Chelsea striker Sam Kerr scored her first international goal in 28 months to earn Australia a 1-0 victory over the Philippines in their Asian Cup opener.
The 32-year-old nodded home the winner from close range in the 14th minute at Perth Stadium.
It marked her 70th goal for her country and a significant milestone following nearly two years on the sidelines with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Despite the hosts wasting a number of subsequent chances, the early strike proved enough to secure all three points.
‘I am finding my confidence again’
Kerr returned to competitive action in September, having endured a long rehabilitation process to return to the elite level.
“I think I’m just finding my confidence again,” said the Matildas captain.
“I feel like I’m still my normal self, I’ve just got to get more touches in and around the box.”
The forward admitted that while the result was positive, the team must remain grounded.
“Today was a good start and there’s a lot of belief in the team but as you see today, there’s a lot of quality teams in the Asian Cup so you have to take it one day at a time.”
AFC monitoring security situation
Australia’s next fixture is scheduled against Iran at the Gold Coast Stadium on Thursday.
However, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) is closely monitoring the geopolitical situation following recent conflict in the Middle East.
While some matches in the West Region have been rescheduled, the tournament fixtures in Australia are currently proceeding as planned.
The governing body confirmed they remain in “close and regular contact” with the Iran women’s national team to ensure safety.
“The AFC will continue to closely monitor this rapidly evolving situation and remains resolute in ensuring the safety and security of all players, teams, officials, and fans.”AFC Statement
Jose Mourinho has vowed that Gianluca Prestianni’s time at Benfica will be over if the winger is found guilty of racially abusing Vinicius Junior.
Ultimatum issued over racism allegations
The Benfica manager has broken his silence following heavy criticism regarding his initial reaction to the incident involving the Real Madrid forward.
Prestianni was accused of directing a racial slur at the Brazilian international during the Champions League playoff first leg on 17 February.
Mourinho had previously drawn ire for suggesting the Madrid winger incited the crowd, but has now taken a firm stance on the allegations against his own player.
Speaking ahead of Benfica’s league fixture at Gil Vicente, the former Chelsea boss made his position clear.
“If he is indeed guilty, I will no longer look at him the same way, and it will be over with me,” Mourinho stated.
“I absolutely condemn all forms of discrimination and idiocy.”
“If my player has not respected the principles, which are mine and those of Benfica, his career will end with me.”
Uefa investigation ongoing
The confrontation in the first leg caused a significant delay as referee Francois Letexier enacted Uefa’s formal anti-racism protocol.
European football’s governing body subsequently handed the Argentine winger a provisional one-match suspension.
This disciplinary action is pending a full investigation by an ethics and disciplinary inspector.
Consequently, the Benfica forward missed the second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday night.
The Spanish giants secured a 2-1 victory in that fixture to progress 3-1 on aggregate.
Club denies admission of guilt
Benfica have categorically denied reports suggesting the player admitted to team-mates that he used a racist insult.
In an official statement, the Portuguese club clarified their position and the player’s defence.
“Sport Lisboa e Benfica categorically denies that the player Prestianni has communicated to the squad or the club’s structure that he has uttered a racist insult to the player Vinicius Jr, from Real Madrid.”
“As has already been made public, the player apologised to his teammates for the incident that occurred during the match against Real Madrid, regretting the dimension and consequences of it and assuring everyone, as he has done since the first hour, that he is not racist.”
Prestianni has publicly claimed that his opponent “misinterpreted” the exchange.
If found guilty, the winger could face a ban of up to 10 matches.
Manchester United have identified Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone as a potential candidate for the permanent manager’s job as Sir Jim Ratcliffe targets an early summer appointment.
The Old Trafford hierarchy face a pivotal few months as they attempt to restructure the first team squad ahead of a future Premier League title challenge.
Michael Carrick is currently at the helm on an interim basis following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim in January.
The former midfielder has staked a strong claim for the role permanently after guiding the club to five wins in his first six matches.
Ratcliffe prioritising early decision
Despite the immediate upturn in form under the Englishman, club co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is determined to conduct a thorough recruitment process.
The Ineos chief wants a permanent successor in place before the summer transfer window opens.
This timeline is designed to ensure the new head coach has ample time to identify transfer targets and implement their tactical philosophy ahead of pre-season.
Simeone emerges as contender
While Carrick remains firmly in the frame, Diego Simeone has emerged as a serious option for the Red Devils.
The Argentine tactician has spent 15 years in the Spanish capital, establishing himself as one of Europe’s most formidable coaches.
Reports suggest the 53-year-old is being closely considered, with his vast experience at the elite level appealing to United’s decision-makers.
During his tenure with Los Colchoneros, he broke the Real Madrid-Barcelona duopoly to lift two La Liga titles.
His trophy cabinet also boasts two Europa League triumphs and two Champions League final appearances.
‘He is like a God’
Simeone is renowned for his intensity, defensive organisation, and ability to extract maximum effort from his squads.
Former Atletico midfielder Tiago previously highlighted the absolute reverence the players hold for their manager.
“I think for us, for all the club, he’s like a God. He arrived to the club and changed everything. What he says comes true.”
“If he asks us to jump from a bridge, we jump. I think he knows a lot of football. We as a group follow him, and we’re very proud to have him as a coach.”
Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has also previously described the South American as a “reference for all coaches”.
Victor Osimhen’s potential return to Serie A has been complicated by a contract clause that hands a significant advantage to Premier League suitors.
The Nigeria international recently completed a permanent move to Galatasaray following a successful loan spell in Istanbul.
However, speculation regarding his future persists, with Juventus reportedly keen on bringing the striker back to Italy.
Any immediate return to Serie A appears financially unviable due to a specific stipulation in his current deal.
Heavy financial penalty for Italian return
Reports from Italy indicate that Galatasaray would be liable to pay a penalty of £61m (€70m) to Napoli if they sell the forward to a Serie A rival this year.
This figure reportedly drops to £53m (€60m) next year before expiring completely in September 2027.
The clause effectively rules out a move to Turin in the short term, despite recent overtures from the Old Lady.
It serves as a protective measure for Napoli, ensuring their former star cannot easily strengthen a direct domestic competitor.
Premier League clubs on alert
The financial deterrent applies strictly to Italian clubs, potentially opening the door for English sides.
Premier League teams would face no such obstacle should they decide to reignite their interest in the former Lille marksman.
Chelsea and Manchester United have previously been heavily linked with the 26-year-old.
The Blues came close to securing his signature in 2024, but a proposed loan move collapsed over wage demands.
With the Serie A route effectively blocked, English clubs may view this as a fresh opportunity to sign one of Europe’s most prolific goalscorers.
Respect for Spalletti
Osimhen intensified rumours of a Juventus switch after refusing to celebrate a goal against them in the Champions League last week.
He later clarified the gesture was a mark of respect for his former manager Luciano Spalletti, who is now in charge at the Allianz Stadium.
Despite the speculation, the striker insists he is happy in Turkey.
“I love Istanbul, but I do not know what the future holds.”
Victor Osimhen
Galatasaray will likely demand a significant fee from any suitor, regardless of the destination.
The Lewis family have reportedly reached a broad agreement to sell Tottenham Hotspur for £3bn to a consortium led by Amanda Staveley, though the deal has stalled following hesitation from the owners.
According to reports, funding is firmly in place for the takeover, but the current majority shareholders are having second thoughts about relinquishing control of the Premier League club.
Staveley and her husband Mehrdad Ghodoussi have been actively seeking a route back into top-flight football since leaving Newcastle United earlier in 2024.
Doubts emerge over ownership change
While a framework for the multi-billion pound sale is understood to be agreed, the transaction has not progressed to the final stages.
The Lewis Family Trust, which controls the north London side through ENIC, has reportedly paused proceedings despite the immediate readiness of the potential buyers.
It is understood that Staveley’s firm, PCP Capital Partners, are prepared to walk away from negotiations if the uncertainty continues indefinitely.
The investors view Tottenham as their priority target but are willing to explore other opportunities in the market if a resolution is not reached swiftly.
Investment needed to rival elite
ENIC has frequently insisted publicly that the club is not for sale, maintaining a focus on long-term sustainability and organic growth.
However, significant external investment has often been debated as a necessity for the Lilywhites to compete financially with the Premier League’s highest earners.
Spurs boast one of the most commercially successful stadiums in world football but have faced sustained pressure from supporters to translate off-field revenue into silverware.
Arsenal could secure local supremacy over Tottenham Hotspur earlier than ever this Sunday with the confirmation of St Totteringham’s Day looming large.
The term is used by Gunners supporters to mark the date when it becomes mathematically impossible for their north London rivals to finish above them in the Premier League table.
That moment appears destined to arrive in record-breaking time this season.
Should relegation-threatened Tottenham fail to beat Fulham on Sunday (14:00 GMT), Mikel Arteta’s side will officially have the bragging rights once again.
Even if the Lilywhites secure a victory, the league leaders can guarantee the milestone with a win against Chelsea later that afternoon (16:30 GMT).
A historic gulf in class
The potential confirmation highlights the massive disparity currently separating the two capital clubs.
While Arsenal sit at the summit of the Premier League, their neighbours are fighting for their top-flight status.
Spurs are currently navigating a turbulent period under interim boss Igor Tudor, who replaced Thomas Frank earlier this month.
With 10 matches remaining for the Gunners and 11 for Tottenham, the gap stands at a staggering 32 points.
Only in five previous campaigns has the deficit been wider by the season’s conclusion.
Rewriting the record books
Supporters of the league leaders are already buoyed by an emphatic north London derby victory last week.
They will now look to eclipse the previous earliest St Totteringham’s Day, which occurred on 9 March 2008.
The phrase itself, a play on ‘Tottenham’ and ‘tottering’, gained national prominence around 2010 after originating on fan websites in the early 2000s.
It marks a stark turnaround from recent history.
Tottenham finished above Arsenal for six successive seasons until the trend was finally snapped in 2022.
Projecting a record finish
Since that shift in power, the trajectory of the two clubs has diverged significantly.
Spurs have parted ways with three permanent managers in that time, while Arteta has moulded his squad into perennial title contenders over his six-year tenure.
Current points-per-game projections suggest Arsenal will finish on 83 points, compared to just 41 for their rivals.
This would result in a 42-point gap, the second-biggest in Premier League history between the sides.
The current record remains the 45-point margin set during Arsenal’s ‘Invincibles’ title-winning season of 2003-04.
Rangers host Celtic at Ibrox on Sunday afternoon as the Glasgow rivals look to close the gap on Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts.
Danny Rohl’s side currently sit second in the table but have endured a slight dip in form recently.
The Light Blues find themselves seven points adrift of the Edinburgh club following Hearts’ victory over Aberdeen on Saturday.
Martin O’Neill’s visitors are a further two points back in third after a campaign plagued by inconsistent performances.
Rohl waits on key duo
The hosts have concerns over the fitness of Ryan Naderi and Dujon Sterling ahead of the derby.
Both players have picked up recent knocks and face late assessments to determine their availability.
Long-term absentees Conor Barron, Bailey Rice and Derek Cornelius remain sidelined for the Ibrox club.
Rangers manager Danny Rohl:
“Both [Sterling and Naderi] are training; if it’s enough to be in the squad, I have to decide tomorrow.
“Today I can’t say if they’re in or out. I need to see their reaction to the session.”
Defensive headache for O’Neill
Celtic travel across the city facing a significant personnel crisis, with up to six first-team players unavailable.
Auston Trusty serves a suspension following his red card last weekend, depriving the backline of a key figure.
Arne Engels remains out with a thigh problem, while Cameron Carter-Vickers and Alistair Johnston are long-term absentees.
There is some optimism regarding January arrival Julian Araujo, who hopes to shake off a knock in time to feature.
Kieran Tierney is expected to start in defence as the former Arsenal man looks to help his boyhood club salvage their title hopes.
Celtic manager Martin O’Neill:
“We are running out of games. We have been trying to catch up for quite some considerable time and we’re still trying to do that.
“Losing to Hibs was a setback, but it wasn’t mortal and we’re still there.”
Predicted line-ups
Rangers: Butland; Tavernier, Souttar, Fernandez, Rommens; Raskin, Chukwuani; Skov Olsen, Moore, Gassama; Chermiti.
Celtic: Schmeichel; Ralston, Scales, Murray, Tierney; Hatate, McGregor; Tounetki, Nygren, Maeda, Cvancara.
Arsenal are widely tipped to overcome Chelsea in Sunday’s Premier League clash as leading pundits back Mikel Arteta’s side to continue their title charge.
The Gunners enter the fixture in high confidence following a comprehensive 4-1 thrashing of north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
In contrast, Chelsea arrive at the Emirates Stadium seeking to solidify their push for Champions League qualification under manager Liam Rosenior.
History favors the hosts, with the Blues failing to record a victory in their last eight league meetings against Arsenal.
Wright anticipates emphatic scoreline
Ian Wright offered a damning assessment of the visitors’ chances ahead of the weekend.
The former Arsenal striker expects his old club to dominate proceedings against their cross-town neighbours.
“I’m going to go 3-1. We’re going to murder them,” Wright declared.
Chris Sutton agreed with that sentiment, suggesting the hosts possess too much experience for Rosenior’s men.
“Arsenal will have too much nous for them and I actually think they will win pretty comfortably,” Sutton said.
“I don’t see them, or anyone else, pushing Arsenal close in the title race.”
Defensive concerns for visitors
Paul Merson highlighted Chelsea’s defensive fragility as a key factor in his prediction.
The former midfielder believes the west Londoners will struggle to contain the Gunners’ attack.
“I expect Chelsea to be a threat, but I can’t see them keeping a clean sheet,” Merson noted.
Roy Keane also predicted a home win, warning that the visitors often lack discipline in major fixtures.
“They [Chelsea] will do something silly and get a man sent off again,” Keane claimed.
Team news and dissenting voices
Despite the gloomy predictions for the away side, former Chelsea defender Gary Cahill backed his old team to secure a 2-1 victory.
Meanwhile, Paul Scholes suggested the match could end in a stalemate or a surprise away win.
On the pitch, Arteta is hopeful teenage prospect Max Dowman could return to the squad.
However, German forward Kai Havertz faces a late fitness test to determine his availability.
For the visitors, captain Reece James is fit to play, but Marc Cucurella remains sidelined.
Midfielder Romeo Lavia played in a practice match this week and could feature for the Blues.