Arsenal survived a scare against arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur, who missed a penalty at 1-1, before emerging 2-1 winners in the north London derby yesterday.
Arsenal will spend Christmas at the top of the English Premier League after their victory at the Emirates Stadium as the win lifted Arsene Wenger's men four points clear of second-placed Manchester United ahead of the champions' meeting with Everton at Old Trafford today.
Arsenal were below their best for much of the game but took the points with two pieces of clinical finishing. For Tottenham, who have not beaten their neighbors since November 1999, it was another deeply frustrating derby experience.
PHOTO: AP
Robbie Keane had the chance to put the visitors in front with a 73rd-minute penalty after Dimitar Berbatov had cancelled out Emanuel Adebayor's well-taken opener for Arsenal.
But the Spurs captain's spot-kick was superbly saved by Manuel Almunia and Arsenal extracted maximum advantage from that reprieve when, three minutes later, substitute Nicklas Bendtner was allowed to rise unchallenged to head in the winner from a Cesc Fabregas corner.
It was the Danish youngster's first goal in the Premier League although he had previously opened his Gunners account in both the League Cup and Champions League.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely