like Antonio Gibson hasn’t gotten sufficient credit score as he quietly places collectively an excellent season. Gibson would as soon as be thought-about a classic Belichick signing: a powerful veteran misused underneath different programs who is prospering right here. However since Belichick is now not right here, and since no one cares in regards to the Patriots anymore, he’s going unnoticed and uncelebrated.
19. Talking of Belichick – better of luck down in North Carolina, coach. I all the time type of thought that UNC soccer was the redheaded stepchild of the Tarheel sports activities program, given how robust the opposite packages are. However all that simply modified.
20. The Patriots have now misplaced 4 straight, with the Payments, Chargers, then Payments once more on the slate to complete out the yr. I’m undecided if that Week 18 matchup goes to be
21. The actual pleasure, although, is on the prime of the 2025 NFL Draft. There are presently six 11-loss groups, which suggests the Patriots might find yourself selecting as excessive as first general and as little as like ninth, relying on how the remainder of the season shakes out. I feel New England has yet another win left in them, so the query is the place 4-13 will land them. And what they’ll do with that decide.
22. However extra in regards to the draft later. Three video games left within the season, then that’s all she wrote.

A row has damaged out because the BBC strains up Kelly Cates as one of many three presenters to exchange Gary Lineker on Match of the Day – with followers accusing BBC bosses of ‘ruining’ the favored sports activities programme. 

Nevertheless, others have leaped to the defence of the present Sky Sports activities presenter, claiming Cates is ‘excellent’ for the brand new gig. 

At present, MailOnline revealed that the highly-regarded broadcaster – daughter of Liverpool legend Sir Kenny Dalglish – is ready to hitch fellow broadcasters Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan, with presenting duties for Match of the Day and Match of the Day 2 break up between the three.

Nevertheless, Cates’ appointment has divided soccer followers who took to social media to voice their opinions.

On X, previously Twitter, Chris Jones mentioned: ‘Nicely that is the top of MOTD, utter woke nonsense.’ 

Different X customers claimed that the BBC had ‘ruined’ the present. 

One wrote: ‘They’ve (the BBC) ruined it. The very best factor about MOTD was the banter between Gary, Alan [Shearer] and Ian [Wright].

‘The place has that gone now. Would have been much better going with Micah [Richards], Jermaine [Jenas] and Alan or Ian.’ 

Cates will break up the function with fellow presenters Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan (pictured). The trio will take over internet hosting duties after Lineker leaves the present subsequent Could

Cates’ appointment has divided soccer followers who took to social media to voice their opinions

A person with the username Christian claimed it was ‘bonkers’ that Cates would depart her function at Sky Sports activities to current Match of the Day ‘as soon as each three weeks’. 

One other X person described the brand new presenters as ‘So so s***’, including: ‘Get a brand new fastened presenter with a little bit of persona.’ 

Nevertheless, Cates has additionally acquired reward and help from many followers who’ve welcomed her mooted new job. 

On X, one person mentioned: ‘Cates and Logan know extra about soccer than most blokes so good selections. 

‘Chapman is a strong presenter as effectively.’ 

One other mentioned: ‘Kelly Cates is a superb soccer presenter and will probably be excellent for Match of the Day.’ 

One man with the username Tony wrote: ‘No points for me with Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan taking up Match of the Day. All prime charge soccer presenters.’   

Bosses at Sky are understood to be deeply saddened on the lack of the 49-year-old.

Cates has additionally acquired reward and help from many followers who’ve welcomed her new job

Gary Lineker, who has been presenting MOTD since 1999, will go away after 26 years subsequent Could

Nevertheless, she had been recognized by the BBC because the main exterior to exchange Lineker when he leaves on the finish of the season.

Cates’ easy presentation of Sky’s Premier League protection and former expertise with the BBC have clearly gone in her favour.

She often presents on Radio 5 Dwell, used to host 606 and her arrival will probably be seen as an enormous coup – particularly given the uplift within the variety of stay matches on Sky subsequent season.

It’s understood that the three are already shut and are trying ahead to working collectively. They’re of an analogous age and have developed over an analogous time interval.

In Chapman’s case, the sharing of the function permits him to proceed together with his radio work for the BBC, which he’s recognized to be keen about.

Those that know them say the group are humble and there are not any points with the limelight being shared.

Lineker, who took over presenting duties on the flagship BBC present from Des Lynam in 1999, will convey the curtain down after 26 years. 

The 63-year-old can also be set to depart the BBC completely after the 2026 World Cup in America, Mexico, and Canada.

It’s understood BBC executives, headed by new director of sport Alex Kay-Jelski, wish to transfer the present in a contemporary course and, as Mail Sport revealed, are contemplating bringing a information ingredient to the present.

The BBC mentioned it ‘doesn’t reply to hypothesis’. Sky Sports activities declined to remark.